Year In Review 2008 Defining moments, not all in black and white Many year-end lists are putting the election of the first African-American president of the United States as the news story of the year. And, indeed, the election of Barack Obama as president was a defining moment for the United States, and the world. But what, precisely, did his election define? A closer look at his election—and, for that matter, most of the “defining moments” of 2008, reveal that life is not just a question of black or white. FULL STORY Related Year in Review articles:
• Milestones and Benchmarks
• Media Madness
• Obituaries… Man Knows Not His Time
Analysis… Top 10 news stories in 2008 The year 2008 began with the anticipation that history would be made, and on that count the year certainly did not disappoint. Nevertheless, the year unfolded with more surprises than usual. FULL STORY Ken Starr to head defense of California's Marriage Amendment, Prop 8 High profile attorney Kenneth W. Starr, a former U.S. Court of Appeals Judge and U.S. Solicitor General, will serve as lead counsel for voters who approved Proposition 8. FULL STORY
Economy could cost churches several billion dollars in donations
The nation’s economic tsunami could cost churches and religious centers up to $5 billion in revenue over the fourth quarter. FULL STORY
Survey: Americans believe religious values are ‘under attack’ A majority of Americans believe that religious values are “under attack,” and that Hollywood insiders do not share the religious and moral values of most Americans, according to a survey from the Anti-Defamation League. FULL STORY
Cowboys come to Jesus just as they are
Pete Reed didn't attend church because he didn't feel welcome. "Too often people are judged by their outward appearances, and not for who they are," said the 45-year-old Reed. FULL STORY
Children from religious, intact families fare better, study says Children living with both biological parents or adoptive parents who attend religious services regularly are less likely to exhibit problems at school or at home, a new analysis of national data shows. FULL STORY
Bush signs enhanced anti-trafficking bill
President Bush signed the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Restoration Act during an oval office ceremony attended by supporters. FULL STORY
Bad economy saves some marriages Some say there is a silver lining in every cloud, and during the nation’s economic downturn, one positive effect is that some couples are deciding to work through their marital difficulties rather than opting for an expensive divorce. FULL STORY
700-year-old gospel challenge in Mongolia is answered
The Mongol empire, led by Genghis Khan's grandson, Kublai Khan, once sent a request for 100 men to teach Christianity in his court. FULL STORY
Bush administration gives protection to pro-life doctors The Bush administration has issued a rule affirming the right of doctors and other health care providers to refuse to participate in abortion and other medical procedures to which they object. FULL STORY
MUSIC UPDATES Familiar Christian names earn Grammy nominations Nominations for the 2009 Grammys are in and R&B artist Mary Mary received three nominations. Brandon Heath, CeCe Winans and Kirk Franklin each received two nominations. MORE MUSIC NEWS cont. Bryan Duncan is still dancing after all these years Musician Bryan Duncan knows a thing or two about success. Over the past 25 years, he’s performed for thousands of fans, garnered multiple Dove Awards, racked up more than a million album sales and had a string of radio hits. FULL STORY
PERSECUTION WATCH
Religious liberty in Iraq marked by 'severe abuses' A bipartisan U.S. panel has recommended Iraq be returned to a list of the world's worst violators of religious liberty for the first time since an American-led invasion liberated the Middle East country from Saddam Hussein's rule in 2003. FULL STORY China reaches out to house churches; raids, arrests continue Religious rights groups are monitoring attempts by Chinese officials to build bridges with the Protestant house church movement, saying much work still needs to be done. FULL STORY
The Bible and Proposition 8: Mockery and bigotry Well, if vandalizing churches and making fun of believers won't change any minds, what's left for gay "marriage" proponents? That's right, claim the Bible is on their side. The passage of Proposition 8, the ballot measure that banned same-sex “marriage” in California, has stirred the ire of gay activists like little else. Besides thuggish vandalism of church property, that anger is being translated into mockery of the faith community. FULL COMMENTARY
Charles
W. Colson Prison Fellowship Ministries
Another lesson on life from Genesis: The Bailout for biblical recession For me, Genesis chapter 34 is one of the Bible’s saddest chapters. Read it sometime, but not as a pick-me-up. If the word “recession” is defined as the act of withdrawing from something or receding, then this chapter is about a serious recession! FULL COMMENTARY
Barry H.
Corey President
of Biola University
Other Headline News Gay activists demand Obama concessions for Rick Warren pick The gay-rights movement's leading organization is calling on President-elect Barack H. Obama to "turn the corner" on the Rick Warren controversy by endorsing its policy agenda for homosexuals, bisexuals and transgender people. FULL STORY Peace found a year after fatal Youth With a Mission shootings One year after a gunman—disgruntled over Christianity—killed two young people on the Denver campus of Youth With A Mission, students, staff, family and friends gathered Dec. 9 for a midnight celebration of their lives. FULL STORY Vietnam Mennonite Church holds assembly after receiving legal status The Vietnam Mennonite Church held its first official General Assembly at a conference complex in Binh Thanh District. The event came after the church received full legal status from the Vietnam National Religious Affairs Committee. Although a previous assembly was held, this was the first as a legally recognized church. FULL STORY Coca-Cola is best pro-family advertiser Coca-Cola, Whirlpool and Hewlett-Packard were ranked among the 10 best television advertisers based on the content in prime time broadcast programs they chose to support, according to the Parents Television Council, a pro-family watchdog group. FULL STORY
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