Sept. 11: ‘Strength to be peacemakers’
AP Photo: 
President Bush, on stage, center, and others, bow their heads during the invocation at a Pentagon Memorial, today on the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks at the Pentagon.
“We ask for the strength to be peacemakers.”
That sentence stands out in my mind today as I read Michael Kinnamon’s prayer of remembrance for the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Kinnamon, general secretary for the New York-based National Council of Churches, is right on with that statement because it does take strength to make peace in today’s world.
If you are interested, here’s Kinnamon’s entire prayer, sent out via e-mail:
“Gracious God of all creation,
On this day, we remember our neighbors, of different nations and backgrounds, who died in the attacks we simply call 9-11.
Hear our prayers for their loved ones. May they know the comfort that comes from knowledge and love of you.
May they be surrounded by communities that care for them, even as you continue to care for this fragile and suffering world.
God, we confess that we cannot make sense of the violence inflicted by your children on one another. But even more than understanding, we ask for the strength to be peacemakers, servants of your will for reconciliation.
It has been seven years since the senseless attacks, but we are still in pain. Give us the courage, God, to work for the day when hatred and violence will cease.
Help us to be those who break cycles of retribution, even as we advocate for justice with bold persistence.
Help us to work for that time, envisioned by the prophet, when no infant dies needlessly, when no one labors in vain or bears children for calamity, when even wolf and lamb feed together and no one hurts or destroys your holy creation.
God, be our strength, and may we feel your loving touch today and always.
Amen.”
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
New Web site for young Christians
“The Voice of Our Generation.”
That’s the subtitle of ChristianNation.com, a recently launched Web site targeting Christian teens and young adults.
According to the site’s news release, it aims to “capture the pulse of the emerging Christian counter-culture with relevant content on music, movies, apparel, books, etc.”
”One minute you could be reading the latest CD review, listening to music or chatting with a friend, and the next learning about the negative impact of Evolution on society,” said Rob Holden, the site’s founder.
Today’s postings include a short commentary on the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks (today is the seventh anniversary) and a review of SonicFlood’s newly released album.
ChristianNation, the site’s creators say, also interjects Biblical truths and apologetic content throughout the Web site in an effort to counter the indoctrination of secularism that permeates high schools, colleges and society.
Site promoters said members can create their own page (similar to popular social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook), post their own blogs, upload videos, music, photos and instant message friends.
“Already more than 1,300 photos, 500 songs, 200 blogs and 150 videos have been posted by members,” they said.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Faith and the Jonas Brothers
Joanne Brokaw blogged about the Jonas Brothers’ growing commercial empire and their Christianity on Sept. 5.
Brokaw’s “Five Things I Hate About the Jonas Brothers” posting on Beliefnet.com’s Gospel Soundcheck blog, apparently drew the wrath of their many fans, who she said bombarded her with their angry responses.
In her post on Tuesday, “Five Things I Learned From Jonas Brothers’ Fans,” she shares her thoughts about fans’ displeasure.
Her musings about the Jonas Brothers’ Christianity (If you haven’t heard the latest news about the brothers and the purity rings they wear, check out Monday’s Religion and Values posting) are very interesting.
Here’s a sampling:
“And the last thing I hate is that their heart throb, teen idol status sends mixed messages about their stance on purity. I love that the guys wear purity rings and I believe they believe in what the rings stand for. But when you see them posing seductively on the cover of Rolling Stone (really, who thought that was cute?) and talking about their first kiss in Tiger Beat (or Bop or PopStar or whatever teen magazine you pick up), without an explanation of what purity really means, there’s the danger that what they share with their peers is simply a message that says, “Wear a purity ring but still be consumed with lusting after hot guys.’”
Read both her blogs by clicking on the titles above and see what you think. And look for more on the subject in The Oklahoman’s Religion Section on Saturday.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
‘Faith moms’ for Palin
The Christian Defense Coalition is reminding folks to remember that key demographic groups in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections were “soccer and security moms.”
Today the coalition, in a Christian Newswire statement, says that “faith moms” will play a key role in deciding who goes to the White House.
“Faith moms,” the coalition said, represent ”millions of women who attend weekly Bible studies; volunteer for and coordinate church activates and are the foundation of thousands of churches across America.”
These faith moms have been energized by Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Republican John McCain’s running mate, ”like no other national candidate in history.”
The Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, the coalition’s director said Palin has energized faith moms just like Democrat Barack Obama has galvanized American blacks.
“Governor Palin has motivated these ‘Faith Moms’ in a way that no politician has ever done before,” Mahoney said in his statement.
“In fact, many of the women that I have talked with over the past week have been disillusioned with the political process because they felt that their political leaders in Washington have been out of touch with their concerns and values. That has all changed now that ‘one of them’ has been nominated for Vice- President of the United States.”
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Championing the Jonas Brothers’ purity stance
The Jonas Brothers’ stance on purity — they wear purity rings to symbolize their decision not to have premarital sex — was mocked at Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards, but the popular trio was championed by a fellow singer.
Awards show host Russell Brand, a Brit of dubious character (that’s my opinion, judging from reports of his tasteless comments about everything from the Jonas Brothers (pictured at left: Kevin, Nick and Joe) to President Bush), made fun of the Jonas Brothers’ purity rings several times during the show, according to the Associated Press and other news outlets.
Brand struck a nerve with Jordin Sparks, best known as last year’s “American Idol” winner.
Sparks (pictured below), who also wears a purity ring, championed the Jonas Brothers when she took the stage to present an award.
“I just wanna say, it’s not bad to wear a promise ring because not every guy and a girl wants to be a slut, OK?,” Sparks reportedly quipped.
My guess is that MTV chose Brand to provide a little spice to the award show. After all it’s known for outrageous spectacles a la the Britney Spears/Madonna kiss, etc.
The Associated Press reported that Brand “happy to apologize for any hurt feelings, but only to such a degree.”
Apparently after the show he told an AP reporter “I feel a bit bad that I kept talking about their vows to chastity and I’d like to take this opportunity to say no one ever have sex again. It’s a mad idea. What a way to spend an evening.”
I’ don’t know if Brand had any fans in America, but I do know that the Jonas Brothers have scores of them. Methinks Brand didn’t win any of them with his mockery of brothers Joe, Nick and Kevin and their stance on purity, based on their Christian faith beliefs.
What do you think about host’s jabs at the brother’s stance for purity?
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Thirst quenching … in more ways than one
Fans of contemporary Christian recording artist Robbie Seay have a chance to quench their thirst for his music and quench someone else’s thirst for good, clean water.
A portion of the proceeds from Seay’s upcoming concert set for 7 p.m. Friday at Crossings Community Church will benefit Water4, a nonprofit organization established by several Crossings members.
Water4 supplies water to underpriviledged countries.
So the mission-minded can pay the $7 ticket price to see Seay in concert (along with Chris Taylor and Alli Rogers) and help someone in need at the same time.
For more information, visit www.crossingsokc.org.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Evangelicals: Love ‘em or leave ‘em?
There’s been a lot of talk this election season about evangelicals. As Americans prepare to head to the voting booths, we’ve all seen the headlines: Evangelicals are for McCain, Evangelicals get behind Palin, Evangelicals sceptical of Obama.
A new study by the Barna Group takes a look at what Americans think about evangelicals — what non-evangelicals think about this group and what evangelicals think about themselves.
According to the Barna survey, evangelicals are “perceived with a mix of skepticism and respect.
“Americans are not always sure what to make of evangelicals, but they believe the voting bloc has significant influence.”
Barna took a look at eight perceptions of evangelical voters and four of the statements represented the most widely held views:
- That evangelicals will have a significant influence effect on the election outcome (59 percent of American adults said this was either “very” or “somewhat accurate” regarding evangelical voters);
- That evangelicals will cause the political conversation to be more conservative (59 percent;
- That they will be spend too much time complaining and not enough time solving problems (59 percent);
- And that they will be misunderstood and unfairly described by news media (56 percent).
Barna found this to be surprising: Only half of Americans (52 percent) felt that evangelical voters would focus primarily on homosexuality and abortion.
Meanwhile, roughly half said that evangelicals will minimize social justice issues (47 percent) and another 47 percent felt they believe that evangelicals will vote overwhelmingly Republican. Roughly two out of every five Americans (44 percent) believed evangelicals will not approach the election with an open mind.
On the other end of this survey are the self perception of evangelicals.
According to the Barna survey, ”in many ways, they exude both confidence and concern.”
The survey said evangelicals widely contend that they will have a significant influence on the election (84 percent), yet the also firmly believe that they will be misunderstood and unfairly depicted by media (81 percent).
Three-quarters of evangelicals believe their peers will cause the conversation to be more conservative (75 percent). A similar proportion indicates their fellow believers will vote overwhelmingly with the Republican Party (74 percent).
Barna leaders found these statistics intriguing: In all, 48 percent of evangelicals believe it is accurate that their voting peers will focus primarily on abortion and homosexuality, while 45 percent reject this characterization. Also, just 28 percent of evangelicals contend that their tribe will minimize social justice issues, like poverty and immigration; 69 percent of evangelicals disagreed.
Interesting survey, don’t you think?
We are sure to hear more about the influence of evangelicals as the presidential election draws near.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Praying grannies sparkle in the light
You expect gems to sparkle.
As I walked into the prayer room at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, that’s just what I got — sparkle — from the smiling faces of the Grandmothers Expecting Miracles (GEMS) to their charming and spunky personalities.
I take it grandmothers need spunk, especially if they are “prayer warriors” as many of the GEMs described themselves.
My article (on the cover of today’s Religion Section) was to focus on the women themselves. Priscilla Davis, who started the group; Joyce Chaffee; Joane Schmidt; and Phyllis Morrow. They are not the only ones in the group but they were there the day of my interview.
One thing became very clear: Though they sparkled, they wanted to shine the limelight on something else: prayer.
As mentioned in my story, they didn’t want to share all the details of their prayers, and rightfully so.
However, they discussed some of their previous concerns and the happy outcomes.
For instance GEM Nancy Nathaniel (who was not at the interview) had asked the group to pray for her young grandson, Crosby, when doctors found a tumor in his nose. The GEMs prayed for little Crosby, particularly when he was diagnosed with a form of cancer.
Davis said he had to undergo surgery and chemotherapy. Throughout this difficult time the praying grandmothers continued to lift the little boy up in their prayers. Nathaniel provided them with a picture of Crosby so they could envision his sweet face as they prayed.
Today Crosby is in remission.
“And his curls are growing back,” Davis said, beaming.
For sure, these praying grannies have seen miracles like Crosby’s, but their prayers are always about Godly results — whatever that may be.
“We know God knows what we want and it may not be part of His plan,” Chaffee said.
“It’s a challenge but we have to remember God’s in charge,” she said.
Something that wasn’t in today’s story, due to space constraints, were the prayer bears the ladies hugged in the picture (shown above).
The GEMs said the bears and other stuffed animals are given to people who are being covered in prayer by the group and other prayer warriors at Chapel Hill. They each hug the stuffed animal and pray for the person who will receive it. Then the bear is presented to the recipient.
It’s a token of love from folks who believe wholeheartedly in the power of prayer.
(Above photoJim Beckel/The Oklahoman: From left, Joane Schmidt, Priscilla Davis, Phyllis Morrow and Joyce Chaffee, stand outside their church, Chapel Hill United Methodist. Each GEM — Grandmothers Expecting Miracles — holds a “prayer bear.” )
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Faithful Five: Weekend events
Here’s my “faithful five” — five events going on in the faith community this weekend, Sept. 6-7. If what you read below intrigues you, go check it out for yourself: 1. All I ever needed to know about life I learned at a pancake breakfast. That’s right, it’s time again for South Lee United Methodist Church’s annual Pancake Breakfast. Rise early and get there when they open at 7 a.m. Saturday for pancakes, plus a silent auction. Cost is $4.50 for adults and $2.50 for children. South Lee is at 601 SW 36. Call 631-4564 for more information.
2. Rock the boat.Need a lift and a laugh? Check out “Arkeology,” the premiere children’s musical 
set for 6 p.m. Sunday at Council Road Baptist Church, 2900 N Council Road in Bethany. Youths at the church were commissioned to perform the musical for the first time by a Nashville-Tenn. publishing company. The story is told from the perspective of the animals (cute kids in even cuter costumes). Call 789-3175 for more information.
3. Smiling rabbi.That would be Rabbi Ovadia Goldman on Sunday at the grand opening of the new Chabad Community Center for Jewish Life and Learning. About 300 people are expected for event at at 3000 W Hefner Road. Activities begin at 4 p.m.
(PhotoPaul B. Southerland/The Oklahoman: Nechoma Goldman, Rabbi Ovadia Goldman and Levi Stein and Shalom Klein stand outside the new Chabad Community Center for Jewish Life and Learning.)
4. New Remedy (Drive). Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Edmond plans to rock out on Sunday with a free community picnic and local bands at 4 p.m. A free concert featuring the Christian rock band Remedy Drive is set for 7 p.m. inside the church at 308 NW 164. For more information, call 348-3292.
5. Help for the heart.The Rev. Hance Dilbeck at Quail Springs Baptist Church will debut his new sermon series on Sunday that hints at a really intriguing premise: “Prayers From the Pit: Seeking God with a Broken Heart.” Dilbeck will preach at the church’s 8:15, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday services at 14613 N May. The church now offers Wednesday and Sunday classes that provide people with tools to help heal their heart, whether they need aid to get out of debt, rekindle the romance in marriage, help through a divorce. For more information, call the church at 755-9240.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Bio on Palin coming up
Zondervan will release a biography on vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, as early as October.
Zondervan, which describes itself as the world’s leading Christian publishers of books, said the new biography “Sarah Palin: A New Kind of Leader,” will be written by author Joe Hilley.
The book will explore themes from her career in politics, her life as a hockey mom, and her strongly held Christian faith, explaining how they influence her new style of leadership and align with our changing economy in the information age.
“Regardless of your political persuasion, it is clear that Sarah Palin has quickly electrified the 2008 election and sparked a nationwide dialogue and debate,” Moe Girkins, president and CEO of Zondervan, said in the publishing company’s statement.
“We are honored to publish this book that will provide readers with a comprehensive look into the life and rising political career of Sarah Palin.”
Hilley, of Alabama, said he will explore the leadership principles that have jettisoned Alaska Gov. Palin into the national spotlight.
“We live in an age that values relationship over authority and instant information over accuracy, so breadth of knowledge and depth of conviction are the most prized commodities for our leaders,” Hilley said in Zondervan’s statement.
“Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin brings both of these qualities and more to her new role as John McCain’s running mate and I’m eager for readers to have the opportunity to know her and her brand of leadership more thoroughly.”
(AP Photo above: Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin is joined by her daughter Piper as she waves to the crowed at the end of Sen. John McCain’s acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., on Thursday.)
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
