Atheists roll on
A bus campaign sponsored by an atheists group has folks talking.
Banners touting eye-catching quips are emblazed on buses — hundreds of them – in London and soon will be featured in Scotland and Wales.
Read more about the campaign by clicking here: Atheist bus campaign
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Pre-inauguration prayer and prep
I have two interesting bits of news to share about the upcoming presidential inauguration of Barack Obama.
The Christian Defense Coalition has been issued a permit to conduct a pro-life vigil and display along the parade route during the event set for Jan. 20.
The group plans to display 25 large signs on Pennsylvania showing the development of life from conception until birth.
“It is critical that moments after Barack Obama takes the oath as the 44th President of the United States he drive by a visible reminder of those who will have no voice or rights in his administration,” the Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, the coalition’s director, said in a news release.
“While millions will be celebrating along the Inaugural Parade route, we will be speaking ‘truth to power’ and calling for justice and equality for all Americans.”
Meanwhile, Mahoney participated in a prayer service today that included anointing the doorway Obama will pass through on his way to the platform to be sworn in. The Rev. Rob Schenck of Faith and Action also participated in the service.
“Anointing with oil is a rich tradition both in the bible and in the history of the U.S. Capitol,” Schenck said in a news release.
“Oil symbolizes consecration, or setting something apart for God’s use. George Washington used oil during the dedication of the U.S. Capitol. We used oil today to set apart the walkway and doors that will be the literal right (sic) of passage for Barack Obama as he ascends to the highest office in our land.”
(AP PHOTO: People walk past scaffolding used to support bleacher seats along Pennsylvania Avenue at Freedom Plaza in Washington on Jan. 3. The location is part of the parade route to be used for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.)
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Talking faith with Bradford and Tebow
Thursday’s BCS National Championship is, of course, the big news this week and lots of folks are talking about the two young men who will have a lot to do with who wins the big game.
In the days leading up to the championship, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford (at left)and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow have shared their thoughts about Thursday’s game, but they also have talked about something else: Their faith in God.
Fans who want to see them share about their faith can visit www.BeyondTheUltimate.org.
“The key things I’ve learned are patience, perseverance and trusting God,” Bradford said in a video interview on the Web site.
“Everything that God does He’s doing for a reason. He has a purpose and we need to trust Him and know that His plan is the right way.”
Tebow said: “I found true satisfaction, true happiness — and it is not by having your name in a newspaper, it is not by winning trophies, and it is not by winning championships. It is by having relationship with Jesus Christ.”
Other college football stars share their stories on the Web site, as well.
The site was originally developed in partnership with Athletes in Action, the sports ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, as a platform for Super Bowl coaches Tony Dungy, Lovie Smith and their players to share the important role that faith in Christ has played in their lives. BeyondTheUltimate.org has since expanded to reach fans of a variety of sports.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Prayers for Obama
Not everybody had New Year’s resolutions, weight loss or black eyed peas on their mind on Jan. 1.
That was the day the Christian Defense Coalition launched a new prayer campaign for President-elect Barack Obama.
The campaign is to lead up to Jan. 20, the day of Obama’s presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C.
The coalition is asking people to pray at noon everyday in their homes, businesses and organizations that Obama change his pro-choice stance on abortion.
As part of the campaign, members of the coalition will lead a prayer vigil at noon everyday outside the White House, concluding with a large prayer vigil on the Martin Luther King national holiday on Jan. 19.
The coalition, in a news release, said an inaugural prayer offered 40 years ago by the Rev. Billy Graham is to be offered:
“We thank Thee for this torch of faith handed to us by our forefathers. May we never let it be extinguished. Thou alone hast given us our prosperity, our freedom and power. This faith in God is our heritage and foundation,” the prayer says.
“The whole world is watching to see if the faith of our fathers will stand the trials and tests of the hour. Too long we have neglected Thy word and ignored Thy laws. Too long we have tried to solve our problems without reference to Thee. Too long we have tried to live by bread alone,” it continues.
“So we pray, O God, as we enter a new era, that we as a nation may experience a moral and spiritual rest,” it adds. “And in the lonely moments of decision grant him an uncompromising courage to do what is morally right.”
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Jan. 3 Today’s Prayer
Jan. 2 Today’s Prayer
