The original version of the handwritten Bible Across America is on the auction block today and proceeds of the eBay auction will benefit Biblica, the translation sponsor of the New International Version translation.

Last year, more than 200 Oklahomans had the opportunity to contribute a handwritten verse to the Bible when the Bible Across America tour stopped at Casady School. The tour was hosted by Zondervan to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the NIV Bible. After a nine-month cross country tour cover 22,579 miles, 90 cities and 40 states, more than 31,000 people had a hand in writing Bible Across America, Zondervan said in a news release.

Two original copies were created during the tour and each page was checked and scanned to create a published version which will be released in stores on Dec. 1 and also will be available for purchase online at www.bibleacrossamerica.com.

If you are interested in the auction go online to http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Bible-Across-America-Charity-Sale and make an offer. The auction closes on Nov. 22.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

P.S. The illustration above is just that, an illustration. It is not the Bible Across America being auctioned.

He is the subject of some interesting commentary featured in an e-newsletter from the Humane Society of the United States that popped up in my e-mail today.

I have been listening to talk radio all week and folks are sharing their opinions about whether Vick should be allowed to become an NFL player again since his dog fighting conviction. Vick spent 18 months in Leavenworth Federal Prison and people are wondering if they’ll see him throwing the pigskin at a NFL game in the future.

The Humane Society’s e-newsletter, called “The Humane Steward: Faith in Action for Animals,” is a monthly mix of interesting articles and commentary about the faithful’s call to care for animals. This month’s e-newsletter discusses Vick’s offer to help with the society’s anti-dogfighting campaign. It also includes some narrative about stories of redemption in the Bible and society CEO Wayne Pacelle (pictured below) talks about his recent decisions regarding Vick.

“He’s served his sentence, and now he’s made a personal appeal to The HSUS to involve him in anti-dogfighting and anti-cruelty efforts. Will we continue to flog Michael Vick indefinitely, or will we take advantage of his expressed desire to do better, to be an agent of change for animals?,” Pacelle wrote.

” I knew it would be controversial, but I decided it was the right thing to engage with Michael and give him a chance to participate in our anti-dogfighting efforts.

“We at The HSUS are about change, even the hard cases.”

Read what what else Pacelle has to say:   “Talk Back: Michael Vick as Messenger.”

To sign up for the Humane Society’s Humane Steward e-newsletter and read more about the society’s Animals and Religion program, go to www.humanesociety.org/religion.

(AP PHOTO AT TOP: Michael Vick arrives at federal court surrounded by the media for a meeting with his parole officer in Norfolk, Va. on May 22.)

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Stephen Mansfield, author of the book “The Faith of Barack Obama,” predicted as much.

Here are some examples from Obama’s inauguration speech:

1. “We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

There are several allusions to Scripture in this passage of Obama’s text. One that stands out is a specific reference to  1 Corinthians 13:11: When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 

Also: Obama’s text indicates a belief that there is a “God-given promise” of equality and freedom for everyone. 

2. “For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every End of this Earth; …” 

Obama acknowledges that America is a country that includes both people of faith and those who do not ascribe to faith beliefs.

3. “This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.”

A reference to a sense of God-given purpose for America.

4. “America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardships, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that wehen we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

“Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.”

Obama concluded with clear references to God’s grace and blessings.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

The Vatican has found that new technology like the iPhone has some definite advantages.

According to the Associated Press, the Vatican is endorsing new technology that brings the book of daily prayers used by priests straight onto iPhones.

The Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Social Communications has given its approval of the iBreviary, an iTunes application created by an Italian priest, the Rev. Paolo Padrini, and an Italian Web designer, the AP reports.

The application includes the Breviary prayer book — in Italian, English, Spanish, French and Latin and, in the near future, Portuguese and German. Another section includes the prayers of the daily Mass, and a third contains various other prayers.

Padrini’s proceeds are to go to charity.

(Above: AP Photo)

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

A historic Bible will be used at the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama.

The Religion News Service said today that Obama has chosen the Bible used at President Abraham Lincoln’s first inauguration.

According to the RNS, it will be the first time a president has used the Bible at an inauguration since Lincoln used it in 1861.

“President-elect Obama is deeply honored that the Library of Congress had made the Lincoln Bible available for use during his swearing-in,” Emmett Beliveau, executive director of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, told the RNS.

“The president-elect is committed to holding an inauguration that celebrates America’s unity, and the use of this historic Bible will provide a powerful connection to our common past and common heritage.”

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

For starters, it’s being promoted as a coffee table book or a high-end, design-forward glossy magazine.

It includes images of celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Bono and Princess Diana.

In a news release, Publisher Illuminated World, a Swedish company, said it set out to make the biblical text more accessible to people who would normally never read it.

“This is another way for people to become familiar or reacquaint themselves to one of the most influential texts of our time,” the company’s U.S. president Larry Norton, said.

“What makes this different than other nontraditional Bibles in the market is that “Bible Illuminated” complements the stories with striking, contemporary photographs that tie back to people’s lives today.”

A new Web site — www.bibleilluminated.com was launched as the Bible was released recently in North America. Publisher Illuminated World’s news release said the site will serve as a forum for discussion on diverse topics ranging from religion, inequality, social justice and the use of imagery in “Bible Illuminated.”

Meanwhile, the softcover “Bible Illuminated” — which features the New Testament – is 288 pages and retails for $35. It was originally published in Sweden in 2007.

Check out the Web site or go peruse the new Bible and let me know what you think.

Do you think the Bible needed this cultural update or makeover?

Send your comments, along with your name, age and hometown to chinton@opubco.com.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor   

Phillips, 20, was selected at random among contest entrants and she won a new Flip Video Camcorder. Also a $1,000 donation was made in her name to The Light of the Amazon, the Bible Society of Brazil’s charity supported by the American Bible Society.

To participate in the contest, contestants had to log on to SYSN.org and upload an audio, video or written account of how he or she had experienced the Word of God.

Phillips wrote that her heavenly Father’s beautiful words in Song of Solomon erased the hurtful ones her earthly father spoke years ago when he deserted her family.

“I have not seen or heard from my Dad since I was two, and the last words he said to me were forever ringing in my head, ‘I’m leaving because you’re not good enough,’” she wrote.

“My earthly father’s words are not fully gone yet, but they are slowly being rewritten by God’s words from Song of Solomon 4:7 ‘All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you.’ At that moment God just breathed restoration in my soul.”

Phillips told the American Bible Society that she plans to work as a missionary after completing college.

Abigal Tanori, the society’s Web community manager, said at the core of the society’s mission is the belief that God speaks to every generation through the Holy Scriptures.

“The goal of SYSN.org is to collect and communicate real stories about how people are experiencing the life-changing message of the Bible, as well as to encourage people to engage the Scriptures and facilitate the development of an online community of Bible advocates,” she said in a news release.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

The show is to bring the story of biblical King David to modern times.

This should be interesting, to say the least. 

“Kings” is being brought to primetime by the director of “I Am Legend,” the December 2007 feature film starring Will Smith.

It’s being billed as a modern re-telling of David and Goliath and stars actor Christopher Egan (pictured at left) as “David Shepherd.”

The show’s premiere is set for January 2009.

For more information, check out the “Kings” link on NBC’s Web site: “Kings”

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

“Highlighting Scripture from its environmental perspectives clearly shows that the Bible has much to say about our responsibilities to care for creation and all of its creatures,” Christine Gutleben, director of the society’s animal and religion program, said in a prepared statement.

“The Green Bible” is to hit bookstore shelves Oct. 7, but the humane society plans to distribute copies at upcoming events for its All Creatures Great and Small campaign, including a reception at the Washington National Cathedral on Saturday.

“The Green Bible” highlights in green, soy-based ink, more than 1,000 references, verses and passages related to the Earth. It also contains essays contributed by Brian McLaren, Matthew Sleeth, N.T. Wright, Desmond Tutu and others, and includes a detailed index and personal study guide.

The humane society, through its All Creatures Great and Small campaign, provides ways for people to practice stewardship on behalf of animals and the environment.

“Our campaign is ‘The Green Bible’ in action,” Gutleben said.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

And unless you have not seen a television or newspaper in the last couple of days, you already know that Palin is the running mate  of Republican presumptive presidential candidate Sen. John McCain.  As such her life, for better or worse, is an open book, she and her family are finding out today.

Several leaders of national Christian groups have come out in support of Palin’s daughter, Bristol, and Palin’s family for the way they have dealt with this situation thus far. According to news reports the family is supportive of Bristol’s decision to have her baby and they have announced that she is to marry the child’s father.

Read on for excerpts of statements from some Christian leaders:

Melinda Delahoyde, Care Net president: “Every day, a parent learns the shocking news of a child’s unplanned pregnancy. Some, while disappointed, respond with unconditional love and offer their support and care. Others, for numerous reasons, often pressured by what others may think, encourage their child to choose abortion. Children, out of deference to a parent’s career and reputation – whether it’s as a pastor or as an elected official – may choose abortion. This decision brings grief to the entire family.

“The Palin family, however, has chosen a path not without difficulty, but one without the grief of abortion. They have showed to their daughter what so many children go without – unconditional love. Their example will pave the way for other parents, especially those in high profile careers, who are faced with the same circumstances.

“With the love and support of her family, Bristol has made a brave and difficult decision. She and her future husband will be in our prayers. Instead of choosing a quick escape, they have embraced the circumstances and chosen to have hope in what the unknown future may bring.”

Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee: “The surprise announcement that Gov. Sarah Palin’s daughter is pregnant provided another opportunity for the vice-presidential candidate to make a politically convenient choice or the right one. The family could have treated the innocent baby as a ‘punishment’ and secretly snuffed out the child’s life to avoid a high-profile embarrassment. Instead, they are embracing this unexpected baby as a child worthy of love, a human being who deserves respect, a weak member of their family who needs their care. The Palins have opened their family’s challenge for all the world to see, providing a beautiful example for other families, many who have faced the same predicament.”

Rev. Bob Schneck, National Clergy Council president: “This is a private family matter. The Palins, especially their teenage daughter, are entitled to privacy on this matter. Anyone who cares about young people will back off and give this young woman the space she needs. Anyone who exploits her for political or commercial gain is disgraceful.”

(AP Photo above right:  Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin comes off the stage to greet the crowd after appearing with Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., not in photo, during the “Road to the Convention Rally,” in Dayton, Ohio on Aug. 29. With her are her children Bristol, left, holding Trig, and Willow, center.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor