To do that, Young (pictured) and his spouse are staging a 24-hour “bed-in” on the roof of his Grapevine, Texas, church, Fellowship Church, right now.

People can tune-in for Young’s commentary and to see the bed-in, which started at 6 a.m. today at “Bed-in.”    

Young said the event is a tie-in to  a new book written by him and his wife “Sexperiment: 7 Days to Lasting Intimacy With Your Spouse.”  Actually, the bed-in is being streamed live on a website about the new book. “Sexperiment” was released on Tuesday.

I often watch Young’s TV show and enjoy his preaching on a variety of topics. He’s not afraid to tackle some heavy-hitting topics so I”m not surprised at his latest adventure.

I once saw him preach a sermon series about sex with a bed on the stage area of the church. He’s upped the ante with the bed on the roof, for sure. 

For a story about the bed-in, read on:  “Pastor-wife to spend 24 hours in bed on church roof to teach sex lessons”

Incidentally, according to the Christian Post’s story on the bed-in, Craig Groeschel, pastor of Edmond-based LifeChurch.tv, and his wife Amy, are among pastors who have endorsed the Youngs’ new book.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor   

The Barna Group is a Ventura, Calif.-based research company whose research often focuses on the ways faith and culture intersect.

Kinnaman is best-selling co-author of the book “unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About  Christianity” (2008). During our brief  interview Kinnaman talked about why he wrote the book and some of the lessons Christian churches can glean from it.

Somewhere along the way, I think my “parent” hat and my “reporter” hat meshed together because I began asking him questions from a parent’s viewpoint. At that point, I think our conversation became more indepth than just the typical interview and I came away with some lessons learned about what today’s youths are saying about the Church and the adults who have helped guide their way thus far.

Really interesting information.

If you haven’t already done so, get that book. 

I also got to sit in on a youth ministers’ luncheon hosted by OC’s Dudley Chancey, associate professor of youth ministry. At the luncheon, Kinnaman talked about his latest book “You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving the Church … and Rethinking Faith.”

Kinnaman expounded some on the research findings detailed in “You Lost Me” and I think it is quite interesting material for anyone who is a parent or church leader or simply someone who loves young people and wants to see them grow in the Christian faith.

I’ll have a story this Saturday about Kinnaman, his research compiled in “unChristian” and how the Church can use this important research data.  My story will also include his thoughts on the controversy that arose over the part of the book that dealt with how young people see the Church as anti-gay.

And if you haven’t already heard, Kinnamon will be speaking tonight at 7 p.m. in the Hardeman Auditorium on the OC campus, 2501 E Memorial Road. He’ll be talking about research compiled in “You Lost Me.” 

The presentation is free and open to the public.  

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor 

Before the interview, I got a copy of “Unbroken,” the book chronicling Zamperini’s amazing life but I wasn’t able to finish it before his visit.

I’m finishing it up now and I have been amazed at how many people have read the book or are in the middle of reading it. Everywhere I go, people are talking about the book. When I have it with me, which I frequently do, someone stops me to say that they have read it and it is a great book.

It is a best-seller by Laura Hillenbrand who earned accolades from Zamperini about how well she captured his story, which includes the account of how he came to give his life to the Lord.

Anyway, it just blows my mind about the many ways the book has served as a connecting point for me and so many people.

I guess that’s what good books are supposed to do.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor    

Incidentally, I don’t believe in happenstance. I believe that many of our encounters are divinely orchestrated. Another way to look at it is seeing each encounter through a spiritual lense.  It is in that context that I say that I was so touched by Mr. Zamperini and what he had to say about his faith journey. There were lots of spiritual lessons gleaned from that interview.

I wondered if the controversy surrounding the “Harry Potter” books and subsequent movies would pop up again, but it hasn’t – at least not to the degree that it did when the first books made it to the big screen.

Some people in the faith community have lambasted the books over the years, saying that they encourage children to become wizards and witches.

Read Terry Mattingly’s commentary about the controversy and whether or not it will end now that the final “Harry Potter” movie installment is out: “Final Gasp of the ‘Harry Potter’ wars?”

Mattingly directs the Washington Journalism Center at the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. In his commentary, he says that the popular books/movies about the fictional boy wizard produced various criticisms from the faith arena including that author J.K. Rowling intentionally wrote the books as doorways to the occult.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor 

The Religion News Service reports that the Catholic Truth Society, the publishing arm of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales has released “Wicca and Witchcraft: Understanding the Dangers.” The guide is aimed at helping teenagers deal with 21st century witchcraft, the RNS reported.

The booklet is said to offer advice to parents who find their children showing an interest in Wicca, paganism and the occult.

Apparently the book was written by a former Wiccan who became a Catholic, Elizabeth Dodd.    

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Then I received word today of a new contest related to the upcoming movie.

So I guess it’s time to see what updates are available about the latest ”Narnia” film and the new contest.

“Voyage of the Dawn Treader” is set to premiere Dec. 10 in theaters nationwide. If you are interested in viewing one of the official movie trailers, click here: “Voyage trailer” and scroll down once you click on the link.  

Now about the contest.  To participate in Focus on the Family’s “Focus on Christmas” contest,  tell in 200 words or less who is your favorite “Narnia” character and why you would like to go to the ”Voyage of the Dawn Treader” London movie premiere.

One winner will receive a trip for two to the London premiere.  

For more information about the contest, visit “Focus on Christmas.”

The “Narnia” films are based on the beloved children’s fiction book series by author and Christian apologist C.S. Lewis. Incidentally, there’s still a lot of discussion on the Internet about the merits of Walden Media making all seven of the books in the series into movies. Some folks argue that all of them may not translate well on the big screen while others are saying it will be a dream come true if all the books are made into film so they can have a complete movie set.

Also, here’s something else. The Internet Movie Database has a special link devoted to “Voyage.” Get connected to it here: “Voyage of the Dawn Treader.”

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Her decision to have Lap-Band surgery was of particular interest.

She said she had struggled with her weight and it had begun to result in some health problems she couldn’t afford to ignore any more.

I never had a problem with my weight until I reached my mid-30s. I know, welcome to the club, right?

A lot of people say women have to watch what we eat as we get older or we run the risk of gaining weight that we can’t easily get rid of . I thought I was going to defy that.

I was wrong and my metabolism slowed just like everyone else’s typically does. On top of that, I’m a snacker, which means I may not do a lot of heavy chowing down at meal times, but I could have numerous snacks a day and we ain’t talking Wheat Thins.

So I could relate to Patty’s dilemma about her weight.

I think a lot of her fans will too.

In recent weeks, I’ve started drastically cutting down on my favorite snacks and watching my caloric intake. I’ve cut out high-sodium and fattening foods. Been out on the walking trails on a regular basis and that is making a big difference, too.

Patty said she hoped that her decision to talk frankly about her weight struggles and surgery will make some women feel more comfortable talking about these issues.

I’m hoping the same thing.

Health should be a priority no matter who you are. 

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor     

Earth Day is April 22.

In his book, “In Plain Sight, “ Gordon uses photos and essays to helps readers develop eyes to recognize scientific miracles of creation.

It seems that he’s asking others to see if they can do the same. Winners of his contest will be announced on May 19 on the website  InPlainSightTheBook.com.

Entries may be individual or group/class and are judged for originality, ingenuity, presentation, and explanation. You can find more details on the website. All ages (particularly in teams) are urged to compete.

A signature is defined as evidence in nature of clear intelligence, humor, beauty, natural laws, or unlikely but obvious match-ups. Gordon’s book gives 40 examples, including: 

1. Match-up: Galaxies and hurricanes, seen from above, show the same coil.

2. Humor: 1) The cerebellum, the fist-sized structure at the brain’s base, in a salad bar, would be mistaken for cauliflower. 2) Chickens.

3. Beauty: A magnificent sunset or a full-circle rainbow has been known to stop traffic. Why is that? Why do humans brake for beauty?

4. Natural principles: The Golden Ratio, the swirl in shells and roses, shows up also in galaxies and grains of sand. Coincidence?

5. Clear intelligence: Unlike every other substance, water’s solid form (ice) is lighter than its coldest liquid form. Except for this, oceans would be frozen solid, killing all life.

Deadline for challenge entries is May 10. 

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

A Zondervan news release said “I Just Want You to Know: Letters to My Kids on Love, Faith and Family”  will contain letters to each of Gosselin’s eight children about a variety of topics including the disappointment that comes when life does not go as planned, God’s faithfulness during these times of change and the uncompromising love she has for her children.

The book also is to feature excerpts, prayers and memories from Kate’s journal.

Kate Gosselin, her now ex-husband Jon,  and their children — twins and sextuplets — have been in the news ever since the couple went through a very public and bitter divorce.

“We support Kate as she moves forward into a new chapter of her life,” said Dudley Delffs, senior vice president and publisher of trade book at Zondervan. “It is clear that her faith has been an integral part of her life and the lives of her children during the past year, and we are honored to give her the opportunity to share her heart.”

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor 

Some of you may remember Hadden, especially if you have been watching the popular reality show for a while. She was the Season 4 first runner-up.  She was the season’s most sucessful female contestant. She’s pictured below left with “The Biggest Loser” team trainer Jillian Michaels and below right wearing a tank top featuring the reality show’s logo.    

In my story in The Oklahoman today (see the Life section cover), Hadden talks about her new faith-themed book (released December 2009). It’s called “Fat Chance: Losing the Weight, Gaining My Worth.”

We had an interesting conversation for lots of reasons. One, she’s very funny. Two, I know what it’s like to lose weight. I lost weight through Weight Watchers, not a high-energy fitness campaign like “The Biggest Loser.” Still, I could relate to what she had to say about the difficulties of losing weight and all that comes with that.

She intrigued me when she talked about how the Scriptures she had learned as a little girl came to life as she worked out on “The Biggest Loser” ranch. Through her faith, she redefined herself — seeing herself as God saw her instead of how she saw herself.

“Like the verse in Psalms that says ‘how precious are your thoughts towards me oh God. If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand’,” she told me. “ It just so happened that we were in a desert environment and there was sand in every crevice of my body that I didn’t even know existed.’ I happened to look down at my hand and I couldn’t even count the grains of sand on my hand and I realized then that if God loved me that much, that He said His thoughts towards me were more in number than the sand, then obviously He saw me differently than I saw myself.”  

I have included more of our interview below for those interested in learning more about this true champion: