Facebook is Catholic and Twitter is Protestant, says priest

Fr Lucie-Smith describes Facebook users as a congregation (PA) 

The Catholic Herald

Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith's theory on social media's religious divide is expressed in this week's Catholic Herald

Facebook is Catholic and Twitter is Protestant, according to a Catholic priest and moral theologian.

Bishop: what makes Britain great is its Christian patrimony

 

 Bishop Philip Egan at the Mass. Below, pilgrims venerate the relics in Portsmouth cathedral (Photos: Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk) 

Posted by Staff Reporter Catholic Herald

Speaking about the general election, Bishop Egan said that for Catholics politics was about values, not just economics – the values of life, the family, and caring for the poorest.
He added: “Some politicians seem to suggest that British values are essentially the NHS, decency and warm beer. No, what makes Britain great is its Christian patrimony: the concern for justice, freedom and the rule of law, values derived from love of God and love of neighbour, fused with our native genius.”

How to Deal with Persecution!

A sermon preached at New Hope Lutheran Church, West Melbourne, FL on March April 19, 2015 by Pastor Dale Raether
 

Acts 12:1-19

Who would have thought that there would be persecutions today like there were in Bible times! I know this world is evil. But I always thought Satan’s main attack against Christians would be to get us so focused on the here and now, that we wouldn’t care that much about God and His Word. Satan has also been attacking the reliability of the Bible through evolution and modern science. Satan’s tactics are working. The 1800s were known as the great missionary century. Christians all over the world were convinced that the only way to heaven is through faith in Christ. Since there were many who hadn’t even heard of Christ, Christians would sacrifice every spare dollar they could find in order to send out more missionaries. I know this is an idle question, but if Christians had continued to send out missionaries in the 1900s the way they did in the 1800s, would there even be an ISIL today? Maybe, but if Christians were in the majority in many of those countries, ISIL wouldn’t have the power to do the things they’re doing. So now what? In our text this morning we see how the early Christians dealt with persecution. They did three things: 1. They prayed.  2. They trusted. 3. The kept spreading the Gospel.

The Real Reason Christianity Is Still in Decline

Friday 22, May 2015




By Christian Piatt
The most recent Pew forum study, which show that numbers of people identifying with any brand of Christianity is still in decline, should surprise no one. But as is the case any time such a study comes out, Christians are looking for reasons why.
By now we know a lot of the basic reasons: people are busier, they are more mobile, there's less social stigma about not going to church, folks don't trust us, etc. But I'm interested in looking at it from three different perspectives, rather than just from the inside of Christianity. After all, there's far more at play here than just Christians not practicing what they preach.

More Than 100 Charged In Mob Killing Of Christian Couple In Pakistan

Pakistani human rights activists condemn the killing of the Christian couple for alleged blasphemy during a demonstration in Islamabad, Pakistan, in November.

B.K. Bangash/AP 

 

Scott Neuma 

Prosecutors in Pakistan's Punjab province have charged 106 people in connection with the gruesome mob killing of a Christian couple who were incinerated in a brick kiln for allegedly desecrating a copy of the Quran.
In November, Sajjad Mesih and his wife, Shama — who was pregnant when the couple in their 20s was killed — were beaten and thrown into the kiln they tended as laborers.

Pope says environmental sinners will face God's judgment for world hunger

• Francis declares ‘powerful of the Earth’ have obligation to feed the world
• Pontiff to publish encyclical on environmental issues

 

 Pope Francis leads a mass in St Peter’s basilica before the opening of the general assembly of Caritas. ‘We must do what we can so that everyone has something to eat,’ he said. Photograph: Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images

the Guardian
Pope Francis has warned “the powerful of the Earth” they will answer to God if they fail to protect the environment to ensure the world can feed its population.
“The planet has enough food for all, but it seems that there is a lack of willingness to share it with everyone,” Francis said at a mass to mark the opening of the general assembly of the Catholic charitable organisation Caritas.

Masters of War: Pope Francis Calls out the $400 billion Global Arms Business as “the Industry of Death”

Not exactly storytime. Pope Francis at the May 11 event. (Reuters/Max Rossi)

Written by

Heather Timmons, Quartz

Pope Francis was sharply critical of the global arms industry in a speech at the Vatican this week, telling thousands of children in Rome that weapons manufacturers are money-hungry opponents of peace.

According to the Italian news agency AGI, the Pope said:

Some powerful people make their living with the production of arms and sell them to one country for them to use against another country … It’s the industry of death, the greed that harms us all, the desire to have more money.

From Obama to Castro, the Pope Has Pull

By Chris Jansing and Kristin Donnelly

 

It's being dubbed "the Francis effect" and it's hitting Washington, DC.

From 4500 miles away Pope Francis is exerting his influence on everything from foreign policy to summits on poverty. Pope Francis got a big shout out on Tuesday from the leader of the free world as a great example of someone who understands what's important. 

Franklin Graham Says Supreme Court's Gay Marriage Ruling Sets Stage for 'Persecution of Believers' in 'Most Historic and Far-Reaching Judgment of the 21st Century'

 

 Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, addresses the crowd at the Festival of Hope, an evangelistic rally held at the national stadium in Port-au-Prince, January 9, 2011.

By Stoyan Zaimov , Christian Post Reporter

The Rev. Franklin Graham has said that the U.S. Supreme Court's upcoming decision on whether to legalize same-sex marriage across America or allow states to continue to make their own decisions will "rank as the most historic and far-reaching judgment of the 21st century." He argued that it could pave the way for "persecution of believers," and said he would be praying for the nine Supreme Court justices.

'Stop Building Churches and Convert to Islam' or 'We Will Make a Horrible Example of You,' Muslims Threaten Christians in Pakistan

 

 

People from the Christian community hold candles while taking part in a protest rally to condemn the suicide bombings which took place outside two churches in Lahore, in Peshawar, March 18, 2015. Suicide bombings outside two churches in Lahore at least killed 16 people and wounded nearly 80 others during services on Sunday in attacks claimed by a faction of the Pakistani Taliban.

By Samuel Smith , CP Reporter
 

Christian leaders in the Pakistani city of Lahore are saying that they've received death threats over the past few months because of their involvement in the building of churches in the area.
In a Monday interview with AsiaNews, Javed David, a Pakistani Christian activist, explained that he and at least three of his Christian associates have been threatened by an unidentified group of Muslims in the midst of outrage stemming from the construction of Christian churches.
David, who is the president of Hope for the Light Ministries, and his associates have been helping poor Christian communities in Pakistan build places of worship since 2013.
He explained that one of the latest altercations occurred in April, where he was explicitly warned that if he continues his advocacy work for the construction of churches, he will be made an "example" of.

Ben Carson Says God Helped Him Ace College Chemistry Exam by Giving Answers in Dream

Republican U.S. presidential candidate and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson officially launches his bid for the Republican presidential nomination in Detroit, Michigan, May 4, 2015

By Anugrah Kumar , Christian Post Contributor

Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson said God helped him "ace" his college chemistry exam by showing him all the answers. But he promised the Lord He wouldn't have to do that for him ever again.

Poor Kids Devastated by Isolation From Family, Church, Community, Harvard Professor Robert Putnam Says (CP Interview 1/2)

 

(Photo: Simon & Schuster)

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By Napp Nazworth , Christian Post Reporter

The American dream, that anyone can get ahead if they work hard enough, is increasingly out of reach for the children of poor families, Robert Putnam wrote in his new book, Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis. In an interview with The Christian Post, Putnam shared that these children, about one-third of all kids in the United States, are distrustful of everyone due to their isolation from family, churches and their community.
"Love hurts, trust kills," one of the kids who he interviewed for the book posted on Facebook, Putnam said in a Friday phone interview. "If you think what it means to grow up in an environment where you think you can't trust anybody, that's a devastating kind of environment to grow up in."

Obama Talks Importance of Fathers, Faith at Catholic-Evangelical Summit on Overcoming Poverty

Wednesday 13, May 2015


(Photo: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarq

U.S. President Barack Obama takes part in the Catholic-Evangelical Leadership Summit on Overcoming Poverty at Georgetown University in Washington May 12, 2015.

By Napp Nazworth , Christian Post Reporter

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama spoke Tuesday about the importance of faith and family during a panel discussion for the Catholic-Evangelical Summit on Overcoming Poverty at Georgetown University.
"Faith-based groups across the country and around the world understand the centrality and the importance of [poverty] in a intimate way — in part because these faith-based organizations are interacting with folks who are struggling and know how good these people are, and know their stories, and it's not just theological, but it's very concrete. They're embedded in communities and they're making a difference in all kinds of ways," Obama said.

Over 200 Native American Teen Suicide Attempts Caused by 'the Devil,' Increased Spiritual Activity on South Dakota Reservation, According to Evangelicals Looking to Help

A pair of young Native American dancers stand together during the opening "grand entry" to start the Oglala Nation Pow Wow and Rodeo in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, August 4, 2006. The annual festival is a bright spot for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which struggles with high unemployment and problems with substance abuse and gangs and is one of the poorest communities in the United States.

By Sami K. Martin , Christian Post Reporter

More than 200 teenagers and pre-teens living on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota have planned, attempted, or died by suicide between December 2014 and March of this year, and now religious leaders are getting involved, claiming that there's a spiritual battle that needs to be fought and won in order to save their youth.
"This is beyond anything we've ever seen; it's almost like 'serial suicides.' This is not just a psychological issue: this is a spiritual battle with spiritual forces. The thief — speaking of the devil — 'comes to steal, kill, and destroy,' and this is the result," Ron Hutchcraft of Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, told Mission Network News.

US:National Day of Prayer to Focus on Bible Verse 1 Kings 8:28 'Lord, Hear Our Cry'

Thursday 7, May 2015

(Photo: Reuters/Mark Wilson)

A gathering of evangelical Christians in Washington is shown in this undated file photo.

By Michael Gryboski , Christian Post Reporter

"We are anticipating the largest day of prayer from coast to coast with more than 43,000 prayer gatherings," John Bornschein, vice chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force and an executive member of the National Prayer Committee, told The Christian Post.
"This coming year marks the 64th anniversary of this important day and we fully expect that the president will sign a proclamation as well as all 50 state governors. Already nearly 40 proclamations have been received and counting."

AWESOME IS WHO GOD IS...A great share from Pat Funmi Wole-Coker

Keith Kuder at Gulf Of Alaska

The Gulf of Alaska, where two oceans meet, but do not mix!
(via @AmazingPicx)

GBF, forum for Christian businesses debuts

 

Prof Chris Onalo

Posted by Ambassador T. Brikins

God-owned Business Forum (GBF), a business forum to serve as an official business networking association for   companies owned and managed by bible practising Christians, has been inaugurated.
Prof. Chris Onalo, the founder who is also Registrar/CEO at Institute of Credit Administration (ICA) called on Nigerian Christians and other nations to partner with GBF.

Two Men Quote the Bible From Memory in 24 Hour Marathon to Raise Money for Nepal

(Photo: Courtesy of Jason Goff)

Tom Meyer (L) and Jason Nightingale (R), members of Wordsower International.

By Michael Gryboski , Christian Post Reporter

Two men will be quoting the Bible from memory to raise money for charity to benefit the earthquake recovery in the Asian nation of Nepal.
Tom Meyer and Jason Nightingale of Wordsowers International will begin their marathon memorized recitation of the Bible at noon Wednesday and conclude at the same time the following day.

Feeding Kenya's street kids: An evening with Nairobi's 'Messiah'

Social workers say homeless children are often from broken homes 

By Pumza Fihlani BBC News, Nairobi

 

The BBC's Pumza Fihlani spends an evening with Nairobi's good Samaritan, a Kenyan primary school teacher  taking his passion for children to unexpected lengths.Its a moving story you must read.

Ohio killer Caught after more than 50 Years on the Run

Wednesday 6, May 2015

Freshwaters in 1959 (left) and 2015 (right) 

BBC

A convicted killer who escaped from a prison camp has been arrested in Florida after more than 50 years on the run.

Frank Freshwaters, 79, escaped in 1959 and was briefly held by West Virginia authorities in 1975 before he was freed and disappeared again.

Kenneth Copeland & Bishop David Oyedepo Speak on The Secrets That Make an End Time Church

  ...and What it takes to be enlisted in this Army.

 

Kenneth & Gloria Copeland & David & Faith Oyedepo 

The International Minister’s Conference 2015

"I will build My church; and the gates of Hell will not overpower it"

 The conference is an ordained event by God to mark the true start of the days of the Glory of the Church.
God will show  the secrets that make  an End Time Church and   what it takes to be enlisted as an Army of same.

Passion for Truth Ministries Pastor Jim Staley Confesses to Cheating Investors Out of $3.3M and Pocketing $570K for Himself

Jim Staley, 39, pastor of Passion For Truth Ministries in Missouri was indicted for fraud by a federal grand jury on June 18, 2014.

By Leonardo Blair , Christian Post Reporter

Passion for Truth Ministries Pastor Jim Stanley, 40, who told his St. Charles, Missouri, congregation last summer that he didn't realize he had been arrested after a federal grand jury indicted him last June for defrauding investors, admitted in federal court Thursday that he cheated his elderly victims out of $3.3 million while making $570,000 for himself.

8 Reasons People Are Leaving Denominational Churches for Non-denominational Churches

• (Photo: James Yates) Thom Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources, and his son, Jess, speak at LifeWay National Youth Workers Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday, September 14, 2011.

   
   
   
  By Thom S. Rainer , Christian Post Contributor
  

While working on an unrelated research project, I recently came across some data published by the Hartford Institute of Religion Research. Though the information was five years old, it still seemed highly relevant today. In essence, the data showed that non-denominational churches are now the second largest Protestant group in America. Only the Southern Baptist Convention is larger.

Here are some of the fascinating nuggets from that study:

'Gifted Hands' Neurosurgeon Ben Carson Says He's Running for President, 'Even Though I am Not a Politician'

Ben Carson Announces Candidacy for President

It looks like God is having his way with Ben Carson. Calling himself a "reluctant warrior" Sunday, the retired neurosurgeon and conservative star revealed that he's running for president, a decision he said he wouldn't make unless God told him to do it.

"I'm willing to be part of the equation and therefore, I'm announcing my candidacy for President of the United States of America," Carson, one of the world's most celebrated neurosurgeons told Jeff Barnd of WKRC Cincinnati Sunday. He is expected to make a formal announcement in Detroit, Michigan on Monday.

Freed Boko Haram Hostages Praise God for Rescue; Reveal Islamic Militants Stoned Women to Death, Reduced Children to 'Skeletal Bodies'

Tuesday 5, May 2015

Photo: Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde)

Women and children rescued from Islamist militant group Boko Haram in the Sambisa forest by the Nigerian military arrive at an internally displaced people's camp in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria, May 2, 2015.

 

By Stoyan Zaimov , Christian Post Reporter

 

Some of the nearly 700 hostages rescued from terror group Boko Haram last week following raids by the Nigerian army have spoken out about the horrific treatment they received. The captives revealed the Islamic militants stoned women to death as the army was approaching to rescue them, and reduced children to near "skeletal bodies" due to starvation.
"We just have to give praise to God that we are alive, those of us who have survived," 27-year-old Lami Musa told The Associated Press.

Our 'Greatest Hope' Is Not in Elected Officials but Corporations, Says T.D. Jakes

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image: data:im

  (The Christian Post)

In this file photo, Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter's House speaks at a pastors conference in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 10, 2008. Jakes will be hosting his first international MegaFest in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Oct. 11-12.

By Leonardo Blair , Christian Post Reporter

ORLANDO, Fla. — Megachurch pastor Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter's House in Dallas, Texas, charged Wednesday that it's corporations and not elected officials that represent "the greatest hope" in effecting change and development in underserved communities across America. He said, however, that they need to "add a moral component to money" to make it happen.

USCIRF Report Shows Islamic Countries Are Worst Violators of Religious Freedom; 12 Muslim-Majority Nations Top the List

A woman holds a placard during a march and rally in east London, December 13, 2013. They were participating in a rally organized by British Islamist Anjem Choudary condemning use of alcohol and promoting Shariah law.

By Anugrah Kumar , Christian Post Contributor

 

The annual report of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom shows that 12 of the 17 nations with the worst record of religious freedom are Islamic or Muslim-majority countries.

Opinion: Ethiopian Jews: Not Jewish enough

Discrimination has long been a problem in Israeli society - will these protests change anything? 

A wounded Israeli of Ethiopian origin during a protest against racism in Tel Aviv [EPA]

About the Author

Seth J Frantzman

Seth J Frantzman is a Jerusalem-based commentator on Middle East politics.

@Sfrantzman

Al-Jazeera

"My blood is good enough for army service, but not good enough after," shouted a woman at a line of riot police last Thursday in Jerusalem.
"My brother is in Golani [an army unit] and so was I, but I can't get a job; I face racism when I want to move into an apartment," said another man in Tel Aviv on Sunday night.
They were two voices out of thousands who turned out for two massive, unprecedented, and at times violent, protests against racism and police brutality in Israel. 

Israel must eliminate racism - PM Netanyahu

Mr Netanyahu met soldier Damas Pakedeh, who was beaten by two Israeli policemen 

Israel's prime minister has said racism in the country must be eliminated, after protests by Ethiopian Israelis against alleged discrimination.

Benjamin Netanyahu spoke after meeting Ethiopian Israeli community leaders and an Ethiopian Israeli soldier, whose beating by police has fuelled tensions.

Earthquake Turns Churches into Tombs

Monday 4, May 2015

Evangelicals bear brunt of Christian deaths.

Image: Anto Akkara

Catholic leader Paul Simick surveys wreckage of Pentecostal church in Kathmandu.

Anto Akkara in Kathmandu, Nepal / Morgan Lee, CT

Pledging to spread God's love "even though earthquakes come," a small evangelical church in Nepal completed on Saturday its worship song interrupted by last week's natural disaster.

The first-hand account from the International Mission Board is one of many reports surfacing of how Nepal's Christian minority is regrouping after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake collapsed many churches during their main weekly worship services.