The Oregon Faith Report - Faith News from Oregon

Oregon churches speak on Ground Zero Mosque

EMO speaks out on Cordoba Community Center and Mosque in New York
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) joins the National Council of Churches and Oregonian editorial writers and columnists to express our concern at the tenor of discourse in the past weeks around the building of the Cordoba Community Center and Mosque several blocks from Ground Zero in New York.

We do not believe that the building of this religious center is in any way intended to be disrespectful to those who died at the World Trade Center. On the contrary, opening our hearts and minds to the embrace of religious diversity and freedom of worship is a direct challenge to the intolerance and hatred that motivated the violence of 9/11.

Family behind Blind Side movie fame talk about giving

Oregon radio host Georgene Rice of KPDQ-FM interviewed  Sean Tuohy author of “In A Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving” and was featured in the movie, The Blind Side.

Rice: Why do you think your family’s story has captivated so many people?

Tuohy: It’s interesting, as we travel around, we are so lucky to come into contact with so many wonderful people. We’ll go to a conference and afterwards we say that we’ve met eight people who’s lives would have made a better movie…You start to feel humble and inadequate, that’s why we wrote the book…When you get down to it, it’s not anything more than what anyone else can do. We wanted to make sure that people knew is that you can’t get intimidated by the process there’s nothing too small that cannot help someone else…How this started was when my wife told me to turn to car around and go help this kid.  We challenge people in this book to do the same thing…It will change your life and it will be as fast as a heartbeat.

Homeschooling: Fastest-Growing Form of Education

Homeschooling: The Fastest-Growing Form of Education in the U.S.

It appears that in the U.S., homeschooling is the fastest-growing form of education, according to independent research conducted by organizations ranging from the National Home Education Research Institute (www.nheri.org), a nonprofit research and educational organization, to the federally funded National Center for Education Statistics (www.nces.ed.gov).

Let’s take a look at some of the evidence:

* “Homeschooling grew from 1.7% of the school age population in 1999 to 2.9% in 2007, a 74% relative increase over 8 years,” states Dr. Brian D. Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI).

* A 2008 study found that “an estimated 2.0 to 2.5 million K-12 children were home educated in the U.S. during mid-2008,” statistics that were also confirmed by NCES.

Eat, Pray, Love helps revive faith memoirs

By Steve Rabey
Religion News Service

(RNS) Believers have been writing about their spiritual journeys ever since St. Augustine invented the autobiography 16 centuries ago. Today, spiritual memoirs are enjoying a popular resurrection.

Exhibit A is Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love,” which describes Gilbert’s midlife meltdown and her subsequent yearlong global quest for food, salvation and sex. Published in 2006, the book has sold some 8 million copies.“I used to have this appetite for my life, and it is just gone,” says actress Julia Roberts, who plays Gilbert in the film adaptation that opens Friday (Aug. 13). “I want to go somewhere where I can marvel at something.”

Fans of Gilbert’s book will be among those watching for how the film handles the book’s creative take on two classic elements of spiritual memoirs: the inner quest for spiritual transformation and the outward pilgrimage to faraway places—in this case Italy (for food), India (to study and meditate with a guru) and Bali (for romance).

Local churches press Family Day to get everyone back to dinner table

Parishes encouraged to promote Family Day
By Portland Archdiocese

Parishes in the Archdiocese of Portland are being encouraged to promote Family Day. September 27 is the tenth anniversary of “Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with your Children.” This celebration was started in 2001 by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), which found that the more often children had dinner with their parents the less likely they were to use drugs or alcohol.

Ideas to help families celebrate Family Day include:

* Spending time with children having dinner together;

* Talking to children about their friends, interests and the dangers of drugs and alcohol;

* Listening to children and answering questions they might have on drugs, alcohol and tobacco;

* Recognizing that parents have the power to help keep their children substance abuse free.

Family-Faith Film Review: Takers

Family-Faith Film Review: Takers
By Catholic Office of Film and Broadcasting

Takers—Crime drama that devolves into a cliched exercise in gunfire, explosions and insipid dialogue. Director and co-writer John Luessenhop tells the story of a gang of five skilled thieves (Idris Elba, Paul Walker, Chris Brown, Michael Ealy and Hayden Christensen) joined, on his release from prison, by a former cohort (Tip “T.I.” Harris) with a plan for the highly engineered robbery of an armored truck. Giving chase is a grumpy Los Angeles police detective (Matt Dillon). Constant stylized gun violence, an instance of male rear nudity, and pervasive crude and fleeting profane and crass language.  A-III — adults. (PG-13) 2010.

Family-Faith Film Review: The Last Exorcism

Family-Faith Film Review: The Last Exorcism
By Catholic Office of Film and Broadcasting

The Last Exorcism—Middling fright fest about an evangelical minister and self-confessed charlatan (Patrick Fabian) who brings a film crew (led by Iris Bahr) along to document his final faked exorcism. But he gets more than he bargained for when the Louisiana farm girl (Ashley Bell) whose father (Louis Herthum) summoned him shows signs of genuine possession. While the gore factor is kept comparatively low in director Daniel Stamm’s gothic outing — which toys cleverly with the modern presumption that all phenomena can be explained scientifically — the preacher’s corrosive cynicism and the occult atmosphere by which he unexpectedly finds himself surrounded make this inappropriate for all but well-grounded and judicious adult viewers. Complex treatment of religion, sacrilegious activity, some gruesome images, at least two uses of profanity, brief sexual talk, and references to incest and homosexuality. L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. (PG-13) 2010

Poll shows Americans view of mosque debate

Majority Oppose Proposed Islamic Center and Mosque in NYC, But Support Mosque in Own Local Community
– Majority say former site of World Trade Center is ‘Sacred Ground’
By Public Religion Research Institute

WASHINGTON, D.C.—As the debate over building a Muslim community center and mosque in lower Manhattan rages on, new research from Public Religion Research Institute shows that a majority of Americans (56%) say that the former site of the World Trade Center is ’sacred ground,’ and 57% are opposed to allowing the proposed Islamic community center and mosque to be built two blocks away. However, three-in-four (76%) Americans—including majorities of religious groups across the spectrum—say they would support the building of a mosque in their own local community.

“Despite recent stories that seemed to indicate widespread opposition to mosques around the country, our survey shows Americans are making a distinction between the proposed Islamic community center and mosque in New York City and mosques in their local communities,” said Dr. Robert P. Jones, CEO of Public Religion Research Institute. “While a majority oppose the building in Manhattan, three-in-four Americans say they would support Muslims in their local communities building a mosque.”

Census riles 65% of Oregonians says poll

Oregon faith Report Online Poll,

Most Oregonians consider the Census process an uncomfortable experience according to an Oregon Faith Report online straw poll.   The question asked was “In filling out the 2010 census, did you feel comfortable/uncomfortable on the questions asked?” with 65% saying uncomfortable, 21% comfortable and 14% undecided.   This is terrible public relations nearly one out of five customers come away with a negative experience.

Church Girls Gone…Mild?

Church Girls Gone…Mild?
Paul Coughlin,
Oregon author of No More Christian Nice Girls

No book on the Christian Nice Girl problem would be complete without looking at how the church socializes girls and women.  Rather than trying to resolve every “hot button” doctrinal issue related to gender, such as whether women should serve as pastors, here’s a simple observation that rings true for many female believers: the “sugar and spice” expectations and pressures that women face are often even worse inside than outside the church’s walls.  Some churches don’t allow women to be involved in any form of leadership, unless it’s singing on the worship team or teaching children.  This means that the important insights and contributions available from women’s God-given, intuitive, empathetic minds are under-valued, unheard, and unheeded.  In other churches, when women are encouraged to be more assertive and expressive, it’s often highly compartmentalized.  Being animated and spirited is okay—but only during worship.  It’s good to be courageous—when sharing the gospel.  It’s right to be firm—when disciplining your children.

Family-Faith Film Review: The Switch

Family-Faith Film Review: The Switch
By Catholic Office of Film and Broadcasting

The Switch—Seven years after his unmarried best friend (Jennifer Aniston) conceived a son (Thomas Robinson) by artificial insemination, and left town to raise the boy, a successful but neurotic New York stock trader (Jason Bateman) reconnects with her. Struck by the parallels between his personality and the lad’s, he gradually recollects that, while drunk, he accidentally spilled the intended donor’s (Patrick Wilson) “contribution” down a bathroom sink. Then, in a panic, he substituted his own. The film showcases some of the tangled emotional complications brought about by severing conception from its divinely intended source and setting, the bond of marital love. But co-directors Will Speck and Josh Gordon’s frequently distasteful comedy of modern manners, adapted from Jeffrey Eugenides’ 1996 short story “Baster,” takes as a given of contemporary life its heroine’s right to engineer such a rupture. Lost in the moral confusion are touching scenes of paternal love and a fine comic turn by Jeff Goldblum as Bateman’s perpetually flustered business partner. Benign view of artificial insemination, off-screen masturbation, rear and blurred frontal nudity, much sexual humor, at least one use of the S-word, some crass language. O – morally offensive. (PG-13) 2010

Family-Faith Film Review: Lottery Ticket

Family-Faith Film Review: Lottery Ticket
By Catholic Office of Film and Broadcasting

Lottery Ticket—Broad comedy centers on a hardworking, good-natured 18-year-old (rapper Bow Wow) from an Atlanta housing project who wins the lottery but must survive a long holiday weekend before he can collect. He must evade the wiles of a menacing thug (Gbenga Akinnagbe) and a natty crime boss (Mike Epps) with the help of a retired boxer (Ice Cube) for whom he runs errands. Director Erik White’s efforts to bridge materialism and spiritual growth are awkward, and viewers seeking an entertaining and perceptive social satire will be disappointed. Nongraphic nonmarital sexual activity, much profanity, at least one use of the F-word, frequent crude and crass language, numerous sexual and contraception references and some violence. L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. (PG-13) 2010

Senator Merkley on mosque at ground zero

By Jeff Merkley
Oregonian guest letter

The debate swirling around the proposed mosque and Muslim community center in lower Manhattan near the World Trade Center site has, for many, tapped into strong emotions of a national trauma that is still raw. But in the churning political and constitutional arguments, one question has not been adequately addressed: what makes a mosque near ground zero offensive? Nearly everyone in this debate affirms the constitutional right for the mosque’s construction. Indeed, that right is a cherished founding principle. As Thomas Jefferson said, “The constitutional freedom of religion [is] the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights.” It is no accident that the right to worship in accordance with one’s own conscience is enshrined in the First Amendment.

TV debate over Ground Zero mosque. Imam and 911 firefighter

Student told to change beliefs to graduate

A Georgia University Orders Student to Change Her Christian Beliefs to Earn Degree.
By Oregon Family Council

In another blatant (and increasingly common) example of religious freedoms being assailed in the “land of the free”, a counseling student at Augusta State University in Georgia was told that her Christian beliefs were “unethical” and “incompatible with prevailing views” of the counseling profession. If we accept Augusta State University’s position, then it would be reasonable to assume that any Bible believing Christian, and by inference Jesus Himself, would be unfit to counsel.

Jennifer Keeton, age 23, was told to stop sharing her beliefs with others and to change her beliefs if she hoped to graduate from the University’s counseling program.

Pastor calls for national Facebook fast

Texas Church Leads Nat’l Facebook Fast, Wed. Aug. 25

Even though we’re more connected virtually than ever before, why do so many people feel increasingly disconnected from deep and rewarding relationships? One week from today, NYTimes bestselling authors and church leaders Kerry and Chris Shook — along with 20,000 members of their Woodlands Church near Houston — will begin to answer that question during the National Facebook Fast, a movement to disconnect from social media and any form of electronic communication — i.e. chatting on Facebook, tweeting, texting, e-mailing, cell phones, laptops, ipads, etc. — on Wednesday, August 25 and spend the day getting face-to-face in relationships.

Math competition bans homeschoolers

WASHINGTON, — Concerned Women for America has confirmed that Math Counts, a national math competition for teams and individual students in grades 6-8, will not allow homeschoolers to form teams and compete in the 2010-2011 school year.  The Math Counts board unanimously decided to exclude homeschoolers in response to a few situations in which “super teams” were formed by pulling certain gifted students from public schools and labeling them as homeschool teams.

Math Counts has provided unique opportunities for gifted students to compete and to shine.  The program is comparable to the National Spelling Bee.  Winners on a national level are rewarded and meet the president at the White House.

More view Obama as Muslim — Pew study

New Pew Research Center Survey Reveals Growing Number of Americans Who Say Barack Obama is a Muslim
Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life

Washington, D.C.—A new national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life finds that a substantial and growing number of Americans say that Barack Obama is a Muslim, while the proportion saying he is a Christian has declined. More than a year and a half into his presidency, a plurality of the public says they do not know what religion Obama follows.

According to the survey, nearly one-in-five Americans (18%) now say Obama is a Muslim—an increase from 11% in March 2009. Only about one-third of adults (34%) say Obama is a Christian, a sharp decrease from 48% in 2009. Fully 43% say they do not know what Obama’s religion is. The survey was completed in early August, before Obama’s recent comments about the proposed construction of a mosque near the site of the former World Trade Center.

God-n-Sports: Fasting footballer, Holy Hockey, Tebow hits #3

Religion in Sports: NFL player fasts during practice to honor Ramadan, Tim Tebow tops athlete ratings, plus Hockey star  Kane shares his faith
By Oregon Faith News Notes:

1. Footballer Abdullah fasts during Ramadan
2. Tim Tebow hits #3 most popular athlete
3. Hockey star Patrick Kane shares his faith

1. Husain Abdullah shuns food, water during practice

Minnesota Vikings football player Husain Abdullah in honor of Ramadan is going through football practice without food and water!   This is without food and water for the entire day while the sun is out.  Abdulah told the Associated Press, “I’m putting nothing before God, nothing before my religion,” Abdullah said. “This is something I choose to do, not something I have to do. So I’m always going to fast.”   His plan to avoid complications is by eating a big meal and consuming protein shakes before sunrise . More on this story from Yahoo sports here.

2. Tim Tebow fame rises

Tim Tebow is starting his new National Football League career with the Denver and already he has been placed Tim Tebow as the 3rd most influential athlete in America by E-Poll Market research.  They called his appeal “unprecedented”.  This is the player who when he wrote “John 3:16″ on his face during a game Google surged with 92 million search word requests for “John 3:16″  One Florida newspaper mentioned this week that Tim Tebow stories are the number one viewed sports article (article here).  Earlier this year he was featured in a Super Bowl ad for Focus on the Family.  Expect a great season for this outspoken athlete of faith.

3. Hockey star Patrick Kane shares his faith

Hockey star Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks has been in the news this summer.  He helped his team win Hockey’s ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup.  He is also becomming  known for his faith and his compassion.