SUNDAY EDITION (14): "Christianity Today" WEEK-IN-REVIEW May 6, 2012 Iyyar 14, 5772

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May 6, 2012

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Photo by Mario Mihaljevic CHURCH GROWTH Nontraditional Believers Recover Christian Community Renewal in the post-war Balkans comes from outside the God box. Melody J. Wachsmuth in Zagreb, Croatia     Courtesy of Willow/Flicker.com NEWS Andy Stanley Sermon Illustration on Homosexuality Prompts Backlash Internet abuzz over Atlanta pastor's story of a gay couple at his church. Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra Courtesy of U.S. Department of State SPEAKING OUT Chai Ling on America's Latest China Disaster We let Chen Guangcheng down—along with his friends, family, and the women of China. Chai Ling FROM CT LIVEBLOG Methodists Uphold Policy that Calls Homosexuality 'Incompatible with Christian Teaching' Delegates left key votes on gay clergy and same-sex marriage to Friday Daniel Burke, Religion News Service CT CLASSIC The Living Bible Reborn: Tyndale's 50th Anniversary From the Living Bible to the New Living Translation. by John Wilson THIS IS OUR CITY Nature Nurture: A Nonprofit Transforming Youth through the Great Outdoors Blue Sky Fund, led by Lawson Wijesooriya, connects inner-city kids to Richmond's natural riches Mark Sprinkle FROM HER.MENEUTICS The Genealogy Gospel: Why We All Want to Know Our Family Tree Two new TV shows highlight our hunger to know where we come from. Caryn Rivadeneira FROM CT POLITICS Oklahoma Supreme Court: Personhood Amendment is Not OK The decision may be a bellwether for future court challenges. Tobin Grant  WRESTLING WITH ANGELS Defending Scripture. Literally. Not everything the Bible has to say should be literally interpreted. But that doesn't make it less powerful. Carolyn Arends   Methodists Uphold Policy that Calls Homosexuality ‘Incompatible with Christian Teaching’ Delegates left key votes on gay clergy and same-sex marriage to Friday Fate Uncertain for Chen, Blind Lawyer-Activist, in China Chen now seeks asylum in the US. Rep. Chris Smith to hold emergency hearing in Washington this afternoon. Christians to plead his case in Washington. United Methodists Vote to End Guaranteed Clergy Appointments  Clergy appointments have been guaranteed since the 1950s. Subscribe to this RSS Feed         Bearing Life in a Broken World: A Review of No Easy Choice Strengthened by her own story, Ellen Painter Dollar’s book explores the ethical dimensions of reproductive technology. The Genealogy Gospel: Why We All Want to Know Our Family Tree Two new TV shows highlight our hunger to know where we come from. Where Are All the Women Apologists?  Can I get a witness, sisters? Subscribe to this RSS Feed         Why Mitt Romney’s Upcoming Liberty Commencement Address Fits the University’s Past Speakers Romney will continue a long line of speakers who find common ground with Liberty on political issues. Oklahoma Supreme Court: Personhood Amendment is Not OK The decision may be a bellwether for future court challenges. White House Releases Public/Private Guidelines for Faith-based Groups  The 50-page report was issued Friday. Subscribe to this RSS Feed         'Broadway Is Having Its First Faith Moment' With 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' 'Godspell,' and more, marketing ramps up for people of faith Russell Crowe to Board the Ark Academy Award winner to play Noah in Darren Aronofsky's film of the same name Crabb, Grant Clean Up at Dove Awards Named Male and Female Vocalist the Year, respectively; Jamie-Grace Best New Artist Subscribe to this RSS Feed         [THURSDAY | 05.03.12] Chai Ling on America's Latest China Disaster Andy Stanley Sermon Illustration on Homosexuality Prompts Backlash [WEDNESDAY | 05.02.12] Defending Scripture. Literally. Artificial Grace: Why the Creation Needs Human Creativity [TUESDAY | 05.01.12] The Passion of George Harrison Furniture Fit for the Kingdom Quotation Marks [MONDAY | 04.30.12] Violence in Nigeria: Breaking the Country's Fatal Deadlock Subversive Kingdom [FRIDAY | 04.27.12] Discipling the Eyes Through Art in Worship Both Chastity and Contraception: A Sacred Compromise [THURSDAY | 04.26.12] Q & A: Nikki Haley on Faith, the 'War on Women,' and Why She Would Say No to VP Lecrae's 'Man Up' Mission to Address Father Absence     [THE LATEST] As More Charities Promote Matching Gifts, Donors Grow Skeptical of Campaign Pleas Wealthy patrons’ pledges to match gifts from others donors do seem to spur contributions and often help nonprofits raise larger sums. But because charities are so eager to call just about any giving opportunity a match or a challenge, the campaigns are starting to leave donors skeptical, say fundraising experts. (ECFA) Methodists reach across historic racial boundaries with communion pact (RNS) The predominantly white United Methodist Church and five historically black denominations -- after more than a decade of discussions -- have entered a full communion agreement. (RNS) Kentucky church sued over youth minister's deadly mistake Nobody would dispute that youth minister Derek Coulter committed a horribly irresponsible crime three years ago when he let a 13-year-old drive his SUV after a camp-out, resulting in an accident in which the boy died. But a jury will be asked to decide a more vexing question: Should the Big Springs Assembly of God church, Coulter’s former employer, be responsible for his misconduct and for Jamie’s death? Religious websites most prone to hackers Infected religious websites averaged 115 threats, most commonly fake anti-virus software, said Symantec. That was three times the rate of hosting and personal hosted websites and four-and-one-half times that of pornographic sites. (Associated Baptist Press) A glimpse inside the mind of Terry Jones, the Koran-burning pastor “Would you be willing to come to Malaysia and look into the faces of my family and tell them why you burned the Koran, if your action caused my death?” asked one of my companions, Daniel Ho, a Methodist pastor from Muslim-controlled Malaysia. Jones had no answer. (Brian C. Stiller) In Prison, Play With Trial at Its Heart Resonates “The Life of Jesus Christ,” with a cast of inmates, made its debut this weekend at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. (The New York Times) [TOP STORIES] State Supreme Court rules 'personhood' initiative petition void The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Monday ruled that an initiative petition to have personhood declared at conception is void and called the measure unconstitutional. As a result, it will not appear on the ballot. (Tulsa World) Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams to Resign at End of Year The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Rowan Williams, announced on Friday that he will step down at the end of year to take up a position as master of Cambridge University’s Magdalene College. (The New York Times) Dublin patron saint's heart stolen in cathedral raid Irish police puzzled by latest in series of bizarre thefts of religious artefacts from churches (The Independent) Washington may become first to require insurance to cover abortion At a time when many states are making it harder for women to get abortions, Washington state appears headed in the opposite direction. (Associated Press) Abortion investigation: Health Secretary Andrew Lansley to report clinics and doctors to police Doctors filmed agreeing to abortions based on gender; "I don't ask questions," doctor tells pregnant woman (The Telegraph) Schools work to balance gay, religious rights Dozens of colleges have scrutinized how on-campus Christian groups operate after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowed a law school to deny funding to a Christian group that would not admit gays. (Associated Press)     Nature Nurture: A Nonprofit Transforming Youth through the Great Outdoors Artificial Grace: Why the Creation Needs Human Creativity Furniture Fit for the Kingdom Lecrae's 'Man Up' Mission to Address Father Absence Where Are the Dads? Treating Richmond's Fatherless Epidemic Subscribe to this RSS Feed         Review: The Perfect Family Review: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Review: The Avengers Review: The Raven Subscribe to this RSS Feed Interview: Million Dollar Man Interview: Phil Madeira: 'Hymns for the Rest of Us' Review: Blown Away Review: Little Broken Hearts Subscribe to this RSS Feed

May 2012 Miracles in Mozambique: How Mama Heidi Reaches the Abandoned  The 'Monsters' Among Us: Child Sex Abusers in Our Midst  Works and Words: Why You Can't Preach the Gospel with Deeds Private Faith and Public Policy: Where Obama and Santorum Agree  [ VIEW CONTENTS ] SUBSCRIBE NOW SUBSCRIBE GIVE A GIFT DONATE Leadership Journal Walking Like Steve When my friend was diagnosed with a terminal illness, he taught me about dying, and living, well. Dan Cooley Acting Like Jesus An unlikely theatrical role enabled me to connect with unbelievers. Syler Thomas MORE | CURRENT ISSUE FREE Trial Issue SUBSCRIBE GIVE A GIFT DONATE             PREACHING TODAY Chuck Colson: God Used My Greatest Defeat... Chuck Colson, Sermon "The Gravy Train Gospel," PreachingToday.com     SEE ALL BRANDS MOST-READ SHARED COMMENTED Andy Stanley Sermon Illustration on Homosexuality Prompts Backlash The Passion of George Harrison Defending Scripture. Literally. Voice of the Martyrs' Tom White's Death an Apparent Suicide Following Molestation... The Avengers Christianity Today Direct Christianity Today Weekly Christianity Today Entertainment Email Address Full Name Zip/Postal Code Subscribe to the selected newsletters. more newsletters ... Christianbook.com Music CDs | Books | DVDs | Gifts |Downloads Bible Studies Christian History Leadership Training Small Group Resources How Africa Shaped The Christian Mind by Thomas Oden Reg: $17.00 Now: $11.99 Christian Theology by Millard Erickson Reg: $49.99 Now: $29.99 SEMINARY/GRAD SCHOOL COLLEGE GUIDE advanced search Or search by: Location School Name Program/Degree Affiliation List All Schools Helpful articles Education & Preparation Distance Learning Life in Ministry How to Pick a President CT eBooks Now: $4.99 Christ: The Center of the Gospel 5-Session CT Bible Study Now: $24.75 More CT Studies | Top Sellers | Samples Sponsored by Tyndale

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