Fla. Woman Dies While Fasting

A 55-year-old woman in central Florida died last month while locked away in her room fasting and praying.  The fast was to last one week but ultimately, it was a month before her family discovered her body.  Her husband, a Pentecostal preacher, wanted to respect her privacy and assumed her lengthy stay was her doing "what God called her to do."

For the record, the cause of death has NOT yet been determined.  Assuming her death came as a result of this practice, can one assume that "fasting" is a dangerous activity?  According to the American Cancer Society, fasting longer than five days can have serious negative impacts on the body.  In fact, it recommends that any fast more than week should be closely monitored and take place at a spa, resort, or a similar facility.  I know many churches that routinely practice monthlong fasts.  I don't know anyone that has passed away or have had serious negative effects to their bodies (that we know of).  Does that make it "safe?"

CDA2

Jihad Jane Looks Like My Neighbors

What do you do when your enemy looks like you, talks like you, and can infiltrate virtually any business or organization withing your borders?

Meet "Jihad Jane."  You read that correctly.  This isn't a soccer mom.  This isn't a white supremacist.  She's a recent convert to the radical side of Islam who is every "let's just strip search every Muslim looking..." person's worst nightmare.  She's being charged by federal authorities in a plot to kill on foreign soil, to provide material support to terrorists, and identity theft just to name a few.  She is accused of using her MySpace account to recruit others to her cause of helping "desperate" Muslim people and she even stated that she wanted to become a martyr.

So much for only checking people that "look Middle-Eastern" at the airports.


CDA2

Church Shooting in Richmond

Brazen is the word repeatedly used because it best describes this bold attack inside a church.  I am confident that the police will catch these monsters.  Hopefully, the judicial system will do its part and put them away for some time.  

Based on early reports, we will soon learn that the shooting was not random.  These thugs targeted this church, not for the purpose of a mass killing, but rather a particular victim(s) (after all, they were armed with one handgun between the three of them).

Many Christians believe churches are to accept just anyone as its members (the ole, "come as you are" mantra).  Would you be willing to accept this as one of your church's principles even if it puts you and the rest of your parishioners at risk?


CDA2

CBS May Air Gay Dating Ad During Super Bowl

There has been a backlash this week from critics over the airing of a Focus on The Family ad featuring former Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Tebow.  CBS agreed to air the un-seen, yet controversial, 30 second time slot during this year's Super Bowl.  Proponents for the ad argue that one 30 second ad, during a game that will feature hundreds of other advertisements isn't that big of a deal.

With rumors that CBS is considering airing an ad for a gay dating site for men, I wonder if both sides will begin to sing a different song when it's all said and done.

Sit back, grab your popcorn, and enjoy the hypocrisy!

CDA2

Saudi Girl Gets 90 Lashes

I am probably one of the biggest non-Muslim proponents of Muslims and Islam.  But as with many religions, there are a few things I do NOT understand.  In Saudi Arabia, a teenage girl was sentenced to two months in jail and 90 (yes, NINETY) lashes as punishment for bringing a camera phone to school.  A few years ago, 16 teenagers received 300-500 lashes for being aggressive with a teacher.  I suppose public floggings are better than punishments received for stealing, but it seems rather barbaric to me.



The United States fights for justice, democracy, and equal rights for all... when it's convenient or politically inspired.  Why does Saudi Arabia remain one of our major allies despite the fact that the majority of the 9/11 terrorists hailed from Saudi?

President Bush holding hands with a Saudi prince in 2003.

 

President Obama bowing before a Saudi king in 2009.

That's right... they are our "friends."

CDA2

Should Churches Be Taxed?

We just wrapped up morning service today.  My church service is similar to many others.  There are songs (sometimes more than others).  A few prayers.  A WONDERFUL message.  And there's the tithes/offerings portion (which I support).  I've thought about this in the past, and this thought crossed my mind again today: Should churches be exempt from paying taxes?