I will be traveling for the next few days, so posting at Republic of Gilead will resume next week.
CBS News: "Ten Commandments Judge" Roy Moore to run for president
CNN: Gingrich fears "atheist country ... dominated by radical Islamists"
Beliefnet: Bishops Push Back on Allowing Gay Couples in Housing
Edge Boston: Is Religious Right Conceding on Gay Rights Issues?
Pennlive: Rick Santorum: Social Security fund would be OK if there were fewer abortions
Iowa Independent: Controversial videographer to headline Iowa anti-abortion event
Texas Independent: State-funded pregnancy center conflates religious, educational material
NECN: 'Abstinence only' sex ed in North Dakota schools approved
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Commentary Tidbits
WITF Smart Talk: The Myth of American Religious Freedom
Talk to Action: What the Left Behind Series Really Means
Arkansas Times: Ronnie Floyd and the Gay Menace
Alternet: Christian Intruders: New Law Will Force Women to Listen to Religious Lectures Before Getting an Abortion
Religion Dispatches: Crisis Pregnancy Centers and Obama's Faith-Based Initiative
RH Reality Check: Leslee Unruh: The Queen of Ab-Only and CPCs Now Leads Anti-Choice Efforts in South Dakota
Talk to Action: What the Left Behind Series Really Means
Arkansas Times: Ronnie Floyd and the Gay Menace
Alternet: Christian Intruders: New Law Will Force Women to Listen to Religious Lectures Before Getting an Abortion
Religion Dispatches: Crisis Pregnancy Centers and Obama's Faith-Based Initiative
RH Reality Check: Leslee Unruh: The Queen of Ab-Only and CPCs Now Leads Anti-Choice Efforts in South Dakota
Protest Against Social Transformation Conference this Saturday
The upcoming Social Transformation Conference at Harvard University has drawn controversy, given that several scheduled presenters have made anti-gay and anti-Islamic statements in the past. To boot, this new expose video by Bruce Wilson of Talk to Action claims that two speakers -- Os Hillman and Pat Francis -- have ties to Julius Oyet, an anti-gay Ugandan religious leader who says he helped write Uganda's draconian anti-gay bill.
In response, Truth Wins Out plans to run a full-page ad in the Harvard Crimson to raise awareness of the speakers' extreme ideas. Truth Wins Out and Join the Impact Massachusetts are also co-sponsoring a protest against the Social Transformation Conference this Saturday, April 2nd at noon at Harvard University's Northwest Science Building (52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA). Visit their respective websites for additional updates as the date approaches.
In response, Truth Wins Out plans to run a full-page ad in the Harvard Crimson to raise awareness of the speakers' extreme ideas. Truth Wins Out and Join the Impact Massachusetts are also co-sponsoring a protest against the Social Transformation Conference this Saturday, April 2nd at noon at Harvard University's Northwest Science Building (52 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA). Visit their respective websites for additional updates as the date approaches.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Reflections on Fukushima and Three Mile Island
Today marks the 32nd anniversary of the Three Mile Island disaster in Middletown, PA. On this date in 1979, a partial nuclear core meltdown occurred in TMI's Unit 2 reactor, resulting in the greatest nuclear plant disaster in U.S. history.
Early this morning, I attended a vigil near the Three Mile Island facility sponsored by No Nukes PA, Three Mile Island Alert, and Academics for a Nuclear Free Future (ANUFF). Vigil attendees mourned the TMI disaster, called for an end to nuclear power, and expressed solidarity with the people of Japan amidst the nuclear crisis in Fukushima. Demonstrators held candles and anti-nuclear signs, while votive candles, flowers, and origami cranes sat on the ground at our feet. At 3:53 a.m. (the approximate time when the crisis began on March 28th, 1979), vigil attendees held a moment of silence. A video of local news coverage is below. (Click here if you're having trouble viewing the video.)
Others around the world are marking the TMI disaster alongside Fukushima crisis as well. South Korean environmental activists also staged a rally today to mark the 32nd anniversary of the TMI disaster. Speaking events comparing TMI and Fukushima are scheduled for tonight as well.
What motivates these anti-nuclear is the belief that societies can learn from past mistakes and prevent future nuclear catastrophes. In other words, a belief in human responsibility lies at the core of these efforts. People would not speak out against the potential dangers of nuclear power unless they believed that society could move away from nuclear power and toward safer, renewable sources of energy. Good decisions by leaders, energy industry professionals, and citizens can prevent future disasters and cultivate a safer world.
Thus, it disappoints me when some fundamentalists blame Japan's catastrophes on God's wrath over alleged impious behavior, divine withdrawal of protection, or associate them with demonic influences (as this YouTube video does, assuming it is not a Poe). When we blame problems on supernatural causes, we erase our own responsibility to prevent those problems through concrete measures. The Fukushima crisis will not be solved through superstition, but through the dedication, sacrifice, and ingenuity of everyone working on the crisis. Future nuclear crises will not be prevented through superstition, but through practical human efforts.
On the 32nd anniversary of TMI, as the crisis in Fukushima rages, let's honor those who are working diligently to bring the disaster under control. Let's also honor those who are striving for a safer future beyond nuclear power.
 |
| Protest sign at this year's TMI vigil |
Early this morning, I attended a vigil near the Three Mile Island facility sponsored by No Nukes PA, Three Mile Island Alert, and Academics for a Nuclear Free Future (ANUFF). Vigil attendees mourned the TMI disaster, called for an end to nuclear power, and expressed solidarity with the people of Japan amidst the nuclear crisis in Fukushima. Demonstrators held candles and anti-nuclear signs, while votive candles, flowers, and origami cranes sat on the ground at our feet. At 3:53 a.m. (the approximate time when the crisis began on March 28th, 1979), vigil attendees held a moment of silence. A video of local news coverage is below. (Click here if you're having trouble viewing the video.)
Others around the world are marking the TMI disaster alongside Fukushima crisis as well. South Korean environmental activists also staged a rally today to mark the 32nd anniversary of the TMI disaster. Speaking events comparing TMI and Fukushima are scheduled for tonight as well.
What motivates these anti-nuclear is the belief that societies can learn from past mistakes and prevent future nuclear catastrophes. In other words, a belief in human responsibility lies at the core of these efforts. People would not speak out against the potential dangers of nuclear power unless they believed that society could move away from nuclear power and toward safer, renewable sources of energy. Good decisions by leaders, energy industry professionals, and citizens can prevent future disasters and cultivate a safer world.
Thus, it disappoints me when some fundamentalists blame Japan's catastrophes on God's wrath over alleged impious behavior, divine withdrawal of protection, or associate them with demonic influences (as this YouTube video does, assuming it is not a Poe). When we blame problems on supernatural causes, we erase our own responsibility to prevent those problems through concrete measures. The Fukushima crisis will not be solved through superstition, but through the dedication, sacrifice, and ingenuity of everyone working on the crisis. Future nuclear crises will not be prevented through superstition, but through practical human efforts.
On the 32nd anniversary of TMI, as the crisis in Fukushima rages, let's honor those who are working diligently to bring the disaster under control. Let's also honor those who are striving for a safer future beyond nuclear power.
Talk to Action's Expose on the Social Transformation Conference
Bruce Wilson at Talk to Action recently penned a hard-hitting commentary on the Social Transformation Conference scheduled for April 1-2 at Harvard University. The conference is being billed as a discussion on the role of faith communities in social change, but a quick look at the conference speakers suggests a more fundamentalist tone to the event. Several of the speakers -- including Pat Francis, Lance Wallnau, and Os Tillman -- herald from the New Apostolic Reformation movement and embrace troubling ideas about the LGBT community and non-Christian religions (namely Islam and "witchcraft").
Sunday, March 27, 2011
News Tidbits
The Advocate: Huckabee: Fight Gay Marriage, Even if it Costs You Your Job
American Independent: Group asks high-profile conservatives to answer for Bryan Fischer's anti-Muslim comments
CNN: "Good Against Evil" in Iowa
Christian Post: Most Evangelicals Blame Disasters on End Times, Poll Finds
Northwestern University News Center: Religious Young Adults Become Obese By Middle Age
American Independent: Group asks high-profile conservatives to answer for Bryan Fischer's anti-Muslim comments
CNN: "Good Against Evil" in Iowa
Christian Post: Most Evangelicals Blame Disasters on End Times, Poll Finds
Northwestern University News Center: Religious Young Adults Become Obese By Middle Age
Commentary Tidbits
Talking Points Memo: "Creationist Theme Park" Group Prez Accused of "Ungodly" Remarks
Daily Kos: “Rediscovering God in America” Conference told Jesus hates Minimum Wage & Estate Tax
365 Gay: Gay Marriage and Abortion Aren't the Problem
DNA: Evangelical Christianity: Devils in High Places
Salon: I Preached Against Homosexuality, but I Was Wrong
Right Wing Watch: Bryan Fischer Interviews Newt Gingrich
RH Reality Check: Every Sperm Is Your Brother
Daily Kos: “Rediscovering God in America” Conference told Jesus hates Minimum Wage & Estate Tax
365 Gay: Gay Marriage and Abortion Aren't the Problem
DNA: Evangelical Christianity: Devils in High Places
Salon: I Preached Against Homosexuality, but I Was Wrong
Right Wing Watch: Bryan Fischer Interviews Newt Gingrich
RH Reality Check: Every Sperm Is Your Brother
Quotes from the Conservative Principles PAC Conference
On Saturday, March 26th, the Conservative Principles Political Action Committee held a day-long conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Featuring prominent conservative figures such as Newt Gingrich, Michelle Bachman, and Rep. Steve King, as well as representatives of right-wing organizations such as the National Organization for Marriage, Family Research Council, and Susan B. Anthony List, the gathering was infused with conservative themes. For your edification, below are a few quotes from the Conservative Principles PAC conference. (To watch C-SPAN's video recording of the event, click here.)
Saturday, March 26, 2011
News Tidbits
Philadelphia Weekly: Anti-Abortion Radicals Coming to Philly
Reuters: Vatican tells U.N. that critics of gays under attack
The Advocate: New York Archbishop Compares Marriage Equality to Incest
The Advocate: Chick-fil-A's $1 Million Antigay History
Anchorage Daily News: Sex outside marriage should be illegal, says Parnell nominee
Iowa Independent: Sioux City pastor: ‘It’s not about hate, it’s about natural law’
BBC News: Religion may become extinct in nine nations, study says
American Independent: Michele Bachmann goes on Bryan Fischer’s show after he claims Muslims have no First Amendment rights
USA Today: Poll: Most in U.S., except evangelicals, see no divine sign in disasters
Minnesota Independent: Watchdog group sends letter to Senate leaders over Campbell prayer
Pink News: Christian publisher forced to cancel launch of ‘gay cure’ book/
Womens eNews: Anti-Choice Religious Bloc Began With Tax Battle
CBS New York: Controversial Anti-Abortion Fliers Spark Campus Outrage
Reuters: Vatican tells U.N. that critics of gays under attack
The Advocate: New York Archbishop Compares Marriage Equality to Incest
The Advocate: Chick-fil-A's $1 Million Antigay History
Anchorage Daily News: Sex outside marriage should be illegal, says Parnell nominee
Iowa Independent: Sioux City pastor: ‘It’s not about hate, it’s about natural law’
BBC News: Religion may become extinct in nine nations, study says
American Independent: Michele Bachmann goes on Bryan Fischer’s show after he claims Muslims have no First Amendment rights
USA Today: Poll: Most in U.S., except evangelicals, see no divine sign in disasters
Minnesota Independent: Watchdog group sends letter to Senate leaders over Campbell prayer
Pink News: Christian publisher forced to cancel launch of ‘gay cure’ book/
Womens eNews: Anti-Choice Religious Bloc Began With Tax Battle
CBS New York: Controversial Anti-Abortion Fliers Spark Campus Outrage
Commentary Tidbits
Christian Ethics Today: Why the Religious Right Will Dominate
People for the American Way: How Not to Respond to Political Bullies: Lessons from the Smithsonian’s Response to the Manufactured Right-Wing Controversy Over Hide/Seek
Akimbo: Conservatives Target Women and Girls at UN’s 55th Commission on the Status of Women
Politics Plus: The Jewish Alternative to AIPAC
God Discussion: Christian Dominionists Plan to Transform the World During "4/14 Window" by Focusing Prayers on Children
Talk to Action: Japan's Disaster Is Goldmine for "Armageddon Entrepreneurs"
Talk to Action: NAR Apostles' Brand of "Transformation" to be Promoted at Conference at Harvard
RH Reality Check: What Are They Doing Out There? Misguided, Sometimes Dangerous "Prayer Warriors" Abrogate Human Rights
Religion Dispatches: Hypocritical Freakout Over Shari'ah, But Not Biblical Law
Media Matters: Beck: Islam's 12th Imam "Really Is The Biblical Antichrist"
Right Wing Watch: FRC Outraged That US Opposes The Criminalization Of Homosexuality
Feministing: Not Oprah’s Book Club: The Flipside of Feminism
Mother Jones: 9 Bills That Would Put Creationism in the Classroom
People for the American Way: How Not to Respond to Political Bullies: Lessons from the Smithsonian’s Response to the Manufactured Right-Wing Controversy Over Hide/Seek
Akimbo: Conservatives Target Women and Girls at UN’s 55th Commission on the Status of Women
Politics Plus: The Jewish Alternative to AIPAC
God Discussion: Christian Dominionists Plan to Transform the World During "4/14 Window" by Focusing Prayers on Children
Talk to Action: Japan's Disaster Is Goldmine for "Armageddon Entrepreneurs"
Talk to Action: NAR Apostles' Brand of "Transformation" to be Promoted at Conference at Harvard
RH Reality Check: What Are They Doing Out There? Misguided, Sometimes Dangerous "Prayer Warriors" Abrogate Human Rights
Religion Dispatches: Hypocritical Freakout Over Shari'ah, But Not Biblical Law
Media Matters: Beck: Islam's 12th Imam "Really Is The Biblical Antichrist"
Right Wing Watch: FRC Outraged That US Opposes The Criminalization Of Homosexuality
Feministing: Not Oprah’s Book Club: The Flipside of Feminism
Mother Jones: 9 Bills That Would Put Creationism in the Classroom
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Lou Engle, Race, and Abortion at Firestorm 2011
Life Center Ministries in Harrisburg, PA held its Firestorm 2011 revival on March 2-5, with Lou Engle among its inspirational speakers. Engle, a prominent New Apostolic Reformation speaker, is the founder of TheCall and a member of the International House of Prayer leadership team. Known for his opposition to abortion and homosexuality, Engle has drawn controversy for promoting homophobia in Uganda, where a draconian anti-gay bill is being considered by Ugandan parliament. Although I could not attend Firestorm 2011 myself, I secured a DVD recording of Lou Engel's March 4th talk, which was heavily laden with messages about abortion, gender, and race.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Commentary Tidbits
Dispatches from the Culture Wars: The Real Fundie Lesson of the Japanese Earthquake
Right Wing Watch: So Much for the New Scott Lively
The Faith Divide: Christian Right's Attack on Rights
Tikkun: Christian Right Calls Christian Left "A Rising Power"
George's Blog at Jamaicans: The "White Sepulchres" of the Religious Right
Right Wing Watch: So Much for the New Scott Lively
The Faith Divide: Christian Right's Attack on Rights
Tikkun: Christian Right Calls Christian Left "A Rising Power"
George's Blog at Jamaicans: The "White Sepulchres" of the Religious Right
News Tidbits
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Arlington lawmaker's bill would protect questioners of evolution
Statesville Record & Landmark: Huckabee: Leaders Need Biblical Worldview/
CBC: Florist refuses to outfit same-sex couple's wedding
Washington Post: Ohio, Florida police recommended charges in case of runaway Muslim-to-Christian convert
The Advocate: Ex-Gay App Draws 90,000 Complaints (And Counting)
365 Gay: Growing evangelical clout shaping debate
San Diego Gay and Lesbian News: Uganda lawmakers to revive “Kill the Gays” bill
Statesville Record & Landmark: Huckabee: Leaders Need Biblical Worldview/
CBC: Florist refuses to outfit same-sex couple's wedding
Washington Post: Ohio, Florida police recommended charges in case of runaway Muslim-to-Christian convert
The Advocate: Ex-Gay App Draws 90,000 Complaints (And Counting)
365 Gay: Growing evangelical clout shaping debate
San Diego Gay and Lesbian News: Uganda lawmakers to revive “Kill the Gays” bill
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Comic Relief for the End Times
Sometimes, all the apocalyptic rhetoric coming from right-wing commentators and end times preachers gets annoying. For comic relief, here is some apocalyptic humor from Tallahassee comedian Hearty White.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Commentary Tidbits
Think Progress: Family Research Council Blames Unmarried Fathers, Postmodernism for Child Sex Trafficking
Think Progress: Jim DeMint's Theory of Relativity: "The Bigger Government Gets, the Smaller God Gets"
Right Wing Watch: Glenn Beck: Religious Right Friend or Foe?
Media Matters: Beck On Japan Earthquake: "There's A Message Being Sent" From God
Religion Dispatches: Jesus Hates Taxes: Biblical Capitalism Created Fertile Anti-Union Soil
RH Reality Check: Anti-Choice Forces Adopt In-Your-Face Tactics and the Danger to Women is Real
Box Turtle Bulletin: Christianity Today: 2009 Kampala Anti-Gay Conference Goals Were “Therapeutic”
Mother Jones: Gingrich Courts Incendiary Pastor Renounced by McCain in '08
Talk to Action: Rushdoony's Theocratic Libertarianism at Work in the Nation's Statehouses
Psychology Today: "E Pluribus Unum" becomes controversial
(Hat tip to Freak Out Nation)
Think Progress: Jim DeMint's Theory of Relativity: "The Bigger Government Gets, the Smaller God Gets"
Right Wing Watch: Glenn Beck: Religious Right Friend or Foe?
Media Matters: Beck On Japan Earthquake: "There's A Message Being Sent" From God
Religion Dispatches: Jesus Hates Taxes: Biblical Capitalism Created Fertile Anti-Union Soil
RH Reality Check: Anti-Choice Forces Adopt In-Your-Face Tactics and the Danger to Women is Real
Box Turtle Bulletin: Christianity Today: 2009 Kampala Anti-Gay Conference Goals Were “Therapeutic”
Mother Jones: Gingrich Courts Incendiary Pastor Renounced by McCain in '08
Talk to Action: Rushdoony's Theocratic Libertarianism at Work in the Nation's Statehouses
Psychology Today: "E Pluribus Unum" becomes controversial
(Hat tip to Freak Out Nation)
News Tidbits
The Baltimore Sun: Prayer Service at City School Called Improper
Des Moines Register: Gay marriage critics rally in Des Moines
Newser: Evangelicals Slam New Gender-Neutral Bible
CNN: House panel considers 'In God We Trust'
Uganda Pulse: Ugandan MPs to discuss anti homosexuality bill
GoErie.com: Racist language targeted in Alabama Constitution
Washington Examiner: Religious objections kill Maryland gay-marriage bill
The Tennessean: Nashville's anti-gay discrimination bill divides clergy
WDBJ 7: Students walk out of high school to bring Ten Commandments back in
CBS: Gingrich sends $150K to Iowa through aide's group
Texas Independent: Nearly all of Texas’ anti-abortion subcontractors are Christian groups
Minnesota Independent: Pastor who gave controversial Senate prayer bought anti-Muslim ads
The Advocate: Antigay Forces Run for El Paso Council
The Advocate: Michigan AG Supports Antigay EMU Student
Newsday: Hundreds of worshippers dying as West African churches ban HIV and AIDS medication
San Francisco Chronicle: Man arrested in attacks on California clinic, mosque
Beliefnet: Court Rejects Mother's Religious Home-School Arguments
Pennlive: Pennsylvania man stoned friend to death because of homosexuality, police say
Des Moines Register: Gay marriage critics rally in Des Moines
Newser: Evangelicals Slam New Gender-Neutral Bible
CNN: House panel considers 'In God We Trust'
Uganda Pulse: Ugandan MPs to discuss anti homosexuality bill
GoErie.com: Racist language targeted in Alabama Constitution
Washington Examiner: Religious objections kill Maryland gay-marriage bill
The Tennessean: Nashville's anti-gay discrimination bill divides clergy
WDBJ 7: Students walk out of high school to bring Ten Commandments back in
CBS: Gingrich sends $150K to Iowa through aide's group
Texas Independent: Nearly all of Texas’ anti-abortion subcontractors are Christian groups
Minnesota Independent: Pastor who gave controversial Senate prayer bought anti-Muslim ads
The Advocate: Antigay Forces Run for El Paso Council
The Advocate: Michigan AG Supports Antigay EMU Student
Newsday: Hundreds of worshippers dying as West African churches ban HIV and AIDS medication
San Francisco Chronicle: Man arrested in attacks on California clinic, mosque
Beliefnet: Court Rejects Mother's Religious Home-School Arguments
Pennlive: Pennsylvania man stoned friend to death because of homosexuality, police say
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The King Hearings Stir Heated Discussion about Islam in America
On Thursday, March 10th, the Congressional Committee on Homeland Security held the first in a series of hearings on the radicalization of Muslims in America, led by Rep. Peter King (R-New York). At a time when several states are considering legislative bans on Shariah law, mosques and Islamic community center projects are meeting with strong resistance, and aggressive anti-Islam rallies have drawn national attention, the King hearings have been interpreted by many progressives as another attack on Muslim Americans. However, Rep. King insisted that the hearings are meant to "inform and not to inflame", highlighting several prominent cases of extremist radicalization in the U.S. (To watch the hearings, visit the C-SPAN archive here.)
Sunday, March 13, 2011
News Tidbits
Pink News: Christian foster couple want ‘political intervention’ in gay equality laws
Baltimore Sun: National anti-gay marriage group commits $1 million
TB News Watch: Students sent home for pro-choice gesture
The Morning Call: Girl sues school district over Christmas party invitations
Pennlive: Westboro Baptist Church plans to picket funeral for seven dead Perry County siblings
KSDK.com: Nathan Phelps tells Clayton crowd his father believes the things he says
Baltimore Sun: National anti-gay marriage group commits $1 million
TB News Watch: Students sent home for pro-choice gesture
The Morning Call: Girl sues school district over Christmas party invitations
Pennlive: Westboro Baptist Church plans to picket funeral for seven dead Perry County siblings
KSDK.com: Nathan Phelps tells Clayton crowd his father believes the things he says
Commentary Tidbits
Jews on First: Christian Zionists' Night to Honor Israel in Albuquerque
St. Louis Today: Chick-fil-A president's appearance canceled at request of pro-diversity group
Religion Dispatches: Record Number of Stealth Creationism Bills Introduced in 2011
Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters: Should Christians be allowed to discriminate on the basis of personal beliefs?
Truth Wins Out: Janet Boynes Ministries Is a Big Gay Joke
Right Wing Watch: Sarah Palin to Share Stage With Lila Rose
RH Reality Check: Randall Terry's Campaign Platform
St. Louis Today: Chick-fil-A president's appearance canceled at request of pro-diversity group
Religion Dispatches: Record Number of Stealth Creationism Bills Introduced in 2011
Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters: Should Christians be allowed to discriminate on the basis of personal beliefs?
Truth Wins Out: Janet Boynes Ministries Is a Big Gay Joke
Right Wing Watch: Sarah Palin to Share Stage With Lila Rose
RH Reality Check: Randall Terry's Campaign Platform
Saturday, March 12, 2011
When Disaster Strikes, the Blame Game Begins (UPDATED)
Recently, I was struck by several articles involving religion and natural disasters. First, in her commentary at Religion Dispatches, Anthea Bulter reflects on religious conversations via Twitter that attribute the 8.9 earthquake in Japan to God's wrath. Second, Right Wing Watch reports that Chuck Pierce described Japan as a "stronghold of spiritism" and its recent earthquake as a message from God. KVIA 7 reports that El PAso city council candidate Malcolm McGregor III said the Japanese earthquake was a possible curse from God. Generals International preacher Cindy Jacobs claimed that God is using the earthquake to pierce the "darkness" surrounding the Japanese people, according to Truth Wins Out. Finally, Pink Paper reports that an American church is preaching that the New Zealand Christchurch quake is God's retribution against gays and lesbians. In the face of disasters, why is it that some observers respond with compassion, while others respond with victim-blaming?
I've noticed that some high-profile fundamentalist Christians have reacted to tragedies by blaming either the victims or a despised group for inciting God's fury. No introduction is needed for the Westboro Baptist Church, whose members cite everything from military casualties to private horrors as evidence of God's disgust with America's alleged immorality. However, other high-profile fundamentalists have blamed victims or despised groups for tragedies, earning them endless controversy.
For example, shortly after the September 11th attacks, Jerry Falwell appeared on The 700 Club and insisted that the ACLU, feminists, pagans, abortion providers, and gays helped the tragedy happen. 700 Club host Pat Robertson concurred. Falwell later backtracked on this statement.
Pat Robertson himself has made controversial statements about disaster victims as well. Following the 7.0 earthquake that devastated Haiti in January 2010, Robertson attributed Haiti's misfortune to a supposed "pact to the devil" that their ancestors made.
I've noticed that some high-profile fundamentalist Christians have reacted to tragedies by blaming either the victims or a despised group for inciting God's fury. No introduction is needed for the Westboro Baptist Church, whose members cite everything from military casualties to private horrors as evidence of God's disgust with America's alleged immorality. However, other high-profile fundamentalists have blamed victims or despised groups for tragedies, earning them endless controversy.
For example, shortly after the September 11th attacks, Jerry Falwell appeared on The 700 Club and insisted that the ACLU, feminists, pagans, abortion providers, and gays helped the tragedy happen. 700 Club host Pat Robertson concurred. Falwell later backtracked on this statement.
Pat Robertson himself has made controversial statements about disaster victims as well. Following the 7.0 earthquake that devastated Haiti in January 2010, Robertson attributed Haiti's misfortune to a supposed "pact to the devil" that their ancestors made.
"They were under the heel of the French, you know Napoleon the third and whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said 'We will serve you if you will get us free from the prince.' True story. And so the devil said, 'Ok it's a deal.' And they kicked the French out. The Haitians revolted and got something themselves free. But ever since they have been cursed by one thing after another."White House spokesman Robert Gibbs called Robertson's comments "stupid."
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Commentary Tidbits
Friendly Atheist: Lake Zurich School Board Candidates Retract Pro-Creationism Statements
Media Matters: After Shootings, Does Pat Robertson Still Support Recalcitrant Ivory Coast Leader?
Right Wing Watch: Religious Right Group Says Anti-Bullying Programs Will "Homosexualize" Children
Talk to Action: Huck Run Amok: The Hysterical Harangues of a Hapless Huckabee
Salon: NPR sting also nets ... Pamela Geller?
Truth Wins Out: Hate Comes to Harvard
Media Matters: After Shootings, Does Pat Robertson Still Support Recalcitrant Ivory Coast Leader?
Right Wing Watch: Religious Right Group Says Anti-Bullying Programs Will "Homosexualize" Children
Talk to Action: Huck Run Amok: The Hysterical Harangues of a Hapless Huckabee
Salon: NPR sting also nets ... Pamela Geller?
Truth Wins Out: Hate Comes to Harvard
News Tidbits
Pink News: UK: David Cameron says Christians should be ‘tolerant’ of homosexuality
Yahoo News: Soldiers Wrongly Punished for Skipping Concert
Beaver County Times: Dueling Rallies on Abortion at Atlmire's Office
The American Independent: Reps. Pence, Jordan: House must insist on provision to defund Planned Parenthood
American Independent: Ralph Reed says gay marriage not an issue for 2012 Republicans – because they’re all equally against it
Minnesota Independent: GOP bill seeks to condemn UN children’s rights treaty
Colorado Independent: Religious right calls for tough love in denouncing civil unions legislation
Florida Independent: Catholics for Choice: Jacksonville mayoral candidate using ‘rhetoric of violence’
The Advocate: Santorum's 180 on Legal Gay Sex?
The Advocate: Chuck Norris Thinks Schools Are Too Gay
Yahoo News: Soldiers Wrongly Punished for Skipping Concert
Beaver County Times: Dueling Rallies on Abortion at Atlmire's Office
The American Independent: Reps. Pence, Jordan: House must insist on provision to defund Planned Parenthood
American Independent: Ralph Reed says gay marriage not an issue for 2012 Republicans – because they’re all equally against it
Minnesota Independent: GOP bill seeks to condemn UN children’s rights treaty
Colorado Independent: Religious right calls for tough love in denouncing civil unions legislation
Florida Independent: Catholics for Choice: Jacksonville mayoral candidate using ‘rhetoric of violence’
The Advocate: Santorum's 180 on Legal Gay Sex?
The Advocate: Chuck Norris Thinks Schools Are Too Gay
"Pray Away the Gay?" on OWN
On Tuesday evening at 10 p.m. Eastern, OWN presented an edition of Our America with Lisa Ling that discussed Christian "ex-gay" ministries. Not only did Ling bring attention to a worrisome movement, but she incorporated multiple voices into the show in a respectful manner, without neglecting the controversies surrounding "ex-gay" programs.
The episode began with scenes from the 35th Exodus International Freedom Conference, where Exodus president Alan Chambers acknowledged that the ex-gay ministry offered no guarantees. "What if your feelings never change?" he asked the audience. "Will you still serve Him?" Chambers insisted that God "created us for something better" than homosexuality.
In a one-on-one talk with Ling, Chambers said that while he still struggles with same-sex attraction, he had resisted the "power" that those "fleeting temptations" had over him before. He claims that he is now living his life through the "filter of faith" instead of the "filter of sexuality." Chambers told Ling that he did not say homosexuality was wrong, God did. Reflecting on the six passages in the Bible that address homosexuality, Ling wondered if the Bible was a "moral compass" or an iron-clad cage.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Commentary Tidbits
Freak Out Nation: Conservative Pundits Call Glenn Beck “Disturbing”
Religion Dispatches: Hagee and Others See End Times in North African Revolutions
Box Turtle Bulletin: Scott Lively Warns of "Outbreak of Homosexuality" in Moldova, Part of a "Secret Plan by the Homosexual Powers of the EU"
365 Gay: Love, marriage – and hate
Huffington Post: Why Evangelicals Hate Jesus
Religion Dispatches: Hagee and Others See End Times in North African Revolutions
Box Turtle Bulletin: Scott Lively Warns of "Outbreak of Homosexuality" in Moldova, Part of a "Secret Plan by the Homosexual Powers of the EU"
365 Gay: Love, marriage – and hate
Huffington Post: Why Evangelicals Hate Jesus
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
News Tidbits
MSNBC: High court rules for anti-gay funeral protesters
Beliefnet: Publisher Backs Off Warning Label for Evangelical Books
Nola.com: Southern Decadence protest leader booked with masturbating at Metairie park
Florida Independent: Personhood Florida leader: Many opponents have ‘participated in taking their own child’s life’
Minnesota Independent: Tempers flare over anti-gay bullying at Anoka-Hennepin school board meeting
American Independent: Abortion provider disputes Operation Rescue’s claims of wrongdoing
Iowa Independent: Iowa ‘Pastors’ Policy Briefing’ to host Bachmann, other 2012 hopefuls
Beliefnet: Publisher Backs Off Warning Label for Evangelical Books
Nola.com: Southern Decadence protest leader booked with masturbating at Metairie park
Florida Independent: Personhood Florida leader: Many opponents have ‘participated in taking their own child’s life’
Minnesota Independent: Tempers flare over anti-gay bullying at Anoka-Hennepin school board meeting
American Independent: Abortion provider disputes Operation Rescue’s claims of wrongdoing
Iowa Independent: Iowa ‘Pastors’ Policy Briefing’ to host Bachmann, other 2012 hopefuls
Commentary Tidbits
Scientific American: The Scopes Strategy: Creationists Try New Tactics to Promote Anti-Evolutionary Teaching in Public Schools
President Terry O'Neill of NOW: U.S. Catholic Bishops Major Force Behind War on Women
Talking Points Memo: Pam Geller on “Hate Group” Label: “A Badge of Honor”
Media Matters: Beck Again Ties Islam To "The Antichrist From The Book Of Revelation"
President Terry O'Neill of NOW: U.S. Catholic Bishops Major Force Behind War on Women
Talking Points Memo: Pam Geller on “Hate Group” Label: “A Badge of Honor”
Media Matters: Beck Again Ties Islam To "The Antichrist From The Book Of Revelation"
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The 700 Club on the Family Research Council's Hate-Group Label
The 700 Club recently aired a segment on the Southern Poverty Law Center's decision to list the Family Research Council as a hate group, due to the FRC's promotion of anti-gay falsehoods. (To read a transcript of the segment, click here.)
While the segment did discuss the mission of SPLC and featured quotes from Intelligence Report editor Mark Potok, it devoted far more attention to conservative anti-gay voices, such as Peter Sprigg and Bishop Harry Jackson. Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council defended FRC, insisting that his organization presents evidence for its anti-gay views, adding that he doesn't think "the debate should be shut off by these gratuitous charges of hate." Sprigg cited a controversial study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, claiming that most male child molesters studied identified as homosexual or bisexual.
The claim that gay and bisexual men allegedly abuse children at higher rates than other populations has been proven incorrect by several sources. Also, Box Turtle Bulletin posted commentary that placed the Archives of Sexual Behavior study in context.
Sprigg and Jackson also claimed that anti-gay activism cannot be equated with racism, with Jackson citing the violence against African-Americans that his father witnessed in the South. Sprigg accused the SPLC of inappropriately extending the hate-group label to organizations that "hold politically incorrect positions on certain issues like homosexuality."
These claims ignore the reality of homophobic violence, as well as homophobic discrimination and discriminatory legislation (i.e., anti-sodomy laws, DOMA, and the now repealed DADT). To claim that racism is a form of oppression and anti-gay attitudes are not is to ignore widespread evidence to the contrary. For Sprigg to claim that homosexuality is simply an "issue" that people can disagree on is to belittle millions of gays and lesbians while ignoring the oppression that LGBT people encounter.
I regret that The 700 Club did not take a more balanced approach to the SPLC's decision to label FRC as a hate group. It appears that some anti-gay voices cannot understand why FRC has warranted this label, or why homophobia is noxious in the first place.
While the segment did discuss the mission of SPLC and featured quotes from Intelligence Report editor Mark Potok, it devoted far more attention to conservative anti-gay voices, such as Peter Sprigg and Bishop Harry Jackson. Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council defended FRC, insisting that his organization presents evidence for its anti-gay views, adding that he doesn't think "the debate should be shut off by these gratuitous charges of hate." Sprigg cited a controversial study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, claiming that most male child molesters studied identified as homosexual or bisexual.
The claim that gay and bisexual men allegedly abuse children at higher rates than other populations has been proven incorrect by several sources. Also, Box Turtle Bulletin posted commentary that placed the Archives of Sexual Behavior study in context.
Sprigg and Jackson also claimed that anti-gay activism cannot be equated with racism, with Jackson citing the violence against African-Americans that his father witnessed in the South. Sprigg accused the SPLC of inappropriately extending the hate-group label to organizations that "hold politically incorrect positions on certain issues like homosexuality."
These claims ignore the reality of homophobic violence, as well as homophobic discrimination and discriminatory legislation (i.e., anti-sodomy laws, DOMA, and the now repealed DADT). To claim that racism is a form of oppression and anti-gay attitudes are not is to ignore widespread evidence to the contrary. For Sprigg to claim that homosexuality is simply an "issue" that people can disagree on is to belittle millions of gays and lesbians while ignoring the oppression that LGBT people encounter.
I regret that The 700 Club did not take a more balanced approach to the SPLC's decision to label FRC as a hate group. It appears that some anti-gay voices cannot understand why FRC has warranted this label, or why homophobia is noxious in the first place.