Monthly Archives: October 2008

Powell: So what if Obama were Muslim?

Posted on October 21, 2008 by melissa nann burke

In the same “Meet the Press” appearance where he endorsed Obama, Colin Powell questioned some Republican Party tactics this election and asked why it would be a big deal if Obama were Muslim. Powell, an Episcopalian, is among the first … Continue reading →

Posted in Islam, Politics | Leave a comment

Mormons to build first temple in Pa.

Posted on October 21, 2008 by melissa nann burke

Mormon leaders announced plans this month to build the church’s first temple in Pennsylvania in downtown Philadelphia. Right now, local members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must go to the suburbs of Washington, D.C., where the … Continue reading →

Posted in Around Pennsylvania, Denominational doings | 1 Comment

Racism as an election issue

Posted on October 16, 2008 by melissa nann burke

Have you heard any preaching from the pulpit against racism in the voting booth? Timothy Shriver at Religion From the Heart has an essay about how the turn to racism in the presidential campaign presents a “bold opportunity for American … Continue reading →

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If you can’t get enough ‘Jon and Kate Plus 8′ …

Posted on October 16, 2008 by melissa nann burke

That famously large central Pennsylvania family chronicled on TLC’s “Jon and Kate Plus 8” has published a book, “Multiple Blessings.” It discusses the Gosselins’ test of faith as they faced infertility and the birth of their twins, now 8, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Around Pennsylvania, Pop Culture | Leave a comment

Debate watch: Abortion exchange

Posted on October 16, 2008 by melissa nann burke

In case you missed the debate, Beliefnet has posted the transcript of the candidates’ exchange on abortion.

Posted in Culture wars, Politics | Leave a comment

‘Secret worshippers’ grade churches

Posted on October 14, 2008 by melissa nann burke

The Wall Street Journal’s Alexandra Alter has this story about “mystery worshippers.” “Department stores hire mystery shoppers. Restaurant chains bring in undercover diners to rate their food and service. Churches enlist Thomas Harrison, a former pastor from Tulsa, Okla., and … Continue reading →

Posted in Worship | Leave a comment

Word of the day: Toronto blessing

Posted on October 13, 2008 by melissa nann burke

October makes me think of hockey season (“youbecha”), and hockey makes me think of Canada. Here’s your Canada-inspired Word of the Day, courtesy of Wordsmith.org: Toronto blessing (tuh-RON-toh BLES-ing) noun A form of religious rapture marked by outbreaks of mass … Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere, Word of the day | Leave a comment

Marty on “Another ‘God that Failed’”

Posted on October 13, 2008 by melissa nann burke

We’re starting to see some religious writers responding to the foundering economy. Religion scholar Martin Marty’s latest Sightings column takes up the point: In one of Jesus’ parables that comes to my mind daily, we read of an accumulator who … Continue reading →

Posted in Academia, Ecomony, Elsewhere | Leave a comment

Choir’s ultraviolet choreography

Posted on October 13, 2008 by melissa nann burke

My editor and others in the office raved about this inspirational video featuring a choir in white gloves making creative use of a black light. Check it out here.

Posted in Arts and media, Worship | Leave a comment

Green-letter Christians on creation

Posted on October 7, 2008 by melissa nann burke

New for the green-minded Christians out there, “The Green Bible” is available from publisher HarperOne. “The Green Bible” (using the New Revised Standard Version) highlights Scriptural passages related to “creation care” in green, soy-based ink. Its pages are 10 percent … Continue reading →

Posted in Green, Worship | Leave a comment