What’s new in the neighborhood?
Evangelicals after Falwell
The Rev. Chuck Currie notes the story about the Liberty U. student who was caught with several bombs prepared in connection with Falwell’s funeral. He adds, “Falwell preached hate and division his entire life while Jesus taught us to love our enemies. What a sad and pathetic end to Falwell’s story.”
And Talk to Action’s Max Blumenthal visits the students MySpace page and finds some interesting things.
At Street Prophets, Pastor Dan lists eight of the next generation of conservative Christian leaders: Frank Page, Rick Warren, Bill Hybels (Willow Creek), David Barton (Wallbuilders), Joel Hunter (Orlando pastor blackballed from presidency of Christian Coalition), Richard Land, Richard Cizik, T.D. Jakes. And he writes:
“. . .when we’re talking about Rick Warren or Joel Osteen (or Jim Wallis and Ron Sider, for that matter), what matters isn’t so much their specific policy positions as it is their reluctance to “go to war” over them. They’re not interested in mobilizing an activist base to redefine the ways Americans connect on certain issues, in other words. Nor are they interested in promoting the idea of a broad-based Culture War for their own ends, as Falwell and his cronies were.”
Pastor Dan also writes on the new Agenda and the myth of the values voter.
CrossLeft appreciates Jerry Falwell, writing “So, thank you Falwell for helping us to find our place, identify our beliefs, and take a stand not against what you believed, but for our beliefs!”
And the Rev. Debra Haffner says that people shouldn’t be so sure that Falwell’s passing means anything, especially regarding marriage equality.
Faith in Public Life’s Katie has a massive roundup on how the rhetoric about “evangelical issues” has changed.
Food and Fair Trade
Faithfully Liberal marks the end of the Food Stamp Challenge completed by U.S. Representatives James McGovern (D-MA), Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Tim Ryan (D-OH). I’ve heard several news pieces on this bi-partisan awareness event so it appears to have worked pretty well. Food Stamps are funded in the Farm Bill, which is up for reauthorization soon.
Larry’s Urban Daily adds more to exploding the myth of widespread Welfare wealth.
Speaking of food, Provoke Radio has a great show on Fair Trade chocolate, coffee, and what faith has to do with it.
If you are not provoked enough, check out Radical Torah‘s post on the Torah of Fair Trade.
Immigration
Remember Rev. Derrick Harkins setting CNN’s Lou Dobbs straight about Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform? Here he points out that to support compassionate immigration is to value families.
Johnny’s Cache writes on Friedman’s call for a “sane” immigration policy.
Interfaith in Public Life
JSpot lists which members of Congress are endorsing which presidential candidates. Sen. Clinton has the most.
At God’s Politics, Diana Butler Bass tackles American Muslims and Religious Freedom.
Mainstream Baptist quotes Al Gore’s recent comments on faith in public life.
Chaplain Danny has two must reads: The WaPo’s Crises in Darfur video and the first Buddhist military chaplain writes about religious discrimination.
Fair Trade goes beyond just food. Did you know it now includes sports balls for soccer, volleyball, rugby, and more?
Learn more on our blog at http://www.fairtradesports.com.
- Scott James
Fair Trade Sports
http://www.fairtradesports.com
Fair Trade Soccer Balls with FSC Certification!