August 7, 2008

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Essay: A Light Amid the Darkness
The Candidates on Faith: John McCain/Time (08/07/2008)
In the life of our country, faith serves the same ends that it can serve in the life of each believer, whatever creed we might profess. It sees us through life's trials. It instills humility, calling us to serve a cause greater than ourselves. At its best, faith reminds us of our common humanity and our essential equality by the measure that matters most.

Essay: Changing Hearts and Minds
The Candidates on Faith: Barack Obama/Time (08/07/2008)
I began my Christian journey over 20 years ago, as a young man fresh out of college. And since that time I've been serious not only about deepening my relationship with Christ but also about the way that all Americans can live together in our diverse, pluralistic society.

Obama’s view on abortion may divide Catholics
John M. Broder/New York Times (08/07/2008)
Although abortion is central to the political crosscurrents around Catholics, part of Mr. Obama’s strategy is to emphasize that there are other issues on which they can base their votes. It would be a way to address the perception that Mr. Obama has a “Catholic problem.”

CHURCH AND STATE
Commandments case back
Peter Smith/Courier-Journal (08/07/2008)
A decade ago, two southeastern Kentucky counties posted courthouse displays of the Ten Commandments in tribute to God as the foundation of American strength and Jesus Christ as the "Prince of Ethics." But after a decade of court injunctions against such displays, the counties will now get a chance to argue that they have officially repudiated all such religious motives in their bid to exhibit the Commandments and other documents.

Court rejects suit opposing religion in vets care
Ryan J. Foley/Associated Press (08/07/2008)
MADISON, Wis. — Taxpayers cannot sue the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for incorporating religion into its health care programs for the nation's veterans, an appeals court has ruled. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation and three of its members have no legal standing to bring the case.

FAITH LEADERS
Televangelist Osteen's Wife In Court
Associated Press (08/07/2008: cbsnews.com)
She's the wife of a renowned evangelical pastor and one of the leaders of a Houston megachurch, but Victoria Osteen is being accused of behavior that wasn't very Christian. Opening arguments were set for Thursday in a civil lawsuit that accuses Victoria Osteen of assaulting Continental Airlines flight attendant Sharon Brown before the start of a 2005 flight from Houston to Vail, Colo.