Christians, Jews, Muslims plan shared worship - Churches Agree to Hold Koran Readings!!

Pulpit pals: Christians, Jews, Muslims plan shared worship

RELIGION NEWS SERVICE [Advance/Newhouse] - By Adelle M. Banks - May 17, 2011
Religious and human rights activists are asking U.S. churches to invite Jewish and Muslim clergy to their sanctuaries to read from sacred texts next month in an initiative designed to counter anti-Muslim bigotry.
The June 26 initiative, called “Faith Shared: Uniting in Prayer and Understanding,” is co-sponsored by the Interfaith Alliance and Human Rights First. Leaders of the two Washington-based groups said the event hopes to demonstrate respect for Islam in the wake of Quran burnings in recent months.
“As a Christian minister who is a pastor in a local congregation, it is important to me for our nation and our world to know that not all Christians promote hate, attack religions different from their own and seek to desecrate the scripture of others,” the Rev. Welton Gaddy, president of the Interfaith Alliance, said Tuesday.
More than 50 churches in 26 states already have committed to the initiative, including the Washington National Cathedral.
Tad Stahnke, director of policy and programs for Human Rights First, said he hopes the initiative will draw attention to religious freedom and counter negative stereotypes of Christian leaders making anti-Muslim statements.
“We want to send a message to the world,” he said, “that Americans do respect religious differences and reject religious bigotry and the demonization of Islam or any other religion.”

Unedited :: Link to Original Posting
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/51832311-80/initiative-religious-christians-human.html.csp

More Than 50 U.S. Churches Agree to Hold Koran Readings!!

LOGAN'S WARNING - By Admin - May 17, 2011
In the past I have stated I am not religious, but my goal is to help educate and unite Atheists and members of non-Islamic religions against a common enemy. That enemy is Islam. The good news is that our voice against Islam is clearly getting louder, the bad news is that far too many Americans who identify themselves as “Christians” are taking the easy way out and bowing down to Islam, in an effort to avoid a conflict that has been raging for 1400 years.

Muslim Hadith Book 019, Number 4366:

It has been narrated by ‘Umar b. al-Khattib that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) say: I will expel the Jews and Christians from the Arabian Peninsula and will not leave any but Muslim.

A conflict in which Christians are clearly losing! ...

Edited :: See Original Report Here
http://loganswarning.com/2011/05/17/more-than-50-u-s-churches-agree-to-hold-koran-readings/


FAIR USE NOTICE: This blog contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of religious, environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Evangelicals, Mormon Search for Common Ground in Utah

THE CHRISTIAN POST - By Michelle A. Vu - March 10, 2011
A group of prominent evangelicals will meet with a Mormon leader Thursday in Salt Lake City, Utah, for dialogue to better understand each other's faith.
Some of the evangelical leaders involved in the dialogue are: Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals; Richard Mouw, president of Fuller Theological Seminary; Craig Williford, president of Trinity International University; and David Neff, editor-in-chief of Christianity Today; among others.
"We hope this time of dialogue with LDS leaders will deepen our understanding of the Mormon faith and contribute to the ongoing work of evangelicals in Utah," said Leith Anderson, NAE President. "For the sake of Christ and his kingdom, we seek to represent biblical evangelicalism to those who wouldn't hear or know. We also look for common ground on issues where we can work together." ...

This is the first time a NAE board meeting is held in Utah, where about 60 percent of the population are members of the LDS church.
But this is not the first time for at least one of the NAE board members to dialogue with Mormons. Fuller President Richard Mouw had address a Mormon crowd at the flagship Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City in 2004.
Mouw was quoted as saying during that address that evangelicals have often "seriously misrepresented the beliefs and practices of members of the LDS faith." ...

Many evangelical Christians do not consider Mormons to be Christians. In 2007, Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, wrote that Mormons believe in a false gospel and therefore cannot be considered Christians.
"Here is the bottom line. As an Evangelical Christian - a Christian who holds to the 'traditional Christian orthodoxy' of the Church - I do not believe that Mormonism leads to salvation," the influential theologian wrote in a blog debate hosted by Beliefnet.com. ...

In the debate with Mormon science-fiction writer Orson Scott Card, Mohler had said that whether Mormons share many of the same values as evangelical Christians is beside the point in considering if they are Christians. To be considered a Christian, the theologian stated, is based on whether somoene accepts traditional Christian orthodox beliefs.
Mohler pointed out that Mormonism from its beginning rejected traditional Christian orthodoxy. The subtitle of The Book of Mormon is "Another Testament of Jesus Christ." Mormons also reject one of Christianity's central tenets - the Trinity. Instead of believing in one God in three Persons, Mormons believe in many gods.
Moreover, followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believe Joseph Smith Jr. is the first latter-day prophet who restored the original Christian church in the 19th century in America. They believe the entire structure of Christian orthodoxy affirmed by the post-apostolic church is corrupt and false.
Therefore, Mormons reject the Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed - which are based on the Bible and were agreed upon by the ancient Christian churches as statements that true believers should affirm.
"Without doubt, Mormonism borrows Christian themes, personalities, and narratives," the evangelical theologian said.
"Nevertheless, it rejects what orthodox Christianity affirms and it affirms what orthodox Christianity rejects. It is not Christianity in a new form or another branch of the Christian tradition. By its own teachings and claims, it rejects that very tradition."

Standing Together, an evangelical organization that seeks to unite Utah Christians through prayer, worship and outreach, is organizing the talk between evangelical and the LDS leaders. The ministry, which is also the host of the NAE board events, is known for building a relationship of understanding between evangelicals and Mormons and promoting positive theological dialogue between the two faiths. ...

Edited :: See Original Report Here
http://www.christianpost.com/news/evangelicals-mormon-search-for-common-ground-in-utah-49351/


FAIR USE NOTICE: This blog contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of religious, environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Christian author: Glenn Beck a "false teacher" ... "proclaiming another Jesus and another gospel"

But defenders says Fox host clearly championing Gospel

WORLDNETDAILY - By Joe Kovacs - March 9, 2011

A Christian author and national speaker has just released a video in which he flays radio and TV commentator Glenn Beck as a pagan, New Age "anti-Christ" who is deluding many believers away from the Bible's teachings and leading them toward Eastern mysticism.

Brannon Howse of Worldview Weekend in Collierville, Tenn., who was once a defender of Beck, is now blasting the popular Fox News host based on content of Beck's new book, "Seven Wonders That Will Change Your Life," co-authored by psychiatrist Dr. Keith Ablow [also see here] .

"Back in August of 2010, I tried warning folks that Glenn Beck was a pagan, New Age, universalistic Mormon, and indeed, he now has revealed his hand," Howse says in the

video, which is based on a column he wrote earlier this year. "Beck's book is nothing less than a promotion of universalism, postmodernism and pagan spirituality, also known as the New Age movement."

He continued: "I hate to say it, but through testing Glenn's doctrinal fruit, he is not a Christian. In fact indeed, he is a false teacher. He is proclaiming another Jesus and another gospel. ... Nowhere in Beck's new book does he mention the biblical Gospel. In fact, what he mentions is anti-Christ. He's denying the exclusivity of Jesus Christ. What Glenn is promoting is the same lie promoted by Satan in Genesis 3, verses 1-5. And I'm fearful that the spiritual poison Beck is promoting is not seven wonders that will change your life, but in fact lies that will condemn the souls of millions for eternity."

He says Beck is a very committed and knowledgeable Mormon, which is the common term for a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Beck himself writes in his book, "I questioned everything I could think to question about the faith. I went over my doubts again and again with the church bishop. I read everything there was to read on their website and every word of Mormon Doctrine ... I went to anti-Mormon literature for hints, but I found most of it to be unfair or just plain wrong. I tried every trick I could think of to find a contradiction. The problem was that I couldn't. Mormonism seemed to explain the world and my place in it better than any other faith I had looked at." (page 149-150)

In his new video, Howse, who has authored nine books, most of which deal with a Christian worldview, methodically goes through a series of pages from Beck's book, quoting the media giant on points he thinks don't agree with the Bible.

According to Howse, "Beck does not believe in hell, original sin or that Jesus is the only way [to salvation]:

• Latter-day Saints do not believe that your chances ever cease, even with death. They end only with the full understanding and denial of truth by your own exercise of real free will. And even then there is no 'lake of fire.' (page 149)
• As Keith likes to say, 'There's no original sin left in the world. Everyone's just recycling pain now.' (page 154)
• There is no infant delivered evil, out of the womb. There never has been. Not even one ... Charles Manson was not born evil. Ted Bundy wasn't. The BTK killer wasn't. Hitler wasn't. (page 162)

Howse continued: "The Bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible says that even babies are born with a sin nature and that we are all conceived in sin. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Psalm 51:5) ... ...

Edited :: See Original Report Here
http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=272953


FAIR USE NOTICE: This blog contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of religious, environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Rick Warren hosts 'cult' celebrity docs

Features promoters of Eastern mysticism, universalism
WORLDNETDAILY -  January 15, 2011
When megachurch pastor Rick Warren decided he needed to take his health seriously, he responded in typically ambitious fashion, launching a year-long health program for his church, "The Daniel Plan," written with the help of three celebrity doctors who will appear at a kickoff seminar today. 

But critics point out the physicians who crafted the program apparently don't share the church's professed evangelical beliefs, espousing instead various forms of Eastern mysticism and the tenets of a Christian cult, Swedenborgism. 

Vowing to lose 90 pounds, Warren said he placed himself under the care of Drs. Mehmet Oz, Daniel Amen and Mark Hyman last fall and worked with each to develop "The Daniel Plan." 

Oz, host of the Emmy-winning "Dr. Oz Show" and professor of surgery at Columbia University, says he is inspired by Emanuel Swedenborg, an 18th century cult founder who taught that all religions lead to God and denied orthodox Christian beliefs such at the atonement of Christ for sin, the trinity and the deity of the Holy Spirit.

Best-selling author Amen, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California at Irvine, teaches Eastern religious meditation and the New Age energy-based practice of Reiki.

Hyman, a four-time New York Times best-selling author, promotes mystical meditation based on Buddhist principles.

Steve McConkey, who directs a website called Christian Investigator, called it "troubling for a top pastor in the United States to promote false teachers." 

"We are living at an all-time low spiritually in the United States with weak leaders," he said. 

Saddleback's staff did not respond to a WND request for comment. 

McConkey pointed out the followers of what is called Swedenborgianism believe all religions lead to God and that Christianity must go through a rebirth. The group also denies the existence of a personal devil and believes the Bible is not inspired. When people die, the followers believe, they become an angel or an evil spirit. 

Emanuel Swedenborg said he had a vision in 1745 in which he saw creatures crawling on walls. He asserted God then appeared to him as a man and told him to promote the new teachings to the world. 

Warren plans to have one-on-one discussions with Amen and Hymen at the summit today, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. Oz will appear via a video message. 

The summit also will be live-streamed on Saddleback's website. 

The church says all of its more than 5,000 small groups will go through "The Daniel Plan," which is part of Saddleback's "Decade of Destiny," a 10-year plan launching this month "to help individuals succeed and be who God designed them to be in every aspect in life." 

Warren, author of the best-selling "The Purpose Driven Life," said he is "honored to be partnering with these internationally distinguished health experts." 

"God says that health is important, and that is what we want to explore," Warren said. 

He said that the many Americans who resolve each year to lose weight and get fit need to have the right motivation if they want to succeed. 

"We hope to provide encouragement, based on biblical principles, to help people make a real lifestyle change toward better health," Warren said. 

The 52-week "Daniel Plan," according to Saddleback, is based upon the biblical account of Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who refused to take part in the Babylonian king's rich foods and wine and challenged the king's chief-of-staff to a test of meal plans. 

Daniel and his three colleagues ate a 10-day diet of vegetables and water that made them healthier and better nourished than the others. 

"I grew up in a home where the dinner table was the centerpiece of our existence," Warren said. "I have never paid much attention to my health, as it was just never important to me. But earlier this year I had a moment of clarity and realized we all need to make a change, and that I can't help anyone if I don't first start with me."

Warren cited statistics indicating 7 out of 10 Americans are overweight and that diabetes and heart disease is on the rise. 

"America is getting fatter and fatter, and we must do something about it," he said. 

Following the health seminar, medical professionals and volunteers will be available on the Saddleback campus to record health numbers so individuals can begin "The Daniel Plan," Saddleback said. Participants will be able to set up their own interactive online profile via the church's website to guide them through the plan and keep a record of health improvements and accomplishments. 

Warren founded Saddleback in 1980 with his wife, Kay. The church has a total average weekly attendance of 22,000 at its main Lake Forest campus and nine other locations in the cities of Anaheim, Corona, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Woods, Orange, San Clemente and Rancho Capistrano. ...

Edited :: See Original Report Here
http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=251133

FAIR USE NOTICE: This blog contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of religious, environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Self-Realization Fellowship elects Sri Mrinalini Mata as new leader

LOS ANGELES TIMES [Tribune Company] - By Mitchell Landsberg - January 12, 2011
The Self-Realization Fellowship, a Los Angeles-based organization that follows a spiritual path rooted in both Hinduism and Christianity, has elected a new leader, the fourth since it was established in 1920.
The fellowship announced Tuesday that Sri Mrinalini Mata, who became a Self-Realization nun at the age of 15, was elected president last week by its eight-member board of directors. She succeeds Sri Daya Mata, the group's longtime leader, who died in November.
The selection of Mrinalini Mata, 79, means that the fellowship will continue to be led by a woman, and by a direct disciple of its founder, Paramahansa Yogananda, an Indian yogi who is credited with helping to popularize yoga and meditation in the West. Mrinalini Mata has been vice president of the organization since 1966.

"It shows that they're very traditional - that they're holding on to a tradition," said Lola Williamson, a professor of religion at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., and the author of "Transcendent in America: Hindu-Inspired Meditation Movements as New Religion," which examines the Self-Realization Fellowship and two other movements.
The fellowship is perhaps best known in Los Angeles for the tranquility of its temple gardens at sites that include Hollywood and Pacific Palisades. They are among more than 600 temples, meditation centers and retreat sites operated by the organization around the world.
Born Merna Brown in Wichita, Kan., Mrinalini Mata moved to Southern California as a child. In 1945, when she was a teenager, her mother took her to see Yogananda. The girl, who was clutching a Bible, according to Williamson, was initially reluctant to meet the religious leader but found herself electrified by his presence and almost immediately dedicated her life to his cause. ...
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-self-realization-20110112,0,5416573.story

FAIR USE NOTICE: This blog contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of religious, environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Greater Abominations: Critics Slam ABC Pilot 'Good Christian B**ches' for 'Inappropriate,' 'Damaging' Title

Prince of the Power of the Air [Waves]

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. - Ephesians 2:1-7

“The strongest appeal you can make is emotionally. If you can get their emotions going, make them forget their logic, you’ve got ‘em”.
- Bob Pitman, founder and former president of MTV.

“At MTV we don’t shoot for the 14-year-olds. We own them.”
- Bob Pitman, founder and former president of MTV.

“They digest it on a lot of levels. Some people will see it and be disgusted by it, but maybe they’ll be unconsciously aroused by it. If people keep seeing it, and seeing it, and seeing it, eventually it’s not going to be such a strange thing.”
- Entertainer, Madonna, to a Homosexual Magazine concerning Homosexual “acts” during her performances. (She also mentioned to the LA Times that she is “Very tormented” and “possessed by many demons”)

"ABC's core viewership is Christian, so the goal of the show won't be to attack Christianity. Just like the book, this is a show by Christians, for (mostly) Christians, to enjoy a little prime-time self-deprecation," 
- Los Angeles-based entertainment expert, Jenn Hoffman regarding ABC Network pilot called "Good Christian B**ches."

FOX NEWS [News Corporation/Murdoch] - By Hollie McKay - March 4, 2011
An ABC pilot called "Good Christian B**ches" has religious and women's groups up in arms over what they describe as an extremely offensive and distasteful show title.
The dramedy, based on Kim Gatlin's novel of the same name, will be brought to life by famed "Sex and the City" and "90210" executive producer Darren Star. The plot centers on the life of reformed "mean girl" Amanda, played by "Talladega Nights" actress Leslie Bibb, who returns to her hometown of Dallas to find herself fodder for malicious gossip from the women in the Christian community.
Still in the early stages, the pilot has not been guaranteed a spot on ABC's lineup. And though the show's title may change before it goes to broadcast, "Good Christian B**ches" is already causing uproar.


Christian publisher Tessie DeVore told FOX411's Pop Tarts column that the show, which features the tagline "For Heaven's sake, don't let God get in the way of a good story!" could put Christians in an unfairly bad light.
"I find the title offensive. I don't think those two words should be combined," she said. "A show like this can damage perceptions [of Christians in this country]."
It also could be a slippery slope for future shows, said Melissa Henson, director of communications and public education for the Parents' Television Council tells Tarts.
"In the past, we've raised concerns about changing language standards for television," Henson said. "Once a particular profanity or obscenity has been embraced by a particular show, it quickly becomes mainstream."
And Yana Walton from the Women's Media Center said Christians aren't the only ones who should be upset.
"It is not an appropriate term to use to describe any woman, regardless of their faith," Walton said. "Entertainment media, especially music and films, have been normalizing misogynistic language for years."

But despite the seemingly outrageous title, Dan Gainor, head of the Culture and Media Institute, is not surprised that the pilot has gone this far already.
"ABC is doubling down on the offensive by also approving 'Don't Trust the B***ch in Apartment 23,' following up on the CBS show '$#*! My Dad Says.' And this continued decline is unsurprising," he said.
"The media keeps trying to redefine words and morality to mean what they say, not what they really do mean," Gainor added. "One wonders which network will be the first to drop the F-bomb in a TV title and whether the FCC will even intervene."

Even if the title holds up, some are looking forward to the show.
"ABC's core viewership is Christian, so the goal of the show won't be to attack Christianity. Just like the book, this is a show by Christians, for (mostly) Christians, to enjoy a little prime-time self-deprecation," Los Angeles-based entertainment expert, Jenn Hoffman said.
A representative for ABC declined to comment on the story.

Deidre Behar contributed to this report

Unedited :: Link to Original Posting
http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/03/04/critics-slam-abc-pilot-good-christian-bitches-inappropriate-damaging-title/print#


FAIR USE NOTICE: This blog contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of religious, environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Greater Abominations: Pole-dancers for Jesus

WORLD MAGAZINE - By Tony Woodlief - March 25, 2011
This is the kind of story you have to double-check to be sure it isn't parody: pole-dancers for Jesus. The owner of a dance studio outside Houston has started classes for women based on increasingly popular pole-dancing classes, only these classes use modern Christian music, and incorporate presumably less provocative moves.

The logic, as I understand it, runs like this: The body is a temple, you're supposed to keep your temple in shape, poles are good for keeping said temples in tippy-top fitness, it's not sin if you add some Christian music and don't look too strippery, and anyone who wants to judge isn't being very Christian about the whole thing. ...

And perhaps that's a good rule for all of us to follow, to cultivate the habit of asking what is motivating our desire to do this, that, or the other. When it comes to pole-dancing, it seems the whole thing is motivated more by a desire to emulate a particularly unsavory part of popular culture than the desire to stay fit. Which is all well and good, this being a free society and all.

But how about we not call it "Pole Fitness for Jesus"? Because it's not really for Jesus, I don't think.

Edited :: See Original Report Here
http://online.worldmag.com/2011/03/25/pole-dancers-for-jesus/


Hallelujah! Christians Pole Dance for Jesus in Texas
Student Says Pole Dancing Class Brings Her Closer to God
ABC NEWS [American Broadcasting Companies, Inc./The Walt Disney Company] - BY Sherisse Pham - March 22, 2011
A new exercise class, Pole Fitness for Jesus, is inviting Christian women in a small Texas town to spin without sin for the Lord.
"God gives us these bodies, and they are supposed to be our temples and we are supposed to take care of them," instructor Crystal Dean told ABC affiliate KTRK-TV. "And that's what we are doing."
For one Sunday each month, Dean teaches free classes to Christian women who bring in their church programs.
There is biblical approval of mixing religion with song and dance, namely, Psalm 149:3: "Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre."

For critics and skeptics who find it difficult to merge churchgoing Christians with limber pole dancers, religious scholars point out that Christians have been adjusting their moral obligations to the modern world for the last half century. There are Christian tattoo parlors, books about Christian dieting (Thin for Him, Fit for My King), and even Christian sex manuals. On the scale of shocking modern activities for Christians, Thomas Tweed, a professor with the University of Texas, rates the pole dancing classes as "mildly surprising."
"This is just another attempt to think through how to live a full Christian life," said Tweed. ...
Student Says Pole Dancing Class Brings Her Closer to God ...

Churches throughout the United States already host contemporary, even sexy workout classes. You can take jazzercise classes at the First Church of Lombard in Indianapolis, Zumba at Amazing Grace Church in Memphis, or belly dancing lessons at Trinity Presbyterian in Richmond, Va.
Pole dancing, however, maintains a stronger relationship to vices frowned upon by the Christian community.
"It does have a history of being used for unhealthy practices, for things that are not good for portrayal of women," said Rev. Ron Krueger, pastor of the Immanuel United Church of Christ, located less than 400 feet from Dean's class. ...
If the class reaches people who would otherwise be turned away from Christianity, Krueger said, that would be a positive outcome.
But as to Dean's claim that it helps Christian women maintain healthy bodies, the pastor had a list of alternative exercises with less salacious histories: yoga, aerobics, running and walking.

Edited :: See Original Report Here
http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=13194891


FAIR USE NOTICE: This blog contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of religious, environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.