Why don’t I let Kathy tell you.

Though, I can’t resist this part:

A woman who sees her religion through a brainwashed 21st century liberal Canadian multiculturalist feminist narcissist’s eyes should take the advice of Jesus: “If your eye offends you, pluck it out.” She is looking through the wrong end of the telescope entirely. A mature person attempts to conform themselves to the precepts of their faith, not the other way around. Or they leave and stop trying to impose their faddish notions on the rest of us. My only consolation is that one day all the old self-absorbed, spoiled hippies will be dead, and their campaign to remake God in their own image will eventually peter out.

Oh man is she good!

pop culture, canada, religion | No Comments »

An interesting article from the AP on Falwell:

Christian Right Looking Beyond Falwell

In my post below, I expressed hope that we would be able to move beyond the face of conservative Christianity that Falwell became, in a caricatured manner. This article in some ways asks the same question, but does not offer an answer. But, it does make some interesting observations:

But the pastor, who died Tuesday at age 73, was from a generation of leaders that many evangelicals came to view as members of an “old guard” whose approach was outdated.

Many conservative Christians active in politics today believe that the way Falwell confronted political foes made evangelicals seem hateful. The younger leaders also have been pressing for a broader policy agenda beyond abortion and traditional marriage by trying to include AIDS care, environmental protection and education.

The following expresses the exact reason why I have been so exasperated having Falwell as the face of Christianity:

In a February sermon, Falwell warned worshippers at his Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Va., that environmental activism by evangelicals “is Satan’s attempt to redirect the church’s primary focus” away from spreading the Gospel.

Now, I’m not a global warming hystericist as some people are, but I do believe that part of being a Christian is to care for the creation that God has given us. To care for the earth is to love God. I think that comparing that sentiment to Satan’s work is irresponsible, and comes from a throwback theology.

The organizational muscle of the movement — once controlled by national groups linked to Falwell, Robertson and a few others — now lies with local pastors…

This is a hopeful development, in my opinion.

Finally, I do hope that the so-called “old guard” fades out, and the influence of Christianity progresses at a more local level:

Falwell leaves behind allies including Dobson, 71; Robertson, 77, founder of the Christian Coalition and the influential American Center for Law & Justice; and the Rev. D. James Kennedy, 76, a founding board member of the Moral Majority and founder of the Center for Reclaiming America for Christ, who has been sidelined by the effects of a heart problem.

Good men all, but I do hope we move on.

Related, a very interesting obit from Ann Coulter, in which she sets us all straight on many of the misconceptions we may have of Falwell due to the caricature painted of him by the Left: Jerry Falwell, Say Hello To Ronald Reagan.

news, religion, church | 1 Comment »

All three in my reader from one place, at once. And, each interesting in its own way.

Teen Pregnancis Drop To New Low, Abortions Continue Decline

Good News:

The teenage pregnancy rate in Canada has hit an all-time low and the teen abortion rate has fallen to its lowest level in more than a decade, according to a new report.

Mixed Feelings:

The number of unwanted pregnancies among adolescents and young adults has fallen principally because they are using birth control, said Alex McKay, research co-ordinator at the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada, and author of the study.

“It’s due to greater contraceptive use, not teens having less sex,” he said.

Bad News:

While the pregnancy rate is falling, sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are soaring among young people, and that points to poor sex education, Linda Capperauld, executive director of the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health, said in an interview.

Reason:

“We continue to focus on unintended pregnancy, but we’re neglecting to give young people the tools to ensure their long-term sexual health,” she said.

Ms. Capperauld said that oral contraceptives (commonly referred to as the Pill) remain the birth control of choice among teenage girls and that they and their partners are neglecting to use condoms to protect themselves from infections.

Or, you know, because teens are having sex like rabbits.

Interesting fact:

In Canada, there are about 330,000 lives birth each year, and about 110,000 abortions.

So, for every three births, there is one abortion. Wow. Am I wrong in thinking that is an abortion rate of 25%?

Pregnancy A Way To Stay In The Closet?

Money Quote:

“There’s nothing like a pregnancy to prove you’re straight,” Ms. Miller says, with a laugh.

It goes on:

A study released Tuesday by the McCreary Centre Society in Vancouver found that teenage gays, lesbians and bisexuals in British Columbia are three times more likely to be involved in a pregnancy than are their heterosexual classmates.

While some organizations that advocate on behalf of this community expressed outright surprise at the survey results, others have theories.

Some ascribe the elevated pregnancy rate to the lack of sex education aimed at gays and lesbians in Canadian high schools and the risky behaviour that can result. “It’s an experimenting phase for gay and lesbian youth,” Ms. Miller says of teenagers questioning their sexuality. “There is a lot more risky behaviour.”

…

Others just don’t clue in to the dangers of unprotected sex. Most sex-education classes focus on heterosexuals, and the curriculum can ring hollow.

…

“Other times they have been attracted to members of their own sex their entire lives and they don’t consider the consequences of having sex with the opposite sex.”

They don’t consider the consequences of having sex with the opposite sex?

And, while some people struggle to get pregnant, teens are having sex like crazy, and mostly gay ones are getting pregnant, another article tells us:

New Clinic Puts Women’s Eggs on Layaway

But Essam Michael, who runs the clinic ESRM Biotech, believes more women should have the option to put their eggs on layaway, allowing them to postpone motherhood and eventually have a child without using an egg donor.

“It’s not cosmetic,” Dr. Michael said of the service. “It’s insurance.”

The clinic claims to be the first in Canada to provide long-term gamete storage to young men and women who are fertile but not ready to be parents - a business plan that has already seen success in the United States and Britain.

And, the money quote:

While Dr. Michael believes more women should be educated about their reproductive limitations, he does not think egg freezing is right for everyone and said he would not recommend it for women younger than 28.

“It shouldn’t be treated like a real-estate business,” he said. “No billboards. Advertising, to me, is unethical.”

Instead, he has created a website, Freezeyourclock.com, where women are told to “consider a life where age really is nothing but a number; where today’s goals at work don’t derail tomorrow’s priorities at home, where a biological clock isn’t a ticking time bomb.”

Question: How is a website advertising the process different from, say, advertising the process?

Too much pregnancy thinking for today.

news, abortion, ethics | 1 Comment »

For some reason, this story comes as no surprise:

A Catholic organization is accusing the CBC of blasphemy over a pilot program that portrays altar boys as drug users and the Catholic communion host as “munchable snack food, possible poker chips and a repository for drops of LSD.“

“Catholics should not have to pay for shows where their most sacred rituals and images are considered a starting point for dramatic licence,” said the Catholic Civil Rights League, which intends to lodge a formal complaint today with the CBC for airing The Altar Boy Gang.

“With this program, the CBC has moved into the area of blasphemy of sacred rituals.”

Oh, but, wait for it…

The Toronto-based Catholic rights group says the CBC is guilty of a “double standard” by lacking sensitivity about the country’s most dominant religion, while it hired a Muslim Canadian consultant last year to ensure that Islamic practices were respected in the program Little Mosque on the Prairie.

And…

Jeff Keay, a CBC spokesman, said yesterday the show will not become a CBC series. But he said he thought the premise of the pilot shows did not cross the line.

“Part of trying to produce compelling programming is to not be afraid of images that someone could find disturbing and I think this, while some people could have found it offensive, it falls within the realm of reasonable,” Mr. Keay said.

“We certainly intend no disrespect of the Catholic Church or any other religious organization.”

Let’s get it straight - CBC, publicly funded television, is totally cool with not being “afraid of images” that offend Catholics, with portraying Altar Boys as gangsters, and with presenting the Host as a medium for ingesting LSD…but simultaneously is so sensitive to Muslim practices that a consultant is hired “to insure Islamic practices were respected.”

But, sure. There’s no double standard, or special treatment.

pop culture, media, canada, religion | No Comments »

Old news by now.

I’m linking to Hot Air, because this is everywhere, and I think Allah has the right idea with pointing out the crazies on the Left who are so full of joy at this man’s death that they are like a puppy peeing on himself when you rub his belly.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I never really liked Falwell’s brand of Christianity. I’m an Evangelical, mind you. But, coming out and blaming homosexuals for September 11 just never seemed like what I thought my Savior would do. The statement was born of a throwback theology, and anti-intellectual at best.

I do wish Falwell peace with God, and his family and organization comfort at his passing.

At the same time, there were so many times that I heard something Falwell said, and I just prayed that he would shut up. I am hopeful that the face of Christianity in America will now be able to move past the caricature that Falwell’s opponents made him out to be.

I am not, however, dancing on his grave, as are many on the Left - One only has to look at the remarks left over at Pandagon, or at TMZ, or at DU, or at Kos, or the rally planned for San Francisco (check Hot Air for links).

At times like this, when a man dies who I might not completely agree with, but I believe that he loved God, I am reminded of the scene from the movie The Apostle where The Apostle E.F. is on the run, and sees a Catholic Priest blessing a group of boats as they pass under a dock on a river. He says something under his breath to the effect of: “You do it your way, I’ll do it mine. But we get it done. Don’t we?”

In the economy of things, we all have a part to play.

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This has to be a parody site:

Threesomes within a Christian Marriage

Who writes this stuff? It has to be a parody. It has to be. And, it has to be written by a man.

How do I know?

Because, apparently “god” only approves of threesomes where two women are involved - two men…no, too much like being gay.

Oh, and by the way, I found the site by Googling “God Is With Us.”

random, religion | No Comments »

I’m in.

Heh.

pop culture, media | No Comments »

It’s the super-human strength:

Ontario Pastor Reclaims Spot in Record Book

Toronto — - Rev. Kevin Fast isn’t sure whether it was the hand of God or the months of intense training.

Whatever it was, he managed Saturday to pull two fire trucks, weighing 63 tonnes, more than 30 metres to reclaim his title in the Guinness Book of Records.

But the Cobourg, Ont. pastor conceded that before the back-breaking attempt, he took time out to pray. “My philosophy is that God has given me this gift of strength, and I am going to use this gift as long as I have it.”

Yeah - We learn that in Seminary.

pop culture, Toronto, church | No Comments »

Let’s see how they do with this…

As some of you might know, I have a vested interest in CH.

So far -
Steroids? Check.
Rage? Check.

Day two on the show, and they are already suggesting brain surgery because the first treatment didn’t work.

I’ve had CH for 6 years, not one doctor has suggested surgery. Mainly because it doesn’t work.

–

Ah, but now House has suggested Magic Mushrooms! The writers have been reading Cluster Busters.

–

Not CH. The kid was just a prick.

On a side note, House is a pretty good show.

pop culture, life, media | 4 Comments »

I was watching CTV on Saturday night, and saw their report on the Canadian being held in Afghanistan on terror related charges. There were two things I found disturbing about the report.

First, watch the report, here.

Or, you can download it from here, (small, 2 megs, with a stupid watermark).

Problem 1: Minimal Research

CTV misidentifies JihadWatch as a “radical website,” that influenced this man to go to Afghanistan with aspirations for martyrdom.

Now, anyone who has ever read JihadWatch would know that it is not a radical website, it does not advocate the radical Islamic ideology, but rather the exact opposite. In fact, the front page of the site says as much.

I immediately emailed Robert Spencer at JihadWatch, and CTV, notifying them of their mistake. On a hunch, I wondered how CTV had made that particular mistake. I googled “jihad,” just to see what would come up. Notice that the second entry, the first entry that is not a Wikipedia article, is JihadWatch. My proposal - the “reporter” at CTV googled jihad, and clicked on the first link that wasn’t a Wikipedia article, not bothering to read one word on the page, and presented it as a “radical website.”

What is particularly egregious is the fact that on that same page of search results, in the top 10 of results, there are two actual radical Islamic/Jihadi websites, both of which are hosted in Canada. I won’t link them, but they are “Jihad Unspun,” hosted from BC, and an article on “youngmuslims.ca” which declares that jihad is a necessary part of the Islamic faith, with this bit of the page quoted in the google search:

With at least two legitimate choices in their top 10 search results, CTV highlights JihadWatch as a radical website.

This was also mentioned on JihadWatch yesterday morning.

Problem 2: Shoddy Reporting

In the video of the report, there are a couple of things I would like to point out. In the download version above, (I am not sure about the times in the report as presented on CTV’s site), at 40 seconds, the Imam who has come forward states “It does not come as a surprise, I was sort of expecting it unfortunately.” Apparently, he had a meeting with the student now accused, where the man told the Imam that he wanted to help his “Afghan brothers,” in jihad. The Imam then goes on to say that he informed the student that he had an obligation to take this information to the authorities, and that he would not be an accomplice to his actions. The reporter then says, “but he never did go to the authorities.”

So, let me get this straight. A radicalized Canadian Muslim comes to an Imam. That Muslim then goes to Afghanistan where he is detained and accused of planning a violent attack against UN peacekeeping forces. AT THAT POINT, the Imam comes out and says that he “sort of expected,” this, and that he told the guy he was going to the authorities, but he never did… And the CTV reporter brushes this off, not pushing the Imam on this, or considering it the least bit noteworthy/controversial/suspicious?

Further, at 2.12, the reporter says that the Imam has “no regrets,” and he says that “we certainly did our part.”

What part did he do? He met with the kid behind closed doors, after which the kid went on a suicide bombing mission, and he did not report the kid’s plans to the authorities. It makes me wonder what part he considers was his to play. And, why the CTV reporter didn’t pursue this.

Unresearched reporting, and softballs. That is how the media handles stories of Canadians participating in Jihad.

Correction: I wrote “UN forces” above. Talk about shoddy reporting. The UN isn’t in Afghanistan. Eh…at least I admit when I’m wrong.

news, media, canada | 1 Comment »

So, it has been a busy weekend.

In my post below I wrote that a 15 year old boy at the high school where almost all of the students in my youth group attend died after what appears to have been a fight in the final moments of the Junior Rugby Team’s game last Wednesday. It has been absolutely tragic, devastating for the community, and for the kids in my youth group. It is difficult for me, as the youth pastor, and one who is “part-time,” living downtown, while the church is in Mississauga - I am not in the community as much as I would like…as much as the kids deserve. But, I have been in contact will the youth group, and I saw some of them Saturday, and youth group was yesterday. Instead of hanging out at the church, we went as a group to Lorne Park, where everyone had gathered once again to pay their respects to Manny.

The mood at the field was sombre, yet, there was a freedom among the students and parents gathered. Not that people are “moving on,” or anything like that. But, as one of my youth group kids said, incredibly sincerely with love for his friend in his voice, “The worst is over now. I’m really hungry. I’m going to go eat.” I’m not sure that he had eaten all the much for the 3 days previous.

It was an honor to be there at the school last night, for the kids to invite me into their world, and to just be there for and with them. I got a text message from a girl in the youth group this morning, and I have to say it was one of the most touching notes I have ever received…ever. By text.

Visitation is today, and most of my youth group will attend. The funeral is tomorrow, followed by a reception at LP.

Latest news here, here, and here.

life, ministry | 1 Comment »

Three kids in my youth group are on the team. The rest of the group is friends with him. Tragic. Just tragic.

Manny is a star athlete at Lorne Park Secondary School in Mississauga, a forward for the school’s Spartans rugby team and captain of the defence line for the football team, on which he plays linebacker.

In the last few seconds of a rugby game Wednesday against the Erindale Raiders, he and an opposing 16-year-old were seen grappling together.

Manny was left on the ground with critical head injuries. Last night he remained on life support at the Hospital for Sick Children with his chances of survival rated zero.

Prayers for Manny, for his family, and for the Lorne Park and Erindale communities.

More here, here, here, and here.

Update: Manny has passed away.

life, Toronto | 1 Comment »

A couple of months ago, I stumbled across the website of a pretty cool atheist. He blogs at Toxic Thought Waste Site. I left a few comments on his site a while back, on this post, and on this one. And, we have emailed back and forth a few times, though, due to my busyness, I haven’t as much as I would like. Anyway, I post this as a tribute to him:

Image via.

theology, imagination | 2 Comments »

Today must be “Life in Prison Wednesday” or something.

Two teen girls in Australia get life in prison after killing their friend to see if they would feel remorse. They don’t.

Two teenage girls in Western Australia have been sentenced to life in prison for killing a friend to see whether they would feel remorse at the deed.

The girls, aged 16 at the time of the murder, strangled Eliza Jane Davis then buried her under a house.

They told police they knew it was wrong to kill but it “felt right”, and they did not regret Davis’s death.

…

They had been discussing how neither would feel bad about committing murder when they decided to kill Davis, who was sleeping in another room, a court heard in April.

They dressed in old clothes then strangled Davis with speaker wire and buried her body under the house, the court heard.

The girls confessed to police after deciding the grave was too shallow and that they would inevitably be caught.

Emphasis mine.

The girls get life in prison. But hold on there - eligible to get out after 15. Don’t want to be too strict I suppose.

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No idea the baby was in trouble until minutes before he died? Come on. The baby was 3.5 pounds when he died. Didn’t the drop in weight give a clue?

ATLANTA – A vegan couple was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison for the death of their malnourished 6-week-old baby boy, who was fed a diet largely consisting of soy milk and apple juice.

Superior Court Judge L.A. McConnell imposed the sentences on Jade Sanders, 27, and Lamont Thomas, 31. Their son, Crown Shakur, weighed just 3 1/2 pounds when he died of starvation on April 25, 2004.

The couple was found guilty May 2 of malice murder, felony murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children.

A jury deliberated about seven hours before returning the guilty verdicts.

Defense lawyers said the first-time parents did the best they could while adhering to the lifestyle of vegans, who typically use no animal products.

They said Sanders and Thomas did not realize the baby, who was born at home, was in danger until minutes before he died.

Emphases mine.

So, let me get this straight - no animal products. Does that include human breastmilk? Because I’m thinking that could have, you know, fed the kid. Also - is it really “the best a parent can do,” while adhering to a Vegan lifestyle, when that “best” leads to the death of their baby?

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Watch this ad - anything…um…different about it?

Yeah. Caught me off guard when I saw it too.

The thing is, bisexuality (and homosexuality for that matter) is more and more mainstream all that time. That actually, sadly, doesn’t surprise me.

What bothered me so much about the commercial is that the guy is portrayed in one relationship, and then in another relationship where he and the woman have a baby, and then that is glibly discarded for the same-sex relationship. The message is - changing your monthly cell phone package is as easy as leaving you baby’s mother for another man.

Boy is that fantastic.

The utter flippancy of how the commercial treats relationships - ones where small children are involved - to me is disturbing. However, it does seem to be the way of our society:

(that billboard does seem to have been pulled now…but still).

I don’t use Fido, but I do use Rogers, the owners of Fido…and I use them for cell, cable, and internet service. Maybe it is time for a change.

pop culture, media, ethics | No Comments »

There has been so much going on in my life…I am so far behind…blah blah blah.

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