Pope's Comission to Combat Sexual Abuse

For many years, the church has had many issues. One issue the church faces is sexual abuse. Not only do people receive this from outside the church, but it has happened by members of the church as well! People do the best they can to stop this horrible crime. Even if it continues to happen.

Now Pope Francis takes a stand for all of the Vatican. He plans to create a comission preventing abuse to minors! Hopefully we will see it go through to help with the prevention. Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley announced this last week. I plan to see great improvements in the prevention of sexual abuse prevention, I pray it helps!

Website Source: http://religionblogs.cnn.com/2013/12/05/vatican-setting-up-commission-against-sexual-abuse-of-minors

Photo Source: http://religionblogs.cnn.com/2013/12/05/vatican-setting-up-commission-against-sexual-abuse-of-minors

Zimmerman needs peace!!!

People in the last year have been going crazy over racial allegations of the death Trayvon Martin. George Zimmerman is the reason for this after shooting him over a year ago. People think he did this out of hatred of blacks. He went to court earlier this year and many times following and came out not guilty. By coming out not guilty, this has ticked many people off.

Recently, Zimmerman is being called back into trial to face more judges. A pastor name Rev. Gregory attempts at making peace for the trial. He feels no conflict is necessary. This pastor really sends out the message of being the bigger man. I really hope that what ever happens, peace will maintain its presence.

Website Source: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/24/pastors-aim-to-keep-peace-at-zimmerman-trial/

Photo Source: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/24/pastors-aim-to-keep-peace-at-zimmerman-trial/

The Pope Get Threatened by the Mafia

The Mafia has been around for hundreds of years organizing and plotting ways to get money. They have done both incredibly horrible yet some extremely intelligent acts as well. They dont like to mess around. They get what they want, no mercy. They can be extremely violent especially when plotting an attack.

Recently Pope Francis received a threat from the Italian very recently. It has called for high security and extra protection of the pope. The reason of confliction is due to an unfairness in the Vatican Bank. The mafia does not like getting screwed over. I hope stays safe and lives a very long time!

Website Source: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/11/14/prosecutor-pope-faces-mafia-threat/

Video Source: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/11/14/prosecutor-pope-faces-mafia-threat/

The 'Obamacare scandal you never heard about

Throughout the history of America, people have tried to find ways to make things better for the entire community. Religion has brought forth many reasons to keep and hold people together throughout history. Even today, religion has brought hope to many people. It continues to do so even through the hardest of times. This is especially common today.

Recently, a Reverend named Timothy McDonald brought forth an entirely new perspective on Obamacare. He fears that the people who will need it most wont even receive it! This is due to state laws that will not permit it. Rev. McDonald gave hope to many people by telling them basically that through Jesus anything is possible. This has helped many people remember and see the goodness that still remains in hope.

Website Source: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/11/08/the-obamacare-question-pastors-shun/

Video Source: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/11/08/the-obamacare-question-pastors-shun/

Kid Won't Leave Pope Francis's Side!

Recently as we all know a new pope has been admitted into leadfing the church. Pope Francis had been chosen to lead which has ended up to be one of the greatest in a very short time. He brings joy to many in the world! Not just joy but hope as well!! He will continue to lead the church and the people in the right direction, i'm sure of it.

Very recently, Pope Francis gave a very important speech in the Vatican adressing many people. It was based on the celebration of the Catholic church and the family! He was on stage when an adorable young boy rushed to the stage and observed the Pope and th=ouched his Pope Garments. The kid was waved off by his pontiff but Francis never had any intention on letting him go. It was through this action that he was able to really illustrate the message he has been trying to send to us as the people of the church.

Website Source: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/30/cute-kid-wont-leave-pope-francis-alone/

Video Source: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/30/cute-kid-wont-leave-pope-francis-alone/

Prince George is Baptized

For a long time, religion has played a key part in British Royal lineage. It is evident through many ceremonies throughout history. Most include weddings and funerals. Sometimes even baptisms. Religion has played a vital role in their royal roles too.

Recently, the royal family gave birth to Prince George! He has had to go through a lot in the short years he has been with us. Lately, his baptism has brought many reporters together. Due to tradition, he was baptized Anglican! I hope they don't go to crazy on the baby, and I hope he has a successful life as a royal.

Link: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/23/baby-prince-george-is-baptized/

Video Link:http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/23/baby-prince-george-is-baptized/

Oprah is wrong about Atheism!!!

Oprah has been a leading source of inspiration to many people. She has promoted this idea of gratitude and hope for many years throughout her own show. She now has her own network called OWN which has grown in popularity recently. She brings much joy to many people across the world and especially the U.S. Her great charity and attitudes towards people with less are all very inspiring.

Recently Oprah interviewed Nyad, a swimmer who swam from Cuba to Key West recently. Nyad tells Oprah she is an atheist, but she still finds joy and awe in the world. Oprah says through this joy she is finding God which stirs up a lot of discussion. You can't find God if you are not admitting it is Him. Hopefully this will be cleared up for both so she will actually know what she means.

Website Source: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/16/what-oprah-gets-wrong-about-atheism/

Image Source: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/16/what-oprah-gets-wrong-about-atheism/

Francis's Commemorative Medal is Misspelled!!!

Throughout the years, it has been common to find commemorative items for a multitude of popes. It allows for the people to remember and cemmemorate his innauguration. It also helps build memories on how the pope was chosen. Most importantly, it includes the experience and can take you back to the moment by just looking at the medal or item you receive. These commemorations both include how the pope needs to be celebrated, and remembered.

Recently, a cemmemoration coin for Pope Francis was mispelled by using an "L" for Jesus! Lesus has brought much discussion on problems issuing out these coin like medallions of Francis. It is apparent though that "J" is not included in the Latin language and therefore was not used. 6, 000 of these coins were pressed causing media to have some fun by blaming it on the "Lesuits" and making the phrase "what would Lesus do?" Some lucky collectors will hold some pretty valuable coins in the future making it even more commemorable than was intended!

Website Source: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/11/vatican-pulls-misspelled-lesus-coins/

Picture Source: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/10/11/vatican-pulls-misspelled-lesus-coins/

Advertising Effects on Religion

Throughout the history of people selling things, religious ideas have added to advertisements. These have both helped increase sales and make people feeling great. If something makes you feel great you'll want more and more! Thats just the way the human mind works to a point of whiuch we cant get enough. This is why religious themes have been so poipular on the addition to a multitude of different sales items.

Recently, there has been some talk on how people are crticizing the well-known beer company, Samuel Adams. The makers will not include religion into their beer advertisements even though Samuel Adams had a huge role in the founding of our country. The company says,“Beer advertising and marketing materials should not employ religion or religious themes.” This prooves their distaste for religious advertisements and to base it on a more classical American approach. The idea of Samuel Adams has brought a lot of discussion amongst critics to question why they do not include something about religion to make the customers more satisfied.

Website Url: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/07/12/when-madison-ave-meets-god/

Video Url: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/07/12/when-madison-ave-meets-god/

Zimmerman Will Face Higher Judge

Over the past year people have been going on a rage over racial allegations of the death Trayvon Martin. George Zimmerman is the man behind these alligations after shooting him over a year ago. He is thought to have been doing this due to hatred of blacks. He went to court earlier this year and came out not guilty. This really ticked off a lot of people causing for some serious concern for Zimmerman and wife.

This concern led to some extreme safety issues due to the unguilty call of the judge. This led to a divorce from his wife and many other personal issues. A lot of protestors claim he will spiritually face a higher judge that will decide the result. This has become a very big theme for tweeters on twitter. What ever happens, I hope he stays safe and things dont get out of control.

Video: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/07/14/twitter-theme-zimmerman-will-face-higher-judge/

Website: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/07/14/twitter-theme-zimmerman-will-face-higher-judge/

Following the Pope Will Not Get You Into Heaven!

       Many social medias, such as Facebook and Twitter have gained extreme popularity over the last few years. They allow us to stay in contact with friends around the world and see what everyone is up to. Many famous people have an account for one of these medias so they can stay in the know. A lot of information is generated allowing many stereotypes to form. Hopefully they never will get out of hand!

       As I said before, many famous people have a social media, the pope being one of them. Recently, many news journalists have been noticing strange claims on Twitter saying things like "follow the pope for less time in purgatory" as well as "if you like his posts you won't go to hell." Just a lot of silly things such as these have really created a buzz amongst reporters. I hate to break it to everyone, but retweeting the pope won't get you into heaven.

Website Url: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/07/17/sorry-you-cant-get-out-of-hell-by-retweeting-the-pope/

Video Url: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/07/17/sorry-you-cant-get-out-of-hell-by-retweeting-the-pope/

Obama's Satin Resemblance?

The Bible, a television show recently aired on television tells the story of the bible in five parts. It describes the stories and key events that took place during the bible. Different actors played roles as these characters  and some of which appear to be political leaders. The devil looks as though he is Obama and many opinions have formed on this issue. The Bible allows us to see the life of Jesus as well as how they lived.

Obama has been seen as the devil by many americans and people throughout the world. It would appear the director of the show was portraying the devil as Obama! 20, 000 tweets were made the night after it was aired with Obama and satan in the same sentence! The director describes it as "utter nonsense" and says that it was coincidence. Although this was described as nonsense, there probably still was an influence in this considering the number of people who hate Obama.

Video URL: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/18/producers-obama-satan-resemblance-is-utter-nonsense/

Site URL: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/03/18/producers-obama-satan-resemblance-is-utter-nonsense/

Pope Francis on Gays

       Throughout the Catholic Church, homosexuality has been an uprising issue. We as christians view homosexuality as a choice and sometimes even a sin because we don't believe it should be allowed in the church. For centuries Catholics have seen it as immoral and wrong. Recently, it has brought large discussion amongst Catholics. It is an interesting topic and one that should be discussed.

       Pope Francis recently discussed his own views on gay marriage. He honestly said to the press that he was to pass no judgement unlike his predecessor. He says who is he to judge a man or woman who follows God's prayers and is loyal to him. Pope Francis understands the tendencies and still sees them as our brothers. Gay marriage is rapidly increasing through out the church, it eventually will just have to be accepted.  

Video: http://abcnews.go.com/WNN/t/video/pope-francis-gays-judge-19812136 

Website: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/07/29/pope-francis-on-gays-who-am-i-to-judge/

Canlas, Dotson, Barloon

Former Staffer: Measles Church Counseled Faith, Not Shots

Connor Barloon,Garrett Canlas,David Dotson

In the Eagle Mountain International Church, there was a belief circulating about fear and faith. These people discouraged others from getting vaccinations. Not a single family in the church had their children vaccinated. They believed that if you feared sickness to the point of immunization, then you were showing a lack of faith towards God. You were doubting that God would protect and heal you. Eagle Mountain had been spreading a lot of bad information amongst the members. Supervisors taught how to bypass the Texas law that requires children to be immunized. And what's worse is that the Eagle families spread this false information to families outside the congregation, putting others at risk. Eagle Mountain also taught that childhood vaccination would lead to autism. Eagle Mountain is part of a gospel movement which says that God wants to reward believers with riches and health if they recite certain Scripture, praying and trusting in divine providence.

Garrett's View: The fact that these people think that vaccines are against God is pretty messed up. The advances in science and medicine were to improve human life, and vaccines were created to reduce the risk of people succumbing to disease. Though it is important to keep faith in God, denying the use of medicines is the same thing as walking through a mine field. You pray to God and ask not to get blown up, that is just faith without reason.

David's View: I feel that by not using vaccines, we put God to the test. In a way this is sort of like how the devil tried making jesus put God to the test in the desert by saying an angel would catch him. I do feel that vaccines are very important and need to be used, but we should also pray and be faithful, but not entirely rely on our faith. God may have had a different plan for you than you wanted.

Connor's View: There are differing views from religion to religion to the government on vaccinations. There are some religions who are against vaccinations, such as the Amish people. However, there are many people in government who are trying to pass a bill to make certain vaccinations mandatory to protect the public. The Catholic Church believes that vaccines should be used to protect the public since there are no natural remedies that have been proven very useful as substitutes to these vaccinations. So to sum it up, it is considered dangerous and irresponsible to not vaccinate yourself and your children. The reasons listed by a few people for not getting vaccinations is because they are pricey, but with all the medical aid programs this is no longer a very effective argument. The other reason is that a persons religion may object this practice. So is it more important to protect people's religious rights, or to protect the well being and safety of the public more effectively? 

The Video: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/08/29/ex-employee-measles-church-preached-faith-not-shots/?iref=allsearch

Source: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/08/29/ex-employee-measles-church-preached-faith-not-shots/

Islamic Terrorists Attack Egyptian Bishop

          The coptic bishop of Luxor was attacked on August 16th by Islamic terrorists who tried breaking into his house and killing him. The Luxor bishop says that since harsh anti-Christian attacks have arisen on Aug. 14, multiple churches have been shut down. Priests and religious members are scared to leave there homes due to unwanted violence. It shows how being a christian in a foreign country is not always a safe way to live. Recently in Egypt, a lot of violence has occurred towards the church and its followers.
          Leading to the attack, the Egyptian military killed some protestors demanding the restoration of Mohammed Morsi, Egypts new president. The demonstrators, who were part of Islamist movements began vandalizing and burning churches, cars, shops, schools and homes Christians owned and lived in throughout Egypt. Since August 14th, 80 churches have been burned or damaged so they are in serious need of security. Five christians and one Muslim have been killed near Luxor since the occurrence of these attacks. Some attacks are still occurring which may instigate larger problems for the country.

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/egyptian-bishop-says-terrorists-tried-to-kill-him-in-his-home/

Luxor, Egypt, Aug 21, 2013 / 12:10 am (CNA/EWTN News)

Video Clip below

http://www.krcrtv.com/news/Christian-churches-across-Egypt-torched/-/14286064/21482166/-

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