...Montana
lawmakers have drafted bills for and against the teaching of
alternatives to evolution in public schools. State Representative
Roger Koopman's bill would give schools more leeway to teach
so-called "intelligent design," which maintains that life and the
universe are too complex and finely tuned to have evolved by
accident. State Senator Ken Toole's legislation reaffirms state
support for Darwin's theory, and rejects alternatives that he
considers religious. Koopman says, "The only time religious bias
becomes a factor is when people try to ban scientific data that
supports intelligent design, because they insist that only an
atheistic model of origins should be taught." Both bills were driven
by curriculum changes in schools in Darby, Montana, that mandate
discussion of intelligent design theory in science classes. [AP]
...Atheist
Michael Newdow is back in the news. He gained national attention
when he initially won a lawsuit in California over his objection to
his daughter hearing the words "under God" when her classroom said
the Pledge of Allegiance. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned that
decision because Newdow does not have legal custody of his daughter.
Now, he has relaunched the legal challenge, this time using some
parents who do have custody of their children. Newdow also filed
suit this week to stop the traditional prayer said at President
Bush's inauguration. [AP]
...Although the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has long
held a "pro-choice" stance among its increasingly liberal emphases,
one pro-life spokeswoman is hoping that organization will choose as
its next leader someone who will take a stand against abortion.
Judie Brown, president of the American Life League (all.org), says
she finds it astonishing that the NAACP currently "turns a blind eye
to the greatest threat facing the nation's African American
community." However, she adds, "considering the political
correctness that has overcome this once great organization, it isn't
so surprising after all." Jim Goode, president of the National Black
Catholic Apostolate for Life, has pointed out that there are nearly
1,200 African American babies killed by abortion in America every
day, and approximately 35% of all abortions in America are performed
on black women. Meanwhile, Pastor Clenard Childress of the Life
Education and Resources Network laments the "misplaced priorities of
the NAACP," which continues to affirm its position in favor of
abortion rights. But while these black pro-life leaders and their
groups are speaking out, Brown questions the silence of the NAACP,
which prides itself on advocating for the African American community
and other disenfranchised groups. "Where is the bold leadership that
made the NAACP a force to be reckoned with during the civil rights
struggles of the 60s?" she asks. As the historic activist
organization searches for a replacement for departing President
Kweisi Mfume, Brown says the NAACP has a chance to reverse the
"black genocide" that is decimating the African American community,
and through "prophetic leadership," to "rediscover the boldness of
the civil rights era" and help end abortion once and for all. [Jenni
Parker]
...It remains
unclear what the White House plans to do about the controversy
surrounding a vile rock music performer who is scheduled to be part
of the inaugural celebrations later this month in Washington, DC.
Pro-family leaders reacted with disgust on Thursday to word that Kid
Rock will perform at a Republican youth concert hosted by President
Bush's two daughters. Kid Rock, known for his X-rated lyrics and
associations with drugs, alcohol and pornography, boasted in one
2001 song, "I met the president when I was half-stoned," and in
another of his provocatively profane lyrics, sang of "pimpin'
Barbara Bush." Nevertheless, the Detroit-based bad boy rocker claims
to be a die-hard Republican and a fan of the president's. But
American Family Association founder Don Wildmon calls the recording
artist's invitation a "slap in the face" to the Christian
conservatives who helped elect George W. Bush to a second term in
the Oval Office. The pro-family leader wonders of those planning the
inaugural events, "What in the world are these people thinking?" So
far, all the White House is saying is that Kid Rock has not yet been
confirmed as a performer at the concert; however, a spokeswoman for
the Presidential Inaugural Committee was quoted in the New York
Daily News as emphasizing that there is "no greater defender of
family values" than the president.
...A
pro-family organization is hailing the announcement that Chief
Justice William Rehnquist will return to the Supreme Court bench to
resume his duties. Focus on the Family's Vice President of
Government and Public Policy Tom Minnery issued a statement in
response to the news, noting that the ministry's prayers have been
with the high court judge and his family during his recent fight
with cancer, "and our hopes are that this announcement indicates his
treatments have made progress." Minnery says Chief Justice Rehnquist
has long guided the Supreme Court "with prudence and good judgment,"
and it is encouraging to hear that he is ready to resume that role.
The Focus spokesman notes that, as President Bush works on judicial
nominations -- including Supreme Court nominees -- "William
Rehnquist presents an excellent mold from which future nominees
should be cast." Minnery says while many judges try to force liberal
social agendas on the American public, jurists like Rehnquist have
consistently stood for a strict and accurate interpretation of the
Constitution.
...A
new company has found a way to let Christian healthcare
professionals wear their hearts, not on their sleeves but on their
scrubs. A new company called "Scripture Scrubs" (www.scripturescrubs.com)
is producing medical uniform tops that offer a blend of scripture
and design with a biblical theme that allows the wearer to share
their faith and address patients' spiritual needs. "When people are
fearful and vulnerable, they tend to gravitate towards others who
demonstrate their faith, seeking comfort, hope and encouragement,"
says founding partner Barbara Payne, R.N. That is the idea behind
Scripture Scrubs, she explains: a holistic approach to healthcare by
sharing faith in a quiet but powerful and visible way. The
100-percent cotton uniforms have a standard V-neck, two-pocket,
side-slit design, and are available in two styles: the "Hope in the
Lord" scrubs, which feature a dove and rainbow motif; and the
"Reaping and Sowing" scrubs, which have a garden theme. Scripture
Scrubs is committed to supporting Christian professionals in the
medical field and the mission field. Payne says the Round Rock,
Texas-based company will be donating 20 percent of its annual
proceeds to a medical mission fund for the poor and indigent in
response to the biblical principle found in Matthew 25:40, which
says, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of
mine, you did for me." CG
National News
...Atheist
Michael Newdow is back in the news. He gained national attention
when he initially won a lawsuit in California over his objection to
his daughter hearing the words "under God" when her classroom said
the Pledge of Allegiance. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned that
decision because Newdow does not have legal custody of his daughter.
Now, he has relaunched the legal challenge, this time using some
parents who do have custody of their children. Newdow also filed
suit this week to stop the traditional prayer said at President
Bush's inauguration. [AP] 
...Although the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has long
held a "pro-choice" stance among its increasingly liberal emphases,
one pro-life spokeswoman is hoping that organization will choose as
its next leader someone who will take a stand against abortion.
Judie Brown, president of the American Life League (all.org), says
she finds it astonishing that the NAACP currently "turns a blind eye
to the greatest threat facing the nation's African American
community." However, she adds, "considering the political
correctness that has overcome this once great organization, it isn't
so surprising after all." Jim Goode, president of the National Black
Catholic Apostolate for Life, has pointed out that there are nearly
1,200 African American babies killed by abortion in America every
day, and approximately 35% of all abortions in America are performed
on black women. Meanwhile, Pastor Clenard Childress of the Life
Education and Resources Network laments the "misplaced priorities of
the NAACP," which continues to affirm its position in favor of
abortion rights. But while these black pro-life leaders and their
groups are speaking out, Brown questions the silence of the NAACP,
which prides itself on advocating for the African American community
and other disenfranchised groups. "Where is the bold leadership that
made the NAACP a force to be reckoned with during the civil rights
struggles of the 60s?" she asks. As the historic activist
organization searches for a replacement for departing President
Kweisi Mfume, Brown says the NAACP has a chance to reverse the
"black genocide" that is decimating the African American community,
and through "prophetic leadership," to "rediscover the boldness of
the civil rights era" and help end abortion once and for all. [Jenni
Parker]
...It remains
unclear what the White House plans to do about the controversy
surrounding a vile rock music performer who is scheduled to be part
of the inaugural celebrations later this month in Washington, DC.
Pro-family leaders reacted with disgust on Thursday to word that Kid
Rock will perform at a Republican youth concert hosted by President
Bush's two daughters. Kid Rock, known for his X-rated lyrics and
associations with drugs, alcohol and pornography, boasted in one
2001 song, "I met the president when I was half-stoned," and in
another of his provocatively profane lyrics, sang of "pimpin'
Barbara Bush." Nevertheless, the Detroit-based bad boy rocker claims
to be a die-hard Republican and a fan of the president's. But
American Family Association founder Don Wildmon calls the recording
artist's invitation a "slap in the face" to the Christian
conservatives who helped elect George W. Bush to a second term in
the Oval Office. The pro-family leader wonders of those planning the
inaugural events, "What in the world are these people thinking?" So
far, all the White House is saying is that Kid Rock has not yet been
confirmed as a performer at the concert; however, a spokeswoman for
the Presidential Inaugural Committee was quoted in the New York
Daily News as emphasizing that there is "no greater defender of
family values" than the president.
...A
pro-family organization is hailing the announcement that Chief
Justice William Rehnquist will return to the Supreme Court bench to
resume his duties. Focus on the Family's Vice President of
Government and Public Policy Tom Minnery issued a statement in
response to the news, noting that the ministry's prayers have been
with the high court judge and his family during his recent fight
with cancer, "and our hopes are that this announcement indicates his
treatments have made progress." Minnery says Chief Justice Rehnquist
has long guided the Supreme Court "with prudence and good judgment,"
and it is encouraging to hear that he is ready to resume that role.
The Focus spokesman notes that, as President Bush works on judicial
nominations -- including Supreme Court nominees -- "William
Rehnquist presents an excellent mold from which future nominees
should be cast." Minnery says while many judges try to force liberal
social agendas on the American public, jurists like Rehnquist have
consistently stood for a strict and accurate interpretation of the
Constitution.
...A
new company has found a way to let Christian healthcare
professionals wear their hearts, not on their sleeves but on their
scrubs. A new company called "Scripture Scrubs" (
