Top 10 News Stories of 2007 (by Duane Shank)
At year-end, many news organizations compile their top 10 stories of the year. After a full year of the Daily Digest, here are my choices.
1. Faith & Politics. In a significant indication of how the conversation on faith and politics has changed in the U.S., expressions of religious faith played a central part in a year of presidential campaigning by candidates from both parties.
2. Region in crisis. The U.S. troop surge in Iraq reduced violence but has not led to political stability; tensions and military attacks grew between Turkey and the Kurds; the nuclear cat and mouse game continued with Iran; the Taliban is resurgent in Afghanistan; and instability grew in Pakistan—culminating this week with the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
3. Israel-Palestine. As the internal Palestinian struggle between Hamas and Fatah continued and the violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza intensified, the Bush administration convened an international peace conference. The president plans his first trip to the region in January.
4. Democratic Congress. Democrats assumed control of Congress in January with the first woman speaker of the House in U.S. history, but presidential vetoes and Republican opposition prevented the passage of most major legislation, including troop withdrawals from Iraq and children’s health insurance. Congress did pass legislation increasing the minimum wage, expanding college aid, and reforming lobby and ethics rules.
5. Global warming. Awareness of the threat of global warming continued to grow in response to news coverage of the largest melting of the polar ice cap in history and Al Gore and the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change winning the Nobel Peace Prize. At a climate change treaty meeting in Bali, the U.S. refused to join other nations in pledging cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. On the religious front, the National Association of Evangelicals rebuffed James Dobson’s attempt to silence their concern for global warming.
6. Darfur. Another year has gone by, the violence and death continue, and the United Nations still cannot secure an adequate peacekeeping force on the ground.
7. Death penalty. The Supreme Court’s decision to hear a case involving the constitutionality of lethal injections led to a de facto nationwide moratorium on executions, while New Jersey became the first state to abolish capital punishment.
8. Immigration. Congress failed to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation. This resulted in more raids, with state and local governments passing and enforcing repressive legislation and the growth of a church-based new sanctuary movement.
9. Guns. The U.S.’s love affair with guns continued despite mass shootings at Virginia Tech University (32 dead), an Omaha, Nebraska shopping mall (eight dead), the New Life Church in Colorado Springs and Youth With a Mission in Arvada, Colorado (four dead). All three gunmen also died. If recent trends continue, approximately 10,000 others were also murdered with firearms this year.
10. Muslim-Christian dialogue. One-hundred-thirty-eight Muslim clerics and scholars sent an open letter to the leaders of Christian churches, “A Common Word Between Us and You,” proposing common ground on the shared values of loving God and loving neighbor. Hundreds of Christian leaders and scholars responded by welcoming the initiative.
Other stories of note included an uprising in Burma/Myanmar led by Buddhist monks; a growing mortgage crisis in the U.S.; the passing of Jerry Falwell; a growing split in the Anglican communion; new prime ministers in the U.K. (Gordon Brown) and Australia (Kevin Rudd). The Supreme Court upheld a ban on partial ban abortions; the “Jena 6” case highlighted continued racial injustice; “Scooter” Libby was convicted of lying to a grand jury; Karl Rove and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigned; the steroid scandal in Major League Baseball went public, the collapse of a bridge in the Twin Cities highlighted growing problems with America’s infrastructure; controversy over torture and wiretapping continued; and North Korea closed and began disabling its only nuclear reactor producing weapons-grade plutonium.
For two views of the top 10 religious news stories of the year, see the Religious Newswriters Association and Christianity Today.
As we enter the New Year, continue to pray for our world as you read the news, remembering theologian Karl Barth’s advice “to take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible.”
Duane Shank is the senior policy advisor for Sojourners - in addition to being our resident news digester.
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Comments
Happy New Year!
Posted by: neuro_nurse | December 28, 2007 5:04 PM
"5. Global warming. Awareness of the threat of global warming continued to grow in response to news coverage of the largest melting of the polar ice cap in history and Al Gore and the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change winning the Nobel Peace Prize. At a climate change treaty meeting in Bali, the U.S. refused to join other nations in pledging cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. On the religious front, the National Association of Evangelicals rebuffed James Dobson’s attempt to silence their concern for global warming."
Now the real question is what to do. Personally, I think the United States needs to tackle climate change and energy independence with the environmental equivalent of the Apollo program. We need to move from the realm of climate scientists and policy makers and into the domain of engineers and program managers. Environmentalists need to accept 80% solutions (e.g. the hybrid car -- it still produces some greenhouse emissions but it's a lot better than a stand-alone combustion engine) instead of demanding complete carbon neutrality. After all, offsets can be utilized if need be.
Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" Why don't encourage some of our young, bright Christians to put their talents into finding solutions for climate change?
Posted by: doc75 | December 28, 2007 7:44 PM
"Now the real question is what to do. Personally, I think the United States needs to tackle climate change and energy independence with the environmental equivalent of the Apollo program"
doc75 I hope we do this soon and not wait . JFK stated we would be on the moon in ten years and we did it .
Have a Happy New Year ,
Posted by: Mick | December 29, 2007 1:19 PM
If this is a list - someone needs to get a life.
We are to "...pray for our world..." to what end? For there are some that believe to make a request of the Almighty is 'idolitry', so I am not sure that we should pray.
If I pray for 'this' to happen with 'that' and someone prays the opposite - who will the Almighty listen to.
There are some on this site that believe that I as a Christian praying to my God and the Islamic believer on the next street west of me is praying to their God - it is the same deity. (I personally do not believe that but then again - I am an idolitor - for I believe that making your requests known is proper)
I will be praying that 2008 will be better than 2007 and it will be for many on this site because there will not be a 'Bush' in the White House after Jan 20th when the next person will be housed in that building. (personally - there is a small part of me that would like to see another Co-President Clinton as there are so many interns that need to introduced to the Head of State - LOL!)
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | December 29, 2007 2:57 PM
If this is a list - someone needs to get a life.
LOL , you made me laugh when I read that .
Some of the editorial slant and comments with the list also took away from the stories themselves . But it his list .
I would have put the savings and loan problem up in my list . Maybe we should put up our own list , see how close we come to each other .
No fair looking or using the ones already on this list , have to be originals .
Posted by: Mick | December 29, 2007 3:32 PM
"If I pray for 'this' to happen with 'that' and someone prays the opposite - who will the Almighty listen to. "
Learning All the teachings of Jesus Christ- will help one to figure that out.
"There are some on this site that believe that I as a Christian praying to my God and the Islamic believer on the next street west of me is praying to their God - it is the same deity."
Perhaps, since there are those who claim to be of the same religion, yet their Gods can seem quite different, as well. And we know this to be true from the days of Christ -and the Pharisees. God, being perfect and all, couldn't possibly place higher "labels" over Truth. Thankfully, He sorts it all out in the end. As it should be.
Elizabeth Daniele
Posted by: Elizabeth Daniele | December 29, 2007 3:53 PM
"If this is a list - someone needs to get a life."
I'm curious. Moderatelad, tell me what this means?
Posted by: Duane | December 29, 2007 5:06 PM
"Some of the editorial slant and comments with the list also took away from the stories themselves . But it his list."
I'm curious, Mick. What editorial comments?
Posted by: Duane | December 29, 2007 5:07 PM
Come on ML, there's going to be a Bush in the White House for all of 2008 - almost 13 more months. I therefore anticipate that the comments on this blog will be almost a mirror image of what they've been all year. But like a bad car crash on the side of the road, I'll be back to look anyway.
Posted by: Cads | December 29, 2007 6:21 PM
Before 2008 is over, I predict that the story that will be, by far, the "most major," will be one that is listed as a "story of note" at the bottom of the piece: namely, the sub-prime mortgage crisis. Most, if not all, of the "top ten" problems will be laid aside as our economy begins to really feel the effect of a TRILLION dollars worth of shaky mortgages foreclosing or re-financing to higher interest rates. A trillion bucks is a number that none of us can really get a handle on- - - but it will be big enough to become the "topic of the year" for sure.
Posted by: joekc | December 29, 2007 6:59 PM
Come on ML, there's going to be a Bush in the White House for all of 2008 - almost 13 more months. I therefore anticipate that the comments on this blog will be almost a mirror image of what they've been all year.
That will be a function of Bush unwilling to change his MO, which created the problems in the first place.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | December 29, 2007 9:57 PM
Hey Mick, what savings and loan crisis are you talking about - you mean the one in the 1980s when Carter was president? If you're referring to the $1 trillion in sub-prime mortgages to which joekc refers, well, that's another matter. However, we must realize that the $1 trillion is in mortgages secured by an approximate like value amount in brick and mortar-type housing, so any eventual actual loss to financial institutions would most likely be less than $150 billion. While this is, no doubt, a significant amount, it's definitely not economy crushing, and was actually addressed recently by the hated Bush administration itself, which should go far to keep the problem in check.
And please Rick, don't use my words to bash Bush when I was trying to bash the people who comment on this site, not the least of which is you.
Posted by: Cads | December 30, 2007 12:18 AM
I'm curious, Mick. What editorial comments?
Posted by: Duane
Just an example Duane ,
The U.S.’s love affair with guns continued despite mass shootings at Virginia Tech University (32 dead), an Omaha
Posted by: Mick | December 30, 2007 4:00 AM
"and was actually addressed recently by the hated Bush administration itself, which should go far to keep the problem in check."
I am not so sure about that Cads . The impact may be quite greater then that . You do realize the Bush bail out actually only addressed a small amout of the problem . In an election year I believe it was quite politically smart , but the problem goes deeper .
I am not sure if government should get involved , I have been reading quite abit of pros and cons .
A friend at work gives me the Wall Street Journal and I have reading quite a bit about it .
One thing that makes me hold off on the bail out is the high cost of housing , and how these loans actually promoted the higher housing costs ,
Having a normal correction of the housing industry may just be what is needed , just because of these loans and the people who tried to take advanatage of thenm by living beyond their means got caught .
The loans were bought by plans , investors , and large Banks . I can get a good article if you want to know more , I am not sure if your open to reading more . Like I said , I think it has more far reaching consequences .
Posted by: Mick | December 30, 2007 4:10 AM
I came to this website after hearing Mr, Wallis on Speaking of Faith. I am personally an Agnostic but I think it is going to take a religious revival in the United States to bring our country together and allow for the solving of some of our nations problems.
That said;I agree that all the stories you list were important in 2007. I don't agree with your view of all of them.
Democratic Congress: They were not thwarted by Presidential vetoes and Republican opposition. They never really tried to get anything done. They did not want to risk fighting. They were the majority but were not confident in their ability to get all the Democratic members to go along with their agenda. Preferring to stand by and hope for a Democratic President. Then any dissidents in their ranks would have no choice but to tow the party line.
Immigration: Mis-titled It should have been illegal immigration. I believe the illegal immigration problem is one of poverty and is best addressed by an overall program opportunity in North America. Not social programs that provide for but give opportunity to people.
Guns: also mis-titled It should have been Murders.Murder and crime are also poverty driven problems. Poverty isn't just the families that don't have anything they are also those families that have but could lose it in an instant.
Thank you
Bryan Baxter
Woodstock, GA
bdbaxter@bellsouth.net
Posted by: Bryan Baxter | December 30, 2007 11:56 AM
Just an example Duane ,
The U.S.’s love affair with guns continued despite mass shootings at Virginia Tech University (32 dead), an Omaha
Fair enough. I just find it difficult to think of any other explanation for the easy availability of handguns and assualt weapons in the country. And it certainly is how we're seen by the rest of the world.
Posted by: Duane | December 30, 2007 12:54 PM
"Before 2008 is over, I predict that the story that will be, by far, the "most major," will be one that is listed as a "story of note" at the bottom of the piece: namely, the sub-prime mortgage crisis."
I agree. The first wave simply consisted of people buying houses they could not afford. Mostly, this resulted in banks taking a bath, rather than a loss of discretionary income.
However, millions of middle (and even upper) class people have been tricked into signing onto subprime loans by shady mortgage brokers. At present, many of them are unaware that their mortgage payments are not paying off the interest on their home.
Posted by: kevin s. | December 30, 2007 1:56 PM
sub-prime mortgage crisis. Most, if not all, of the "top ten" problems will be laid aside as our economy begins to really feel the effect of a TRILLION dollars worth of shaky mortgages foreclosing or re-financing to higher interest rates
Posted by: joekc
In our state a few banks have already announced thousands of lay offs . When this problem was revealed , Wall Street plunged , about 6 to 8 percent . When over 5 percent of the United States Economy is effected , its hard to say the problem is a small one .
Somehow I doubt corportations will make that up their losses by lowering the salaries of CEO's or using energy saving light bulbs . These hits always mean jobs being lost .
I am one of those who already think we are in a Recession , the effects will be seen next winter ,maybe longer . A gift for the next president to handle . But I hope I am wrong .
Posted by: Mick | December 30, 2007 2:09 PM
Fair enough. I just find it difficult to think of any other explanation for the easy availability of handguns and assualt weapons in the country. And it certainly is how we're seen by the rest of the world.
Posted by: Duane
Thanks for responding , good to know your interested in feed back . These would be on my top ten list too ,
The subprime crisis and the continued home market fall . Tight presidential primary races and the Virginia Tech shootings. More violence in Iraq and an assassination in Pakistan.
I guess you can tell my interests , but I bet we all have different takes on my choices above .
Abnd something for you to possibly consider in next years top ten ,
Our economy is very important , and I think Duane is has more of a direct correlation to the poor then you might have considered in your top ten .
How High Will Subprime Losses Go for instance ?
To me this would be in my top ten . I can follow up with stats that contribute will lead you to my opinion that it will have a bad effect on our economy . Others , as already stated here think its not as big as of deal .
One thing for sure , it has caused Wall Street to plunge , and that effects savings , pension , job growth, funds , investments in new tech , etc etc etc .
A recent report
cites the recent prediction from Barclays Capital that losses from the subprime-mortgage meltdown could hit $700 billion. That would top Merrill Lynch’s recent estimate of $500 billion. The Australian newspaper notes that a $700 billion “bloodbath” potentially leading the U.S. economy into “the blackest year since the Great Depression” would top the GDPs of all but 15 nations.
Sorry about the economic gloom and doom . But I could cahnage it and make it look rosey and cheery . Its what I thought you were doing somewhat with your top ten , spinning them to your view .
God Bless,
Happy New Year ,
Posted by: Mick | December 30, 2007 3:06 PM
And please Rick, don't use my words to bash Bush when I was trying to bash the people who comment on this site, not the least of which is you.
You miss the point. It wasn't and isn't Bush the person that people criticize; it was and is 1) his policies and 2) his arrogance in carrying them out, both of which have caused this country no little harm, that has earned him enmity. Based on what most of us have seen over the past year, those have not changed and will not change.
Conservatives deeply hated Clinton because he was a liberal (but, in truth, he really wasn't that liberal). However, it's completely unfair to say that liberals hate Bush just because he's a conservative -- because from the word go Bush tried to cut everyone who wasn't conservative out of the decision-making process.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | December 30, 2007 5:10 PM
Duane,
How do you know how the rest of the world sees us?
Bryan
Posted by: Bryan Baxter | December 30, 2007 6:14 PM
Rick: "his arrogance in carrying them out"
Me: Really glad to know this isn't a personal attack! In my book, calling someone "arrogant" is personal. Further, I don't think fiscal conservatives ever really hated Bill (I know I didn't). It was more the moral conservatives who questioned his Christian values.
And Mick, I couldn't locate the $500B and $700B loss predictions you cite. Merrill wrote down approximately $5B, Barclays (a UK conglomorate) wrote down less, and citing a generic Australian newspaper hardly counts. And despite what you call a "plunge", the DJI Average is up over 7% for all of 2007 (12,460 at start, 13366 now). The glass is not half empty, it's half full!
Regardless, this sure beats talking about Reverend Billy! Very good to get back to something that matters.
Posted by: Cads | December 30, 2007 6:49 PM
Bush isn't a conservative! In many ways, he's really a radical. Bush has betrayed conservative ideals by 1) running up huge government deficits, and 2) carrying out 'nation-building' attempts in Iraq. Most real conservatives oppose this administration's policies as much as 'liberals' do.
It's quite ironic that it was Clinton, who is so despised by so-called conservatives, was the one who managed to balance the federal budget. How quickly did Bush turn that surplus into the largest deficits we've ever seen. The Bushies certainly allowed the allure of spending money to stay in power to cause them to fall overboard on spending.
D
Posted by: Don | December 30, 2007 7:57 PM
Really glad to know this isn't a personal attack! In my book, calling someone "arrogant" is personal.
When you basically dismiss your opposition just because they're your opposition and suggest that they have nothing to offer, which Bush has done consistently since he's been president, that's arrogance in anyone's book. That's an observable character defect, not at all a personal attack.
Bush isn't a conservative! In many ways, he's really a radical. Bush has betrayed conservative ideals by 1) running up huge government deficits, and 2) carrying out 'nation-building' attempts in Iraq. Most real conservatives oppose this administration's policies as much as 'liberals' do.
Uh -- not quite. Bush in many ways was the epitome of conservatism, which, really, was about building an aristocracy. To do that the conservative movement pulled together several disparate groups to form what we know to be modern conservatism: 1) Libertarians; 2) Business lobbies; 3) "Cold Warriors", including the "neo-cons"; and 4) Social/religious conservatives, and because of its novelty Ronald Reagan managed to pull off that delicate balancing act. Clinton exposed the fissures in that alliance, which is why the hard right hated him so much, and Bush basically blew them apart.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | December 30, 2007 8:23 PM
"Now the real question is what to do. Personally, I think the United States needs to tackle climate change and energy independence with the environmental equivalent of the Apollo program" doc75
"doc75 I hope we do this soon and not wait . JFK stated we would be on the moon in ten years and we did it .
Have a Happy New Year ," Mick
Mick, I hope so, too. During the height of the Apollo program, there were 400,000 people working on it. I think a task of this magnitude would require at least as many people involved in the effort. Visionary leadership from the top like JFK's would also be needed.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: doc75 | December 30, 2007 10:26 PM
Now the real question is what to do. Personally, I think the United States needs to tackle climate change and energy independence with the environmental equivalent of the Apollo program.
I think that if it could be demonstrated that people could make money -- a lot of money -- from that we would have no problem finding it. That said, it should also save a bunch in the long run.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | December 30, 2007 10:48 PM
"Most real conservatives oppose this administration's policies as much as 'liberals' do."
I don't think that would be possible. Nonetheless, I am not looking for a rerun in 2008. Don, what do you think of McCain?
Posted by: kevin s. | December 31, 2007 1:47 AM
And despite what you call a "plunge", the DJI Average is up over 7% for all of 2007 (12,460 at start, 13366 now). The glass is not half empty, it's half full!
Cads , good point ! I know , the whole year in perspective was not as bad as the last few months . Just what happens now ?
Posted by: Mick | December 31, 2007 4:36 AM
Why do I get the sense that this is just another liberal indoctrination center with a religious cover to it. I am a conservative pastor, not necessarily dummercrat of ostrichocan, my morals and principles have never changed but both parties have. That's what politics does, true faith wavers not. People who are tied to parties and tradition will and do. The internet is properly tilted "the web" for it is like a spider's web luring people in with the readiness to pounce upon and cease those who enter in. I will never sell my birthrights to the kingdom of God for a morsels (union, social security, rights to kill innocent children so I can continue in my sin, etc.). God does not choose sides, it is us who must choose to live in the Spirit or the flesh. "Therefore, he that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." I only remind you of what you already know. I am against those who are opposed to everything God is for and for everything God is against. One day, every knee will bow, and every tongue confess, that Jesus is Lord. Life is a brief period in an eternal existance. Many today are choosing to excahnge their brief identificational suffering with Christ and an eternal hope of everlasting life for a brief moment of pleasure and an eternal separation from God. I do preaching about a literal hell, but I have never made an attempt to scare a person into heaven, it can't be done. One will go to heaven out of a clear understanding of the options. God does not send people to hell ~ they choose to go of their on free will.
I won't go any further, enough said. I won't return to your website again because I don't feel we have anything in common. It appears that we are headed in two differing directions. You have my address if you wish to correspond any further.
In the Lord
James
Posted by: James | December 31, 2007 6:26 AM
Number ten's encouraging. Have to wonder how much sincerity's involved in no. one.
Paul - Original Faith
Posted by: Paul M Martin | December 31, 2007 10:19 AM
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | December 30, 2007 10:48 PM
'...could be demonstrated that people could make money -- a lot of money -...'
It has been proven. Gore and Co. will rake in tons of money through their carbon taxes etc. The question that is never addressed is how are these 'taxes' going to help the issue.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | December 31, 2007 12:35 PM
Posted by: Duane | December 29, 2007 5:06 PM
'I'm curious. Moderatelad, tell me what this means?'
If this is a list of the top 10 in someones book, they need to get a life. There are other issues in the world that many would say are more important. This list is one that allows the person to bash the current adm first and then call is one of the top 10.
Have a great 2008 -
/
Posted by: Moderatelad | December 31, 2007 12:40 PM
Don wrote: "Bush isn't a conservative! In many ways, he's really a radical. Bush has betrayed conservative ideals by 1) running up huge government deficits, and 2) carrying out 'nation-building' attempts in Iraq. Most real conservatives oppose this administration's policies as much as 'liberals' do."
Don, thank you for pointing that out! It cannot be said enough. If people go back and read the writings of people who are the foundation for conservatism they'd have a better understanding of what conservatives believe. For example, as Kirk wrote:
"Conservatives are guided by their principle of prudence...Any public measure ought to be judged by its probable long-run consequences, not merely by temporary advantage or popularity. Liberals and radicals, the conservative says, are imprudent: for they dash at their objectives without giving much heed to the risk of new abuses worse than the evils they hope to sweep away...Sudden and slashing reforms are as perilous as sudden and slashing surgery."
Bush is definitely more of a radical than a conservative.
Posted by: Eric | December 31, 2007 12:57 PM
Why do I get the sense that this is just another liberal indoctrination center with a religious cover to it.
Well, what about deeply religious people like myself whose values lean "liberal"? I mean, in the 1980s I got tired of having my faith questioned. I think we need the opportunity, which we've never had before, to make our case.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | December 31, 2007 1:15 PM
Dear Sojourners,
I, too, work in ministry- and I thank God for the work that you do.
When you work with the abused, poor, and dying- one gets the sense of who truly is the "least" among us.
Happy New Years.
Christ be with you- always,
Elizabeth Daniele
Posted by: Elizabeth Daniele | December 31, 2007 2:16 PM
If people go back and read the writings of people who are the foundation for conservatism they'd have a better understanding of what conservatives believe.
Unfortunately, "conservatism" today is far less a mindset than a specific ideological agenda and actually sought rollback of government-initiated social and economic gains by "lesser classes." The trouble is that such changes were here to stay and conservatives didn't want to admit that, which is why they look so "radical." Let's not forget that it first made splashes with non-profit think tanks and opinion journals funded by wealthy conservatives.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | December 31, 2007 4:59 PM
If this is a list of the top 10 in someones book, they need to get a life. There are other issues in the world that many would say are more important. This list is one that allows the person to bash the current adm first and then call is one of the top 10.
Have a great 2008 -
/
Posted by: Moderatelad
OK-what would be your top ten news stories of the year?
Duane
Posted by: Duane | December 31, 2007 6:23 PM
Duane,
How do you know how the rest of the world sees us?
Bryan
Well, I look at newspapers from Canada (National Post, Globe & Mail), the Mideast (Haaretz, al Jazera), Asia (Asia Times, Times of India), the UK (BBC, The Guardian), Australia (Sydney Morning Herald), etc. Maybe not totally comprehensive, but a goood sampling.
Duane
Posted by: Duane | December 31, 2007 6:30 PM
And Mick, I couldn't locate the $500B and $700B loss predictions you cite.
Got it from the Wall Street Jounal .
Posted by: Mick | December 31, 2007 6:31 PM
Maybe not totally comprehensive, but a goood sampling.
Duane
Well Duane you have a much better sampling then I have that is for sure . But its your lens
is what I believed was what started some of the negative comments .
Not your knowledge . I try to do the same thing , I often try to gae the same news news from different sources , but just with our news most of the time .
Must be quite interesting in what you do .
Posted by: Mick | December 31, 2007 11:51 PM
Well, I look at newspapers from Canada (National Post, Globe & Mail), the Mideast (Haaretz, al Jazera), Asia (Asia Times, Times of India), the UK (BBC, The Guardian), Australia (Sydney Morning Herald), etc. Maybe not totally comprehensive, but a goood sampling. Duane
Isn't it pathetic, Duane, when you are stating only the obvious and you are called on the carpet to defend it while those who question you are are stating some of the most absurd things without any basis in fact as if it were gospel truth? Welcome to the "dialog" with the neo-cons on the Soujourners blog!
Posted by: JamesMartin | January 1, 2008 7:55 AM
Thanks as always James for your open mindness and input to the conversation .
Posted by: kettle | January 1, 2008 5:32 PM
I have to chuckle when I read statements like, if two people pray for opposing goals who will God listen to? You would think God was bound to our human frailties. We always pray with our limited understanding of a situation. Sometimes we are right, sometimes we are wrong. But we seek the answer of the One who knows everything. So, first off, be prepared to be wrong, frequently I'm betting. Do we then not talk to God because we might confuse him? To the contrary, pray and learn. Pay attention to the responses we get and try to learn from them. Surrender our human arrogance to the One who has all the answers.
Posted by: Dave Blake | January 1, 2008 6:23 PM
It's Tuesday,and prayers were offered for all men and women in uniform in Iraq, and for all Iraqi victims of the imperialist invasion of their nation.
Posted by: carl copas | January 1, 2008 7:54 PM
It's Tuesday,and prayers were offered for all men and women in uniform in Iraq, and for all Iraqi victims of the imperialist invasion of their nation.Posted by: carl copas
That is funny!
Posted by: JamesMartin | January 1, 2008 8:19 PM
"That is funny!" JamesMartin
Which part? I guess I don't share your sense of humor.
Posted by: neuro_nurse | January 1, 2008 9:47 PM
Laddeez, laddeez, laddeez - must we start the new year with another burning at the stake of one James Martin? I believe, Neuro, James was (tongue in both cheeks) referring to Carl's plagarism of ModerateLad's usual Monday prayers w/ a slight addendum.
The addendum of course is heresy, as anyone with the new John Hagee Study Bible that I got for Christmas readily knows. Did you know that Hagee finds 666 references to CUFI in the book of Habakkuk alone?
Posted by: canucklehead | January 1, 2008 11:27 PM
"OK-what would be your top ten news stories of the year?"
You didn't ask me, but I'll go.
1. The housing crisis matched eager, naive homebuyers with sleazy mortgage lenders to create a tremendous financial mess that threatens to drive us into recession.
2. The surge of troops into Iraq, and its effectiveness or lack thereof, depending on your persepctive.
3. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto, though I'll leave the assessment of the implications to 2008, unlike certain presidential candidates.
4. The resurgence in mass gun shootings nationwide, which to me reveal the power of the media to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Do these crimes happen without the breathless reporting of the Anderson Coopers of the world? That is a question the media should explore, but never will.
5. The Minneapolis bridge collapse. For me, this was a positive story about city and state departments coordinating to greatly diminish loss of life, as well as the collective international concern directed at a Midwestern city. It demonstrated out best instincts as people, in my view.
6. Social networking and it's implication for the future of media and the economy at large.
7. John Roberts continuing to assert his influence and leadership over the Supreme Court, as evinced by the partial-birth abortion case.
8. The Venezuelan people's stunning rebuke of Hugo Chavez's attempt to assert absolute authority over the nation for the rest of his life. Most encouraging is that the resistance was led by Venezuela's thought leaders (students, business leaders etc...) Here is hoping they continue to stand firm as Chavez seeks to acquire through less Democratic means.
9. A surge in great movies coinciding with the WGA strike, forcing people to go to the theaters and watch them.
10. The race for primary relevance as the primary season condenses. This has the potential to become a bigger sotry, particularly if state parties do something to address the situation. The way we pick our president has an enormous impact on who that president will turn out to be.
Posted by: kevin s. | January 1, 2008 11:44 PM
"Which part? I guess I don't share your sense of humor."
They are making fun of Moderatelad for offering a prayer for the troops each Monday. What, you're not nostalgic for the schoolyard, either?
Posted by: kevin s. | January 1, 2008 11:45 PM
Thanks Kev , for putting that out there .
Posted by: Mick | January 2, 2008 3:24 AM
This may seem like a technicality to some, but it's important, at least to us composition instructors. Carl didn't plagiarize Moderatelad; he parodied him. There's a big difference.
At any rate, as a parody, I caught the humor at once. But on the more serious side, as citizens of a heavenly Kingdom, shouldn't we be praying for those who are suffering in Iraq, as well as for the troops who are in harm's way? We can do that without assigning responsibility, can't we? Praying for the American troops alone seems, well, so one-sided to me. I don't think God takes sides.
Peace,
Posted by: Don | January 2, 2008 7:55 AM
Posted by: Duane | December 31, 2007 6:23 PM
I normally do not do top 10. Top ten on what topic? Top 10 based on what? Top 10 because they deal with?
That these are their 'Top 10' - my concerns and focus is a little bigger than these.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: moderatelad | January 2, 2008 8:25 AM
"OK-what would be your top ten news stories of the year?" You didn't ask me, but I'll go.
What about the passing of Jerry Falwell and D James Kennedy?
D
Posted by: Don | January 2, 2008 8:52 AM
no doubt well-intentioned, but decidedly slanted. all ten are discussions we need to have, but without self-righteousness, without elitist condemnation of those with opposing views. tis particularly easy for those who sit in the stands to take pot shots at those who are on the field from their "superior" vantage point above the fray. NOT what Jesus would do, however... selah.
Posted by: annie | January 2, 2008 9:16 AM
Okay, I did notice that Duane does talk about Falwell's death in his "Other stories of note" paragraph. I also clicked on the links to the two "Top 10 Religious Stories" links, from CT and the Religious Newswriters Assn. I wonder that both Duane's and these other two lists are so US-focused. Maybe it's hard not to be, but the church of Christ contains people from "all races, tribes and tongues," right?
So FWIW, here are some news stories from the last year that I thought were important (in no particular order):
1. The continuing debate and dialogue over the proper relationship between faith and political action, including discussions of faith matters among presidential contenders (Duane's topic #1).
2. The aforementioned passing of two US Christian conservative leaders: Falwell and Dr Kennedy.
3. The growing awareness of the need for Christians to be stewards of creation, manifested especially in the growing concern of Christians over climate change, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity (Duane's topic #5).
4. The call for dialogue with Christians by some prominent Islamic leaders (Duane's topic #10).
5. The continuing fallout in the Worldwide Anglican Communion over the election here in the USA of a gay bishop. One US diocese (San Joaquin, California) votes to disaffilate from the US Episcopal church.
6. The Vatican's reassertion of the doctrine of papal supremacy in "Responses to some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine of the Church", published late in June. The question-and-answer format reasserted the belief that churches not in communion with Rome are not "true" churches, per the 2000 doctrinal treatise "Dominus Iesus".
7. The growing awareness that humane treatment of immigrants in the US--whether documented or undocumented--is a faith issue, recalling Jesus' words about welcoming strangers in Matthew 25 (Duane's topic #8).
8. Persecution of Christians in Iraq continues; part of the unintended fallout from the US invasion and the subsequent insurgency. Christians in Iraq were generally left alone under Saddam Hussein.
9. The continuing ignoring of Palestinian Christians, their situation, and their concerns, by US evangelicals who are too focused on "end-times prophecies" to notice.
10. The Buddhist monks' protests in Burma/Myanmar.
Peace,
Don
Posted by: Don | January 2, 2008 9:47 AM
"That these are their 'Top 10' - my concerns and focus is a little bigger than these."
You haven't suggested your top 10 yet. What concerns of Duane's don't belong, in your opinion, and what should have been included? You criticize, but you don't make suggestions.
Personally, I think those issues are pretty huge, and most of them are global, and they all have direct or indirect effects on all of us. What issues can you suggest that are as global as these? That affect us all as much as these? I'm not saying there aren't any or that I think the list is perfect, but if you think it is flawed, then explain why, specifically, it is flawed. I am guessing, and you can correct me if I am wrong, it is not the issues you find fault with, but his comments about them.
Posted by: squeaky | January 2, 2008 10:42 AM
Posted by: Don | January 2, 2008 8:52 AM
What about the passing of Jerry Falwell and D James Kennedy?
These would be on the list of the Top 10 things to celebrate for Sojo and Co. (lol)
Blessings -
.
Posted by: moderatelad | January 2, 2008 11:14 AM
Posted by: squeaky | January 2, 2008 10:42 AM
Like I stated before - I don't do lists like this because they are pointless to me. I would do a list that would be more 'positive' but then again I am a glass half 'full' and most of the people that write for Sojo are more 'empty'.
You are correct in that his comments I believe determined his list as you have to take the shot at someone. That his list is flawed - no, it is his list. That it is global - true, but limited to those issues that he believe are big and that fit the agenda that he has. (remembering his past articles on this site)
So - I don't do lists. It is interesting that his comments on Global Warming (thought it was 'climate change') failed to quote the 'Enviromentalist Evangelists' Gore but he did take the shot at Dobson, but that fits the agenda.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | January 2, 2008 12:22 PM
"They are making fun of Moderatelad for offering a prayer for the troops each Monday. What, you're not nostalgic for the schoolyard, either?"
"They"???
Not making fun. But adding to Modlad's prayer some folk that I also pray for every day, not just on Tuesday.
Posted by: carl copas | January 2, 2008 12:24 PM
I just had a note from Amazon saying something about D. James Kennedy's new book "How would Jesus vote?" or something like that. Does anyone know whether that was penned before or after his promotion to glory?
Posted by: canucklehead | January 2, 2008 12:31 PM
Just for the record - I do pray to the Almighty each and everyday. I pray for many things each day. It is just that I pray on Monday for pur military in Iraq and have a list of 15+ people that I know are over there currently. I am one of seven people in our church that have taken a day a week and we pray for the same people as well as the safety of all and victory in Iraq so that they can have a country of their own and have influence in their countires direction. Of all the people that we have prayed for since the start of the conflict in Iraq - everyone has returned home alive. One was injured but is fine and now attending school.
Like I have said before - I and other conservatives like me are a little more complicated than just 'two issue' people. There are two people on this site that I am praying for and they know who they are. I do not have to know their real names for I know that they Almighty understands whom I am praying for.
So yes - Moderatelad prays for our military. Not really a hot topic on my 'list'.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | January 2, 2008 12:35 PM
I wonder if the pregnancies of Mary and Elizabeth made the Top Ten Story list at the end of that year???
Posted by: letjusticerolldown | January 2, 2008 12:45 PM
letjusticerolldown -- You bet they did. In fact, the Pharisees still remembered it at times when they were in direct confrontation with Jesus; they once said to Him, "We [emphasis mine] are not illegitimate children."
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | January 2, 2008 1:18 PM
"I wonder if the pregnancies of Mary and Elizabeth made the Top Ten Story list at the end of that year???"
No, just the pregnancy of Britney Hilton's little sister. What a dumb culture we live in.
Posted by: I and I | January 2, 2008 1:33 PM
Hey Duane and folk, here is my attempt .
No order of importance , I just concentrated on spelling . ;0)
Cost of Oil closes in on 100 a barrel
Supreme Court upholds Partial Birth Abortion Ban
Sub Prime Mortgage Loans Defaults
Iraq and the Surge
Fence between Mexico and the United States
Immigration issues
Presidential debates
Virginia Tech Killings
Bridge Collapse
California Wild Fires
Iran and Nukes
Posted by: Mick | January 2, 2008 3:39 PM
...Britney Hilton's little sister...
Now if that is deliberate, it's quite humorous. Because it fits so perfectly into the dumb culture comment that follows (i.e., our culture's infatuation with both Britney and Paris). A sentiment with which I would fully agree, if it weren't for the fact that these things often end so tragically (e.g., Anna Nichole Smith).
Peace,
D
Posted by: Don | January 2, 2008 5:07 PM
Of course lists are always sujbective, but kind of fun. On Dobson - Christianity Today wrote it this way on their top ten -
9. Campaign to oust NAE's Richard Cizik fails
James Dobson and other religious conservatives couldn't depose the National Association of Evangelicals' vice president for his global warming activism.
Wonder what their agenda is?
duane
"It is interesting that his comments on Global Warming (thought it was 'climate change') failed to quote the 'Enviromentalist Evangelists' Gore but he did take the shot at Dobson, but that fits the agenda." Posted by: Moderatelad
Posted by: Duane | January 2, 2008 5:12 PM
"Not making fun. But adding to Modlad's prayer some folk that I also pray for every day, not just on Tuesday." Posted by: carl copas
Whether it was said in jest or not, it was fully appropriate. It even provoked a snide barb from that profound purveyor of neo-con wisdom, Kevin S, so you got two for the price of one. Good work.
Posted by: JamesMartin | January 2, 2008 10:18 PM
you know - the idea that my prayer(s) for whatever reason cause this much chatt - more than one person needs to get a life.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: moderatelad | January 2, 2008 11:18 PM
"you know - the idea that my prayer(s) for whatever reason cause this much chatt - more than one person needs to get a life. Blessings -"
Posted by: moderatelad
You're right. Self-serving nationalist prayer is pretty boring and banal. Not really worth commenting on. Point well taken.
Posted by: JamesMartin | January 3, 2008 6:45 AM
Posted by: JamesMartin | January 3, 2008 6:45 AM
'Self-serving nationalist prayer...'
So how about stupid requests for healing of a friend with cancer.
Mindless prayer for the safety of children of friends that attending school all around the world.
Daily prays for protection of our missionaries in countries where their lives are at risk is pointless.
Prayers of thankgiving for God's provisions daily are worthless.
Just need a little more clairifacation on the subject from you. I mean - as an accused 'self-serving idolitor' by some on this site, you being one of them. I believe that we should have our terms defined so that we understand each other as we communicate.
Right now there is so much that I would like to say but I would just have to ask the Almighty to forgive my short comings.
So I will just say what I always say...
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | January 3, 2008 9:29 AM
Moderatelad -- My prayers for people are never just for their sake but so that God can continue to use them in the way He deems fit. A friend of mine died of cancer in November but I prayed for him for that reason. But, as you've made clear, your "prayer" for the troops in fact represent a desire for partisan political victory for GWB, which God will not honor.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | January 3, 2008 10:13 AM
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | January 3, 2008 10:13 AM
So we will be removing the story about the widow and the judge that Christ used to tell us that our prayers can move the heart and mind of God - fine.
As Christ taught us to pray - ultimately it is the Almighty's will that we want for our lives. But I still see no wrong in petitioning Him - but I guess that is what makes me the idolitor - so be it.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | January 3, 2008 10:23 AM
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | January 3, 2008 10:13 AM
'...desire for partisan political victory for GWB,...'
I sorry - I thought that victory would be for the Iraqi people. So that families could have a home and schools for their children. They would have a country that could compete on the world market for the bennefit of the people not just a select few. We should have never gone to war with Germany and Japan and then there would be no France, Italy, Holland, UK, USA and the world would be a better place. Let the tyrants have at it as long as we can stay home and sit on our backsides and let the world go to $%^&. Then the world will know that we are not our brothers keeper and we don't give a ^&* about them.
'...which God will not honor.'
But that is easy for you to say because when you label someone as you have done to so many on this site. Then you don't have to deal with them as peers because they are idolitors and pond scum.
Blessings
.
Posted by: moderatelad | January 3, 2008 10:33 AM
Great insights, Rick!
Posted by: JamesMartin | January 3, 2008 1:11 PM
Rick, I was not aware that we a bona fide "Assistant God" on this blog!! I am curious - - when, exactly, did God call you to screen the prayers that ascend to Him and determine which He will, and will not, honor? Does the job pay well? Can I get a piece of that action?
Trust me -- you don't really want the job because of the abuse you have to take in the process. I'm not "God's assistant" per se and would never claim to be, but my primary spiritual gift after Romans 12 is that of prophecy, which means that He has given me special discernment on spiritual matters. There actually is biblical precedent for this -- remember the time when Ananias and Sapphira sold that property and kept back part of the proceeds without telling anyone and Peter called them on it? Do you remember what happened to them?
I thought that victory would be for the Iraqi people.
And if you believe that one... Remember, the war in Iraq was based on false intelligence and was done to 1) overlook our inability to capture Osama bin Laden -- who, incidentally, was also an enemy of Saddam Hussein; and 2) to get revenge for a failed assassination attempt in, I think, 1991. Anyone who knows anything about the Middle East knew that going to war there would cause more problems than it solved, but Bush -- or, perhaps more accurately, the neo-con coterie who advises him -- became so arrogant he thought he could do anything he wanted. And in the process he's almost singlehandedly taken down the conservative movement and ended the "Reagan Revolution."
But that is easy for you to say because when you label someone as you have done to so many on this site. Then you don't have to deal with them as peers because they are idolitors and pond scum.
What's wrong with calling fellow Christians to repentance, especially when you know full well they're headed in the wrong direction? The heat I've taken from you and the other conservatives on this blog all but proves that what I'm saying is true.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | January 3, 2008 2:09 PM
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | January 3, 2008 2:09 PM
The heat I've taken from you and the other conservatives on this blog all but proves that what I'm saying is true.
Ture? Bull!
The 'heat' that you may have taken is because of your lack of respect for others opinions and observations. You are not the final arbitor here and neither am I.
'...that He has given me special discernment...'
The prophet that has to promote themselves most likely has a congregation of ONE. We all have gifts and talents bestowed on each believer by the Almighty. Most of us don't beat our chest and scream, rant and rave asking people to listen to us. Most prophets allowed themselves to be vessels of the Almighty and people did not see them as much as God with them.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | January 3, 2008 2:24 PM
Moderatelad -- Keep sticking your foot in your mouth, which is just what you're doing. Frankly, I don't have to "promote myself" -- your reaction to my statements validates them nicely. And, contrary to what you believe and apparently trying to say, prophets were generally despised for telling people what they didn't want to hear.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | January 3, 2008 5:17 PM
"Trust me -- you don't really want the job because of the abuse you have to take in the process."
Criticism on blogs, no less. Poor thing.
Posted by: kevin s. | January 3, 2008 7:11 PM
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | January 3, 2008 5:17 PM
'...reaction to my statements validates them nicely.'
Validating you - hardly.
They were despised because they heard the prophet but knew the voice of God was behind them. All I hear from you is an angry black male who has to blame someone for your short-comings. You and Sojo waste so much time blasting other believers and lampooning other ministries that the only one gain any validation is the devil himself. There are many people out there that I do not agree with but will for the most part try to focus on the one True and living God and not get side tracked.
If you would have noticed - I have cut back on a lot of my criticisms of most liberals in politics. (it has been weeks since I mentioned Gore, Nancy, Harry or even BC) But the slice and dice of conservatives on this site knows no ending. There would be nothing for Wallis to say if he could not get out the and cut up a Dobson or someone else. (why does he not take on the blond wig in CA and her husband - )
I will going to take care of my Alzheimer mother.
whatever -
.
Whatever -
.
Posted by: moderatelad | January 3, 2008 8:05 PM
Criticism on blogs, no less. Poor thing.
That's the least of it -- I faced it on radio 15 years ago.
You and Sojo waste so much time blasting other believers and lampooning other ministries that the only one gain any validation is the devil himself.
Ridiculous -- what we do is look at them in the context of, "What are they doing to promotes God's shalom?" If all they're about is their own authority and aggrandizement -- and, truth be told, many of these "ministries" on the right are -- they they deserve the criticism we give them. But you see, in your view anyone who criticizes your side is next to the devil, and that's simply unfair.
You see, you come from the default view that the right is right. However, I don't and never have, and as such because I want a purified church ready to meet the Bridegroom I will challenge, cajole and berate until we get it right. If that makes you feel put upon -- well, that's not my problem. Now you can call me arrogant, out-of-touch, "angry black male," but that doesn't mean that what I'm saying isn't true -- as it will be shown in due time.
There would be nothing for Wallis to say if he could not get out the and cut up a Dobson or someone else.
Well, if the shoe fits ... And in fact, Dobson is becoming less and less of a factor in public life through his own actions. I apparently need to remind you that he's apparently as touchy as you are, witness his going after Cal Thomas in the late 1990s for saying he was to obsessed with the political at the expense of his calling and that the NAE told him to "stick it" concerning its statement on climate change.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | January 3, 2008 8:25 PM
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | January 4, 2008 10:33 AM
Someone else like you with respect and humility would be a joy to chatt with!
'...Scriptures I read that I do have the right to judge someone's walk...'
I believe that we have a responsibility as believers to reveal what the Almighty has taught us to others that we might believe are in error. Not judge them because we believe they are wrong. Personally - I perfer to reveal the 'Sweeter side of God' and allow the Holy Spirit work in their hearts so that they come to a new view because of God and not me. For if I falter and fail and I do, what influence have I had on them.
There are others that engage you - enjoy them while they are there.
I am not going away either.
Blessings - Bye!
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | January 4, 2008 11:19 AM
Someone else like you with respect and humility would be a joy to chatt with!
I actually have those kind of conversations all the time -- but with people who know what they're talking about even if there's a disagreement.
I believe that we have a responsibility as believers to reveal what the Almighty has taught us to others that we might believe are in error. Not judge them because we believe they are wrong.
If I can prove that they're wrong and that their being wrong affects not only them personally but the church in general it would be sin for me not to bring it up, and how that's received depends on the person's maturity level, not his/her ideological agenda. Now, if you want to maintain such an agenda that's fine, but to ignore basic facts to do so casts doubt on the agenda, let alone your character. So, basically, you're on my case because I'm critical of the conservative agenda -- but that's not really relevant.
BTW, Jesus was not always "sweet," especially when it came to the Pharisees, who were so full of themselves they missed God.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | January 4, 2008 2:28 PM
Someone said -
'Jesus was not always "sweet," especially when it came to the Pharisees, who were so full of themselves they missed God.'
But I have never compaired myself to the Savior of the world or His assistant like some. As for being full of themselves - I believe that better describes some else and their comments to others.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: moderatelad | January 4, 2008 9:52 PM
But I have never compaired myself to the Savior of the world or His assistant like some.
Neither have I (scroll up to mention who did). And BTW, you're getting personal again, which automatically refutes your argument.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | January 4, 2008 10:29 PM
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