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Important News
. Bioethics, Abortion and the Sanctity of Life .
Creation and the Environment .
Globalization . HIV/AIDS .
Hunger and Health .
Israel/Palestine .
Marriage and Homosexuality .
Politics and the Christian
Faith . Poverty, Wealth, Debt
and Economics .
Racial Equality .
Religious Freedom .
War, Peace, and Terrorism . blog
archive: Social Action
Important News
and Comment
for Christians Interested in Putting Their Faith Into Action
see the latest at the
blog
archive: Social Action
Bioethics, Abortion, and the Sanctity of Life
The Politics of Stem Cells
Why do some scientists and politicians insist on
exploiting embryos?
Interview with C. Christopher Hook
director of ethics education for the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine.
When Does Personhood Begin?
And what
difference does it make?
By Bob Smietana (Christianity Today)
"...The medical community's
concept of personhood varies sharply from the most prevalent Christian views.
Bob Scheidt, chair of the Christian Medical Association ethics commission, says
the medical profession uses four characteristics to define personhood. All four
are related to the function of the neocortex of the brain: rationality,
self-awareness, communication/relationship with others, and happiness. Scheidt
believes that these functions fall short of a true definition of personhood.
Like many ethicists, Scheidt is concerned that personhood is used more
often than not to exclude, rather than include people. "When we didn't want to
treat blacks as equal," he says, "we defined them as not persons or as
three-fifths of a person in the early American Constitution. We define a fetus
as a non-person, and then we can do whatever we wish with it..."
No Place to Stand
When you're Christian, progressive, and "pro-life," voting
your conscience is often easier said than done.
by Heidi Schlumpf
(Sojourners Magazine)
"...Having to compromise by
voting for a less-than-fully-pro-life candidate may not be ideal for socially
conscious Christians, but it is unfortunately the reality in American politics.
"In a perfect world, all public officials would be pro-life in the full meaning
of that term..."
Adult
Stem Cells - 3, Embryonic Stem Cells - 0
by Daniel McConchie
Human
Cloning
John F. Kilner
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Creation and the Environment
click
on image to connect to the EEN
The New Climate Coalition
Evangelical leaders bolster the fight against
global warming.
Christianity Today
February 2006
"...Environmentally
concerned evangelicals, including megachurch pastors, Christian college
presidents, and theologians, announced their support February 8 for a major
effort to combat global warming. During a press conference at the National Press
Club in Washington organized by the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN), a
new coalition called the Evangelical Climate Initiative (ECI) released a
statement signed by more than 85 evangelical leaders..."
Heat Stroke
The
climate for addressing global warming is improving.
A Christianity Today
editorial October 2004
"...With each passing year, we lose
the ability to slow and minimize the effects of global warming. This is our
Father's world, and it is filled with our brothers and sisters. Christians
should make it clear to governments and businesses that we are willing to adapt
our lifestyles and support steps toward changes that protect our environment..."
World Magazine presents a Christian view that doubts the Global Warming
advocates
Read Michael Kruse's
synopsis of World's article "Greener Than Thou."
On the Care of Creation: An Evangelical Declaration
From the Evangelical Environmental Network (ENN).
EEN is a network of organizations and individuals including World Vision, World
Relief, InterVarsity, the International Bible Society, and several leading
evangelical leaders.
Consider the Turtles of the Field
Many evangelicals find
themselves in an emerging theological habitat, where care of creation is central
to mission.
by Brian McLaren (Sojourners Magazine)
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Globalization
21st Century
global marketers are more seductive than ever before.
And they want your kids.
by Tom Sine
"...Overnight we have become a part of a one-world economic order. This global
boom economy raises issues regarding its impact on workers, sweatshops, and
escalating environmental damage, but also a host of new issues that will require
imaginative responses..."
Global
Outsourcing: Threat or Necessity for U.S. Competitiveness?
Duke
University
Debates for and
against global outsourcing have become increasingly strident in recent months,
with seemingly no consensus on the impact of this phenomenon on the US economy.
Duke University provides several links to illustrate the various positions.
To promote broader
dialogue on this issue, they put together a panel that consists of academics,
industry representatives and policy makers to unravel the complex dynamics
behind global outsourcing. Some of the key questions they address are:
-Is global
outsourcing inevitable and irreversible?
-How much scope do
policy makers have in supporting US jobs while at the same time promoting
innovation?
-Is global
outsourcing the only way for corporations to remain competitive?
-Is outsourcing a
direct outcome of America's addiction to low prices?
REDEEMING THE GLOBAL ECONOMY: PRAY GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY
The gospel provides an antidote to the abuses
of the global economy and invites us to act for justice wherever—and whoever—we
are.
By Vinoth Ramachandra
Christian Responses to
Globalization
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HIV / AIDS
HIV/AIDS - Church
Resources
from World Relief
Bono's American Prayer
The world's biggest rock star tours the heartland, talking
more openly about his faith as he recruits Christians in the fight against AIDS
in Africa. by
Cathleen Falsani (Christianity Today)
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Hunger and Health
Expand Access to
Health Insurance
from The
Values-Driven Voter
Christianity Today’s “Where We Stand” September 2004

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Israel/Palestine
Christian Zionism, Evangelicals and Israel
A
helpful history lesson on why American evangelicals have been uncritical of
Israeli politics
by Gary M. Burge, Ph.D.,
Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College & Graduate School
Dr. Burge’s publications include The Anointed Community: The Holy Spirit in
the Johannine Tradition (Eerdmans, 1987); the translation of John’s Gospel
in the New Living Translation; commentaries on the Gospel of John (Zondervan
2000) and John’s letters (Zondervan 1996), and a critically acclaimed study of
Biblical theology, modern Israel, the Palestinian Christian church, called
Whose Land? Whose Promise? (Pilgrim Press, 2003). He is also the
president of Evangelicals for Middle East Understanding, a coalition of
pastors and theologians which works to bridge the Arab and American church.
“Do Christians Have an Obligation to Support Israel?”
by Gary M. Burge, Ph.D.; Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College & Graduate School
Evangelical
Leaders Send Letter to President Bush on Israel/Palestine
On July
27, 2007, thirty-four prominent evangelical leaders sent a letter to President
Bush correcting the widespread notion both in the Muslim world and among some
American policy makers that most American evangelicals oppose a two-state
solution and the creation of a viable Palestinian state. "Nothing could be
further from the truth," these evangelical leaders insist. The letter points out
that "loving people (including Jews and the present State of Israel) does not
mean withholding criticism when it is warranted!" And the letter calls on
President Bush to provide robust leadership pushing both Israelis and
Palestinians to make the necessary compromises for a just, permanent peaceful
solution.
A Middle Way in the Middle East
A third theological path through the
Israeli-Palestinian thicket
By Mark Harlan
(Christianity Today)
"...After
four years of seminary study, I became even more convinced that God was not
finished with Israel and would fulfill all biblical promises and prophecies
concerning his chosen people. The Bible all the more firmly buttressed the
political sympathies for Israel I had before entering seminary. But seeing
current events and recent history through Arab-colored glasses revealed to me
that the Palestinians (including many Christians) had suffered serious
injustices..."
How Christian is Zionism?
What
the Bible says about "Israel" and the things that make for peace.
by Leslie C. Allen and Glen Stassen
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Marriage and Homosexuality
A Crumbling Institution
by
David P. Gushee
The gay-marriage revolution is only the latest of many social
revolutions that have cracked the pillars of marriage.
Another Opinion:
Banning Gay Marriage Is Not The Answer
Legal actions aren't loving if they're all we do, says
the author of Loving Homosexuals as Jesus Would.
By Chad W. Thompson
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Politics and the Christian Faith
For
the Common Good: A biblical perspective on the role of government
by Ronald J. Sider
"...People today disagree radically on the proper role of government. What help
can the Bible and Christian history provide in this ongoing debate?...Is the
purpose of government only to restrain evil or also to do good?..."
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The Christian Left:




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The Christian Center:


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The Christian Right:





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Read the discussion over at the blog concerning this chart on the Christian Left, Christian
Center, and Christian Right here.

Christian
Politics According to Abraham Kuyper
By Irving Hexham (CRUX)
"...Kuyper thus provides
Christians with a uniquely Christian vision of the state and society. Unlike
other Christian thinkers he does not adopt a conservative or radical stance, but
creates his own view, based on scripture, which allows for both continuity arid
change in society but which maintains, above all, the Biblical emphasis on
justice..."
WASHINGTON, D.C. -
August 30, 2004 - More than 40 Christian leaders and 40,000 faithful
citizens signed a petition declaring that
"God is not a Republican...or a Democrat" and that the Religious Right does
not speak for them.
Blog Archives on GOD IS NOT A REPUBLICAN...or
a Democrat
05/08/2005
Somebody needs to be told that GOD IS NOT A REPUBLICAN...or a Democrat!
04/01/2005
Fear
and Loathing
03/28/2005
For the record, here’s where I stand politically
02/12/2005
Jim Wallis: 'I See Genuine Soul-Searching Among Democrats' (This from
Christianity Today...)
02/08/2005
God's
Politics - Jim Wallis has been making a rather big splash lately.
12/08/2004
What if Democrats Were Pro-Life?
11/05/2004
Bush is the Winner! Kerry is the Loser!
08/26/2004
Top Ten Election Issues
08/16/2004
God is not a Republican. Or a Democrat.
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Poverty, Wealth, Debt and
Economics


The
Micah Challenge
Mobilizing Christians against poverty
This is a moment in history of unique potential,
when the stated intentions of world leaders
echo something of the mind of the Biblical prophets
and the teachings of Jesus concerning the poor, and
when we have the means to dramatically reduce poverty.
We commit ourselves, as followers of Jesus,
to work together for the holistic transformation of our communities,
to pursue justice, be passionate about kindness and
to walk humbly with God.
We call on international and national decision-makers
of both rich and poor nations, to fulfil their public promise
to achieve the Millennium Development Goals
and so halve absolute global poverty by 2015.
We call on Christians everywhere to be agents of hope
for and with the poor, and to work with others
to hold our national and global leaders accountable
in securing a more just and merciful world.
Handout:
Micah Challenge and the Millennium
Development Goals
Secrets,
Lies, And Sweatshops (Business
Week cover story, November 27, 2006)
American importers
have long answered criticism of conditions at their Chinese suppliers with labor
rules and inspections.
But
many factories have just gotten better at concealing abuses
Growing Gulf Between
Rich and Rest of USA
by Holly Sklar, Knight Ridder/Tribune Information
Services
"Guess which country the CIA World Factbook
describes when it says, 'Since 1975, practically all the gains in household
income have gone to the top 20 percent of households.' If you guessed the United
States, you're right. The United States has rising levels of poverty and
inequality not found in other rich democracies. It also has less mobility out of
poverty. Since 2000, America's billionaire club has gained 76 more members while
the typical household has lost income and the poverty count has grown by more
than 5 million people. Poverty and inequality take a daily toll seldom seen on
television..."
Exec Pay: Are they
worth it?
by David Batstone, Sojourners
"...By 1995, the ratio of inequality between the
shop floor and the executive suite had increased to a multiple of 160. Then,
over the next five years, CEO compensation went through the roof; in 2000, they
were paid 458 times as much as ordinary workers..."
Giving 'Burger King Moms' a voice
by Jim Wallis
"...The
Republicans look after their wealthy constituents, and the Democrats want to be
the champions of the middle class. Neither makes a priority of the needs of the
poor..."
Kevin Phillips Discusses Corporate Greed on NOW with Bill Moyers
60
percent of American corporations didn't pay a dime in taxes during the boom
times of the late 90's. Meanwhile, over the last couple of years, corporate
profits, as a percentage of the overall economy, have soared to historic levels.
But, what does this mean for ordinary Americans? Kevin Phillips has been
tracking the political and economic history of American wealth for more than
three decades. He was the chief political strategist for Richard Nixon's victory
in 1968 and wrote the 1969 bombshell book on the emerging Republican majority.
Here is the transcript of their conversation, which aired on NOW with Bill
Moyers on 4/9/04.
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Racial
Equality
Color-Blinded
Why 11 o'clock Sunday morning is still a mostly segregated hour.
An excerpt from
Divided by Faith.
By Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith
White Evangelicalism and Racial Issues in America
a review of Divided by Faith by Bob
Robinson
The Church, Embracing Grace, and Racism
A seven-part blog series by Scot McKnight
The Church, Embracing
Grace, and Racism 1
The Church, Embracing
Grace, and Racism 2
The Church, Embracing
Grace, and Racism 3
The Church, Embracing
Grace, and Racism 4
The Church, Embracing
Grace, and Racism 5
The Church, Embracing
Grace, and Racism 6
The Church, Embracing
Grace, and Racism 7
Religious Freedom
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"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience
and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or
belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in
public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching,
practice, worship and observance."
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Religious Liberty in Public Life by Charles C. Haynes
An excellent overview of what this
amendment means and how it has been interpreted
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War, Peace, and
Terrorism
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The End Does
Not Justify the Means:
The True History of Why the Bush White House Pursued War in Iraq
By Bob Robinson
"...Only days after 9/11,
the PNAC released a letter arguing that "even if evidence does not link Iraq directly to the attack, any strategy aiming at the eradication of terrorism and its sponsors must include a determined effort to remove Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq."
The Bush Whitehouse believed it was in the nation’s best interest to invade Iraq and take Saddam Hussein out of power. When 9/11 occurred, they used the new fear of terrorism by blatantly connecting 9/11 with Iraq, giving the American people a reason to fulfill PNAC’s policy in the Middle East..."
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Just Peacemaking: Alternatives to Military Intervention
( pdf document)
Developed for Peace Action
by the Working Group on Just Peacemaking:
Glen Stassen, Peter Davies
and Steven Brion-Meisels (Peace Action National Board)
and Tracy Moavero with
contributions by Victoria Cheng and Wally Suphap (Peace Action
International Office)
Contents
Introduction
Background Information
• The Cycle of
Peacemaking
• Kofi Annan speech on humanitarian intervention
• UN Charter: Chapters on Peacekeeping
• Questions about UN peacekeeping
• UN Peacekeeping: A Brief Overview
• Peace Movement Perspectives on UN Peacekeeping
• Civil Society Initiatives on Peacemaking
Alternatives to Military
Intervention: Three Case Studies
• East Timor
• Rwanda
• Kosovo
Framework for Activist
Discussions – Guidelines and Starter Questions
Glossary
Resources
Just Peacemaking pamphlet |
Nonviolence and the strategy against terrorism
by David Cortright (Sojourners,
8-28-2006
)
"...A nonviolent approach should not be confused with appeasement or a defeatist
justification of terrorist crimes. The point is not to excuse criminal acts but
to learn why they occur and use this knowledge to prevent future attacks. A
nonviolent strategy seeks to reduce the appeal of militants’ extremist methods
by addressing legitimate grievances and providing channels of political
engagement for those who sympathize with the declared political aims..."
Christian Reflections in a Time of War
- Part I -Written after the Abu Ghraib Prison Photos Were Released
by Brian McLaren
"...When
our leaders speak of liberating others through conquest and occupation, they
sound a lot like many powerful leaders of the past who dominated people but
called themselves benefactors and liberators..."
Jesus and Retaliatory Violence
How do Christians tread a path that honors Jesus' message?
By David P. Gushee
'War on Terror' or Real Security?
A just and viable
alternative to the Bush doctrine
by David Cortright and George A. Lopez
The Cost of War in Iraq
At this
website, you will find a running total of the amount of money spent by the US
Government to finance the war in Iraq. This total is based on estimates from
Congressional appropriations. You will also find a number of different ways that
we could have chosen to use the money.
Dangerous Religion
George W. Bush's
theology of empire
by Jim Wallis
"...To confuse the role of God with that of the
American nation, as George Bush seems to do, is a serious theological error that
some might say borders on idolatry or blasphemy..."
IMPORTANT LINKS for Social Action and Justice:

Evangelicals
for Social Action

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N.A.E.
EVANGELICAL
LEADERS ADOPT LANDMARK DOCUMENT URGING GREATER CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
October 8, 2004
The Board of Directors of the National Association of Evangelicals
unanimously voted at its annual Fall Board Meeting to adopt an historic
document on public engagement called
For the Health of the Nation: An Evangelical Call to Civic
Responsibility. The vote, 42-0, is viewed as a milestone in the
movement of evangelicals from the insularity of a revival tent mind-set
in the early 20th century to the political activism of the 21st century.
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