Is the Republican Party losing the Christian vote?

Since 1992 the Republican Party has maintained a healthy advantage in Protestant and other Evangelical Christian voting blocks, winning by no less than 9% (Dole vs. Clinton in 1996) and as much as 19% (Bush vs. Kerry in 2004). However, with Republican Presidential candidates having lost the popular vote in 5 of the last 6 elections, and amid an escalating Latino voting presence that has traditionally sided more heavily with Democrats, Republicans are on the proverbial ropes, trying to avoid yet another political knockout. With fears they are also losing ground on the Evangelical and moderate Christian vote, it appears there is big trouble ahead. The current front runner the majority of the summer, Donald Trump, has been on record questioning a key tenet of Christianity: repentance.

Try as the Republicans may to gain ground, the party’s challenges are only severely escalating given the mass exodus of Christian voters who are bucking the traditional conservative stronghold. Here are three reasons why I believe this his happening:

Wedge issues have gone awry

The Republican Party’s two “clinch” issues—gay marriage and abortion—are becoming less of a factor for voters. While many Christians, regardless of their political affiliation, may be pro-life and in favor of traditional marriage, the tone of the conversation has changed dramatically and is no longer becoming a singular or even primary influence in picking a candidate. And with the recent Supreme Court decision, one could argue the fight for “traditional marriage” is now truly a moot point. One recent high-profile report even underscored that “most Republican presidential candidates seem to want to avoid talking about the issue [all together]—as Mitt Romney largely did in 2012.”

Religion saved his life. Now he's using it to bring about change.

The rapper completed his undergrad degree in Biblical counseling at Boyce College and he says his education influenced music. His rhymes often offer counsel on how to deal with the culture as a Christian, giving his fans a way to connect what God has to say about life with how we experience it.

On his latest album, Forward, Flame raps about everything from the Ferguson protests and police brutality to the Constitution, and Christian identity. And he’s not afraid to be blunt. .

“I wanted to raise awareness to the change going on in our nation, especially with the younger generation,” the rapper explains.

Flame’s music suggests Christians have a responsibility to be involved in change and conflict resolution.

53 Christian leaders urge Congress to back Iran diplomatic agreement

Dear Member of Congress:

As Christian leaders in the United States, we are writing to urge you to vote in support of the negotiated settlement over Iran's nuclear program. We live by God’s call to "seek peace and pursue it" (Psalm 34:14). After decades of hostility, the international community has crafted a nuclear accord to limit Iran’s nuclear program and prevent the United States from moving closer toward another devastating war in the Middle East.

The July 2015 diplomatic agreement with Iran will dramatically shrink and impose unprecedented constraints on Iran's nuclear program. In exchange, the international community will begin to lift sanctions on Iran. It also establishes the most robust monitoring and inspection regime ever negotiated to verify Iran’s compliance with the restrictions on its nuclear program.

As Christians, we feel called to speak out for the possibility of peace. As faith leaders from the only country that has ever used nuclear weapons in war, we have a particular responsibility to speak boldly when opportunities arise that lead to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation at home and around the world. This historic accord moves us one small step closer to a world free of nuclear weapons.

Let us pray for teachers and students

I found this prayer for teachers earlier today:

Father, thank You for Godly teachers in our schools. Bless them, Lord, and help them to be encouraged today, just knowing that they are making a difference in so many lives. As this new school year begins, Lord, I ask that You wrap Your loving arms around them and give them grace, patience, love and wisdom for their best school year yet. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.

A new generation of faith-based activism for equality

ur nation’s seismic shift away from intolerance and towards full equality for LGBTQ people has been strengthened by voices leant by our nation’s young faithful. A rising collective of Millennials are resoundingly dismantling the view that religion is incompatible with LGBTQ acceptance—embracing equal treatment for all Americans not in spite of, but because of, their faith.

The first openly transgender person to head a mainline Protestant organization, Alex McNeill currently serves as the executive director of More Light Presbyterians. McNeill’s journey to ordination will be chronicled alongside other LGBTQ people of faith in the upcoming film, “Out of Order,” which takes place against the backdrop of the passage of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A)’s measure to include same-sex couples in their definition of marriage. McNeill was influential in PCUSA’s vote, and has also organized faith communities in support of Maryland’s same-sex marriage legislation and local ballot measures to promote equal rights for LGBTQ people. Reverend Cameron Partridge, an Episcopal priest, says his transgender status has not hindered, but helped him in his role as one of the first openly transgender chaplains at a major university. Because of his identity, he says, he is able to navigate the diverse intersections of faith and sexuality many students wrestle with. Partridge utilizes his various platforms to foster understanding between congregants and religious leaders in an effort to assimilate transgender people into all forms of ministry.

Matthew Vines, author of “God and The Gay Christian,” is regarded as influential for engaging older, evangelical leaders in the growing acceptance of gay rights. Vines is also president and founder of The Reformation Project, a group that trains clergy, lay leaders, and congregants to provide support for LGBTQ people navigating various aspects of church life. Meanwhile, Justin Massey is encouraging LGBTQ advocacy in another unlikely space: the conservative, evangelical Wheaton College. Feeling isolated as an undergraduate, Massey co-founded Refuge, the first administration-approved campus support group for non-heterosexual or questioning students. In Massey’s words, his sexual identity is “not only compatible with his faith, but absolutely critical.”

A new generation of faith-based activism for equality

ur nation’s seismic shift away from intolerance and towards full equality for LGBTQ people has been strengthened by voices leant by our nation’s young faithful. A rising collective of Millennials are resoundingly dismantling the view that religion is incompatible with LGBTQ acceptance—embracing equal treatment for all Americans not in spite of, but because of, their faith.

The first openly transgender person to head a mainline Protestant organization, Alex McNeill currently serves as the executive director of More Light Presbyterians. McNeill’s journey to ordination will be chronicled alongside other LGBTQ people of faith in the upcoming film, “Out of Order,” which takes place against the backdrop of the passage of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A)’s measure to include same-sex couples in their definition of marriage. McNeill was influential in PCUSA’s vote, and has also organized faith communities in support of Maryland’s same-sex marriage legislation and local ballot measures to promote equal rights for LGBTQ people. Reverend Cameron Partridge, an Episcopal priest, says his transgender status has not hindered, but helped him in his role as one of the first openly transgender chaplains at a major university. Because of his identity, he says, he is able to navigate the diverse intersections of faith and sexuality many students wrestle with. Partridge utilizes his various platforms to foster understanding between congregants and religious leaders in an effort to assimilate transgender people into all forms of ministry.

Matthew Vines, author of “God and The Gay Christian,” is regarded as influential for engaging older, evangelical leaders in the growing acceptance of gay rights. Vines is also president and founder of The Reformation Project, a group that trains clergy, lay leaders, and congregants to provide support for LGBTQ people navigating various aspects of church life. Meanwhile, Justin Massey is encouraging LGBTQ advocacy in another unlikely space: the conservative, evangelical Wheaton College. Feeling isolated as an undergraduate, Massey co-founded Refuge, the first administration-approved campus support group for non-heterosexual or questioning students. In Massey’s words, his sexual identity is “not only compatible with his faith, but absolutely critical.”

Idaho replaces sign at mile marker 420, because stoners

If you’re looking for milepost 420, you won’t find it in Idaho.

Idaho transportation officials say the mile marker has been replaced with 419.9 signs to curb thieves eager to own a number associated with marijuana enthusiasts.

Turns out, Idaho isn’t alone in this problem. States like Washington and Colorado have also replaced 420 signs with 419.9 after consistently having to replace them after thefts by supposed sticky-fingered stoners.

Adam Rush of the Idaho Transportation Department says officials have replaced the old sign along U.S. Highway 95 with “MILE 419.9,” just south of Coeur d’Alene.

Iowa barber gives haircuts to children in exchange for them reading stories to him

Children who read books to a local barber have received a free haircut as part of a community event in Dubuque to help families prepare for the upcoming school year.

Barber Courtney Holmes traded the tales for trims on Saturday during the second annual Back to School Bash in Comiskey Park.

Tayshawn Kirby, 9, of Dubuque, read from "Fats, Oils and Sweets," by Carol Parenzan Smalley, informing Holmes that the average person eats 150 pounds of sugar each year. Before Tayshawn's 10-year-old brother, Titan Feeney, took his turn in the barber chair, he told his brother the new look was great.

"I just want to support kids reading," Holmes said.

Let us pray for President Carter and for all who have cancer.

Bless, O God, President Jimmy Carter and all who struggle with cancer. Empower them with hope for each and every day. Provide them with loving and tender care, laughter, and the support of love. Grant them courage when they are afraid, comfort when they are in pain, and your blessing when all else seems hopeless, that in their fight with illness they may continue to praise you and glorify your name.

Amen.

(Adapted from http://www.beliefnet.com/Prayers/Multifaith/Illness/Prayer-For-Those-With-Cancer.aspx#QmIe3DLuxV48a94O.99 )

St. Peregrine, patron of cancer patients, pray for him and for them!

News anchor walks off set rather than do another Kardashian story

A local morning show host in Florida went on a rant on air after getting fed up with all of the news stories about the Kardashians.

John Brown, the co-host of Fox35’s Good Day Orlando, briefly walked off the set on Friday after raging about how he is tired of hearing about the reality show family.

The show was going OK, until the topic turned to Kylie Jenner and her decision to name her new rabbit “Bruce.” Brown declared he wanted to have a “good Friday,” so he “refused” to talk about the Kardashians and walked out.