Most Americans want cleaner media_50304

Posted: 5/03/04

Most Americans want cleaner media

WASHINGTON (RNS) Three-quarters of Americans think the entertainment industry needs to reduce the amount of sex and violence in movies, television and music, a recent Gallup Poll revealed.

Most Americans said they are offended by the sex, violence and profanity in entertainment, and 75 percent said the industry should make a serious effort to reduce offensive images.

More than 60 percent said they are offended by the violence in entertainment, 58 percent by the profanity, 58 percent by sexual content and 52 percent by homosexuality.

04/30/2004 - By John Rutledge

Two-thirds of Americans upset about moral climate of the nation, but most younger Americans are gene

Posted: 5/03/04

Two-thirds of Americans upset about moral climate
of the nation, but most younger Americans are generally satisfied

WASHINGTON (RNS)–An annual Gallup Poll found that nearly two-thirds of Americans are dissatisfied with the country's moral and ethical climate.

But the same poll showed younger people seem to be less pessimistic than their elders.

Gallup's annual Mood of the Nation poll found that 64 percent of Americans are dissatisfied with the country's moral climate, while 35 percent say they are satisfied.

04/30/2004 - By John Rutledge

American religious activity increases, makes people happier, polls indicate_50304

Posted: 5/03/04

American religious activity increases,
makes people happier, polls indicate

WASHINGTON (RNS)–An annual look at the nation's religious behavior by Barna researchers has found an increase in religious practice beyond the sanctuary, while church and Sunday school attendance has remained relatively stable.

Meanwhile, a different poll indicates Americans who are religiously active–particularly those who give financially to faith communities–are more satisfied with life than those without strong faith.

The survey by Barna Research Group found increases in Bible study and small groups–excluding Sunday school and other church classes–over the last decade for all Christian churches.

04/30/2004 - By John Rutledge

Nations choose violence because they see God on their side_50304

Posted: 5/03/04

Nations choose violence because they see God on their side

By Jeffrey Macdonald

Religion News Service

BELMONT, Mass.–Terrorists are not the only ones who increasingly hear God's call to arms.

04/30/2004 - By John Rutledge

San Saba churches busy following up after evangelistic rally_50304

Posted: 5/03/04

San Saba churches busy following up after evangelistic rally

By George Henson

Staff Writer

SAN SABA–God moved among the people of San Saba, with nearly one resident in five making a commitment to Christ at a recent evangelistic crusade. Now the churches are moving, trying to contact everyone who made a decision.

04/30/2004 - By John Rutledge

Tidbits_50304

Posted: 5/03/04

Texas Tibits

TOGETHER: Lottery slots are a bad bet for Texas_50304

Posted: 5/03/04

TOGETHER:
Lottery slots are a bad bet for Texas

If you have played video games, you know their almost-hypnotic appeal. The gambling industry exploits that by pushing video lottery terminals–VLT slots. They have been called the “crack cocaine” of gambling. Psychologists say video gambling accelerates addictive behavior through speed, nonstop playing, the perception that skill is involved and the game's hypnotizing effect.

Why is this important? The Texas Legislature, with the strong support of the governor, is looking at putting VLT slots in Texas racetracks. This also opens the door to casinos.

Under the guise of “helping the children,” the gambling industry is pouring millions of dollars into campaign contributions to get another leverage point by which they can make extravagant profits off Texans. Gambling profits wind up more in the pockets of international firms in Malaysia, South Africa and Nevada than in Texas.

04/30/2004 - By John Rutledge

Fine arts majors more spiritual than science or business majors, UCLA survey indicates_50304

Posted: 5/03/04

Fine arts majors more spiritual than science
or business majors, UCLA survey indicates

By Kevin Eckstrom

Religion News Service

LOS ANGELES (RNS)–Are biology majors a bunch of godless evolutionists and business students cold-hearted capitalists? Are art and music students the ones truly in touch with their spiritual sides?

04/30/2004 - By John Rutledge

Cybercolumn for 5/03 by John Duncan: Simple things_50304

Posted: 5/03/04

CYBERCOLUMN:
Simple things

By John Duncan

I’m sitting here under the old oak tree, thinking about simple things. The British poet John Keats once quipped, “Stop and consider! Life is but a day; a fragile dew-drop on its perilous way.”

I’m sitting here with morning dew under my feet, pondering the simple things in life. Jesus used simple things to discuss the kingdom of God—golden treasures stored in lock boxes; wedding banquets in their gala and festive joy with wedding garments like white dresses and a banquet table loaded with delicious food; fruit trees minus figs for a story; plush seats at banquet tables and rough roads with potholes on a narrow way; lamps full of oil for light; a widow sweeping the house while looking for a lost coin; a shepherd searching in the open fields for a lost sheep; farmers plowing fields and planting seeds in expectation of a bountiful crop; storms that blow in at midnight and houses built on a rock; a mother crying over her wayward son and a troubled son who leaves home and returns amid tears and a party on the porch; bread and lights on a hill and simple words like, “Follow me.”

04/30/2004 - By John Rutledge

Storylist for 4/05 Issue_40504

Storylist for 4/05 issue GO TO SECTIONS: • Texas       • Baptists       • Faith      • Departments      • Opinion      • Bible Study      FRONT PAGE ARTICLES • No break from ministry…

04/16/2004 - By John Rutledge

Some teens cut themselves to block out emotional pain, counselor says_41904

Posted: 4/16/04

Some teens cut themselves to block
out emotional pain, counselor says

By George Henson

Staff Writer

DALLAS–Teenagers in church youth groups may be cutting themselves to relieve emotional pain, a counselor recently warned North Texas youth ministers.

04/16/2004 - By John Rutledge

Warning signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder highlighted_41904

Posted: 4/16/04

Warning signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder highlighted

By George Henson

Staff Writer

DALLAS–Self-mutilation is not the only type of obsessive-compulsive disorder affecting youth, counselor Carrie Beaird told youth ministers at a recent seminar. The disorders can be as varied as the people afflicted, but they share some common traits.

04/16/2004 - By John Rutledge