2010 Ministry Highlights Doug Merkey says, "Let’s celebrate that the eternal God of life became a zygote(single-cell, day 1), then a morula (16 cells, day 3), then a blastocyst. At 4 weeks inside Mary, God looked like a tadpole. At 6 weeks, He had eyes plus slits for a mouth and nose. At 10 weeks He had basic brain function, arms and legs, and could feel pain. At 13 weeks, He would have had a 25% chance of being aborted in America. Let’s celebrate that Jesus survived His “crisis pregnancy” and was born to save sinners like us!
"Let’s celebrate that God is using Churches for Life to equip gospel-driven champions of life who can defend people like He was when He was inside His mom, and many others in peril: the elderly, infirm, orphans, newborns, moms in crisis pregnancies, and more."
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Pitchfork politics: the feds are targeting conscientious doctors
Pitchfork politics: the feds are targeting conscientious doctors | LifeSiteNews.com: Why should you care about the conscience rights of doctors? Because whether doctors have conscience rights may determine whether you have a doctor.
Index of belonging and rejection
Family Research Council: The Index of Belonging (45%) and Rejection (55%) gives an instant read on the social health of America by measuring the proportion of American children who have grown up in an intact married family. We have undertaken this study because, bad though it may be, the out-of-wedlock birth rate is not the key measure of family intactness. Rather what gives a much better read of how our American families are faring is what proportion of our children grow up in an intact home.
Faces of the Christian Right
Faces of the Christian Right - Newsweek: Who speaks for the religious right? That used to be an easy question to answer: on matters of faith and politics, Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and James Dobson were towering figures: opinionated, controversial, and vastly influential. But with Falwell’s death in 2007, Robertson’s outlandish comments about the 2010 earthquake in China and Hurricane Katrina, and Dobson’s gradual retirement, it’s harder to pinpoint a similar council for the second generation of the movement, which is more strategically, denominationally, and ideologically diverse.
Editor: Who are these people? I only recognized one or two, and one of them is more 'Christian left.'
Adult Stem Cell Research Cures HIV-Positive Man
Doctors Say Adult Stem Cell Research Cures HIV-Positive Man | LifeNews.com: In 2008, German doctors reported they had used a selective adult stem cell transplant to treat a leukemia patient. The treatment had a side effect — that the transplant also removed his HIV infection. After the transplant, the virus was undetectable in his bloodstream for at least two years and he no longer took antiretroviral drugs. Now they are claiming the results provide evidence for a “cure” for HIV infection using the selective adult stem cell transplant.
Nice evil
Nice evil | LifeSiteNews.com: Is it possible that the belief that children may legally be killed by their mothers, is a definitive component of moral monsterhood? I realize it is an unpleasant thought that the great majority of our fellow-citizens hold moral opinions that are profoundly evil, but how can we, in these deadly times, dare to shy away from unpleasant possibilities?
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
New Reprogramming Method not pro-life
New Reprogramming Method not pro-life: "Children of God for Life Executive Director, Debi Vinnedge is sounding the alarm once more on recent experiments turning adult skin cells into “embryonic-like” cells.
Dr Derick Rossi of Harvard Stem Cell Institute conducted several experiments, published recently in Cell Stem Cell. His work using messenger RNA (mRNA) to reprogram adult cells to become pluripotent was touted as a moral alternative to human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research. “There are many reasons why this is no panacea for pro-lifers,” Vinnedge stated. “But one has to read their study to find the truth.”
Dr Derick Rossi of Harvard Stem Cell Institute conducted several experiments, published recently in Cell Stem Cell. His work using messenger RNA (mRNA) to reprogram adult cells to become pluripotent was touted as a moral alternative to human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research. “There are many reasons why this is no panacea for pro-lifers,” Vinnedge stated. “But one has to read their study to find the truth.”
Planned Parenthood's real agenda
Right to Life of Michigan: For many, Planned Parenthood is a trusted name in affordable reproductive health care. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) would like to keep that standing in the hundreds of communities where a center is operated. PPFA would also like to remain the largest abortion provider in the United States. To reach both goals, PPFA must hide the truth behind their public image and provide misleading information to women who are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy.
The Marketing of Evil: How Radicals, Elitists, and Pseudo-Experts Sell Us Corruption Disguised As Freedom
Amazon.com: The Marketing of Evil: How Radicals, Elitists, and Pseudo-Experts Sell Us Corruption Disguised As Freedom (9781581824599): David Kupelian: Books: Most of us mistakenly believe the 'abortion rights' and 'gay rights' movements were spontaneous, grassroots uprisings of neglected or persecuted minorities wanting to breathe free. Few realize America was actually 'sold' on abortion thanks to an audacious public relations campaign that relied on fantastic lies and fabrications. Or that the 'gay rights' movement faithfully followed an in-depth, phased plan laid out by professional Harvard-trained marketers. From the federal government to the public school system to the news media to the hidden creators of 'youth culture,' nothing is exempt from the thousand-watt spotlight of David Kupelian's journalistic inquiry. In the end, The Marketing of Evil is an up-close, modern-day look at what is traditionally known as 'tempation'—the art and science of making evil look good.
The violent streak in Christianity?
Strengthened by Grace Yes, there is a mean, violent streak in the true Christian life! But violence against whom, or what? Not other people!
- It’s a violence against all the impulses in us that would be violent to other people.
- It’s a violence against all the impulses in our own selves that would make peace with our own sin and settle in with a peacetime mentality.
- It’s a violence against all lust in ourselves and all enslaving desires.
The retreat from marriage — a recipe for disaster
The retreat from marriage — a recipe for disaster | LifeSiteNews.com: Albert Mohler: "Economists report that the wealth deficit of the unmarried as compared to the consistently married is as much as 75 percent. The unmarried are less healthy, less wealthy, and less stable in relationships as compared to married couples. And, to no one’s surprise, the ill effects of this condition are extended immediately to the children of unmarried unions and to generations to come. It's hard to imagine a plot to bring harm and unhappiness to human lives that can compare, in social and economic terms, to the marginalization of marriage."
Economist admits low fertility is killing Japanese economy
Economist magazine admits low fertility is killing Japanese economy | LifeSiteNews.com: In a special section devoted to Japan appearing in the November 20-27 edition, the Economist laments that “Japan is heading into a demographic vortex. It is the fastest-aging society on Earth and the first big country in history to have started shrinking rapidly from natural causes.”
Human cloning an ‘imminent threat’: scientist
Human cloning an ‘imminent threat’: scientist | LifeSiteNews.com: Dr. Theresa Deisher, a molecular and cellular physiologist and an internationally recognized expert in regenerative medicine, explored the negative consequences of pluripotent stem cell technology in a speech in Washington, DC recently as she discussed a slippery slope towards objectifying human beings in modern biotechnology. “Ultimately where we’re really going is reproductive cloning."
Abortion and the occult: a glimpse inside life at a death mill
Abortion and the occult: a glimpse inside life at a death mill | LifeSiteNews.com: According to Abigail Seidman, her mother’s descent into the abortion culture was not motivated by the usual social talking points - to save women from dangerous back-alley abortions, or to “help” women in difficult situations - or even for the money. It was a religion – literally.
Seidman described the abortion clinic where her mother worked as a nurse as “pervaded with occult imagery and practices.” The workers considered “abortion to be a form of sacrifice,” would perform the procedure as a sort of ritual, and worshipped deities embodying death, she said.
Seidman described the abortion clinic where her mother worked as a nurse as “pervaded with occult imagery and practices.” The workers considered “abortion to be a form of sacrifice,” would perform the procedure as a sort of ritual, and worshipped deities embodying death, she said.
Interview transcript - read with caution.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Judge gets it half right in striking down health care law
Family Research Council: A federal judge in Virginia struck down parts of the newly enacted health care law that includes taxpayer funding of abortion.
From Genesis to the Gospel
From Genesis to the Gospel - Answers in Genesis: When the Lord was walking in the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve sinned, He came to seek those who had been lost. This loving act is one of God’s characteristics that shows that when man sinned, He still loved us and had a plan in place for salvation. When Christ stepped into history, it was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
Women of the Bible: Puah and Shiprah
Puah and Shiprah are Egyptian names. Aben Ezra, the ancient Jewish historian, says that these two women 'were chiefs over all the midwives, who were more than 500.' As superintendents of such a large staff to which they had been appointed by the Egyptian government, Pharaoh ordered them to carry out his terrible command just as he would give orders to any other of his officials. As it is likely that only the chief Hebrews could afford the service of midwives, probably the order of Pharaoh only applied to them. Although Egyptians by birth, it would seem as if they had embraced the Hebrew faith, for we are told that Puah and Shiprah 'feared God' ( Exodus 1:21).
Receiving the royal command to commit murder, these two loyal, vigorous, middleaged women were caught between two fires. Whom should they obey? The God of the Hebrews in whom they had come to believe, or the tyrannical king of Egypt? True to their conscience and honored calling they knew it would conflict with the divine command to kill, and so 'saved the men children alive.' Thus, they obeyed God rather than man, and in so doing brought upon their heads the rage of Pharaoh. Bible Gateway
Receiving the royal command to commit murder, these two loyal, vigorous, middleaged women were caught between two fires. Whom should they obey? The God of the Hebrews in whom they had come to believe, or the tyrannical king of Egypt? True to their conscience and honored calling they knew it would conflict with the divine command to kill, and so 'saved the men children alive.' Thus, they obeyed God rather than man, and in so doing brought upon their heads the rage of Pharaoh. Bible Gateway
How dare you as a man…
How dare you as a man… | LifeSiteNews.com: There's a popular pro-choice cartoon showing some old men in judges’ robes, obviously pregnant. One of them says to another “maybe we should rethink our position on abortion.” People who argue this way assume what is plainly not the case, that all women take a pro-choice position on abortion. But even apart from this fact, there are many reasons why men as well as women need to confront the moral issue of abortion.
Editor: Truth is truth. It's not dependent on who's saying it.
Childless couples win the right to pay surrogate mothers
Childless couples win the right to pay surrogate mothers - Telegraph: A senior family court judge allowed a British couple to keep a newborn child even though they had technically broken the law by giving more than “reasonable expenses” to the American natural mother.
Related: "They are just wombs"
Life on other planets
News to Note, December 11, 2010 - Answers in Genesis: If the emergence of life is the consequence of essentially random processes (a planet in the “just right” zone of a star, chemicals organizing in just the right way on the backs of crystals or in clay bubbles), and if we discover a seemingly infinite number of worlds with all manner of variation, it’s almost a statistically impossibility that earth could be the only home of intelligent life. It’s a sort of astrobiological corollary of the Copernican principle—that, whatever the evidence may be, the earth and its life just can’t be unique. Thus, evolutionists are painted into a corner because the philosophical consequences of finding no life beyond earth would serve a death-blow to their worldview.
Brazilians overwhelmingly reject pro-abort agenda of ruling party
Brazilians overwhelmingly reject pro-abort, homosexualist agenda of ruling party | LifeSiteNews.com: The poll by Vox Populi revealed that 82% of Brazilians wish to maintain abortion as a crime, and 72% are against its depenalization. Religious differences only changed the latter result marginally, with 75% of Evangelicals, 73% of Catholics, and 69% of other religions opposing depenalization.
Friday, December 10, 2010
A mom raves about a children's Bible
Every Story Whispers His Name — We are THAT Family: Blogger reviews The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name -- "Every story, from Adam and Eve to Saul, from Noah to the prodigal son, whispers the name of Jesus. The author follows The Author’s lead and every story points back or ties in the work of Jesus Christ. I have learned so much and it’s opened the Word of God up to me."
Globe Theatre to mark 400 years of KJV
Globe Theatre to mark 400 years of King James Bible | News | The Christian Institute: Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is to celebrate 400 years of the King James Bible by hosting a cover-to-cover reading of the text next year. The readings, estimated to take 69 hours, will happen between Palm Sunday and Easter Monday.
The production at the Globe is part of a season entitled “The Word is God” and the Theatre says it will interrupt the readings with performances of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The Globe’s artistic director, Dominic Dromgoole commented: “We are celebrating the word, and man’s capacity to make a god of language, and out of language. If people want to take a bit of God, of whatever religion they might be, they are welcome to do so.”
US researchers breed mice from two males
US researchers breed mice from two males - stem cells, reproduction, mice, iPS cells, Biotechnology - Australian Life Scientist: It’s been something of a holy grail amongst reproductive scientists for some time; the breeding of animals with same sex parents. However, reports today by U.S researchers of the successful breeding of mice from two fathers have been met with caution by Australian scientists and legal experts.
“Whilst the findings in this paper are intriguing, whether such an approach could ever be applied to human reproduction is highly unlikely,” said Dr Megan Munsie, Senior Manager, Research and Government, Australian Stem Cell Centre. “The mice were not born simply from two fathers. Rather they were created by a complex process dependent on access to foetal tissue, the creation of stem cells, additional embryos, surrogate mothers and natural mating.”
“Whilst the findings in this paper are intriguing, whether such an approach could ever be applied to human reproduction is highly unlikely,” said Dr Megan Munsie, Senior Manager, Research and Government, Australian Stem Cell Centre. “The mice were not born simply from two fathers. Rather they were created by a complex process dependent on access to foetal tissue, the creation of stem cells, additional embryos, surrogate mothers and natural mating.”
Round 3 of the personhood debate
Operation Rescue has posted part three of a four part debate of the tactic of Personhood Amendments. Statements in favor of the Personhood Amendment strategy were written by Keith Ashley of Personhood Kansas. Statements opposing the Personhood Amendment strategy were penned by Steven Ertelt, Founder and Editor of Lifenews.com.
Today, OR posted replies to rebuttals written by Mr. Ashley and Mr. Ertelt to each other's opening statements. Closing arguments for each side are tentatively scheduled to post on December 15, 2010.
Today, OR posted replies to rebuttals written by Mr. Ashley and Mr. Ertelt to each other's opening statements. Closing arguments for each side are tentatively scheduled to post on December 15, 2010.
Senate shoots down ‘don’t ask,’ military abortion ban repeal
Senate shoots down ‘don’t ask,’ military abortion ban repeal | LifeSiteNews.com: U.S. Senate Democrats failed in their bid to bring a defense authorization bill to the Senate floor that included repeal of the military’s ban on homosexuals and the ban on abortion at military bases on Thursday.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Scientists Still Pushing for Human Cloning Amid Media Blackout
Scientists Still Pushing for Human Cloning Amid Media Blackout | LifeNews.com: While the subject of cloning has not been in the news lately, people should realize that there are some scientists who still want human clones, and politicians pushing for approval of human cloning for experiments.
Polygamy debate evokes familiar 'rights' argument
MARRIAGE AND THE LAW / Polygamy debate evokes familiar 'rights' argument: I get that polygamy and same-sex marriage are completely different institutions. But their advocates rely on the same arguments, even if same-sex marriage advocates take umbrage. It's funny how quickly the switch can flip. Now civil-liberties types are wondering if maybe polygamy should be legal.
The State of Our Unions, 2010
The State of Our Unions 2010: The State of Our Unions monitors the current health of marriage and family life in America. Produced annually, it is a joint publication of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia and the Center for Marriage and Families at the Institute for American Values.
Unmarried With Kids: A Shift In The Working Class
Unmarried With Kids: A Shift In The Working Class : NPR: The path to adulthood used to be clear — love, marriage, baby carriage — and no one embodied that more than America's working class. But today, for those with only a high school education, that order no longer holds.
Why pay for more population control?
WORLDmag.com | Community | Blog Archive | Why pay for more population control?: The late British writer Malcolm Muggeridge once puckishly observed: “There’s a bright lining to this terrible abortion cloud. In a hundred years, there will be no Sweden.” He didn’t really mean it, of course, but Sweden is just one of the Western European countries facing a population crisis—not too many people, but too few.
Side Effects: What Doctors Have to Say About Obamacare
Side Effects: What Doctors Have to Say About Obamacare | The Foundry: Conservative Policy News.: The Physicians Foundation found that “rather than a sign of progress, the survey suggests that most physicians view health reform as a further erosion of the unfavorable conditions with which they must contend.” Furthermore, Obamacare “has further disengaged doctors from their profession, with potentially negative consequences for both the medical profession and for the quality and accessibility of medical care in the United States.”
Pro-Lifers and “Repeal and Replace”
Pro-Lifers and “Repeal and Replace” « Public Discourse: Richard Stith, a pro-life law professor at Valparaiso University, is urging his fellow pro-lifers to stay off the “repeal and replace” bandwagon. In an article for First Things online, he has suggested that a more promising approach for pro-lifers is amending the new law with clear pro-life language.
What Evangelism is Not | LifeWay
What Evangelism is Not | LifeWay: The Great Commission Resurgence proposals within the Southern Baptist Convention have reminded us of the high priority of evangelism and local/global missions. The same is true of many denominations across the theological spectrum of beliefs as Christian leaders worldwide seek to regain strongholds of spiritual influence in North America and Europe. However, unless we're cautious and clear, a sloppy, imprecise definition of missions and evangelism will destroy renewal efforts. Let's define evangelism by what it is not and then by what it is.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Major religious leaders release statement supporting true marriage
Major religious leaders release statement supporting true marriage | LifeSiteNews.com: Leaders of some of the largest religious communities in the United States have come together to express their commitment toward the protection of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. In an open letter released yesterday, entitled “The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment,” leaders from Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish, Lutheran, Mormon, Orthodox, Pentecostal and Sikh communities in the United States affirmed the importance of preserving marriage’s unique meaning.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Young Families Delay Marriage, Not Parenthood
Young Families Delay Marriage, Not Parenthood : NPR: A provocative new report finds Middle America, the 58 percent of adults who finished high school but have no four-year college degree, losing faith in marriage, while more educated Americans embrace it. In a striking reversal, working-glass Americans are now more likely than those with college degrees to have children outside of marriage. They're postponing marriage in many cases, and their divorce rates are up. At least part of the reason appears to be economic.
This day in history: Newton urged Wilberforce to stay an MP
William Wilberforce was in turmoil over what he should do: give up his political career and all that went with it and be shunned by his contemporaries? Or stay in politics and face the disapproval of his new Christian friends? On December 7, 225 years ago, he sought the advice of John Newton, who wisely encouraged the young Wilberforce to stay in politics and serve God there, with all the abilities and influences that he clearly had. Newton later wrote: “It is hoped and believed that the Lord has raised you up for the good of His church and for the good of the nation.”
He also wrote of Wilberforce to his good friend and fellow hymnwriter William Cowper: “I hope the Lord will make him a blessing both as a Christian and as a statesman. How seldom do these characters coincide! But they are not incompatible.” William Wilberforce went on to show how true that last statement was, as he spent the remainder of his life seeking to transform society through distinctively Christian political involvement. Christian Institute
Navigating Past Nihilism - NYTimes.com
Navigating Past Nihilism - NYTimes.com: Whatever role religion plays in our society today, it is not this one. For today’s religious believers feel strong social pressure to admit that someone who doesn’t share their religious belief might nevertheless be living a life worthy of their admiration. That is not to say that every religious believer accepts this constraint. But to the extent that they do not, then society now rightly condemns them as dangerous religious fanatics rather than sanctioning them as scions of the Church or mosque. God is dead, therefore, in a very particular sense. He no longer plays his traditional social role of organizing us around a commitment to a single right way to live. Nihilism is one state a culture may reach when it no longer has a unique and agreed upon social ground.
US legal row 'Scotland's chance to lead the world in stem cell race'
US legal row 'Scotland's chance to lead the world in stem cell race'
Legal wrangles in the United States over stem cell technology are creating an opportunity for Scotland to become a world leader in the sector, according to experts. Firms in America are now looking to develop their stem cell treatments abroad because the US government won't fund the research, which has proved controversial in some parts of the world.
Key oral arguments made in stem cell case
The Great Beyond: Key oral arguments made in stem cell case: The attempt by two adult stem cell researchers to quash US funding for human embryonic stem cell research reached a critical juncture this morning, as a high-profile appeals court heard key oral arguments in the case.
Arguing before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Thomas Hungar argued that “it is undisputed in this case that human embryonic stem cell research always entails the destruction of embryos.” As such, he said, it breaks the law at the center of the case: the Dickey Wicker amendment, which bars federal funding for research in which human embryos are destroyed.
Arguing before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Thomas Hungar argued that “it is undisputed in this case that human embryonic stem cell research always entails the destruction of embryos.” As such, he said, it breaks the law at the center of the case: the Dickey Wicker amendment, which bars federal funding for research in which human embryos are destroyed.
Evolution and Logical Fallacies - Audio Download
Evolution and Logical Fallacies - Audio Download - Answers Bookstore: In this informative presentation, recorded recently at Creation College 3, Dr. Lisle gives listeners a fastpaced course on logic. In addition to reviewing numerous logical fallacies, Dr. Lisle gives examples of how evolutionists often use fallacious arguments in arguing for their position. Learning to recognize these fallacies provides a whole new opportunity for defending the faith and arguing for the truth of creation.
Embryonic Stem Cell Research Alternatives Still Present Moral issues
Embryonic Stem Cell Research Alternatives Still Present Moral issues | LifeNews.com: With the new mRNA method for producing iPS cells the prospects for iPS cell research are better than ever. In this respect, opponents of ESCR should welcome the news. They should be aware, however, that it is no moral panacea.
To begin with, demand for embryonic stem cells will continue in the near future. Researchers need to compare the iPS cells to ES cells, which means destroying embryos. In the long run, fewer embryos may be destroyed in stem-cell research as research shifts to iPS cells; but this transition may take years.
The moral complications of the new state of the art go even deeper, due to an advance that scientists anticipate within a decade: using iPS cells to create human sperm and egg cells. Scientists will be able to create an entire embryo using ordinary skin cells or other adult cells, without ever using gametes harvested from a person. This method, which we might call gameteless reproduction, makes in vitro fertilization look like child’s play and gives us more control than ever over human reproduction.
To begin with, demand for embryonic stem cells will continue in the near future. Researchers need to compare the iPS cells to ES cells, which means destroying embryos. In the long run, fewer embryos may be destroyed in stem-cell research as research shifts to iPS cells; but this transition may take years.
The moral complications of the new state of the art go even deeper, due to an advance that scientists anticipate within a decade: using iPS cells to create human sperm and egg cells. Scientists will be able to create an entire embryo using ordinary skin cells or other adult cells, without ever using gametes harvested from a person. This method, which we might call gameteless reproduction, makes in vitro fertilization look like child’s play and gives us more control than ever over human reproduction.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Peter Singer: Full Moral Status Not Earned by Babies “Until After 2 Years”
Peter Singer Says Full Moral Status Not Earned by Babies “Until After 2 Years” » Secondhand Smoke | A First Things Blog: The bioethicist was asked at what point he thought an infant would be considered a person. He replied, "My understanding is that it is not until after the first birthday, so somewhere between the first and second, I think, that they typically recognize the image in the mirror as themselves…Really, I think this is a gradual matter."
Persons not property: An African-American pastor tackles abortion
Persons not property: An African-American pastor tackles abortion | LifeSiteNews.com: The “unconditional love” for the pre-born child in my heart, is rooted in the love Christ has for all. While the current conditions may have “temporarily defeated” the personhood of the pre-born child, I believe the “righteousness of personhood” is stronger than the “evil of pre-natal murder” and will ultimately prove triumphant. I believe personhood is the final word in reality of the pro-life movement.
A solution to the Tea Party/Pro-Life dispute over social issues
A solution to the Tea Party/Pro-Life dispute over social issues | LifeSiteNews.com: The fiscal conservative Tea Partiers and the pro-life voters were both crucial in the GOP’s November electoral victories. The game of “whose mandate is it anyway?” is just an opportunity for needless bloodletting. Both sides should realize there is a very easy way to find common ground, come together, and get down to the business of helping American taxpayers – those born and unborn.
What’s the solution? Get abortion and social issues off the national table by overturning Roe v. Wade – congressional style! If members of the Tea Party movement do not want to see the Congress “run down any social issue rabbit holes,” then let’s finally defuse the issue on a national level by enacting the Sanctity of Life Act.
What’s the solution? Get abortion and social issues off the national table by overturning Roe v. Wade – congressional style! If members of the Tea Party movement do not want to see the Congress “run down any social issue rabbit holes,” then let’s finally defuse the issue on a national level by enacting the Sanctity of Life Act.
Fertilised eggs get microscopic bar codes
Short Sharp Science: Fertilised eggs get microscopic bar codes: Researchers have come up with an ingenious solution for keeping track of embryos and egg cells during in vitro fertilisation procedures: microscopic bar codes. Mouse eggs were tagged by injecting microscopic silicon bar codes into their perivitelline space, the gap between the cell membrane and an outer membrane called the zona pellucida, which binds sperm cells during fertilisation. The bar codes, which carry unique binary identification numbers, are biologically inert: they do not affect the rate of embryo development and are shed before the embryos implant into the wall of the uterus. The technique aims to simplify individual embryo identification, streamlining in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer procedures.
Warren Buffet says tax the rich, but sterilize the poor | LifeSiteNews.com
Warren Buffet says tax the rich, but sterilize the poor | LifeSiteNews.com: Warren Buffet, one of the world’s wealthiest men, is in the news for saying that he wants the rich to pay more in taxes. But according to the Population Research Institute, Buffet prefers to spend his money ensuring that the poor have as few children as possible. Over the years, the Buffet Foundation has funded some of the most hard-edged, even fanatical, population control programs around.
Ted Turner calls for global one-child policy like China's
The population control advocate said that under this scheme the world’s poor could sell their fertility rights and thereby profit from avoiding procreation. LifeSiteNews
Friday, December 3, 2010
Teens say, teach us more about family values
Teach us more about family values, say teenagers | News | The Christian Institute: Young people want to learn about responsible parenting rather than sexual mechanics in sex education, a recent survey has revealed. And around three quarters of teenagers interviewed said that a relationship does not need to involve sex. The survey, conducted among over 2,000 13 to 16-year-olds from a range of schools and backgrounds, has surprised experts in the field.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Debunking the Lie: "We Need to Reduce the Need for Abortion"
Debunking the Lie: We Need to Reduce the Need for Abortion | LifeNews.com: Our goal isn’t merely just to reduce child killing; it is to END child killing. . . . I am sickened by the fact that this twisted language has even made it into Christian circles. I have heard Christians use this statement and I want to explode every time I hear it.
There is NO need for abortion! There never has been and there never will be. Would anyone make the statement “reduce the need for slicing babies into pieces”? The fact is that the word abortion itself is just a sanitized way of saying, “kill a baby.”
There is NO need for abortion! There never has been and there never will be. Would anyone make the statement “reduce the need for slicing babies into pieces”? The fact is that the word abortion itself is just a sanitized way of saying, “kill a baby.”
Noah's Flood and the Earth's Age
Noah's Flood and the Earth's Age - Audio Download - Answers Bookstore: This presentation reveals the failed attempts of evolutionists to account for millions of years of earth history and points to the true biblical age of the earth.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Marriage is hard, but worth it
Then Again ... by Marybeth Hicks: Marriage is hard. That's what I told the guy sitting next to me on the plane Tuesday when he explained that he and his bride of less than a year have split up, despite the birth several weeks ago of their son. That's what I told a girlfriend in an e-mail, and another over lunch recently when she shared her fear that she and her husband might not make it through a rocky patch. That's what I tell myself on any given day, and what I remind my husband when we try each other's patience.
The people who were trying to make this world worse… are not taking a day off. How can I? Light up the darkness.”
The people, who were trying to make this world worse… are not taking a day off. How can I? Light up the darkness.” – A New Commentary by Bryan Kemper « Social Justice Begins in the Womb – Daily Pro-life Updates from the BK Lounge: Darkness is not the opposite of light, it is the absence thereof. Darkness cannot exist where there is light. Darkness cannot overcome light unless the light retreats. The Light will always defeat the darkness; God will always defeat evil. We must carry the Light of God. Christ, into battle and never retreat.
Retreat and doubt are crippling the church, as we seem to want to hide the Light in fear of offending the darkness. I hear so many people who claim to be followers of the Light, too ashamed to shine that light fully because we might just offend the darkness; we would not want anyone to be turned off by how bright our Light is.
This is a cop-out, a lie straight from the pit of hell. Of course the darkness will be offended by the Light: the Light destroys, exposes, makes vulnerable the darkness and is painful to those who remain in that darkness.
Retreat and doubt are crippling the church, as we seem to want to hide the Light in fear of offending the darkness. I hear so many people who claim to be followers of the Light, too ashamed to shine that light fully because we might just offend the darkness; we would not want anyone to be turned off by how bright our Light is.
This is a cop-out, a lie straight from the pit of hell. Of course the darkness will be offended by the Light: the Light destroys, exposes, makes vulnerable the darkness and is painful to those who remain in that darkness.
ACOG Again Denies Conscience Rights of Doctors
ACOG Again Denies Conscience Rights of Doctors on Abortion | LifeNews.com: This month the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) reviewed and reaffirmed the 2007 Ethics Committee Number 385, entitled The Limits of Conscientious Refusal in Reproductive Medicine. And last week a pro-life nurse was denied the right to sue the hospital where she was forced to participate in abortion. There has never been a greater need to pass comprehensive conscience protection measures than now.
Lilith: the barren child-killing mascot of the abortion movement
Lilith: the barren, sex-crazed, child-killing mascot of the abortion movement | LifeSiteNews.com: According to legend, Lilith was the first woman created by God, as Adam’s wife and equal. After she refused to be subservient or submissive and so flew away from Eden, God punished her by dictating that one hundred of her own demon children would be killed each day. She responds by asserting her perpetual desire to sicken and kill newborn infants. The abortion industry’s poster girl if ever there was one.
It’s time to rebuild the Democratic pro-life presence, from the grassroots up
It’s time to rebuild the Democratic pro-life presence, from the grassroots up | LifeSiteNews.com: Planned Parenthood and company is waiting for the Affordable Care Act’s abortion money bomb to go off with the stroke of a pen cancelling Stupak’s executive order. The pro-life movement can give itself some more insurance if they can prevent Obama (and Pelosi) from saying of the next Democratic Congress, “there is no such thing as a pro-life Democrat.”
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Raise a good person. Stop nurturing your child's self-esteem
Dennis Prager: By now, most people (with the exception of many psychotherapists) recognize that the self-esteem movement officially launched by California in 1986 has been at best silly and at worst injurious to society, despite whatever small benefit it may have had to some individuals.
Mike Pence: Fiscal and Social Issues Go Together, 2012 Decision Soon | LifeNews.com
Mike Pence: Fiscal and Social Issues Go Together, 2012 Decision Soon | LifeNews.com: Congressman Mike Pence responded to a letter from a group of Tea Party and gay rights activists saying the Republican party should focus on fiscal issues instead of social ones by saying the two go hand-in-hand.
“People are always saying, ‘should it be spending or social issues?’ How about both?” Pence told ABC News. “How about, let’s deny all federal funding to Planned Parenthood of America? That would save $350 million right off the top,” he said of his bill that would deny Title X money to organizations that do abortions. . . . [M]illions of Americans, more every day — are offended that the largest abortion provider in America is also the largest recipient of federal funding under Title 10.”
“People are always saying, ‘should it be spending or social issues?’ How about both?” Pence told ABC News. “How about, let’s deny all federal funding to Planned Parenthood of America? That would save $350 million right off the top,” he said of his bill that would deny Title X money to organizations that do abortions. . . . [M]illions of Americans, more every day — are offended that the largest abortion provider in America is also the largest recipient of federal funding under Title 10.”
Direct Conversion May Make Embryonic Stem Cell Research Obsolete
Direct Conversion May Make Embryonic Stem Cell Research Obsolete | LifeNews.com: Scientists made a major step towards making embryonic stem cell research obsolete when they used direct reprogramming to convert adult stem cells to an embryonic-like state. Now direct conversion is moving the ball forward.
The process of direct conversion involves changing one kind of specialized stem cell into another kind — and it eliminates the need for controversial embryonic stem cells, which some scientists promote because they can change into most any kind of cells. It is also an improvement on the direct reprogramming technique pro-life advocates applauded because it moved the debate in a more ethical direction.
The process of direct conversion involves changing one kind of specialized stem cell into another kind — and it eliminates the need for controversial embryonic stem cells, which some scientists promote because they can change into most any kind of cells. It is also an improvement on the direct reprogramming technique pro-life advocates applauded because it moved the debate in a more ethical direction.
Will science trump religion, answer how we should live?
Will science trump religion, answer how we should live? - Faith & Reason: When Elaine Howard Ecklund surveyed 1,700 scientists and interviewed 275 of them for her new book on Science vs. Religion: What Scientists Really Think, she found nearly 50% are religious, identifying with one of the world's major traditions. Among the remainder, 20% still consider themselves spiritual, and many atheists and agnostics still go to church -- for their spouse, their kids or the community of friends. More importantly, they still bring religious ideas of ethics to the table when they look at issues such as research ethics. But hush, it's a secret, Ecklund says.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Embryonic stem cells over-hyped
Embryonic stem cells are over-hyped, says scientist | News | The Christian Institute: Stem cell research that destroys human embryos is getting disproportionate funding because its controversial nature stirs up media hype, a scientist has warned.
Dr Colin McGuckin says funding for the ethical alternative – adult stem cell research – is being hampered by a lack of publicity.
Dr Colin McGuckin says funding for the ethical alternative – adult stem cell research – is being hampered by a lack of publicity.
Speaker decries U.S. 'polyamory' culture
Baptist Press - Speaker decries U.S. 'polyamory' culture - News with a Christian Perspective: The deteriorating moral state of America can be blamed on a rising culture of polyamory, a culture that endorses serial relationships rather than lifelong, monogamous relationships, said Patrick Fagan in a lecture at the Family Research Council. 'The culture of the traditional family -- it is now in intense competition, even at war.'
Is the Orphan My Neighbor?
Is the Orphan My Neighbor? : Russell Moore: "I will never forget seeing her pull the measuring tape out of her purse as she talked about the skull of her child.
"The woman, standing in an airport in Russia with my wife and me, was, like us, an American. She, like us, was in the former Soviet Union to pursue adoption. But she was worried. She had heard “horror stories” about fetal alcohol syndrome and various other nightmares. She said that the measuring tape was for gauging the size of the craniums of her potential children, to “make sure there’s nothing wrong with them.”
"The reason I think about this conversation so much these days is because I am finding—more and more often—that one of the primary obstacles for Christians in advocating for the fatherless can be summed up right there in that measuring tape: the issue of fear. As much as we might not want to admit it, many of us don’t think much about orphans because, frankly, we’re scared of them."
"The woman, standing in an airport in Russia with my wife and me, was, like us, an American. She, like us, was in the former Soviet Union to pursue adoption. But she was worried. She had heard “horror stories” about fetal alcohol syndrome and various other nightmares. She said that the measuring tape was for gauging the size of the craniums of her potential children, to “make sure there’s nothing wrong with them.”
"The reason I think about this conversation so much these days is because I am finding—more and more often—that one of the primary obstacles for Christians in advocating for the fatherless can be summed up right there in that measuring tape: the issue of fear. As much as we might not want to admit it, many of us don’t think much about orphans because, frankly, we’re scared of them."
Abortion Law is Family Law
Abortion Law is Family Law « Public Discourse: Abortion is the destruction of a human life by the mother—the only person physically “given” to the child for nurture. Abortion is performed when the child is at perhaps the most defenseless moment of his or her existence. And while the killing of strangers—born or unborn—is prohibited in the United States, family members are permitted to be aborted. The wound to the good of the child, and even to the good of the whole family, is apparent. Abortion law makes the family not only not the safest place, but the only legally sanctioned danger zone.
I fought breast cancer . . .
MONAHAN: I fought breast cancer . . . - Washington Times: While the noble mission of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation is to save lives and rid the world of breast cancer, there has been a great deal of concern recently over the foundation's growing relationship with the nation's largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
The multitude of Komen's pro-life sponsors are questioning how Komen - a group dedicated to preserving life - could align philosophically and financially support Planned Parenthood (PP), a group that boasts of taking the lives of 342,008 children annually, according to its latest records.
Komen admits to donating more than $730,000 to Planned Parenthood in 2009 and approximately $3.3 million from 2004 to 2009. In reaction to this news, Komen has lost support from pro-life advocates and has received numerous letters questioning this partnership.
The multitude of Komen's pro-life sponsors are questioning how Komen - a group dedicated to preserving life - could align philosophically and financially support Planned Parenthood (PP), a group that boasts of taking the lives of 342,008 children annually, according to its latest records.
Komen admits to donating more than $730,000 to Planned Parenthood in 2009 and approximately $3.3 million from 2004 to 2009. In reaction to this news, Komen has lost support from pro-life advocates and has received numerous letters questioning this partnership.
AMERICA’S NEW HEALTH CARE SYSTEM REVEALED
Four months after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi famously declared “We have to pass the bill so you can find out what’s in it,” a congressional panel has released the first chart illustrating the 2,801 page health care law President Obama signed into law in March.
Developed by the Joint Economic Committee minority, led by U.S Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas and Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the detailed organization chart displays a bewildering array of new government agencies, regulations and mandates.
95% of Americans under 30 plan to marry
New study: 95% of Americans under 30 plan to marry | LifeSiteNews.com: Despite the rising figures for cohabitation, divorce, and single parent child rearing, a new study by the Pew Research Center on how Americans view marriage and family shows only five percent of those under 30 don't plan on getting married.
With the marginally misleading title of 'The Decline of Marriage and Rise of New Families' the study, based on census data and a new telephone poll of 2,691 adults conducted between October 1 and 21, found that traditional marriage as the most viable basis of society is in no danger of disappearing.
With the marginally misleading title of 'The Decline of Marriage and Rise of New Families' the study, based on census data and a new telephone poll of 2,691 adults conducted between October 1 and 21, found that traditional marriage as the most viable basis of society is in no danger of disappearing.
Adoption works well
Marriage and Religion Research Institute: Adoption is life-alteringly beneficial for children. Such is the general conclusion from a review of the literature. Adoption in the first 12 months of the child's life produces the best outcomes, but all children will benefit, regardless of their age at placement. Adopted children outperform their non-adopted peers and non-adopted siblings.
Online Debate Examines Colorado Personhood Amendment Tactic
Online Debate Examines Colorado Personhood Amendment Tactic :Operation Rescue: Recently, a lively discussion on Facebook concerning Colorado’s twice defeated Amendment 62 prompted Troy Newman to invite both sides to a friendly debate. We asked both sides to submit 400 word statements in support of their views. We asked only that both sides refrain from ad hominem attacks. Other than removing any name-calling, we promised not to alter their statements in any way. (In fact, we have printed the statements submitted without edits of any kind.) Unfortunately, that one condition caused several from Personhood U.S.A. to pull out of the debate.
However, Keith Ashley, of Personhood Kansas graciously agreed to step in and submit a statement on behalf of the Personhood organization. Steven Ertelt, Editor of LifeNews.com, has agreed to submit a statement in opposition. Read the two statements and engage in the debate through the comment feature at the end of the articles. Which side do you favor?
However, Keith Ashley, of Personhood Kansas graciously agreed to step in and submit a statement on behalf of the Personhood organization. Steven Ertelt, Editor of LifeNews.com, has agreed to submit a statement in opposition. Read the two statements and engage in the debate through the comment feature at the end of the articles. Which side do you favor?
Editor: Kudos to OR for providing this forum.
Don let market forces govern human procreation
Two British Columbians who had hired a 'surrogate' mother, changed their minds and wanted the woman to abort. The fetus apparently had Down's syndrome. The pregnant woman resisted abortion but then acquiesced.
Technology means the systematic application of scientific and other organised knowledge to practical tasks by their division into component parts. By reducing human procreation to component parts, technology causes sperm, egg and gestational capacity to become 'factors of reproduction.' The BC commissioning couple could purchase the missing factor of gestational ability, but contributing a factor to widget production is different from being pregnant, which involves the whole woman including her body and emotions.
When preconception intent is used to determine parenthood, a pregnant woman can become only a 'babysitter.' Commissioners also become entitled to interrupt the gestational process based on the presumed quality of the product - even though intentions about child rearing can alter before, during and after a pregnancy. BioNews
Technology means the systematic application of scientific and other organised knowledge to practical tasks by their division into component parts. By reducing human procreation to component parts, technology causes sperm, egg and gestational capacity to become 'factors of reproduction.' The BC commissioning couple could purchase the missing factor of gestational ability, but contributing a factor to widget production is different from being pregnant, which involves the whole woman including her body and emotions.
When preconception intent is used to determine parenthood, a pregnant woman can become only a 'babysitter.' Commissioners also become entitled to interrupt the gestational process based on the presumed quality of the product - even though intentions about child rearing can alter before, during and after a pregnancy. BioNews
Adult stem cell could provide brain tumour treatment
Adult stem cell could provide brain tumour treatment - CathNews: Recent research by a South Korean Catholic hospital has shown that adult stem cells can provide a highly effective treatment for malignant brain tumours and other types of cancer, vindicating the Church's stance on using these or artificially derived ones rather than embryonic stem cell.
Tea Party Nation Rebuts Letter: We Want Action on Abortion
Tea Party Nation Rebuts Letter: We Want Action on Abortion | LifeNews.com: After a letter signed by a handful of Tea Party activists made national headlines for its request to downplay social issues like abortion, a new letter signed by Tea Party Nation leaders goes the other direction. The new letter contains a list of action items that reflects the views of pro-life advocates.
Justice Scalia: Founders Never Imagined Abortion "Rights"
Justice Scalia: Founders Never Imagined Abortion "Rights" | LifeNews.com: In a speech at the University of Richmond in Virginia on Friday, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia told the audience that the founders of the nation never envisioned a right to an abortion when drafting the Constitution that is supposed to guide the federal courts. He criticized those who misinterpret the 14th Amendment’s due process clause to include abortion.
Next Pro-Life Battle Centers on Abortions at Military Bases
Next Pro-Life Battle Centers on Abortions at Military Bases | LifeNews.com: When members of the Senate return from their Thanksgiving break, the pro-life movement will immediately face a key legislative showdown over the issue of abortions at military bases. The Senate will consider the legislation which currently contains the Burris amendment, a measure that overturns the longstanding pro-life policy against abortions at taxpayer-funded military bases.
Join The Church Awareness Project
Abortion is a divisive issue in many churches. Discussions about abortion are often strident and polarizing. Pastors often find preaching on abortion difficult because they fear angering or dividing their congregations, or avoid the issue because they believe it is mostly a political concern. Pro-lifers are often frustrated at the perceived lack of leadership on this issue, and concerned that silence can leave those facing crisis pregnancies more vulnerable to abortion, especially coerced and unwanted abortions.
Women and men who have been involved in a past abortion often feel unable to speak about it, expecting either dismissal or condemnation from others. They may have been hurt by thoughtless remarks that only added to their pain. As a result, many sit in the pews feeling silenced and alone — or end up leaving the church altogether.
It doesn’t have to be this way!
Join The Church Awareness Project. Email BFL for free documents.
The truth about condoms
Concerned Parents Report, Abstract, Contraception Information: While consistent condom use (i.e. using condoms correctly 100% of the time during sexual intercourse) has shown to decrease the the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission, 15% of those people who use condoms 100% of the time will still become infected with HIV/AIDS.
CA's embryonic boom goes bust
Family Research Council: In 2004 Robert Klein, chairman of the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, helped pass Proposition 71, establishing the CIRM with a state taxpayer-funded $3 billion budget for ten years. The measure was passed with promises of affordable cures for virtually all diseases, cures specifically from embryonic stem cells and cloning, as well as tremendous financial payback for the citizens of California. The Los Angeles Times recently noted that Klein plans to seek up to $3 billion more from state taxpayers for his stem cell fiefdom.
Parsing the pope's condom remark
Health groups, Vatican parse pope's condom remark: The comments - a few sentences uttered by Pope Benedict XVI and publicized over the weekend about condom use in the fight against AIDS - have sent shock waves through the Catholic and health advocacy worlds. Theologians and global health experts Monday were still analyzing the meaning and potential implications of the pope condoning the use of condoms in certain circumstances.
Only two Senators show for hearing on U.S. ratification of pro-abort women’s treaty
Only two Senators show for hearing on U.S. ratification of pro-abort women’s treaty | LifeSiteNews.com: Last Thursday, a Senate subcommittee humored feminist activists by holding a hearing on possible U.S. ratification of a controversial women’s treaty. Senator Dick Durbin was the only senator present, save for a brief cameo by one other, which led one observer to remark that the hearing was nothing more than a “dog and pony show.”
Almost 2 in 3 underage pregnancies end in abortion
Almost 2 in 3 underage pregnancies end in abortion | News | The Christian Institute: New UK statistics show that over 60 per cent of all pregnancies among girls under 16 ended in abortion in 2008. Concern has been expressed over the figures from the Office for National Statistics, with a warning that a termination can have an impact which “lasts a lifetime.”
The ONS stats also show that four in ten pregnant women under the age of 20 had an abortion, an increase of 12 per cent in just one decade.
The ONS stats also show that four in ten pregnant women under the age of 20 had an abortion, an increase of 12 per cent in just one decade.
Most under-35s have not heard of the King James Bible
Most under-35s have not heard of the King James Bible | News | The Christian Institute: The influential translation, which will celebrate its 400th anniversary next year, is believed to be the biggest selling book ever produced. But a new poll has revealed that 51 per cent of under-35s have never heard of the King James Bible, compared to 28 per cent for those over the age of 55.
Abortion Backers' Science Resides in the Dark Ages
Abortion Backers' Science Resides in the Dark Ages | LifeNews.com: Pro-abortionists are stuck in the past. Way in the past.
53 Million Abortions Since Roe
United States Sees 53 Million Abortions Since Roe in 1973 | LifeNews.com: In January, the National Right to Life Committee provided a new analysis of the total number of abortions done in the 37 years since the Roe v. Wade decision. The NRLC analysis found that 52 million unborn children had been killed in abortions as of January.
The analysis also found that the best estimate for the current number of annual abortions in the United States — involving both the surgical abortion procedure as well as the dangerous abortion drug RU 486 — is 1.2 million. As a result, the United States likely passed the 53 million abortion mark on November 1.
The analysis also found that the best estimate for the current number of annual abortions in the United States — involving both the surgical abortion procedure as well as the dangerous abortion drug RU 486 — is 1.2 million. As a result, the United States likely passed the 53 million abortion mark on November 1.
Stem cell treatment for stroke patients
BioNews - Stem cell treatment for stroke patients: A British man has become the first patient in the world to receive a pioneering stem cell therapy to repair brain damage caused by stroke. The man, who had suffered an ischaemic stroke 16 months earlier, had fetal neural stem cells injected into his brain near the area of stroke damage, although the researchers do not expect to see any immediate or significant improvements at this stage. LifeSiteNews
'The 'donated' generation': action now not formal apology later
BioNews - 'The 'donated' generation': action now not formal apology later: A Federal Inquiry into Donor Conception is examining the plight of what Damian Adams has called 'the 'donated' generation.' These are the thousands of people conceived using donated gameteswho have been denied knowledge of their biological kinship, heritage, familial health history and conception.
Feds OK 2nd human study of embryonic stem cells
National and World -- GazetteXtra: For only the second time, the U.S. government has approved a test in people of a treatment using embryonic stem cells - this time for a rare disease that causes serious vision loss. Advanced Cell Technology, a biotechnology company based in Santa Monica., Calif., said the research should begin early next year, following the green light from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Just last month Geron Corp. said it had begun preliminary testing in people for treating spinal cord injuries by injecting cells derived from embryonic stem cells.
Just last month Geron Corp. said it had begun preliminary testing in people for treating spinal cord injuries by injecting cells derived from embryonic stem cells.
The Human Experience
Creating a movement for life: The Human Experience | LifeSiteNews.com: Amplified by cutting-edge filmmaking and a haunting score, the documentary delves deep into the real-time experience of its stars, who followed no script as they sought a new perspective on life through the eyes of those who suffer on the streets of New York, in a home for disabled children in Lima, Peru, and finally among a Ghanaian leper colony. There, say its makers, the unique film strove to capture the raw beauty of each human life, and the spirit that unlocks its meaning.
Amazing first: leukemia patient completely cured with cord blood stem cells
Amazing first: leukemia patient completely cured with cord blood stem cells | LifeSiteNews.com: Doctors say they have cured a child’s leukemia completely using an infusion of stem cells from umbilical cord blood. The procedure was reportedly performed in 2005 on a four-year-old girl whose chemotherapy treatment had failed and who had a prognosis of only three months to live. The procedure was possible because the parents had decided to preserve their child’s umbilical cord blood at the time of birth.
DNA primer: The language of life
DNA - Answers in Genesis: In recent times, scientists have discovered an unmistakable language within all living things. Like a miniature library, DNA stores piles of information in extraordinary molecules that specify the details of everything from the shape of flower petals to the color of your eyes.
Religious diversity in the pro-life movement
In part 1 of this video presentation, the founder of SecularProLife.org discusses changing religious demographics in the United States and how the pro-life movement must adapt. This lecture was delivered at Liberty University on November 11, 2010. In part two, a pro-life atheist and sidewalk counselor shares her personal testimony of facing an unplanned pregnancy and becoming an advocate for the right to life.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
New, from 2007: The Modesty Survey
The Modesty Survey is an exciting, anonymous discussion between Christian guys and girls who care about modesty. Hundreds of Christian girls contributed to the 148-question survey and over 1,600 Christian guys submitted 150,000+ answers, including 25,000 text responses, over a 20-day period in January 2007.
The survey also gave Christian guys the opportunity to communicate to their sisters in Christ through the Modesty Survey Petition -- an opportunity to affirm and commend the following biblical truths surrounding feminine modesty by adding your name to the hundreds of signatures.
The survey also gave Christian guys the opportunity to communicate to their sisters in Christ through the Modesty Survey Petition -- an opportunity to affirm and commend the following biblical truths surrounding feminine modesty by adding your name to the hundreds of signatures.
Researchers Engineer Adult Stem Cells That Do Not Age, Overcoming a Major Barrier to Progress in Regenerative Medicine
Researchers Engineer Adult Stem Cells That Do Not Age, Overcoming a Major Barrier to Progress in Regenerative Medicine - UB NewsCenter: Biomedical researchers at the University at Buffalo have engineered adult stem cells that scientists can grow continuously in culture, a discovery that could speed development of cost-effective treatments for diseases including heart disease, diabetes, immune disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. They created the new cell lines – named 'MSC Universal' – by genetically altering mesenchymal stem cells, which are found in bone marrow and can differentiate into cell types including bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, and beta-pancreatic islet cells.
UN conventions undermine family, religion, and national sovereignty
Family Research Council: U.N. committees charged with offering guidance on the obligations incumbent upon nations that have ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women ('CEDAW') and the Convention on the Rights of the Child are, instead, advancing a radical agenda harmful to the best interests of societies and states, under the cover of providing review and recommendations.
What does a 'family' look like nowadays?
What does a 'family' look like nowadays? - USATODAY.com: The definition of 'family' has grown to include more than just the stereotypical married Mom, Dad and kids. The survey, by Pew Research Center was based on responses from 2,691 adults surveyed last month. Among findings:
•86% say a single parent and child are a family;
•80% say an unmarried couple living together with a child is a family;
•63% say a gay or lesbian couple raising a child is a family.
Meanwhile, 88% say a childless married couple is a family — but 54% say a cohabiting couple with no children is not a family.
•86% say a single parent and child are a family;
•80% say an unmarried couple living together with a child is a family;
•63% say a gay or lesbian couple raising a child is a family.
Meanwhile, 88% say a childless married couple is a family — but 54% say a cohabiting couple with no children is not a family.
Nearly 40% say marriage is becoming obsolete
Nearly 40% say marriage is becoming obsolete - USATODAY.com: Marriage is increasingly optional and could be on its way to obsolescence,according to a survey of more than 2,600 Americans that examines changing attitudes about relationships today. Among the 2,691 adults surveyed by the Pew Research Center last month, 39% say marriage is becoming obsolete, up from 28% who responded to the same question posed by Time magazine in 1978.
'If four in 10 are saying it's becoming obsolete, they're registering an awareness of a very important social change,' says Paul Taylor of Pew.
'If four in 10 are saying it's becoming obsolete, they're registering an awareness of a very important social change,' says Paul Taylor of Pew.
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins responded :
"According to the study, only five percent of Americans under age 30 do not plan on marrying. This doesn't sound like 'the end of marriage,' as some are claiming the survey indicates.
"There's certainly reason for concern about some trends - such as the increase in the percentage of births that occur out of wedlock from five percent in 1960 to 41 percent in 2008. At the same time, some interpretations of the data expressed in the media are distorted. A decline in the percentage of adults who are married is largely because people delay marriage, not because young men and women are foregoing marriage completely.
"Two-thirds of Americans are 'optimistic' about the institutions of marriage and the family. Far fewer say that about schools, the economy, or 'morals and ethics.' It's not surprising that most people consider single parents or cohabiting couples who are raising their own children to be 'families.' The question is whether they are the kind of families we should seek or, as a society, should foster and encourage. If a couple is not raising children, Americans are still five times more likely to declare them not to be a family if they are a same-sex or cohabiting couple than if they are married.
"The research is still clear - married husbands and wives, and their children, are happier, healthier, and more prosperous than people in any other household setting. Time Magazine's Belinda Luscombe gets it right in the end when she says that 'marriage is still the best avenue most people have for making their dreams come true."
Gary Bauer: The election was about values, too
Bauer: The election was about values, too - USATODAY.com: American Values commissioned an Election Day poll. Our sample of 834 voters was representative of the broader American electorate. Most of our respondents said economic issues guided their votes for Congress. But that was not their only concern. An overwhelming majority, 77%, felt 'things in America are headed in the wrong direction,' including 59% who believed 'at least part of it is due to the decline of moral and family values in society.'
Tea Party Patriots Co-Founder: Abortion Truce Letter Doesn't Represent Us
Tea Party Patriots Co-Founder: Abortion Truce Letter Doesn't Represent Us | LifeNews.com: Mark Meckler, co-founder of Tea Party Patriots, solidly reaffirmed that the group does not take a position for or against legislation on abortion. Meckler also acknowledged that 80% of their members are social conservatives and said it would be suicide for their organization to take a stand opposing pro-life legislation.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Back Door Abortion Mandate in Health Care Reform
Back Door Abortion Mandate in Health Care Reform | Americans United for Life | AUL.org: Could your insurance plan be required to cover abortion-inducing drugs? A known loophole in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act could allow pro-abortion advocates to sneak this abortion mandate through the back door. If a federal agency determines “contraception” is “preventive care” every American will be obligated to subsidize abortion through their health insurance premiums.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Train Up A Child
Train Up A Child | Dr. Georgia Purdom's Blog: Why is it is so important that we teach children from a very young age not Bible “stories,” but Bible history? This will build in them a firm foundation on biblical truth and authority, and as they grow into adults they will be much less likely to be abandon or water down their faith.
The Next Generation Of Bioethics
The Next Generation Of Bioethics: To celebrate 40 years of pioneering bioethics publication, the Hastings Center Report, the world's first bioethics journal, looked to the future, asking young scholars to write about what the next generation of bioethicists should take up. Out of 195 compelling submissions, four of the best essays were selected for publication in the November-December issue.
Three of the essays envision bioethics forging into new areas, such as the ethical obligations of pharmaceutical industry, questions around the emerging field of regenerative medicine, and public health. Another proposes broadening the approach to dying, a foundational issue of bioethics.
Three of the essays envision bioethics forging into new areas, such as the ethical obligations of pharmaceutical industry, questions around the emerging field of regenerative medicine, and public health. Another proposes broadening the approach to dying, a foundational issue of bioethics.
Voluntary Extinction
Voluntary Extinction | Christianpost.com: According to Britain’s Guardian newspaper, the Chinese government “has been considering options for relaxing” its infamous “one-child” policy. While economic realities are forcing the Chinese to rethink that disastrous and cruel policy, many Americans seem to be voluntarily adopting a one-child policy of their own. At least that’s the conclusion of a recent article in the Weekly Standard.
Trial Court Dismisses All Criminal Charges Against Pastor Walter Hoye
Trial Court Dismisses All Criminal Charges Against Pastor Walter Hoye - Christian Newswire: The Life Legal Defense Foundation announces that all criminal charges against Pastor Hoye have been dropped. Just three months ago, an appellate court overturned Pastor Walter Hoye's criminal conviction for violating Oakland's 'Mother May I' law restricting sidewalk counseling. In a jury trial in 2009, Hoye was found guilty of two counts of unlawfully approaching women seeking abortions at an Oakland abortion clinic; the court sentenced him to 30 days in jail and an $1100 fine.
GOP is urged to avoid social issues
GOP is urged to avoid social issues - Ben Smith and Byron Tau - POLITICO.com: A gay conservative group and some Tea Party leaders are campaigning to keep social issues off the Republican agenda. In a letter to be released Monday, the group GOProud and leaders from groups like the Tea Party Patriots and the New American Patriots, will urge Republicans in the House and Senate to keep their focus on shrinking the government.
Dutch journalist threatened with torture, death following letter condemning abortion
Dutch journalist threatened with torture, death following letter condemning abortion Catholic bishop Everard de Jong sent fetal models to members of the Dutch House of Representatives with a letter asking them to defund abortion clinics. Rep. Jeannine Hennis-Plasschaert objected, saying the letter was "disgusting." Journalist Mariska Orban de Haas wrote an open letter in defense of the bishop, saying the model resembled a baby at the age of the one she'd miscarried. Why is that "disgusting"?
Her letter sparked outrage in the Netherlands. She issued an apology, but still received angry responses, including death threats.
Pro-life billboard campaign in Ireland states truth
Youth Defence, the Republic of Ireland’s leading pro-life group, this week launched a billboard and public education campaign calling on the current government to halt all plans to legalize embryonic stem cell research.
UK starts world's first stroke stem cell trial
UK starts world's first stroke stem cell trial | Reuters: Unlike U.S. company Geron's clinical trial in patients with spinal cord injuries, which started last month, the Scottish study uses stem cells derived from human fetuses rather than embryos. Fetal stem cells do not have the same flexibility to turn into different tissue types as embryonic ones.
Shares in ReNeuron, which won regulatory approval for the trial in January and had initially hoped to launch it in the second quarter of 2010, rose more than 18 percent on the news.
Editor: How nice for the investors. Here's more, showing that the cells are from aborted babies --
A neurosurgeon at Southern General Hospital in Glasgow, Scotland, plans to drill a hole in a patient’s skull, insert a needle and inject 2 million stem cells from ReNeuron Group into his brain early next year. The patient is the first of 12 men disabled by strokes who expect to receive from 2 million to 20 million stem cells grown from the brain of an aborted 12-week-old fetus. The men would be studied for two years to see if the cells help the brain repair damage, without causing further harm. Bloomberg
Shares in ReNeuron, which won regulatory approval for the trial in January and had initially hoped to launch it in the second quarter of 2010, rose more than 18 percent on the news.
Editor: How nice for the investors. Here's more, showing that the cells are from aborted babies --
A neurosurgeon at Southern General Hospital in Glasgow, Scotland, plans to drill a hole in a patient’s skull, insert a needle and inject 2 million stem cells from ReNeuron Group into his brain early next year. The patient is the first of 12 men disabled by strokes who expect to receive from 2 million to 20 million stem cells grown from the brain of an aborted 12-week-old fetus. The men would be studied for two years to see if the cells help the brain repair damage, without causing further harm. Bloomberg
Monday, November 15, 2010
Fertility’s Mega-Mall
CGS : Fertility’s Mega-Mall: The face of the modern fertility industry is not hard to characterize. Soothing phrases like 'infertility cure,' 'new hope,' and 'altruistic donation of life' are illustrated by blissful parents coddling picture-perfect newborns. All of this is crafted to reassure us that assisted reproductive technologies are, simply and purely, a good thing.
However, the fertility industry is just that: an industry. Fueled by billions of dollars of commercial interests worldwide, the booming ART marketplace is fraught with allurements that distract any notice of its practical, social and ethical downsides.
Case and point: The Fertility Show.
This past weekend, thousands flocked to London's Olympia where over 100 exhibitors, primarily local and overseas fertility clinics, proffered their latest wares. Among the numerous booths, one could buy anything from 'IVF Holiday' packages in Barbados to Skype consultations with 'the fertility astrologer.'
However, the fertility industry is just that: an industry. Fueled by billions of dollars of commercial interests worldwide, the booming ART marketplace is fraught with allurements that distract any notice of its practical, social and ethical downsides.
Case and point: The Fertility Show.
This past weekend, thousands flocked to London's Olympia where over 100 exhibitors, primarily local and overseas fertility clinics, proffered their latest wares. Among the numerous booths, one could buy anything from 'IVF Holiday' packages in Barbados to Skype consultations with 'the fertility astrologer.'
When does life begin?
When did I begin to be me? Is this a scientific question or a theological one? Death is more easily defined than the point at which the continuum of human life begins. Where is the starting point? And when do we become human? Is the adult more human than the child? If so, at what point along the journey did this child become human? Was it at conception, somewhere during his development, or at birth? AiG
Semantics Don’t Change Truth: The social motivations behind new definitions
Semantics Don’t Change Truth: The social motivations behind new definitions - Answers in Genesis: The move to redefine conception started in 1959 when Dr. Bent Boving at a Planned Parenthood symposium pointed out “the social advantage of [implantation preventatives] being considered to prevent conception rather than to destroy an established pregnancy.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists followed Boving’s advice in 1965 by adopting this definition: “conception is the implantation of an ovum.” Since fertilization cannot be detected until the time of implantation — when the physical connection to the mother’s body allows a hormone from the developing placenta to enter the mother’s bloodstream — the reasoning was that the beginning of pregnancy could be redefined to the time when we can medically detect it. This reasoning is tantamount to asking whether a man alone on a desert island really exists if no one knows he’s there. Such reasoning amounts to philosophical meandering, not science.
Sister set to become surrogate for gay brother
BioNews - Sister set to become surrogate for gay brother: The London Women's Clinic has reportedly received an application for fertility treatment by two gay men wanting to raise a child who wish to use one of the couple's sister as a surrogate. Up to 30 percent of LWC's clients are lesbian couples, representing an increase of about ten percent from ten years ago, but the applications to the clinic made this week are the first to be received from a male same-sex couple.
Second Pro-Life Car Rally has taken place in Moscow and other Russian towns
The second Pro-Life Car Rally has taken place in Moscow and other Russian towns | За жизнь!: A car rally against abortions, organized by Orthodox Center for Pro-Life Education “Zhizn” (Life) and Charity Fund for Protection of Family, Motherhood and Childhood, took place on November 6th, 2010 in Moscow and two Russian towns — Orel and Ramenskoye.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Gay father and lesbian couple in custody battle
Gay father and lesbian couple in custody battle | News | The Christian Institute: Two children are at the centre of a tug-of-war between a homosexual father and a lesbian mother in a legal case that highlights the pitfalls of artificial insemination.
The children’s mother and her lesbian civil partner appeared in the Court of Appeal yesterday to challenge a decision that ordered the children to spend almost half the year with their father – a homosexual. The children were conceived through artificial insemination, but the court heard that the father was more than just a sperm donor.
The children’s mother and her lesbian civil partner appeared in the Court of Appeal yesterday to challenge a decision that ordered the children to spend almost half the year with their father – a homosexual. The children were conceived through artificial insemination, but the court heard that the father was more than just a sperm donor.
Editor: What hath IVF wrought?
The Times of London: All media should promote gay agenda
The Times insists all media should promote gay agenda | News | The Christian Institute: All newspapers should promote the homosexual agenda, according to a leading article in The Times newspaper. It said it longed for the day when the homosexual agenda will be fully integrated into society.
Last year The Times was criticised for publishing an out-of-date poll favouring assisted suicide. And earlier this year a Times columnist admitted abortion kills a human being, but a woman’s right to choose is more important.
Last year The Times was criticised for publishing an out-of-date poll favouring assisted suicide. And earlier this year a Times columnist admitted abortion kills a human being, but a woman’s right to choose is more important.
Video: Outrage after Amazon sells paedophile guide online
Video: Outrage after Amazon sells paedophile guide online | News | The Christian Institute: An e-book which billed itself as a guide for paedophiles has been withdrawn from sale by prominent online retailer Amazon.com after horrified customers called for a boycott of the site. The e-book claims that paedophiles are misunderstood, and offers advice about how to avoid falling foul of the law.
Transsexualism is ‘delusion’ says former sex-swap man
Transsexualism is ‘delusion’ says former sex-swap man | News | The Christian Institute: A man who underwent sex change surgery to look like a woman – then changed back – says the NHS should halt all sex change operations. Charles Kane says he needed counselling, not surgery. “In many ways I see myself as a victim of the medical profession.”
Making Perfect Life: Bio-engineering in the 21st century
Making Perfect Life: Bio-engineering in the 21st century: Living bacteria with artificial DNA, supercomputers designed to function like a real human brain or robots showing human-like emotions. Biology is increasingly engineered in much the same way as technology, while technology is becoming more and more life-like. These two engineering trends not only intensify current debates about the desirability and acceptability of genetic engineering and human enhancement, but also raises novel issues, like who’s in control of machines with a life of their own?
Embryonic Stem Cells Used to Fight Woman's Brain Tumor
Stem Cells Used to Fight Woman's Brain Tumor - CBS Evening News - CBS News: Doctors injected stem cells into a woman's brain, hoping they'll fight her cancer. In California Wednesday that woman made medical history, the first human being to have embryonic stem cells injected into her brain to try to cure cancer.
These types of tumors are so invasive that until now there's been no way to get large enough amounts of chemotherapy through the blood-brain barrier. With stem cells researchers now think they've found a way. Ten million neural stem cells with a special enzyme are injected into the brain. The stem cells seek out and attach themselves to the tumors. The patient then takes a pill containing a non-toxic drug that enters the brain. When the drug interacts with the enzyme in the stem cells, it instantaneously creates an active chemotherapy drug. The hope is that chemo will kill the tumors and leave healthy brain tissue alone.
These types of tumors are so invasive that until now there's been no way to get large enough amounts of chemotherapy through the blood-brain barrier. With stem cells researchers now think they've found a way. Ten million neural stem cells with a special enzyme are injected into the brain. The stem cells seek out and attach themselves to the tumors. The patient then takes a pill containing a non-toxic drug that enters the brain. When the drug interacts with the enzyme in the stem cells, it instantaneously creates an active chemotherapy drug. The hope is that chemo will kill the tumors and leave healthy brain tissue alone.
Editor: David Malone over at Right to Life of Michigan uncovered this information on the source of the stem cells:
Good work, David! Thank you for checking all of that. Here's an article about another study that admits it uses cells from aborted babies: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=ai7QxzgHwETQI found the web site of the clinical trial based on the information in the press release - http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01172964?term=gliomas&lead=city+of+hope&rank=1. It says the stem cells used are "HB1.F3.CD neural stem cells."
I then found this page (http://www.gtcbio.com/userAgenda.aspx?id=159) which has a summary of a talk Aboody was scheduled to give at a recent conference which says that "The HB1.F3.CD clonal NSC line was generated from 15 wk fetal telencephalon by retroviral transducion with v-myc." Telecephalon is a part the brain.
Another study (http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/12/18/5550.full) where Aboody is a co-author describes HB1.F3 as "HB1.F3 is an immortalized human NSC (hNSC) line derived from the human fetal brain (ventricular zone) at 15 weeks of gestation by an amphotropic, replication-incompetent retroviral vector containing v-myc (15 http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/12/18/5550.full#ref-15--18 http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/12/18/5550.full#ref-18)."
I haven't been able to discover if the fetus was aborted or miscarried.
FDA Cigarette Pictures Opening Abortion Warning Issue?
The American Spectator : AmSpecBlog : FDA Cigarette Pictures Opening Abortion Warning Issue?: The announcement that the Food and Drug Administration wants to insist cigarette packs contain what the Washington Post calls 'gruesome pictures' of what happens if one smokes cigarettes may raise an interesting -- and for the pro-choice crowd -- unwelcome question.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Post-Election Survey: Politics in the Pulpit
Post-Election Survey: Politics in the Pulpit - Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life: Compared with 2006, fewer voters encountered information on parties or candidates in their house of worship.Only 13% say their place of worship provided information about state and local ballot initiatives or constitutional amendments.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
"Mary's ultrasound" ad draws ire
An ecumenical nonprofit in England has come under fire for their upcoming Advent campaign designed to put Christ back into Christmas. Their crime? Creating billboards and posters that show a Baby Jesus as an ultrasound, with a halo. The ads, created byChurchAds.net say: “He’s on His way. Christmas starts with Christ.”
The U.K.‘s Guardian had the story this summer.
“It gives the impression that it was politically motivated, that they are trying to put across some sort of subliminal message,” said Terry Sanderson, director of the National Secular Society. “The image is too specifically associated with pro-lifers to be seen in a benign context. They should go back to angels and cribs.”
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