Religion
Going God Over Gas
Here's a valuable use of time: A group called the Pray at the Pump Movement will congregate at a Shell gas station in DC this afternoon to -- you guessed it -- pray in celebration of falling gas prices. Seems this group launched its plight in April, encouraging motorists to pray for lower fuel prices as they filled their vehicles. Now that oil prices have dropped to roughly $114 a barrel -- the lowest tally in months -- they want to give God a shout-out of thanks.
Church Groups Lose Faith in Bush Promises for Funding
In his first major policy address as a presidential candidate, Bush declared that it wasn’t enough to praise the efforts of faith-based and community groups and call for volunteers to help them.
'We have a choice in this country'
The complete text of Sen. Barack Obama's speech on race in America.
Times Are Changing for Religious Right
Turn to the surprisingly strong showing Mike Huckabee made amongst evangelicals -- despite a lukewarm reception from Christian conservative heads -- to see the tension between evangelicals and movement leaders.
Church Leaders Above the Law?
Last November, Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley (R) sent letters (pdf) to six of the nation's largest ministries asking for information about their finances. The request was in response to concerns that church leaders were abusing their tax-exempt status -- concerns that seem to be merited in the wake of numerous reports about the platinum lifestyles adopted by some of these folks. (Think: private jets; Trump Tower condos in Manhattan; beachfront Malibu villas -- everything a good ascetic needs).
Now We Know
We knew James Dobson didn't like John McCain. But now we know who he does like -- or at least, who he likes among the available choices.
Dobson, leader of the conservative Focus on the Family, will endorse Mike Huckabee today, according to the AP (hat tip TPM).
Just Like We Thought
Just like we thought, some of the people who used to be the biggest backers of President Bush's faith-based initiative aren't that impressed with what the program has accomplished over the past seven years.
From Faith to FISA
Thanks to Michael Kazin for that great piece on Bryan, Huckabee and the tricky question of applying one's faith to public life.
I saw the same dilemma on display this afternoon on the Senate floor, when Utah Republicans Robert Bennett and Orrin Hatch each took time out to mourn the passing of Gordon Hinckley, the head of the Mormon church.
