More “Hello I’m a Christ follower … and I’m a Christian.” YAY! Once again brought to you by the clever (and brave) folks at Community Christian Church in Naperville, Illinois. Read more

TODAY IN GOD:RELIGION NEWS BITES FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE ____________________________________________________________________________________ Today, in a very special TODAY IN GOD, we bring you links to some great audio stories about Godstuff. So slap on those Bose noiseblockers, kick back, and have a listen. Tattoo artists are a group unto themselves. One tattoo studio in Alabama is reaching out to its clients and encouraging them to embrace religion. Greg Ashcraft is an evangelical artist, covering people’s skin with religious scenes and sayings. Tanya... Read more

FEELING MEH. Also am trying to write. You know, the next book. (Deadline countdown: 166 days.) So I’ll be back tomorrow, inshallah. In the meantime, entertain yourself HERE and/or HERE. Read more

TODAY IN GOD:RELIGION NEWS BITES FOR YOUR SNACKING PLEASURE ____________________________________________________________________________________MUST READ!: Emphasis Shifts for New Breed of Evangelicals The evangelical Christian movement, which has been pivotal in reshaping the country’s political landscape since the 1980s, has shifted in potentially momentous ways in recent years, broadening its agenda and exposing new fissures. The death of the Rev. Jerry Falwell last week highlighted the fact that many of the movement’s fiery old guard who helped lead conservative Christians into the embrace of... Read more

U2@Cannes: Nothing rusty about these lads This was a performance Sunday at the premiere for the band’s new film “U23D.” Read more

Dogma on my mind … Kevin Smith’s 1999 film “Dogma” has long been one of my favorites.And one scene in particular has been on my mind the last few days.It takes place between Rufus (one of Christ’s disciples) and Bethany (the last scion.) I’ll post the dialogue below without comment, as it speaks quite eloquently for itself. BETHANYIt’s weird. just when I think I’ve got a handle onThings, something wholly unbelievable presentsitself. Sometimes I wish I had just stayed home.... Read more

TODAY IN GOD:RELIGION NEWS BITES FOR YOUR SNACKING PLEASURE ____________________________________________________________________________________ Anti-Gay Church Parodies “We Are the World” Video A church known nationally for picketing soldiers’ funerals is being accused by a music company of violating copyright laws with an Internet video parody of the 1980s song, “We Are the World.” An attorney for Topeka, Kan.-based Westboro Baptist Church said Thursday the parody, “God Hates the World,” is protected under First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and religious expression. She... Read more

GOOD MORNING, STARSHINE: HAPPY SATURDAY Today is a new day. Grace abounds. And it’s all for the best. Go do something that scares you. Play in the dirt. Eat outside. Get caught off guard by a Godspell. Tell someone you love them. And try not to be mean. Let’s be careful out there … GGHQ Read more

JESUS CHRIST AND ONE HELL OF A DAY It’s a bit out of synch, but the above — U2 performing Woody Guthrie’s soul-shaker “Jesus Christ,” with my boy Bono talking about the import of the song (way back in 1988) — is worth watching. I found it particularly heartening after a day of being beaten up a bit by some of Jesus’ followers. Hate mail. Hate calls. Even at home. So far, these organized letter writers have told me I... Read more

TODAY IN GOD:RELIGION NEWS BITES FOR YOUR SNACKING PLEASURE ____________________________________________________________________________________UK government ministers bow to hybrid pressure Ministers have bowed to pressure to allow the creation of human animal hybrid embryos for research. When the ban was proposed last year there were fears among scientists it would hamper medical breakthroughs. Hybrid embryos will only be allowed for research into serious disease and scientists will require a licence. Scientists welcomed the proposals put forward in the draft fertility bill, but opponents questioned... Read more