Pastor Calls Flock Devils, Demons
Members say they were refused Communion
Updated: Tuesday, 15 Mar 2011, 6:39 PM CDT
Published : Tuesday, 15 Mar 2011, 6:39 PM CDT
HOUSTON - Members of the small congregation at Houston Unity Baptist Church said when they refused to give the pastor their tax refunds; he refused to give them their Communion.
Some members of the church spoke with FOX 26 anonymously.
"He said for all those who are getting a tax refund, ‘How many are you are going to give it to the church’?" James said.
Pastor John Goodman said while he refused Communion, it wasn't because his members didn't donate their tax refunds to the church. It’s because they've failed to step up and do what's needed to keep the church afloat.
"I asked if there were any other members, which I know it is, that got income tax money. I ask if they would like to contribute it over here to the new parking lot."
When asked if he withheld Communion, Pastor Goodman said absolutely but it wasn’t because of the tax refund issue. He said it was because of internal issues in the church he refused to disclose.
Goodman said only 4 or 5 members in the church actually help with bills, but he called the rest of his congregation devils and demons.
Pastor Goodman said he was attempting to get donations to build a new parking lot at the church.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Who loves "causing unnecessary controversies and ill-feelings"? May u be removed fr your post soon
Home Ministry urged to release Bibles
By STEPHEN THEN, RINTOS MAIL and ALLISON LAI
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
Sunday March 13, 2011
MIRI: The Sarawak Government wants the Home Ministry to release all impounded or seized Bibles immediately.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said the state government could not understand the rationale behind such a treatment of the Bible or why the Bahasa Malaysia version could not be imported into the country.
“The state government is also willing to print the Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia if the ones from Indonesia are not acceptable,” he told reporters here on the latest controversy over the impounding of 30,000 Bibles in Port Klang and Kuching Port.
Dr Chan said there never were such problems in Sarawak and he could not understand why those responsible “were being so difficult and causing unnecessary controversies and ill-feelings among Malaysians”.
“In Sarawak, we have never faced such controversies before. In this state, we have mosques and churches built side by side. In our coffeeshops, we have Chinese and Malay food sellers operating next to each other. We don’t have any problem with race or religion.”
The Home Ministry has said the Bibles were not allowed into the state and country because they did not meet the terms and conditions set by the ministry. The Bibles were printed in Indonesia.
Dr Chan said state government leaders would discuss the matter at the next state Cabinet meeting and also bring up the issue to the Federal Cabinet and to the attention of the Prime Minister.
Asked if the state government was worried about any potential political repercussion during the coming state election, Dr Chan said the state government was angry not over political reasons, but because such acts went against justice.
On Friday, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek had said that allowing Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia to be printed locally by printing houses sanctioned by the Home Ministry would provide an amicable solution to the deadlock over the matter.
He said if Bibles in the national language were printed locally, then these could be allowed to be circulated in churches with proper supervision.
He also appealed to the Government to meet church groups to resolve the issue soon, stating that the fulfilment of religious needs should not be confined to selected languages, and that every Malaysian had the right to practise his religion as guaranteed and enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
Other politicians have joined in the call for the release of the Bibles.
PPP president Datuk M. Kayveas said the usage of Bahasa Malaysia had increased, and that it was only natural that other religions would also use the national language in their religious literature.
DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng called for the release of the Bibles to preserve the country’s peaceful practice of cultural and religious diversity.
Parti Kesejahteraan Insan Tanah Air (Kita) head Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said the Malay language was the language for everyone in the country.
“We cannot prevent people from using the language just because (a certain group) wants to use it for its religious reasons.”
PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said since the Government had allowed Christians in Sarawak and Sabah to use the word “Allah”, it had no reason to ban the Bibles from being brought into the two states.
“Pakatan has no qualms about Christians using the word ‘Allah’,” he said at the launch of the PKR Convention in Kuching.
By STEPHEN THEN, RINTOS MAIL and ALLISON LAI
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
Sunday March 13, 2011
MIRI: The Sarawak Government wants the Home Ministry to release all impounded or seized Bibles immediately.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said the state government could not understand the rationale behind such a treatment of the Bible or why the Bahasa Malaysia version could not be imported into the country.
“The state government is also willing to print the Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia if the ones from Indonesia are not acceptable,” he told reporters here on the latest controversy over the impounding of 30,000 Bibles in Port Klang and Kuching Port.
Dr Chan said there never were such problems in Sarawak and he could not understand why those responsible “were being so difficult and causing unnecessary controversies and ill-feelings among Malaysians”.
“In Sarawak, we have never faced such controversies before. In this state, we have mosques and churches built side by side. In our coffeeshops, we have Chinese and Malay food sellers operating next to each other. We don’t have any problem with race or religion.”
The Home Ministry has said the Bibles were not allowed into the state and country because they did not meet the terms and conditions set by the ministry. The Bibles were printed in Indonesia.
Dr Chan said state government leaders would discuss the matter at the next state Cabinet meeting and also bring up the issue to the Federal Cabinet and to the attention of the Prime Minister.
Asked if the state government was worried about any potential political repercussion during the coming state election, Dr Chan said the state government was angry not over political reasons, but because such acts went against justice.
On Friday, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek had said that allowing Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia to be printed locally by printing houses sanctioned by the Home Ministry would provide an amicable solution to the deadlock over the matter.
He said if Bibles in the national language were printed locally, then these could be allowed to be circulated in churches with proper supervision.
He also appealed to the Government to meet church groups to resolve the issue soon, stating that the fulfilment of religious needs should not be confined to selected languages, and that every Malaysian had the right to practise his religion as guaranteed and enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
Other politicians have joined in the call for the release of the Bibles.
PPP president Datuk M. Kayveas said the usage of Bahasa Malaysia had increased, and that it was only natural that other religions would also use the national language in their religious literature.
DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng called for the release of the Bibles to preserve the country’s peaceful practice of cultural and religious diversity.
Parti Kesejahteraan Insan Tanah Air (Kita) head Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said the Malay language was the language for everyone in the country.
“We cannot prevent people from using the language just because (a certain group) wants to use it for its religious reasons.”
PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said since the Government had allowed Christians in Sarawak and Sabah to use the word “Allah”, it had no reason to ban the Bibles from being brought into the two states.
“Pakatan has no qualms about Christians using the word ‘Allah’,” he said at the launch of the PKR Convention in Kuching.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
You helped me once
Source
There were once two young men working their way through Leland Stanford University. Their funds got desperately low, and the idea came to one of them to engage Paderewski for a piano recital and devote the profits to their board and tuition.
The great pianist’s manager asked for a guarantee of two thousand dollars. The students, undaunted, proceeded to stage the concert. They worked hard, only to find that the concert had raised only sixteen hundred dollars.
After the concert, the students sought the great artist and told him of their efforts and results. They gave him the entire sixteen hundred dollars, and accompanied it with a promissory note for four hundred dollars, explaining that they would earn the amount at the earliest possible moment and send the money to him. "No," replied Paderewski, "that won’t do."
Then tearing the note to shreds, he returned the money and said to them: "Now, take out of this sixteen hundred dollars all of your expenses, and keep for each of you 10 percent of the balance for your work, and let me have the rest."
The years rolled by--years of fortune and destiny. Paderewski had become premier of Poland. The devastating war came, and Paderewski was striving with might and main to feed the starving thousands of his beloved Poland.
There was only one man in the world who could help Paderewski and his people. Thousands of tons of food began to come into Poland for distribution by the Polish premier.
After the starving people were fed, Paderewski journeyed to Paris to thank Herbert Hoover for the relief sent him.
"That’s all right, Mr. Paderewski," was Mr. Hoover’s reply. "Besides, you don’t remember it, but you helped me once when I was a student at college and I was in a hole."
Compassion is an investment that brings great returns!
There were once two young men working their way through Leland Stanford University. Their funds got desperately low, and the idea came to one of them to engage Paderewski for a piano recital and devote the profits to their board and tuition.
The great pianist’s manager asked for a guarantee of two thousand dollars. The students, undaunted, proceeded to stage the concert. They worked hard, only to find that the concert had raised only sixteen hundred dollars.
After the concert, the students sought the great artist and told him of their efforts and results. They gave him the entire sixteen hundred dollars, and accompanied it with a promissory note for four hundred dollars, explaining that they would earn the amount at the earliest possible moment and send the money to him. "No," replied Paderewski, "that won’t do."
Then tearing the note to shreds, he returned the money and said to them: "Now, take out of this sixteen hundred dollars all of your expenses, and keep for each of you 10 percent of the balance for your work, and let me have the rest."
The years rolled by--years of fortune and destiny. Paderewski had become premier of Poland. The devastating war came, and Paderewski was striving with might and main to feed the starving thousands of his beloved Poland.
There was only one man in the world who could help Paderewski and his people. Thousands of tons of food began to come into Poland for distribution by the Polish premier.
After the starving people were fed, Paderewski journeyed to Paris to thank Herbert Hoover for the relief sent him.
"That’s all right, Mr. Paderewski," was Mr. Hoover’s reply. "Besides, you don’t remember it, but you helped me once when I was a student at college and I was in a hole."
Compassion is an investment that brings great returns!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A subversive force for love
Source
There are many examples of people, both ancient and contemporary, who have hungered for righteousness and proven themselves to be filled with the fire of God's love.
I think for example of Maria Skobstova, an aristocrat who became an intellectual, an intellectual who became a nun, a nun who became a subversive force for love.
She sought to make straight that which had been made crooked among the poor, in prisons, in insane asylums because she saw every human being as intrinsically valuable, as an "icon of God."
In 1942, when Jews were being rounded up in German-occupied Paris, Maria managed to organize the rescue of children who she smuggled out of the sports stadium in garbage bins with the help of garbage collectors.
She did not relent in her work on behalf of the oppressed even though she was aware she was under Nazi surveillance.
Finally, she was sent to the concentration camp at Ravensbruck, where, still burning with the holy passion and hunger for righteousness, a desire that had become a flame of love, she continued to assist and care for those who were suffering with her.
She nearly made it to the end, and even as Russian troops were advancing on the camp, she put herself in the place of another woman condemned to die, and died in her place.
Her hunger and thirst for righteousness was satisfied as she herself became righteous, and, like Christ, she become one who helped others in the cause for justice.
There are many examples of people, both ancient and contemporary, who have hungered for righteousness and proven themselves to be filled with the fire of God's love.
I think for example of Maria Skobstova, an aristocrat who became an intellectual, an intellectual who became a nun, a nun who became a subversive force for love.
She sought to make straight that which had been made crooked among the poor, in prisons, in insane asylums because she saw every human being as intrinsically valuable, as an "icon of God."
In 1942, when Jews were being rounded up in German-occupied Paris, Maria managed to organize the rescue of children who she smuggled out of the sports stadium in garbage bins with the help of garbage collectors.
She did not relent in her work on behalf of the oppressed even though she was aware she was under Nazi surveillance.
Finally, she was sent to the concentration camp at Ravensbruck, where, still burning with the holy passion and hunger for righteousness, a desire that had become a flame of love, she continued to assist and care for those who were suffering with her.
She nearly made it to the end, and even as Russian troops were advancing on the camp, she put herself in the place of another woman condemned to die, and died in her place.
Her hunger and thirst for righteousness was satisfied as she herself became righteous, and, like Christ, she become one who helped others in the cause for justice.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Are you ready to rumble?
ACPE Word of the Lord 2011
Each year, the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders (ACPE) meets to seek the Lord for the prophetic word. This is a team of respected prophets who have the conviction that they are an Acts 13:1-3 model. This passage notes that it was the Holy Spirit giving the word as a consensus among the group and not just to one prophet. So, even though this is a compilation of the prophecies that we have each brought to the round table meeting, it was the general consensus of the ACPE members that the Holy Spirit was speaking the following prophetic words to us.
The ACPE has met now since 1999. This year, for the first time, we invited a group of emerging young leaders to join us. As a result, we probably had the most powerful time of seeking the Lord that we have ever known. At the end of the meeting, a time of impartation took place.
While we are calling this a prophecy for 2011, it is to be understood that the time frames for the fulfillment of prophecies cannot only be confined to a calendar year period, thus this constitutes more of a seasonal prophetic word.
It is also a given that, in some cases, the obedience of the people to respond can either delay, change, or alter what we have seen by the Spirit during this time.
The Year of Transitions
This will either be a year of open heavens or a year of the perfect storm.
The number 11 has the biblical meaning of transitions. 2011 is the year where we are transitioning from one place to another. Where we will end up at the end of this time depends, in many regards, on how we respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
2011 will be a year of great pressure and stress, particularly, the first three months when it will seem as if we are in a toe-to-toe battle with the forces of evil.
This is a Tipping Point Year
If, in the middle of the pressure of the season, we faint and lose heart, the scale will tip away from us and there is a possibility of great loss and defeat.
The Year of the Straits
The number 11 can be likened to places in the earth such as the Straits of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco. We will, at times, feel constricted, but the narrowing of the way will only cause us to go to the new place that God has for us in the season if we do not fail the test during the pressure.
The Birth Canal
Another analogy that the Lord gave us was the number 11 is like a birth canal. The baby being born is going from the comfort of the womb to the stress and discomfort of being born into a new, large life.
Dreaming Dreams
Joseph shared his dreams with his 11 brothers; represented by 11 stars in Genesis 37:9 and it caused great relational stress. God will pour out a season of dreams and visions this year even among the very young. Watch out for relational stress and keep your heart right in the middle of it.
The Year of Great Expectations
Expect the unexpected in this coming year.
Hebrews 11:11 is key:
“By faith, Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.”
Expect a miracle! God wants to break the barrenness in your life of hope deferred. Many have given up on their dreams and downsized what they believe for because of the times. God’s Kingdom is an ever-increasing Kingdom and He is for advance and not retreat.
This is not a time to compromise what God has said to you, but rather to believe that all things are possible. God is not a man that He would lie. If He said he would do something, He has not changed His mind.
A Time of Preparation, Going Deeper into God and Intimacy
New assignments will be passed out in this year of transition for those who do not draw back in the season of testing and fire. Go deeper in God and draw refreshing from His presence and you will make it to your new place of advancement and anointing.
Proverbs 20:5:
“Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within.”
Creative Miracles
The level of the miraculous will increase with the Creator loosing miracles of creation that will directly oppose the spirits of humanism and intellectualism.
The Restoration of the Tabernacle of David
Great emphasis will be upon worship again this year. Worship is the key! Many new 24-hour houses of worship will spring up across the world and result in an open heaven over nations and many souls saved. It is harvest time!
Acts 15:16-17:
“After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My Name, says the Lord who does all things.”
Great Harvest of those in the Arts/Entertainment Field
Extraordinary moves of God will occur in the entertainment and motion picture industry. Bold, new, unashamed voices will arise and many will listen to their testimonies.
Word for the United States
The nation hangs in the balance and this is not a time to grow weary of praying and acting on behalf of righteousness and justice. Don’t let the pressure of the season cause you to retreat into entertainment rather than standing on top of what is happening around you.
We must watch for terrorist attacks as many are having dreams and visions of coming attacks.
One of the illustrations given to us was the phrase, “Are you ready to rumble?” This is used among wrestling aficionados as the match begins. It does more than alert the contestants that the match will start; it also creates an excited expectation in the crowd. God is asking the Christians in America today, “Are you ready to rumble?” The game is at hand and there needs to be a climax of excitement as we anticipate God’s next move in the land.
2011 is one of the most critical years in the nation’s history and the foundations are burning and are in danger of being destroyed. We must fast and pray and take extraordinary measures to “rumble” both the heavens and the earth.
The Eleventh Hour 11-11-11
This date will have a special significance in this “eleventh hour” time frame.
John 11:11 says:
“Lazarus our friend has fallen asleep, but I go that I may awaken him from slumber.”
The Mayflower Compact was signed on 11-11, 1620 and God is looking for a new generation of reformers who will make a covenant with God and others to stand and fight to awaken this nation in this dire moment of history.
Proverbs 11:11:
“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.”
World
There is a worldwide student-led volunteer movement being birthed across the face of the earth. Satan is going to try and start wars such as he did when the first student volunteer movement started around the turn of the 20th century. World War I effectually shut down the movement as students went to war at times against each other. We must pray against the starting of a third world war, as Satan wants to escalate world events for His purposes.
Psalms 110:3:
“In the day of Your power your youth shall be volunteers.”
Korea
Particular prayer needs to take place for Korea as one of the greatest missions movements is destined to come out of this nation that will go to the ends of the earth.
We also strongly felt that President Lee should stand firm against North Korea’s aggression.
Middle East
A more widespread persecution will arise against the believers if we do not begin to intercede for the Middle East. However, there will be a move of God of the youth in nations such as Syria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia who will not love their lives unto death.
Economy
We must intercede against hyperinflation that will strangle the ability of people of give to world missions.
Intellectual Properties
A great release of new wealth will come from ideas given from God in the form of intellectual properties. A new creative anointing of ideas for those who will use the wealth for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
Children
We are on the verge of a great Children’s Awakening that will span the globe. Child evangelists will begin to preach in churches and large arenas and thousand will be saved and healed.
Compiled by:
Cindy Jacobs
ACPE Convening Apostle
January 5, 2011
Each year, the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders (ACPE) meets to seek the Lord for the prophetic word. This is a team of respected prophets who have the conviction that they are an Acts 13:1-3 model. This passage notes that it was the Holy Spirit giving the word as a consensus among the group and not just to one prophet. So, even though this is a compilation of the prophecies that we have each brought to the round table meeting, it was the general consensus of the ACPE members that the Holy Spirit was speaking the following prophetic words to us.
The ACPE has met now since 1999. This year, for the first time, we invited a group of emerging young leaders to join us. As a result, we probably had the most powerful time of seeking the Lord that we have ever known. At the end of the meeting, a time of impartation took place.
While we are calling this a prophecy for 2011, it is to be understood that the time frames for the fulfillment of prophecies cannot only be confined to a calendar year period, thus this constitutes more of a seasonal prophetic word.
It is also a given that, in some cases, the obedience of the people to respond can either delay, change, or alter what we have seen by the Spirit during this time.
The Year of Transitions
This will either be a year of open heavens or a year of the perfect storm.
The number 11 has the biblical meaning of transitions. 2011 is the year where we are transitioning from one place to another. Where we will end up at the end of this time depends, in many regards, on how we respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
2011 will be a year of great pressure and stress, particularly, the first three months when it will seem as if we are in a toe-to-toe battle with the forces of evil.
This is a Tipping Point Year
If, in the middle of the pressure of the season, we faint and lose heart, the scale will tip away from us and there is a possibility of great loss and defeat.
The Year of the Straits
The number 11 can be likened to places in the earth such as the Straits of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco. We will, at times, feel constricted, but the narrowing of the way will only cause us to go to the new place that God has for us in the season if we do not fail the test during the pressure.
The Birth Canal
Another analogy that the Lord gave us was the number 11 is like a birth canal. The baby being born is going from the comfort of the womb to the stress and discomfort of being born into a new, large life.
Dreaming Dreams
Joseph shared his dreams with his 11 brothers; represented by 11 stars in Genesis 37:9 and it caused great relational stress. God will pour out a season of dreams and visions this year even among the very young. Watch out for relational stress and keep your heart right in the middle of it.
The Year of Great Expectations
Expect the unexpected in this coming year.
Hebrews 11:11 is key:
“By faith, Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.”
Expect a miracle! God wants to break the barrenness in your life of hope deferred. Many have given up on their dreams and downsized what they believe for because of the times. God’s Kingdom is an ever-increasing Kingdom and He is for advance and not retreat.
This is not a time to compromise what God has said to you, but rather to believe that all things are possible. God is not a man that He would lie. If He said he would do something, He has not changed His mind.
A Time of Preparation, Going Deeper into God and Intimacy
New assignments will be passed out in this year of transition for those who do not draw back in the season of testing and fire. Go deeper in God and draw refreshing from His presence and you will make it to your new place of advancement and anointing.
Proverbs 20:5:
“Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within.”
Creative Miracles
The level of the miraculous will increase with the Creator loosing miracles of creation that will directly oppose the spirits of humanism and intellectualism.
The Restoration of the Tabernacle of David
Great emphasis will be upon worship again this year. Worship is the key! Many new 24-hour houses of worship will spring up across the world and result in an open heaven over nations and many souls saved. It is harvest time!
Acts 15:16-17:
“After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My Name, says the Lord who does all things.”
Great Harvest of those in the Arts/Entertainment Field
Extraordinary moves of God will occur in the entertainment and motion picture industry. Bold, new, unashamed voices will arise and many will listen to their testimonies.
Word for the United States
The nation hangs in the balance and this is not a time to grow weary of praying and acting on behalf of righteousness and justice. Don’t let the pressure of the season cause you to retreat into entertainment rather than standing on top of what is happening around you.
We must watch for terrorist attacks as many are having dreams and visions of coming attacks.
One of the illustrations given to us was the phrase, “Are you ready to rumble?” This is used among wrestling aficionados as the match begins. It does more than alert the contestants that the match will start; it also creates an excited expectation in the crowd. God is asking the Christians in America today, “Are you ready to rumble?” The game is at hand and there needs to be a climax of excitement as we anticipate God’s next move in the land.
2011 is one of the most critical years in the nation’s history and the foundations are burning and are in danger of being destroyed. We must fast and pray and take extraordinary measures to “rumble” both the heavens and the earth.
The Eleventh Hour 11-11-11
This date will have a special significance in this “eleventh hour” time frame.
John 11:11 says:
“Lazarus our friend has fallen asleep, but I go that I may awaken him from slumber.”
The Mayflower Compact was signed on 11-11, 1620 and God is looking for a new generation of reformers who will make a covenant with God and others to stand and fight to awaken this nation in this dire moment of history.
Proverbs 11:11:
“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.”
World
There is a worldwide student-led volunteer movement being birthed across the face of the earth. Satan is going to try and start wars such as he did when the first student volunteer movement started around the turn of the 20th century. World War I effectually shut down the movement as students went to war at times against each other. We must pray against the starting of a third world war, as Satan wants to escalate world events for His purposes.
Psalms 110:3:
“In the day of Your power your youth shall be volunteers.”
Korea
Particular prayer needs to take place for Korea as one of the greatest missions movements is destined to come out of this nation that will go to the ends of the earth.
We also strongly felt that President Lee should stand firm against North Korea’s aggression.
Middle East
A more widespread persecution will arise against the believers if we do not begin to intercede for the Middle East. However, there will be a move of God of the youth in nations such as Syria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia who will not love their lives unto death.
Economy
We must intercede against hyperinflation that will strangle the ability of people of give to world missions.
Intellectual Properties
A great release of new wealth will come from ideas given from God in the form of intellectual properties. A new creative anointing of ideas for those who will use the wealth for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
Children
We are on the verge of a great Children’s Awakening that will span the globe. Child evangelists will begin to preach in churches and large arenas and thousand will be saved and healed.
Compiled by:
Cindy Jacobs
ACPE Convening Apostle
January 5, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
USA has about 2.35 million Muslims out of a population of 301 million
Poll: 2 of 3 U.S. Muslim Converts Left Christian Roots
Wed, May. 23, 2007 Posted: 05:10 PM EDT
WASHINGTON – Two-thirds (67 percent) of all converts to Islam in the United States came from a Protestant background, according to the first nationwide survey to measure the demographics, attitudes, and experiences of Muslim Americans.
Not much was formerly known about the Muslim American population in terms of their attitudes and opinions, but the new survey by the Pew Research Center found that Muslim Americans, in comparison to the rest of the world, have the unique feature of consisting of a relatively large number of converts to the religion – nearly a quarter. Almost all conversions are native-born (91 percent) and almost three-fifths (59 percent) of converts to Islam are African American.
Most converts to Islam gave as reasons for their conversions: the appeal of Islam’s teachings, the belief that Islam is superior to Christianity, or that religion “made sense” to them.
Only 18 percent of converts said family reasons, such as marrying a Muslim, was reason for conversion.
The new landmark study seeks to understand the growing segment of American society when little quantitative research about the attitudes and opinions of Muslim Americans has been conducted. It compares the attitudes of the Muslim population with those of the general U.S. population and Muslims worldwide and understanding the similarities and differences of this American population.
The study found that not only are Muslim Americans largely similar to the rest of the country in terms of income, education level, and economic satisfaction, they also share common values and attitudes and, in general, subscribe to a “decidedly” American worldview.
The majority of Muslim Americans have a generally positive view of society and believe in the American dream. A full 71 percent said they believe that if a person works hard they can be successful in the United States.
Moreover, despite the fact 65 percent of Muslims in the country are first-generation Americans they believe that Muslims living in the United States should try and adopt American customs instead of trying to remain distinct from society.
U.S. Muslims were also more likely than most European Muslims to describe themselves by nationality before religion. Only forty-seven percent of Muslim Americans think of themselves first as a Muslim before an American compared to Britain where 81 percent said they are first Muslim and then British.
Furthermore, an overwhelming majority of Muslim Americans – nearly two-to-one (63 percent – 32 percent) – do not see a conflict between being a devout Muslim and living in a modern society.
Yet most U.S. Muslims still say that religion is very important to them, similar to other Americans. Most pray every day and four-in-ten attend a mosque at least once a week. The majority of Muslims also accept the Koran as the word of their god, but only half says that it should be taken literally, according to the study. Instead, most Muslims say there are multiple ways to interpret the teachings of Islam.
Furthermore, U.S. Muslims, for the most part, reject Islamic extremism. However, there are sectors of the population where acceptance of the ideology is more popular.
For instance, younger U.S. Muslims are more likely than older Muslim Americans to say suicide bombing in defense of Islam can at least be sometimes justifiable.
Meanwhile, U.S.-born African American Muslims were less likely than other Muslim Americans to condemn al Qaeda.
The Pew Research Center conducted over 55,000 screening interviews in order to find a national sample of 1,050 Muslims living in the United States for the study.
There are an estimated 2.35 million Muslims out of a population of 301 million in the United States according to Pew Research Center.
Ethan Cole
Christian Post Reporter
Wed, May. 23, 2007 Posted: 05:10 PM EDT
WASHINGTON – Two-thirds (67 percent) of all converts to Islam in the United States came from a Protestant background, according to the first nationwide survey to measure the demographics, attitudes, and experiences of Muslim Americans.
Not much was formerly known about the Muslim American population in terms of their attitudes and opinions, but the new survey by the Pew Research Center found that Muslim Americans, in comparison to the rest of the world, have the unique feature of consisting of a relatively large number of converts to the religion – nearly a quarter. Almost all conversions are native-born (91 percent) and almost three-fifths (59 percent) of converts to Islam are African American.
Most converts to Islam gave as reasons for their conversions: the appeal of Islam’s teachings, the belief that Islam is superior to Christianity, or that religion “made sense” to them.
Only 18 percent of converts said family reasons, such as marrying a Muslim, was reason for conversion.
The new landmark study seeks to understand the growing segment of American society when little quantitative research about the attitudes and opinions of Muslim Americans has been conducted. It compares the attitudes of the Muslim population with those of the general U.S. population and Muslims worldwide and understanding the similarities and differences of this American population.
The study found that not only are Muslim Americans largely similar to the rest of the country in terms of income, education level, and economic satisfaction, they also share common values and attitudes and, in general, subscribe to a “decidedly” American worldview.
The majority of Muslim Americans have a generally positive view of society and believe in the American dream. A full 71 percent said they believe that if a person works hard they can be successful in the United States.
Moreover, despite the fact 65 percent of Muslims in the country are first-generation Americans they believe that Muslims living in the United States should try and adopt American customs instead of trying to remain distinct from society.
U.S. Muslims were also more likely than most European Muslims to describe themselves by nationality before religion. Only forty-seven percent of Muslim Americans think of themselves first as a Muslim before an American compared to Britain where 81 percent said they are first Muslim and then British.
Furthermore, an overwhelming majority of Muslim Americans – nearly two-to-one (63 percent – 32 percent) – do not see a conflict between being a devout Muslim and living in a modern society.
Yet most U.S. Muslims still say that religion is very important to them, similar to other Americans. Most pray every day and four-in-ten attend a mosque at least once a week. The majority of Muslims also accept the Koran as the word of their god, but only half says that it should be taken literally, according to the study. Instead, most Muslims say there are multiple ways to interpret the teachings of Islam.
Furthermore, U.S. Muslims, for the most part, reject Islamic extremism. However, there are sectors of the population where acceptance of the ideology is more popular.
For instance, younger U.S. Muslims are more likely than older Muslim Americans to say suicide bombing in defense of Islam can at least be sometimes justifiable.
Meanwhile, U.S.-born African American Muslims were less likely than other Muslim Americans to condemn al Qaeda.
The Pew Research Center conducted over 55,000 screening interviews in order to find a national sample of 1,050 Muslims living in the United States for the study.
There are an estimated 2.35 million Muslims out of a population of 301 million in the United States according to Pew Research Center.
Ethan Cole
Christian Post Reporter
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Insert your practice throughout your day
Seize the Moments
Jul 3, 2005
by Howard E. Butt, Jr.
Author and educator John Erskine was 14 when his piano teacher asked him if he practiced an hour at a time. John said yes.
His teacher said, "Well, don’t! When you grow up, time won’t come in long stretches. Practice in minutes. Insert your practice throughout your day — and music will become part of your life."
Years later, when John’s schedule allowed no time to write, he recalled his teacher’s words. He began to write in five- and ten-minute snatches. To his astonishment, within one week, he had a manuscript ready to revise.
This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. Dreams rarely arrive gift-wrapped in long stretches of time. So we seize the day . . . the hour . . . and the mighty minutes . . . in the high calling of our daily work.
Jul 3, 2005
by Howard E. Butt, Jr.
Author and educator John Erskine was 14 when his piano teacher asked him if he practiced an hour at a time. John said yes.
His teacher said, "Well, don’t! When you grow up, time won’t come in long stretches. Practice in minutes. Insert your practice throughout your day — and music will become part of your life."
Years later, when John’s schedule allowed no time to write, he recalled his teacher’s words. He began to write in five- and ten-minute snatches. To his astonishment, within one week, he had a manuscript ready to revise.
This is Howard Butt, Jr., of Laity Lodge. Dreams rarely arrive gift-wrapped in long stretches of time. So we seize the day . . . the hour . . . and the mighty minutes . . . in the high calling of our daily work.
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