Audio
Michael Harrington
Religion in the News Editor
Most pastors don’t preach about gambling
Most pastors don’t preach about gambling
VERBATIM: A new poll from Life Way Research finds that the vast majority of America’s protestant clergymen do NOT support gaming and are dismayed by the explosion of sports betting that has beset the nation. But the survey also finds that only 7% of pastors have ever preached against gambling from the pulpit. In fact, 56% say they haven’t felt any need to do so. This despite the fact that tens of millions of people are placing wagers every week. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadThe biggest gambling blow-out in U.S. history is just around the corner
The biggest gambling blow-out in U.S. history is just around the corner
VERBATIM: One-in-four adults in this country are expected to bet money on Sunday’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas — 35% more than did so last year. It’s a grim monument to the way in which gambling has consumed the nation, despite the efforts of clergymen and family advocates. Laura Everett of the Massachusetts Council of Churches tells Religion News Service “Every time you expand gambling — there is a percentage of the population whose lives will be destroyed.” Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadA new look at religious freedom in an unexpected place
A new look at religious freedom in an unexpected place
VERBATIM: Everyone knows of the awful persecution being applied to Christians in places such as North Korea or Iran. But the Family Research Council’s Center for Religious Liberty has been looking at violations of religious liberty in WESTERN COUNTRIES. The FRC’s new report finds nearly 170 incidents carried out against Christians over the last three years. They include fines for pubic prayer and pandemic church closures and the U.S. tops the list. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadAmericans rate the country’s institutions
Americans rate the country’s institutions
VERBATIM: A new poll from the Pew Research Center finds 59% of the general public has a positive view of churches and religious organizations versus 39% who see them in a negative light. That puts faith institutions in third place overall. Americans feel the most positive about small business followed by the military. Amongst the institutions with the highest NEGATIVE views: the banks, corporations and universities. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadReligious Americans are more civically engaged
Religious Americans are more civically engaged
VERBATIM: According to the latest from the Pew Research Center, people who follow a particular faith are more likely to be active in the life of their community and country than are those people who define themselves as non-religious. 51% of religiously affiliated Americans voted in the 2022 midterms, versus 39% of the non-affiliated. People of faith are also more likely to have attended a government meeting or volunteered their time. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadThe NFL is teaming up with a leading LGBT pressure group
The NFL is teaming up with a leading LGBT pressure group
VERBATIM: Super Bowl week in Las Vegas will feature a lot of parties and the NFL will host one for homosexuals. The league says its Night of Pride with GLAAD — scheduled for February 7th — is designed to “spotlight advances in the future of LGBT inclusion in professional sports as well as the NFL’s commitment to LGBT former and current players.” The league says it will also hold a Pride Flag Football Clinic the same day as the party. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadSome troubling numbers from the Southern Baptist Convention
Some troubling numbers from the Southern Baptist Convention
VERBATIM: According to Life Way Research, 43% of SBC churches performed NO baptisms in 2022 — the last year for which all the data is in. Another 34% reported performing between one and five baptisms. Overall SBC baptisms nationwide are down, but they have rebounded substantially from the sharp decline that was seen during the pandemic. In fact, baptism in the denomination has been declining since 1999. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadMost moms and dads want to know what their kids are doing at the school library
Most moms and dads want to know what their kids are doing at the school library
VERBATIM: According to a new poll, over half of the parents want notice of the books that their children are checking and 60% say school libraries should restrict kids access to certain books based on their age or parental permission. But American Family Association President Tim Wildmon says “The problem is that the teachers’ unions and the American Library Association don’t care one iota about what parents think or want for their own children.” Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadThe pro-life message is resonating with younger people
The pro-life message is resonating with younger people
VERBATIM: A new poll from You Gov and Students for Life of America indicates that two-thirds of Americans age 18-to-42 support some kind of limits on abortion. 54% of that demographic also agrees with the statement “human rights should begin in the womb.” And the survey reveals that 75% of young adults of voting age want restrictions on abortion from the point of viability onward. Abortion will be on the ballot in several states this fall. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadTroubling new information about a British transgender clinic
Troubling new information about a British transgender clinic
VERBATIM: The Tavistock facility in London was closed down last year after lawmakers expressed concern about what was going on there. A new report finds that nearly 400 children under the age of SIX were treated there and more than 70 of THEM were THREE AND FOUR YEARS OLD. British mental health experts say kids that young cannot possibly be transgender and should not be undergoing “treatment” at any facility. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadCalifornia stores are doing some rearranging
California stores are doing some rearranging
VERBATIM: On Monday a new law goes into effect that will require all department stores to present their wares in a gender-neutral fashion. No more “boys” or “girls” sections, no more dolls on one shelf and cap guns on another — there can be NO acknowledgement of any differences between male and female. Greg Burt of the California Family Research Council tells Fox News that the new law is probably a violation of the First Amendment. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadAmerica rose up against woke capitalism in 2023
America rose up against woke capitalism in 2023
VERBATIM: It all started with Bud Light. When the brand decided to partner with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney a lot of people said “enough”. A grassroots boycott of the beer quickly gained momentum, tanking Annheisuer-Busch’s profits, ending Bud Lights reign as America’s most popular beer and costing three corporate executives their jobs. Target, Nike, Maybelline and other firms that have embraced transgenderism paid the price in 2023. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadA challenge to America’s churches
A challenge to America’s churches
VERBATIM: Sports gaming is taking the nation by storm and addiction experts say it’s only a matter of time before a new wave of gambling addicts begins to crash upon America’s shores. Janet Jacobs of Gambling Recovery Ministries tells Christianity Today that churches should be preparing themselves right now, adding that “There really is very little in terms of faith-based outreach to problem gamblers and their loved ones.” Some predict the gambling problem will rival the opioid epidemic. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadFranklin Graham takes on the Pope
Franklin Graham takes on the Pope
VERBATIM: The popular evangelist is responding to the decision by pontiff to allow priests to bless gay civil unions. Writing on Facebook Graham says “None of us, including the Pope, has the right to “bless” what God calls sin. So-called “blessings” from religious leaders won’t save you from the judgment of God!” Graham urges gay couples — and all people — to turn to Christ, repent and accept his free salvation. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadIs the Catholic Church headed for a split?
Is the Catholic Church headed for a split?
VERBATIM: The last time it fractured was over 500 years ago and papal indulgences were the key issue. This time it’s homosexuality. Pope Francis’s decision to allow priests to offer blessings for gay civil unions has enraged numerous conservative bishops around the globe. One of them, Tomash Peta of the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in Kazakhstan, has forbidden his priests from blessing homosexual relationships and has publicly admonished the Pope for his decision. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadReligious freedom advocates send a message to the Biden administration
Religious freedom advocates send a message to the Biden administration
VERBATIM: They want the state department to put Nigeria on its list of “countries of particular concern” over the on-going persecution of Christians. Two Muslim terror groups are active in Nigeria and they have murdered thousands of Christians over the past decade and driven more from their homes in the northern part of the country. The advocates say the Nigeria government isn’t taking the problem seriously and the U.S. needs to send a message. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadA new look at America’s spiritual condition
A new look at America’s spiritual condition
VERBATIM: It comes from the Pew Research Center and it indicates — as numerous other surveys have — that the country is becoming less and less religious. But that doesn’t mean people don’t believe in….SOMETHING. The Pew poll finds about half of Americans describe themselves as spiritual AND religious. 22% say they are spiritual but NOT religious. 10% are religious but not spiritual. 21% are NEITHER. Michael Harringtno, SRN News.
Listen DownloadA satanic display has appeared at the Iowa capitol building
A satanic display has appeared at the Iowa capitol building
VERBATIM: It’s a life-sized human figure with a goat’s head wearing black robes and adorned with pentagrams. It is surrounded by candles. The Satanic Temple is responsible for the display — state lawmakers say it would have been illegal for them to have denied a permit under religious freedom statutes. Many officials and private citizens are voicing their disgust with the satanic display, coming as it does in the week leading up to Christmas. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadThe FDA promotes transgenderism
The FDA promotes transgenderism
VERBATIM: The agency is encouraging the Research Institute for Gender Therapeutics to conduct tests on a new puberty-blocking hormone for boys, suggesting that government approval for such a drug might be forthcoming in the future. So far, the Food and Drug Administration has NEVER approved a medications SPECIFICALLY to help children live as the opposite sex. The drugs currently used for that purpose are actually designed to treat actual diseases. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadMen are really cleaning up in women’s cycling
Men are really cleaning up in women’s cycling
VERBATIM: Both the gold AND the silver medals at the Single Speed competition of this month’s Illinois State Cyclocross Championship went to men. Cycling federations have been especially welcoming to transgender athletes and as a result, men are beginning to dominate women’s races. Legendary tennis champion Martina Navratilova doesn’t like it, delivering an X post that reads “More mediocre males taking podium places from female athletes.” Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadJews around the world will begin celebrating Hanukkah on Thursday
Jews around the world will begin celebrating Hanukkah on Thursday
VERBATIM: It will be a somber occasion this year, with with the Hamas attack on Israel in October and the on-going hostilities in the Holy Land. Hanukkah tells the story of God’s faithfulness to the Jewish people in one of their darkest hours and many Jews will be thinking about that as they begin lighting their candles on Thursday night. In many communities across the U.S. and other countries, large menorahs will be lit in public places. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadA group of 17 Republican attorneys general take on the Biden administration
A group of 17 Republican attorneys general take on the Biden administration
VERBATIM: They have sent a letter to Washington, decrying a proposed rule that would require any foster child who identifies as LGBT be placed ONLY with parents who promise to affirm their lifestyle and “provide services necessary for their health and well-being”. That would include sex-change operations. The attorneys general point out that some states are banning those kinds of surgeries on children because of their devastating consequences. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadReligious organizations are no longer America’s most trusted charities
Religious organizations are no longer America’s most trusted charities
VERBATIM: The Better Business Bureau puts out an annual list of the wisest places to give your charitable dollars and for many years, churches and ministries were number one. This year, they fall to number three — behind veterans organizations and non-profit hospitals. Religious groups are still the most trusted by Americans in their 60’s and up, however, suggesting that younger people have less trust in those institutions than their parents and grandparents. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
Listen DownloadAnother poll finds people of faith are happier
Another poll finds people of faith are happier
VERBATIM: This one comes from the United Kingdom and it indicates that 76% of religious people there say they are happy and 73% describe their psychological well being as GOOD. Compare that to less than half of atheists who are happy and just 52% whose mental health is positive. The poll was released by the Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life, which notes — ironically — that many OTHER surveys show that more and Britons are quitting faith altogether. Michael Harrington, SRN News.
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