Scrolling around...May 22, 2013

Albert Mohler: Boy Scouts at the Brink—The Moment of Decision Arrives
...The new proposal calls for the inclusion of openly homosexual boys within the Boy Scouts, but retains the exclusion of openly-gay adults. For a second time, the B.S.A. attempted to find a compromise solution that would, at least, buy the organization some time. But, for a second time, the organization actually created an impossible and unworkable proposal that, once again, will please no one.

The problems with the new policy are legion. In the first place, it fundamentally surrenders the very “expressive message” that had been recognized by the Supreme Court back in 2000. Surrendering that core conviction is, in itself, both a moral and a legal disaster. There is no reason to believe that the federal courts will now allow the B.S.A. to exclude gay adult leaders if the organization abandons its “expressive message” that homosexuality is incompatible with the values of Scouting. Some external observers have suggested that the B.S.A., fully aware of their legal surrender, just expects a court to require them to allow openly-homosexual adults as leaders, freeing the B.S.A. board from responsibility for making that decision. That will not wash. In reality, they are making that decision now.

The other problems are complex and awkward. How, exactly, are openly-gay boys to be included in the activities of Scouting? We are talking about boys who will now be expected to participate in everything from camping trips to travel with boys who are openly gay. Boys of these ages just might be the least equipped of all God’s creatures to deal with the complexities of the situation. Most parents are likely to decide that, all things considered, this is just not something they want imposed on their sons...

Pope Francis the exorcist? Bishops convinced pontiff freed boy from devil after intriguing new video emerges
Is Pope Francis an exorcist?

The question has been swirling ever since Francis laid his hands Sunday on the head of a young man after celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Square. The young man heaved deeply a half-dozen times, shook, and he then slumped in his wheelchair as Francis prayed over him.

The television station of the Italian bishops’ conference said it had surveyed exorcists, who agreed there was “no doubt” that Francis either performed an exorcism or a prayer to free the man from the devil...

Over 50 Religious Leaders Ask Boy Scouts to Uphold Membership Standards
Fifty U.S. religious leaders have signed a statement to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) encouraging the organization to continue its current leadership and membership standards, instead of a proposal to prohibit discrimination in membership based on ‘sexual orientation or preference.’ The discussion and vote are scheduled for May 23 at a national meeting of the BSA National Council.

The statement is signed by officials of the Southern Baptist Convention, Assemblies of God, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Anglican Church in North America, Evangelical Presbyterian Church and several Pentecostal denominations, among others. They represent churches whose memberships include over 20 million members...

UK: 'Soldier beheaded' in 'Islamist terror attack' oustide barracks in Woolwich
Two suspected terrorists were shot by armed police after attacking a pedestrian, believed to be a soldier, with a machete-style knife close to military barracks in an 'Islamist attack'...
 Witnesses say machete attackers shouted 'Allah Akhbar' as they chopped down Help for Heroes charity collector

Calls for Maiming and Killing Christians Blasts from Mosque Loudspeakers in Pakistan Villages  ...A Muslim candidate for the Punjabi Regional Assembly in Pakistan who lost the race in the national elections on May 11th is blaming the Christian minority for his loss. The Christians largely supported his opponent and the winner of the seat who is also a Muslim. Thus, the loser is calling on his supporters to drive the Christians out of the area by maiming and killing them and confiscating their lands. The police and government officials aren't able or willing to protect the Christians because the Muslim mobs then riot and threaten the government. Thus, out of fear for their own safety, they cave and let the guilty go free without consequences.