The Apple Never Falls Far from the Tree- Alexandra Pelosi Mocks Christians in HBO Documentary

Pelosi, a name that sends a chill up the spines of many Christians and HBO,a name synonymous with such shows as Sopranos and last summer's polygamy thriller, Big Love, are pleased to bring you- Friends of God: A Road Trip With Alexandra Pelosi.

When I read a recent news release and watched the documentary film by Alexandra Pelosi, yes, the daughter of the San Francisco liberal, Nancy Pelosi, it was apparent that Pelosi (the daughter) attempted to treat her roadtrip into the Red States as a mockery of the some 80 million Evangelicals in this country. The film, which has her on a Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure-type journey, is wrought with instances of misunderstanding,mockery and the overall feeling that Evangelicals must be in living in some other parallel universe as compared to her Park Avenue brownstone with a doorman-type-view.

Rick Scarbourough, one the evangelical leaders appearing in the documentary said that Friends of God made him "troubled by the subtle camera techniques which made Christians look less than normal and Christians should take it for what it is- a cleverly packaged assault designed to undermine the valuable contributions to our country of 80 million Bible-believing Americans." I agree, the in-your-face camera angles imposed on the viewer were odd and contributed to the mockery of the many people featured in the short film.

In perhaps the most desperate act to mock Christians, Pelosi spends a significant portion of the documentary with former New Life pastor, Ted Haggard. Filmed prior to the incidences of last Fall, Pelosi begins and ends the film with a statement that Haggard stepped down due to immoral issues. Additionally, though she had the opportunity to edit the film prior to presentation, she left in a video portion of Haggard commenting on the successful sexual happiness of Evangelicals.

While this not so subtle attempt at mocking Christians should not be a surprise from HBO and Pelosi, I could only help but think what a documentary with Alexandra and Nancy Pelosi would be like.

City of Scottsdale, AZ Says ‘Yes’ to Strip clubs and ‘No’ to Churches?

Scottsdale, Arizona the wealthy desert tourist mecca, is making waves in the not only the Christian community, but all religious groups. Once known for its dry climate and golf destinations, Scottsdale's founding fathers, several of which were pastors would not be happy with the self proclaimed, "West's most western town".

In recent years, the city has catered to exotic dance club owners, indecent restaurants and now is appearing to bow to the affluent Home Owners Associations. In recent months, these powerful HOA's have been pushing for the City of Scottsdale to issue restrictions on houses of worship. Complaining of noise, parking issues and increased traffic in their neighborhoods, these HOA's have been lobbying vigorously- and it appears to have been well received in halls of the City of Scottsdale.

As some on you may know, I have resided in Scottsdale for over 30 years. As The Church Report is national media outlet, I don't often call attention to local issues here in Scottsdale. However, this issue is one that may come to city near you. Initially, the early rumblings of this focused on mega churches in the area. The complaints centered on the fact that these types of churches offer more services to it's members Monday through Friday, in the evenings, early mornings and cause more traffic and noise issues.

The fact that people would actually complain about this is remarkable to me. Imagine a place where the local government could tell a pastor he had to cap his Sunday attendance, or change the time of the choir rehearsal. Imagine the local synagogue being told that Friday evening would not longpermissiblessable as a time for services?

I am concerned and ashamed that my city has lost its vision and sold out to the HOA's and the allure of a quick buck. Whether it be legislating churches, promoting a restaurant called the Pink Taco, or bowing to the needs of strip club owners, I feel that my city, founded by a pastor, has taken one step closer to becoming the "West's worst town".

I share this with you as we know that this will not be an isolated incident. It is probably happening somewhere near you. If it is, I want to know about. Please send an email or give me a call and let's make something happen.

Silencing Christian Grassroots Groups is Not Lobby Reform

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is trying to silence Christian grassroot organizations with the sponsoring of the Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007. Senator Reid has slid a crafty section in this new piece of proposed legislation- Section 220.

Section 220 of this bill would require communications from grassroots organizations subject to registration and reporting requirements including reporting directly to the Secretary of the Senate and clerk of the House any time these groups spend money to communicate to their constituents on issues that are before Congress. Groups like Focus on the Family, The America Family Association, the Family Research Council, Vision America, and many more, would be trapped in bureaucratic red tape that would increase their communications costs and result in a weakened effort to let you know what is happening in Washington, D.C.

In addition to these fine Christian organizations being silenced, even your church pastor could be subject to this legislation should he remind your church to contact their senator about pending legislation! It is apparent from speaking with several people in Washington yesterday, that this bill was written to curtail the dramatic affect that grassroots Christian groups have had in reaching Americans from all across the country.

Ironically, this legislation is so unbalanced that is does not affect the labor unions, corporation, 527 groups or others of the big money groups. According to Carrie Gordon Earl, Senior Director of Issue Analysis for Focus on the Family Action, this legislation “afftects folks who, on a regular basis, communicate with the grassroots and pass along information.” Tony Perkins, Director of the Family Research Council added that “this should be called the ‘Silence of the Citizens Act of 2007.”

In the new era of Democrat-lead House and Senate it is imperative that the grassroots be allowed the same consideration and rules as other groups. While lobby reform is needed, squashing Christian grassroot organizations is not the answer.

Join me in helping save our nation’s grassroot Christian organizations! Take a moment and call the Capitol Switchboard today at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your senator’s office.:
• Tell them to do away with Section 220 of S-1, of the Legislative Transparency & Accountability Act of 2007.
• Tell them you want to know what business is happening in your Congress
• Tell them that silencing grassroots organizations does not qualify as lobby reform.

The Stem $ell

The new Democratic Congress is wasting no time to send a message to the White House. On Thursday, January 11, the Congress will debate and then vote on H.R. 3, a bill that would require the federal government to "conduct and support research" that would result in embryonic stem cells being destroyed. You will recall that President Bush vetoed similar legislation that was passed by the last Congress in July.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi has made this issue one of the highest priorities for the Democratic party. Pelosi is anxious to coddle the biotech industry from her home state of California. It is their deep pockets and reckless agenda coupled with the secular media that are trying to fool people into believing that this bill is simply about "stem cell research". It is this clever manipulation and ultimate subtraction of the word "embryonic" that seems to erode the very root of this debate.

Stem cell research is good and does show promise- embryonic stem cell research crosses moral boundaries, terminates life, and leads to the cloning of human for the purpose of harvesting their organs.

Do not let Congress get away with fooling the public and filling the pockets of the biotech industry while leading the American public down the path to Island of Dr. Moreau. Call or email your U.S. Representative today and tell them to vote not of H.R. 3.

The Most Influential Christians- 2007

Once again, the readers spoke and the result was this year's 50 Most influential Christians found on our home page and in print. This year, we received more than 200,000 individual nominations from a diverse group of men and women from all walks of life.

These types of lists are always interesting to read and debate, as I have learned over the years. I am curious to hear your input and thoughts. Just a note to remember- my staff and I did not pick the list. Please don't send a comment asking me why a certain person is not on the list- I did not pick the list.

Please leave us a comment here on the blog.

Pat Robertson Makes 2007 Picks

Pat Robertson, the prognosticator, is at it again. Yesterday, he announced that God told him that in late 2007 a massive terrorist attack would strike the United States resulting in "mass killing". The recent result of a prayer retreat, Robertson noted that the attack would take some time in September.

Note to Pat Robertson: It is hard enough for Evagelicals today. With the recent events in Colorado Springs and other similar issues, why does Pat Robertson think this is helpful?

Unfortunately, the comments from Robertson have become a bit more far-fetched and disturbing each time. From comments against Ariel Sharon to the wickedness of New Orleans causing the devastating hurricanes, I just wish Robertson would see how ridiculous his comments sound and look the damage it causes.

Perhaps a vow of silence would be a good idea for 2007?

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