Discrimination Lawsuit Filed against NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab for Harassing and Demoting Supporter of Intelligent Design

"Supervisors at NASA’s prestigious Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) illegally harassed and demoted a high-level computer system administrator for expressing support of intelligent design to co-workers, according to a discrimination lawsuit filed in California Superior Court.

The lawsuit was filed by attorneys on behalf of David Coppedge, an information technology specialist and system administrator on JPL’s Cassini mission to Saturn, the most ambitious interplanetary exploration ever launched. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a NASA laboratory managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) where robotic planetary spacecraft, such as the Mars Rovers, are built and operated. Coppedge was a “Team Lead” Systems Administrator on the Cassini mission until JPL demoted him for allegedly “pushing religion” by loaning interested co-workers DVDs supportive of intelligent design.

“For the offense of offering videos to colleagues, Coppedge faced harassment, an investigation cloaked in secrecy, and a virtual gag order on his discussion of intelligent design,” said attorney Casey Luskin of Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture. Luskin serves as a consultant to the Coppedge lawsuit. “Coppedge was punished even though supervisors admitted never receiving a single complaint regarding his conversations about intelligent design prior to their investigation, and even though other employees were allowed to express diverse ideological opinions, including attacking intelligent design.” (More).

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Of Superbowl Ads, Tim Tebow's Story, and Freedom of Speech

Well the most watched TV event ever is over--106 million I think--and what have we learned? The Colts are really good. The Saints were better last night.

But what have we learned from all of the hype regarding the Pro-life Tim Tebow ad. A very important lesson in our media savvy culture. Less is more.



here are some summary thoughts and commentary...

See the Full Video of Tebow's Story. (well worth watching!)

Tebow Super Bowl Ad Leads Viewers to 'God Story'

"Nicely played, Focus on the Family. Having gotten the entire country to talk for weeks about the group's antiabortion stance with this controversial Tim Tebow spot, the ad itself ends up with only the phrase "miracle baby," a website referral and the tagline, "Celebrate family. Celebrate life," to clue us in on the ad's subtext." (from CNN)

"Dr. Darrell Bock, research professor of New Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary, said there is a push back on the ability of someone to tell a personal story, or the right to free speech.

“Some people use the word hate speech [to describe the ad] and they haven’t even seen it,” Bock told The Christian Post Friday. “This is particularly odd in a society where all kinds of free speech that would be uncomfortable for a lot of people [are aired]. But someone tells a personal story and they try to cut that off.”--Darrell Bock (for more)

Tim Tebow Foundation from Tim Tebow on Vimeo.

NOW is outraged....seriously? (read below)

John McCormack writes:

The LA Times reports that the president of the National Organization for Women is still outrageously outraged over the incredibly tame Focus on the Family/Tebow ad last night:

NOW president Terry O’Neill said [the Tebow ad] glorified violence against women. “I am blown away at the celebration of the violence against women in it,” she said. “That’s what comes across to me even more strongly than the anti-abortion message. I myself am a survivor of domestic violence, and I don’t find it charming. I think CBS should be ashamed of itself.“

The “violence against women” O’Neill refers to occurs when Tim Tebow tackles his mom Pam in an attempt at slapstick.

"No word yet on whether or not NOW is equally outraged by the hyper-sexualized objectification of women in many of the other Super Bowl ads. Or whether or not they are bothered by the actual violence that is done to women who are just being born."--Justin Taylor (HT - Between Two Worlds)

Finally, would you be able to make a powerful case for the human rights of the unborn in 5 minutes or less? You can if you read this...

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Senators Push for Amendment to Restrict Funding for Abortion Coverage in Bill

Abortion is again coming to the forefront in the health care debate. So how should the pro-life issue be discussed? See article here...

The Case for Life Website

First, there are the moral, philosophical, and scientific issues...and the best book on the topic is The Case for Life by Scott Klusendorf.



Then there are the Political and Legal issues...and the two best are Defending Life: A Moral and Legal Case Against Abortion Choice by Francis Beckwith & Politics for the Greatest Good: The Case for Prudence in the Public Square by Clarke Forsythe.

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Greed Is Not Good, and It’s Not Capitalism

Here is recent article by Dr. Jay Richards clearing up a misconception that capitalism is based on greed. The reason why we post on economics here is not for a particular political ideology. It is because economics effects a lot of people...especially the poor. If America catches a cold, then many places in the world come down with pneumonia or worse.

"Capitalism doesn’t need greed. What capitalism does need is human creativity and initiative. After months of hearing the media and pundits pronounce the untimely death of capitalism, it did my heart good to see a recent Newsweek cover story challenge the familiar trope. The author, Fareed Zakaria, noted that this pessimistic pronouncement gets air time in the wake of every financial downturn. But in reality, capitalism, over the long haul, has succeeded far beyond any other economic arrangement in human history. If worldwide communism couldn’t destroy capitalism, why are we so quick to believe that some bad fiscal and government policies in real estate will do it? Unfortunately,(more...)"

Richard's book, Money, Greed, and God is thought provoking and important:

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Still think social media is a fad with no lasting impact on culture?

Still think social media is a fad? Then watch this video...

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Is Religion Dangerous? Latest think Christianly Podcast Now Available

Is religion dangerous? Is it evil? Should it be eliminated at all costs? How should we think about religion in a global society?

Check out the latest thinkchristianly podcast.
Click here to add to your iTunes.

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Ethics has fallen on hard times these days...Moral Choices by Scott Rae can help us recover our moral foundation

How does a Christian think about ethics? How can we make thoughtful, biblically informed decisions about:

• Abortion and Embryonic Stem Cell Research
• Reproductive Technologies
• Biotechnology, Genetics, and Human Cloning
• Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia
• Capital Punishment
• Sexual Ethics
• The Morality of War
• Ethics and Economics
• The Environment

If you are not sure how to answer these questions or are not convinced that the Bible has / should have anything to say about, then you need to have this book on your shelf.

On a personal note, Dr. Scott Rae was one of my professors in graduate school and he is the real deal. I have huge respect for him. Also, this book is very accessible. There is no better introduction to Christian ethics out there.

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Should Christians be Capitalists? Jay Richards on Money, God, and Greed

I have already mentioned Dr. Jay Richards thoughtful new book Money, Greed and God. Here is a two part interview that he did recently.

Click here for part 1

Click here for part 2

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Activists Claim Christian Woman Has Been Executed in North Korea

As hard as it is for many of us in America to believe, persecution is very real. we need to pray...

(from story) Seoul, South Korea (AP) - North Korea publicly executed a Christian woman last month for distributing the Bible, which is banned in the communist nation, South Korean activists said Friday.

Ri Hyon Ok, 33, was also accused of spying for South Korea and the United States and organizing dissidents. She was executed in the northwestern city of Ryongchon near the border with China on June 16, according to a report from an alliance of several dozen anti-North Korea groups.

Ri's parents, husband and three children were sent to a political prison camp in the northeastern city of Hoeryong the following day, the report said, citing unidentified documents it says were obtained from North Korea. It showed a copy of Ri's North Korean.....more

China Blocks Google to Stifle Online Dissent Ahead of Nation's 60th Anniversary

Who says information, ideas, and images aren't powerful? Just ask Iran. Now China sees the writing on the wall. Regarding the porn, I am all for getting rid of that--for the good of humanity (I think it could be argued that this is a human rights issue because of what it does to people, families, and ultimately societies). "Desire" and "Freedom" must be subordinated to the Good. But something tells me China is not ultimately concerned with porn blocking. You can read for yourself...

Iranian Rally Is Dispersed as Voting Errors Are Admitted

These are interesting times globally, and thanks to Twitter and social networking; the emerging generation in Iran is making their voice heard (in the face of oppression and violence). We take for granted the right to assemble and protest in america. And I think America and President Obama should be more forthcoming in their encouragement of these young Iranians who are seeking freedom and a representative form of government.

Here is the latest in a New York Times article.

Our prayers are for peace and for justice.

New Hampshire legalizes gay marriage

"New Hampshire on Wednesday became the sixth U.S. state to authorize gay marriage, deepening a New England niche for same-sex weddings and the spending that comes with them." (more from article)

How do you go about thinking about the issue of gay marriage and homosexuality?

here is a previous blog with some thoughts and links.

Also, there is a forthcoming book, The Complete Christian Guide to Understanding Homosexuality, which looks very promising as well....

(from amazon) Product Description

One of the hot–button issues of our day is fully addressed in this comprehensive new resource on homosexuality. This well–researched and highly readable guide is the perfect go–to manual for families, church workers, counselors, pastors, civic leaders, schools, and those who themselves struggle with same–sex attraction.

Readers will find the answers to these and many more important questions:

• What is homosexuality?
• Is the tendency for homosexuality genetic?
• How should the church respond?
• What’s the proper response when a relative or friend announces they’re gay?
• What are the legal and civic ramifications of homosexuality?
• Should homosexuals serve openly in the military?
• What about gay marriage and adoption?

Authoritative authors Joe Dallas (Desires in Conflict, When Homosexuality Hits Home) and Dr. Nancy Heche (The Truth Comes Out) tackle the hard questions about same–sex attraction in this helpful volume.

Another helpful book is God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door: Reaching the Heart of the Gay Men and Women in Your World by Alan Chambers

Couple: County Trying To Stop Home Bible Studies

Wow, what country do we live in again? Can anyone say Bill of Rights?

Read this story: Couple: County Trying To Stop Home Bible Studies

Has Christian America Come to an End?

Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church responds to Newsweek.

"Has Christian America come to an end? That question has been hotly debated since Newsweek published their recent feature story reporting that the number of Americans claiming no religious affiliation has nearly doubled since 1990. Additionally, the percentage of self-identified Christians has dropped ten points in the past two decades.

As an evangelical pastor with one of America’s fastest-growing churches in one of its least churched cities, I do not find the report surprising or discouraging. Newsweek missed the subtle — but vital — difference between Christian America and Christendom America." (read on...)

47-Million-Year-Old Darwinius Masillae Fossil the Missing Link?

You know a story is big when Google changes their search engine logo to resemble this fossil.

The basic headline?

"Scientists yesterday unveiled a 47-million-year-old fossil that they’re calling the "missing link" between primates and humans. Technically called a Darwinius masillae, but nicknamed "Ida," the juvenile female primate was discovered in Germany’s Messel Pit and is one of the most intact fossils ever found. In fact, scientists were even able to identify her last meal: fruit, seeds and leaves." (click for more)

National Geographic here...

But, not everyone is "dazzled"...

"Revolutionary" Fossil Fails to Dazzle Paleontologists

So what does this mean? Has the missing link been found? Well here is an interview with Dr. Fuz Rana with one Christian perspective from Reasons to Believe.

This article from Evolution News.

Also, a blog post here at Uncommon Descent and another Christian perspective from Answers in Genesis.

This will become another icon like "Lucy." On a side note, this has been released with the PR blitz of a major movie (book, website, documentary) all without a lot of examination and peer review. Time will tell. But I wouldn't be surprised to see a retraction on page 26 sometime in the future clarifying the import of this fossil.

For a very helpful introduction to evolution, the fossil record, and intelligent design see the Design of Life.

Helpful thoughts from Stand to Reason

"One question that has to be raised with any fossil evidence is the presupposition and interpretation imposed on the evidence placing it in the fossil chain of evolution. Fossils don't come lined nicely in the strata in transitional order, as the pictures of fossils lined up in science books nicely illustrate. Fossils are dated, which gives us their historical place, but that doesn't prove transition. What is evident in the fossil evidence, and in Ida, is variation in species, which isn't at all remarkable. Claiming those variations are proof of one species evolving into a new one is an interpretation of those physical features already with the assumption of evolution, not objective proof.

A transition is only a transition only if it occupies the space in the historical development that it needs to occupy, and no fossil can provide that proof without the presumption of evolution imposed upon it placing it in the transitional chain. That's circular reasoning."

More Americans “Pro-Life” Than “Pro-Choice” for First Time

The majority of Americans are pro-life. The current president is the most pro-abortion president in history...

A new Gallup Poll, conducted May 7-10, finds 51% of Americans calling themselves "pro-life" on the issue of abortion and 42% "pro-choice." This is the first time a majority of U.S. adults have identified themselves as pro-life since Gallup began asking this question in 1995. Also, fewer think abortion should be legal “under any circumstances.”

(read more)

Article: "As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God"

I came across an interesting article in the Times Online. Worth a read - As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God.

Americans not losing their religion, but changing it often

I came across this CNN article, Americans not losing their religion, but changing it often, and it was interesting reading.

A few observations:

1 - "I began to see there were some things I wasn't able to get on board with fully. I don't like the traditional Episcopalian focus on the afterlife."

Notice the criteria for this change; not I investigated or studied the Bible and came to a different conclusion, but rather..."I didn't like it." as if it was Butter Pecan ice cream vs. Mocha Almond Fudge. Truth is not a flavor of ice cream. But many people treat religion like it is.

2 - "More than four in 10 American adults are no longer members of the religion they were brought up in, while about one in 10 changed religion, then went back to the one they left, the study found. Just under five in 10 -- 47 percent -- have never changed faith."

Change is not necessarily bad of course, but the reasons are what is important here. And if it is simply people being too busy and drifiting or not liking something...those aren't good foundations to build a worldview and way of life on.

Christianity works becasue it is true; it is not true because it works.

Are people the problem or religion?

Is religion inherently dangerous? Oxford theologian Alister McGrath would argue, and I think rightly, that people are the problem; not religion per se.

“All ideals—divine, transcendent, human, or invented—are capable of being abused. That’s just the way human nature is. And that happens to religion as well. Belief in God can be abused, and we need to be very clear, in the first place, that abuse happens, and in the second, that we need to confront and oppose this. But abuse of an ideal does not negate its validity.”

This observation is important because it removes simplistic statements about religion being the root of all evil and violence in the world today. The issues are far more complex because human beings, who posses freedom of the will, are involved.

In the Craig-Hitchens debate, Hitchens kept appealing to the argument that religion is dangerous so God can't exist....but that doesn't follow. At most all that follows is that people can be dangerous when they believe deeply in something - money, politics, god, etc.

Adult Stem Cells the Answer? On Oprah? Yes....

There has been a lot of debate on the need for embryonic stem cells vs. adult stem cells. But the reality is, embryonic stem cells are treating "zero" diseases while adult stem cells are treating around 90.

But don't take my word for it....let the Oprah show confirm that for you (wow did I just say that???)

Watch this clip, it is 3:43

Adult stem cells provide real hope to those who struggle with Parkinson's disease. Watch the clip to learn why.

(HT - STR Blog)