Conservative Papa

Local News | “I am both Muslim and Christian” | Seattle Times Newspaper
Shortly after noon on Fridays, the Rev. Ann Holmes Redding ties on a black headscarf, preparing to pray with her Muslim group on First Hill.On Sunday mornings, Redding puts on the white collar of an Episcopal priest.

She does both, she says, because shes Christian and Muslim.

Redding, who until recently was director of faith formation at St. Marks Episcopal Cathedral, has been a priest for more than 20 years. Now shes ready to tell people that, for the last 15 months, shes also been a Muslim — drawn to the faith after an introduction to Islamic prayers left her profoundly moved.

This poor mixed-up lady is following religion with her emotions rather than her heart and mind. How can she be a Christian and believe that Jesus is God while also being a good Muslim and believing that Jesus was just a great prophet? How can she trust in Christ alone for Salvation while following the Five Pillars of Islam to find favor with Allah? It’s not possible! She is either insincere or apathetic in regard to at least one of her religions. Such a cavalier attitude toward faith reduces it to an interesting hobby or fun social club — rather than the life-altering event of true conversion. I pray this confused and wandering soul finds a redemptive relationship with Christ while there is yet hope.

Colorado pro-life group criticizes Focus on the Family leader, pays price OneNewsNow.com
The Colorado chapter of National Right to Life has been booted out of the organization for criticizing James Dobsons statements in which he praised a Supreme Court decision upholding the ban on partial-birth abortion.

It saddens me to see dissension in the Pro-Life camp. I only know what is reported in the above article, so there is likely more to the story.

The goal should be to abolish the legalized murder called abortion. Is there anything wrong with lauding a small step toward that goal?

Should we issue “nitrogen debits” to offset “carbon credits?” It’s fun watching the followers of the Global Warming Religion get caught in their own game. Take a look at this article while I excuse myself to laugh uproariously!

Nitrogen pollution drives trees to soak up more CO2 - earth - 13 June 2007 - New Scientist Environment
Catherine Brahic
Nitrogen pumped into the environment by human activities such as driving cars and farming is fertilising tree growth and boosting the amount of carbon being stored in forests outside the tropics, say researchers.

Their study provides a surprising example of how one type of human pollution is helping to counter another. But the researchers caution that they do not yet know what proportion of carbon dioxide emissions are being offset by the anthropogenic release of nitrogen.

Certain components of Andrew’s beloved Thomas the Tank train engine set may be subject to a recall announced today. It seems there are unacceptable levels of lead in the paint.

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Check out Nikon’s D40: Picturetown ad campaign for the Nikon D40 digital camera.  Not only did they start out with an interesting concept (hand out D40’s to 200 “ordinary” people), but they posted some of these peopole’s pictures on the web site with a blog-like commenting interface.  This advertising tactic is as enterprising as posting ads on the sides of trash cans, and a whole lot more engaging!

By the way, if no one wants to buy me the D80 for Father’s Day, the D40 will do just fine!

I started using my new computer at work yesterday. Included with the new hardware is Office 2007. The Ribbon takes a little getting used to, but I’m liking it.

Just for fun, I experimented with Smart Art in Word. Here’s a sequence illustrating Baby Isaac’s daily activities:

The text can be filled in with a list interface or by typing in each box. I can hover over several choices on the Ribbon to instantly see how a different art style would change the diagram.

Another cool thing is that Word 2007 can publish directly to my WordPress blog. Let’s see how this works.

A few days late but in honor of D-Day, here is an amazing prayer delivered by Franklin Roosevelt on D-Day.

Franklin Roosevelt’s D-Day Prayer June 6, 1944

My fellow Americans: Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far.

And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer:

Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.

Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.
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A smooth and glossy Surface™, in fact! Microsoft is coming out with a device that employs technology much like that introduced by Jefferson Han at TED 2006.

True to Microsoft’s simple naming style, the device will be called Microsoft Surface™. I really want one for Father’s Day! Sadly, it’s not scheduled for release until late this year. Also, Microsoft seems to be targeting the Surface™ to hotels and retail establishments — a clue to my brilliant analysis that this thing will carry a hefty price tag!

Carolyn placed Isaac atop pillows in a laundry basket and the older children had a great time pushing him around the house. Isaac will never want for entertainment! This time, however, he did his best to sleep through it.