christianity

Who's influencing policy decisions in Stephen Harper's government?

Submitted by Jacob Hunter on Mon, 05/17/2010 - 10:08am
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By Alheli Picazo, Rabble.ca
 
In the wake Marci McDonald's newly released book The Armageddon Factor: The Rise Of Christian Nationalism In Canada, a political firestorm has erupted on Parliament Hill, igniting debate about just who's influencing the policy decisions made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The release of McDonald's book comes amid the brewing tension of apparent ideological moves made by the Harper government, including the 'Mexico City Policy' for the upcoming G8 maternal and child health initiative, the rescinding of funds of women's organizations who promote a full range of family planning options, and the denial of federal tourism funds for Pride Toronto.
 
With public focus being drawn to the back rooms of the PMO, the Harper government lashed out following a CBC segment featuring an interview with McDonald and a glimpse at some of the people discussed in the book. The Conservatives accused the public broadcaster of "fomenting religious division" and waging a "faith war" in an "ongoing campaign against the Conservative Party." (Take note, this is just the latest in a string of baseless allegations made by the Conservative Party and Right Wing pundits against the CBC.)
 
The desperation exhibited by Conservative strategists in a fervent attempt to discredit McDonald, gives proof to explosive information contained between the covers of The Armageddon Factor; connections the Harper government would rather Canadians not be aware of. Try as they might to downplay the influence of Right Wing religious figures on policy decisions made by Harper, Conservatives cannot deny the presence of one prominent Christian activist and senior advisor in the PMO, who recently moved from his position as director of policy to become Harper's new deputy chief of staff. Read more »

Cannabis involved in Christ’s anointment?

Submitted by Jacob Hunter on Thu, 04/22/2010 - 12:04pm
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By. Daniel Kaszor, National Post
The use of cannabis as a sacrament dates back thousands of years, in many different religions and possibly even during the anointing of Jesus Christ, according to expert testimony in an ongoing criminal court proceeding in Toronto.
 
Psychoactive substances and the use in religious rituals was outlined by Boston University classics professor Carl Ruck, in testimony this week that was more history class than traditional evidence in a criminal trial.
 
“It was at the beginning of religious experience,” that cannabis and mushroom-like substances were first consumed as part of “mystical communion,” said Prof. Ruck. Read more »

God & ganja: Travel pro Rick Steves says marijuana laws not 'Christlike'

Submitted by Jacob Hunter on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 3:34pm
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Travel guru Rick Steves has been flying higher than we might have thought all these years. He's gone public his use of marijuana and support for legalizating the drug. And he makes his case, in part, as a faithful Lutheran who finds activism more "Christlike" than conforming.

Amy Frykholm recently interviewed Steves, prolific guidebook author and Public Television travel show host, about his book, Travel as a Political Act, and his faith for Christian Century. But she saved the dope news for one of blogs that CC hosts, Theolog.

Steves tells her that people should take a "courageous" stand against drug laws that don't work. In the blog, Steves says,

For me, marijuana is not a harmful substance. I consider using it to be a civil liberty and have used it responsibly as an adult for creative purposes. I used to write a popular monthly column in World Concern Magazine, (a great Christian relief organization here in Seattle) and just for fun, I would write the article high. It helped me see things differently.

Read more »

Harper appoints Evangelical Pastor to "Study" Marijuana and Schizophrenia

Submitted by Jacob Hunter on Fri, 08/21/2009 - 12:38pm
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The new Canadian Mental Health Commission is "a wonderful opportunity" for Christians to be involved in dealing with one of the most pressing issues in our society, according to one of its members.

Chris Summerville is one of 11 non-government members of the new Commission's board of directors. Besides struggling with mental health issues himself, he is the interim CEO of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, executive director of the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, and a certified Psychosocial Rehabilitation Practitioner. He is also a committed Christian and an ordained pastor with the Associated Gospel Churches of Canada.

Summerville said he hopes to bring a holistic approach to the issue that addresses body, mind, soul and spirit.

According to the Associated Gospel Church website, history section: "The AGC traces its beginnings to the early 1890s when a group of independent evangelical churches became known as the Christian Workers' Church of Canada"

UPDATE: The Canadian Schizophrenia Society Board of Directors contain no apparent Medical Doctors or PhD's, and the first name of the list appears to be a police officer from Toronto.

Update 2: Pam Forsythe is a practising Psychiatrist Read more »

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