Tag Archives: bible

MSNBC’s Contessa Brewer Uses Eddie Long Scandal For Gay Activism

Posted on September 24, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Comments Off on MSNBC’s Contessa Brewer Uses Eddie Long Scandal For Gay Activism

While discussing sex allegations against Bishop Eddie Long on Friday, MSNBC host and gay rights activist Contessa Brewer asked Bishop James Dean Adams: “Long has taken a very strong anti-homosexual stand….Is there always a danger, if you’re taking that sort of stand, that you’re living in a glass house and people are going to be encouraged to throw stones?” Brewer described how “the Southern Poverty Law Center calls Bishop Eddie Long ‘one of the most virulently homophobic black leaders in the religiously based anti-gay moment. Long reportedly told his congregation about homosexuals, he said, God says you deserve death.'” The left-wing organization spliced together that comment and other clips of Long’s Sermons on its website . Brewer used Long’s comments to go after Bishop Adams: “I mean, you can’t support that, do you? The saying that homosexuals deserve death?” Adams replied: “No. I don’t say that homosexuals or anybody, for that matter, deserves death.” Brewer continued: “Do you think, in any way, Bishop, this will change the way black churches deal with the issue of homosexuality?” Adams explained: “I disagree with the viewpoint that the church is somehow been purposefully anti-gay. It’s not about anti-gay. It’s just simply anti-sin.” On Tuesday, Brewer warned of “consequences” for senators who opposed the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” In addition to her frequent on-air advocacy for gay rights issues, Brewer was the featured speaker at a Kentucky LGBT fundraiser in July. Here is a full transcript of Brewer’s September 24 interview with Bishop Adams: 12:37PM ET CONTESSA BREWER: Megachurch pastor, Bishop Eddie Long, has promised to use this Sunday’s sermon to explain to his 25,000-member congregation what’s going on with that lurid sex scandal that’s rocked his church this week. Three young men have now accused Long of using jewelry, cars, and cash, and his position as their minister, to lure them into sexual relationships. In a written statement, though, Long denies everything, he says, ‘the charges against me and New Birth,’ the church, ‘are false, but my faith is strong and the truth will emerge.’ I’m joined by Bishop James Dean Adams of St. John Institutional Missionary Baptist Church in Miami. Whenever there’s a scandal about the shepherd of a flock, it definitely rocks the trust that people have, but what can they do at this point without any kind of proof with his denial of the accusations? JAMES DEAN ADAMS: Well, Contessa, I think that the best thing that all of us can do is allow the process to unfold and the truth to be revealed. It would be a tremendous tragedy if these things were true, but our Christian faith requires us that we are to hope for the best and to look for the best and so that’s the posture that the Christian community is taking. BREWER: What do you make of the fact that he has – Bishop Long has taken a very strong anti-homosexual stand? In fact, the Southern Poverty Law Center calls Bishop Eddie Long ‘one of the most virulently homophobic black leaders in the religiously based anti-gay moment. Long reportedly told his congregation about homosexuals, he said, God says you deserve death.’ And now he’s facing these accusations. Is there always a danger, if you’re taking that sort of stand, that you’re living in a glass house and people are going to be encouraged to throw stones? ADAMS: Well, as the Bible tells us, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and Jesus died for everyone and so that’s the message of the church, mercy. BREWER: So you disagree – Do you disagree with his message then to homosexuals? ADAMS: I hadn’t heard – I hadn’t heard what was said. BREWER: But – but – but in this case, I mean, he is – he’s taking such a strong stand. I mean, you can’t support that, do you? The saying that homosexuals deserve death? ADAMS: No. I don’t say that homosexuals or anybody, for that matter, deserves death. BREWER: Right. Just wanted to be clear about that. ADAMS: That’s the reason Jesus Christ came, not to destroy lives but to save them. BREWER: Okay, so do you think, in any way, Bishop, this will change the way black churches deal with the issue of homosexuality? ADAMS: I believe that there’s a dialogue that’s open as there has always been. I don’t – I disagree with the viewpoint that the church is somehow been purposefully anti-gay. It’s not about anti-gay. It’s just simply anti-sin, that’s – and that’s encompassing everything that you can possibly think of. BREWER: Bishop James Dean Adams, I appreciate your time today, appreciate your perspective. ADAMS: Thank you very much.

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MSNBC’s Contessa Brewer Uses Eddie Long Scandal For Gay Activism

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CBS: U.S. Muslims ‘Feel Like Strangers in Their Own Country’

Posted on September 10, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Filling in for anchor Katie Couric on Thursday’s CBS Evening News, Early Show co-host Harry Smith introduced a report on opposition to building mosques in some areas of the country: “…they feel like strangers in their own country, Muslims shocked by the growing opposition to new mosques ….building a mosque has suddenly become a hot-button issue in many communities.” Smith expounded on the cause of the protests: “The furor over plans to burn the Koran and the building of the proposed Islamic center near Ground Zero has had ripple effects all across America.” Correspondent Seth Doane followed by focusing on opposition to a proposed mosque in Tennessee: “About 250 Muslim families live here in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. For decades, they’ve lived in peace and have prayed at a small local mosque. But then trouble started brewing over this site, where they want to expand and build a bigger Islamic center.” Doane described the feelings of one Muslim resident: “[Saleh Sbenaty] says even after September 11th, he didn’t see hatred like this.” Doane added: “Nationwide, more than half a dozen proposed Islamic centers have run into roadblocks, from Temecula, California, to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to the high-profile one near Ground Zero.” He did not explain what those “roadblocks” were. Doane turned to the Sbenaty’s daughter: “Is this really about a building or is it about something bigger?” Dima Sbenaty replied: “It’s about the growing hatred, you know, against Muslims.” Doane warned: “Dima says for the first time she’s scared.” Near the end of the report, Doane cited more evidence of anti-Muslim sentiment in the form of grade school name-calling: “10-year-old Zaid Abuzahra probably had more on his mind than just school. Last week at recess, some bullies learned that he was Muslim.” Abuzahra explained: “This group comes, and starts calling me terrorist, ‘I hear you’re a Muslim. This is America.'” The report included only two brief sound bites of mosque opponents, with Doane portraying them as a radical fringe: “In June, residents packed meetings in protest….And what some call a vocal minority, got louder….A few weeks ago, construction equipment at the site was set on fire, and with that, the arsonists set nerves on edge, too.” Meanwhile, on Thursday’s NBC Nightly News, correspondent Ron Mott also reported on the building of a new mosque in Tennessee, but took a slightly different approach: Last night’s call to prayer outside Memphis was answered by the Muslim faithful as usual: shoes removed, rugs laid, all bowed east toward Mecca, singing Allah’s praises. But what makes this year’s Ramadan different is where they’re worshiping, a Christian church called Heartsong, a sort of ‘welcome to the neighborhood’ gift while a new mosque is built nearby….Neighbors ever since the Memphis Islamic Center bought 31 acres in the heart of the Bible Belt. Unlike other parts of the country, there have been no signs of protests. Doane left out any mention of that story of religious cooperation elsewhere in the state. Here is a full transcript of Doane’s September 9 report: 6:40PM ET TEASE: HARRY SMITH: Up next, they say they feel like strangers in their own country, Muslims shocked by the growing opposition to new mosques. 6:42PM ET SEGMENT:      SMITH: The furor over plans to burn the Koran and the building of the proposed Islamic center near Ground Zero has had ripple effects all across America. There are 2.5 million Muslims in this country, and about 1900 mosques, but building a mosque has suddenly become a hot-button issue in many communities. As Seth Doane reports, that’s just what happened in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. SETH DOANE: Like most 13-year-olds, he’s proud of his school, his soccer trophies, and his country. SALIM SBENATY [MURFREESBORO, TN. RESIDENT]: I’m as American as you get. I’m as patriotic as you get. I mean, I’m America all the way. DOANE: He’s also proud of his religion. Salim Sbenaty is Muslim, and nowadays, this Tennessee town that’s been his family’s home for nearly 20 years, doesn’t feel the same. SBENATY: I’m always afraid for my mom, because there are always a few stupid people out there. You never know what they’re going to do, and my mom wearing that scarf is a symbol saying, ‘hey, I’m Muslim.’ DOANE: About 250 Muslim families live here in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. For decades, they’ve lived in peace and have prayed at a small local mosque. But then trouble started brewing over this site, where they want to expand and build a bigger Islamic center. In June, residents packed meetings in protest. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If construction does begin, I would also encourage contractors to boycott it. DOANE: And what some call a vocal minority, got louder. LARRY ANDERSON [MUFREESBORO, TN. RESIDENT]: They want to make this instead of one nation under God, America, they want to make this one nation under Islam. DOANE: A few weeks ago, construction equipment at the site was set on fire, and with that, the arsonists set nerves on edge, too. Salim’s dad says even after September 11th, he didn’t see hatred like this. SALEH SBENATY: It’s very hard for me to forget what I’ve heard directed toward me from people who don’t know me. DOANE: Nationwide, more than half a dozen proposed Islamic centers have run into roadblocks, from Temecula, California, to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to the high-profile one near Ground Zero. Is this really about a building or is it about something bigger? DIMA SBENATY [SISTER OF SALIM SBENATY]: It’s about the growing hatred, you know, against Muslims. DOANE: Salim’s 20-year-old sister Dima says for the first time she’s scared. SBENATY: It’s very disappointing. It really is, because this country was founded upon freedom of religion. DOANE: Across town this morning, 10-year-old Zaid Abuzahra probably had more on his mind than just school. Last week at recess, some bullies learned that he was Muslim. ZAID ABUZAHRA: This group comes, and starts calling me terrorist, ‘I hear you’re a Muslim. This is America.’ DOANE: How did it make you feel? ABUZAHRA: Awkward, sad, like, surprising. DOANE: A surprise to many here who watch the news and wonder. SBENATY: First Amendment, ever since I was little and had to memorize it, freedom of religion, it says it. DOANE: In that First Amendment, another right – freedom of speech, for some just harder to hear. Seth Doane, CBS News, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

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CBS: U.S. Muslims ‘Feel Like Strangers in Their Own Country’

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This Chaplain Is Protected By God—and by an Atheist–at War – WSJ.com

Posted on September 5, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

SANGIN, Afghanistan—They say there are no atheists in foxholes. There's one on the front lines here, though, and the chaplain isn't thrilled about it. Navy Chaplain Terry Moran is steeped in the Bible and believes all of it. His assistant, Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Philip Chute, is steeped in the Bible and having none of it. Together they roam this town in Taliban country, comforting the grunts while crossing swords with each other over everything from the power of angels to the wisdom of standing in clear view of enemy snipers. Lt. Moran, 48 years old, preaches about divine protection while 25-year-old RP2 Chute covers the chaplain's back and wishes he were more attentive to the dangers of the here and now. It's a match made in, well, the Pentagon. “He trusts God to keep him safe,” says RP2 Chute. “And I'm here just in case that doesn't work out.” The 460 Army, Navy and Air Force chaplains deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan are prohibited from carrying weapons, counting on their assistants and the troops around them for protection. It can be a perilous calling. On Monday, Chaplain Dale Goetz, 43, of White, S.D., and four other soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb near Kandahar. Capt. Goetz is the first Army chaplain killed in action since the Vietnam War. Army chaplains represent 130 religions and denominations, including Catholicism, Judaism, Islam and Buddhism. The military says it's common for assistants to be of different faiths from the chaplains they support, or of no faith at all. “They don't have to be religious,” says retired Navy Capt. Randy Cash, who served 30 years in the Chaplain Corps and now is its historian. “They have to be able to shoot straight.” Follow the Link to read the rest! added by: toyotabedzrock

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Crummy Eyeglasses from Vista Optical

Posted on September 4, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

According to its website, National Vision is the nation's fourth largest optical company in terms of locations. They have five separate retail divisions offering a variety of products and services for eye care. They are the parent company for the following retail outlets: America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Vision Center, bestcontacts.com, Eyeglass World, Optical Center, and Vista Optical. Seeing an ad for “two-for-one” eyeglasses, I bought eyeglasses at Vista Optical in Warrenton, Oregon January 29, 2010. When I got to the store they told me the second, “free” pair would be inferior quality, so I told them I did not wish to have the “free” pair of eyeglasses. I have taken meticulous care of the eyeglasses I did buy: when the lenses have accumulated dust or oils, I used mild soap and gently running water to rinse them and have used soft cotton to gently dry them. However, in spite of this care, the lenses are now covered with tiny scratch marks that are now impinging on my ability to see through them. I have not abused these lenses in any way, and I have not dropped them, rubbed them against any abrasive material, left them lying on a hard surface, or done anything to warrant this rapid deterioration in their quality. This is an unacceptable situation. I have worn eyeglasses for over 50 years, but I have never purchased eyeglasses that have failed so rapidly. On August 27, 2010, I sent an email to national Vision via their website, asking them to please let me know how to proceed to obtain replacements at no charge. I explained that the product I was sold is inferior and does not meet the reasonable expectations of fitness. As of today, September 3, 2010, I have not even received a courtesy reply from National Vision. If I were you, I would not buy any of their products, unless you crave wearing eyeglasses that become scratched and essentially useless in less than 7 months. added by: Progresshiv

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WHY – Gay "Marriage" is a Bad Idea

Posted on September 4, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

BECAUSE – “Marriage” IS a Bad Idea,….and it should have been discarded a long time ago by anyone rational. You don't have to be an atheist to think that some bad habits and crazed customs are recreational activities for NUT CASES. Rational “CIVIL UNIONS” are all ANYONE should be willing to tolerate, let alone actively encourage. Mind you, this is not an attack on “bonding” and legal protections,…..this is inveighing against the whole Judeo- Christian roots and baggage associated with the habit. Time to “Move On. God” out of this cultural land fill. – God is Imaginary – 50 simple proofs – – Think about Marriage as described in the Bible Most Christians consider marriage to be a sacred act created by God in the Bible. For example, on this page you can see Rick Warren stating: “I'm opposed to redefinition of a 5,000 year definition of marriage.” At many weddings you will hear a Bible passage like Genesis 2:24 used to show God's view of marriage: For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. There is also the commandment that forbids adultery. If digging deeper, a Christian might selectively pull out other verses from places like Ephesians, as described in this article: What Does the Bible Say About Marriage? In doing this, however, the Christian is ignoring the rich tapestry of marriage types condoned by God and the Bible. For example, there are many examples of polygamy in the Bible, all of them condoned by God. King David, for example, had many wives. Seven of his wives are listed in 1 Chronicles 3:1-5. In Acts 13:22 God says, “'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” And many other characters in the Bible had two or more wives, including Jacob. The case of Jacob (described in Genesis chapters 28, 29 and 30) is fascinating because it shows several other attributes of Biblical marriage. For example, Jacob earns his wife as payment for seven years of work done. It is a contract between Jacob and the woman's father – the woman is mere property in a transaction and has no say in the matter. However, the man that Jacob is working for tricks Jacob by giving him the wrong sister, and corrects the problem by letting Jacob work for another seven years for the second daughter. Now Jacob has two wives. But the second sister is barren. So the second sister gives Jacob her slave to sleep with and have a child. All of this is done as part of God's plan and with God's active intervention (for example, God makes the second sister barren). More charming cultural legacy follows at… LINK – – – http://godisimaginary.com/i53.htm http://www.joke-wallpapers.com/bulkupload/funnywallpapers/Joke%20Wallpapers/Marr… http://godisimaginary.com/i53.htm added by: remanns

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10 Reasons Not to Burn the Qur’an

Posted on September 2, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Ten Reasons Not to Burn the Qur'an in response to Dove World Outreach Center's plan to burn copies of the Qur'an on the 9th anniversary of 9/11. We hope our Ten Reasons will help bring about greater awareness, understanding and healing on this sad anniversary. Ten Reasons Not to Burn the Qur'an ONE Dove World Outreach Center: The Koran* teaches that Jesus Christ, the Crucified, Risen Son of God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords was NOT the Son of God, nor was he crucified (a well documented historical fact that ONLY Islam denies). This teaching removes the possibility of salvation and eternal life in heaven for all Islam's believers. They face eternal damnation in hell if they do not repent. * Islam is not a new religion, but traces its roots to Abrahamic monotheism, which teaches that God is one. God is one means that God has no parents, spouse, son or daughter. Therefore, God is considered indivisible and incomparable in any way, shape or form to any other living creature. * This idea can also be found in the Hebrew Scriptures in the form of the first of the Ten Commandments and elsewhere in the Bible. * The belief that Jesus was not crucified also predates Islam. For example, the Docetans were among Jesus' early followers, who also claimed he was never crucified and that another was crucified in his stead. * The Qur'an also teaches that Jesus, peace be upon him, is a prophet and a messenger of God, equal to Mohammad himself. TWO Dove World Outreach Center: The Koran does not have an eternal origin. It is not recorded in heaven. The Almighty God, Creator of the World, is NOT its source. It is not holy. Its writings are human in origin, a concoction of old and new teachings. This has been stated and restated for centuries by scholars since Islam's beginnings, both Moslem and non-Moslem. * The Qur'an is considered to be God's word, delivered to Mohammad via Gabriel, and recited by Mohammad to his followers. Scholars tend to diverge greatly in their opinions on this subject. * The Qur'an is among one of the only holy books that attests that the Bible is of divine origin, and the first to ever do so. That is a second good reason not to burn the Qur'an. THREE Dove World Outreach Center: The Koran's teaching includes Arabian idolatry, paganism, rites and rituals. These are demonic, an ongoing satanic stronghold under which Moslems and the world suffer. * The Qur'an is unequivocally against idolatry and satanic worship. Anyone who makes these claims cannot possibly have read and understood the Qur'an and should at least thoroughly read what he/she is attempting to disparage. FOUR Dove World Outreach Center: The earliest writings that are known to exist about the Prophet Mohammad were recorded 120 years after his death. All of the Islamic writings are contradictory and inconsistent. Maybe Mohammad never existed. We have no conclusive account about what he said or did. Yet Moslems follow the destructive teachings of Islam without question. * The Qur'an is an independent text and is very different from the Hadith, histories and biographical literature which should not be confused with the former. * The Qur'an is one of few prophetic books that have been so well preserved and that give an accurate rendition of the prophet's communication. It is thereby one of the world's greatest treasures. That is a fourth good reason not to burn the Qur'an. FIVE Dove World Outreach Center: Mohammad's life and message cannot be respected. The first Meccan period of his leadership seems to have been religiously motivated and a search for the truth. But in the second Medina period he was “corrupted by power and worldly ambitions.” This led to political assassinations and massacres which continue to be carried out on a regular basis by his followers today. * Mohammad lifestyle was exemplary and he lived very simply, preferring to give his money to the poor. Few can match his kindness towards his enemies. For example, when he and his followers conquered Mecca, he did so peacefully and did not punish its pagan inhabitants, even though they had tortured and oppressed them. There is no evidence that he ever ordered a political assassination or a massacre. * The Qur'an teaches forgiveness of Jews, Christians and people of other religions, even when they harm Muslims. SIX Dove World Outreach Center: Islamic Law is totalitarian in nature. There is no separation of church and state. It is irrational. It is supposedly immutable and cannot be changed. It must be accepted without criticism. * Islamic law is a pre-modern system of law and changes all the time. It should not be confused with the Qur'an, which is unchanging, even though its interpretation can vary. * The Qur'an is the one scripture that teaches not to take up rabbis, priests and other clergy and give them the authority to delineate religious law. Following the Qur'an, all human beings equal before God. SEVEN Dove World Outreach Center: Islam is not compatible with democracy and human rights. The notion of a moral individual capable of making decisions and taking responsibility for them does not exist in Islam. The attitude towards women in Islam as inferior possessions of men has led to countless cases of mistreatment and abuse for which Moslem men receive little or no punishment, and in many cases are encouraged to commit such acts, and are even praised for them. * The Qur'an does not delineate a particular political system for Muslim to follow. * The Qur'an is known for giving rights to minorities and other vulnerable peoples. For example, it has given women the right to life, independent ownership of property, wages, divorce, marriage, inheritance, maintenance, good treatment, etc. EIGHT Dove World Outreach Center: A Muslim does not have the right to change his religion. Apostasy is punishable by death. * A Muslim has a God-given right to change his/her religion, if they should so choose-the Qur'an clearly states “Let there be no compulsion in religion” (2:256). NINE Dove World Outreach Center: Deep in the Islamic teaching and culture is the irrational fear and loathing of the West. * The Qur'an does not endorse hatred of anyone and does not privilege any human being over another on the basis of race, origins or country. “O Humankind, we have created you from a male and a female and have made you into peoples and tribes so that you may know one another.” (49:13). TEN Dove World Outreach Center: Islam is a weapon of Arab imperialism and Islamic colonialism. Wherever Islam has or gains political power, Christians, Jews and all non-Moslems receive persecution, discrimination, are forced to convert. * These claims are not supported by historical fact–if non-Muslims were forced to convert, there would be no Christian and Jewish minorities in Muslim-majority countries today. * As for “Arab imperialism”, Mohammad's last sermon states: “An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action.” * Islam literally means “peace-making”–it is the causative Form IV of the root “salam,” which means wholeness, peace, well-being and safety. * Muslims have never embarked on a campaign to burn the Bible in any of its forms. It is the Qur'an insists on freedom of worship-“Let there be no compulsion in religion.” * The correct reference is “Qur'an”, not “Koran” http://www.codepink.org/article.php?id=5545 http://barenakedislam.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/book-burning.jpg?w=460&h=3… added by: pinkpanther

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N!GGER! is it a good word? by the "Burn a Koran Day" Church (dove world outreach)

Posted on August 31, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Dr. Laura is not alone in her fight for the right to say n!gger. After dropping the N-bomb 20 something times a Pastor at the Dove World Outreach Church rants about the racist double standard that prevents white people from using the word as freely as a black man on HBO'S Def Comedy Jam. The Pastor claims no matter how anyone spins it – it is a form of reverse racism to get mad when Whites say n!gger. But then he drops this gem of wisdom – “The standard that the Bible clearly tells us, Black is Black – White is White. What relationship can the Darkness have with Light? we cannot keep coming back and forth, right is right – wrong is wrong. Hold the Stadard” This Pastor's pants must be on the ground . . Cause his head is up his ass. But that's just my opinion, what do you think of this Churches use of the N-word, and does anyone else see a not so subtle message in this Bible quote added by: Stoneyroad

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Awesome! Green Cars You will Love to Own!

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Who wouldn't love to have a car that runs on electricity and renewable fuels rather than petrol? There have been increasing number of green cars … http://bit.ly/9KFjVm added by: itgrunts

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Churchgoers, strippers protest one another in Coshocton County

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Of ire and brimstone Monday, August 9, 2010 02:54 AM By Holly Zachariah THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH WARSAW, Ohio — Strip-club owner Tommy George rolled up to the church in his grabber-orange Dodge Challenger, drinking a Mountain Dew at 9 in the morning and smoking a cigarette he had just rolled himself. Pastor Bill Dunfee stepped out of a tan Nissan Murano, clutching a Bible in one hand and his sermon in the other, a touch of spray holding his perfectly coiffed 'do in place. Inside the New Beginnings Ministries church, Dunfee's worshippers wore polyester and pearls. Outside, George's strippers wore bikinis and belly rings. Both men agree it is classic sinners vs. saints. But George says it is up to America to decide which is which and who is who. Dunfee says God already has chosen. “Tom George is a parasite, a man without judgment,” Dunfee said. “The word of Jesus Christ says you cannot share territory with the devil.” The battle that has heretofore played out in the parking lot of George's strip club – the Foxhole, a run-down, garage-like building at a Coshocton County crossroads called Newcastle – has shifted 7 miles east to Church Street. Every weekend for the last four years, Dunfee and members of his ministry have stood watch over George's joint, taking up residence in the right of way with signs, video cameras and bullhorns in hand. They videotape customers' license plates and post them online, and they try to save the souls of anyone who comes and goes. Now, the dancers have turned the tables, so to speak. Fed up with the tactics of Dunfee and his flock, they say they have finally accepted his constant invitation to come to church. It's just that they've come wearing see-through shorts and toting Super Soakers. They bring lawn chairs and – yesterday, anyway – grilled hamburgers, Monster energy drinks and corn on the cob. They sat in front of the church and waved at passing cars but largely ignored the congregation behind them. Likewise, the churchgoers largely ignored the dancers. Except for Stan Braxton. He stopped and held hands with Lola, a 42-year-old dancer who made $200 on her Saturday night shift, and prayed for her salvation. Lola, who wouldn't give her last name, said she was grateful for Braxton's prayers and his time. The women don't come here, after all, without their own version of religion. They bring signs with Scriptures written in neon colors: Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing Revelations 22:11: He that is unjust, let him be unjust still Greg Flaig is executive director of the Ohio Owners Coalition, a group of showbar and club owners. He called the women's protest extraordinary, saying he's never heard of anything like it in the country. George said the protest has been a long time coming. He sued the church in federal court several years ago, claiming a violation of his constitutional rights, but he lost. Now, he said, turnabout is fair play. “When these morons go away, we'll go away,” George said. “The great thing about this country is that everyone has a right to believe what they want.” He said his club operates within the law. Dunfee said it does not, that it must close at midnight instead of its regular 2 or 3 a.m. Coshocton County Prosecutor Bob Batchelor said Friday only that he, the sheriff and the city prosecutor are “aware of the situation.” Gina Hughes spent the morning soaking up the sun in her striped bikini, mostly oblivious to the fire and brimstone being preached in the tidy church building. The 30-year-old married mother of six said she has danced at the Foxhole for a decade and holds the title of “house mom.” That means that even though she still dances, she also watches out for the six other women who work there. She said she makes $2,000 a week. “These church people say horrible things about us,” Hughes said. “They say we're homewreckers and whores. The fact of the matter is, we're working to keep our own homes together, to give our kids what they need.” Dunfee said it's not that simple. He said he consistently offers the women help, a chance at redemption. “I tell them, 'I will put a roof over your heads, and your bills will be paid, and your children's bellies will be full,'” he said. Yet they don't come inside. The first few weeks, Dunfee piped the sermon outside. But that “agitated” them, he said, and made them dance in the streets. He said their presence has united his church members and reinvigorated their mission to shut down the club. “They have now seen the evil firsthand,” Dunfee said. “This has just made us stronger.” George laughed at that notion. “They're just mad,” he said, “because their wives won't let them come to my club.” hzachariah@dispatch.com added by: putdownmypants

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Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs Debuts At #1 On Billboard

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Indie band tops Eminem and last week’s #1, Avenged Sevenfold. By James Montgomery The Arcade Fire’s Win Butler Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/ Getty Images It’s been an oddly major year for indie artists. Back in January, Vampire Weekend made history when their Contra album debuted at #1 on the Billboard albums chart. And now, it’s the Arcade Fire ‘s turn to take the top spot … and they did it in an even bigger fashion than anyone could’ve imagined. Their The Suburbs album sold more than 156,000 copies — some 30,000 more than VW managed to move in their first week — to bow at #1 on next week’s Top 200. They’re the highest opening numbers for any indie album since Pearl Jam’s Backspacer (which was released on their own Monkey Wrench label but sold exclusively through mega-retailer Target, indie stores and online) sold 189,000 copies in September 2008, and bested debuts by the likes of the Shins, whose Wincing the Night Away sold 118,000 copies to debut at #2 in January 2007, and Radiohead , who signed to indie ATO Records to release the physical edition of their In Rainbows album in 2008, and sold 122,000 copies to bow at #1. The Suburbs is also the first #1 debut in the 20-year history of venerable Durham, North Carolina, indie Merge Records. They came close in 2007 when the Arcade Fire’s Neon Bible debuted at #2 (behind a Notorious B.I.G. greatest-hits album). It was such a big week for the band that their first album — 2004’s Funeral — reentered the chart at #175, with sales of more than 3,000 copies. Following behind the Arcade Fire is Eminem , who sold more than 152,000 copies of his massive Recovery album to land at #2. Em’s probably not sweating it though … Recovery will pass the 2 million mark in total sales this week. Last week’s chart champs Avenged Sevenfold fall to #3, as their Nightmare album sold more than 45,000 copies. Houston legend Bun B scored the week’s second-highest debut, as his Trill O.G. album sold nearly 41,000 copies to open at #4. Rick Ross ‘s Teflon Don is in at #5, with sales of 39,000 copies. Rounding out the top 10 is Lady Gaga ‘s brand-new Remix album, which sold more than 39,000 to land at #6; Justin Bieber ‘s My World 2.0 (#7, more than 37,000 copies sold); Drake ‘s Thank Me Later (#8, more than 31,000 copies sold); Lady Antebellum ‘s Need You Now (#9, nearly 29,000 copies sold); and Buckcherry ‘s new All Night Long (#10, nearly 28,000). Outside the top 10 were debuts by Ryan Star (no, not that one ) at #31, Secondhand Serenade (#42) and Los Lobos (#47). Related Artists Arcade Fire

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Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs Debuts At #1 On Billboard

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