The Muslim Brotherhood
FYI:“The group was founded in 1928 as an organ of social reform. Its philosophy was influenced by theologian Sayyid Quth who advocated the overthrow of Egypt’s secular government and was eventually hanged. In the 1970s, the Brotherhood disavowed violence, though some jihadists, including Ayman al-Zawahiri, were once members. A Brotherhood faction in a new government
Inheritance
According to MetLife’s Mature Market Institute and the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, Baby Boomers will receive a total of $11.6 trillion in inheritance. That’s approximately $64,000 per person. 2ProphetU2ProphetU is an online magazine/website, started by Warren Wiersbe and Michael Catt, to build up the church, seek revival, and encourage pastors.
Discipleship Failures
According to the Barna Group and Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life: Seven out of 10 born-again Christians don’t believe in moral absolutes, while only 10 percent base their moral decision-making on principles taught in the Bible. 59 percent of Christians believe that Satan isn’t an actual being but simply a symbol of evil,
18 Percenters
So if 18 percent of Americans think Obama is a Muslim, is that a large number or a small one?Consider that 18 percent of Americans also: Strongly believe that climate change is real, human-caused, and harmful. Believe the sun revolves around the earth. Affiliate with a mainline Protestant church. Believe it is definitely true that
Background Checks
In 2008, LifeWay endorsed this website to offer background screenings for churches and religious organizations at discounted prices. Through LifeWay’s OneSource program churches and religious organizations can receive discounts on background screenings for their camp counselors, bus drivers, staff, volunteers and others. www.lifeway.com/backgroundchecks 2ProphetU2ProphetU is an online magazine/website, started by Warren Wiersbe and Michael Catt,
Tithing
When Tithe Doesn’t Mean Tenth (Christianity Today, February 2011) The average percentage of income given to churches: 19682.45% Congregational Finances0.66% Special Offerings3.11% Total 19852.11% Congregational Finances0.48% Special Offerings2.59% Total 20082.08% Congregational Finances0.35% Special Offerings2.43% Total 2ProphetU2ProphetU is an online magazine/website, started by Warren Wiersbe and Michael Catt, to build up the church, seek revival, and
Overseas Missions Giving
How much of each denomination’s church dollar goes to international ministries? 11 cents: Christian and Missionary Alliance6 cents: Church of the Nazarene; General Association of General Baptists4 cents: Seventh-day Adventists, North America; The Wesleyan Church; Presbyterian Church in America2 cents: Southern Baptist Convention; The United Methodist Church1 cent: Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod; Christian Church (Disciples of
Beyond Church Giving
Americans gave $303.75 billion in 2009, according to Giving USA. Three-quarters of it came from individuals. Here’s where the money went: 33% Religion13% Education10% Gifts to Grantmaking Foundations10% Unallocated Giving09% Human Services08% Public-Society Benefit07% Health04% Arts, Culture, and Humanities03% International Affairs02% Environment/Animals01% Foundation Grants to Individuals 2ProphetU2ProphetU is an online magazine/website, started by Warren Wiersbe
Voter Values
American adults say moral issues will have less influence on their votes in the 2012 presidential election than issues dealing with security and comfort. More than 1,000 adults were asked how much influence a candidate’s position on a particular issue will have on their voting decision in 2012. A Lot Some Less Health
Drug and Alcohol Use by State
Highs and LowsAmong Americans ages 12 and older in the past month: Binge Drinking29.8% North Dakota14.1% Utah Marijuana Use11.5% Alaska3.6% Utah Illegal Drug Use13.5% Alaska5.3% Iowa Cigarette Use32% Kentucky16.4% Utah Non-medical Use of Pain Relievers (in the past year)8.1% Oklahoma3.6% Iowa and Nebraska (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, 2008) 2ProphetU2ProphetU is an online magazine/website,
Celebrities for Sale
(thedailybeast.com) How much is fame worth these days? $1,267,500 Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress$200 14 pairs of Bernie Madoff’s boxers$2.63 million Lunch with Warren Buffet$63,500 Lunch with Sarah Palin$25,000 William Shatner’s kidney stone$24,550 Churchill’s false teeth$2,000,000 John Lennon’s Steinway piano where he wrote “Imagine,” bought by George Michael$48,875 Jackie Kennedy’s tape measure$923,187 Audrey
Spending Trends
(from Time Magazine, August 2011) Rate of spending growth:2003-2007 14%2007-2011 3% Since 2007, Consumers in the U.S. are spending more on:Higher Education +6%Bicycles +9%Movie Theaters +12%Watches +13%Used Autos +4%Sewing Items +1%Hospital Services +11%Cell Phone Services +31%Lotteries +16%Physician Services +7%Alcohol +5%Foreign Travel in the U.S. +17% And less on:Veterinary and Pet Services -6%Clothing Repair and Alteration