More Than Bush Did, Obama Cites Jesus

(NEWSER) - President Obama has opted to observe today’s National Day of Prayer in private, a sharp turn from his predecessor’s policies that angers at least one organization, the Boston Globe reports. President Bush held public celebrations at the White House. “We are disappointed in the lack of participation by the Obama administration,” said Shirley Dobson of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. More»

Only 12% said he was Christian in Public Policy Polling survey

(NEWSER) - Despite years of assertions to the contrary, a chunk of voters continue to believe that Barack Obama is a Muslim. Mediaite noticed this nugget in this morning's Public Policy Polling survey from Alabama and Mississippi: Asked what religion the president is, a whopping 45% of GOP voters in Alabama, and 52% in Mississippi said "Muslim." Only 14% in Alabama and 12% in Mississippi said "Christian," with the rest unsure. More»

Ancient texts make no mention of crosses, crucifixion

(NEWSER) - Christ probably died tied to a pole instead of nailed to a cross, claims a theologian who has pored through ancient texts. There is no mention of nailing people to crosses as punishment in Greek, Roman, and Hebrew literature from the time of Homer to the first century AD, Gunnar Samuelsson says, although various other methods of execution involving suspension are outlined. Even ancient Biblical texts, he notes, say Jesus carried a "staurus," to Calvary, which could mean either a cross or a pole. More»

Prez dodges crowds at non-denominational site

(NEWSER) - Though they were sought by most parishes inside the Beltway, the Obamas have chosen Camp David's nondenominational chapel for their place of worship, Time reports. The decision follows in the footsteps of President Obama's predecessor in opting for a more private churchgoing experience—especially after throngs arrived hours early to a Washington service he attended in January. The White House disputes the Time piece, CBN notes, saying the Obamas “continue to look for a church home.” More»

(NEWSER) - The Rev. Jeremiah Wright has no hard feelings against President Obama and will speak to him again when able, the Newport News (Va.) Daily Press reports. Wright, at a ministers conference, said, “them Jews aren’t going to let him talk to me. I told my baby daughter, that he’ll talk to me in 5 years when he’s a lame duck, or in 8 years when he’s out of office.” More»