Journalism Current Event 6/3/11

Lawsuit Filed Against Texas School District to Stop Prayer During Graduation

Summary: This article discusses a federal lawsuit that was filed on Friday by Americans United for Separation of Church and State. It was filed on behalf of a Mr. and Mrs. Schultz against a Texas school district to prevent them from  having prayer at graduation. The Schultz's have three children attending schools in the district, and say their son might not attend his own graduation this year if they pray. The Schultz family says they are agnostic. The group wants the student-led invocation and benediction removed from the commencement as they say it violates the separation of church and state. However, the school insists that it does not violate any laws or school policy. This lawsuit seems to be an attention grabber. The Schultz family seems to be in need of some media attention because their grounds for filing seem to be a little ridiculous. Granted, there may be a controversy because it is  public funded school, but the involvement of the family seems to be only an attention grabber and not worth the attention it is getting.

The Core Biblical Truth for this article is the one on sin. It says, "Mankind is totally depraved and his sinful nature can be seen throughout history. Law and government were established to restrain this depravity in the governors as well as the governed." This applies because if mankind were not sinful, everyone would acknowledge Christ as Lord and there would be no need for separation of church and state, and therefore no basis for this ridiculous lawsuit.

Journalism Current Event 5/20/11

Obama Speech On Israel Generates Backlash

Summary: This article is going into detail on the implications of the infamous speech President Obama made on Thursday, right before Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu came to America. The President has demanded that as a starting point to talks with Palestine, Israel and the U.S., Israel must go back to their 1967 territory lines. This would give the Palestinians (namely the Hamas) chance to destroy the most holy sites of Judaism and Christianity, not to mention cross the indefensible lines into the nation itself. The President's outrageous demands have gone way beyond past presidents' U.S. policies concerning peace talks. Not to mention, Obama basically threw out a previous commitment made by the Bush administration (and passed by both members of Congress-including a 'yes' vote from then- senator Hillary Clinton) that said it was unrealistic to expect peace talks to result in a total adherence to the 1967 territory lines. With 350,000 Israelis living outside this border, Netanyahu completely rejected Obama's demands as it would lead to a more modern-day version of the Holocaust.

The Core Biblical Truth that applies to this is the one on creation. It says, "God's faithfulness is evident in the past and He has revealed Himself to man throughout history." This applies because it is exactly true in Israel's history. We know from Scripture, that God will preserve His chosen people, and there is no possibility of total destruction. He preserved them through the Holocaust and will preserve them still if Obama somehow manages to force them to go back to the '67 agreement. God is still faithful and He will keep every promise He has made to the nation of Israel.

Journalism Current Event 5/13/11

Oregon Moves Closer to Crackdown on Suicide Kits

Summary: This article is about bill being voted on in Oregon, in response to the suicide of a 29 year old man who ordered a kit from a company in California to help him commit suicide. The state Senate has already unanimously approved the bill and is waiting for the House vote to happen as soon as next week. Ironically, this state is the one that allows assisted suicide for terminally ill patients through the expertise of doctors. However, lawmakers argue that these kits have no safeguards and "take advantage of the vulnerable". This bill would prohibit the sale or transfer of any items to people with knowledge that they are going to use it to commit suicide. The difference between this bill and the law for terminally ill patients is that these kits have been made available to minors as well.

The Core Biblical Truth that applies to this is the one on Sin. It says, "Mankind is totally depraved and his sinful nature is seen throughout history.  Law and government were established to restrain this depravity in the governors as well as the governed." It's incredible that someone has to promote a bill to prohibit suicide kits; but since they are out there, it is and will be extremely beneficial. The fact that man would even consider killing his own life, that was given to him from God demonstrates total depravity. This bill is an enactment of an effort to restrain this sinful nature.

Journalism Current Event 4/29

Obama birth certificate released

Summary: This article is discussing the latest 'issue' with President Obama's legitimacy as a president. After months of question about where he was born, the Obama administration has finally released a copy of his birth certificate which states that he was born in the state of Hawaii on August 4, 1961. The article goes on to discuss minor details of his birth such as which hospital and who his mother is. It is careful to state that no religion is written on the document, but that the President feels bad for the "sideshow" of this whole controversy.

This article is most definitely not journalism as it does nothing to edify the people or inform them of anything that is specifically important at this time. Sure, the issue of his legitimacy is still out there, but at this point, most do not care whether he is legitimate or not; they just want him out of the presidency. This "news", while it is great to hear (because otherwise Americans look dumber than they already do, as they elected a president who wasn't even born in the country), it is not journalism.

The Core Biblical Truth for this article is sin (the social studies one). It says,

"Mankind is totally depraved and his sinful nature is seen throughout history.  Law and government were established to restrain this depravity in the governors as well as the governed."

This applies because this article addresses the potential of sin on behalf of the whole Obama administration. People have been accusing him of being of foreign birth, meaning they recognized the possibility of him lying to the American populace about his origins.

"Senators Propose Tighter Restrictions on Military Funeral Protests" -Journalism Current Event 4/15/11

Senators Propose Tighter Restrictions on Military Funeral Protests

Summary:
This article is discussing a new proposal put out by a group of bipartisan senators. This act, called the SERVE act, which stands for "The Sanctity of Eternal Rest for Veterans" would  create a buffer zone around the military funeral of 150 to 300 feet. It would also increase the quiet time before and after services and have penalties for those who break it. This act would cause a great controversy in the nation as the Supreme Court has already ruled in the Westboro Baptist case, in a 8-1 decision, that people have a right to protest at military funerals. The Supreme Court wrote that the protests were protected speech under the First Amendment. The Westboro Baptist Church has threatened to challenge any statutes that prohibit picketing, in light of the Supreme Court decision. There are around 14 senators who are co-sponsoring this proposal.


This article is most definitely journalism because it reveals what certain senators are doing in response to the recent Supreme Court case concerning the Westboro Baptist Church protests. It includes information as to what the SERVE act is and how it would affect military funerals. It also gives a good amount of background information on the Supreme Court case that stimulated this response.

The Core Biblical truth of Growth applies to this article in an interesting way. It says, "God’s people are stewards of His blessings, and with those blessings come great responsibility to further God’s ministry of redemption."

It can be used to support both sides of the argument. The men and women who join the military are using their gifts and abilities to serve the country. Therefore, people should not be allowed to protest at their funerals.
However, it can be argued that the people who are protesting are using their voices (which God has given them) to voice their opinions on the war and the military, which is a right protected by the First Ammendment. Therefore, it can be used for both arguments quite equally.

Journalism current event 3/25/11

Martha Stewart is finally a grandma

Summary: This article is about Martha Stewart's only daughter, Alexis Stewart, who has finally succeeded in having a baby. Little Jude was born at one in the morning on Tuesday, March 8. The article revealed that Martha would not be lovingly referred to as 'grandma' by the little one, but Martha. Alexis did not want to reveal the length or size of the baby as she deemed it rude to share with the public. Alexis stated having kids is the most important thing in her life, and her mother is equally happy about baby Jude. In fact, Martha went so far as to buy Jude embroidered baby clothes worth $100.


This article is most definitely not journalism as it does not apply to the public in any way whatsoever. It is only informative and does nothing to enhance the public's ideas of how to become more independent and self-sufficient. While it may excite those who are fond of Martha Stewart, though that can't be many people, it surely contains no other benefit to the rest of the world other than to provide the gossip of the day.

The Core Biblical Truth that applies to this is the one on Evangelism. It says, "God has specific directions (absolute law) concerning man's relationship to both Himself and his fellow man". This applies because I do not think the Stewarts have taken into consideration the command to parents to discipline their children. Allowing baby Jude to call her grandmother by her first name is quite unusual and disrespectful. Alexis Stewart should keep in mind the effect this will have on her child in the future when she finds it acceptable to call her mother Alexis.

Journalism Current Event: 3/11/11

"Growing up while mom and dad are off fighting a war"

Summary: This story is about a boy of two years old named Seth Rice, who is growing up without the presence of both of his parents. His parents, Marine Staff Sgt. Jeff Rice and Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chat Rice say that it was a tough decision, but for the best. Seth currently lives with his grandparents in Ohio, where they make sure he sees and talks to his parents on Skype. Technology has certainly been a lifesaver for this small family, and the Rice's are grateful for the opportunity to connect with their young son.

This article, though it could qualify as a human interest story (or yellow journalism), it does not fall into the category of journalism. It may reveal a story of a couple of people who are serving our country through the military, but it does not reveal anything to the public about themselves or how they can be more independent. 

The Core Biblical Truth that applies to this is the one on salvation. It says, "Throughout history, God has partnered with people to further his mission of salvation and redemption of a fallen creation". This applies because it is clear that the Rice's believe that it is necessary for them to serve in this war. And though their objective may not be to spread the Gospel and save foreigners from hell, their acts of service are displaying the works of God.