Religion Today Summaries - Apr. 15, 2008

Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff | Crosswalk.com | Published: Apr 14, 2008

Religion Today Summaries - Apr. 15, 2008

Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world.
 
In today's edition:

  • Hindu Radicals Storm Christian School in India
  • Earth Day, Christian Style?
  • IMB Appoints 92 New Missionaries
  • Christian Mission Center and Church Desecrated in India

Hindu Radicals Storm Christian School in India

ASSIST News Service reports that a group of Hindu radicals stormed St. Joseph's Convent Christian School in India. The incident occurred on April 7 at Raigad in Mahashtra State. According to a story on www.persecution.in, the radicals were demanding that photographs of Hindu deities be put up inside the school. The web site reported that when a school parent tried to argue with the approximately 50 radicals in support of the school administrator, a nun, he was assaulted in full view of everyone there. The school, which was established in 2002, serves children between kindergarten and the fourth grade. It caters to poor children from surrounding villages.

Earth Day, Christian Style?

A release from the Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD) states that with the celebration of Earth Day on April 22, the IRD is releasing the first in the Mt. Nebo Papers series, "What is the Most Important Environmental Task Facing American Christians Today?" by IRD Adjunct Fellow Dr. E. Calvin Beisner. Christians are called to wise stewardship of the Earth God created. However, a debate rages within the Christian community on what stewardship entails. Dr. Beisner’s paper looks at not only what the Bible addresses as a good stewardship, but also what the church teaches historically, and finally makes recommendations. The IRD is offering the paper as a free downloadable resource on www.theird.org. Beisner commented: "Christians really need to face the challenge of triage--comparing the benefits and costs of various environmental policies and selecting those that will be the best stewardship. That's what this paper does."

IMB Appoints 92 New Missionaries

The International Mission Board on April 9 in Sunnyvale, Texas appointed 92 new missionaries to service, Baptist Press reports. "Why does God want the nations to know Him?" asked IMB President Jerry Rankin of more than 2,500 people gathered at Sunnyvale First Baptist Church. "It's because of the tragedy of lostness. Here in America we just can't imagine what it means to live in a place that's never heard the name of Jesus. To live a lifetime in futile search for your eternal destiny, never knowing that there's a Savior who died for you. We're so grateful... that you 92 new missionaries are taking a stand." The new missionaries represented a diverse cross-section, coming from churches across the country and many different walks of life. But Rankin noted a common thread – a sense of urgency.

Christian Mission Center and Church Desecrated in India

ASSIST News Service reports that a group of Hindu radicals attacked a Christian Mission Center in India recently. According to a story reported by www.persecution.in, the attack occurred on April 5 in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh State. The website also stated that in addition to desecrating the building, the fundamentalists also destroyed a number of religious materials. The Hindu fundamentalists reportedly began verbally abusing the female principal when she asked them to park in the appropriate area. The radicals also threatened a church official who attempted to assist the principal. The story reported that the attackers made allegations of forced conversions at the school, but no arrests have been made.

Religion Today Summaries - Apr. 15, 2008