CP World Report: Atheist, Reno Air Race, Richard Dawkins, Matt Redman

By World Report, The Christian Post in partnership with Crossroads, Tuesday, September 20, 2011

More than a hundred government leaders from around the world are in New York this week for the annual U-N General Assembly. The first round of meetings focused on combating deadly diseases like cancer and diabetes. Today, President Obama will participate in a Friends of Libya summit. The chairman of Libya's National Transitional Council, newly recognized by the U-N as the legitimate authority in that country, will also attend.

TAG: Meanwhile…. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is due to speak on Friday. After that, he will make his bid for Palestinian statehood and full U.N. membership….in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast War.

The horrific crash at Reno air race in Nevada. The plane did a nosedive into the crowds leaving the 74 year old pilot and nine spectators dead, 2 Canadians among them. Officials continue to investigate the cause for the crash. And in West Virginia, one stunt pilot was killed during at an air show crash. The primary difference between air races and airshows is that air shows are highly choreographed and synchronized. Whereas in air races, there is an element of unpredictability.

As if we weren’t wired enough . Imagine taking your smartphone to bed with apps to help you relax, unwind and even stop snoring…… It’s available, no kidding…….

A woman in Alberta strangled her newborn son and threw his body over the fence into the neighbors yard. An Alberta appeals court gave her a 3 year suspended sentence…..and no time in jail. That was after two juries had found her guilty of second degree murder. Justice Joanne Veit tied the woman’s act of infanticide to Canada’s lack of legal restrictions on abortion. She added that the Canadian approach is quote: a fair compromise to all interests involved. But well known and controversial writer Mark Steyn accused the Appeals court of allowing what he called a “fourth trimester abortion” .

A group of British academics has called for a ban of the teachings of intelligent design and creationism in State funded schools. The group attacked such views as being non-scientific theories promoted by religious fundamentalists. Well known evolutionary biologist and atheist,Richard Dawkins, is among that group. He’s known for his best-seller “The God Delusion”, and recently finished authoring a book promoting evolution to young children. The Evangelical Alliance of Wales is opposing the move and calling for a more balanced curriculum in the schools.

Meanwhile……members of a group of Humanists and atheists called “Backyard Skeptics” publicly tore up photocopies of Bible verses that they disagree with. They met at the Huntington Beach pier in Southern California. One of the passages they ripped up was when Christ called for elders to pray for and anoint the sick. Backyard Skeptics have launched several billboard ad campaigns and regular "outreaches" in Orange County.

With a slugglish economy, people everywhere try to save money, especially on travel if you manage to plan a vacation. A travel industry insider gives some tips on how save…..

A man burst through the doors of “Greater Faith Christian Church” in Lakeland, Fla., Sunday and shot the senior pastor and an associate pastor before worshippers tackled him to the ground. According to officials, 57-year-old Jeremiah Fogel fatally shot a woman at a nearby home before making his way to the Church. Pastor William Boss did not sustain life threatening injuries, while Associate pastor Carl Stewart was reported in critical condition. No motive established yet.

Internationally acclaimed worship leader and songwriter Matt Redman has challenged believers with the question: “Are you reflecting God’s radiance?” . His new book is called “Mirror Ball: Living Boldly and Shining Brightly for the Glory of God”. It affirms….that a life of worship never begins with you, but starts and ends with Christ. Redman is a Dove award winner, and is the author of worship classics such as “Blessed Be Your Name” and “The Heart of Worship.”