Religion News Blog

Cult of Christianity leaves trail of dead children; parents in latest case on trial

Religion News Blog — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:05:24 +0000

Its extreme, unbiblical believes regarding faith healing make the 'Followers of Christ' church theologically a cult of Christianity.

Parents of the cult's latest victim -- their 15-month-old daughter -- are currently on trial, charged with criminal mistreatment and second-degree manslaughter.

Once dismissed as ’sex cult,’ Family International launches image makeover

Religion News Blog — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:09:35 +0000

Family International, the cult formerly known as The Children of God, is gearing up for a massive come-back.

Known for anything from sex scandals to offbeat doctrines that are far removed from the teachings of Biblical Christianity, the cult announced its plans for the future at the recent conference of CESNUR -- and organization known for its defense of religious cults.

Religion News Roundup: Anthroposophic beauty products; Gays: faith is important; Muslim terror suspect likes women’s feet…

Religion News Blog — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:08:06 +0000

In today's Religion News Roundup: your beauty products may be pushing a religious philosphy; 60% of gays say faith is important to them; and an American preacher arrested in Kenya faces charges of trafficking pornographic material.

Germany has more Muslims than previously thought, and the German government is making some concessions to them.

Meanwhile, the debate about the Burka continues elsewhere.

A brief roundup, posted from our vacation spot.

RNB Religion News Roundup: Scientology abuse exposed; Burka ban considered

Religion News Blog — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:22:00 +0000

In today's religion news roundup, more about the St. Petersburg Times 3-part expose highlighting abuses within the 'church' of Scientology -- a commercial enterprise that would like you to think it is a religion. A great buyer beware.

Also, what many UK teenagers prefer over faith in God -- as well as another religion trends item that addresses the popularity of religion online.

St. Petersburg Times exposes Scientology to daylight

Religion News Blog — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:21:38 +0000

Marty Rathbun and Mike Rinder, the highest-ranking executives to leave the Church of Scientology, are speaking out for the first time.

Two other former executives who defected also agreed to interviews with the St. Petersburg Times: De Vocht, who for years oversaw the church's spiritual headquarters in Clearwater, and Amy Scobee, who helped create Scientology's celebrity network, which caters to the likes of John Travolta and Tom Cruise.

One by one, the four defectors walked away from the only life they knew. That Rathbun and Rinder are speaking out is a stunning reversal because they were among Miscavige's closest associates, Haldeman and Ehrlichman to his Nixon.

French prosecutor seeks dissolution of Scientology

Religion News Blog — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:36:24 +0000

A French prosecutor on Monday recommended a Paris court should dissolve the Church of Scientology's French branch when it rules on charges of fraud against the organization.

The cult claims the fraud case against it violates freedom of religion but in France, as in many other places, it is merely considered a for-profit cult.

Parents of Ava Worthington face charges in her faith healing death

Religion News Blog — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:05:44 +0000

A couple charged with manslaughter claim they were within their constitutional rights when they decided to pray for their 15-month old daughter rather than take her to a doctor to treat her pneumonia.

But legal experts believe that Carl and Raylene Worthington will likely have a difficult time arguing freedom of religion over the state's duty to protect children from harm.

Five people found guilty in Janet Moses exorcism death

Religion News Blog — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 07:13:53 +0000

Cries rang out in an emotion-filled courtroom after a New Zealand High Court jury found five members of the family of a young woman guilty of her manslaughter during a curse lifting ceremony.

The family performed an exorcism on Moses in October 2007, forcing water into her mouth and eyes to flush out demons and lift the makutu, or curse. Instead enough went into her lungs to drown her.

Sentencing date set for mother in prayer death case; husband to be tried next month

Religion News Blog — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:07:43 +0000

The mother convicted of reckless homicide for praying while her daughter became gravely ill and died of undiagnosed diabetes will be sentenced Oct. 6.

A Marathon County prosecutor is seeking an out-of-county jury to try Dale Neumann because of heavy media coverage during the faith-healing trial of his wife, Leilani Neumann. His trial on a second-degree reckless homicide charge has been scheduled to start July 23.

Aum Shinrikyo cult’s secret stash turned over to its victims

Religion News Blog — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:43:23 +0000

A secret stash of money apparently hidden by a member of the Aum Shinrikyo killer cult -- notorious for its poison gas attacks on Japan's metro system, as well as a range of other crimes -- has been turned over to a fund set up for its victims.

which handed the money to the organization after the expiration of a three-month retention period, is investigating whether the money was used to provide support for wanted AUM fugitives.