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Eye on the World: Friday, May 11, 2012
NEW: Obama endorses same-sex marriage
On Wednesday, President Obama endorsed same-sex marriage in an interview with ABC News. Obama explained that he had already decided to speak out publicly sometime before the Democratic National Convention in September, but that Vice President Joe Biden forced Obama’s hand after Biden himself expressed his support for gay marriage on Sunday. The timing of Obama’s endorsement came just one day after voters in North Carolina approved an amendment to their state constitution banning same-sex marriage and civil unions. Although Obama expressed his respect for religious opposition to gay marriage, the issue remains a heated one that has created an ideological schism in the country.
Yet, putting politics aside, a spiritual outlook has the power to unite us all, rather than divide us. A June 7, 2004 Christian Science Sentinel article titled, “It was the flak jacket,” written when same-sex marriage first became legal in Massachusetts, shows how “prayer, watching, working, and self-immolation” can help unify and heal society as it tries to find its way forward on this and any controversial issue.
NEW: Damascus bombings could be turning point in Syria
A Syrian government intelligence compound in Damascus was the target of bombings yesterday, which killed 55 people and wounded almost 400. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks, with the Syrian government blaming terrorists, and the opposition accusing the regime of setting up the bombing in order to say terrorists were involved. Whoever is responsible, though, the United Nations and the US are warning that the formerly peaceful protests against the Syrian regime could become an armed insurgency with similarities to Iraq.
“For Syria, prayers that bring peace” shows how turning thought to the presence of the Christ can free us from thinking a conflict is “unsolvable, or more powerful than God.” God is always more powerful than evil and violence, and with the First Commandment as our guide, our prayers can still support a peaceful resolution in Syria.
NEW: Time Magazine features controversial breastfeeding cover
Time Magazine’s cover image this week, of a defiant mom breastfeeding her 3-year-old son, has sparked controversy. The cover goes with a story about Bill Sears, an “attachment parenting” guru whose parenting suggestions include extended breastfeeding and co-sleeping arrangements. The Time Magazine article may prompt further conversations about breastfeeding and attachment parenting in general.
The Audio Chat, “The Motherhood of God,” explores motherhood from a spiritual perspective. The chat goes into detail about God’s nature as our one true parent, our Father-Mother, and shows how we can all feel God’s nurturing presence in our lives and turn to Her for guidance.