For centuries Christians have been taught that wise men from the east brought gifts for the baby Jesus.

But, according to polling, one in 10 young adults in Britain now believe that Father Christmas also makes an appearance in the Biblical account of the nativity.

Significant numbers also think that Mary and Joseph might have brightened up the stable with a Christmas tree.

Over a third of the public think that the Bible records December 25 as the date of the Jesus’s birth.

And a quarter appear to have confused the lyrics of “Away in a Manger” with the gospels by believing that the Bible states that Jesus did not cry when he was born.

More than 2,000 people of all ages were polled on their knowledge of the Christmas story to test whether younger generations are becoming increasingly ignorant of religion.

The ComRes survey, conducted on behalf of the Christian Institute, involved giving people a list of elements and asking whether each was included in the Biblical accounts of Christ’s birth.

Overall 87 per cent believed that the Bible says that Jesus was born in a stable – a location at least implied by the gospel of Luke’s account that he was laid in a manger because there was no room at the inn.

Meanwhile 84 per cent said the accounts include three kings or wise men made visiting Jesus. Although the Bible does not quantify the magi, it but does specify three gifts.

Similarly three quarters think the Bible mentions Mary riding a donkey or that the cattle were busy lowing at the time of the birth.

Perhaps more surprisingly one in 20 Britons think that Father Christmas makes an appearance in the Bible – a proportion which rises to 10 per cent among the 25 to 35 age group.

People who work in the public sector – a category which includes teachers – are almost twice as likely as private sector employees to think that Father Christmas features in Scripture.

Similarly seven per cent thought that the Bible makes room for a Christmas tree – an innovation introduced in Victorian times. Among 18 to 34 year old the proportion almost doubles.

Colin Hart, head of the Christian Institute, said: “This poll shows a worrying lack of knowledge about our country’s Christian heritage that has shaped our history, institutions and laws, even who we are and our values.

“When one in 10 public sector workers, including social workers and teachers think that Santa Claus is part of the Bible’s account of the nativity, what hope is there for our children?

“Our Christian heritage is being corrupted and airbrushed and the central Christmas message about the birth of Jesus Christ is being lost.

“For many pupils RE has become a multi-faith mishmash.

"The Government must take a stand instead of running scared from the political correctness lobby and ensure that our young people are taught properly about the life and message of Jesus.”

From Telegraph

Gay High Schooler Suspended for Ripping Pages Out of the Bible | TIME.com

nation.time.com

Isaiah Smith, an openly gay 18-year-old senior at  Birdville High School in North Richland Hills, Texas, was suspended for three days last week after ripping pages out of a Bible in class. Smith says that he tore the Bible while trying to make a point to his classmates about bullying.

Why Bible Believers Have Such a Hard Time Getting Child Protection Right

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Far too often, the news cycle includes a tragic story about a child dying because his or her parents applied religious teachings with too much vigor. The most recent victim, Hana Williams, was adopted from Ethiopia by Evangelical parents who believed that parenting required “breaking her will.” Stories like Hana’s provoke rounds of collective soul-searching:  How did we miss the signs?  What can we do differently to protect children better? But some people find those questions more threatening than the abuse itself.

The Vatican is reported to be investigating seven priests of the Legion of Christ order in connection with allegations of child abuse.

In a statement to the AP news agency, the Mexican order said seven cases had been referred to the Vatican's department that deals with sex crimes.

The Legion of Christ's founder, Marcial Maciel, sexually abused many boys and young men over a period of 30 years.

He was disciplined by the Vatican in 2006 over the abuse.

One of the cases being investigated in relation to the seven priests is recent, while others date back several decades, the order said in the statement given to AP.

The investigation will be handled by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican office that investigates allegations of sexual abuse.

While it is under way, the suspects will be kept away from children.

'Immoral acts'

"Over the past few years, in several countries, the major superiors of the Legion of Christ have received some allegations of gravely immoral acts and more serious offences... committed by some legionaries," AP quoted the statement as saying.

The order has previously insisted that Fr Maciel was an isolated case.

The BBC's Alan Johnston in Rome says that if these new allegations are proven it will show that the rot in the order had spread beyond its disgraced leader.

In 2009, the Church launched an investigation into the order after Fr Maciel, who died in 2008, was also revealed to have fathered a daughter by a mistress.

A year later, Pope Benedict XVI appointed an envoy to implement a complete overhaul of the Legion of Christ, saying it had to be "purified".

The previous pope, John Paul II, long held up Fr Maciel as a model to the faithful, despite persistent allegations of sexual abuse, which were later proven.

In recent years, the Church has been rocked by cases of paedophilia by priests, and accusations that it did not do enough to investigate the allegations.

We’re at a point when even a notable Republican pollster is warning the party that it’s to their own detriment to fight equal rights for gay people. You would think Christian groups would come around to that way of thinking eventually, too, but that may take another generation or two. Most Christian leaders refuse to accept the fact that gay people just aren’t a problem for most people, including younger Christians.

The Illinois Family Institute, a SPLC-certified hate group, offers five reasons Christians should continue to fight against gay marriage (written by Kevin DeYoungof The Gospel Coalition). When you read their list, it’s clear they’re out of ideas. They know they’re fighting a losing battle, and they’re clinging to whatever bigotry might still go unchallenged by their members:

When North Carolina voters head to the polls on May 8, they will be asked to decide on a constitutional amendment – known as “Amendment One” – that prohibits marriages between same-sex couples. Same-sex marriage is already illegal by statute, but N.C. is the only state left in the Southeast without a constitutional ban.

So this is quite a showdown. There’s much talk of liberty, lifestyle and family — and a whole lot of talk about God. As opponents and supporters target churches all the way from Appalachia to the Outer Banks, religious leaders are flooding the airwaves to share their views on a hot button issue that throws core values into stark relief.

Growing up, I attended a church in Raleigh that is deeply involved in the current debate. And I can tell you that the fault lines are deep – and often surprising – to folks in other parts of the country.