DinnerDialogue.com is a division of Family Matters. Its purpose is to bring deeper and more open discussions to your family. Every weekday brings new news that opens up topics for discussion on moral, ethical and spiritual issues.

TODAY'S NEWS - July 29, 2002
This page is updated by 2:00 pm (PST)

Trapped miners all safe, sound in 'mine miracle' - Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Shortly before 1 a.m. today, 43-year-old Randall Fogle of Garrett, Somerset County, became the first of the miners returned to the surface in a 22-inch-wide rescue capsule. He complained of chest pain and was flown by helicopter to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown.

• One veteran miner said, "I believe in miracles. Put faith in God and anything can come through." When it comes to crisis situations people tend to put God on the spot for the outcome. If it turns out negatively they ask, "Where was God? Does He really exist?" If it turns out positively then it's assumed God was at work or it was merely the expertise of the rescuers or technology. Is it better for a Christian to be quiet until after the results, just in case things turn out tragically? Or is it better to speak out and say, "God is in control of the situation?"
  
  
• What should a Christian do or, more importantly, say during a time when tragedy is lurking just around the corner?
  
  
• What Bible verses come to mind?
  Daniel 3:16-18; Luke 5:16-26; 1 Peter 3:15-16; Psalm 46:1-3; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

SIDE ORDERS - other news from today

Mine Rescue Notable Quotations - Fox News
"Hallelujah. Amen. Thank God. Thank God." — Amy Louviere, of the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration, after the final miner was rescued.

Dispute over heaven, hell leaves 1 dead in Johnson County - Dallas Morning News
Drinking mixed with a dispute over heaven and hell led to the fatal shooting of a man in Johnson County early Sunday, authorities said.

Sounding Alarm, Providing Answers for Battle Against Porn - Agape Press
York and LaRue document countless law enforcement records that tie pornography to sex offenses. Other disturbing statistics add to the cause for concern. For example, the authors write, "A report in the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1993 noted that nearly half of the nation’s child molesters were children. In addition, in 1983 there were only 22 juvenile sex offender programs nationwide; in 1993 that number had grown to 755. Today there are more than 1,200."

It's the SAT scores, stupid! - World Net Daily
The letter was written by a mother who expressed some concern that her 2-year-old child called the daycare worker "Mama." Give points to the mother for being concerned – she hasn't been totally brainwashed. But what are we to say about the assurances of child-development specialists asked to answer this concerned mother?

Divorce not needed to cure marital misery - Washington Times
For years, divorce has been recommended as the best remedy for an unhappy marriage. Now a study suggests the idea that "they got divorced and lived happily ever after" is a bigger fairy tale than the traditional ending.

LEFTOVERS - previous dialogues

Friday - July 26, 2002

Bill legalizes trusts for the family pet

Thursday - July 25, 2002

Divorce, American Style

Wednesday - July 24, 2002

Americans Speak: Enron, WorldCom and Others Are Result of Inadequate Moral Training By Families

Tuesday - July 23, 2002

A Girl or Boy, You Pick The Gender of Your Next Baby

Monday - July 22, 2002

• Avila Found Not Guilty in 2000 Molestation Trial
  
• While women have broken gender barriers, men still favour traditional roles
  
• Movement to Change 'Satans' Nickname

Friday - July 19, 2002

Weblog: Dobson Again Calls For Parents To Pull Kids Out of Public Schools

Thursday - July 18, 2002

Digital "Buddies"; Friend or Faux?

Wednesday - July 17, 2002

Dad regards pledge case as his 'duty'

Tuesday - July 16, 2002

• Lie-detection advances raise hope, concerns
  
• 'Godless Americans' Plan March on Nation's Capital

Monday - July 15, 2002

• British Reality Show Will Hand Parents Marriage Choice to Kids
  
• Public School Pushes Homosexual Agenda and Discriminates Against Christian Student During 'Diversity Week'--Federal Lawsuit Filed

Friday - July 5, 2002

Hurry up and date

Wednesday - July 3, 2002

• Christian Mass Media Reach More Adults With the Christian Message Than Do Churches
  
• Cruise Kids to Live 'Far and Away'

Tuesday - July 2, 2002

Cruise Kids to Live 'Far and Away'

Monday - July 1, 2002

Why men drag their feet down the aisle

Friday - June 28, 2002

• What to take? Evacuees must choose from a lifetime of memories
  
• The race to raise a brainier baby

Thursday - June 27, 2002

Flap After Court Rules Pledge of Allegiance Unconstitutional

Wednesday - June 26, 2002

Spanking May Make Kids Violent, Analysis Finds
Sign Threatens Potential Car Thieves

Tuesday - June 25, 2002

• Democracy for Palestinians
  
• For Some, Tag Joins Dodgeball as Playground Pariah
  Leveled Playing Field?

Monday - June 24, 2002

• Suicide over hair-do
  
• FBI: Major Crime Up 2 Percent