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 30, 2002
This page is updated by 2:00 pm (PST)

Bush to Create Formal Office To Shape U.S. Image Abroad - Washington Post
The office, due to be up and running by fall, will allow the White House to exert more control over what has become one of the hottest areas of government and private-sector initiatives since Sept. 11. Known as "public diplomacy," it attempts to address the question President Bush posed in his speech to Congress the week after the terrorist attacks: "Why do they hate us?"

'Arrogant' Uncle Sam needs to polish his image - New York Times
In a report to be published this week, the council said many countries, particularly Islamic ones, saw the US as "arrogant, self-indulgent, hypocritical and unwilling or unable to engage in cross-cultural dialogue".

• President Bush started a whole new department just to heal the image that, specifically, middle easterners have toward the United States. What image does the world have about Christianity?
  
  
• Does the Church need an image control office? Where do you think the Church (as a whole not just your local building) has gone wrong when it comes to the image we portray to the world? How can we fix it? Look at this study done by Barna Research.
  
  
• What is the role of the Church? (List out the roles/duties of the church that you find in the following verses. Rate how well you think the church in general is doing these roles. Then rate how well you are doing your part.)
  Luke 24:45-49; Acts 11:20-21; Ephesians 4:11-13; Galatians 6:10; Titus 3:14; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 1 John 3:16-18; Hebrews 13:1-3, 16; Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter 4:9-11; Mark 16:15-16; 1 Timothy 4:6, 13; 5:3-4, 16; James 1:27; 5:14-15
  

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SIDE ORDERS - other news from today

Slippage toward corporate scandal begins at home, Barna poll finds - Baptist Press
The importance of a person's upbringing -- as the mirror to one's character and values -- was underscored in Barna polling of 1,012 adults during the first half of July. (Click here to see the Dinner Dialogue on this issue)

Majority of Teens Choosing Abstinence, Says Study - CNSNews
Sexual activity among teenagers is now on the decline, according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Their findings were compiled in the 2001 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) report, a national report of the general health status of America's youth.

Unwelcome Spotlight - ABC News
Twice a day, pictures and names of johns convicted of soliciting prostitutes are posted on the broadcast along with ominous music and warnings from the police that if "you have any dealings with prostitution, you will likely be arrested and appear on television."

Man Tried for Friend's Drunkenness - New York Times (free registration required)
A 40-year-old laborer is on trial in New Jersey in a groundbreaking case experts say could clear the way for the prosecution of anyone who lets a drunken driver get behind the wheel.

LEFTOVERS - previous dialogues

Monday - July 29, 2002

Trapped miners all safe, sound in 'mine miracle'

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