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 DIALOGUE - August 5, 2002
This page is updated by 2:00 pm (PST)

Welcome to the pity party at the University of California - World Net Daily
The latest nut-ball notion originating in California – and threatening to make its way across the country – is the "sob story sweepstakes" as a basis for university admissions. The most prestigious campuses in the University of California system, including Berkeley, UCLA, San Diego, Davis and Santa Barbara, now give special weight to candidates who've faced intense hardships at home or at school.

• Is this how it is in the real world? You get a job or promotion based on how bad you had it growing up?
  
  
• Does Jesus pay special attention to the misfortunate, the victims of crime, the products of extremely dysfunctional families? More so than he does to healthy, wealthy, loving, easy living families? He hears all who cry out to him. It is a heart issue. Your past, your situation, your environment does not make a difference in your entrance into the kingdom of God. (Eph 2:8-9)
  
  
• The apostle Paul could quite possibly be a prime candidate for acceptance into these universities based on his sufferings. Look at what Paul went through (2 Cor. 11:26-31). More importantly, look at his attitude when he talks about it. Is his main objective in sharing his painful accounts of life to bring glory and favor or pity to him? What is it then? (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
  
  
• What other Bible verses come to mind?
  Job 1:20-22; John 9:1-3ff; Matthew 11:28-30; James 1:2-5
  

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SIDE ORDERS - other news from today

A Deadly Place for Blasphemy - LA Times (free registration required)
In Pakistan, those accused of sacrilege against Islam face life in prison or execution, if mobs or inmates don't kill them first.

Church, state 'wall' not idea of Jefferson - Washington Times
New research on Thomas Jefferson's "wall of separation" between church and state shows that Jefferson never intended it to be the iron curtain of today, which instead was built on anti-Catholic legal views in the 1940s.

Dallas schools sued over religious e-mail - CNN
A public interest group sued a suburban Dallas school district Thursday over a policy banning employees from sending e-mail containing religious messages.

LEFTOVERS - previous dialogues

Friday - August 2, 2002

Flunking Out of School? Get a Lawyer

Thursday - August 1, 2002

Old Boys Club Gets a Facelift

Wednesday - July 31, 2002

Man Tried for Friend's Drunkenness

Tuesday - July 30, 2002

Bush to Create Formal Office To Shape U.S. Image Abroad

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

Click here for more Leftovers