Revelations

Dodgeball a Church Recruiting Tool

The cardinal rule of dodgeball -- fling the ball as hard as you can at the most vulnerable parts of your opponent's body -- doesn't seem particularly Christian. But at several churches around the country, dodgeball has become the latest tool in youth outreach.

"It's easier to get them to something like that than Bible studies," Gary Branae, youth director at American Lutheran Church in Billings, Mont., told the Associated Press.

His church, like several in Billings, sponsors dodgeball teams. Before one recent game, a pastor gathered the teenagers, read from the Bible and briefly talked about standing together and pursuing more than one's own pleasure. The youths then prayed, asking God to be with them and to spare them any broken bones.

Celebration

This month's spotlight Dusserah

Date Oct. 12

Description Dusserah, meaning 10th day, is a Hindu festival marking the triumph of good over evil. Its origin is in the story presented in the Hindu scripture Ramayana, of how Rama defeated the 10-headed demon king Ravana because he had abducted Rama's wife, Sita. Some Hindus celebrate the day with outdoor gatherings at which actors portraying Rama shoot flaming arrows at effigies of Ravana, which are stuffed with firecrackers. This act is an invitation to people to eradicate the evil within themselves and follow the path of goodness. It is believed that new ventures begun on this day have a good chance of success.

Religion 101

Why is incense used in religious rituals?

The sweetly fragrant smoke given off by burning aromatic gums or spices can be a sign of many elements in religious devotion, notably reverence, cleansing and forgiveness. For example, Roman Catholic priests use incense at the altar because it is where the central act of the Mass takes place. Incense also is used to create a mystical atmosphere, conducive to prayer. And the physical ascension of incense is a symbol of the human desire for prayer to rise to God.

-- Compiled from staff reports and news services