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Growing up in a Christian home where since 1974, we have always attended Maplewood Church and having becoming a Christian at age 5, I have the Christian principles rooted well within me, which unfortunately most of our nation can no longer say.
Christianity is and always will be the center of my life. You see everything I do is based on a Biblical worldview just like it was for the Founding Fathers of our nation in the late 1700's and early 1800's. Although, because they grew up being taught in a society that believed in doing this and I have not they know far better than I what the Bible teaches on various subjects to earthquakes, civil government, economics, and solar eclipses just to name a few.
Three Sunday school teachers on trial in Indonesia
On July 28, 2005 hostile spectators filled a courtroom in West Java, Indonesia, a staunchly Muslim province. This was the fifth hearing in a controversial trial against three Christian women, Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun. They are being formally charged with attempting to convert Muslim children to Christ through a Christian education program. In Indonesia anyone found guilty of attempting to convert children may be imprisoned for up to five years, and/or fined up to 100 million rupiah ($10,226). In this region, Christian communities are often refused permits to build churches or to worship in rented facilities -- and therefore meet together in private homes.
These women launched the "Happy Sunday" program on Sept. 9, 2003, providing education for 10 Christian children. Bangun and Zakaria stated that they had been completely honest with the parents of children attending the program, and that there was no hidden agenda. Within weeks, several Muslim children had asked to join the program. Zakaria said that the Muslim children attended with a verbal consent of their parents, and that most of the children had photos taken with their parents for church records.
When Muslim leaders lodged an official complaint, these parents refused to testify in support of the women. An anonymous source said, "None of them dare to come forward to say that they personally allowed their children to attend the program out of fear of their own Muslim brethren."
One of our workers from the VOM office in Indonesia visited these three women and reported, "There were no scared or sad expressions on the faces of these women. They know that they are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus!" Pray for justice for these three brave Christian women and pray for the Muslim children who were part of this Sunday school. Don't let the faith of these Christian women suffer in silence.
Please take this opportunity to request your free subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs monthly newsletter. You will read some of the most courageous stories and find practical ways you can get involved.
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Wednesday July 20, 2005
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The New More Wholesome Madonna? - Shunning Britney Spears' Immodesty
LONDON, July 20, 2005, (LifeSiteNews.com) When Madonna starts sporting Cashmere, elegant but modest Grace Kelly inspired dresses and publicly gushing about her desire to just be a good old fashioned, stay-at-home mother, you can be sure that times are changing.
Even as Britney Spears, who infamously exchanged an onstage French kiss with Madonna the “Material Girl”, prepares to further stir the tabloid pot by releasing a new ‘reality’ series in which she reportedly expresses her obsession with sex, curious eyes are turning towards Madonna’s newest makeover.
In the upcoming August edition of Vogue, Madonna admits regret about her more tumultuous years: “I was a very selfish person,” she said. “You go through periods of your life where the world does revolve around you, but you can't live your whole life that way.” The issue focuses on her life with director husband Guy Ritchie (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) at their English country-side estate.
"To me, Ashcombe [their estate] is a reflection of me and my husband in many ways, because it reflects our willingness to make a commitment," she said. "Not necessarily to each other but to the idea of having a home somewhere, instead of living like gypsies." According to Madonna she has developed a new love for the peace and quiet of the English countryside, admitting her and her children don’t even watch television or read magazines.
If Madonna has proven anything throughout her often-times scandalous and lengthy career it is that she is remarkably, even eerily, attuned to cultural changes. Although in the past the aging but ever popular pop-star rode with, and largely defined the cultural movement towards the scantily clad, sex-selling bubble-gum pop-star, her most recent makeover, to all appearances, is shockingly wholesome.
Many have speculated recently that the sexy pop-star trend is reaching the end of its tether as various stars shamelessly attempt to outdo each other in scandal to grab tabloid headlines. More modestly dressed and conservative stars such as Christian singer Rebecca St. James have been increasingly featured as counter-cultural alternatives. Even the widely popular pop-rock star Avril Lavigne demonstrates this new cultural trend in action with her relatively modest jeans and t-shirt fashion.
It is ironic that just as Madonna’s new-found respectability is receiving the public eye, Sarah Hampson of the Globe and Mail, in a full-length article, described Rebecca St. James as “an alternate pop-icon—the Other Madonna.” St. James, who has racked up nine No. 1 Christian-music singles has proven that sex is hardly necessary to success: “I don’t show cleavage, and if I wear a skirt, I generally wear pants underneath,” said the music star in an interview with the Globe and Mail. She has long made it known that she will wait until marriage to have sex, and that attitude has gained a lot of attention and respect with the popular “True Love Waits” movement. Since 1993 that chastity-friendly movement has seen over two and a half million youth sign a pledge to remain chaste until marriage.
But, even more importantly, St. James has made chastity cool. “Her image is not prudish or sexually repressive, like that a Victorian high-collared, buttoned-up schoolmarm. She is more like a vision of a beautiful, unplowed field, hair wafting in the wind. She is the America that the pioneers first glimpsed, full of hope and promise,” Hampson continues somewhat melodramatically. But the point remains, that St. James’ beauty (and she is very beautiful) in many ways arises from the very purity of her sexual restraint.
Skeptics will probably point out that Madonna’s new makeover is little more than a publicity stunt, and considering Madonna’s past, that seems most likely; but that hardly makes a difference. What many find encouraging is that Madonna is clearly tapping into a growing cultural movement that is distancing itself from the raunchy publicity stunts of the mainstream pop-icons, and moving towards a more wholesome image that recognizes that there is more to life than sex and money. And women like Rebecca St. James, who truly and earnestly embody that philosophy, are giving today’s teens, who need an alternative to Britney Spears and her cohorts, a model worthy of emulation.
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Five American Church Leaders Arrested in Henan; Female House Church Evangelists Tortured and Abused in Xinjiang and Hubei
Secret Documents Show Chinese Government's Campaign Against Religious Cults
五位美国教会领袖河南被捕; 河南.江西大肆抓捕基督徒; 许多女信徒新疆和湖北受虐待和酷刑; 山西和湖北秘密文件显示全国性打击宗教异己
To: National & International Desks
Contact: Bob Fu, China Aid Association, 267-205-5210, fxq02@yahoo.com
MIDLAND, Texas, Aug. 18 /Christian Wire Service/ -- Despite a visiting high level US religious freedom monitoring delegation in Beijing (www.uscirf.gov), CAA learned five American Church leaders were arrested in Luoyang City and Yichuan City, Henan Province by the PSB of Luoyang City on August 15.
According to reliable collaborated sources, four American church leaders including one couple and 27 Chinese House Church pastors were arrested at a location nearby a mall at Luoyang City at 9 am while celebrating Christian fellowship together.
Another American along with Chinese Pastor Wan Dagan, were arrested at 1 pm by two plain-clothed secret agents while the two were walking on a street in Yichuan City, Henan Province.
None of the names of the five Americans who are believed to belong to the same group of visitors are available. Their detention location is unknown. One man, Mr. Zhuo Tao, who used to work in the Chinese army, a nephew of Peter Xu, who is the founder of a Christian house church group known as Born Again Movement, was among those arrested.
2. Also, CAA learned from eyewitness reports that on August 13, ten more South China Church leaders were released after 43 were arrested along with two American seminary students on August 2, in Hubei.
Terrible torture was used against some of them including burning their arms with cigarettes and needles punctures to their wrists. One woman, Lian Tonggui, was striped of her pants and beaten until bloody with a specially designed sharp bamboo stick. She is still in extreme pain. The two still remaining in jail are Ms. Gu Junqing - 38 years old, and sister Ren Daoyun 60 years old.
Ms. Gu was recently transferred to her hometown at Tanghe County Detention Center, Henan Povince.
Ms. Ren was the hostess of that gathering in Zaoyang City, Hubei Province.
According to several eyewitnesses she was beaten repeatedly and passed out several times.
3. At 9 am August 11, a Sunday school teacher's training class was raided at Xiping Xinjian Village, Xiaogang Town, Dongxiang County, Jiangxi Province.
Approximately 20 PSB and 8 police vehicles surrounded the church building where 35 high-school and university students and some church leaders were meeting.
When the police began taking money from the pockets of the believers and packing church property to their vehicles, several older women asked for receipts.
That is when the beatings started. All the believers were arrested and most of them were not released until 8 pm. So far 6 have received sentences for criminal detention and are waiting further prosecution.
They are: Ms. Xu Meifang, Ms. Zhao Jie, Ms. Zhang Shuming (host family), Mr. Wu Jiewang, Mr. Zhu Guanzhu and Mr. Zhu Xiaochun.
Another leader Ms. Xu Chahua, 42-year-old was arrested the morning of August 15.
4. Other arrests involving abuse of women happened in Xinjiang.
At 11 am, August 7, during Sunday worship service, a House Church in Hejing County, Xinjiang was raided. About 30 Christians were arrested and more than ten Christian women were stripped and paraded in front of the others. The women who refused to take off their clothes were beaten severely.
One woman attempted to commit suicide by beating her head against the wall because of this extreme humiliation. More than 20 police vehicles surrounded the church.
Three church leaders Mr. Song Jun, Mr. He Jiangwei and Ms. Liang Fanglan, are still being held incommunicado. The Domestic Security Protection Squad of Hejing County PSB, Mr. Ma Yi and Ms. Deng Ping and another police officer, badge ID number 131277, were involved in the interrogation and torture and abuse.
5. From June to August, in at least four towns including Lizhuang Town, Xuzhai Town, Qiaogou Town, and Fenggang Town in Gushi County, Henan Province, according to CAA's field reporters, approximately 400 to 500 believers were arrested including pastor Huang Congju, pastor Fan Zhgang and pastor Ding Xuezhi. They belong to 15 house churches. They were accused of "anti-society, anti-TSPM" because they left their corrupt government sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement organization and declared their independence in 2003.
All of them were released after paying heavy fines from 2000 to 5000 RMB.
Recently CAA received secret documents from City of Datong, Shanxi Province and City of Shayang, Hubei Province, detailing China's systematic program of discrimination against religious "cults."
These documents, prepared by The Offices of the Leadership Group to Prevent and Handle Cultic Activities of the Chinese Communist Party (610 Office), were found in a brief report dated January 23 (Datong City) and 28 (Shayang City) 2005, which broadly defines religious cults in such a way as to leave open further acts of religious violations by the Government.
These documents outline training session instructions for grassroots cadres regarding "policies on preventing and handling cults which operate in the name of religion." Included in the anti-cult study materials are several quotes by socialist thinkers, like Frederick Engels who remarked that those "seeking spiritual comfort… are naturally slaves."
The Office of Leadership Group's documents defines a religious cult in three ways.
First, God is a performer of "miracles"; second, such organizations are similar to clandestine organizations like gangs and mafia societies; third, cults propagate evil teachings which are anti-science, anti-civilization, and anti-society.
Due to the vagueness of the documents' definition of "cults," the enforcement of such policies will infringe upon what little religious freedom believers in China already possess.
These documents make specific reference to the Falun Gong, describing such a "cult" as waiting to "unite with other hostile forces, such as the democratic movement and Taiwan independence movement."
The Shayang county document indicates the Chinese government has purposefully engaged in a targeted campaign against other unregistered religious groups besides Falun Gong.
The document specifically instructs local news agencies to avoid reports about crackdowns on other groups except Falun Gong.
"While anti-cult training and lectures are conducted, names of other evil cults, except "Falun Gong," shall not be publicized in any propaganda material, media, or websites by any news agencies," the document said.
The two documents in both Chinese and English are published on the latest issue of CAA quarterly journal Chinese law and Religion Monitor.
Lastly, included in the document are nine points of the "Obligation Contract on Honoring Science and Opposing Cults."
The obligations include "honoring science and not cults," a 2000 Yuan fine for participation in cults, and a "spiritual and material reward for boycotting and reporting cultic activities."
"China's violations of international religious and diplomatic covenants, to which they are a signatory, must cease.
Religious groups which already have limited fundamental rights will be deemed a 'cult' at any time and loose what legitimacy they previous held."
Bob Fu said, "China's blatant disregard for the fundamental rights of religious believers raises questions as to China's commitment to the rule of law and greatly weakens its moral authority."
CAA urges the commissioners from US Commission on International Religious Freedom to use their current meetings with Chinese senior officials to raise these cases and demand immediate release of these religious prisoners and thorough investigation on the torture allegations.
Issued by China Aid Association on August 18, 2005
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Copyright © 1999-2005 Christian Communication Network. All Rights Reserved.
Harry Potter Feature
Updated July 7, 2005
Whirlwind of Controversy
Many thoughtful families are caught in the whirlwind of controversy over the wildly popular Harry Potter series of books by Joanne K. Rowling.
That is, are these series of novels just harmless, imaginative, children's adventure stories or do they condition young readers to be more open to the occult and serious witchcraft?
It is not easy to answer these questions. Strongly pro-family spokesmen have come out on both sides of the issue.
A clue might be that the establishment media and entertainment industry are ecstatic about Harry Potter. The almost universal enthusiasm from the generally anti-family mainstream media should cause families to pause and at least take a careful look at all the arguments.
It is hoped that the following material will provide quality alternative food for thought to help parents and others to discern the best response to Harry Potter.
Michael O'Brien on Harry Potter
We especially direct you to the essay by Michael O'Brien in which he carefully analyzes the Potter phenomenon from a Christian perspective and points out the differences between the Harry Potter series and J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and C. S. Lewis' Narnia fantasies.
Lord of the Rings has a wizard as a main character, there is also magic, lots of monsters and constant battles between good and evil.
O'Brien's essay is an education in morally sound versus morally dangerous fantasy literature for children.
The work goes beyond criticizing the Potter series and stirs the conscience to reflect more seriously on the loss of traditional faith and the danger posed by the secular entertainment media.
O'Brien acknowledges the Potter series is a creative, imaginative and powerful drama filled with enticing ideas.
However, the allure created, according to O'Brien, heightens the danger that the crude and morally confused concepts will be assimilated and put into practice - especially by some of the more vulnerable in the target audience of impressionable children.
Other Resources
Other helpful articles from reputable sources are also listed below.
There are surprisingly very strong emotions on this topic. Hopefully, readers will emphasize reason and thoughtful, unemotional consideration of what are the most compelling arguments and what is the best course of action in response to the Harry Potter phenomena.
Resources:
Pope Opposes Harry Potter Novels - Signed Letters from Cardinal Ratzinger Now Online
LifeSiteNews.com July 13, 2005
Pope Benedict Opposes Harry Potter Novels
LifeSiteNews.com June 27, 2005
U.S. Judge Rules Schools Cannot Require Parental Permission for Potter Books
LifeSite Daily News - April 23, 2003
Dangerous Gnosticism on the Rise
LifeSite Daily News - April 14, 2003
World Media Falsely Trumpet Approval of Harry Potter
LifeSite Daily News - Feb. 7, 2003
Harry Potter Gets Vatican’s Blessing?
Family Life Center International
Harry Potter: An Entry Point into the World of the Occult / New Age Movement
Family Life Center International
The Trouble With Harry - John Andrew Murray
Family Life Center International
Restoring the Sense of Wonder - Michael O'Brien
Family Life Center International
Harry Potter Kit
Family Life Center International
Rome's Chief Exorcist Warns Parents Against Harry Potter
LifeSite Daily News - Jan. 2, 2002
Harry Potter: Pro and Con
Reprinted with permission from Jan/Feb 2002 Catholic Insight magazine
Harrycane: a Sign of the Times by Father Lazare de la Mere de Dieu, F.J.
Reprinted with permission from Dec 2001 Catholic Insight magazine
Harry Potter and the Paganization of Children's Culture by Michael O'Brien
Also available in PDF Format
Reprinted with permission from Michael O'Brien and Catholic World Report magazine (April 21 edition)
June Letter to Editor of Catholic World Report and Response from Michael O'Brien
Also available in PDF Format
Why Harry Potter Goes Awry
Zenit interview with Michael O'Brien - Dec. 6, 2001
Harry Potter: Friend or Foe for Kids
Zenit, Dec. 6, 2001
Harry Potter: Agent of Conversion
by Toni Collins in Envoy magazine
Musings on Harry Potter
by Gregory Koukl in Stand to Reason
Harry Potter and the Lost Generations
Clare McGrath Merkle, The Cross and the Veil
The Perils of Harry Potter
Christianity today
Harry Potter - St. Joseph's Covenant Keepers
This is an Adobe Acrobat file
Harry Potter and the Bible
Religious Information Center
De-Fanging C.S. Lewis
Catholic.net
Potter Books: Wicked Witchcraft? - WorldNet Daily
New documentary claims tales lead to the occult.
Is "Harry Potter" Harmless?
Christian Answers.net
Harry Potter and Christians
Reachout Trust
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Published by LifeSiteNews.com
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Microchips tag stray Delhi cows
Delhi has about 40,000 cows roaming the streets
The authorities in the Indian capital Delhi have turned to microchips to tackle the growing problem of stray cows roaming the streets.
A court had earlier ordered authorities in south Delhi to offer a reward of $45 to anyone delivering a stray cow.
The authorities then sell the cow to a new owner but they are concerned people might take advantage by bringing back the same cow for the reward.
A $11 microchip in the cow's gut will now show a cow already brought in.
Commissioner of the local municipal corporation, Rakesh Mehta, said the chips would allow resident welfare associations to determine whether the cow brought to the local authorities was a stray one or not.
"Otherwise, people can sell their own cows for quick money," he said.
Following the earlier Delhi High Court order, a number of cows and buffaloes have been brought to the authorities by people eager to receive rewards.
Cows are revered as sacred among Hindus and are protected by law.
There are nearly 40,000 thought to be roaming the streets of the Indian capital.
Officials say unauthorised dairy farms are one of the main causes.
They say stray cows pose a serious traffic hazard.
This week a woman broke her arm after a cow being chased by residents slammed into her.
Modesty Becomes Us
With hair long and high seat backs it looks like some women are not wearing tops in church. As Christians, we need to address what message we are sending with our clothing styles.
Compiled by Janet Epp Buckingham | Posted 8/24/05
Opening up a can of worms, I tackle the appropriateness of Canadian summer women's wear for Christian women.
The Muslim woman sends the message—I am covered. I am not for you to look at.
As I sat in church the other week, I looked towards the front and saw a sea of seemingly naked women's backs. What's up? Did I miss the fact that it was clothing optional week?
But no, the men's backs were covered. And, as I noticed other women, it was not that they were completely naked, they were just wearing halter tops. With hair long and seat backs high, from the back, it looks as though they are not wearing tops at all!
Now we all recognize that it is hot in the summer. And styles of dress show rather a lot of flesh. But, as Christians, we need to address what message we are sending with our clothing styles.
Perhaps I am particularly sensitive about this issue because I live in a part of Ottawa with a high Muslim population. Even on the hottest days, all Muslim adults are covered to the wrists and the ankles. Many of the women are also wearing the hijab and so have their heads covered as well. It is quite a contrast to see a completely covered Muslim woman sitting on the bus beside a woman in a mini-skirt and halter top. Let me be clear, I am not advocating that Christian women adopt Muslim dress codes.
But what is the message that each sends out?
The Muslim woman sends the message—I am covered. I am not for you to look at. Sort of a "nothing to see here, move along, move along," message.
The skimpily dressed woman, on the other hand, gives rather the opposite message, "Look at me, lots to see!" (I am not saying that she is asking for unwanted attention but rather that she is drawing attention to her body.)
In our churches, the transformation in attire has been drastic over the last couple of decades. I remember 30 years ago (ouch) when a male friend of mine was reprimanded for wearing shorts in church. Go to a Catholic church on a Sunday morning today and you will even now often be asked to cover your bare shoulders.
Now on a Sunday morning, there are many pairs of shorts and no hats. And I am not bemoaning this. I enjoy worshipping God in a more relaxed atmosphere.
But where I do ask questions is in the exercise of Christian freedom to dress immodestly: not just on Sunday morning but all the time. Is it appropriate for Christian girls to dress skimpily? And if the answer is "yes," are there any appropriate limits that we should impose on ourselves? What about mini-skirts? Halter tops? Spaghetti straps? Bare midriffs? Even thongs?
I am impressed by the quiet modesty of the Muslims. I think we would find a lot of sympathy in society for a quiet modesty among Christians. Do we dare to be different?
What is modesty? In this context, modesty is a voluntary personal responsibility to behave and dress in such a way as to not purposely draw attention to oneself nor think proudly of oneself, and a decision to protect oneself from inappropriate purposeful or "unintended" enticement.
What is the point of modesty? First, it shows that we take seriously the sexual morality we preach. Second, it sets a strong and important standard that can help our young people from falling into sexual sin. Immodesty of dress not only affects the boys taking a look, it affects the way the girl feels about herself.
I am not trying to say that Christian women should be covered from neck to ankle (though I have met women who do). I am also not advocating head covering for Christians (although I have met women who wear them). Nor that we should dress in shapeless sacks! When we choose not to buy into the culture of sexuality that is all around us, we can be beautiful without being on display.
The Bible speaks to this issue. Both Paul and Peter instruct women to be modest in their dress. And consider Romans 14:13-15 which tells us not to do anything that could be a stumbling block to others. Yes, it is true, skimpily dressed women are a stumbling block to men.
As I started looking around on the internet for websites on this issue, it was very instructive. There is clearly a whole wide variety out there. I am middle aged, so it is fairly easy for me. Tabi and Sears can cover me up in a hurry. For teens, there is one website with great modest clothes. It is run by the Mormons. And you don't even have to go online to find modest clothing. There are great, trendy, and modest clothes at some mainstream stores at the mall. There is even a trend this summer toward longer T-shirts and shorts. They're not everywhere, but they're there! You just have to find them.
Beyond that, it is easy to get onto websites that take a pretty seriously counter-cultural to clothing. Nothing wrong with that but it is a looong way from bare shoulders and midriffs to long skirts and puffed sleeves.
These are just some thoughts, folks. There are many who grew up with a certain degree of legalism that may be rolling their eyes at this point. But while we have freedom in Christ, we also have some fairly serious biblical instruction to be modest. And modesty becomes us. Think about it.
Related letter to the editor
Modesty at Church Events
Janet Epp Buckingham is director of Law and Public Policy and general legal counsel for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada in Ottawa.
Great News from California in the Legal Battle to Preserve Marriage…
This past spring, one lone San Francisco Superior Court Judge struck down California’s Proposition 22 – overwhelmingly enacted by over sixty percent of the state voters – which affirmed that the state would only recognize marriages that are between one man and one woman.
ADF and its allies immediately appealed this ruling to the 1st District Court of Appeal in San Francisco.
In addition, substantial efforts are underway to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to allow California voters to further affirm their opinion on marriage.
California Attorney General Bill Lockyer, the city of San Francisco, and numerous same-sex “couples” had wanted to speed up the court process. They had requested that the appeal to bypass the appellate court and go directly to the California Supreme Court for an expedited ruling. This action could have possibly been used to circumvent the constitutional amendment process.
Yesterday, in a 5-0 decision, the California Supreme Court denied the attorney general’s request and ruled that the case must be first heard in the Court of Appeal.
This ruling which will add extra months for preparation and response will permit the effort to ensure the overwhelming decision of the voters for marriage is upheld and hopefully not “overruled” by an activist court before a confirming vote
Several legal experts had predicted that the Supreme Court would allow this case to bypass the appeal court so this ruling is very welcome news.
The advocates of homosexual behavior don’t want the people to vote on this issue.
Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights said: “It’s very frightening to know that all legal protections for your family are being put to a vote.” (She obviously prefers judges over 3,000 years of legal history, culture, and the decision of millions.)
We will keep you posted on the further developments in the legal battle to protect and affirm marriage in California.
There’s a LOT to do.
In the meantime, thank you for your prayers and support, which coupled with God’s grace, will sustain us in the days and months ahead.
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Alliance Defense Fund
15333 N. Pima Road Suite 165
Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480)444-0020
info@alliancedefensefund.org
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Fears and Fallacies
How to Stand Your Ground
Note: This commentary was delivered by Prison Fellowship President Mark Earley.
A professor at a well known liberal arts college became infamous for starting each semester by holding up a Bible and asking, "How many of you believe this book is the Word of God?"
One or two undergraduates might have sheepishly raised their hands.
The professor would then say, "Do you want to know what I think of this book? This is what I think of it"-and he would hurl the Bible out an open window.
Even more astonishing, this display took place at a Christian college.
Hostility to biblical faith is now common on both secular and religious campuses, says J. Budziszewski in his newly updated book How to Stay Christian in College.
The attitude seems to be "ABC"-Anything But Christianity.
Consider the story of a student named Frank.
When he expressed a Christian point of view in a course on family law, a female student shouted, "Why don't you just shut up!"
The professor merely smirked and said to Frank, "I guess she told you!"
Or consider Kathy.
In her ethics course, the textbook explained that there are two approaches to morality: supernaturalistic theories, which base morality on God, and naturalistic theories, which try to derive morality apart from God. The textbook then excluded supernaturalistic theories from its discussion. When Kathy asked the professor why, he replied, "We don't have time for superstitions."
Then there's Keesha. On the first day of her graduate seminar on public policy, the teacher announced that every point of view was welcome.
Keesha looked forward to an open debate on abortion.
But the second day, the teacher opened class by asking, "All of you here are too intelligent to be pro-life, right?"
Sad to say, such tactics of intimidation are common in today's university classrooms-and it's important for Christian students to learn to see through them.
Telling a student to "just shut up" is technically called the fallacy of argumentum ad baculum, or "argument to the stick," which means abusing someone instead of reasoning with him.
Dismissing Christian ideas as mere "superstition" is another fallacy-the fallacy of "begging the question"-which means merely assuming a point instead of proving it.
And asking students if they are too intelligent to hold Christian values is the fallacy of "complex question"-which means posing a question that one cannot answer without incriminating oneself, much like, "Have you stopped beating your wife?"
Christian students need to be intellectually prepared to see through the common tactics of intimidation.
They must be able to demonstrate that Christianity really is a more rational explanation of reality than any of its competitors in the marketplace of ideas.
A practical resource is J. Budziszewski's book How to Stay Christian in College.
If you call BreakPoint (1-877-322-5527), we'll tell you how to get a copy of it for the kids in your life who are headed off to college this fall.
Christian students don't need to feel intimidated by professors who insult both their intelligence and their faith.
All they need to do is think rationally-because God's truth is far more reasonable than any of the logical fallacies used to dismiss it in the classroom today.
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Sudanese Boy "Crucified"
Damare, a small Sudanese boy, was taken as a slave and forced to tend camels after his village was attacked by radical Muslims.
One day Damare, who had been raised in a Christian home, snuck away from his master to attend a church service. When he returned, his Muslim master was waiting for him and accused of committing a deadly act, "meeting with infidels."
The master then dragged Damare into a field where he nailed his feet and knees into a large board while the boy cried out in agony.
Damare was miraculously rescued and has told The Voice of the Martyrs that just as Jesus was nailed and forgave, he forgives also.
What bold faith from a simple Sudanese boy!
Damare is not alone in the persecution he has endured. The Muslim government of Khartoum in the North has declared a jihad, or holy war, against the mostly Christian South.
Omar Hassan al-Turabi, an Islamic leader, has stated that anyone who opposes Islam "has no future."
Since 1985, approximately two million have perished due to the genocide. Families in the South are terrorized-fathers killed, mothers raped, and children sold into slavery.
Yet in the midst of these atrocities, the Christians in Sudan remains strong, worshiping their Savior and leading others to Him.
Damare has now received some assistance from workers with The Voice of the Martyrs. His wounds are still open and additional medical attention as well as some rehabilitation is still needed.
(VOM is looking into further assistance.)
This award-winning newsletter reveals the truth on today's persecution of Christians, highlights some of the most courageous stories you will ever read, and give practical ways you can be involved.
Don't let those like Damare suffer in silence.
Simply click on the link below to subscribe!
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Trial Date Set for Massachusetts Man Upset over Pro-Gay
Curriculum
A Lexington, Mass., man charged with trespassing after
protesting his son being given pro-homosexual materials at
school will go to trial next month, the Lexington
Minuteman reported.
David Parker was arrested after refusing to leave a
meeting at Estabrook Elementary School, which he attended
to voice his concern over a bag of materials sent home
with his son that contained information depicting same-sex
parents as one type of family unit.
Parker was upset
because, even though he had asked to be notified if
homosexuality was to be discussed in his son's classroom,
he had not been.
Parker's lawyer, Jeffery Denner, said his client did not
attend the meeting with the intention of getting arrested
-- nor is he anti-gay.
"This is about choice," Denner said, "about the proper
relationship between parents and the government."
Denner added that he hopes the matter can be resolved out
of court, but will be prepared if the trial goes forward
as scheduled.
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Teaching of Creationism Is Endorsed in New Survey
By LAURIE GOODSTEIN
Published: August 31, 2005
Correction Appended
In a finding that is likely to intensify the debate over what to teach students about the origins of life, a poll released yesterday found that nearly two-thirds of Americans say that creationism should be taught alongside evolution in public schools.
Divided Over EvolutionThe poll found that 42 percent of respondents held strict creationist views, agreeing that "living things have existed in their present form since the beginning of time."
In contrast, 48 percent said they believed that humans had evolved over time.
But of those, 18 percent said that evolution was "guided by a supreme being," and 26 percent said that evolution occurred through natural selection.
In all, 64 percent said they were open to the idea of teaching creationism in addition to evolution, while 38 percent favored replacing evolution with creationism.
The poll was conducted July 7-17 by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life and the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press.
The questions about evolution were asked of 2,000 people. The margin of error was 2.5 percentage points.
John C. Green, a senior fellow at the Pew Forum, said he was surprised to see that teaching both evolution and creationism was favored not only by conservative Christians, but also by majorities of secular respondents, liberal Democrats and those who accept the theory of natural selection.
Mr. Green called it a reflection of "American pragmatism."
"It's like they're saying, 'Some people see it this way, some see it that way, so just teach it all and let the kids figure it out.'
It seems like a nice compromise, but it infuriates both the creationists and the scientists," said Mr. Green, who is also a professor at the University of Akron in Ohio.
Eugenie C. Scott, the director of the National Center for Science Education and a prominent defender of evolution, said the findings were not surprising because "Americans react very positively to the fairness or equal time kind of argument."
"In fact, it's the strongest thing that creationists have got going for them because their science is dismal," Ms. Scott said.
"But they do have American culture on their side."
This year, the National Center for Science Education has tracked 70 new controversies over evolution in 26 states, some in school districts, others in the state legislatures.
President Bush joined the debate on Aug. 2, telling reporters that both evolution and the theory of intelligent design should be taught in schools "so people can understand what the debate is about."
Senator Bill Frist of Tennessee, the Republican leader, took the same position a few weeks later.
Intelligent design, a descendant of creationism, is the belief that life is so intricate that only a supreme being could have designed it.
The poll showed 41 percent of respondents wanted parents to have the primary say over how evolution is taught, compared with 28 percent who said teachers and scientists should decide and 21 percent who said school boards should.
Asked whether they believed creationism should be taught instead of evolution, 38 percent were in favor, and 49 percent were opposed.
More of those who believe in creationism said they were "very certain" of their views (63 percent), compared with those who believe in evolution (32 percent).
The poll also asked about religion and politics, government financing of religious charities, and gay men and lesbians in the military.
Most of these questions were asked of a smaller pool of 1,000 respondents, and the margin of error was 2.5 percentage points, Pew researchers said.
The public's impression of the Democratic Party has changed in the last year, the survey found. Only 29 percent of respondents said they viewed Democrats as being "friendly toward religion," down from 40 percent in August of 2004.
Meanwhile, 55 percent said the Republican Party was friendly toward religion.
Luis E. Lugo, the director of the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, said: "I think this is a continuation of the Republican Party's very successful use of the values issue in the 2004 election, and the Democrats not being able up until now to answer that successfully.
Some of the more visible leaders, such as Howard Dean and others, have reinforced that image of a secular party.
Of course, if you look at the Democratic Party, there's a large religious constituency there."
Survey respondents agreed in nearly equal numbers that nonreligious liberals had "too much control" over the Democratic Party (44 percent), and that religious conservatives had too much control over the Republican Party (45 percent).
On religion-based charities, two-thirds of respondents favored allowing churches and houses of worship to apply for government financing to provide social services.
But support for such financing declined from 75 percent in early 2001, when Mr. Bush rolled out his religion-based initiative.
On gay men and lesbians in the military, 58 percent of those polled said they should be allowed to serve openly, a modest increase from 1994, when 52 percent agreed. Strong opposition has fallen in that time, to 15 percent from 26 percent in 1994.
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