Saturday, April 22, 2006
Study Suggests Weekly Worship May Add 2-3 Years to Life: Could weekly religious attendance extend your life as much as regular exercise? The Washington Post reports that's one way to view new research by University of Pittsburgh physician Daniel Hall, who also happens to be an Episcopal priest. The study compares numbers from life expectancy tables and mortality studies to suggest that weekly worship may add 2-3 years to life, versus 3-5 years for regular exercise and 2.5-3.5 years for cholesterol-lowering drugs. Hall even compares the costs/benefits of tithing, gym membership and cholesterol medications. The study is not without its critics. Tom Denberg of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center said the study does not account for other behaviors - such as religious people being less likely to be smokers - that may explain churchgoers' relative longevity. Denberg went on to label the study "part of a larger, troubling movement in American society to enhance the scientific credibility of [religious] concepts."
Open Doors Urges Participation In North Korea Freedom Week: During North Korea Freedom Week April 22-30, Open Doors USA is partnering with North Korea Freedom Coalition members to focus on atrocities and raise up prayers. For Soon Ok Lee, a Christian survivor of political prison camps and author of "Eyes of the Tailless Animals," North Korea is the world's No. 1 "Evil Empire." Lee still bears physical scars from her prison camp experience where: "According to North Korean law... a criminal's seed must be scorched up to its third generation, [so] they abort the baby. If somehow the baby survives and is born, they strangle the baby by stepping on them in front of its own mother. I also witnessed many human experiments. They said it was pointless to test weapons and chemicals on animals because they were created to target their enemies - other human beings. I also saw many Christians in the camp... they were stepped on until death. If they didn't deny God, they were often times burned to death from boiling hot liquid metal. And these weren't rare sights for me. Because I went through many physical tortures... the right side of my face is still a little distorted, the left half of my mouth is crooked and the whole left half of my teeth were crushed. I live with a lot of physical pain on my body and it's difficult to get through each day. But there are still many people going through tortures and human experiments even at this very moment." Lee says we as Christians need to speak out about these abuses. Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) adds: "In North Korea, we hear reports of religious believers being tortured, imprisoned and even executed for their beliefs."
PRAY FOR GENOCIDE TO END IN DARFUR: Prayer Week for Darfur
April 2-9 is the Week of Prayer and Action for Darfur, reports Family News in Focus. Gloria White-Hammond is with the Save Darfur Coalition. "The history of genocide reveals that for the most part, genocides were not stopped, they petered-out and it's not been the case that people have stood up and intervened to actually stop that action. We're inviting communities of all faiths to participate and certainly looking for people to come together in whatever venue; in their prayer meetings, their phone prayers, but to pray that God's will would be done in Darfur." As part in the Million Voices for Darfur campaign, Richard Cizik with the National Association of Evangelicals is hoping President Bush will get one-million post cards asking him to make peace in Darfur a priority. You can send a postcard to President Bush through www.savedarfur.org. The postcards will be delivered to Washington D.C. during the "Save Darfur Rally to Stop Genocide" on April 30th.
April 2-9 is the Week of Prayer and Action for Darfur, reports Family News in Focus. Gloria White-Hammond is with the Save Darfur Coalition. "The history of genocide reveals that for the most part, genocides were not stopped, they petered-out and it's not been the case that people have stood up and intervened to actually stop that action. We're inviting communities of all faiths to participate and certainly looking for people to come together in whatever venue; in their prayer meetings, their phone prayers, but to pray that God's will would be done in Darfur." As part in the Million Voices for Darfur campaign, Richard Cizik with the National Association of Evangelicals is hoping President Bush will get one-million post cards asking him to make peace in Darfur a priority. You can send a postcard to President Bush through www.savedarfur.org. The postcards will be delivered to Washington D.C. during the "Save Darfur Rally to Stop Genocide" on April 30th.
Monday, February 20, 2006
MYPOINTS.COM ... Thought I'd let y'all know about one of my favorite sites. I receive a few emails in the mail each day from Mypoints. Just by clicking them I get points and I redeem those points for gift cards. It's that simple. My favorite gift cards: Wal-Mart, and bookstores. Oh, free dining at my favorite restaurants are good, too. No catch. It's seriously free. Just follow the link.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Interesting interview with Creation Entertainment guy on "fandoms." If you're into scifi/fantasy shows and movies you should enjoy this.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Christian T-Shirts More Popular Than NBA or Abercrombie
Religion News Service
Christian t-shirts are a more popular choice among young adults than either NBA-themed or Abercrombie & Fitch logo tees, according to a new nationwide survey by Internet retailer DATOmana.
419 adults aged 18 - 34 from across the country were surveyed about their tastes in tees. When presented with a variety of t-shirts, including an Abercrombie & Fitch logo tee, a NBA-licensed tee and a Christian tee, 40 percent chose the religious tee, versus 16 percent for the NBA tee and 30 percent for the Abercrombie tee. When asked what would motivate them to wear a t-shirt with a religious message on it, most said simply that they would do so if they liked the message on the shirt. Only 6 percent said they would only wear one "as a joke."
"America's love of religious t-shirts shouldn't really come as a surprise," says Tom Biggs, president of DATOmana. "Research has shown that almost three-quarters of Americans consider their faith to be a very important part of their life, and younger Americans are more likely than any previous generation to feel comfortable wearing clothing that not only reflects their personal attitude, but their beliefs, as well."
Religion News Service
Christian t-shirts are a more popular choice among young adults than either NBA-themed or Abercrombie & Fitch logo tees, according to a new nationwide survey by Internet retailer DATOmana.
419 adults aged 18 - 34 from across the country were surveyed about their tastes in tees. When presented with a variety of t-shirts, including an Abercrombie & Fitch logo tee, a NBA-licensed tee and a Christian tee, 40 percent chose the religious tee, versus 16 percent for the NBA tee and 30 percent for the Abercrombie tee. When asked what would motivate them to wear a t-shirt with a religious message on it, most said simply that they would do so if they liked the message on the shirt. Only 6 percent said they would only wear one "as a joke."
"America's love of religious t-shirts shouldn't really come as a surprise," says Tom Biggs, president of DATOmana. "Research has shown that almost three-quarters of Americans consider their faith to be a very important part of their life, and younger Americans are more likely than any previous generation to feel comfortable wearing clothing that not only reflects their personal attitude, but their beliefs, as well."
Most Americans Feel Religion Is 'Under Attack,' Poll Shows
Melanie Hunter, CNSNews.com
A new survey shows the majority of Americans think religion is "under attack" and "losing its influence" in American life.
According to the poll, American Attitudes Toward Religion In the Public Square, 64 percent (out of 800 adults polled) agreed with the statement that "religion is under attack" in America, and 80 percent of those who identify themselves as evangelical Christians were in agreement.
"The findings suggest that American public opinion is starkly divided when it comes to the role of religion in the public square, and that our nation's proud tradition of church-state separation is threatened as never before," said Anti-Defamation League national director Abraham H. Foxman. "Unfortunately, too many people believe that religion is under attack in America, when in fact religion is stronger in the United States than in any other Western country."
The poll also found 53 percent of respondents believe that religion is "losing" influence in American life, while 35 percent said it is "increasing influence." Among those who think religion is "losing" influence, 60 percent are evangelical Christians, while 33 percent of that same group said religion is "increasing" in influence.
The poll also covered questions regarding public displays of the Ten Commandments, and the creation/evolution debate.
Melanie Hunter, CNSNews.com
A new survey shows the majority of Americans think religion is "under attack" and "losing its influence" in American life.
According to the poll, American Attitudes Toward Religion In the Public Square, 64 percent (out of 800 adults polled) agreed with the statement that "religion is under attack" in America, and 80 percent of those who identify themselves as evangelical Christians were in agreement.
"The findings suggest that American public opinion is starkly divided when it comes to the role of religion in the public square, and that our nation's proud tradition of church-state separation is threatened as never before," said Anti-Defamation League national director Abraham H. Foxman. "Unfortunately, too many people believe that religion is under attack in America, when in fact religion is stronger in the United States than in any other Western country."
The poll also found 53 percent of respondents believe that religion is "losing" influence in American life, while 35 percent said it is "increasing influence." Among those who think religion is "losing" influence, 60 percent are evangelical Christians, while 33 percent of that same group said religion is "increasing" in influence.
The poll also covered questions regarding public displays of the Ten Commandments, and the creation/evolution debate.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Believers flock to 'crying' virgin Mary in California.
I find this fascinating. No, I'm not Catholic. But I believe this is possible -- there are many things that happen in this world that aren't explanable by earthly means.
I find this fascinating. No, I'm not Catholic. But I believe this is possible -- there are many things that happen in this world that aren't explanable by earthly means.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
OLDER BUT WILDER, I just finished this book by Effie Leland Wilder. CUTE! I read another of her books, ONE MORE TIME: JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT! I love this lady and her books. They were bought for my Mom but I like them better than she does, I think.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Adrian Rogers, former Southern Baptist president, dies at age 74
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Dr. Adrian Rogers of Memphis, a three-time president of the Southern Baptist Convention and leader of a conservative takeover of the faith, died early Tuesday in Memphis. He was 74.
His death was announced at the Baptist Press News Web site and at Rogers’ own Web site. Officials with the Nashville based Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee didn’t immediately return calls seeking comment.
Rogers was hospitalized earlier this month with pneumonia and cancer, his Web site said.
Rogers as pastor of the 28,000-member Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis in March 2005, saying during his farewell sermon, “I am what I am by the grace of God.”
Rogers was elected president in 1979 as part of the conservative takeover of the SBC.
Rogers’ election turned out to a be a watershed moment for the denomination, and the 16 million member group shifted dramatically to the right politically and theologically.
In the years that followed, conservative leaders pushed hard against abortion rights, homosexuality and women pastors.
Rogers also was elected president of the SBC in 1986 and 1987.
He was pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church for 32 years.
“There’s no one in this country I respect more than Adrian Rogers,” said Focus on the Family’s Dr. James Dobson on Rogers’ last day as pastor. “You draw me to Christ. When I’m with you, I feel closer to the Lord.”
Among those who attended his final sermon were Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.; U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr., D-Tenn.; Dr. Richard Land, president of the SBC’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission; and Dr. Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and former SBC president.
During his career, Rogers preached crusades in Taiwan, South Korea, Israel, Russia, Romania, and in Central and South America.
In 2003 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the National Religious Broadcasters.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Dr. Adrian Rogers of Memphis, a three-time president of the Southern Baptist Convention and leader of a conservative takeover of the faith, died early Tuesday in Memphis. He was 74.
His death was announced at the Baptist Press News Web site and at Rogers’ own Web site. Officials with the Nashville based Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee didn’t immediately return calls seeking comment.
Rogers was hospitalized earlier this month with pneumonia and cancer, his Web site said.
Rogers as pastor of the 28,000-member Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis in March 2005, saying during his farewell sermon, “I am what I am by the grace of God.”
Rogers was elected president in 1979 as part of the conservative takeover of the SBC.
Rogers’ election turned out to a be a watershed moment for the denomination, and the 16 million member group shifted dramatically to the right politically and theologically.
In the years that followed, conservative leaders pushed hard against abortion rights, homosexuality and women pastors.
Rogers also was elected president of the SBC in 1986 and 1987.
He was pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church for 32 years.
“There’s no one in this country I respect more than Adrian Rogers,” said Focus on the Family’s Dr. James Dobson on Rogers’ last day as pastor. “You draw me to Christ. When I’m with you, I feel closer to the Lord.”
Among those who attended his final sermon were Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.; U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr., D-Tenn.; Dr. Richard Land, president of the SBC’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission; and Dr. Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and former SBC president.
During his career, Rogers preached crusades in Taiwan, South Korea, Israel, Russia, Romania, and in Central and South America.
In 2003 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the National Religious Broadcasters.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Monday, November 07, 2005
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Monday, October 24, 2005
"In God We Trust" on "Dateline" Friday night:
Dateline
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 - 8:00 PM ET
It's a movement sweeping the nation 70-million strong: But for Evangelicals, it's also about the fight over abortion and gay marriage. And politics. Do Evangelicals have too much influence? Some fellow Christians think "yes." Who are today's Evangelicals? And what is their vision for America?Tom Brokaw reports.
Dateline
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 - 8:00 PM ET
It's a movement sweeping the nation 70-million strong: But for Evangelicals, it's also about the fight over abortion and gay marriage. And politics. Do Evangelicals have too much influence? Some fellow Christians think "yes." Who are today's Evangelicals? And what is their vision for America?Tom Brokaw reports.
Lucy Lawless tackles “Vampire Bats”
By BRIDGET BYRNE
For The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — For someone used to confronting vengeful gods, vampire bats must seem like chicken feed.
In the CBS movie “Vampire Bats,” Lucy Lawless — forever famous as the scantily clad, weapon-wielding superwoman in the syndicated action series “Xena: Warrior Princess” — plays Dr. Maddy Rierdon, “an everywoman,” as Lawless calls her.
Lawless, 37, first appeared as Rierdon in April, taking on a plague of bioengineered insects in “Locusts.” That movie’s appeal to a younger demographic (so vital now that the CBS Sunday night movie is up against the ABC hit “Desperate Housewives”) has spawned this sequel, which airs Sunday at 9 p.m Eastern. Dylan Neal reprises his role as Rierdon’s husband, and Timothy Bottoms and Brett Butler co-star.
Lawless has no pretensions about “Vampire Bats” having a serious message, although the two-hour tale does indicate industrial pollution mutated the bats into little monsters.
“It’s really fun and the people who make it are fun. They don’t take themselves too seriously,” says Lawless, explaining why she again signed on to play a character, who is — bats aside — closer to her own reality as a working mother of three.
She’s usually more interested in roles that provide escapism from her daily norm.
Producer Frank von Zerneck says Lawless was an apt pick to play “a smart, headstrong woman, very well-trained, with connections in Washington, who really takes charge.”
“Lucy’s got two feet on the ground; she’s very, very strong and yet has a wonderful soft side that she reveals here. She’s a dream to work with — and talk about tricky circumstances,” he adds, referring to Hurricane Katrina, which forced the production to move out of New Orleans.
Lawless spent hours in a car with “dramatic weather rolling over us,” en route to Baton Rouge, where she stayed with other crew members for a few days.
Luckily, no real bats had to travel with them because the creatures are computer-generated. “Live bats are very hard to wrangle,” quips the New Zealand-born actress.
But one oversized animatronic bat was created. “Its mouth opens. Its tongue comes out. Its eyes bulge. Its head moves side to side. All those delicious things,” von Zerneck says, laughing.
Even before “Xena” ended production in 2001 after six seasons, Lawless started displaying her versatility. In 1997 she appeared on Broadway as Rizzo in the musical “Grease.” Earlier this year in Seattle, she performed in a production of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”
Those experiences reminded her that being a musical star was her dream back in Mount Albert, Auckland, where she grew up as Lucille Ryan — possibly a “throwback” to her great-grandmother, a vaudevillian.
———
On the Net:
www.cbs.com
http://www.lucylawlessfanclub.com
By BRIDGET BYRNE
For The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — For someone used to confronting vengeful gods, vampire bats must seem like chicken feed.
In the CBS movie “Vampire Bats,” Lucy Lawless — forever famous as the scantily clad, weapon-wielding superwoman in the syndicated action series “Xena: Warrior Princess” — plays Dr. Maddy Rierdon, “an everywoman,” as Lawless calls her.
Lawless, 37, first appeared as Rierdon in April, taking on a plague of bioengineered insects in “Locusts.” That movie’s appeal to a younger demographic (so vital now that the CBS Sunday night movie is up against the ABC hit “Desperate Housewives”) has spawned this sequel, which airs Sunday at 9 p.m Eastern. Dylan Neal reprises his role as Rierdon’s husband, and Timothy Bottoms and Brett Butler co-star.
Lawless has no pretensions about “Vampire Bats” having a serious message, although the two-hour tale does indicate industrial pollution mutated the bats into little monsters.
“It’s really fun and the people who make it are fun. They don’t take themselves too seriously,” says Lawless, explaining why she again signed on to play a character, who is — bats aside — closer to her own reality as a working mother of three.
She’s usually more interested in roles that provide escapism from her daily norm.
Producer Frank von Zerneck says Lawless was an apt pick to play “a smart, headstrong woman, very well-trained, with connections in Washington, who really takes charge.”
“Lucy’s got two feet on the ground; she’s very, very strong and yet has a wonderful soft side that she reveals here. She’s a dream to work with — and talk about tricky circumstances,” he adds, referring to Hurricane Katrina, which forced the production to move out of New Orleans.
Lawless spent hours in a car with “dramatic weather rolling over us,” en route to Baton Rouge, where she stayed with other crew members for a few days.
Luckily, no real bats had to travel with them because the creatures are computer-generated. “Live bats are very hard to wrangle,” quips the New Zealand-born actress.
But one oversized animatronic bat was created. “Its mouth opens. Its tongue comes out. Its eyes bulge. Its head moves side to side. All those delicious things,” von Zerneck says, laughing.
Even before “Xena” ended production in 2001 after six seasons, Lawless started displaying her versatility. In 1997 she appeared on Broadway as Rizzo in the musical “Grease.” Earlier this year in Seattle, she performed in a production of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”
Those experiences reminded her that being a musical star was her dream back in Mount Albert, Auckland, where she grew up as Lucille Ryan — possibly a “throwback” to her great-grandmother, a vaudevillian.
———
On the Net:
www.cbs.com
http://www.lucylawlessfanclub.com
Friday, October 21, 2005
INTERNET FOR CHRISTIANSDigest from October 15, 2005 to October 21, 2005Internet for Christians reviews and recommends websites, email lists,news items, and other Internet points of interest to Christians. ThisIFC digest email collects the stories that we've posted on our websitein the past week. You can keep up with the stories as they're postedat: http://ifc.gospelcom.net/.IFC is published by Gospelcom.net http://www.gospelcom.net/ andsponsored by GospelDirect.com http://www.gospeldirect.com/. You canfind subscription information at the end of this email, or on the IFCwebsite.____________________________________________________** SECTIONS AND ARTICLES IN THIS DIGEST **SPIRITUAL GROWTH * Contemplating Katrina * Travel Back to the Bible and the ReformationNEW & NOTABLE * Announcing the First Annual Faith-Based Marketing Summit * Appreciating Your PastorMINISTRY * First Christian Church in Hundreds of Years to be Built in QatarENTERTAINMENT * Mourning, Tragedy, and Gospel Music * Third "Left Behind" Film to Show at Over 3,000 ChurchesFAMILY * Drugs, Suicide and Teen Sex: Crises in the Family * Eclectic Homeschool Online: Resources for Christian ParentsSOCIETY * Scripture Quotes, Coming to a Coffee Cup Near You * Christian Resources for the World Community * An Atheist Selling Jesus?JUST FOR FUN * A Pastor's Halloween Alternatives!?!___________________________________________________** SPIRITUAL GROWTH **CONTEMPLATING KATRINA - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- "Can I really expect God to protect me?" It's oneof those deep-thought questions and the subject of a recent article[1]at ChristianityToday.com. And the answer? Nancy Guthrie, author, talksabout "divine promises in the midst of suffering" and asks difficultquestions we too, in our distress and difficulties, want to ask. Sheconcludes, "So can I expect God to protect me, and anyone devastated bya tragedy as big as Katrina? Absolutely! I've come to see that his'protection plan' is more vast and far-reaching than my shallowexpectations once defined. I see now that God's promises for protectiongo much deeper than protecting my body or my agenda or my plan for mylife. I can rest easy. I'm protected." Note: For additional thought, read Katrina Aid Continues as StandardPublishing Releases 'Where’s God? Hanging on When You Can’tSee His Plan[2],' an ASSIST News Service story, and learn how to obtaina free copy.-- Links in this story --http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/010/26.56.html
http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s05100086.htm
TRAVEL BACK TO THE BIBLE AND THE REFORMATION - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- Learn about the history of the modern Church andthe lives of the giants of the Christian faith[1] (Charles Wesley, JohnWycliffe, Martin Luther and more) from two Back to the Bible video andCD-ROM resources. In "After the Darkness...Light," Woodrow Kroll,senior Bible teacher and BTTB president, visits the ancient cities ofEurope to explain the people, places and events God used to reconstructthe Christian Church and to restore the light of His truth. "Giants ofthe Faith," a CD-ROM for Windows and Macintosh, presents the inspiringtrue stories of 16 Reformation movers and shakers, including CharlesWesley, David Livingstone and John Wycliffe, while also touring theGreat Britain landscape. Purchase both resources together at anaffordable sale price.-- Links in this story --[1] http://www.backtothebible.org/resources/faith_giants.htm
___________________________________________________** NEW & NOTABLE **ANNOUNCING THE FIRST ANNUAL FAITH-BASED MARKETING SUMMIT - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- The First Annual Faith-Based Marketing Summit willbe held on November 4 in Dallas, Texas. Faith-Based Marketing[1]"explores the role the faith-based community can play in the success ofmarketing Christian products and events." The conference covers avariety of topics including "Creative uses of telemarketing - whatworks and what doesn't" and "Email vs. snail mail - current trends andcomparisons for the faith-based consumers/donors." Featured speakersinclude Larry Ross, Billy Graham's PR representative for the past 20years and other top Christian professionals in Christian marketing.Greg Stielstra, former senior marketing director for the book group atZondervan[2] will be a special guest speaker.-- Links in this story --[1] http://www.faithbasedmarketing.com/
[2] http://www.zondervan.com/
APPRECIATING YOUR PASTOR - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- "Caring for a pastor goes beyond baking himcookies," says Jane Rubietta, the wife of a pastor in Illinois (USA).In her book, "How to Keep the Pastor You Love," Rubietta sets out toeducate congregations and church leaders on issues pastors face, suchas frequent moves and expectations of the church, the pastor'sspiritual life, care for the pastor's spouse, a place for the pastor'schildren and financial compensation. Rubietta breaks down the largelyunexamined myth of the superhuman pastor. Read more about Rubietta'sbook at InterVarsity Press[1] and visit Abounding Ministries[2] tolearn more about Jane Rubietta and her unique perspective on pastorappreciation. In addition, read Pastors Serve Others Across theWorld[3], an ASSIST News Service story; then enjoy a Pastor'sAppreciation page[4] with devos and poetry honoring pastors.-- Links in this story --[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=2319
[2] http://www.abounding.org/
[3] http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s05090125.htm
[4] http://www.peggiesplace.com/pastorappreciation.htm
___________________________________________________** MINISTRY **FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN HUNDREDS OF YEARS TO BE BUILT IN QATAR - posted by Andy RauOctober 21, 2005 -- The country of Qatar is getting a church--but notjust any old church. The planned Anglican church will be the firstChristian church built in the country since the arrival of Islam in the7th century! An AP article[1] at Beliefnet takes a thorough look atthe church plans, and at the controversy and resistance generated bythe church's construction amidst the nation's primarily Muslimpopulace. The church should provide an official place of worship forsome of the country's approximately 70,000 Christians, most of whomhave come to the country since the early 20th century. According tothe article, a handful of other Christian churches catering to otherChristian denominations may follow the Anglican church.-- Links in this story --[1] http://www.beliefnet.com/story/177/story_17746_1.html
___________________________________________________** ENTERTAINMENT **MOURNING, TRAGEDY, AND GOSPEL MUSIC - posted by Andy RauOctober 21, 2005 -- What place does mourning have in the modernChristian life? Do we glamorize the ideal Christian life as one thatisn't touched by sadness or tragedy? The always-interesting Gospel Galblog muses about the place of mourning and grief[1] in our lives, andwonders if Gospel music might have something to say in this regard:"Does gospel music, in its present contemporary form, provide music formourning? Prophetic music that serves as a much-needed jeremiad for theconditions in which we find ourselves, or as the timeless music thatreminds us that we have tribulation in the world?"-- Links in this story --[1] http://gospelgal.blogspot.com/2005/09/music-to-mourn-to.html
THIRD "LEFT BEHIND" FILM TO SHOW AT OVER 3,000 CHURCHES - posted by Andy RauOctober 21, 2005 -- The third installment in the "Left Behind" movieseries[1] arrives this weekend, although it won't be showing at yourlocal movie theater--try your local church! The franchise, which hasbeen well-received by Christians audiences but largely dismissed bymainstream film critics, has since its inception focused its marketingcampaign on churches, and "Left Behind: World at War" is noexception--it will be showing at over 3,000 churches (see the officialpress release[2] for details). A recent Christianity Today interviewwith the director Peter Lalonde[3] talks more about the strategy (andsee also their review[4] of the film). Opinions may vary within theChristian community about the "Left Behind" films, but "World at War's"church-focused release could point at new ways that Christian-interestor independent films might be distributed outside the traditional moviesystem.-- Links in this story --[1] http://imdb.com/title/tt0443567/
[2] http://www.cloudtenpictures.com/index.php?object=RecentNews
[3] http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/interviews/peterlalonde.html
[4] http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/leftbehind3.html
___________________________________________________** FAMILY **DRUGS, SUICIDE AND TEEN SEX: CRISES IN THE FAMILY - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- Facts and figures don't lie--drugs, suicide andteen sex are catastrophic even within the Christian family. What arethe warning signs of suicide? Visit Parenting & Family Life[1] (Baptist Memorial Health Care) that addresses issues such as drugs,sex, HIV, discipline, rules, single parenting and more. Then see TeenChallenge International for A Parent's Guide on Drug Abuse[2], warningsigns, drug-proofing your child, marijuana and alcohol use, preventiontips and more. The Christian Youth Ministry Association in New Zealandoffers youth ministry resources also applicable for the family. SeeYouth Suicide[3], as well as Difficult Behaviors[4] and Sexuality[5]. -- Links in this story --[1] http://www.baptistonline.org/health/library/parent.asp
[2] http://www.teenchallenge.com/socal/index.cfm?articleID=1¢erID=1024
[3] http://www.youthministry.org.nz/?sid=15
[4] http://www.youthministry.org.nz/?sid=7
[5] http://www.youthministry.org.nz/?sid=9
ECLECTIC HOMESCHOOL ONLINE: RESOURCES FOR CHRISTIAN PARENTS - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- Eclectic Homeschool Online[1], "a magazine forcreative homeschoolers...published from a Christian perspective,"offers multi-resources for homeschooling families. Find supportresources (legal, military, organizations), product reviews, family funand educational development (math, critical thinking, science, socialstudies, special needs, the arts, crafts, Bible and more). Readhomeschooling articles and enjoy community with other homeschoolingparents (forums, news, email lists and more). A shopping area forcurriculum, educational toys, software, DVDs and more is alsoavailable.-- Links in this story --[1] http://eclectichomeschool.org/
___________________________________________________** SOCIETY **SCRIPTURE QUOTES, COMING TO A COFFEE CUP NEAR YOU - posted by Andy RauOctober 21, 2005 -- Have you ever spotted a Bible verse stealthilyprinted on the bottom of a coffee cup, or on a shopping bag? You mightwant to keep an eye out for such quotes--according to a recent USAToday article[1], a surprising number of retailers and companies, fromStarbucks to a California burger chain to Hobby Lobby--have made use offaith-based messages, quotes, or music in their everyday business. Thereasons for doing so range from piety to wanting to simply do somethingunique and interesting. Whatever the reasons, it's interesting to seebits of Christianity cropping up not just at your weekly churchservice, but along with your burger and fries during your weekday lunchbreak!-- Links in this story --[1] http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2005-10-19-starbucks-quote_x.htm
CHRISTIAN RESOURCES FOR THE WORLD COMMUNITY - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- ChristianityToday.com, in cooperation with theGlobal Christian Internet Alliance[1] provides a resource channel[2]for the international Christian and non-Christian communities. Find anextensive collection of multi-language resources, be informed withupdated news and discover affiliates worldwide. Read World Reports fromChristianity Today[3] magazine; find international news for Africa,Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania and South America. Multi-languageresources include Bible Gateway, Evangelism Toolbox and ChristianAnswers Web sites in 19 languages; a non-believer can also read Who isJesus?[4] in his native language. -- Links in this story --[1] http://www.christianitytoday.com/international/features/info.html
[2] http://www.christianitytoday.com/international/
[3] http://www.christianitytoday.com/ctmag/
[4] http://www.whoisjesus.org/
AN ATHEIST SELLING JESUS? - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- A coalition of evangelical churches led by theBible Society of Australia[1] has recently run a media campaign inAdelaide, spending about $AUS 250,000 on the most intense andbroad-based religious campaign in this country to try to reclaim lostground. The slogan is Jesus. All about life[2] and the plan is to rollit out across the country in the next couple of years, with Canberradue next April. And an atheist has been advising[3]! The strategy isfor 90 per cent of the population to see the television ads 10 times,with billboards across the city, radio spots, an Internet site[4] and amail-out of 250,000 postcards. (Courtesy of Web EvangelismBulletin[5].)-- Links in this story --[1] http://www.biblesociety.com.au/
[2] http://www.jesusallaboutlife.com.au/
[3] http://guide.gospelcom.net/rd?b05sept-australian
[4] http://allaboutlife.com.au/
[5] http://guide.gospelcom.net/resources/bulletin.php
___________________________________________________** JUST FOR FUN **A PASTOR'S HALLOWEEN ALTERNATIVES!?! - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- Canadian Pastor Grant MacDonald humorouslyaddresses the Halloween dilemma in his Top Ten Suggestions forChristian Halloween Costumes[1] and his hilarious Top Ten Things to Dowith Your Youth Group on Halloween[2]. Pastor MacDonald also offerssome great ideas for serious Halloween Alternatives[3] such asBible-character costume parties and "Light the Night," a neighborhoodtract distribution. Readers will also enjoy a Halloween-relatedtestimony, Take Jesus Along[4].-- Links in this story --[1] http://graceland.gentle.org/topten/topoct98.html
[2] http://graceland.gentle.org/topten/0510top.html
[3] http://graceland.gentle.org/topten/ween.html
[4] http://graceland.gentle.org/whatcha/takejes.html
____________________________________________________Peggie Bohanon, Executive EditorAndy Rau, Managing EditorDavid Sanford, Contributing WriterPeggie Bohanon, executive editor, is webmaster of Peggie's Place(http://www.peggiesplace.com/).Internet for Christians content may be posted and distributed withoutcharge for non-profit use. Non-profit organizations must give credit tothe newsletter and to Gospelcom.net. Commercial media may quote from itwith proper attribution to both the newsletter and GospelCommunications. (Copyright 2003 Gospel Communications International,Inc., (http://gci.gospelcom.net/
).The Web version of IFC (http://ifc.gospelcom.net/
) features regularlyupdating content.SUBMISSIONS: You are welcome to submit your news, press releases,humorous anecdotes and Web addresses for possible featuring through theonline form at http://ifc.gospelcom.net/recommend/.
IFC features a wide variety of websites that we feel are interestingand noteworthy for Christians. That said, we encourage you to exercisediscretion while browsing the sites we feature. IFC makes reasonableefforts to determine that the material we reference is interesting andreliable, but we neither operate nor control the sites in question, andthus don't assume responsibility for them. Please use discretion whilebrowsing.PAST STORIES: Do you remember seeing a post in a past IFC digest thatyou'd like to find again? We archive a full year's worth of content at<
http://ifc.gospelcom.net/
To subscribe, simply visit the Web site and use our automaticsubscription feature (http://ifc.gospelcom.net/subscribe/)
or send ablank email to (ifc-subscribe@lists.gospelcom.net).
To unsubscribe, use the automatic subscribe/unsubscribe form at the Website (http://ifc.gospelcom.net/subscribe
) or send a blank email to(ifc-unsubscribe@lists.gospelcom.net)For additional commands, e-mail: (ifc-help@lists.gospelcom.net)____________________________________________________** SOLI DEO GLORIA **____________________________________________________Gospelcom.net is a Ministry of Gospel Communications International (the21st-Century Gospel Films). The history, mission statement and statementof faith of Gospelcom.net are available on the Web(http://www.gospelcom.net/home/about_gospelcom
/).____________________________________________________
http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s05100086.htm
TRAVEL BACK TO THE BIBLE AND THE REFORMATION - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- Learn about the history of the modern Church andthe lives of the giants of the Christian faith[1] (Charles Wesley, JohnWycliffe, Martin Luther and more) from two Back to the Bible video andCD-ROM resources. In "After the Darkness...Light," Woodrow Kroll,senior Bible teacher and BTTB president, visits the ancient cities ofEurope to explain the people, places and events God used to reconstructthe Christian Church and to restore the light of His truth. "Giants ofthe Faith," a CD-ROM for Windows and Macintosh, presents the inspiringtrue stories of 16 Reformation movers and shakers, including CharlesWesley, David Livingstone and John Wycliffe, while also touring theGreat Britain landscape. Purchase both resources together at anaffordable sale price.-- Links in this story --[1] http://www.backtothebible.org/resources/faith_giants.htm
___________________________________________________** NEW & NOTABLE **ANNOUNCING THE FIRST ANNUAL FAITH-BASED MARKETING SUMMIT - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- The First Annual Faith-Based Marketing Summit willbe held on November 4 in Dallas, Texas. Faith-Based Marketing[1]"explores the role the faith-based community can play in the success ofmarketing Christian products and events." The conference covers avariety of topics including "Creative uses of telemarketing - whatworks and what doesn't" and "Email vs. snail mail - current trends andcomparisons for the faith-based consumers/donors." Featured speakersinclude Larry Ross, Billy Graham's PR representative for the past 20years and other top Christian professionals in Christian marketing.Greg Stielstra, former senior marketing director for the book group atZondervan[2] will be a special guest speaker.-- Links in this story --[1] http://www.faithbasedmarketing.com/
[2] http://www.zondervan.com/
APPRECIATING YOUR PASTOR - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- "Caring for a pastor goes beyond baking himcookies," says Jane Rubietta, the wife of a pastor in Illinois (USA).In her book, "How to Keep the Pastor You Love," Rubietta sets out toeducate congregations and church leaders on issues pastors face, suchas frequent moves and expectations of the church, the pastor'sspiritual life, care for the pastor's spouse, a place for the pastor'schildren and financial compensation. Rubietta breaks down the largelyunexamined myth of the superhuman pastor. Read more about Rubietta'sbook at InterVarsity Press[1] and visit Abounding Ministries[2] tolearn more about Jane Rubietta and her unique perspective on pastorappreciation. In addition, read Pastors Serve Others Across theWorld[3], an ASSIST News Service story; then enjoy a Pastor'sAppreciation page[4] with devos and poetry honoring pastors.-- Links in this story --[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=2319
[2] http://www.abounding.org/
[3] http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s05090125.htm
[4] http://www.peggiesplace.com/pastorappreciation.htm
___________________________________________________** MINISTRY **FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN HUNDREDS OF YEARS TO BE BUILT IN QATAR - posted by Andy RauOctober 21, 2005 -- The country of Qatar is getting a church--but notjust any old church. The planned Anglican church will be the firstChristian church built in the country since the arrival of Islam in the7th century! An AP article[1] at Beliefnet takes a thorough look atthe church plans, and at the controversy and resistance generated bythe church's construction amidst the nation's primarily Muslimpopulace. The church should provide an official place of worship forsome of the country's approximately 70,000 Christians, most of whomhave come to the country since the early 20th century. According tothe article, a handful of other Christian churches catering to otherChristian denominations may follow the Anglican church.-- Links in this story --[1] http://www.beliefnet.com/story/177/story_17746_1.html
___________________________________________________** ENTERTAINMENT **MOURNING, TRAGEDY, AND GOSPEL MUSIC - posted by Andy RauOctober 21, 2005 -- What place does mourning have in the modernChristian life? Do we glamorize the ideal Christian life as one thatisn't touched by sadness or tragedy? The always-interesting Gospel Galblog muses about the place of mourning and grief[1] in our lives, andwonders if Gospel music might have something to say in this regard:"Does gospel music, in its present contemporary form, provide music formourning? Prophetic music that serves as a much-needed jeremiad for theconditions in which we find ourselves, or as the timeless music thatreminds us that we have tribulation in the world?"-- Links in this story --[1] http://gospelgal.blogspot.com/2005/09/music-to-mourn-to.html
THIRD "LEFT BEHIND" FILM TO SHOW AT OVER 3,000 CHURCHES - posted by Andy RauOctober 21, 2005 -- The third installment in the "Left Behind" movieseries[1] arrives this weekend, although it won't be showing at yourlocal movie theater--try your local church! The franchise, which hasbeen well-received by Christians audiences but largely dismissed bymainstream film critics, has since its inception focused its marketingcampaign on churches, and "Left Behind: World at War" is noexception--it will be showing at over 3,000 churches (see the officialpress release[2] for details). A recent Christianity Today interviewwith the director Peter Lalonde[3] talks more about the strategy (andsee also their review[4] of the film). Opinions may vary within theChristian community about the "Left Behind" films, but "World at War's"church-focused release could point at new ways that Christian-interestor independent films might be distributed outside the traditional moviesystem.-- Links in this story --[1] http://imdb.com/title/tt0443567/
[2] http://www.cloudtenpictures.com/index.php?object=RecentNews
[3] http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/interviews/peterlalonde.html
[4] http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/leftbehind3.html
___________________________________________________** FAMILY **DRUGS, SUICIDE AND TEEN SEX: CRISES IN THE FAMILY - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- Facts and figures don't lie--drugs, suicide andteen sex are catastrophic even within the Christian family. What arethe warning signs of suicide? Visit Parenting & Family Life[1] (Baptist Memorial Health Care) that addresses issues such as drugs,sex, HIV, discipline, rules, single parenting and more. Then see TeenChallenge International for A Parent's Guide on Drug Abuse[2], warningsigns, drug-proofing your child, marijuana and alcohol use, preventiontips and more. The Christian Youth Ministry Association in New Zealandoffers youth ministry resources also applicable for the family. SeeYouth Suicide[3], as well as Difficult Behaviors[4] and Sexuality[5]. -- Links in this story --[1] http://www.baptistonline.org/health/library/parent.asp
[2] http://www.teenchallenge.com/socal/index.cfm?articleID=1¢erID=1024
[3] http://www.youthministry.org.nz/?sid=15
[4] http://www.youthministry.org.nz/?sid=7
[5] http://www.youthministry.org.nz/?sid=9
ECLECTIC HOMESCHOOL ONLINE: RESOURCES FOR CHRISTIAN PARENTS - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- Eclectic Homeschool Online[1], "a magazine forcreative homeschoolers...published from a Christian perspective,"offers multi-resources for homeschooling families. Find supportresources (legal, military, organizations), product reviews, family funand educational development (math, critical thinking, science, socialstudies, special needs, the arts, crafts, Bible and more). Readhomeschooling articles and enjoy community with other homeschoolingparents (forums, news, email lists and more). A shopping area forcurriculum, educational toys, software, DVDs and more is alsoavailable.-- Links in this story --[1] http://eclectichomeschool.org/
___________________________________________________** SOCIETY **SCRIPTURE QUOTES, COMING TO A COFFEE CUP NEAR YOU - posted by Andy RauOctober 21, 2005 -- Have you ever spotted a Bible verse stealthilyprinted on the bottom of a coffee cup, or on a shopping bag? You mightwant to keep an eye out for such quotes--according to a recent USAToday article[1], a surprising number of retailers and companies, fromStarbucks to a California burger chain to Hobby Lobby--have made use offaith-based messages, quotes, or music in their everyday business. Thereasons for doing so range from piety to wanting to simply do somethingunique and interesting. Whatever the reasons, it's interesting to seebits of Christianity cropping up not just at your weekly churchservice, but along with your burger and fries during your weekday lunchbreak!-- Links in this story --[1] http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2005-10-19-starbucks-quote_x.htm
CHRISTIAN RESOURCES FOR THE WORLD COMMUNITY - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- ChristianityToday.com, in cooperation with theGlobal Christian Internet Alliance[1] provides a resource channel[2]for the international Christian and non-Christian communities. Find anextensive collection of multi-language resources, be informed withupdated news and discover affiliates worldwide. Read World Reports fromChristianity Today[3] magazine; find international news for Africa,Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania and South America. Multi-languageresources include Bible Gateway, Evangelism Toolbox and ChristianAnswers Web sites in 19 languages; a non-believer can also read Who isJesus?[4] in his native language. -- Links in this story --[1] http://www.christianitytoday.com/international/features/info.html
[2] http://www.christianitytoday.com/international/
[3] http://www.christianitytoday.com/ctmag/
[4] http://www.whoisjesus.org/
AN ATHEIST SELLING JESUS? - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- A coalition of evangelical churches led by theBible Society of Australia[1] has recently run a media campaign inAdelaide, spending about $AUS 250,000 on the most intense andbroad-based religious campaign in this country to try to reclaim lostground. The slogan is Jesus. All about life[2] and the plan is to rollit out across the country in the next couple of years, with Canberradue next April. And an atheist has been advising[3]! The strategy isfor 90 per cent of the population to see the television ads 10 times,with billboards across the city, radio spots, an Internet site[4] and amail-out of 250,000 postcards. (Courtesy of Web EvangelismBulletin[5].)-- Links in this story --[1] http://www.biblesociety.com.au/
[2] http://www.jesusallaboutlife.com.au/
[3] http://guide.gospelcom.net/rd?b05sept-australian
[4] http://allaboutlife.com.au/
[5] http://guide.gospelcom.net/resources/bulletin.php
___________________________________________________** JUST FOR FUN **A PASTOR'S HALLOWEEN ALTERNATIVES!?! - posted by Peggie BohanonOctober 19, 2005 -- Canadian Pastor Grant MacDonald humorouslyaddresses the Halloween dilemma in his Top Ten Suggestions forChristian Halloween Costumes[1] and his hilarious Top Ten Things to Dowith Your Youth Group on Halloween[2]. Pastor MacDonald also offerssome great ideas for serious Halloween Alternatives[3] such asBible-character costume parties and "Light the Night," a neighborhoodtract distribution. Readers will also enjoy a Halloween-relatedtestimony, Take Jesus Along[4].-- Links in this story --[1] http://graceland.gentle.org/topten/topoct98.html
[2] http://graceland.gentle.org/topten/0510top.html
[3] http://graceland.gentle.org/topten/ween.html
[4] http://graceland.gentle.org/whatcha/takejes.html
____________________________________________________Peggie Bohanon, Executive EditorAndy Rau, Managing EditorDavid Sanford, Contributing WriterPeggie Bohanon, executive editor, is webmaster of Peggie's Place(http://www.peggiesplace.com/).Internet for Christians content may be posted and distributed withoutcharge for non-profit use. Non-profit organizations must give credit tothe newsletter and to Gospelcom.net. Commercial media may quote from itwith proper attribution to both the newsletter and GospelCommunications. (Copyright 2003 Gospel Communications International,Inc., (http://gci.gospelcom.net/
).The Web version of IFC (http://ifc.gospelcom.net/
) features regularlyupdating content.SUBMISSIONS: You are welcome to submit your news, press releases,humorous anecdotes and Web addresses for possible featuring through theonline form at http://ifc.gospelcom.net/recommend/.
IFC features a wide variety of websites that we feel are interestingand noteworthy for Christians. That said, we encourage you to exercisediscretion while browsing the sites we feature. IFC makes reasonableefforts to determine that the material we reference is interesting andreliable, but we neither operate nor control the sites in question, andthus don't assume responsibility for them. Please use discretion whilebrowsing.PAST STORIES: Do you remember seeing a post in a past IFC digest thatyou'd like to find again? We archive a full year's worth of content at<
http://ifc.gospelcom.net/
To subscribe, simply visit the Web site and use our automaticsubscription feature (http://ifc.gospelcom.net/subscribe/)
or send ablank email to (ifc-subscribe@lists.gospelcom.net).
To unsubscribe, use the automatic subscribe/unsubscribe form at the Website (http://ifc.gospelcom.net/subscribe
) or send a blank email to(ifc-unsubscribe@lists.gospelcom.net)For additional commands, e-mail: (ifc-help@lists.gospelcom.net)____________________________________________________** SOLI DEO GLORIA **____________________________________________________Gospelcom.net is a Ministry of Gospel Communications International (the21st-Century Gospel Films). The history, mission statement and statementof faith of Gospelcom.net are available on the Web(http://www.gospelcom.net/home/about_gospelcom
/).____________________________________________________
Sunday, October 16, 2005
'God Bloggers' Head to National Conference
By GILLIAN FLACCUS
The Associated Press
LA MIRADA, Calif. (AP) - What would Jesus blog? That and other pressing questions drew 135 Christians to Southern California this weekend for a national conference billed as the first-ever for "God bloggers," a growing community of online writers who exchange information and analyze current events from a Christian perspective.
The three-day conference at Biola University marked an important benchmark for Christian bloggers, who have worked behind the scenes for years to spread the Gospel and infuse politics with religion.
Topics included God bloggers' relationship with the traditional church, their growing influence on mainstream politics and how to manage outsiders' perceptions.
Some predicted bloggers could play a role in reforming the modern church by keeping televangelists and other high-profile Christian leaders honest.
Joe Carter, author of evangelicaloutpost.com., compared blogging to the 95 Theses posted by Martin Luther nearly 500 years ago that launched the Protestant Reformation.
"It's like putting 95 blogs out there," said Carter, who previously said God bloggers offer an "uncensored and unadulterated" view of contemporary Christian thought on politics and organized religion.
Many bloggers are now writing about religious oppression, poverty and world hunger, instead of hot-button issues such as abortion, homosexuality and assisted suicide, said the Rev. Andrew Jackson, a seminary professor and pastor at the Word of Grace Church in Mesa, Ariz.
"With blogging you tend to break out of those circles and you see other points of view," Carter said. "There's a bigger world out there than gay marriage and abortion."
At one well-attended workshop - "When Non-Christians Read Your Blog" - Biola University professor Timothy Muehlhoff gave instructions on writing about faith without alienating nonbelievers.
He stressed that God blogging has the potential to be a "train wreck" because done wrong it can reinforce stereotypes of evangelical Christians as angry and close-minded "pit bulls of the culture wars."
"As Christians today we are embroiled in the argument culture and we have forgotten this one thing: 'Blessed are the peacemakers.'," he said. "Wouldn't it be nice if we could say we brought a level of civility back to the conversation?"
Jackson, who blogs at smartchristian.com, said he wasn't as sure what long-term influence blogging would have on evangelical Christians - but he knew it would be important.
"We are just at the beginning of what is going on," he said. "We need to start thinking about how we can harness and focus the Christian blogosphere for greater impact."
---
On the Net:
GodBlogCon 2005: http://www.godblogcon.com
Biola University: http://www.biola.edu
By GILLIAN FLACCUS
The Associated Press
LA MIRADA, Calif. (AP) - What would Jesus blog? That and other pressing questions drew 135 Christians to Southern California this weekend for a national conference billed as the first-ever for "God bloggers," a growing community of online writers who exchange information and analyze current events from a Christian perspective.
The three-day conference at Biola University marked an important benchmark for Christian bloggers, who have worked behind the scenes for years to spread the Gospel and infuse politics with religion.
Topics included God bloggers' relationship with the traditional church, their growing influence on mainstream politics and how to manage outsiders' perceptions.
Some predicted bloggers could play a role in reforming the modern church by keeping televangelists and other high-profile Christian leaders honest.
Joe Carter, author of evangelicaloutpost.com., compared blogging to the 95 Theses posted by Martin Luther nearly 500 years ago that launched the Protestant Reformation.
"It's like putting 95 blogs out there," said Carter, who previously said God bloggers offer an "uncensored and unadulterated" view of contemporary Christian thought on politics and organized religion.
Many bloggers are now writing about religious oppression, poverty and world hunger, instead of hot-button issues such as abortion, homosexuality and assisted suicide, said the Rev. Andrew Jackson, a seminary professor and pastor at the Word of Grace Church in Mesa, Ariz.
"With blogging you tend to break out of those circles and you see other points of view," Carter said. "There's a bigger world out there than gay marriage and abortion."
At one well-attended workshop - "When Non-Christians Read Your Blog" - Biola University professor Timothy Muehlhoff gave instructions on writing about faith without alienating nonbelievers.
He stressed that God blogging has the potential to be a "train wreck" because done wrong it can reinforce stereotypes of evangelical Christians as angry and close-minded "pit bulls of the culture wars."
"As Christians today we are embroiled in the argument culture and we have forgotten this one thing: 'Blessed are the peacemakers.'," he said. "Wouldn't it be nice if we could say we brought a level of civility back to the conversation?"
Jackson, who blogs at smartchristian.com, said he wasn't as sure what long-term influence blogging would have on evangelical Christians - but he knew it would be important.
"We are just at the beginning of what is going on," he said. "We need to start thinking about how we can harness and focus the Christian blogosphere for greater impact."
---
On the Net:
GodBlogCon 2005: http://www.godblogcon.com
Biola University: http://www.biola.edu
Thursday, October 13, 2005
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