(Editor's Note: In our New & Views column we quote from many different sources. Please understand that this does not necessarily mean that we approve of all of the publications from which we quote. We will give the name of the source in the first quote and thereafter we will give the abbreviation of that name.)

No More Church Building-The county Board of Supervisors imposed a 45-day moratorium on Oct. 23 in the community of Rowland Heights just east of Los Angeles. The county planners will use the time to find out how many religious institutions there are in the 9-square-mile community, and consider the wisdom of revising zoning and land-use laws. (Lubbock A-J, 10/29/01) Residents complained of a "flurry of church construction in the last five to seven years." It seems they believe the churches are taking over residential districts. They argue "the traffic and noise is depressing house values and impacting the quality of life." No doubt it is not the noise of the rock-band type of music that has assaulted the church that is depressing house values. At almost any stop light a vehicle with windows down, drives up with along side with blasting music. Is Rowland Heights exempted from this in their town? -WWM

Texas Governor Prays In Wrong Place-Texas Gov. Rick Perry has been caught with his head down in the wrong place . . . a public-school assembly. Gov. Perry "declares that he disagrees with the U.S. Supreme court's decision banning organized prayer in public schools and said he wants to make legalizing school prayer a campaign issue in the governor's race." (LAJ,10/29/01) Some outsiders started questioning the Governor's participation and suggested the school could be subject to a legal challenge. "David Kahne, vice president of the Texas ACLU, said he's concerned about Perry's disregard for the Constitution and Supreme Court. Legal action is a possibility," he added. What a strange situation faces our school children. They are asked to help the victims in NYC materially but are forbidden to join their Governor and parents in prayer to the Creator of the Universe. (2 Cor. 1:3) "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;" should be taught our school children as the opening sentence of every prayer. Keep praying, Gov. Perry-WWM

Ramadan More Holy Than Christmas?-Sen. Bob Graham, Florida wants to call a time-out on bombing the Taliban during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. His reason is that the U.S. might alienate Muslims. Too bad the Muslims in Pakistan do not have the same consideration of their holy day. They are perfectly willing to fulfill their promise to kill two Christians for every Muslim killed by the U.S. military. Likely their holy month will have no bearing on the resolve to do this. Those who have fought to preserve our freedom have fought through Christmas and Easter. The God of the Christian religion has made the heaven and earth. False religions worship idols, whether marble or men. (Psalm 96:5) "For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens." -WWM

On Legalizing Drugs-Retired Chief Duane Harrell of a Florida sheriff's department and a veteran of more than 30 years in law enforcement attributed much of the rapid employee growth in his force to the burgeoning drug problem. "Drug users and drug pushers are involved directly or indirectly in over 80 percent of the criminal activity in our area," he commented. "The terrible problem is destroying our society!" Community leaders across the country can relate the same story. New Mexico's Lt. Gov. Walter Bradley offered this observation, "If illegal drugs were made legal in this country, the same entitlements that apply to persons covered under the disabilities act would then apply to those who abuse drugs, such as cocaine and heroin." This would mean that persons addicted to one of these presently illegal drugs could not be fired from their jobs for using drugs and would be entitled to file claims for disability. Drug addictions would then be proliferated and subsidized by insurance companies and the already anemic social security fund. (Baptist Press,10/24/01) Those stupid enough to believe legalizing drugs would stop or even slow down the results will likely one day advocate legalizing terrorism. Fools still make a mock at sin. (Prov. 14:9) -WWM

Church Leadership Forums-Too many churches have left the leadership of the Holy Spirit behind and pursued unbiblical methods to enhance their growth. Willow Creek Community Church, lead by Pastor Bill Hybels, has inspired many to follow his curriculum for church growth. Schemes to bypass Holy Spirit led services abound. Everything from "What It Takes to Worship Well" to a check list for song leaders to follow, is offered by Hybels. Conjuring up a vision of how a worship service should add up in most cases is the invention of men. New service and new types of service are replacing the leadership of the pastor under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Since holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, holy men of God today lead as they are led by the Holy Ghost. (2 Pet. 1:21) If churches must define their worship style by a written book, let it be by the inspired word of God from above. (2 Tim. 3:16) "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:47) -WWM

Don't Sacrifice Truth For Unity-"I believe Islam to be a false religion, however it is practiced. I am happy that our Christian foundation has led to an America that tolerates peaceable people of many faiths. The idea that no one can command the conscience of another is a biblical one based on salvation by grace through faith. In America, we may believe as we want and worship (mostly) as we wish. It must be said that this means that we may seek to convert those of other faiths. We may say those things that Scripture says are true about truth, eternity, morality and peace with God. Our relationship with God must not ever be compelled, by any crisis, toward moderation for the sake of political unity. This would be a tyranny as sure and effective as any conceived by the Taliban." -Gary Ledbetter. (BP, 10/19/01)

Offensive Christianity & Patriotism?-Standing for the truth always come with a price. Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." (Matt. 10:34) Faith in Christ has caused divisions between family members, according to His word. Unity of family is often shattered because of a stand for truth. (Matt. 10:35,36) American patriotism symbols are being removed from various public facilities and work places for fear of offending non-Americans. Management often does not want to appear biased or seem to lean one way or another. Broken Arrow, Oklahoma School officials removed "God Bless America" signs from schools in fear that someone might be offended. Berkeley, California bans U.S. Flags from being displayed on city fire trucks because they didn't want to offend anyone in the community. In an "act of tolerance" the head of the public library at Florida Gulf Coast University ordered all "Proud to be an American" signs removed so as to not offend international students. All of this disturbs a true American. But what should disturb believers in Christ more is the promotion of Islam as a peaceful religion and worthy of the same recognition as Christianity in America. If it offends anyone for me to be proud to be an American, let them also be offended that I am thankful to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved by grace and a Baptist by conviction. -WWM

Alliances With False Religion-David Brickner, the executive director of Jews for Jesus, believes the U.S. should not be trusting in coalitions, but should trust in God. (Agape Press, 10/30/01) It seems that establishing coalitions to effectively curtail terrorist operations takes priority over separation. The Islamic religion, which proclaims Allah to be the true god, are enemies of the true God. When principles are sacrificed for the sake of association, even honorable battles are sure to be lost. If Israel is abandoned in favor of Islamic nations, no nation can expect God's blessing for any victory. (Nahum 1:2) "God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies." Forsaking God and serving other gods relinquishes the believer's right to expect deliverance or help from the true God. (Judges 10:13) -WWM

Former Navy Chaplain's View On The Islamic Koran-Retired Navy chaplain, Greg Demarco, has been studying the Koran since the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. From one section he quotes from the Koran: "My Lord! Leave not upon the land any dweller from among the unbelievers." Another says: "Surely we have prepared for the unbelievers chains and shackles and a burning fire." Another: "The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His apostle and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned; this shall be as a disgrace for them in this world, and in the hereafter they shall have a grievous chastisement." (Agape Press, 10/30/01) Sounds as though Osama bin Laden has read his bible. If Baptists would read and carry out the teaching of the Word of God, we could then unashamedly trust in God's deliverance. -WWM

Homosexuals Gaining Ground-More than 700 American employers added health insurance benefits for the partners of their homosexual employees during the last year, the country's largest homosexual political organization, the Human Rights Campaign, reported. In some cases, the policies also cover unmarried, heterosexual partners. The total reflects an increase of 20 percent from the year before. The 4,284 companies, colleges, and state and local governments that now offer or have announced they will soon offer health benefits to domestic partners amounts to a 50 percent increase from 1999, the Washington-based HRC reported. In addition, more than 290 employers extended their nondiscrimination policies in the last year to cover "sexual orientation." The increase was 17 percent over last year. "Sexual orientation" is a category that can encompass homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexuality. (BP, 10/18/01) If this trend continues, living a separated Christian life will seem foolish to the general public. It is already that way for many. (Eph. 5:15,16) "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

Nobel Prize Winner Intolerant Of Christianity-The winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Literature, V. S. Naipaul, thinks Christianity is destructive. While studying the Muslim religion he found their style "was a complete way of life." Yet he is more tolerant of Hinduism, or the indigenous religions of Africa than of faiths with the claims of Islam (or Christianity). He said, "The missionary who wants to convert [Africans] to a revealed religion is arrogant and destructive." (Christianity Today, 10/15/01) The Nobel Prize is awarded for outstanding achievement. In this case it is in the field of literature. Forget Naipaul's literary genius and read the Bible. It gives a different view of those who seek to win the lost to Christ. (Prov. 11:30) "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." (Dan. 12:3) "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." This surpasses any and all temporal prizes. -WWM

Luther's View On Halloween?-Halloween is nothing more or less than a satanic holiday. Yet it is defended by many as simply a make belief time of fun for children. C. S. Lewis gives a quote from Martin Luther that seems to defend the likes of Halloween celebrations: "The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn." (CT, 10/2/01) Neither Lewis nor Luther are reliable sources on any matter. A more recent bit of higher learning seems to join the above. Anderson M. Rearick III assistant professor of English at Mount Vernon Nazarene College in Ohio had this to say: "If we give up All Hallows Eve, we lose the delight of God's gift of imagination and we condemn the rest of society to a darker Halloween because our laughter will not be there to make the devil run." (See 2 Cor. 10:5) Prof. Rearick falls in the same category as Lewis and Luther, in my estimation. Be careful about quoting from men with such views. -WWM

Willow Creek Pastor Invites Muslim Cleric To Explain Islam-Pastor Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Community Church recently invited Muslim Imam Fisal Hammouda to explain the religion of Islam to 17,000 churchgoers over four services recently. During the speech, the Imam criticized the United States for its support of Israel. Hybels noted: "There are some Americans and some Christians spreading rumors and half-truths that the Koran encourages violence. Well, you take some stuff out of context and we've got major problems." After the service, Hybels explained that Hammouda's appearance "gave us a greater sense of assurance that maybe, despite all of our differences, we can get along." In August, 2000, Pastor Hybels invited President Clinton, the impeached liar and unrepentant adulterer to speak before the Willow Creek Association Leadership Summit, where he was thrown soft-ball questions by Hybels and allowed to explain his views on spirituality to hundreds of pastors. (TVCNews,10/25/01) Baptist churches who hold membership in the Willow Creek Assoc. are identifying themselves with Hybels and others who share in his warped sense of values. -WWM

Islam Peace Loving? Ask Salman Rushdie-Salmon Rushdie, born in India to a Muslim family, wrote a book declaring the terror connected to the Islam religion. Iran's Ayatolla Khomeine called on all zealous Muslims to execute the writer and the publishers of the book. Rushdie was forced into hiding. An aide to Khomeini offered a million-dollar reward for Rushdie's death. During this time violent protest in India, Pakistan, and Egypt cause several deaths. How can any sound thinking person declare the Islamic religion a peaceful religion. There is no peace apart from the Prince of Peace. -WWM

District of Columbia & The Homosexual Agenda-Wanda Alston, a gay civil rights advocate and supporter of feminist causes, has been selected as a negotiator to the gay community in DC. Mayor Anthony Williams made the selection of Alston to fill her new post as special assistant to the mayor for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender affairs. Her duties begin 11/15 in the newly refurbished John A. Wilson building at 14th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. (Washington Blade, 10/26/01) On the same street with the seat of government for Christian(?) America. It is said that Alston has the "experience and political skills needed for the position." "Gay Democratic activist Peter Rosenstein, who worked on Williams' election campaign and serves as an informal Williams adviser, called Alston `highly qualified' for the liaison job." With this going on in the America's capitol city, how can we expect God to bless us? -WWM

Computerized Child Porn-The U.S. Supreme Court has another pointless decision to make. The federal government asked the high court 10/30 to "uphold a law that prohibits computerized child pornography." (BP, 10/31/01) A lower court ruled against the "Child Pornography Prevention Act, a 1996 federal law that expanded the ban on child porn to include computer-generated images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct." Computerized virtual imaging is a captivating art that mesmerizes many young people. Conquering by killing on computer games has played a large part in most crimes committed by youth. Virtual child porn is now coming of age. There is no difference in the long term virtual imaging outcome and the real thing. This should never have came to the place of even being allowed. -WWM

"Blood for Blood!"-This was thundered out as six masked gunmen - Islamic terrorists - toting automatic weapons entered a Christian church Sunday, Oct. 28, in Behawapur, Pakistan. Believing Christians were holding church services which ended in the murder of 15 of the worshipers. "In Pakistan, Christians make up 2 percent of the population, but the Christians in Behawalpur are suffering like many Christian believers in fundamentalist Islamic regimes throughout the Mideast, Africa and Asia." (NewsMax, 10/31/01) The only possible way these Islamic murderers could be referred to as "fundamentalists" is they are following the traditional teaching of their prophet, Mohammed. Modify or be murdered. Renounce Christ or receive crucifixion. How can any person proclaim Islam "a peaceful religion." -WWM

Cronkite Explodes Over Falwell Remark-Walter Cronkite unleashed a very harsh attack on religious broadcasters Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, terming Falwell's remarks on the 700 Club about the Sept. 11 terror attack "abominable." He implied their God and the bombers' might be the same (TV Guide). Even though Falwell apologized (mainly for not stressing the terrorists' blame) for blaming the devastation on pagans, abortionists, homosexuals, ACLU, etc., the "tolerant" liberal free speech lobby could not tolerate this and came down very hard on him. Actually, in divine "retribution" God has even allowed more-evil enemy nations to chasten His erring people (see Habakkuk). Cronkite in a 1998 fund-raising letter for The Interfaith Alliance (its national board has Unitarian, Catholic, NCC, and other liberals), revealed his extreme left-wing bias against Falwell, the Christian Coalition, etc. This "most trusted man in America" said: "I work very hard at being a Christian." -(Calvary Contender, hereafter CC.)

Singer Says It May Be OK To Kill An Infant-Princeton University's animal rights radical Peter Singer believes parents should be able to euthanize severely disabled infants less than a month old (10/4 H. Times). He said, "Killing a defective infant is not morally equivalent to killing a person. Sometimes it is not wrong at all." -CC

T. D. Jakes Is Time's "Best Preacher"?-Time magazine (9/17) has named Dallas' Bishop T.D. Jakes "America's Best Preacher." But it says he lives in a $1.7 million pillared mansion and claims Jesus must have been rich to support His disciples (9/17 Chr. News). Jesus said he was not rich. Norm Geisler said Jakes promotes the "old, old heresy" of modalism which denies the Trinity. -CC

Legacy Of Homosexuality-The homosexual lifestyle is an unhealthy, unnatural, and unwise choice. It has cost the Roman Catholic Church hundreds of millions of dollars in lawsuits against homosexual priests. It is a danger to schools, and is a public health hazard. AIDS is more prevalent among homosexuals than for heterosexuals in the U.S. The life expectancy of "gay" and bisexual men is as much as 20 years less than for all men (10/1 Christian News). Homosexuality is a life of pain, is unnatural (homosexuals won't have children), and is something parents don't want for their kids. -CC

Good Teens Eat With Parents-In proclaiming Family Day 2001, Pres. Bush cited a Columbia University study that said teens who eat dinner with their family are 20 percent less likely to smoke, booze, or do drugs (USN&WR). Skip the meat loaf and fish sticks and teens are 61 percent more likely to engage in those activities. -CC

Abortions Continue-Children murdered through abortions in Russia now exceed live births (10/1 CN). Women in China, South Korea, and wealthy parts of India increasingly abort female fetuses. Over 40 million babies have been aborted in the U.S. since 1973. A mother's womb has become the most dangerous place on earth. -CC

Missing Baptist Members-Southern Baptist churches total 15.9 million members but only 5.5 million are in attendance on any given Sunday morning only 33 percent (10/1 Christian News). A new study showed that the typical SBC church has 233 members but an average attendance of only 70 persons for Sun. morning worship. It may be as bad or worse in some other denominations. -CC

Christians Pray With Muslims, Jews-Across America, Christians, Muslims and Jews are praying and worshiping together more than at any other time in history. Surveys show that the majority of church members maintain that all religions actually worship the same God and that a person must work, at least in part, his own way to heaven. Christians who pray with Muslims and other non-Christians do not show true love to them but lead them to believe that their god actually exists, hears and answers prayer. Muslims reject the Trinity and do not believe that Jesus died and rose again. -CC

Thoughts On How Teenagers Think-1. From a very self-centered perspective 2. Shift blame to others (or circumstances) when caught in wrongdoing 3. No respect for authority 4. Very materialistic 5. Motivated by immediate gratification 6. Slow to accept responsibility for actions 7. Worldliness pervades their minds. But wait parents: Most teens think the way they do because they've been taught to think that way. Our children grow up to mirror us and/or the influences we allow them to have in their lives. [Adapted from 10/01 Baptist Banner article] -CC

Doctors Slow To Prescribe Abortion Pill-RU-486 is only slowly catching on (11/12 Chr. Today). The reason seems to be rising safety concerns and bad side effects are becoming common. But more doctors are expected to begin offering the drug soon. Hopefully not. -CC

Building A UN Army-The U.S. has been gradually turning control of its military over to the United Nations. So-called "arms control" is not a drive to eliminate weapons of war but to monopolize them. We seem headed for a point in the "global governance" scheme where no state would have the military power to challenge a progressively-strengthened UN Peace Force. (10/22 New Amer.) A UN with sufficient power to enforce world peace would use that power to impose world tyranny. -CC

Schuller Features Hybels, Wilkinson-The Robert H. Schuller Institute for Successful Church Leadership, set for Jan. 28-31, features the following speakers: Bill Hybels (who has given a forum to former Pres. Bill Clinton, and to a Muslim Imam), Bruce Wilkinson (of Prayer of Jabez fame), Leith Anderson (the new interim president of the NAE), Jack Hayford (charismatic), Lydia Waters (liberal United Methodist Church), and Ken Medema (popular with homosexuals). The above speakers, and others, are listed in a full-page ad in the 10/1 Chr. Today. Sixty pastors associated with the homosexual MCC attended Shuller's 2001 Institute. -CC

The Jackson "Shake-down"?-When Jesse Jackson shows up in corporate offices demanding not just racial equity in hiring but millions of dollars paid to his organizations, most businesses give in. (9/1 World). Like shop owners in a Mafia-controlled neighborhood, they pay protection money and count it as cost of doing business. -CC

Terrorism In Colombia-Colombia is one of the major drug centers of the world. At least 3,000 Colombians are killed each year in its civil war (10/13 World). Colombia had 1,700 kidnappings in the first seven months of this year, the highest rate in the world. -CC

NAE names Anderson Interim President-The National Association of Evangelicals' Board of Directors met Oct. 11 and named Dr. Leith Anderson to be Interim NAE President. He is senior pastor of Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, MN (since 1977) which has a weekend attendance of 4,300. He has a Master's degree from Denver Seminary and a doctorate from Fuller. A Study Committee is being set up (for up to 18 months) to study the whole concept of membership. In the meantime, no denomination with membership in the WCC, NCC, or ACCC will be admitted into NAE membership during this period. [10/17 e-mail from NAE v-p Richard Cizik to ACCC exec. sec'y Ralph Colas] Surely no ACCC group would apply for membership in the compromising NAE! Former NAE president Kevin Mannoia recently resigned under pressure, in large part due to his establishing a dual membership policy between NAE and NCC/WCC groups. -CC

Muslim Declares U.S. Is Terrorist At Hybels' Mega-Church-Willow Creek Community Church Pastor Bill Hybels last month invited a local Muslim leader Fred Hammouda to talk about Islam to a total of 17,000 churchgoers. Hammouda was provided with this huge forum to spread lies about his false and dangerous religion. He blamed the U.S. for recent terrorism and professed hate for the U.S. and Israel. He said Muslims consider Jesus and other biblical figures Islamic prophets, though not as important as Mohammed. It surprised many in Hybels' audience that Muslims believe in Jesus [not the Bible Jesus]. The deception was evident from reactions such as, "I didn't know they believed in Jesus," and "we have much in common." Some walked out, however, when he said things like "The U.S. is responsible for terrorism." Bill Hybels was a "spiritual advisor," and gave a forum to Bill Clinton, remember? -CC

Rudd's Church Begins "3 Services, 3 Styles"-A friend sent us an e-mail concerning a Muskegon Chronicle ad for Calvary Church, Pastor Bill Rudd. It read: "New at Calvary, beginning Oct. 7, 3 services, 3 styles. 8:30 - traditional, 9:45 - blended, 11:10 - contemporary, 6:00 - Bible studies." Rudd is a longtime GARBC leader and a former Chairman of its Council of 18. His church has participated in Promise Keepers events. Churches are changing, and in most ways not for the better. Dr. Falwell's Oct. National Liberty Journal has a big ad titled, "Is Your Church Ready to Make the Praise & Worship Transition?" Worldliness is invading fundamental churches, often through the choir loft! Rock music, more and more, is becoming a permanent fixture. -CC

MacArthur Says Graham Has "Unorthodox Views"-In a Feb. 15 letter to a Grace Partner, John MacArthur takes issue (and rightly so) with some remarks Billy Graham made in an interview with Robert Schuller a few years ago when he said that those who may not even know the name of Jesus will be in heaven, etc. MacArthur commented that based on what he told Schuller, Graham's theology includes some unorthodox views. He added: "He claims that the Body of Christ encompasses non-believers and that God's mercy is wide enough to encompass people who don't follow Christ. Obviously [his] comments to Schuller (and later to Larry King) have caused a great deal of confusion.Can Billy Graham truly believe people can be saved without the gospel?Billy Graham is the highest profile evangelist of our time, and when he makes statements about the gospel, people listen. And because he wields so much influence, when those statements are unclear, or contradictory, problems arise." We have disagreed with certain of Dr. MacArthur's teachings in the past, but he is on target in taking Graham to task on this issue. -CC