(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.)
Journalists Display Anti-Christian Bigotry?-Many journalists have displayed the one politically correct bigotry still allowed and esteemed anti Christian bigotry. America is becoming a country where religious belief is welcome only if it abandons claims to exclusive truth (e.g., Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven.). Many secular liberals consider all Bible believing Christians fundamentalists. Mean spirited ones even call us Christian Taliban, and say anti abortionists are no different than Osama bin Laden (see 4/27 World). Pro life fundamentalists are not to be tolerated! (Calvary Contender, hereafter CC.)
Spong Says God Is Dying And Probably Not Revivable-Heretical retired Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong recently urged over 600 Methodists not to believe everything they read in the Bible (4/15 Chr. News). He has made a name for himself by attacking fundamentalist views of homosexuality, conversion and theism. The 4/27 World quotes Spong's explanation for Why Christianity Must Change or Die: Theism, as a way of conceiving God, has become demonstrably inadequate, and the God of theism not only is dying but is probably not revivable. If the religion of the future depends on keeping alive the definitions of theism, then the human phenomenon that we call religion will have come to an end. If Christianity depends on a theistic definition of God, then we...are watching this noble religious system enter the rigor mortis of its own death throes. Spong questions Christ's virgin birth and physical resurrection. CC
Predatory Homosexuals-A pertinent fact is being overlooked in the child sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church: The perpetrators of these heinous crimes are not pedophile priests, but rather predatory homosexuals disguised as priests (5/6 New Amer.). There is some truth to the claim that the Catholic priesthood, since Vatican II, has become something of a Gay Profession. (4/22 Chr. News) Per Time (via 5/6 CN): [T]he highest officials of the largest Christian [?] denomination on earth have lower standards [regarding protecting minors] than secular criminal law does. CC
Computer ID Chips Inside Humans?-The Verichip will soon be available for implantation inside a person's skin. Programmable and about the size of a grain of rice, it emits a radio signal when a special scanning device is passed over it. (5/6 New Am.) Applied Digital Solutions is working on another implant device that would link to satellites to track a person's every movement (e.g., criminal, lost child). Now voluntary for its medical benefits, it could become mandatory. A privacy attorney warns of potential abuse: It's what we call function creep. At first a device is used for applications we all agree are good but then it slowly is used for more than it was intended. CC
Peace According To Islam-For Muslims, the world is divided into land controlled by non Muslims (territory of war), and the land where Islamic law prevails. This is a permanent state of war, though there may be temporary truces. In Islam, then, a peace is not a peace, and a truce should not last longer than 10 years, for infidels should never be allowed to rest on their laurels. Any land infidels possess is held illegitimately. So, to Muslims, jihad is not aggression but retrieving what is their legitimate possession. Holy war (jihad) is a religious duty, because of the universalism of the [Muslim] mission and the obligation to convert everyone to Islam either by persuasion or by force (4/27 World). CC
Missouri Dissidents Break Away From SBC-Dissident Baptists in Missouri are the latest to break away from the Southern Baptist Convention. About 350 Missouri Baptists are forming the Baptist General Convention of Missouri. Moderate [and liberal] Baptists in several states have formed alternative fellowships as a reaction to the SBC's conservative theology. Despite the rifts, the SBC says it grew even bigger last year. The nation's largest Protestant denomination says it now has more than 16 million members (5/2 Agape Press) A Southwest Baptist University [Mo.] Bible professor who led weekend Bible studies last month for the new BGC of Missouri said some Old Testament stories (including Jonah) cannot be taken literally (4/29 Chr. News). -CC
Benny Hinn, A Master Manipulator-Benny Hinn is a charismatic showman who manipulates his audiences. Looking into viewers' homes recently, he spied a bald, overweight man with a heart problem, wearing a yellow shirt. Hinn said he could see the man walking away from his TV, resisting appeals to donate during a TBN Praise a thon. Hinn begged the man: If you will make that pledge, God will heal your heart tonight. Mostly, he brushes off scrutiny and criticism, but not always gracefully. He once wished aloud for a Holy Ghost machine gun to blow off the heads of his critics, who object to such things as his unverifiable healing claims. His global crusades draw thousands who hope he will zap them with power absorbed from the graves of dead faith healers (4/14 Houston Chron.). His handlers audition quickly those who approach the stage and let those with the best stories get on. Hank Hanegraaff calls Hinn a false prophet. Hinn has claimed that the world would end in 1999 and Cuba's Fidel Castro would die in the 1990s. -CC
MBI Prof. Praises Graham-Moody assistant professor of Bible Andrew Schmutzer, a doctoral candidate at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, had glowing praise of Dr. Billy Graham in the May June Moody. He lauded Graham's commitment to both purity and a consistent stewardship of his gifts that helps explain his effective ministry. He has wed competence with character that has become a testimony itself. He added: We need to learn from our present day models and `consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.' Incredible! MBI students should be warned against the ecumenical disobedience and compromise of Graham instead of presenting him as a role model.-CC
Jim Wallis: Social Activist Coalition Builder-Jim Wallis, editor of the liberal Sojourners magazine, has been described as Jane Fonda's male clone. He was pro Viet Cong (communist) during the Vietnam War (7/1/97 CC), but the 6/16/97 Chr. Today said he has been transformed from an antiwar and social justice activist to a coalition builder among diverse groups. He recently compared the divisions among Christians to those among gangs (4/13 H. Times). He said If Crips and Bloods can get together, why can't the evangelicals and the liberals? Only by setting aside the doctrine of separation could such extreme ecumenism occur. -CC
Sodomites March in Jerusalem-An estimated 2,000 to 4,000 gay and lesbian marchers recently participated in Jerusalem's first "gay pride" parade, reports the BBC NEWS (6/7/02). Organizers touted the event as "a march against hatred...." "One...told the crowd: `We did not believe the day would come when this could happen in Jerusalem.'" Some "ultra-Orthodox Jews and other right-wingers" opposed the march "saying it would drive holiness out of the city," and others proclaimed, "we won't let this become Sodom." The Deputy Mayor Rabbi Haim Miller was also opposed saying, "I think they have a problem, they have a perversion, it is a disgrace." For God's attitude we look no further than Romans chapter one: "....their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature...And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another...Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death." -Russ Brown (hereafter, RB)
United Methodist Transsexual Preacher Deemed Suitable-According to the Washington Times (6/7/02 online), "An assembly of Washington-area United Methodist clergy...voted to accept Miss Steen's status as a minister `in good standing.'" Miss Steen is the former Rev. Richard Zomastny, who underwent a sex-change operation while on a 1999 leave of absence. If appointed to a position, Miss Steen "would be the first transsexual clergy member from any mainline American denomination to pastor a church." The vote faces opposition from some who might force a "church trial" to determine his/her/its (?) fate. "I'm saddened and disappointed at what seems to be the lack of moral fortitude in making a determination about the appointability of this clergyperson," said Mr. Jerald Walz, a layman from Dunkirk, MD. -RB
War on Islamists?-Lou Dobbs, host of CNN's Moneyline, is in hot water over his decision to refer to America's current struggle as the "war on Islamists," not the "war on terror," so says the Washington Times (6/8/02 online). "We are fighting a war against extreme, radical Muslims, who are trying to destroy us...," says Mr. Dobbs. Naturally those of the Muslim persuasion were less than pleased at the comments, and CNN, while defending their host, has rejected the sentiment as not representative of the network's opinion. Amid the calls for tolerance and peace, and the assurances that Islam is a "peaceful religion," maybe we should let the Koran speak for itself: "When you meet the unbelievers in the battlefield strike off their heads and, when you have laid them low, bind your captives firmly." (Mohammed chapter 47)-RB
Kennedy Vows to Fight For Sexual Deviants-Recoiling from a defeat in the Senate, Sen. Edward Kennedy has promised to continue his efforts to include provisions for homosexuals in any hate crime legislation. (Washington Times 6/12/02 online) "We're going to be back and back and back....This is just the beginning, and we're going to continue the battle," remarked the senator from Massachusetts, the bill's sponsor. Democrats pulled the bill after they were unable to limit debate and force a quick vote. Amy Fagan of the Times continues: "Meanwhile, the Interfaith Alliance lamented the fate of the bill. `We cannot take a stand against hate crimes morally, only to watch our representatives in the highest levels of government fail to translate that opposition legally,' said the Rev. C. Welton Gaddy, executive director of the group." It should come as no surprise that Kennedy and other liberal democrats are pawns of the militant gay agenda. -RB
Southern Baptists Get It Right....Get In Trouble-The Reverend Jerry Vines, pastor of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, FL, came under fire from American Muslims after statements he made at the Southern Baptist Convention gathering in St. Louis, June 11. According to the Washington Times (6/12/02 online), "Mr. Vines, a former Southern Baptist Convention president, told several thousand delegates at the gathering in St. Louis.... `Islam was founded by Muhammad, a demon-possessed pedophile who had 12 wives and his last one was a 9-year-old girl....'" Current president, James Merritt (current as of 6/11/02) also had his say. While delivering his keynote address, Mr. Merritt condemned homosexuality and those who promote it-particularly the media and Hollywood. "`More and more we're being told sit down, shut up, go along, get along, be inclusive, be tolerant, be nice and be quiet,' he said. But Mr. Merritt said Southern Baptists have a `biblical responsibility' to preach against such things." In response to threats of future protest, he said, "They have let me know... `we're not going away.' Well, I've got news for the pornographer, the adulterer, the homosexual, the pedophile, the abortionist: We are not going away, either." -RB
Pragmatic Charismatics-The May Charisma had this quote from Stephen Strang, its founder: "We charismatics seem to gravitate to the latest thing that brings results. A few years ago it was discipleship, then `name it and claim it.' After that it was spiritual warfare. Now it's apostolic authority." Elsewhere, the May Charisma quoted a Nigerian pastor's lament that preachers there have used a cheap version of the prosperity gospel to enrich themselves and made it a sham. He said: "I know of churches where they will not pray for you at the altar unless you give money first. They teach that you must give a seed first in order to receive any kind of blessing." Another Nigerian pastor said that in a trip to Tulsa in the 1980s he heard God say to him: "Make my people rich." It is not the God of the Bible speaking this nonsense.
China Eradicates Religion It Can't Control-Red China is determined to eradicate all religion it cannot control. Top communists, despite denials, endorse the arrest, harassment, torture, and killing of peopleespecially Christiansfor their political and religious beliefs (3/11 Chr. Today). Documentation of 22,000 cases provide irrefutable evidence that the "new" China is up to its old repressive tricks. -CC
No Truly Christian Denomination Should Be A Member Of NCC-And, no true Christian should be a member of a church that is in the NCC (National Council of Churches). NCC member churches include: Presby. Church (USA), United Methodist, Episcopal, Disciples of Christ, American Baptist, ELCA, and Church of the Brethren. -CC
Catholicism, Like Islam, Has Misused Power-Like Islam, wherever it had the power, the Roman Catholic Church for more than a thousand years forced its false doctrines upon the populace under penalty of death. Its false doctrine offered heaven through baptism, sacraments, indulgences, the wearing of scapulars and medals and other good works. The popes matched the Muslim promise of Paradise for the jihad martyr by offering a plenary indulgence and instant entrance into heaven for all who died in the Holy Land Crusades. Such practices were directly contrary to the teachings of the Bible and the example of Christ and of the early church. [Excerpt, 2/02 Berean Call] -CC
The UN Is Not Our Friend-The United Nations conducted 33 peacekeeping missions in 28 countries from 1996 to 2001, with 15 still underway as of Jan. 2002 (3/11 USN&WR). The U.S. pays 27 percent of the rising cost, and provides troops and arms to the UN's global police force. When UN Sec'y General Kofi Annan recently accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, he avowed more concern for the security of the jihad states than the United States and warned the Bush administration against planning further attacks on Iraq and other terrorists (12/22/01 World). Fight terrorism we must, but does it make sense for us to use up our armaments in UN "peacekeeping" missions while rogue nation sponsors of terrorism continue to stockpile theirs to use against us? -CC
More Gun Crimes In Britain Than Switzerland-British authorities cracked down on guns using a 1996 school massacre as an excuse. Armed crime has grown in London and other UK cities. Firearms murders jumped nearly 90 percent between April and Nov. 2001 over the 2000 rate. Estimates of illegal firearms range from 200,000 to several million (2/11 New American). Meanwhile, Switzerland, with its population of six million, has at least two million publicly owned firearms. BBC reported 9/27/01 that the rate of gun crimes is so low that statistics are not even kept. -CC
Cedarville Has Jazz Conference-Cedarville University (Ohio) is a GARBC "partner" and is the site for the GARBC's annual convention in June. We have a flyer for Cedarville's "2002 Instrumental and Vocal Jazz Conference" Feb. 15-16 featuring "a variety of jazz concerts," "clinics on drumming, improvising, jazz piano," and a festival and jam session. CU's own jazz band and vocal jazz ensemble are listed. CU Pres. Dr. Paul Dixon plans to retire in 2003. Wonder if he would now revise his good article in the 12/84 Baptist Bulletin where he rightly warned about "the devil's" and the world system's music. Sadly Cedarville's new-evangelical/ecumenical speakers, associations, and practices over the past couple of decades have placed it squarely in the new evangelical camp. -CC
Campolo Is NCC Speaker-Tony Campolo, the keynote speaker at the National Council of Churches' general assembly gathering in November, told attendees that the primary hindrance of ecumenical unity between mainline Christians and evangelicals is not political or theological disagreement, but the manner in which the NCC avoids using Biblical language (1/2/02 Foundation). He said both groups share the same social vision, "the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven." He said "you are Biblically-based, but you seem to avoid Biblical language." He noted, "Language is dividing us, not the issuesand it's a big problem." -CC [The NCC and its members fit neatly into the group which "...say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:" (Isa. 30:10) -WWM]
Founded On Ideology, Not Theology-The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, a breakaway group from the Southern Baptist Convention about ten years ago, consists of some 1,600 SBC churches (2/02 Baptist Banner). It arose mainly from controversies over biblical authority. The CBF was founded on ideology rather than theology and doctrine. The premise was that it is possible for diverse entities to work together in common mission. The CBF supports Baptist freedom and the ordination of women pastors but is divided over homosexuality. CBF affiliate, Baptist Women in Ministry, held its 7/01 General Assembly meeting with the CBF and had songs and prayers addressed to "Mother God." -CC
Unity In Common Missions-This is the unscriptural premise and glue that is holding many convention Baptist groups together today. This ideology of "unity in missions and diversity in all else" was necessitated by the desire to accommodate the inclusion of growing numbers of theologically diverse groups. Biblical authority and doctrine are being jettisoned. Some American Baptist Churches denominational leaders insist that Scripture must be interpreted through the "eyes of Christ" as if we could know how He would think apart from Scripture (2/02 Baptist Banner). The ABC has qualified its confession of faith as representing what most people in the ABC believe! The SBC is yoked with the ABC in the liberal Baptist World Alliance. -CC
Blame Catholic Pope For Charismatics?-In 1962, Pope John XXIII issued a call for a "new Pentecost." The result was the charismatic renewal, which has touched tens of millions of people both within and outside the Roman Catholic Church (3/02 Charisma). Of course, Episcopal priest Dennis Bennett, Oral Roberts, and others were early leaders in the movement. Pentecostal historian Vinson Synan believes there are now 400 million Catholics and Protestants worldwide who have received the "baptism in the Holy Spirit." The charismatic movement has become weirder and wilder in recent years, thanks to such leaders as Benny Hinn, Paul Crouch, John Wimber, Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Rodney Howard-Browne, etc.giving us the Laughing Revival, the Pensacola Outpouring, etc. It is a tool for building the ecumenical church of the Antichrist. -CC
MTV: A Large Evil Network-MTV is now the largest network in the world. It affects the teen culture of the world more than any other medium. It now reaches 342 million households worldwide in 17 languages in 140 countries. It boasts an audience of 78 million households in the USA, captivating 12 to 24 year olds. The editor of Rock & Rap Confidential says MTV is evil and its effects are evil. A Chicago Tribune critic says: "MTV is the single most powerful force in popular music, and also the most ruinous." (Baptist Bible Trib. via 1 2/02 Fund. Digest) -CC
Universalism is the false teaching that everyone will be saved in the end (Bob Dalton). Christian News for 1/28 states: "Universalism, the doctrine that Jesus Christ is not the only way to heaven and that Christianity is just one of many man made religions, has now thoroughly permeated every major Protestant denomination, Roman Catholicism, and the Orthodox church." The Pope has made it clear that he believes that Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and even Voodooists all worship the same God only call him by a different name. Popes and the RCC since Vatican II have not taught the truth about Islam, and do not call for the conversion of Muslims. Pope John Paul II kissed the Koran to show his high regard for it. -CC
Mixed Signals On Islam-The media today send confusing signals about the true nature of Islam. We are told by some government leaders that Islam is a peaceful religion. But they also say its goal is to destroy Western civilization, particularly the U.S. and Israel. Last month we received a statement of Bill Hybels' Willow Creek megachurch's reaction to the articles reporting the forum at this church for a Muslim leader to present Islamic teachings. Some members were deceived by this (see 1/15 CC); others walked out when he blamed the U.S. for the recent terrorism. We do not advocate violence against non terrorist Muslims, and seek to win them to Christ. But we find it incredible the extent to which Islamic popularity has soared following the terrorist acts, and that so many liberal leaders have opened their arms wide to include Muslim leaders in universalist meetings. -CC
Liberal Euphemisms-The left has successfully framed the abortion controversy as a matter of "women's rights." Euthanasia is termed "death with dignity." Sexual immorality is framed as an issue of "freedom." (1/19 World) Homosexuality is tolerated as "gay rights." -CC
Pope's Peace Prayer Event At Assisi-Pope John Paul, in one of the largest ever "Christian" groups, brought together Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans, Quakers, Mennonites, and Orthodox, which joined with 11 other religious groups including Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Shintoists, Confucianists, and tribal religionists Jan 24 at Assisi, Italy. About 200 made the pilgrimage and heard a call for dialogue and of creating a more economically just [communistic] world (1/24 HT). The Pope said: "There is no religious goal which can possibly justify the use of violence by man against man." Pacifist? -CC
World Dictates Church Music-The world is now dictating the church's standards for music. The very style of music that appeals to the unregenerate has become increasingly appealing to professing believers and has crept into thousands of churches. The question we must ask is this: How can the very music that moves, energizes and fuels the fleshly appetite of the old nature of the unbeliever edify the believer who is a "new man" and is indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God? (Nov./Dec. Foundation) -CC
Dutch Lift Restrictions On Euthanasia-Holland has tolerated euthanasia for decades but now a new law lets Netherlands doctors do it legally. It permits euthanasia or physician assisted suicide in cases of "interminable and unendurable suffering," not just in cases of terminal illness (1/26 World). It also allows parents to choose euthanasia for their children between ages 12 and 16, while allowing 16 and 17 year olds to make their own decisions as long as they consult with their parents. -CC
All Religions Are Not The Same-Buddhism, for example, is really a philosophy suggesting love and peace, but it has no god. Hinduism has created millions of gods and is such a hodgepodge that the people are left to wallow in fear and superstition. Islam offers a false god (Allah) and invariably leads by tyranny, as is illustrated by the oppressive regimes of over 50 Muslim nations (12/7 Sword of the Lord). If Islam is a "peaceful" religion, why are Christians severely persecuted in Islamic countries? In some of these, the ultimatum is: "convert (to Islam) or be killed." Christianity is the only "religion" that has a living Savior and is the only way to heaven. -CC
Homosexual Adoption-The American Academy of Pediatrics now says moms or dads raise children as well as moms and dads do (2/16 World). It last month endorsed homosexual adoption, claiming that children raised by homosexuals can be as well adjusted as those raised by heterosexuals. The AAP ignored abundant contrary evidence and based its findings on disputable research. This is another coordinated assault upon the traditional family by cultural revolutionaries of the left. -CC
TBN's China Strategy Hurts Christians-The Trinity Broadcasting Network seeks to build a relationship with Communist China in hopes of getting permission to spread the charismatic "gospel" on state sponsored cable television (2/02 Charisma). But Chinese house church leaders complain that TBN founder Dr. Paul Crouch spends too much time speaking friendly about the Chinese government, lobbying for China's entrance into the World Trade Organization, instead of speaking openly about the daily torture and murder of Christians. -CC