(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.)
Our 1st President's Prayer For America - "And now, Almighty Father, if it is Thy holy will that we shall obtain a place and name among the nations of the earth, grant that we may be enabled to show our gratitude for Thy goodness by our endeavors to fear and obey Thee. Bless us with thy wisdom in our counsels, success in battle, and let our victories be tempered with humanity. Endow, also, our enemies with enlightened minds, that they become sensible of their injustice, and willing to restore our liberty and peace. Grant the petition of Thy servant, for the sake of whom Thou hast called Thy beloved Son; nevertheless, not my will, but Thine be done." George Washington (Federalist, 9/9/02) [There is no mistaking that Pres. Washington is praying to the Creator of all things. He addresses God's position, prominence, and perfectness. He acknowledges God's glory, greatness, and goodness. He asks through the proper medium (His Son), for the proper mentality (Thy wisdom), and in the proper manner (Thy will be done). I pray that our leaders on every level will honor no other god but the true God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.]-W. W. Mosley, hereafter, WWM
No Lasting Change Since 9/11/01-Now, a year later, things still don't feel quite as safe as before. Nearly every day we hear about biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons, Saddam Hussein, Osama bin Laden, and others who hate America. Americans also became more aware of the atrocious attacks people in other parts of the world have endured for years or even centuries. It's become real to us. But has it changed us?
According to Carroll Doherty, editor at the Pew Research Center for People and the Press, "The percentage of Americans who thought religion was `gaining influence' rose from about 37 percent to more than 70 percent in separate polls by Pew and Gallup after Sept. 11, but receded to its usual 37 percent six months later." ChristianityToday.com, 9/11/02
Another Research On 9/11/01-Sept. 11 Attacks Hardly Influenced Americans' Spirituality-(Baptist Press) Although nearly half the population says their faith was a critical resource in helping them respond to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, a new Barna Research Group poll suggests that people's religious beliefs and practices have not changed in the past year.
The survey also found that barely half of the nation's churches acknowledged or addressed the attacks in any way. Only one of four adults who attend a Christian church said their church had engaged in specific prayer regarding the attacks, and fewer said their church had provided sermons or other teaching related to the attacks.
"None of the agents of influence seemed bent on seizing the attacks as a teaching moment or as a time to ignite deeper self-examination among Americans," said George Barna of the California-based research organization. "For the most part, our response to the attacks has been to restore continuity and comfort as quickly as possible, without much energy devoted to moral, spiritual or emotional growth."
The study, released Sept. 3, was based on telephone interviews during the past year with more than 6,000 randomly sampled adults in the 48 continental states. According to the poll, 25 percent of adults said their faith has been the "single most important resource" they have relied on and an additional 23 percent said their faith has been "one of several important resources" that has helped them react to the attacks.
Court Rules City Can't Invoke Jesus in Prayer-A California appeals court ruled on Monday that state legislative bodies cannot begin meetings with prayers invoking the name of Jesus. Reuters has reported on the decision, which came in a lawsuit over a 1999 meeting of the Burbank council that began with a minister giving thanks to God "in the name of Jesus Christ."
Writing for the panel, Judge Katherine Doi Todd argued that "the expression of gratitude and love `in the name of Jesus Christ' was an explicit invocation of a particular religious belief. According to Reuters, the invocation conveyed the message that the Burbank City Council was a Christian body and from this it could be inferred that the council was advancing a religious belief."
Juli Scott, chief assistant city attorney for Burbank, said she and the council members were disappointed by the Second District's decision and would likely appeal a second time. Scott said that the opinion would force Burbank to censor what religious leaders were allowed to say or prevent them from naming certain deities, which in some cases would invalidate the prayer entirely.
According to Reuters, the suit was brought by two men who were in attendance at the Burbank meeting, including Jewish Defense League head Irv Rubin. Attorney Roger Diamond, who represented the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, was jubilant, shouting "praise the Lord!" when reached by a Reuters reporter. He added that his clients were not "anti-religion" but were convinced that prayer belonged in churches, temples and mosques and not in government.-Religion Today, 9/13/02
Judge Defends Military's Right To Ban Pornography-A three judge panel on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco has just ruled that military bases do not have to be purveyors of pornographic materials. The judges agreed that the military can ban sales of sexually explicit magazines and videos on these bases. The decision upholds the constitutionality of the Military Honor and Decency Act of 1996. -Traditional Values Coalition, 9/20/02
Barbra Streisand, Bill Clinton, & Nelson Mandela-What do these three have in common? Streisand's charitable contributions were recently revealed by the New York Post. They seem to confirm what most believe are her priorities. The William Jefferson Clinton Foundation received $45,000 of Bab's green backs in the year 2000, more than twice the amount the singer gave to any other cause. But then again, she did sleep over in the Lincoln Bedroom several times during Clinton's tenure. Other charities the diva gave to include $1,000 to the Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation, $10,000 to the Nelson Mandela Foundation and $20,000 to the People for the American Way. (NewsMax, 10/8/02) Did you ever wonder how many Baptist-by-name folks helped Babs get her wealth by buying her records or watching her movies? These also helped the fame of men like Clinton & Mandela. -WWM
Islamic Extremist vs. Islamic Moderates-How can the difference be determined? The recent murderers of service men training in Failka Island, Kuwait were determined to be Islamic extremist. Islamic moderates(?) identified them as such. It was the Islamic extremist who bombed the Twin Towers 9/11/01. It was the Islamic moderates who said their religion was peace loving. Strange how Muslims read the same Koran, some become fundamentalist/extremist and some are only moderate. The way to tell the difference is the extremist practice what they preach and the moderates are waiting for the opportunity. Isn't that the basic difference among those called Christians? Baptists who preach and practice Bible doctrine are tagged by the media as being fundamentalist. A title the same organization gives Muslims who practice what their Koran teaches. Which are the most dangerous, Islamic moderates or extremist? At least we know where the Islamic extremist stand. Beware! -WWM
SBTS President's Wife On Modesty-Mary Mohler believes there are certain clothes Christian women should never wear. Ever...miniskirts, hip-hugger jeans or skin-tight shirts. Christian women have a biblical obligation to dress modestly and reflect holiness. While speaking at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary she told how she once visited a church that had a dress code (for members only). "It tells you that there are problems even in that setting (of Sunday services) where people are coming dressed inappropriately to worship." (Bapt. Press, 10/9/02) She reminded her audience that "we must remember what battles men face to stay pure as they are stimulated visually by women." Mrs. Mohler gave this list of items that her daughter will never be allowed to wear: "halter tops, tube tops, skin-tight shirts, low-cut shirts, midriff-exposing shirts, miniskirts, short shorts and anything from Abercrombie and Fitch." Her comments express well the need of Christian women's proper attire. But did she stop short of biblical teaching on this subject? Many Christian women condemn "hip-hugger jeans" and "short shorts." Yet this implies that loose jeans and long shorts(?) are acceptable to God. Check with the Lord in Deut. 22:5. The bare leg and uncovered thigh were considered nakedness in Isa. 47:2,3. Let us not stop too short of God's directives. -WWM
Miss America On Abstinence-Although the Miss America pageant is all but pure in attire and prone to reveal all flesh possible, Erika Harold, Miss America 2003 does have a message that raised the indignation of pageant officials. She says that "pageant officials have ordered her not to talk publicly about sexual abstinence" according to The Washington Times. (BP, 10/9/02) She has been spokeswoman for Project Reality, an abstinence-centered education program in Illinois, and made chastity her platform in her successful bid this year to be Miss Illinois. "George Bauer, interim chief executive officer of the Miss America organization, and other pageant officials had told her to avoid saying anything about sexual abstinence but to discuss only the issue of youth violence prevention..." (Ibid.) The verbal abstinence position of this young person is certainly commendable, however to talk a good talk is far from walking a good walk. The comments of Mrs. Mohler above is largely ignored at Miss America pageants. What did Erika wear during the swim-suit competition? Did her walk there parallel her talk to young people? I seriously doubt it! -WWM
Bush Supports Abstinence Education-President Bush himself has said, "Abstinence is the surest way and the only completely effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases...When our children face a choice between self restraint and self destruction, government should not be neutral. Government should not sell children short by assuming they are incapable of acting responsibly. We must promote the good choices." -Speech in February, 2002.
One Nation Under God/In God We Trust-The House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to reaffirm the phrase "under God" should remain in the Pledge of Allegiance. The House approved the measure, which also reaffirms "In God we trust" as the national motto, in a 401-5 vote Oct. 8. The Senate approved similar legislation by a 99-0 vote in late June. (BP, 10/9/02) This action was in response to a June 26 opinion by a federal appeals court that the pledge violated the Constitution because it includes the words "under God." The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco overturned a 1954 act of Congress that inserted "under God" after the phrase "one nation" in the pledge. (Ibid.) Please take note that the five House members who voted against the bill were Democrats Barney Frank of Mass; Michael Honda & Pete Stark, both of Calif.; Jim McDermott of Washington; & Bobby Scott of Virginia. This is not a political statement, it is a moral statement. Although others only voted "present" and some did not vote, the above took a stand to dismiss God as our nation's keeper. If God is for us who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31) If America or any nation continues to exist it will be under the protective hand of God. (Jer. 18:6-10) -WWM
Saddleback Valley Community Church & SBC-The Southern Baptist Convention is quick to recognize and accept the teaching of SVCC's pastor, Rick Warren. A SBC new campaign called "40 Days of Purpose" is based upon Warren's latest book, "The Purpose Driven Life." Could it be that their interest in SVCC is because it is one of the largest congregations in the SBC? Do contributions from SVCC to the Cooperative Program come into view here? Although Rick Warren claims to bleed SBC when his skin is cut, he obviously doesn't care to bleed Baptist in his church name. If a creature walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, and swims like a duck, why would any duck duck the duck name? I'm a Baptist who attends a Baptist church that has a Baptist pastor. None of the three mind anyone knowing we are Baptists. -WWM
Gay Students Unhappy In Happy College-Boston College is ranked sixth-happiest in the nation. However, gay students are unhappy in this Catholic college because their gay student group is unrecognized. The senior student editor of a BC periodical, sees a "bit of hypocrisy" in a college that claims everything is on the table. That is except tolerance of the gay student's alternate lifestyle. Student editorials demand BC officials place "sexual orientation" along side race and religion as nondiscrimination practices. (Boston Globe, 10/10/02) Maybe these students need to call in their homosexual, child-molesting priest for support. Seems the Mother of Harlots in Rev. 17 is not the only one with a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication. If these students in this Christian[?] (religious is more applicable) college were taught from a Bible that says homosexuality is an abomination to God they would either repent or go elsewhere for their education. -WWM
NYC Is First Again-Read this statement from this Washington Post (8/23/02) writer, Michael Powell: "New York City gives this nation its first Museum of Sex." He further states this city gave this nation "its first look at a press-fueled sex scandal, at S&M clubs and gay and lesbian bars, and at the modern porno industry." New York City likely has more foreign visitors than any city in America. If their first visit is at this museum they will get a first hand view of the depth of debauchery a once Christian nations has sunken. Remember when museums were a place in which works of artistic, historical, and scientific values were exhibited? This may be the reason Bill and Hillary like NYC. Bill Clinton declared a Gay Pride Day during his tenure as president. Hillary Clinton marched in the "Gay Pride Parade" there and got the gay vote in her senatorial race. Who is on the Lord's and where are they? -WWM
Open Opposition To Lewdness/Nudity Costs Pastor-Pastor Ralph Ovadal, Director, Wisconsin Christians United has been ruled guilty of disorderly conduct. His disorderly conduct? Preaching repentance of sin for salvation through Jesus Christ on the parking lot of a state funded, state run nude beach in Mazomanie, Wis. (Wis. Christians United Press, 8/6/02) The pastor was labeled by Judge Higginbotham as an "angry fundamentalist." Whoa! Seems that is the same label placed on the bombers of the Twin Towers and D.C. The use of the word "whore" is what stuck in the judges legalistic throat. But I suspect it was the message of Jesus Christ that he really couldn't swallow. A young lady proceeded to undress on the parking lot in the presence of the pastor and his listeners. "I preached the whole counsel of God's Word to Nancy Jo Erickson. I did it for her sake; I did it for the sake of the young men on the beach; I did it for the sake of the children of Mazo beach and the children of the rest of the state, including my new grandson who was just born last week; and most importantly, I did it out of my duty as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I will not apologize for my preaching, because it would be wrong to apologize for doing right." Whatever other beliefs this pastor has, he is right on in his convictions here. -WWM
Thoughts On America's Christianity-SBTS President R. Albert Mohler, Jr. had this to say about a recent George Barna survey in America on Christianity. "Taken together, the research shows that Americans prefer a pick-and-choose brand of Christianity. It shows that in the consumer culture of modern America people want a Christianity they can assemble by themselves," he said. "They'll take what parts seem best to them and will reject those that are offensive to the modern mind. For instance, original sin is one of those. But that's the difference between cultural Christianity and authentic Christianity in any generation. Our generation is probably a bit more confused than what was the case in previous times, but that confusion is our missiological opportunity and challenge." (BP, 10/15/02) The kind of Christianity far too many believe in costs nothing personally and is worth less. Before you judge this to be a protestant deficiency, how many do you know who claim to be Baptist that have changed churches recently? Reasons? "Nothing for our children! Pastor uses too much scripture! There is nothing wrong with wearing what I choose, regardless!" But wait, Timothy was taught the Scripture from his youth (2 Tim. 3:15), Timothy was also instructed to preach the word (2 Tim. 4:2), Timothy was also instructed to teach modesty in dress (1 Tim. 2:9). All this was part of the indoctrination on how to behave in the house of God. (1 Tim. 3:15) -WWM
RCs & Married Priests-Arguments in favor of a married Roman Catholic clergy are growing in the British Catholic church. The former master general of the Dominicans, who spoke at the National Conference of Priests of England and Wales, says the feelings are "extremely strong, perhaps overwhelming." He has reservations about married priests. He feels that "having a family would oblige priests to fit into the social system." (latmes.com, 9/7/02) There is little or no consideration of the biblical teaching of pastors. Such as being the husband of one wife and ruling his children well. (1 Tim. 3:3-7) It would do little good for homosexual pedophile priests to marry. The odds are strong they would become incestuous. -WWM
This Makes Islam Better?-If you still think Islam is a violent religion, Sam Hamod would like to set you straight. In a letter to the Washington Post, he argues that a sharia court in Nigeria that sentenced a woman to death by stoning for adultery was not following the true faith (second letter): "As the former director of the National Islamic Center of Washington, the focal point of Islam in North America, allow me to make clear that there is no dictum in the Koran to allow the stoning death of an adulteress; the penalty the Koran prescribes is lashing." -opinionjournal.com, 9/4/02
Missing Link Still Missing-Alas, the hopeless plight of the Darwinians dredges on in spite of their recent discovery of a "6 million year old," "...member of the human family" ("Missing Link Found?" PBC August `02). The skull which is considered by some hopeful evolutionists to be "the beginning of the human lineage," is now falling under a much heavier scrutiny by others. According to the Washington Times (Oct. 10 online), "anthropologists....Brigette Senut, Milford H. Wolpoff and Martin Pickford said the skull is not on the human branch of the evolutionary tree at all. `I don't see how you can tell what it is. But it is not human,' said Mr. Wolpoff, a University of Michigan anthropologist." -Russ Brown
Texas Tech Professor Requires Belief In Evolution-Former Tech medical student Micah Spradling is now enrolled at Lubbock Christian University. Spradling chose to switch schools after taking exception to biological science professor Michael Dini's policy of refusing a letter of recommendation to any student who does not "truthfully and forth rightly" believe in evolution (Lubbock Avalanche Journal Oct. 6). Regarding the theory as "the most important theory in biology," Professor Dini apparently has no respect for any medical professional who rejects the "much physical evidence" supporting an evolutionary origin of man. "One can deny this evidence only at the risk of calling into question one's understanding of science and of the method of science," according to Dini. I wonder what the good professor would have to say to Sir Isaac Newton who claimed, "For it became him who created them to set them in order. And if he did so, it's unphilosophical to seek for any other origin of the world, or to pretend that it might arise out of a chaos by the mere laws of nature..." Sir Isaac Newton "Optics" -RB
Falwell Labels Muhammad "Terrorist"-Muslim organizations are calling "blasphemous" recent statements made by Rev. Jerry Falwell on CBS television where he dubbed the founder of Islam a "man of war" and "a terrorist." Later, five people were killed and forty-seven injured in India during a riot protesting the preacher's remarks. "The rioters attacked each other with knives and stones during the strike...," according to Yahoo! News. Sounds like a religion of peace to me. Of course we can always turn to the Koran for help: "Let the unbelievers not think that they will escape Us. They have not the power to do so. Muster against them all the men and calvary at your disposal, so that you may strike terror into the enemies of Allah..." The Spoils 8:60 -RB
Falwell Apologizes To Muslims Perhaps fearing a Salman Rushdie-like death sentence, Rev. Jerry Falwell has sought to smooth his jagged image among Islamic leaders. Since his comments on CBS's "60 Minutes" regarding Muhammed as a "man of war," some clerics have reportedly called for his head. "Iranian cleric Mohsen Mojtahed Shabestari....said Mr. Falwell was a `mercenary and must be killed,' the Farsi-language daily Abrar reported yesterday." (Washington Times Oct. 13 online) "`I sincerely apologize that certain statements of mine made during an interview....were hurtful to the feelings of many Muslims,' the preacher said in a statement issued in Lynchburg, Va." -RB
Nut Falls From Tree, Hits Earth First-Another "tree sitter" has died in California. "A man with the environmental activist group Earth First! has died after a fall of more than 50 feet from a redwood tree, raising concerns about the dangers of tree sits, often used to stop logging operations," the Associated Press reports. The man's name hasn't been released, but the AP reports he "went by the forest name `Naya.' " An Earth First! spokesman tells the wire service: "Santa Cruz Earth First! is deeply saddened by this tragic event, we never like to lose an activist. This was a young man in his first tree sit" The county coroner's office had not determined the cause of death," the AP adds. Here's our theory:gravity. -opinionjournal.com.
Church Irrelevant In Europe?-For a majority of Europeans, the church seems wholly irrelevant. Mostly only hollow shells remain of the institution that dominated Europe for 1,500 years. For example, a century ago, 98 percent of Dutch people attended church regularly; within two generations the percentage fell into the low teens. Today it's under 10 percent. Almost half the church buildings in Holland have been destroyed or converted into restaurants, art galleries, or condominiums (9/9 Chr. Today). The U.S. seems to be headed down a similar decadent road in a declining culture. Too many in our abundantly blessed, once great nation no longer see the need to pray or worship.-Calvary Contender, hereafter, CC.
Catholics Believe In Salvation By Works-Rome's position has always amounted to salvation by works whereas Biblical Christianity contends for salvation by grace. The Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops recently said: ".As Catholics, we believe salvation to be a life long process, begun at our baptism and completed only when we are finally united with God in heaven." (5 7/02 Canadian Revivalist) This is further evidence that Rome hasn't changed. -CC
California Controlled By Liberals-California is a sad example of what happens when liberals take over a state. It leads the nation in enshrining homosexual behavior in law. It is now state law that: 1) All K 12 schoolchildren must be taught to "appreciate" various sexual orientations. 2) Public school teachers and counselors must identify children with the potential to be "intolerant" of homosexuality and refer them for retraining. 3) School sports teams that object to homosexual or transsexual behavior may be barred. 4) All taxpayers must fund marriage equivalent benefits for homosexual partners of state employees. 5) Nonprofit groups (e.g., Boy Scouts) that refuse to hire homosexuals may be fined up to $150,000 per incident. 6) A person's gender is whatever he or she says it is, regardless of biology. (8/31 World) Liberals attack religious freedom. A current bill would prohibit Christian contractors who object to homosexuality from bidding on state projects. Another would require all foster parents (many are Christians) to undergo homosexual "sensitivity training." -CC
Look Who Funds China's Abortions-China's "one child" policy, which involves forced abortion, sterilization and infanticide, has been generously underwritten by the UN Population Fund, the World Bank, the International Planned Parenthood Federation, and globalist groups like Ford and Rockefeller foundations. (8/26 New Amer.). U.S. taxpayers help fund many of these groups. [Note: Homes of women suspected of being pregnant without state permission are destroyed.] -CC
F. Graham On Islam-Franklin Graham says: "We're not attacking Islam but Islam has attacked us. The God of Islam is not the same God. He's not the Son of God of the Christian faith. It's a different God, and I believe it is a very evil and wicked religion." (8/24 HT) Graham protests that Muslims are free to worship and proselytize in the U.S., while Christians are denied these freedoms in most Muslim countries.CC
Yoga, A Hindu Practice-Yoga is an integral part of the Hindu religion. A saying: "There is no Yoga without Hinduism and no Hinduism without Yoga." Yoga is a means of reaching an altered state of consciousness a door to the occult. The 7/22 Army Times had a story about Yoga as part of a proposed new Fitness program. Yoga and Hindu meditation are becoming mainstream, even seen in churches.-CC
OK To Offend Christians-A liberal recently said that even if 0.4 percent of our population does not believe in God, they shouldn't be forced to be subjected to the "under God" phrase in the Pledge of Allegiance. However, the same people who believe this, often hypocritically try to force Christians (a much bigger number than 0.4 percent!) to be subjected to the offensive propaganda of evolution, abortion, pornography and profanity, sex-ed and homosexuality in schools. -CC
Minority Tyranny Over Majority-Pat Buchanan, appearing on premiere of Phil Donahue's MSNBC show, said this to Donahue: "You're saying because some people want to be silent, no one can say the Pledge (of Allegiance). I say that is minority tyranny over the rights of the majority.You're a dictatorial liberal, and you don't even know it." 9/02 NLJ (Via CC)
WCC Update-It was revealed at the recent Central Committee meeting of the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland that the liberal Council faces a severe money crunch due to an unanticipated shortfall in income, which was due to a loss in its investment portfolio and a drop in contributions. The WCC meets in general assembly every eight years, the last such was in Zimbabwe in 1998. It was decided that the 2006 assembly will meet in Porto Alegre, Brazil, reportedly because "the churches [there] have a strong ecumenical commitment and work closely with the Roman Catholic Church and Pentecostals." ACCC Exec. Sec'y Dr. Ralph Colas attended this and another WCC meeting with press credentials and will prepare an in depth report, as soon as time and funding permit probably in November. -CC
Southwide Baptist Fellowship Has Southern Baptist Speakers-Sword of the Lord editor Dr. Shelton Smith, in an 8/30 kindly written bold article, expressed concern regarding a "drift" in the direction of the Southwide Baptist Fellowship, as evidenced by its roster of speakers for its Oct. annual meeting (at Highland Park Baptist Church, TTU). He said: "Listed among the speakers were two Southern Baptists, two or three independent Baptists whose ministries are openly contemporary, and one other man who is a representative of an organization that could not be described as fundamentalist." The Southern Baptists are John Phillips and Bill Stafford. Other speakers, such as Ralph Sexton, Bradley Price and Gary Coleman have worked in ministry with Southern Baptists/NEs (e.g., Jerry Falwell). Joe Jordan is with Word of Life. (See 8/02 & 9/02 CC for the new evangelical direction it is headed.) Dr. Smith says the problem with the SBF is now more than a drift, and says: "I cannot imagine myself, or any other fundamental preacher sitting quietly by while a major national fundamentalist institution is led off into left field by its leadership." -CC
Baptist Church Calls Its First Woman Pastor-Sarah Shelton has been elected (1-31-02) the first female pastor of Baptist Church of the Covenant, Birmingham. She is apparently the second woman pastor to serve a Baptist Church in Ala. (8/15 Ala. Baptist). She has been a conference leader for the SBC's Woman's Missionary Union, and was a member of the 1991 Coordinating Council of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, a breakaway group from the SBC. -CC (Since to qualify as a pastor Ms. Shelton must be "the husband of one wife," yet her `wife' is not named. How can she possibly fulfill "having his children in subjection?" Before you write an objection to this, please consult 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6, AV-KJV 1611. -WWM)
What Happened To Hinn's Healing Center?-Flamboyant charismatic evangelist Benny Hinn three years ago promised to build a World Healing Center near Dallas. He requested funds for it but now says the decision to delay the project was divinely inspired (6/23 Dallas Morn. News). His ministry collects about $60 million per year in donations. He is said to have built his theology around a theory that sending money to him will bring even greater riches from God. Critics say the healing center project was a fund raising gimmick and "one of many false promises he has made to finance a globe trotting ministry and lavish lifestyle." They say he leases a personal jet and luxury cars, and is seen on television laden with gold rings, watches and bracelets. -CC
Open View Of God-Dr. Gregory Boyd, theology professor at Bethel College & Seminary (MN) and pastor of Woodland Hills Baptist Church, is at the center of the open theism controversy which questions the foreknowledge and omniscience of God. Boyd is quoted in the 8/02 OBF Visitor: "We create the reality of our decisions by making them. And until we make them, they don't exist. There simply isn't anything to know until we make it there to know. So God can't foreknow the good or bad decisions of the people He creates until He creates these people and they in turn create their decisions." We must reject this unscriptural teaching. -CC
N.C.C. Names A Quaker To Ecumenical Post-The National Council of Churches has named a Quaker and a former official of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to head up theological work for ecumenical discussions. This comes at a critical time when the NCC attempts to reinvent itself to attract participation of Catholics, Evangelicals and Pentecostals (8/02 The Servant). Leaders plan a meeting to discuss the future with non NCC member churches, including Catholics, Salvation Army and the Church of God in Christ. -CC