(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.)

Hollywood: Anti-God/Anti-America-Hollywood's uprising against war with those inclined to annihilate America is greater now than ever. How does the public feel about this involvement? Although a greater percent say Hollywood has no effect on them in this matter, revenue from their films reaching into the millions of $s indicate differently. "Almost one-third (31%) said they felt celebrities were `somewhat' effective in influencing the views of the president and other elected officials." (USAToday.com, 2/27/03) What a sad commentary on our society if such an ungodly group as Martin Sheen, Tyne Daly, Anjelica Huston, Madonna, Mike Farrell, Matt Damon, Jessica Lange and Janeane Garafalo, etc., can lead one third of our nation to such depths of debauched thinking. The title "limousine liberals" could have added to it "liable luggage." The characteristics of men when perilous times shall come have "traitors..." and "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God" recorded in the same verse. (2 Tim. 3:4) -(W. W. Mosley, hereafter WWM)

Preaching On Rom. 1:26-28 A Hate Crime?-Canada's new bill, C-250, if passed, would protect homosexuals from such hate(?) speech. The bill "would add `sexual orientation' to the list of protected groups in the `hate propaganda' sections of the country's criminal code." (World, 3/1/03) One opposing the bill said, "This bill could silence reasonable public discussion about immorality of certain sexual practices and even implicate the Bible." The Bible is already involved . . . it strongly condemns such debauchery. God says homosexuality is an abomination (Lev. 20:13). This bill may pass in Canada, but it is already vetoed in the portals of heaven even before it was hatched in the heart of such heathen. (1 Cor. 6:9) "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,..." This will not be mentioned in C-250, nor will Gal. 6:7, among others. -WWM

Smedes, Campolo Said Homosexuals Born That Way-The late Fuller Seminary professor emeritus Lewis Smedes in his 1984 "Sex For Christians" book said the homosexual should "simply refuse to accept a burden of guilt for his condition. He is a victim either of biological accident or someone else's folly." He said the homosexual "did not choose homosexuality" It is absurd, unscriptural, and maybe blasphemous to suggest that the homosexual is not to blame for his perverted lifestyle, or that an adulterer is not to blame for his sin. To do so implies that God is to blame. If a person is born without a choice in the matter, God (under the Law) would never have required the death penalty for homosexuality. Capital punishment was always for crimes a person committed voluntarily. (See Lev. 20, etc.) -(Calvary Contender, hereafter CC)

Larry King's Panel On Christians & War-Larry King had a panel (Mar. 11) of five "Christian" leaders who discussed what Christians believed concerning war. Bob Jones was one of the five, along with John MacArthur, Max Lucado, a Roman Catholic priest and a United Methodist bishop. Bob Jones of course was as straight as an arrow, as was John MacArthur (despite whatever other problems we may have with him). Max Lucado was a typical New Evangelical, trying to stick somewhat with the Bible, while rubbing the backs of the Catholic priest and the Methodist bishop. Jones and MacArthur quoted John 14:6, Acts 4:12, etc., to show that Christ is the only way to heaven. Lucado said that Christians believed in salvation through what God did for man in sending Christ to die on the cross, whereas Muslims believe we are saved by what we do for God. Lucado said that he "preferred" the Christian way. How close to the edge of the cliff can you get without falling over? The Methodist bishop stated that he believed in Christ, but that there were certainly other ways to heaven. The Catholic priest said that Christ rejoiced when people worshipped His Father; and that he couldn't imagine Christ jealously saying "look at me." Therefore, when Muslims worship God, Christ is pleased. Such blasphemy. [Brad Gsell] -(via CC)

Episcopal Church's New Age Spirituality-The Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist (Anglican) in San Francisco has the motto "Diverse People, Inquiring Minds, Open Hearts" posted on their web site. The 145 year old church have their very own New Age group called the Divine Rhythm Society with all night parties and suspected drug activity. The United Religions Initiative Information refers to this as "the de-Christianization of the Episcopal Church in the USA (ECUSA)." "The Episcopal Parish of St. John the Evangelist, in San Francisco the home diocese of Bishop William Swing, the United Religions Initiative, Matthew Fox, and the Labyrinth Project knew how to ring in the Third Millennium in a politically correct way." The first observance "Love in the Dark a winter solstice service of songs and readings," occurred on December 21, 2000, sponsored by the "Divine Rhythm Society" (DRS). The DRS says that it has two purposes: "First, we create space for direct, experiential forms of spiritual practice. Recognizing that divine rhythm is everywhere, the Rhythm Society celebrates spiritually through music, dance, meditation, and play. Second, we cultivate community in which we can play out the daily life implications of insights gained from primary religious experience. We are One in the Dance!" (The Christian Challenge) The sad truth is that this concept of worship(?) is not confined to this Episcopal Church. New agism has gained acceptance into most major religious circles including Baptists. Read on. - WWM

Wheaton Students May Dance, Staff May Drink-Wheaton College (Billy Graham's alma mater) has lifted its ban against on campus dancing and has decided to allow its faculty and staff to drink alcohol and smoke off campus. President Duane Litfin said the policy needed a review in light of cultural changes on Christian campuses and new laws. (CC, 4/03) Although Wheaton College is known as a Christian college, it is far from this in practice and is certainly not Baptist doctrinally. Its most famous graduate reportedly believes there are many saved who have not even heard of Jesus Christ. This kind of blasphemous corruption is the result of dumbing down in appearance and practice just to be more acceptable to the world system. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Rom. 12:2) -WWM

Episcopal Church & Muslim Religion-"Seven bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church wrote to more than 500 ministers and other church leaders asking them to extend `to our Muslim brothers and sisters our commitment to friendship and mutual respect.'" (Anglican Communion News Service, Scotland, 3/20/03, via Aus. Ind. Bapt. Newsletter) Not only does the Episcopal church of America produce and practice New Age theology, it cultivates ecumenism with other false religion. You can be sure if the Episcopalians even have a slight image of Christianity (which has a slim to none chance) their "commitment to friendship" with the Muslim religion will terminate. -WWM

Sick, Sadistic, Sordid Society-From among the demonstrators against our President and America come some of the most repugnant activities of depraved humanity. "A band calling itself `Pukers for Peace' vomited on the steps of the Federal Building" in San Francisco. (San Francisco Chronicle, 3/20/03) This is too shameful to spend time on. There is little doubt that such know nothing about the God in heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, to say nothing about patriotism. It is recorded that the lethargic church of the Laodiceans brought this statement from the Lord: "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." (Rev. 3:16) "Spue"is from a Greek word meaning vomit. If apathetic Christians make the Lord sick, such despicable actions of lost humanity do not go unnoticed. -WWM

Pakistani Brothers Jailed For Blasphemy-Two Pakistani brothers were jailed in June 1999 charged with blasphemy for "slandering the prophet Mohammed" (Crosswalk, 3/21/03) For four years the brothers have awaited a release order from the Lahore High Court. The danger will not stop after their release "since Islamist radicals in Pakistan have vowed to kill all accused blasphemers regardless of court decisions." Such "radicals" believe this to be hate crime preaching. Sounds much like the same tone of Tom Brokaw's statement concerning Jerry Vines, First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL declaring Mohammad to be a pedofile. Brokaw judged Vines comments as preaching hate. (NBC Evening News, 2/25/03, via Baptist Press, 2/27/03) Does this place the NBC news anchor in affinity with Islamic radicals? Be sure of this...the world and its news comments are slanted hard to the left when it comes to believers in Christ. "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." (1 John 3:13) -WWM

European Politics-"Calls for placing a reference to God in the text of a new European Union constitution have provoked lively debate, with some drafters urging that the draft mention faith in God as a source of truth and justice. Others are baffled by the suggestion." (AINL, 3/27/03) Sounds much the same as U.S. political correctness. Such "baffled" anti-God politicians and drafters of the Constitution would have been excluded 200+ years ago. Some constituting the European Union want a "reference to God" in their text. Some in the ranks of U.S. want to prevent the mention of God in our constitution. Many who quote the motto "In God We Trust" know little if any thing at all about God our Saviour. What a blessing it would be if every politician in America would appreciate the prayers of Christians in their behalf, and say so as did President Bush. (1 Tim. 2:1,2) -WWM

Preaching On Money A Problem?-Likely many who complain about the preacher bringing up tithes and offerings will not be deterred from paying the fee of $17 at the church door to listen to pop-inspirational singer/pianist Erick Peterson. That he "will present a concert at 7 p.m. at Unity Church of Overland Park (KS)," was announced in the Religion News section of the Kansas City Star, 3/22/03. Attenders can save $2 if they purchase their tickets in advance. At least one of his favorites among listeners is "You Anointed Me." The ad doesn't say who anointed whom but it conforms to both Christmas and Hanukah holidays. Unity churches have this or a similar view of this as being proper spirituality and unity. "We believe that there are similar inner or spiritual symbolisms in the religion, literature and mythology of all cultures." (Unity Church, OKC Web) Lost humanity doesn't need a symbol, it needs a Saviour. The sad truth is that members of Baptist churches will likely pay to hear this Christian(?) pop artist perform in a non-church that wouldn't give a dime to a church-sent Independent Baptist Missionary. -WWM

Government Restricts Changing Religion-"The parliament of India's Gujarat state on Wednesday passed a controversial bill purportedly to protect religious freedom but that requires anyone wanting to convert from one faith to another to get prior permission from a district magistrate. The Freedom of Religion Bill aims to prevent religious conversion by force or bribery, and it provides for three-year prison terms and fines of $1,000 for law-breakers. Even for those who convert without threats or inducement, failure to get approval beforehand can result in imprisonment for a year and a small fine." (Crosswalk 3/27/03) "Freedom of Religion Bill" seems to be a misnomer. Can you imagine waiting to get approval from congress and then the senate to witness with successful results? By the time liberal lawmakers and news media hashed the request to bits, the opportunity would be gone. "Purportedly to protect religious freedom" is an accurate description. "Purported:" present the appearance, often false, of being or intending. State official said the law was not "aimed at any particular religion." Sounds like saying, "It's not about the money," which reveals it's all about the money. The ruling party in the state is the Hindu nationalist BJP, which introduced the law. -WWM

Muslim Prayer Time Costly For Stockton Steel-Four former Pakistani-American employees of Stockton Steel were payed $1.11 million because they claimed they were "subjected to derogatory name-calling" during their daily Muslim prayer time. (Religious News Service, 3/28/03) The company paying the maltreated "agreed to conduct training to prevent future discrimination and guarantee the right of employees to request that their religious needs be accommodated." Does this apply to Muslims only? How far will this be applied to believers in Christ? Suppose it would apply to those Baptist (few as they are) who would like to have Sunday off to attend regular services? Or how about taking a few minutes off from work for Christians to have a Bible study or to witness to the Muslims about their need to turn from false religion to Christ? Don't hold your breath until true Christianity is counted on equal ground with false religion, nor make a vow as did the forty not to eat until Paul was dead. (Acts 23:12,13) (1 John 3:13) "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." (Matt. 10:24) "The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord." -WWM

Abortion Industry Protects Predators Of Underage Girls?-A report by Life Dynamics reveals shocking news concerning the abuse of underage girls by adult males. "According to the most reliable studies, among girls 15 and younger who become pregnant, between 60 and 80 percent of them are impregnated by adult men." Equally disturbing is this report that involves family planning service providers. "When this sexual abuse is not reported, underage girls continue to be victimized by adult criminals because these criminals are not caught. Still, the abortion industry encourages `family planning service' providers not to report this abuse. Worse yet, the abortion industry enables the continued abuse of these girls by providing them with contraceptives, which makes underage girls even more accessible to sexual predators." The Alan Guttmacher Institute reports, "In 2000, there were 1,819 abortion providers in the United States." This is in America, the country where Hollywood performers, deficient of moral intelligence, have the freedom to incite this kind of immorality not only in acting but in their personal lives. Isaiah 59:7 describes them well: "Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths." -WWM

AGI Gives This Report Also-"Abortion is a common experience: At current rates, about one in three American women will have had an abortion by the time she reaches age 45. Moreover, a broad cross section of U.S. women have abortions. 56% of women having abortions are in their 20s; 61% have one or more children; 67% have never married; 57% are economically disadvantaged; 88% live in a metropolitan area; and 78% report a religious affiliation. No racial or ethnic group makes up a majority: 41% of women obtaining abortions are white, non Hispanic, 32% are black, non Hispanic, 20% are Hispanic and 7% are of other racial backgrounds." How many of these with their abortion providers can say with any degree of honesty, "God Bless America?" Surely they are among those characterized in this verse. (Psa. 10:4) "The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts." -WWM

Abortion Clinics Too Unhandy?-"In 2000, 87% of U.S. counties had no abortion provider. 1/3 of American women lived in these Counties, which meant they would have to travel outside their county to obtain an abortion. Of women obtaining abortions in 2000, 25% traveled at least 50 miles, and 8% traveled more than 100 miles." (AGI Web Site) The same report said that in 2000 there were 400 abortion providers in California. This must give some indication of the impact of Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Merriment is more apparent than morality and hilarity more than holiness. Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God are to be avoided. (2 Tim. 3:4,5) -WWM

Texas' Anti-Sodomy Statute Violates The U.S. Constitution?-Homosexual activists are hoping the U.S. Supreme Court will rule in their favor to rescind previous rulings. Aside from it being a moral issue, lawyer Glen Lavy for the pro-family group wrote this: "Texas has a legitimate interest in regulating public health, and the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] has identified sexually transmitted diseases (`STDs') as a public health problem. Sodomy is an efficient method of transmitting STDs. And regardless of the reason, same-sex sodomy is far more effective in spreading STDs than opposite-sex sodomy. Multiple studies have estimated that 40 percent or more of men who practice anal sex acquire STDs. In fact, same-sex sodomy has resulted in the transformation of diseases previously transmitted only through fecally contaminated food and water into sexually caused diseases primarily among those who practice same-sex sodomy." (cwaf.org) With even more authority God inspired this this: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." (Lev. 20:13) -WWM

The Public School's Fight Against Sin-Nashville: "The proposal to ban employment discrimination based on `sexual orientation' within the city government thus covering all public schools lost 19-18 in the council when Vice Mayor Howard Gentry Jr., who only votes in cases of ties, cast a `no' vote. The dramatic ending capped 60 minutes of debate in which opponents and proponents delivered passionate yet civil arguments before a packed gallery of citizens wearing `No' buttons and `Yes' stickers. The turnout favored opponents roughly two to one. Afterward Councilwoman Carolyn Baldwin Tucker told Baptist Press the bill's defeat was a `victory for Nashville, a victory for the children, a victory for the Lord. ... I am sure it will raise its ugly head again, and I'm sure that we will have to deal with this again. But if it's the Lord's will, we will prevail.'" (BP, 4/2/03) The nearness of this vote reveals the satanic attacks leveled at America's children. Not many decades ago chewing gum in class was the major problem. If you are sitting still, quietly and forbearing speaking out against sin and calling it by its first name, you are not listening to the Lord. (Isaiah 58:1) "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." -WWM

Only In New Zealand?- "A battle to legalize physician-assisted suicide is looming in New Zealand, pitting ethicists and religious groups against right-to-die activists, who are supported by one of the world's most controversial euthanasia advocates. A lawmaker's private bill seeks to legalize euthanasia in cases where an applicant, over the age of 18, has obtained two independent medical opinions, undergone professional counseling and gone through a mandatory waiting period." (Crosswalk, 3/31/03) America's Dr. Death has served prison time for helping requesting participants in suicide. New Zealand wants it to be a matter of choice, as do abortionist in America on the unborn. Is God being left out of both? (Eccl. 3:1,2a) "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die;..." This may not be politically correct but it is biblically correct. After all, the latter is where it counts the most. -WWM

Bono: World's Biggest Rock Star Recruits Christians To Fight Aids-Bono is lead singer for the Irish rock band U2. Most of his songs have references to Jesus Christ, but he doesn't attend church regularly and shuns the "Christian" label. He has always straddled Protestantism and Catholicism (his father was Catholic, his mother Protestant), looking for a "third way." His behavior in recent years, with a "penchant for profanity" and light hearted "endorsements of debauchery," distressed many evangelical Christians (3/03 Chr. Today). Last year Bono, in a left leaning political stance, visited "rich" nations seeking to drum up political support for aid for AIDS in Africa and to pressure wealthy governments to forgive third world debt. This debt largely results from corrupt third world dictators (Marxist, etc.) squandering aid and loans on themselves instead of their needy (see 5/02 CC). Though we grieve at the sad plight of AIDS victims worldwide, AIDS is a largely preventable cause of illness and death since it is mainly contracted through homosexuality and promiscuous sex acts. -(Calvary Contender, hereafter CC.)

Islamic Terrorists Say Killing "Infidels" Is Only Way To Heaven-Islamic terrorists who die as martyrs while waging jihad against the "enemies of God," will enter paradise instantly, their sins washed away (World, 2/22). They believe the only sure way to heaven is to "kill the infidels" (non Muslims, Jews, Christians). Even mainline non terrorist Islam is a religion based on works righteousness. The Quran anathematizes those who believe God has a Son. -CC

Court Rules Pro-Life Protesters Not Subject To R.I.C.O.-The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that a federal racketeering law was improperly used to punish pro life demonstrators outside abortion clinics. This is a big victory for pro lifers, but will be appealed by pro abortionists. -CC

Homosexuality To Split Major Denominations?-Dr. Richard Land, who heads the SBC's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, says two major moral issues - divorce and homosexuality - threaten to do serious damage to Christian churches. He predicts one, the ordination of homosexuals, is going to split some major Protestant denominations. He feels it is going to end up dividing Methodism and Presbyterianism because when the decision is made to either ordain or not ordain homosexual men and women - those who disagree with that decision will have no choice but to leave those denominations. -CC

Rawlings Forecasts Merger Of Four Baptist Groups-The Rawlings Foundation sponsors an annual meeting of Baptist Bible Fellowship state chairmen just before the Mid Winter BBFI meeting each Feb., mainly to hear Dr. John Rawlings' [Dr. Falwell's mentor] vision for today's leaders. This year he challenged state and national leaders to reverse the trend of splitting, and "dared to forecast a coming together" of many independent Baptist groups. He invited such leaders to the 3 day pre meeting as: Bill Monroe, David Bouler, Tom Messer, Dino Pedrone, Gary Coleman, Willie Weaver, and David Bryant. Based on their responses, a meeting was proposed for Sept., 2004, to be hosted by Highland Park Baptist Church (TTU Chattanooga) with an invitation to pastors in the Southwide Baptist Fellowship, World Baptist Fellowship, Independent Baptist Fellowship Int'l [not IBFNA], and BBFI to participate. These four groups include the majority of independent Baptist churches in America. Rawlings proposed that the new group be called, "World Baptist Fellowship." -CC

Paige Patterson Named To Cedarville Board-Dr. Paige Patterson, president of Southeastern Baptist Theol. Seminary (SBC), has been named to the board of trustees of Cedarville University (a GARBC "partner"). This follows the State Convention of [Southern] Baptists in Ohio's recent endorsement and partnering relationship with Cedarville (see 2/03 CC). Patterson has served as president of the SBC, and was a leader in the SBC's "conservative turnaround" in 1979. The SBC is still the largest contributor to the apostate Baptist World Alliance and involved in ecumenical endeavors. -CC

Van Impes Praise Graham, Pope-Jack Van Impe and wife Rexella have heaped lavish praise on Billy Graham and Pope John Paul II for about a decade (e.g., see 1/1/94 & 4/15/95 CCs). More recently, on his Nov. 11 TBN telecast he said: "I thank God for Billy Graham. This man has done more for the Christian faith than any other man in the 20th century." But ecumenical evangelist Graham is a papal promoter, and religious apostates and Catholics help sponsor his crusades (Jan Mar Fund. Digest). Rexella some time ago called Pope John Paul II "The Holy Father." Sadly, Dr. Van Impe, the once great evangelist, is now evidently ecumenical. -CC

Religious Beliefs Rising-Per a David Barrett and Todd Johnson report, the world is becoming more religious with each day. The annual growth rate of religious belief in the world is at a steady 1.2 percent, compared to the growth of atheism, which is less than 1 percent. The fastest growing religion is Islam, followed by Hinduism. Christianity is the third fastest growing religion, with a 1.3 percent annual growth (3/6/03 Alabama Baptist). According to the report by these American statisticians, more than 26 percent of the world's population has not heard the Christian gospel, despite the fact that nearly five billion Bibles are distributed annually throughout the world. "I speak this to your shame"! -CC

Moral Majority Continues After 23 Years-The Liberty Alliance, founded by Dr. Jerry Falwell in 1986, became the successor to Moral Majority, founded in 1979. Ed Hindson, writing in Falwell's National Liberty Journal (Jan.), says most evangelical Christians are involved in politics today to improve society. He said: "Most of us believe it is our mandate from God to help make the world a better place to live, and to use Christianity as a force for good in this world until Jesus comes." A noble goal, to a point, for us as "salt" (and light) of the earth. No easy answers, but our goal should not be to join ecumenically with Catholics, etc., to clean up this world. This world is headed for judgment. "Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse." (2 Tim. 3:13) -CC

Abortion Is Already Illegal-We don't deny, Iraq is evil. But the abortion industry is also evil, with a death toll surpassing 42 million babies since the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling. If life begins at conception, as true pro-lifers say, then abortion is premeditated murder and all 50 states already forbid it! -CC