(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.)

One Out Of Ten Have No Religious Convictions-The LA Times, 5/3/03, reported that "10% of Americans say they have no religion." Compared with the other 90% they tend to be younger, more liberal and more likely to live "on the West Coast." According to the Gallup Org. pollsters, Oregon & Calif. have the largest percentage of residents "identifying themselves as secularists." Although worldliness is not a new phenomena, it is gaining ground. Not least in responsibility in this turn from `religion' to secularism is the so-called churches in America. Diminishing attendance and lack of willingness to finance the church work, has caused man to turn from the Gospel to gimmicks. Baptist are not immune from either of these conditions. The sad truth is that too many young people are being entertained or permitted to attend entertainment events rather than compelled to attend a doctrinally sound church for spiritual training. The article reported that people from "18 to 29 are four times as likely as those older than 65" to be secularists. "If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15) If spiritual training does not begin at home, guess who will likely train your children to be secularist? -W.W.Mosley (hereafter WWM)

Parents Leave Child Training To The Church-The local church has the enormous responsibility of teaching Bible truths to young and old alike. However, it is utterly impossible to properly teach anyone in one to two hours weekly to maintain sound biblical convictions, when the world has the rest of the week to disprove moral standards. Barna Research Group reports that "close to nine of 10 parents of children under 13 believe they have the primary responsibility for teaching their children about religious beliefs and spiritual issues." (Charisma, 5/7/03) Most are willing to let their church provide all of their children's spiritual training. This is to say the least serious spiritual negligence, even in a sound Bible believing Baptist church. Even it were possible for children to receive all the spiritual training needed, parents are seriously careless not only about getting their children to church, but permitting their young people to attend secular activities on Wed. and even Sunday. Make sure the world will plan their most attractive activities on those days. (Prov. 1:10) "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." -WWM

Peace(?) Loving Islam's Holy War-"For several years now, radical Muslims in northern and central Nigeria have been carrying out a holy war, or jihad, against Christians." (Crosswalk, 5/6/03) Greg Musselman Voice of the Martyrs, Canada, recently found in the hospitals of Nigeria's Plateau state, women, men, and children with bullet wounds, and deep slash marks on their bodies. Such reports reek with excuse for this activity in that they are referred to as "radical Muslims" or "fundamental Muslims." Little is said about this being their holy book's teaching. Rather than medical technicians being permitted to help serious illnesses, they are needed here to treat the fallen Christians at the hand of a false religion. Is there a cease fire in the future for the holy war? Not until all believers in Christ are laid to rest. The report reads, "Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a clear end in sight to the murder and maiming of Christians in Central Nigeria. As a result doctors and medical personnel from around the world are desperately needed here to help deal with the ever growing list of victims." -WWM

Christians In Muslim Countries In Danger-"A Christian preacher in the northern Nigeria city of Kano and six members of his family died in a house fire on April 22. Christian leaders in the city believe Muslim militants deliberately set the fatal blaze. Pastor Sunday Madumere and his family were asleep in the early hours of the morning when flames engulfed their home. Pastor Madumere is known for his powerful preaching, which has led many Muslims in Kano to convert to the Christian faith. Observers believe the conversions may have angered Muslim militants in the city and they decided to eliminate him" (Crosswalk, 5/7/03) The pastor of First Baptist in Kano city said this is not the first incident of its kind in their area. Note these are referred to as "militants." Some are called Muslim extremists, fundamentalist, and radicals. Yet such action is the fulfilling of their religious belief and practice. -WWM

Christianity Under Attack- "(ANS) Two Christians are facing deportation from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. According to Middle East Concern (MEC), Mr. Girmaye, from Eritrea, was arrested in mid-March and transferred to Terhil deportation centre where he has remained ever since. Pastor Endashaw Adane Yizengaw, from Ethiopia, was arrested in late April after the authorities canceled his residency permit. Other members of the church have been warned not to attend any more." "(VOM USA) Authorities in the southern region of Laos have evicted three Christian families from their homes for refusing to renounce their religious beliefs. According to Radio Free Asia, the families are now in the care of a church after being forced out of their homes last month. U.S. State Department officials also cited reports that Christians elsewhere in Laos were facing pressure from authorities to renounce their faith or face eviction or detention. Christians have been ordered to close their churches and to stop their worship practices." (Crosswalk, 5/7/03) America cannot claim immunity from this kind of action. Anti-God lawmakers are joined by liberal constituents in their efforts to slander those who trust in Jesus Christ as Savior. Movements abound to keep children from being "subjected to religion." Be sure of this coming to pass. (Rom. 14:11) "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." Better get ready! -WWM

Church Membership Has No Scriptural Basis?-Membership in a local church is one the most recent attacks on the Lord's church which I have run across. It is referred to as "another tradition in the churches" without any basis at all in the Scripture. When Jesus said to the apostles He would "build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," (Matt. 16:18) He was speaking to the first members of His church. Not only the first members, but they were named. (1 Cor. 12:28; Luke 6:13-16) Not only did the Lord know who was in the church, others did as well. The answer to the question, "Has membership in the church became a commandment of men?" seems strange when names of members in New Testament churches are recorded in scripture. In Romans chap. 16 Paul refers to and names over 25 church members who were a blessing to him. John wrote to Gaius and referred to some by name in the church there. He spoke both of one's grace and another's pride. Judas and Silas brought an epistle from Jerusalem to Antioch. Judas returned, but Silas chose to stay. Their names were both recorded to be in their individual churches. To dismiss "church membership rolls" leans toward universalism. -WWM

Church Bingo Harmless Entertainment?-Church bingo may seem a harmless crowd drawer to many, but as any chance taking game or practice it will result in addiction. Commentator William Bennet, a Catholic, admits he grew up liking church bingo. (Baptist Press, 5/6/03) As he grew up, grew on, and grew older, his love for gambling obviously grew. "The reports in Newsweek and The Washington Monthly" revealed that Bennett had a revolving "line of credit of $200,000 at various casinos." At one point, he sent $1.4 million to cover losses to one casino. Ann Richards, former Texas governor, and Brad Henry, present Oklahoma governor, as well as numerous other states, promote gambling on lottery tickets as the economic savior of their respective states. Bennett possibly could handle the loss. But what of the countless thousands who can't? Aside from the moral issue of gambling, who will pick up the tab for grocery money spent on the lottery myth? Or the clothing for needy families who's "get rich quick thinking" parent spent their salary on gambling? Not only does "evil communications corrupt good manners," (1 Cor. 15:33) but also "the wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted." (Psa. 12:8) Best to be careful how you vote and who you vote for. -WWM

Church Gyms, Softball Fields Have Become Traditional?-Baptist churches are not exempt from trying other methods to reach souls than Gospel preaching and Bible evangelism. Let it not be said that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has lost its power and must be replaced. Church gyms, softball fields are all but traditional tools today in many churches. Can it be truthfully claimed that there is no "winning incentive" involved when church combats church in these activities? Will not the church "coach" tend to "evangelize" the tallest to play to their basketball team? Or the greatest hitter in the block for their softball team? The position of church coaches came on the scene as early as 1999. (PBC, 1/99) Now the position of "Skate Pastor" has appeared on the court. "John Mark Seelig, `skate pastor' for Lakepointe Baptist Church in Rockwall, Texas, . . . a 26-year-old master of divinity student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, became involved with Lakepointe's youth ministry when he was searching for `some possible alternative church opportunities.'" (BP, 5/8/03) His qualifications? "His experience as a skater, as well as his willingness to think outside the box, made Seelig a perfect candidate for what Lakepointe's leadership had in mind." This "outside the box" thinking will likely be a real "hands on" ministry if it is patterned after professional skating, and it will be. -WWM

African Cult Becomes Approved Religion In Haiti-PORT-AU-PRINCE (AFP)-Haiti authorities have recognized Voodoo as a religion in its own right. And a marriage celebrated in a Voodoo temple in the Haitian capital on March 15 has been registered with the same status as a Roman Catholic or Protestant ceremony, La Nouvellist newspaper reported Friday. (World-AFP, 5/2/03) Caribbean cruises may now include church at a Voodoo temple. Couples can also have their marriage vows recited there. Even have their baby christened there. After all when the government declares a religion to legitimate, who can deny its trustworthiness? Voodoo is a religious cult of African origin and is characterized by a belief in sorceries, obsessions, and holding power over its subjects and others. These kind of practices seem to flourish in many accepted religions in America. Christian(?) Rock has the same effect on many. -WWM

Hollywood's Leftist Views In Plain Sight-"U.S. singer Harry Belafonte and U.S. actor Danny Glover" have joined other famous personalities, some Nobel Prize recipients, who have signed a two-paragraph declaration called "To the Conscience of the World." (Rueters, 5/1/03) These supporters of Cuba's inhumane leader, Fidel Castro, either do not have a clue about the activity of this ungodly leader, or they are spiritually blinded by Satan. Probably both. This un-Christian act is not new for the Hollywood element. The most disturbing matter in this is the growing obsession of Americans whose lives are fashioned by such entertainers. Even faithful(?) church members of Baptist churches feel it is less important for their children to regularly attend church services than for them to miss opportunities to see such celebrities in person. These intermittent occasions will more often than not become regularities. Be careful about your lack of biblical separation and lack of convictions. (James 1:8) "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." -WWM

Sodomites-Poor Souls-A judge in the Washington, D.C., area recently convicted three homosexual activists of unlawful entry, but then imposed no sentence and expressed sympathy for their cause. The three, who are members of the gay organization SoulForce, were denied the Roman Catholic Eucharist at a bishops' conference when they staged their request as a publicity stunt. Judge Mildred M. Edwards apologized for the actions of the Catholic Church and added that "tremendous violence was done to you . . . when the Body of Christ was denied to you." (Washington Post, 1/31/03, via Christian NVs) This feminist judge may have a degree in law, but not the law of God. She doesn't have a clue about the sin of homosexuality nor the Body of Christ. Her alma mater likely doesn't cover biblical truths. -WWM

Order Or Chaos-Charisma magazine (2/03), a voice in the Charismatic movement, recently published an article praising the apparent work of God among Charismatic Roman Catholics. The services these Catholics hold are similar to those of Pentecostals, and contain shouting, healings, and speaking in tongues. One Catholic pastor the article features said that Christian leaders "must allow some of the chaos that goes on when God goes to work." Pope John Paul II has publicly blessed this Catholic Charismatic renewal. -(CNV)

Commission On Religious Freedom Must Have Over Looked U.S. Public Schools-The U.S. Com. on Religious Freedom cited Saudi Arabia as the top violator (of religious freedom) in their annual report yesterday. (Washington Times, 5/14/03) "The commission was formed by Congress in 1998 and remains the world's only government-sanctioned entity to investigate and report religious-freedom violations." "...the U.S. government needs to get serious about pressuring the desert kingdom to reform. . . it is time to apply the same standards to Saudi Arabia that are applied elsewhere." It seems more than strange that the U.S. gov. is obligated to strictly defend religious activity in the desert and dismiss all concerns at the school desk. Why are they not as caring for Christian standards and worship of the true God in U.S. public schools as in Saudi Arabia? The Muslim religion can be taught in U.S. public schools, but forget about the true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. This is a warning, not a wrangling, for you who feel it is not this preachers business to warn of such inconsistency. -WWM

Is This A Homosexual Hate Crime?-A German court yesterday fined a man who celebrated his homosexual neighbor's death by letting off fireworks and singing "it's a wonderful day today." The court fined the 63-year-old pensioner from Ulrichtstein, western Germany, $3,100 after the dead man's partner complained to authorities. (WT, 5/11/03) The article did not report the cause of death. Preaching that homosexuality is a sin against God may soon be considered a hate crime. Since this is just around the corner in America the true church of the Lord is sure to have added expense. The sin of homosexuality can be washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ, just as any other sin. However, the saved former homosexual will then fit the category of the Ephesians in Eph. 2:1,2 "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:..." The homosexual can be "quickened" and no longer walk as being "dead in trespasses and sins." They can be delivered from the "prince of the power of the air," the devil, who now works in them and all children of disobedience. -WWM

Yoga: Relaxing or Religion?- "In the hands of modern gurus, the definition of yoga undergoes a good deal of adjustment. Depending on the angle of approach, Atman and Brahman, for example, may be replaced by Krishna, Shiva-Shakti, Divine Mother, Mother-Father God, the Goddess, True Self, Higher Self, Higher Power, the All, the One, the God Within, Cosmic Consciousness, and in some circles Christ-Consciousness." (The Watchman Expositor, online) Yoga is nothing more or less than an eastern religion. Many have developed this into a ritual of transcendental meditation practice for new-agers in the West. It is another of the devil's tools implementing a "feel good about self" inclination equaled to the pharisee toward the publican in Luke 18:10-13. Leaders in yoga classes are doing little more than joining myriads of others bent on "saving America" by methods other than creating in them a sorrow for sin against God. Better heed Paul's preaching in Acts 20:21. He testified "both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." It would be best just to be still and know that God is God and beside Him there is no other. (Psa. 46:10; Deut. 10:17) -WWM

Religions Split On Gambling Issue-Since William Bennett, former secretary of education, made public his gambling problem many, in the field of religion have expressed their feeling on the gambling matter. Bennett, a Roman Catholic, has had little to no criticism from his church. The AP 5/7/03 release of Bennett's confession revealed that the U.S. Catholic bishops' conference have addressed "virtually every major social problem over the past few decades" but never approached the gambling issue. Far too many Baptist pulpits have been silent about this as well. As a political issue, promising to "give the people a chance to decide" whether to legalize gambling in their area has brought many politicians victory in their territory. Where did Bennett's crave to "take a chance" originate? "Bennett told Newsweek and Washington Monthly that `I liked church bingo when I was growing up' and that he had gambled ever since. Many Catholic parishes in America have used bingo or casino nights to raise money." I wish I could promise you that this would never be found in a Baptist church. The claim that "it is just for fun" more often than not leads to blindness to other gambling sin. -WWM

Missionaries Leave SBC Work-Some were fired, some retired, and some expired or resigned. "(RNS) The Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board voted Wednesday (May 7) to terminate 13 missionaries who declined to affirm the denomination's statement of faith. The board's trustees also accepted the early retirement of 10 missionaries who chose to retire instead of affirming the Baptist Faith and Message that was revised in 2000. In addition, the board voted to accept the resignations of 20 others who cited the faith statement as a factor in their decisions. `We regret that any of our missionaries have chosen to resign rather than affirm the faith statement, but we feel it is time to move forward and keep our focus on sharing Christ with a lost world,' International Mission Board President Jerry Rankin said in a statement released after the meeting in Framingham, Mass. `It is not appropriate to expect Southern Baptists to support those who are not willing to work in accord with what the denomination confesses to believe.'" It is not stated just what part of the 2000 revision was rejected by the 43 missionaries. Could it have to do with wives being in subjection to their own husbands? Or maybe some of these missionaries were women whose husbands would not be subject to them. Just wondering. It is not unheard of that even some independent Baptist preachers are not opposed to supporting "some" female missionaries. -WWM

Christian TV/Radio Outdraw Churches-"Christians are a devoted TV and radio audience with some very pronounced viewpoints, two new studies reveal. `A greater number of adults experience the Christian faith through the Christian media, such as radio, television or books, than attend Christian services,' the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) announced this week." The NRB calls this is a "wake-up call" for the churches and producers, "noting that while 132 million adults attended church last month, 141 million used some form of Christian media." "According to the NRB, 52 percent of the nation's adults listened to Christian music or other programming on the radio, while 43 percent watched Christian TV programming. Among evangelical Christians, 96 percent counted themselves in the regular Christian TV or radio audience. The survey also found that 25 percent of people who describe themselves as atheists, agnostic or non-Christians `had some degree of exposure to Christianity through the media.' The survey of 1,010 adults was conducted by the California-based Barna Research Group in mid-April."(Washington Times, via Aus. Ind. Bapt. News, 5/16/03) Heb. 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;..."

"Come In, Sodom & Gomorrah"-"People who are gay or lesbian must be welcomed by the church without reservation, say two former bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The denomination should make every effort to find a way to do so without causing division among its members, they added." (Episcopal News Service, posted 5/14/03) The two Lutheran bishops spoke at a conference held at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn. on "Sexuality, Spirituality and the Church." More than 240 registered and participated in the conference which was focused mostly on issues of ordaining those who are gay or lesbian. Also pronouncing blessings on same-gender relationships. This will indeed cause no division if no one has the spiritual backbone to read God's Word. Martin Luther's offshoots have never been strong on biblical separation and godly conviction. Another of the Mother of Harlot's children showing family likeness. -WWM