(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.)

Smart Science, Stymied Sight-Newsweek online, 6/9/03, reported "last month a new study calculated that there are nearly 400,000 embryos in clinic freezers, and nearly all of them--88 percent--are set aside for future family building by patients. Only about 3 percent have been earmarked for medical research and just 2 percent for donation to other couples." The majority of Americans believe that life begins at conception. Couples who want children but are deprived of the privilege can turn to science for help. Embryos, fetuses, globs, mass are all terms given to the unborn human by liberal feminist and their accomplices. Since it is scientifically possible for couples to receive embryos developed in a laboratory which grow in the womb until birth, and then grow up in their homes, what happens to those embryos that are not used? Here are Johnny, Jack, and Jill, ages 6, 8, and 10, eating at their table yet Monty, Mack, and Mil were discarded because there was no more room at the table. God knows what is going on from the thought to the table. Don't misuse scientific progress(?). Beware! -(W. W. Mosley, hereafter WWM)

The Abortion Sequel-David Reardon, exec. director of Elliot Ins., links abortion to increased psychological problems. His finding reveals that women who have aborted their first pregnancy are 65 percent more likely to be at a "high risk" for clinical depression than women whose first pregnancy resulted in a birth. Reardon said, "Those who believe that abortion is a good solution ... clearly don't want anything that would suggest there are any aftereffects" to become public knowledge. (Baptist Press, 6/6/03) There are many negative reactions of abortion that are referred to as "post-abortal syndrome." They all boil down to one common denominator. It is called sin in the Word of God. Don't expect the feminist movement to ever admit that God is real any more than they are willing to admit that at conception that which is medically referred to as an embryo is a person. Abortion is still murder regardless of liberal thinking. -WWM

When Life Begins- "News-week reported last week that most Americans believe that life begins at conception and support murder charges for those who kill unborn children. The poll indicated that 58% think life begins when the egg is fertilized; 24% believe life begins when the baby is `viable' outside the womb; only 11% think human life begins at birth. In addition, 56% agree that separate murder charges should be filed when an unborn baby is killed; 28% would only file charges if the baby is viable." (Traditional Values, 6/5/03) It matters little in the sight of God what fallen humanity believes. God sent Gabriel to announce the news and names of both Jesus and John the Baptist before they were conceived. (Isa. 7:14; Luke 1:13) Jeremiah was a future prophet of God before he was formed in the womb. (Jer. 1:5) Samson's parents were told of his birth before he was conceived in his mother's body. He was called "a son," "the child," before he was thought of by his parent. (Judges 13) Weak, wily humanity are still trying to find out where humans originated, yet many do not yet know when life begins today. Read the Word of God!! It is filled with knowledge from God about where we came from and where we are going. Provision for the eternal soul has been made from the womb to the grave. -WWM

Homosexual Couple's Status Same As Married Couples-Homosexual couples would receive most of the benefits of married couples under a bill that narrowly passed along party lines in the California State Assembly June 4. The bill passed 41-32, one vote more than is necessary for passage in the 80-member body. All 41 "yes" votes came from Democrats; all 32 "no" votes came from Republicans. Seven Democrats abstained. The bill now moves on to the state senate. (BP, 6/6/03) There are 18,000 registered homosexual couples in Calif. which would receive the same benefits as married couples in such matters as financial support, child custody, debt assumption and community property, if the bill passes. Democratic assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg admitted that she would like to pass a bill allowing homosexual couples to marry. "If I could bring a bill recognizing marriages by people of the same gender, I'd do it in a hot minute," she reported to the Sacramento Bee. "You know me well. I'm not shy. But it's not possible." She may not be "shy" now but one day she will humbly bow her stiffened political knee before Almighty God and His Son, Jesus Christ. This law has already been settled in heaven without a senate filibuster. -WWM

The Real Islam Is Stepping Up-"According to the State Department, freedom of religion does not exist in Saudi Arabia. SA is a uniquely repressive case where the government forcefully and almost completely limits the public practice or expression of religion to one interpretation: a narrow and puritanical version of Islam based on the Wahhabi doctrine. Consequently, those Saudis and foreign contract workers who do not adhere to the Saudi government's interpretation of Islam are subject to severe religious freedom violations." (Religious Freedom Coalition, 6/6/03) With Islam nations vowing to drive Judaism and the Jews into the sea, surely it cannot be ignored that Islam is determined to demolish Christianity as well. The article reported that a top Muslim cleric in Saudi Arabia gave religious permission to use weapons of mass destruction on American cities. He said killing 10,000,000 Americans would be "permissible" under Islam. And Islam is peaceful? There will never be a peaceful co-existence of true Christianity with false religion. Only the Prince of Peace can give real peace. Islam is expending every effort to rid the world of those who follow Jesus Christ. Sounds like the prince of this world, the devil, is raising his ugly head for a final attack. -WWM

America's Christian Foundation-The sixth president of the U.S., John Quincy Adams, once said, "So great is my veneration of the Bible, that the earlier my children begin to read it the more confident will be my hope that they will prove useful citizens of their country and respectful members of society." (BP, 6/6/03) There is little doubt that at the time of his presidency most Americans shared his same view of the Word of God. Today entire cases and death sentencing are dismissed because the Bible was used or referred to in jury decisions. Some federal judges are unashamed to belittle usage of God's word in decisions of law. Others refer to usage of God's Word as "unconstitutional." If Pres. Adams were in office today he might well be driven out of office for declaring his "veneration of the Bible" so important that he desired his children to read it confidently. It is certain that the Judge of the whole earth will settle this when His jury of holy angels come forth with their vials of wrath. Even then many will blaspheme "the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds." (Rev. 16:11) - WWM

`Gay Pride' A Misnomer-There is nothing merry, proud, or happy about homosexuality. Yet the so-called "Gay Pride March" has become an annual event in America. Generally those most focused on are mid-life or younger who appear healthy, happy, openly homosexual. Now the elder Bostonian gays are wanting some of the spot light. "Gay Elders Emerge From Long Isolation," is the headline in the Boston Globe, 6/9/03. It reported this group grew up at a time when "homosexuality was a mental illness and a moral failing." Homosexuality remains a mental disorder and a moral disaster. No one can have the "mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:16) and continue in homosexuality. It remains a moral failing in the eyes of a Holy God. God said of Israel, His people, (Deut. 23:17) "There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel." Whoredom and homosexuality remain an abomination before God. Since God does not change (Mal. 3:6), He continues to be of the same disposition toward homosexuality today. (2 Cor. 6:16-18) -WWM

Birds Of A Feather...-H. Clinton's latest botch (book) is getting senseless recognition. A reader of Muth's News & Views, 6/10/03, gives a logical review. "I have heard that Hillary's book sales are right up with Harry Potter. How appropriate that both books are fiction and both are about witches." Too many claiming to be Christians likely find the reading of either spell binding. Better follow the example of Nehemiah when he told Sanballat & Geshem he would not leave the "great work" of building for God. If you have time to read either of the above writings, better use the time reading God's Word. If you have money to spend for either of the above writings, add it to your tithes and offerings next Lord's day. -WWM

Speaking Of Tithing-Barna Research Group, 5/19/03, reported "the proportion of Christian adults who tithe has dropped by 62% in the past year. Also only 6% of born again households tithed to their church in 2002." Like many other statistical reports this could well be off either way. However, noticing other reports from various sources this is easily believed. Some Christian parents find it easier to find money and make provisions for their children's entertainment by the world than to teach them the importance of tithes, offerings, and missions to their local Independent Baptist Church. Making provision for the flesh far outweighs spiritual guidance in too many families, even in some Baptist homes. Putting on the Lord Jesus would turn this statistic around. "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." (Rom. 13:14) -WWM

One Of North America's First-Being first in desired accomplishments is the goal in most areas. Ontario's Appeal Court has declared prohibitions against homosexual marriage unconstitutional. Toronto issued North America's first full marriage licenses to homosexual couples yesterday. (Boston Globe, 6/11/03) Being first in space and on the moon might be an acceptable desire. But to be first in any surrender to the sin of homosexual desires is hardly a high ambition. Restrictions on homosexuality may be unconstitutional by worldly standards, but not by the law of God. The Ontario court said, "The restriction against same-sex marriage is an offense to the dignity of lesbians and gays, because it limits the range of relationship options open to them." "Dignity" is a highly questionable label for describing homosexuals. This same court might have the gall to demand an apology from God for destroying Sodom & Gomorrah, but no abomination in the sight of God will ever be acceptable in heaven's court. The mad-cow disease is not the only illness that the U.S. should stop from crossing our northern border. -WWM

Hillary, Harry, & Hokus Pokus-The former first(?) lady(?) took a back seat with her recently published book on White House happenings during the last administration. When "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" hit the book shelves, Hillary's fairy tale slid out of first place seller position. "It was a ritual repeated across the country and around the world. Like magic, crazed Potter fans appeared at bookstores and malls - thousands upon thousands ready to plunk down $29.99 for the latest (and longest) installment of the boy wizard's adventures after a three-year wait." (AP, 6/21/03) It remains a mystery to me that either book would reach the best seller list, to say nothing of being first. One supermarket chain in Britain opened at midnight and reported 30,000 thousand copies were sold in the first hour. With this in mind it is all but impossible for this scripture to fail to be remembered. (Prov. 15:14) "The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness." No knowledge of any benefit will be gained from either book, and the rest of the verse is self explanatory. -WWM

Southern Baptist Too Conservative?-First Baptist Church in downtown Savannah recently voted to withdraw from the Southern Baptist Convention. The pastor of the 200-year-old church said "93% of those voting chose to end the church's relationship with the SBC." This church had been considering this action for several years. When the SBC's leadership last June clarified its stance against homosexuality it helped trigger the church's action. Memorial Baptist Church, another Savannah church where a woman is pastor, voted unanimously to leave the SBC. The largest Baptist group in Texas is considering severing its ties with the denomination, which two years ago called for wives to "submit graciously to the servant leadership of her husband." (NewsMax.com, 10/17/00) This is old news, but it is a growing attitude in the heart of too many. Being conservative (right-wing conspirators to truth) has become akin to anti-Americanism in the political arena as well as some religious circles. It would be interesting to know how many of such-minded, afore-mentioned church members had rather read J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter books than study Bible doctrine. Remember Joshua's words, "but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Josh. 24:15) -WWM

A Crime To Hate Sin?-For some time homosexual life-style supporters have been pushing for a federal hate crime bill that includes speaking out against homosexuality. Sen. Hatch's opposition to such a bill weakened slightly when he said "that he supports the bill's sexual orientation provision and would work to resolve his remaining objections to the legislation," so reported the Washington Blade, 6/20/03. This homosexual oriented publication is quick to identify Senators Kennedy, MA, and Smith, OR, as chief supporters of the bill. Sen. Clinton also supports the gay agenda. No one seems to have searched the Scripture to determine how God characterizes the bill. Lot judged homosexuality wicked (Gen. 19:5-7), and God is angry with the wicked every day (Psa. 7:11). God is pleased that His Son hates iniquity. (Heb. 1:8,9) Although the sinner cannot entirely be separated from the sin, it is the sin of homosexuality that is an abomination before God. When "the rest of the dead" stand before the white throne of God, the sinner will be cast into the lake of fire to be remembered no more. (Rev. 20:5,11-15) An extensive list of such is recorded in Rev. 21:18. There will be no filibustering to prevent this legislative action of God. Better repent than perish. -WWM

Another Swipe At Boy Scouts Of America-The Calif. Supreme Court has decreed that state judges who are members of the Boy Scouts of America may have to disqualify themselves from hearing cases involving homosexual discrimination. . . . Legal experts said the move by the seven justices was the nation's first following the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in 2000 allowing the scouts to bar homosexuals from being members. (SF Chronicle, 6/19/03) First Amendment rights must stop just short of being rights for the righteous. If any of these judges ever were aware they have forgotten that "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." (Prov. 14:34) -WWM

Cultural Change Vs. Biblical Belief-Nothing is more evident than the fact that neo-evangelicalism's primary aim is to reduce Christian convictions to conform to cultural change. Decades ago when dancing in many rural schools was primarily restricted (if allowed at all) to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders, the argument was that at that age it was only `cute' and harmless. This developed into senior proms where anything goes. It was acceptable then that play-suits (shorts & sleeveless tops) on boys and girls gave more movement freedom. This developed into admissible attire with straps (if any at all) over the shoulder with large revealing armholes on women and tank-top shirts for men. Today public school officials who demand decent attire at school (few as they be) create an uprising among parents. The popularity of `come as you are' to church activities has opened the door for `down-dressing in pulpits.' The argument is that it doesn't intimidate those who cannot `dress-up' for church. All this has ignited a preaching of watered down gospel which is foreign to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The lack of doctrinal preaching and teaching has weakened too many church members into a fixed mind that all religions are acceptable and serve the same God. All this under the all seeing eye of God who has not changed and cannot lie, whose Son is the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Mal. 3:6; Tit. 1:2; Heb. 13:8) -WWM

Presbyterian Church Policy & Gays-Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church of Cincinnati dismissed their pastor for marrying gay couples. The reason being it violated church policy. The policy of this church adopted in 2001 said "our policy of inclusion implies and requires equality in terms of consideration and entitlement in society, that marriage between two persons, man and woman, man and a man, or woman and woman, is the same..." in the eyes of the church. (Crosswalk, 6/18/03) Their policy leaves much to personal interpretation. The pastor was found guilty and rebuked by a church court for marrying gay couples. He also was charged with ordaining sexually active gay clergy. Demanding equality in terms of "consideration and entitlement in society" got the men of Sodom in a heap of trouble with the Court of Heaven. Neither this church or pastor will ever get heaven's approval on such policy or practice. He could move to Canada and continue his practice, but it will be just as unapproved of God there as in his former pastorate. -WWM

YWCA Hires Lesbian Feminist As Leader-The Young Women's Christian Association has hired Patricia Ireland to become its chief executive officer. She is the former leader of the National Organization for Women (NOW), a radical feminist group that is pro-abortion and pro-homosexual. She is also an admitted bisexual who has had a husband living in Florida and a female homosexual "partner" in Washington, DC. (AFA, 5/13) The focus may now be homosexual indoctrination of young girls, given her long history of promoting a radical agenda. She is a poor role model for Christian girls. -(Calvary Contender, hereafter CC.)

Catholic Sex Scandal: Lawsuits Increase, Donations Decrease-From coast to coast, lawsuits against the Roman Catholic Church are multiplying. About a thousand new claims were filed in the past year, and more are likely to come (6/16 USN&WR). A $60 million clergy sex abuse lawsuit is pending in Oregon. The Archdiocese of Louisville (Ky.) last month agreed to pay $25.7 million to 243 people who accused priests and employees of child sex abuse (6/1 HT). Meanwhile, polls show that confidence in the Catholic hierarchy has plummeted along with contributions. Nearly one quarter of Catholics have decreased their giving due to the sex scandal. In Boston, donations have dropped to nearly half. Some dioceses are shifting assets to local parishes beyond the reach of alleged sexual abuse victims. -CC

Here Comes Contemporary!-Below we excerpt in disjointed fashion from a good article in the May Straightway. Ministers of music are being taught that the contemporary is the only way to build a church in this generation. Although it has been part of the Neo-Evangelical and Charismatic scene since the late 1960s and early 1970s, recent years have revealed an increasingly aggressive move in the Fundamentalist camp toward the contemporary principle. Once it begins to creep within the house and begins to be tolerated, it is only a matter of time before the contemporary becomes the despot of the house. The music of Fundamentalism may not have a rock beat now, but it has entered the gray area. -CC

ALPHA Meets In Barroom & `Jesus Would Approve'-Madison Pub (Toronto) is hosting ALPHA for eight weeks (5/17 HT). The group's organizer said "if you're meeting at a bar, there won't be a bunch of rules." He said "We were worried about having alcohol at first, but people know why they're here. The venue rocks. And Jesus would approve." "We're not out to convert anyone, he said. "ALPHA just gives you the tools." A conversation topic at a meeting is "why other faiths have equal claims to the truth." -CC

Sexploitation Of Teens-Young teens, girls especially, are living in an increasingly sexually charged atmosphere. The music industry has indoctrinated girls to become sensual and seductive in their thinking, dress, and behavior. (Light). -(via CC)

Destroying The Mind-The psychologizing of faith is destroying the Christian mind. It is destroying Christian habits of thought because it is destroying the capacity to think about life in a Christian fashion. (David Wells, PsychoHeresy Awareness Ltr.) -(via CC)

Cedarville's Long Pattern Of Compromise With Southern Baptists-The following quotes are from the Spring 2003 Cedarville University Torch. "For 50 years Dr. James T. Jeremiah and Dr. Paul Dixon have had an emphasis at CU on working with a number of Baptist and conservative evangelical groups." A more prominent relationship was/is the GARBC. "Dixon, who began holding evangelistic meetings in Southern Baptist churches years before he became Cedarville's president, often says, `God is not honored by a narrow view of the Kingdom.' He lived out that perspective as he sought to create and solidify relationships with conservative elements of many groups, including the SBC." Dixon said: "This relationship is something that Dr. Jeremiah and I discussed from the time I first became president." "Dr. Jeremiah instinctively knew that many Southern Baptists were as conservative in their theology as we were. He started reaching out to them almost as soon as he became president in 1953. And I've had the privilege of continuing to pursue those Southern Baptists who embrace our doctrinal positions." Indeed, the SBC has made great headway on cleaning out liberals from their six seminaries, but their over 50 colleges still have plenty of them, and the "great" resurgence is not complete. The SBC is a member of the apostate Baptist World Alliance and is its largest supporter. -CC

Presbyterians Elect Liberal Female Pastor As Moderator-A third-generation Presbyterian minister who has built her own church's membership despite declines nationwide and who supports the ordination of non-celibate gays and lesbians was elected in late May as moderator of the Presbyterian Church, USA. The Rev. Susan Andrews of Bethesda, Md., became the first female parish pastor to hold the highest elected position (5/25 Denver Post). She said it is her "fondest dream" that the church lifts its ban on ordaining non-celibate gays and lesbians in her lifetime, but said she did not think this was the year to attempt it. -CC

Episcopalians Elect `Gay' Man As Next Bishop-A battle is brewing in the Episcopal Church as conservatives vow to overturn the election of the Rev. V. Gene Robinson in June in New Hampshire as the first openly gay bishop in the church. Under church rules, Robinson's election needs to be certified by delegates and bishops at their July General Convention. Conservatives have already laid the groundwork to oppose Robinson's election. Fellow bishops said the church could not condone homosexuality by accepting an openly gay bishop. "If Gene Robinson's election is confirmed by General Convention, it would bring through the back door a practice that the Episcopal Church has never agreed to bring through the front door," they stated. Robinson's election brings home the rising tensions over homosexuality in the global church. Prelates in fast-growing African and Asian churches accuse the Episcopal Church of ignoring biblical prohibitions against homosexuality. (6/10/03 Religion Today) -CC

Largest Denominations In The U.S.-The Roman Catholic Church with 62.5 million members is far and away America's largest religious body. Southern Baptist Convention has 16 million members. United Methodist Church has 8.3 million members. Church of God in Christ has 5.5 million members. Mormons have 5.3 million members. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has 5.1 million members. -CC

Danger Lurks In Ecumenical Summit-A Lilly Endowment-funded Pastoral Summit Indianapolis conference bringing together Catholics and Protestants from across the U.S. was set for June 17-19 and will tackle current crucial issues facing churches today. How to deal with brokenness after a sexual, financial or emotional crisis. How to respond to congregants facing war and a depleting economy. And a popular, but dangerous New-Age-type practice: "How ancient contemplative and mystical spirituality is inspiring modern lives." Rap mixes of praise and worship, hip-hop, etc., were featured. There were workshops led by a Catholic and a Protestant. -CC

Can Anglican Clergy Bless `Gay' Unions?-The Anglican Communion represents over 70 million people worldwide, including 2.3 million members of the Episcopal Church in the U.S. Half the world's Anglicans live in Africa. A divisive conflict over homosexuality is now brewing over whether bishops can allow clergy to bless same-sex unions. New Hampshire last month elected for the first time ever an openly homosexual man, Rev. V. Gene Robinson, as their next bishop. Conservatives say that if his election does not split the American church, it will certainly isolate it from the Anglican Communion. The new Archbishop of Canterbury (head of Anglicans) said he will uphold a conservative statement though it is at odds with his liberal personal views. -CC

Haggard, Charismatic New Head of NAE-Ted Haggard (5/03 CC) says the NAE has no plans to admit NCC member denominations. Former NAE Pres. Kevin Mannoia got in trouble for advocating closer ties with the liberal NCC, financial losses, etc. Haggard hopes to mend fences with the NRB, which left the NAE partly because of the NCC flap (6/03 C. Today). NAE chairman Bill Hamel says: "Ted crosses denominational and theological lines very easily" (6/03 Charisma). Foundation says: "Haggard writes a monthly column for a Charismatic magazine and frequently unites for ministry and worship with men such as Benny Hinn, Paul Crouch and C. Peter Wagner. He participated in the Promise Keepers Pastors and Leadership Conference in February 2003." -CC

Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Catholicism-Jill Saunders, writing in the Mar.-Apr. Canadian Revivalist, says there is much evidence of J.R.R. Tolkien's devout Roman Catholicism. In a letter to his son Michael, he said: "Out of the darkness of my life, so much frustrated, I put before you the one great thing to love on earth: the Blessed Sacrament [the Mass]." Tolkien's wife had to convert to Catholicism on their marriage, and their son, John, became an ordained priest. Saunders adds: "It is interesting that C.S. Lewis converted to Christianity through Tolkien. [They] were close friends for most of their lives and belonged to a literary group called The Inklings, who met weekly at an Oxford pub to drink, smoke, and discuss each other's stories. While Lewis was an Anglican, he held some R.C. views including its doctrine of purgatory and the Mass; he also requested the `Last Rites' of the R.C. Church on his deathbed." Tolkien's Lord of the Rings was basically a religious and Catholic work. -CC

China Increases One-Child Penalty-Communist China uses fines to force women to terminate pregnancies in its one-child policy. The penalty for one province has raised fines for second children without permission from twice combined incomes to eight times combined incomes (5/05 Christian News). Communist authorities are proud that 300 million births have been prevented since early 1980s. -CC

Does Constitution Protect Homosexuality?-In Texas two homosexuals are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to make it unconstitutional for individual states to criminalize homosexual conduct. Until the 1960s, every state had a law criminalizing homosexual conduct. Now just 13 states do. Homosexual sodomy was a capital crime under Roman law (David Gibbs, 5/03 NLJ). Now, since 1961, homosexual conduct has gone from being a crime in all 50 states to where the Supreme Court will decide whether it is a crime in any state. -CC

New Study On Effects Of Violent Music-The American Psychological Association has released a new study on the effects of violent music lyrics. The study found that college students who listened to violent songs were more likely to engage in aggressive behavior and have angry thoughts (5/19 Agape Press). Lead researcher Craig Anderson, a professor at Iowa State University, says he is not surprised by the findings, but urges parents to take note of the results. -CC

Brazil Catholics Welcome WCC 2006 Meeting-The Roman Catholic Church is not a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC), but works cooperatively with it. The Brazilian Catholic Church has pledged its full support for the WCC's upcoming ninth assembly, slated for Porto Alegre in February 2006. The pledge was made by Dom Sinésio Bohn, the Catholic bishop of the diocese of Santa Cruz do Sul, at a meeting with WCC general secretary Dr. Konrad Raiser. Raiser is currently in Brazil visiting the city where the assembly will be held, and met with Bohn and representatives of WCC member churches. [5/16 Agape Press] Bohn was formerly responsible for ecumenism in the Brazilian Bishops' Conference (CNBB) and represented it at the meeting. The Conference is a member of the National Council of Christian Churches of Brazil (CONIC), the body that invited the WCC to hold its ninth assembly there. At the meeting, Raiser said that one of the main reasons for choosing Brazil was the excellent ecumenical relations in the country. The assembly meets approximately every seven years. -CC q

Liberty University, The First 32 Years-Dr. Jerry Falwell founded Lynchburg Baptist College (later became Liberty U.) in 1971 as a "fundamentalist" school, but in the intervening years it has taken the new-evangelical stance of its founder. Both founder and school are now solidly Southern Baptist and New Evangelical. Dr. Adrian Rogers recently brought the commencement address. The statistics are impressive from a worldly view. In its 32-year history, it has been provided with $3 billion, enabling the purchase of a 4,421-acre campus. Dr. Jerry Prevo is its new chairman of the Board; Dr. Bailey Smith is the new Executive Committee chairman. Due to space limitations, Liberty can only accept 3,200 freshmen this fall (from an applicant total of 11,177). Falwell's goal is 25,000 resident students and 25,000 external students for a world-class university of 50,000. Dr. Rick Warren will utilize Liberty's 2003 Super Conference to kick off (Oct. 11) his "40 Days of Purpose" national campaign. -CC

New Evangelicalism Is Not New-Dr. Layton Talbert writes in the Mar-Apr Frontline: "New Evangelicalism is not new. Its mindset, its most distinctive traits and guiding philosophies, can be traced back to examples in both the New and Old Testaments. Jehoshaphat was the `New Evangelical' of his day. His defining flaw was his habitual alliances with the enemies of God's Word, alliances that he forged and defended in the interest of unity (2 Chron. 18:3; 2 Kings 3:7). But they were alliances that had a devastating impact." -CC

Robison Warns Of Prosperity Gospel-James Robison, erstwhile bold SBC evangelist, writes in the May Charisma: "One of the huge deceptions in some personal prosperity teaching is the notion that everybody is going to have a big house, big car or big income. This concept promotes a `sameness' mentality, and it simply is not scriptural." Robison in the late 1980s started cavorting with Charismatics and Roman Catholics, praised the Pope, etc. -CC

Lotz Faints While Preaching-Evangelist Anne Graham Lotz says nothing like it has ever happened to her before. The 54-year-old daughter of Billy Graham fainted recently while preaching to over 6,000 people in Lexington, Ky. It is unclear what caused the collapse. But when she regained consciousness, Lotz told aides surrounding her, "It's the devil." After sitting on the platform steps for about five minutes, Lotz retook the stage and gave the rest of her sermon seated in a chair. Lotz told the audience that she had felt fine before the episode and apologized for scaring them. But she said it is a reminder that death or the second coming of Jesus could be a heartbeat away. Unlike her father, who preaches one sermon per day, Lotz typically preaches three sermons and leads a Bible study at her seminars. [Agape Press, 4/28] -CC

Hodel Succeeds Dobson At Focus On Family-Longtime president of Focus on the Family, James Dobson, has expanded his role as chairman and passed on the presidency to former Christian Coalition president and Reagan Cabinet member Don Hodel (5/1 Alabama Baptist). John Paulk, controversial "ex-gay" leader, left Focus May 6. -CC

SBC News-Southern Baptist Convention membership has reached an all-time high of 16.2 million. *** When SBC Int'l Mission Board last year mandated that its missionaries affirm the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message doctrinal statement a large majority complied automatically. But 13 who refused to sign were fired. *** A No. Carolina church accused of baptizing two unrepentant homosexuals was removed from the Cabarrus Baptist Association April 28 by a vote of 250-11. *** SBC president Jack Graham says Christians need to quit arguing over styles of music in the church. -CC

Pope Contemplates Judgment-A top Vatican official for the first time publicly acknowledged Pope John II suffers from Parkinson's disease. He "puts himself in the hands of God and feels God and the Madonna (Virgin Mary) by his side in the path of life." (5/18 H.Times) Bob L. Ross comments: "How would you like to face what the Pope is going to face when he goes out to meet God? A life spent in claiming to be God's `voice' to mankind, while concealing the Gospel of Christ from millions in the world, and magnifying Marianism instead of exalting the Mediatorship of the Lord Jesus Christ...what a great judgment faces the Pope!" -CC

California's Pro-Homosexual Bill-A bill passed the California Assembly April 21 that would mandate fines upwards of $150,000 against business owners who refuse to hire cross-dressing or transsexual job applicants (5/8 Ala. Bapt). If passed into law, this bill would apply to Bible book-stores and nonprofit organizations such as local Boy Scouts. -CC

U.M.C. Top Leaders Demand Bush "Repent"-Top officials of the United Methodist Church, President Bush's denomination, are demanding that he "repent from domestic and foreign policies" they claim are not in line with the teaching of Jesus. UMC bishops and the head of the UMC's Board of Church and Society recently signed a full-page ad in Christian Century magazine accusing President Bush of contributing to "spiritual forces of wickedness." Mark Tooley (Institute on Religion and Democracy) says to the "religious left," the fact that the president believes Jesus is his Lord and Savior is not nearly as important [to you] as the fact that he took the nation to war against Iraq or is not an enthusiast for the welfare state. Describing the officials' comments as "pretty outrageous," Tooley says they confirm his group's basic critique of the religious left, that is, "they measure Christian orthodoxy not by what one may believe about Jesus Christ and God, but by what one's politics are." Tooley says once again this is an example of church leaders who are wedded to the political fads of the 1960s and who never really progressed beyond that. (4/22 Agape Press) -CC