Should Christians worry about “Avatar’s” New Ageism?

Originally here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2010/01/should-christians-worry-about-avatars-new-ageism-10808


Should Christians worry about “Avatar’s” New Ageism?

Posted: 01 Jan 2010 12:21 PM PST


Official theatrical poster: (c)2009 20th Century Fox Film Corporation

Official theatrical poster: (c)2009 20th Century Fox Film Corporation

Legendary Canadian-American filmmaker, director, producer and screenwriter James Cameron of “Titanic” (1997) fame is back and he’s taking names with his latest sci-fi fantasy action thriller “Avatar.” The simple story of the blue-skinned alien tribe known as the Na’vi hit theatres nationwide earlier this month and has already grossed over $212 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

Armed with groundbreaking visual effects, the technologies of which have been in the works for over a decade, Cameron takes his viewers deep into the stunning world of Pandora, the native planet of the Na’vi and home to a myriad of breathtaking flora and spectacular creatures.

“Avatar” tells the tale of paraplegic marine Jake Sully (actor Sam Worthington, “Terminator: Salvation,” 2009), who “becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home,” according to an IMDB plot summary. With his mind operating inside an artificial Na’vi body (known as an Avatar), Sully must infiltrate their world, learn about their culture and ultimately aid in the brutal genocide of their race. After falling in love with Na’vi tribeswoman Neytiri (actress Zoe Saldana, “Star Trek,” 2009), Sully turns on his commanding officer, his orders and his own race.

Since its release, several conservative Christian writers have published critical reviews of the film, condemning its alleged promotion of New Ageism, mysticism and elements of Wicca, mingled with “Native American-style spirituality [and] a heavy dose of environmentalism and antiwar rhetoric,” according to Crosswalk contributing writer Christian Hamaker.

Hamaker also warned viewers to “be prepared for a gooey, New Age romance with thematic elements that will likely make you squirm.”

“Christianity Today” entertainment columnist Todd Hertz, however, had nothing but praise for the film, despite its less than perfect script and storyline.

“James Cameron may not be [the] greatest writer,” says Hertz, “or one known for original and complicated plotlines…but he is one of Hollywood’s best storytellers in terms of using all sides of the cinematic journey (visuals, story, music, etc.) to stir and capture imaginations for a satisfying ride.”

On the topic of religion, Hertz noted, “Some Christians will be bothered by the Na’vi’s worship of the unseen female deity [called Eywa in the film, said to be “in all living things”]…But vagueness about this entity makes it possible to view her not as a New Age goddess but as just one more strange piece of fantasy in this alien world.”

So, should Christians avoid seeing “Avatar?”  No. Rather, as with most secular films, they should be prepared to encounter strange anti-Christian elements, including language and sensuality, while still enjoying a phenomenally well-crafted and brilliantly orchestrated visual masterpiece. Ultimately, the decision rests within the personal stance and belief of the individual. It seems, however, that there is little need to become anxious or angered about such a small part of a purely fictional piece of entertainment.

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“Blind Side” Tackles “New Moon” in Box Office Ratings



“Blind Side” Tackles “New Moon” in Box Office Ratings

Posted: 11 Dec 2009 01:23 PM PST


Alcon Entertainment’s family-friendly football flick “The Blind Side,” based on the inspiring true story of young Michael Oher, broke box office records this past weekend by toppling The Twilight Saga’s “New Moon,” reaching No. 1 in ticket sales and raking in over $20.4 million.

“Twilight’s” weekend income rang in at just under $16 million. This brings “Blind Side’s” nationwide intake to over $131 million according to Box Office Mojo.

Under the directorship of John Lee Hancock (“The Rookie”-2002), the flick recounts the story of “Big Mike,” a homeless African American teen taken in by the wealthy, white Tuohy family of Memphis, including mother Leigh Ann Tuohy played by longtime actress Sandra Bullock and her husband Sean Tuohy (portrayed by country music superstar Tim McGraw).

But what started as a one-night act of kindness transforms into a deeper relationship as the Tuohys become affectionately attached to Michael.

After legally adopting Oher, Leigh Ann hires a tutor to aid in furthering Michael’s education and supports him in his decision to play college football.

Oher will eventually go on to make the first-round draft pick in the NFL. Today, Michael Oher plays professional football with the Baltimore Ravens.

Countless Christian magazines, newspapers, web sites and even pastors have been promoting the film for its accurate and inspiring presentation of the Christian faith as seen through the life and deeds of the Tuohy family.

“Blind Side” has shown promise for Christian moviegoers as a flick with a positive and even Biblical message.

By taking in young, homeless Michael Oher, the Tuohy family has lived out the command of James 1:27: “To care for widows and orphans in their distress.”

Pro-family movie review web site MovieGuide.com wrote of the film, “Blind Side has a very strong message of Christian faith. It’s very clear that Leigh Ann helps Michael because she is a Christian and thinks it’s the right thing to do. They pray around the table and speak freely about their Christian faith. The biblical admonition to care for orphans is lived out by this family.”

In her review of the movie, Crosswalk.com contributing writer Christian Hamaker noted that “The film’s treatment of religion, while not as explicit as some Christian viewers might hope, is marred only by a misquoted Bible verse on a school sign—a jarring error in this otherwise warmhearted, true-life crowd-pleaser.”

“The Blind Side” debuted in theaters nationwide Nov. 20 and is currently the number one grossing film in the country.

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“Love Dare” Authors Release Anticipated Sequel and Pop Culture Moments by Mo: Elin Woods Tests Her Golf Swing


“Love Dare” Authors Release Anticipated Sequel

Posted: 05 Dec 2009 01:01 AM PST


Alex and Stephen Kendrick, the religious filmmaking brother duo of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA and authors of the New York Times bestseller “The Love Dare” have released an official sequel to the book, according to the web site of B&H Publishing Group.

Entitled “The Love Dare: Day by Day,” the book, released on December 1, “picks up where the 40-day dare leaves off,” said John Thompson, President of Marketing at B&H. He added, “Many of our readers finished the 40 days and began again. Day by Day takes them through an entire year.”

At its official product details description page, B&H writes of the book, “The Love Dare Day by Day encourages and challenges couples toward new steps in faith and love with 365 marital encouragements, reminders and action points worth repeating year after year.”

The new book is subtitled “A Year of Devotions for Couples” and boasts cover art similar to that of “The Love Dare.” Since its release, “The Love Dare” has remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an astonishing 61 weeks and was ranked at number nine on the USA Today bestseller list. Even more amazing, the Love Dare iPhone app managed to debut as the number one iPhone app by AT&T.

Since 2008, “The Love Dare” has sold over 3 million copies and is available around the world in over 22 languages. Originally created as nothing more than a plot-device for the Kendrick brothers’ 2008 film “Fireproof”, “The Love Dare” has transformed into a Christian culture phenomenon and has saved the lives of countless marriages across the country and around the world.

“The Love Dare: Day By Day” is available in hardback form wherever Christian books are sold and is available for purchase at the official B&H web site: www.bhpublishinggroup.com.

Pop Culture Moments by Mo: Elin Woods Tests Her Golf Swing

Posted: 04 Dec 2009 06:06 PM PST


tigerwoods

Golf superstar Tiger Woods has been very popular in the media lately. Not for his golf swing, but for his alleged philandering. The allegations came to light after Tiger suffered facial lacerations after a car accident near his home. Media Web sites such as TMZ began claiming that the accident was caused by an argument between Tiger and his wife Elin over his cheating. Since then, several women have come forward claiming to have had affairs with Woods.

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The Manhattan Declaration calls Christians to stand up and out



The Manhattan Declaration calls Christians to stand up and out

Posted: 02 Dec 2009 08:53 AM PST


Approximately 150 evangelical Christian, Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox leaders have taken a stand for Christ and Christian values by signing the “Manhattan Declaration.” The document,  signed on November 20, 2009, is an example to members of their denominations and others to keep defending three main biblical principles: the sanctity of human life; traditional marriage by the Bible’s definition of one man and one woman; and freedom of religious expression.

The Manhattan Declaration is subtitled “A Call of Christian Conscience.” Regarding the assault in American society and the current government against the above three values, the text states:
“…we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their [the three values] defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them.”

According to a Florida Baptist Witness Newspaper editorial by Editor James A. Smith, the authors of the Declaration are Charles Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship; Timothy George, a Southern Baptist minister and dean of Alabama’s Beeson Divinity School, and Robert P. George, a Princeton University professor of jurisprudence.

The group is not politically affiliated. The Declaration states the signers’  unconditional commitment is to Christ only, and recommends acts of civil disobedience when absolutely necessary (see the Summary of the Manhattan Declaration in the paragraph “Unjust Laws”).

The Manhattan Declaration clarifies that its followers will not stand by or comply with any edict that enables mistreatment of human life from the unborn to the elderly, including abortion, euthanasia or destruction of human embryos for research; will not bless immoral sexual partnerships, and will not be silenced on the grounds of religious objection.

The Summary ends with this succinct statement: “We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar’s. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God’s.”

This echoes the Hebrew leader Joshua’s call to faith: “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:14-16, NIV).

When the apostle Peter was given strict orders by the governing body, the Sanhedrin, to stop preaching in the name of Christ, he declared “We must obey God, not men” (Acts 5).

Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. also advocated civil (peaceful) disobedience for the Civil Rights movement and accomplished much in this manner. He stood on the fact that all men are created equal, both in the Declaration of Independence and in the Gospel (Galatians 3:28-29). If all men are created equal, then Christians have the right to voice their opinion as much as anyone else.

Whom will we obey as Christians? Will we silently go along with the crowd so as not to make waves, or will we stand by the signers of the Manhattan Declaration to come out and be separate as Jesus commanded?

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Sugar Daddy Ken Doll Creates Controversy in Barbie World



Sugar Daddy Ken Doll Creates Controversy in Barbie World

Posted: 25 Nov 2009 12:16 PM PST


How Will New Doll Affect Young Girls’ Views of Men?

Mattel Inc., the world’s largest and most profitable toy company known for their Hot Wheels and Matchbox toy cars, has released a brand new version of Ken into their popular Barbie Doll line. While Barbie has often received flak from certain sects of consumers for her unrealistic physical proportions and negative influence on younger girls’ self image, Ken has for the most part gone untouched by critics. Until now.

Sugar Daddy Ken, the latest rendition of Barbie’s boyfriend, comes outfitted in “a dashing jacquard-patterned jacket with a light pink polo shirt and crisp white pants” according to Sugar Daddy Ken online retailer Entertainment Earth. The doll is further accessorized by a small white poodle and accompanying leash. However, Ken’s extravagant clothes, bleach blond hair, fake tan that rivals any previous Barbie doll and pet may be among parents’ least concerns.

According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, a “sugar daddy” is defined as “1. a well-to-do usually older man who supports or spends lavishly on a mistress, girlfriend, or boyfriend.”

The online Urban Dictionary contains several definitions for this increasingly popular and cultural term, including “1. A man who provides money or other favors in exchange for sexual relations. 2. An older man who is able to gain a younger woman by having lots of cash and assets. The younger woman is known as a ‘gold digger.’ The sugar daddy is generally being used by the ‘gold digger’ for his house, cars and clothes [and] money.”

In response to parental concerns and outcries from conservative consumers, one Mattel spokesperson told the New York Post, “The Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken is actually part of the adult Barbie Collector Line. It is targeted toward adults.”

The spokesperson also added, “The little dog’s name is actually Sugar. That’s where the [doll’s] name comes from. He’s Sugar’s daddy, as a reference to the dog.”

However, Entertainment Earth’s description of the doll contradicts Mattel’s statement and ends with the phrase “Look no further for your sugar daddy!” as opposed to the possessive “Sugar’s Daddy.”

Sugar Daddy Ken is already available for purchase online through Mattel’s official website, as well as through Entertainment Earth. While the Barbie line boasts a rather innocent and wholesome historical past, the future cultural ramifications of such a doll may prove to be a factor in affecting younger girls’ views of men, specifically their relationships with older men. It may additionally prove difficult to hinder younger girls from purchasing dolls from the adult Barbie Collection, particularly if parents see no harm in such a doll or its attributes. The doll will be release in stores and made available to the mass public sometime early next year.

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Islamophobia and its effect on other faiths



Islamophobia and its effect on other faiths

Posted: 22 Nov 2009 10:00 PM PST


The United Nations’ Second World Conference on Racism (April, 2009) claimed that it would focus on all forms of defamation of religion. 

When it became known that Iranian President Ahmadinejad would be speaking at the Conference, also known as the Durban Conference II, many countries withdrew (see EuropeNews report).

When Ahmadinejad spoke, he accused western nations of defending a form of Israeli Zionism which he considers racist. From that point on, the Conference focused on one thing—“Islamophobia.” Islamophobia implies fearfulness of the Islamic faith and hatred of all Muslims.

The word Islamophobia has been popularized since accusations began against terrorists from Muslim backgrounds after September 11, 2001. In the last couple of years, it has become more and more politically incorrect to denounce even the most radical Islamic terrorism. The term Islamophobia is now being stretched to mean that if you fear or speak out against extreme Islamic terrorism, or you express suspicions of it, then you hate all Muslims. This equation is unfair and untrue. 

Now, the United Nations (UN) is considering a ”Defamation of Religions” resolution by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the largest group of nations within the UN.  Ironically, the OIC itself is made up mostly of nations under dictatorship or tyrannical leadership; many formally recognizing Islam or an Eastern faith as their state religion, and are almost completely intolerant of other religions. Some OIC nations have appeared on the U.S. State Department’s list of “nations of concern” for human rights and religious rights violations. See this 2008 State Department list for example.

The OIC has pushed for this for nearly a decade (per a 2008 Washington Times article), and they have made much headway. Although continued anti-Semitism toward Jewish people and intimidation of Christians has been increasing in many countries which were formerly quite tolerant of various other faiths, the only faith people are afraid to offend today is Islam.

The UN Watch, a Geneva-based human rights group, has decried this latest OIC resolution
as an attempt to imply that defamation of religion makes the Islamic faith itself the real victim of 9/11 –not the 3,000 people who actually died in the attack.

The International Humanist and Ethical Union suggests that a resolution like this would make simple religious disagreement a crime of blasphemy as it already is in some Middle Eastern and Asian countries. This could be especially dangerous if the country considers blasphemy (or “apostasy”) a crime deserving of life imprisonment or death.

Forbidding hate speech against Muslims, and against Islam as a faith, is of course understandable. There are many good and decent Muslims around the world. However, we shouldn’t stop people from speaking out against past terrorism, or expressing warning signs of forthcoming acts of possible terrorism. Case in point: the now-known fact that no one reported the earlier suspicious remarks and activities of the Fort Hood attacker, who – if not a terrorist – was influenced to a certain extent by a jihadist mindset. Instead, the government and media are jumping through hoops to create other scenarios for him.

Another case: In 2007, a University of Florida student group was censored by school authorities from passing out information about a movie revealing the dangers of radical Islamic terrorism. By using the description “radical” before the word “Islamic” and then the word “terrorism” in the title, the flier bearers made it clear that they didn’t want to offend Muslims who disagree with radical Islamic terrorism. Still, according to the Tampa Tribune, the University censored the group’s fliers for not being in the best interest of diversity.  

We must be able to recognize and identify our enemies. True, there is home-grown American terrorism, like Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber. But  avoiding the real possibilities of “extreme Islamic terrorism” is a mistake. In the name of tolerance, events are escalating to desensitize us into our own demise. We are becoming an increasingly easier target.

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Ray Comfort In Hot Water after Publishing Intelligent Design Intro to “Origin of Species”



Ray Comfort In Hot Water after Publishing Intelligent Design Intro to “Origin of Species”

Posted: 19 Nov 2009 08:22 PM PST


Evangelist Ray Comfort, author of a new introduction to Darwin's "Origin of Species"

Evangelist Ray Comfort, author of a new introduction to Darwin's "Origin of Species"

Ray Comfort, the world renowned evangelist, author and speaker known for founding Living Waters Publications and The Way of the Master ministries has become the center of controversy after writing a pro Intelligent Design introduction to evolutionist Charles Darwin’s work “On the Origin of Species.” This special edition of Darwin’s book is laced with Biblical arguments refuting evolution and even suggests connections between Darwin’s theories, Hitler and racism.

Yesterday, Comfort and Living Waters, along with American actor and evangelist Kirk Cameron of Fireproof fame, distributed over 100,000 copies of “Origin of Species” across the campuses of the nation’s top 100 universities. Although Cameron had officially announced the distribution would occur today November 19th, both he and Comfort were forced to take action early after it was revealed that several students had planned protests against the campaign.

In fact, many students planned to “rip out [Comfort’s] introduction,” according to The Christian Post.

Comfort’s special edition has made waves throughout the atheist community, many of who are preparing, along with the rest of the world, to celebrate the 150 year anniversary of Darwin’s theory of evolution and “Origin of Species” on November 21.

In his official video announcement at the website for Living Waters, Cameron said, “An entire generation is being brainwashed by atheistic evolution without even hearing the alternative and it’s radically changing the culture of our nation.”

Cameron also notes that Comfort’s 50-page introduction includes “the history of evolution, a timeline of Darwin’s life, Adolph Hitler’s undeniable connection with the theory, Darwin’s racism, his disdain for women and Darwin’s thoughts on the existence of God.” These elements are balanced with scientific viewpoints on God gleaned from the minds of such historical figures as Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Copernicus, Bacon, Louis Pasture and Johann Kepler.

“All we want to do is present the opposing and correct view,” said Cameron. “These students aren’t stupid. They should be given both sides of the argument and [be] allowed to make up their own minds. We think that’s healthy.”

In a strong rebuttal to Comfort’s introduction, the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) responded with this YouTube video entitled “Don’t Diss Darwin.”

Comfort’s most recent book, “Nothing Created Everything,” poses strong arguments against evolution, while asserting how many sound, highly esteemed and awarded scientists profess to believe in Intelligent Design.

Speaking on his introduction to “Origin of Species”, Comfort said, “The [entire] 304-page publication will be Charles Darwin’s every word—not one jot or tittle will be removed.” He then asked, “Besides, if they [those opposed] think my arguments have no merit, why are they so upset? They should actually enjoy the fact that I’m spreading more of my idiotic claims that intelligent students will see right through—that way my stupidity will be much more apparent.”

According to an official press release at Living Waters, several atheists have already planned an online resistance movement to Comfort’s introduction through Richarddawkins.net. Ironically, and quite humorously, Comfort officially dedicated “Nothing Created Everything” to the renowned British atheistic biologist, much to the outrage of countless loyal Dawkins followers and Dawkins himself.

Comfort admits that he has been baffled by the protests and cries of offense voiced by countless atheists in online forums, particularly considering that to date there have been over 140 different editions of On the Origin of Species, many of which contain introductions from various authors’ viewpoints.

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Does the Bible Put Women Down?, Gap Inc. Censoring “Christmas,” Christians Urged to Boycott


Does the Bible Put Women Down?

Posted: 13 Nov 2009 08:51 AM PST


Feminists and political correctness advocates often ask the question, “Does the Bible put women down?” The Bible, Jesus’ words and His actions give a loud, resounding “No.”

When the “Feminist Movement” gained strength in the 1960’s, it was a fight for equal jobs, equal pay and respect for women. Absentee husbands and dads were called to task for their commitments. The second stage was women engaging in bra-burning and buying the message that casual sex would break our invisible chains. Helen Reddy’s 1972 song “I Am Woman” became the iconic feminist theme.

Next, the Feminist Movement began viewing men as unnecessary extras to their lives and to child-rearing. And the Bible was suddenly regarded as a tool for men to keep women “barefoot, pregnant and chained to the kitchen sink.” Some became convinced that the Bible even gave men a license to abuse women.

How did God’s Word become embroiled in the battle? As biblical principles in schools, government and at home began to sink below the American horizon, the bad rap on the Bible expanded. Fewer people were exposed to its pages, and simply believed what they heard when verses were twisted or eliminated for the Movement’s purpose.

The Bible doesn’t belittle women or make them second-class citizens. Jesus told Martha to get out of the kitchen and come learn the Scriptures like her sister Mary (Luke 10:38-43). We could even say he followed a woman’s orders by making wine for a wedding at his mother’s request, although He didn’t think it was time for His miracles yet (John 2:1-10). Wow. Sounds like today’s kind of guy.

When He rose from the tomb, Jesus thought enough about women to reveal Himself to them first, before any of the male disciples (Mark 16:1-7, Luke 24:1-9). As people became Christ followers, women like Priscilla were highly regarded as leaders of the faith in spreading the Gospel (Acts 18). When no man among the disciples believed Peter was free from jail, God used a woman, Rhoda, to convince them he was really knocking at their door (Acts 12).

Jesus began instructing men to stop treating women like possessions. In Matthew 5:27-31 and Mark 10:2-12, He tells men to stop committing adultery and discarding women in divorce. Isn’t this exactly one of the things the feminists originally wanted…for men to be faithful and respectful?

By saying “Anyone who has not sinned cast the first stone,” (John 8:6-8) Jesus rebuked the double standard of a woman being accused alone for adultery when a man was also involved. Plus, He gave her a clean slate and took her into His group of followers.

Jesus addressed women in public, looking them in the eye, which was not the male standard at that time. The woman at the well was the first person He spoke with in Samaria (John 4:4-14 ). He used a widow’s contribution of her last coins to illustrate sacrificial giving instead of giving out of plenty (Mark 12:41-44); and chose a woman for his story comparing the wisdom of finding one lost coin to angels singing over one saved soul (Luke 15:7-9).

There are outstanding women in the Old Testament, too. Deborah, the Judge, and Esther, the Queen, were chosen to save the entire Israelite population from their enemies. Rahab, a prostitute, sheltered Hebrew scouts instead of notifying authorities of their whereabouts. The Proverbs 31 woman worked outside the home and dealt with merchants on her own, without her husband. Ruth started the bloodline of Jesus. Whole Bible books are named for Ruth and Esther.

However, these exemplary women are often overlooked because of verses in the New Testament that are taken out of context. At the top of the list is Ephesians 5:22-24 beginning with: “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.” Granted, there are unfortunately some men in churches who abuse this idea of “submission” to keep women suppressed, even to verbally and physically abuse them.

The seldom-read next few verses, Ephesians 5:25-26, prove these men are wrong and in violation of Scripture. The apostle Paul continued Jesus’ respect for women by telling men to love their wives as they would love their own bodies and the church. What man will beat himself black and blue, or put himself in the hospital with broken bones?

Although men are generally assigned to be heads and leaders of the church, their scriptural role is to be a servant to the people, not a deliberate dictator. Paul states in Galatians 3:28-29, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

(Scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.)

Gap Inc. Censoring “Christmas,” Christians Urged to Boycott

Posted: 12 Nov 2009 11:02 PM PST


The Same Holiday Story Once Again

Right-wing conservative Christian organization American Family Association (AFA) is urging Christians nationwide to participate in a two month boycott of San Francisco-based clothing retail giant Gap Inc., according to several national news media. The movement is based largely on Gap’s executive advertising decision to remove the word “Christmas” from their holiday ad campaigns, both in print and broadcast form. The boycott will include each of Gap’s subsidiaries: Old Navy, Banana Republic, Piperlime (online retailer) and Athleta.

The AFA, along with the so-called Christian legal group Liberty Counsel, has planned and executed countless similar campaigns during past holiday seasons, including one against international department store chain Sears.

In its e-mail newsletter, the AFA argued “Christmas is special because of Jesus. It’s not just a ‘winter holiday.’ For millions of Americans the giving and receiving of gifts is in honor of the One who gave Himself. For the Gap to pretend that isn’t the foundation of the Christmas season is political correctness at best and religious bigotry at worst.”

The official website of the AFA boasts an American flag image reconstructed to reflect their message. Typed within each of the flags white stripes is the phrase “Boycott Gap Inc. this Christmas.”

By selecting the link entitled “Take Action Now,” the user is instantly connected to a company press release, summarizing the campaign. The summary ends with an opportunity for visitors to sign the Boycott Gap Pledge, by which the AFA will regularly update Gap on the number of participating protestors.

Website visitors can also link to a printable Boycott Gap “pass along” sheet, which can be distributed to “friends, family and Sunday school members,” according to the official release.

Unfortunately, such a boycott may not be seen as the wisest of approaches by many Christians, church leaders and other religious organizations.

In week five of his July 2008 sermon series “You Asked for It”, NewSpring Church Senior Pastor Perry Noble candidly spoke of Christians who hop on “boycott bandwagons” and stated that, “God did not call us to condemn secular organizations for acting like secular organizations. God forgive the church for selling out to a political agenda instead of preaching Jesus.”

He added, “If God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn it [John 3:17], then he sure didn’t send self-centered, self-righteous, arrogant Christians to condemn it either. We are not called to fight the world. We’re called to reach the world. It’s not us against them. It’s us for them.”

Despite opposition from certain sects of Christians and pan-denominational groups, it seems the AFA is content to continue with its mission and is urging participators to “ask Gap to reconsider its policy of censoring Christmas in promotional material” The AFA also suggests that you “Let them  know that until you see Christmas in their advertising, you will boycott them.”

The end result of this annual campaign awaits to be seen.

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Update: Iranian Christian women released from prison



Update: Iranian Christian women released from prison

Posted: 18 Nov 2009 11:33 AM PST


Maryam Rustampoor and Marzieh Amirizadeh (last name posted as Esmaeilabad in some reports) were released from Iran’s Evin prison on Wednesday, November 18. They’d been held there since their arrest in March on various charges in connection with their Christian faith. On trial during the summer, neither would recant their Christianity even at the promise of being set free (see The Underground’s original report here).

There was no bail demanded for their release, but the two still face court hearings. In October, a judge dropped the charge that the women were “anti-state.” But they are still accused of trying to spread Christianity, which carries the charge of apostasy against Iran’s formally recognized religion of Islam. So the prayers of Christians everywhere are still needed.

Evin prison has been noted for human rights violations. According to Charisma Online, Rustampoor and Amirizadeh’s health suffered with ailments from infected teeth, headaches and back pain to severe food poisoning. Solitary confinement and repeat interrogations also took their toll.

Although Iran is watched for human rights violations by the United States Government as a “nation of concern,” not much action is being taken. It was a group called Open Doors that actively pursued the release of the women. Open Doors is an organization dedicated to rescuing and praying for persecuted Christians around the world.

Iranian-based intimidation of Christians has been increasing since the late 1970’s. Read about the Iranian Christian Church, its history and persecution, here at Elam Ministries.

“You will be persecuted and brought before syngagogues and prisons…this will lead to an opportunity to present your testimony” (Luke 21:12-13, NAS excerpts).

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Sherwood Pictures to Tackle Fatherhood in Upcoming Film



Sherwood Pictures to Tackle Fatherhood in Upcoming Film

Posted: 16 Nov 2009 11:05 PM PST


Left to right: Senior Pastor Michael Catt, Stephen Kendrick, Jim McBride, Alex Kendrick at the official announcement service.

Left to right: Senior Pastor Michael Catt, Stephen Kendrick, Jim McBride, Alex Kendrick at the official announcement service.

Religious filmmaking brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia revealed in an official announcement service Sunday evening that their next anticipated Christian film is entitled “Courageous” and will focus on the theme of godly fatherhood, according to their official web site: www.courageousthemovie.com. The film will follow the dramatic lives of four police officers, their dangerous jobs and the struggles they encounter within their own families after enduring a horrible tragedy.

In a separate video announcement, Stephen Kendrick said, “We believe that God has led us very clearly after a year of prayer in the direction that He wants us to go for the next movie. And we believe that He is calling us to focus in on the issue of calling men to rise up with strength and with leadership in their homes and with their families and their children.”

Whereas Sherwood’s previous film “Fireproof” (2008) dealt solely with the theme of marriage, “Courageous” will instead expand to encompass a more family-oriented perspective.

“The statistics on fatherless children are devastating,” said Sherwood Executive Pastor Jim McBride to the nearly 1300 service attendees. “And because the family is the building block of society, one important place to rebuild families is through fathers who stay and lead and love.” Sherwood Pictures also noted that four out of ten marriages currently end in divorce and the vast majority of today’s children grow up without the companionship of their biological parents.

During the reception that followed, the Kendrick brothers said that not each of the four stories found within the film will result in happy endings. The brothers also promised that “Courageous” will be sure to include their “trademark humor, powerful spiritual message, drama and, for the first time, action sequences,” according to The Christian Post. Stephen Kendrick also suggested the film may include a few elements of romance as well.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church Pastor Daniel Simmons prayed for the direction of the movie at the official dedication service and also stated that he believes “Courageous” will have a significant impact on the African-American community. Simmons additionally noted that he intends to use this film to minister to African-American fathers in the same way he ministered to the families and spouses of his church through Sherwood’s 2008 film “Fireproof” and the Kendrick brother’s accompanying book “The Love Dare.”

Although the movie is currently still in the preproduction stages of scriptwriting and casting, the Kendrick brothers plan to begin filming by next spring with a tentative release date set for early 2011.

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