Worldviews
The Newsletter of the Apologetics Resource Center
July/August 2004
Why the Apologetics
Resource Center?
We exist to serve Christ and His kingdom, which also means
the Church and you. Christians who are aware of our calling
to engage people, ideas, and institutions
utilize our ministry’s resources. But we are also seriously committed to
education and exhorting the majority of Christians to understand normal Christianity
and to break out of holy huddles or conformity to the world or false spirituality,
and to radically engage.
One current focus of
the Church is on politics and how it can bring a better
life to our country’s citizens, and even the world. But unless there
is a profound transformation in American culture, politics will not significantly
change things. Our culture is dominated by bad/wrong ideas. The Church must
focus
on evangelism and discipleship—changed hearts and changed minds.
We must
learn to have a biblical worldview in our discipleship, which involves being
intentional and committed to be salt and light, personally influencing
others and institutions. We need fellow believers to come alongside and help
us through prayers, finances, and participation. Please take the time to
read the exhortations from other Christian leaders on this
vital issue:
“But something has happened in the last sixty years.
The freedom that once was founded on a biblical consensus
and a Christian ethos has now become autonomous freedom,
cut loose from all constraints. Here we have the world spirit
of our age—autonomous Man setting himself up as God,
in defiance of the knowledge and the moral and spiritual
truth which God has given…. This world spirit of our
age rolls on and on claiming to be autonomous and crushing
all that we cherish in its path….Why has the Christian
ethos in our culture been squandered? Why do we have so little
impact upon the world today? Is it not because we have failed
to take the primary battle seriously?…Christian influence
on the whole of culture has been lost. In Europe, including
England, it took many years—in the United States only
a few decades.
Francis Schaeffer, The Great Evangelical Disaster
“Christians need to grasp a wider picture of Western
thought and culture…As Francis Schaeffer reminded us,
we are living in a post-Christian era, when the thought-forms
of society are fundamentally anti-Christian. His warnings
are now more applicable than ever. If the situation is not
to degenerate further, it is imperative that we turn the
whole intellectual climate of our culture back to a Christian
worldview. If we do not, then what lies ahead for us in the
United States is already evident in Europe: utter secularism...
The war is not yet lost, and it is one which we dare not
lose.
Moreover, it’s not just Christian scholars and pastors who need to be
intellectually engaged with the issues. Christian laymen, too, need to become
intellectually engaged. Our churches are filled with Christians who are idling
in intellectual neutral. As Christians, their minds are going to waste. One
result of this is an immature, superficial faith….The results of being
in intellectual neutral extend far beyond oneself. If Christian laymen don’t
become intellectually engaged, then we are in serious danger of losing our
children. In high school and college Christian teenagers are intellectually
assaulted on every hand by a barrage of anti-Christian philosophies and attitudes.”
William Lane Craig, Reasonable Faith
“Perhaps the greatest challenge to evangelicalism
in the next generation is to develop an increasing intellectual
commitment without losing its roots in the life and faith
of ordinary Christian believers. The strongly negative associations
of the term ‘academic’ are a constant warning
of the dangers of formulating a sophisticated theology or
worldview without engaging firmly with the agenda and concerns
of the church. It is the easiest thing in the world to aspire
to intellectual erudition; developing this while remaining
firmly in touch with the realities of the common Christian
life is a somewhat more daunting task….Yet it remains
a task which must be undertaken….The ‘scandal
of the evangelical mind’ (Mark Noll) lies in the fact
that, in the recent past, evangelicals have failed to allow
their faith to shape their understanding of the world.”
Alister E. McGrath, A Passion for Truth: The Intellectual
Coherence of Evangelicalism
“When you sit at the beauty salon or the PTA meeting
and hear someone carry on about truth begin ‘whatever
works for me,’ do you sit there uneasily, thinking,
I know that she’s wrong, and I don’t’ believe
that, but you are unable to articulate why she’s wrong?
When Johnny is asked to prepare for a debate on animal ‘rights,’ do
you know what principles are involved and where to find biblical
support for your values? Can you help Johnny understand why
we draw a line between animal life and human life and how
he can communicate that to his class and teacher? What is
truth? If white is ‘true for me’ and black is ‘true
for you,’ and everyone else ‘feels’ rather
gray, how do we teach our children to cling to what is really
true, especially in world of endless options and opinions?”
Lael Arrington, Worldproofing Your Kids
Pray for ARC Expansion
It should be clear by now that the Church needs the recovery of apologetics
as a key factor for normal, vital growth. It needs the prophetic voice of
exhortation and the vision, training, and leadership in the Great Commission
and Cultural Mandate (Matt.
28:18-20; 5:13-16;
1
Cor. 9:16-24).
We have the trained
and dedicated personnel. We have interns in the wings.
We are trying to plant two new offices with a vision
for many more. We have
developed curriculum. But we lack one thing. We must have prayer and financial
supporters to partner with us from the Body of Christ. We need you to come
alongside NOW. As we look to God’s Word, it is clear that His plan
involves the Body working together, with a real commitment of our resources
unto things
eternal and not temporal. Our office, which is by no means extravagant, has
a current deficit of nearly $40,000, and one of our staff has not received
3 month’s salary. We seriously need expanded office space to function
more effectively and efficiently.
Our two new contingent
staffers, Vic Minish and Keith Gibson, need support to
launch the two new offices in the Anniston/Oxford
area and Kansas City,
MO. Pray with us that the Lord would bring us to the minds of those who
are aware of our work and bless them with the encouragement
that comes from investing
their resources in eternal things.
Be Prepared
As the Bible commands us to “first sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts,
always being ready to give an answer (defense or apologia) to anyone who asks,
the reason for the hope that is in you—yet always with grace and respect
(1
Pet. 3:15). ARC has developed an excellent equipping tool for
you—our
Areopagus Journal. Are you prepared to give an answer? Do you really know why
you believe what you are supposed to believe?
We encourage you to take this
part of our calling seriously so that you will be well prepared to be salt
and light, to study and show ourselves approved
as workmen not ashamed—handling accurately the Word of Truth, to destroy
every human construction hostile to God and take every thought captive to
the obedience of Christ (Matt.
5:12-13; 2
Tim. 2:2; 2
Cor. 10:3-5).
You
may subscribe to our bimonthly journal for an annual donation of $25
or more. Our journal also makes an excellent graduation gift for college
students.
Each issue has a specific theme. Our current issue is “Yoga: Stretching
the Truth?”, which is all about yoga, its history, meanings, escalating
trend in the U.S., and its deceptiveness. Our next issue is on Mormonism,
the largest cult in America.
The journals provide sound scholarship,
address relevant issues, give a strong defense of the faith, and are
written in
an accessible style for
the average
Christian. Read the comments made by Christian leaders about the journal:
“With
contemporary issues that are relevant, to the point, and well-presented,
Areopagus Journal is a marvelous
way to stay up to date on apologetics and Christian thinking
that is on the cutting edge. The articles are timely and
clear, not requiring a Ph.D. to appreciate what is being
said. Well done!”
Darrell L. Bock, Research Professor of New Testament Studies
at Dallas Theological Seminary
“It is with great pleasure that I commend one of the
outstanding apologetics resources in America, Areopagus
Journal .
It is full of accurate and biblically-based information that
will help any sincere and thinking Christian find their way
through the maze of confusion in today’s spiritual
world. You can read it with confidence that you will be directed
in the right path. Areopagus Journal offers the right tools
to do the Lord’s work in an effective and fruitful
manner.”
Dr. R. Philip Roberts, President
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
“Areopagus
Journal meets a crucial need by providing thoughtful articles
on apologetics
that reach the nonacademic
audience. I highly recommend it.”
Douglas Groothuis, Professor of Philosophy at Denver Seminary
“In
an increasingly post-Christian culture, publications like
Areopagus Journal are vital
in quickening a grassroots
resurgence of interest among Christians in the rational defense
and commendation of the Gospel.”
William Lane Craig, Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot
School of Theology
“Areopagus
Journal makes available to the church a tool that responds
to the issues
of the age with biblical
insights that engage and address the issues in an effective
manner and attractive way that honors the Gospel and draws
others to Christ.”
Harry S. Reeder, Pastor-Teacher of Briarwood Presbyterian
Church, Birmingham, Alabama
Subscribe now and receive the next
six issues (an
annual subscription) or stock up on all of our back
issues. Individual
back issues are $4.00 and for all 17 back issues, the requested
donation is only $50. Use the order form at the end of the
newsletter to start your subscription with the next issue.
The
following are the themes of the back issues. You may also view several
introductory articles (Veritas) on our
website, www.apologeticsresctr.org.
Vol. 1:1 Understanding the dying culture, apologetics issues
and the absurdity of life without God.
Vol. 1:2 Building a Christian worldview
Vol. 1:3 Responding to some common objections like, “What
about those who have never heard? Who are you to judge?” etc.
Vol. 1:4 Responding to homosexuality, abortion and euthanasia
Vol. 2:1 The inspiration, inerrancy and canonization of
the Bible and responding to critics
Vol. 2:2 Epistemology—how does one know truth and error?
Vol. 2:3 Dealing with cultism, scripture-twisting and essentials
Vol. 2:4 The history, nature and danger of Islam
Vol. 3:1 Genetic engineering and cloning
Vol. 3:2 Reproductive technology, adoption and birth control
Vol. 3:3 Jesus: Legend or Lord Part I
Vol. 3:4 Jesus: Legend or Lord Part II
Vol. 3:5 Origins of the popular word-faith movement and
its heresies
Vol. 3:6 A response to the name-it-and-claim-it, prosperity
and health teachers
Vol. 4:1 The Christian view of art
Vol. 4:2 The man-made God of “open theism” theology
Vol. 4:3 Responding to Roman Catholicism and new developments Mark Your Calendar for this Must-Attend Event!
The Cross and the Crown:
Christians at the Crossroads
in the Public Square
October 8-10
Briarwood Presbyterian Church
What does the title
for this strategic conference mean? The conference is dealing
with
the individual Christian’s
and collectively, the Church’s role and responsibility
in government, politics, and culture. Or, what does God command
and expect from us in terms of Christian citizenship—to
be in the world, but not of the world?
Why is there such a
lack of committed Christian involvement in the culture,
which includes politics and government? Yes,
there is some involvement and
even significant involvement but we are still marginalized. If polls are
accurate and 38% of Americans are “born-again” Christians,
then we should have substantial influence. Yet we don’t.
All
the social/moral issues reflect a steady decline in our
culture. Divorce rates, abortion, homosexual marriage,
pornography, gambling, drug abuse,
sexual abuse, etc. all continue to grow. Even divorce among “born-again” Christians
is at least as high as the general population. This is much higher than
twenty years ago.
Barna’s research
has demonstrated recently that less than 10% of evangelicals
have a clear Biblical worldview by which
they make decisions about the spectrum
of life issues. It is absolutely necessary that the Church, you and I,
awaken to the normal call of all Christians—to present all parts
of our life as a sacrificial offering to God and not be conformed to
this world culture,
but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds—with God’s
truth (Rom.
12:1-2; John
8:31-32).
Evangelicals (fundamentalists)
retreated in the face of a growing liberalism in the power
base institutions of
our culture, especially academia. We
formed our “holy huddles” and formed “safe” Christian
sub-cultures, or Christian ghettos. The result was best depicted by
Dr. Mark Noll of Wheaton
in his landmark book, The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, “The
scandal of the evangelical mind is that there is not much of an evangelical
mind…[which
is] the effort to think like a Christian within a specifically Christian
framework—across
the whole spectrum of modern learning including economics and political
science, philosophical studies, social theory, historical inquiry and
the arts.”
Our disengagement produced
a vacuum, which began to be filled with judicial decisions
like Roe v. Wade (legalizing abortion),
and the
elimination
of prayer in public schools. This led to the formulation of the Moral
Majority
by Jerry
Falwell, James Dobson, and Cal Thomas in 1979. This had some influence
on the Ronald Reagan landslide victories in 1980 and 1984. Later,
we had the “Contract
with America” led by Newt Gingrich (who later had an affair
and divorced his wife). Then we had the Rush Limbaugh (who recently
had
an issue with procuring “prescription” drugs
and also was divorced by his wife) and conservative talk phenomena
. The Moral Majority folded in 1989.
Yet even with major
and minor political victories, our culture continued to
slide toward a moral
abyss. And even with some political success
and claim to produce a Christian America, our movement lacked much
progress
in social
justice issues, compassion and mercy. Thus the conference title,
The Cross and the Crown.
When the very public
dissension and angry debate among Christians occurred locally
surrounding both
the Judge Roy Moore stand on
the Ten Commandments
and the content of Christian governor Bill Riley’s tax
plan, I recalled the intramural debate among Christians when
Moral Majority
insiders Cal Thomas
and Ed Dobson withdrew from the movement in protest and co-authored
the book Blinded by Might. Christianity Today ran a lengthy cover
story, “Is the
Religious Right Finished?: An Insiders Conversation” (09-06/99).
Therein was an interactive forum between Thomas, Ed Dobson, Paul
Wyrich and Don Eberly
on one side and Falwell, James Dobson, Ralph Reed, and Chuck
Colson on the other. They were debating the issue of how much
weight was
to be given to efforts
in politics and government, or to the Church’s activism
and evangelism. I decided to attempt to enjoin a number of conservative
churches and Christian/conservative
political action groups to co-sponsor a conference, for discussing,
debating, awakening and motivating the Church into fulfilling
both
the Great Commission
and Cultural Mandate.
We have lined up four
speakers representing different views, all professing to
be Christian views. They will
present their
views
individually and
the other panel members will respond. There will also be a
lengthy question and answer
session in which they will wrap their positions around certain “hot” issues.
We also have a black preacher, Rev. Ken Jones, on Sunday who
will address the gap between black and white evangelicals and
begin to help us focus on how
to close the gap (this topic became so complex as we explored
it that I determined a need to have another conference in the
near future to address that more thoroughly).
All Christians
are called to be informed and involved. Ours and our children’s
futures are in the balance. But there exists confusion, indifference,
and sometimes friction in the process. Is there a serious
need for this kind of conference?
If you asked the non-church goer what should be the Church’s
role in government, politics, and culture, (s)he would probably
say, “Stay out
of politics and concentrate on charities.” Probably
the same answer would be given by liberal church people.
Ask a
conservative Christian (who would
be pro-life, against homosexuality and pro-family) and (s)he
would probably say, “We should be involved in all three.” But,
if you then ask, “How
is this done?” or “Are you involved in anything
beyond just voting?” --and
far too many would be somewhat speechless.
No longer are most
evangelicals politically indifferent separatists, but we
are now one of the most controversial constituencies
in America. But
the friction
is not just between liberals and conservatives. It is unfortunately
occasionally producing division among fellow Christians.
Even
among those few who are active, the contemporary church
is not speaking with one voice when it speaks publicly
and to policy
makers.
The sound
is more like a cacophony of voices which are too often
strident, inflammatory and unproductive.
The question is not whether the Christian faith is connected
to public policy
but how it is connected.
The Conference will
address issues such as:
1. What happens when the Church and the Christian retreat
from the process?
2. What is the biblical role of government?
3. What is the Christian’s responsibility to government? The culture?
4. Is America a Christian nation?
5. How does this apply to our imperative calling to
be salt and light?
6. What is civil obedience and disobedience?
7. If we follow the Bible, why do Christians disagree?
8. Does the Church or government have the responsibility
to address the welfare and poverty issues, and how?
9. What does the Bible say about wealth, taxes and
the free enterprise system?
10. Is social justice and mercy for liberals only?
11. Why is there such a political gap between most
white and black evangelicals?
12. How do we reconcile passages like, “My kingdom
is not of this world,” and “Do
not set your mind on earthly things for our citizenship
is in heaven” compared
with, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on
earth as it is in heaven,” and “All
authority in heaven and earth has been given to Me”,
and “All things
are in subjection under His feet and appointed Him
to be head over everything for the Church”? “Render
unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s
and unto God that which is God’s.”
During
one of President Reagan’s eulogies, George
W. Bush Jr. reflected that Ronald Reagan saw America
as “the
light of the world.” But
the fact is that the Church, the Body of Christ,
is called to be salt and light for the world. It
is a
wonderfully serious calling that we cannot ignore.
After
much neglect, there have been many recent approaches
attempting to affect our culture inside and outside
government structures.
These many
approaches differ and are debated. Even though
evangelicals of all perspectives should
no longer need convincing that political and social
concern is an important part of Christian discipleship,
there
remains much
apathy
and ignorance.
The debates now center
on which approaches are most Biblical to achieve God’s
standards of justice, mercy and love in our culture.
What policies and approaches best reflect God’s
redemptive calling for us to be salt and light ambassadors
for His
kingdom? What is the proper relationship of the Cross
and the Crown?
We need patient and purposeful interaction with
those who believe the Bible is true and who adhere to
a multi-disciplinary approach to the understanding
of our calling to be salt and light.
As the moderator
of our conference, Michael Cromartie writes, “The
ravages brought on our culture by social and political
injustice, by the corroding
effects of secularization, and by the debilitating
ethos of rampant moral relativism are sobering. But as
evangelicals have always insisted, miracles still happen
and grace has always been amazing.”
The Speakers are:
1. Lt. Col. John Eidsmoe holds five academic degrees in law,
political science and theology. He wrote the classic book
Christianity and the Constitution: The Faith of our Founding
Fathers and was on Roy Moore’s legal defense team.
He represents the Christian Right--Pro American position.
2. Dr. David Gushee is the distinguished professor of Moral
Philosophy at Union University. He holds an M. Div from Southern
Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics
from Union Theological Seminary in New York. He represents
the Christian left position, which includes issues of justice,
peace, and environmental stewardship.
3. Dr. James Skillen, President
of The Center for Public Justice in Washington, has a degree
from Wheaton, Westminster
Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in political science from
Duke University. He represents the Reformed—sphere
sovereignty position.
4. Dr. Christopher Wolfe, a political science professor
at Marquette University, earned his Ph.D. in American Political
Thought and Constitutional law from Boston College. He represents
the natural law perspective so common in Roman Catholic circles.
The conference will
be led by moderator Michael Cromartie, vice-president of
the Ethics
and Public Policy Center in
Washington. He earned degrees from Covenant College and American
University and has written the books A Public Faith, A Preserving
Grace, and Caesar’s Coin Revisited.
Visit Briarwood’s
website for more details about scheduling, cost, accommodations,
and more on the speakers and their
positions (www.briarwood.org).
We believe there will be strong clarity and agreement on
about 75% of the issues and that
you can decide who is right on the remaining issues.
The co-sponsors are
Alabama Policy Institute, Eagle Forum, Apologetics Resource
Center,
Christian Coalition of Alabama, Briarwood Presbyterian
Church, Shades
Mountain Independent Church, Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church, First Baptist
Church of Birmingham, Birmingham Theological Seminary, Southeastern Bible
College, National Write Your Congressman, Southeast Law Institute and Mountain
Brook
Community Church. Culture Notes
The following articles are designed to awaken the Christian
to issues that are significant and to begin to help the
Christian to fulfill his/her calling to (1) not be ignorant
of Satan’s schemes, (2) to “refute arguments,
theories, and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing
that sets itself up against the true knowledge of God,
and take captive every thought and purpose to the obedience
of Christ (2
Cor. 10:5 Amp.); (3) for discernment
and encouragement to redemptively engage as salt and light
bearers (Matt.
5:13-16).
Next month we will address same-sex
marriages, pornography, alternative medicine, and the
issue of banning “one
nation, under God” from our nation’s Pledge of
Allegiance.
“The
Passion” Effect--A new Barna survey reveals
that Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of Christ” did
not “significantly affect their religious beliefs in
any way.” Only 16% said that it did.
The movie has grossed
$375 million in box office sales (video and DVD to be released
August 31st) and polls indicate that
31% of Americans have seen it. Roughly 53% of the movie-goers
were “born-again” Christians. Barna states that
he “was shocked that people were saying it’s
the biggest evangelical tool of the year.”
The movie
was powerful. A huge 90% of the viewers rated the movie “good” or “excellent”.
It could have had a much more significant impact if many
more Christians
had been showing their faith, especially in building relationships
with unbelievers and following up with them after the movie.
It remains a sad reality that only a very small percentage
of Christians are sharing their faith.
An Unchurched
Nation?--A lot
of Americans don’t go
to church and it is increasing. The figure has jumped from
21% in 1991 to 33% in 2003. We are losing them to cults,
the New-Age Movement, a generation of teens and twenties
who are postmodern relativists, and ex-members of churches
who are too busy chasing temporal pleasure and consumer pursuits.
Nearly 3/4 of unchurched people were formerly churched.
Barna
has discovered that overall, the Church is not even close
to being a major influence on American life. The most
dominant influences are the movies, television, music,
the internet, books, public policy, family and schools.
The
answer—we must be a people who (1) examine ourselves,
our goals, our conformity to the world, our time, and our
priorities; (2) are radically
involved in each other’s lives for encouragement and accountability;
(3) are redemptively engaging unbelievers—intentionally; (4) are realizing
our role and goal to be informed in those vocational arenas of influence;
(5) pray. What did you learn in school today?
This used to be a casual question we asked our children. Today it should be
a mandatory one. If your child is in a public school, sometimes referred
to as “government schools,” you have reasons to be watchful and
informed. As we have noted before, there are certain “educational” trends
that are either a waste of valuable time and resources, or are actually harmful—even
spiritually.
There is a host of “self-esteem” curriculum
which employs new age meditation techniques (guided imagery, visualization,
deep
breathing), yoga,
affective non-directive sex and drug programs like D.A.R.E., etc. which have
been well documented and addressed in my book, Public
Schools: The Sorcerer’s
New Apprentice.
But other examples continue to surface,
among which are cult groups trying to smuggle themselves into public
schools. Charter schools
are especially
problematic. Charter schools are allowed in certain states to utilize “creative” or “innovative” approaches
to education that normal public schools are unable to do. Yet, they are still
part of the state educational system and receive state and federal funds.
Thus they fall under the so-called “separation” concept of the
first amendment’s Establishment Clause (no support for religions).
For example, the Carolina International School in North Carolina is a charter
school that attempted to open this August despite objections by residents
because the curriculum included Transcendental Meditation from the Natural
Law Curriculum,
run by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Both the school director and leasor of
the property are T.M. members. The parents’ challenge was answered by the
North Carolina Charter School Advising Center, who ordered all references to
T.M. and the Natural Law Party to be deleted.
Another example—in Sacramento, California, a Waldorf charter school
is fighting to maintain its particular focus. Christians and secular humanists
have teamed up as co-belligerents to say no to this inherently religious
system.
Their group is named PLANS (Parents for Legal and Non-Sectarian Schools).
Waldorf schools are based on religious philosophy called Anthroposophy,
engineered
by the late occultist, Rudolph Steiner. The school district officials are
not relenting and the case is scheduled for September. Our ministry has
a thorough
library of Steiner’s books which we’ve made available to the
plaintiff.
Another example is a case in which
three Christian high school students in Boone, North Carolina contacted
the American Family Association’s
Center for Law and Policy (CLP) to represent them because they were suspended
from
school for wearing t-shirts that bore a Christian message about homosexuality
and salvation. The students wore their t-shirts during a day’s
event, the “Day of Silence” sponsored by a national homosexual
group (GLSEN) to protest discrimination and harassment faced by homosexual,
bisexual
and
transgender youth in school. Participating students were to remain silent
all day, even when spoken to by their teachers or anyone else. Yet the
only ones
who were harassed and forcibly silenced were the three Christian silent
protesters. When the principal was asked by the students why they were
being suspended,
he responded for, “violating the school’s dress code which
was offensive to another gender.” When the students asked which
gender was offended, the principal just said that was his own interpretation.
When the
CLP threatened a lawsuit, the school backed down and reinstated the students
with no penalty or record. Do you know the legal, moral and ethical arguments
to challenge these types of unethical encroachments in cultural institutions?
In
fact, this summer a resolution was introduced to the annual Southern
Baptist Convention to condemn public (government) schools and call
on Southern Baptists
to pull their children out of public schools. The resolution was defeated
but not without growing support from among the representatives.
Cult Notes
Cults are the largest unevangelized group and least addressed
issue in the Church today. Yet millions of people are led
astray into a Christless eternity because of them. Remember,
if you need information packets, coaching, or even personal
intervention with someone in a cult, contact our office.
- Mormonism—A
fact that Christian apologists have known and taught for
years is now being echoed by numerous
scientific studies and findings, which continue to pile up
physical and historical evidence that the Book of Mormon
(BOM) has no divine basis but was the product of Joseph Smith.
The BOM claims that the “lost tribes” of Israel
(an idea which has no biblical basis) migrated to the Central,
South and North Americas and became the American Indians.
Besides there being no physical evidence of the culture,
battles, and beliefs described in the BOM, scientists are
pointing out that DNA studies disprove the BOM’s myths.
One recent story in the New York Times (07/29/04) related
how former Mormon bishop Simon Southern, the senior scientific
researcher with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organization in Australia, has published a book
of his DNA research which prompted him to leave the Mormon
church.
He affirms what many other geneticists have confirmed,
that Indians genetically are Asian and not Semitic
(Israelite ancestry). Now, do not make the mistake
of skeptics who
attack
Christianity on a “scientific” basis, using
the evolution theory to discredit our Scripture. The
difference
is that real science does not support macroevolution.
An analogy would bea situation in which scientists
produced
hundreds or even scores of actual transitional forms
between species (an evolutionary must), then the Bible’s
account of creation would be false. But, they never
have and never
will find such intermediate, transitional fossils.
- Jehovah’s
Witnesses’ troubles continue
to moment. In May, the Texas Lawyer publication reported
that
a law firm has begun to deal exclusively with JW molestation
litigation because of the thousands of sexual abuse
victims who have contacted them. They have filed 57
lawsuits across
the country, which includes the perpetrator as well
as elders and the Jehovah’s Witnesses Watchtower
organization itself. The firm alleges (with good reason)
that the church
structure is so hierarchical, its control over its
elders and members so absolute, that each level of
the Watchtower
should be treated as the alter ego of the other.
Typically what happens is that a member or elder
will molest someone, often a minor, and the fear
of reporting would
be so great, it often went unreported. But with those
that did,
the elders went by a policy that an offense must
have two witnesses which usually a molester does
not have (unless
the doctor’s physical report is counted). So the abuser
goes free.
Also the JWs have a policy not to report embarrassing
situations to law enforcement, even if they are guilty,
because the
government is of the devil and the organization
must avoid negative publicity at all costs. These many testimonials
and issues are attested to on the Silent Lamb’s website, www.silentlambs.org, a
group of former JWs who assist survivors of alleged JW abuse.
Also problematic for JWs is their doctrine of no blood transfusions,
which has caused the death of far more people than those who died in
Jonestown,
Waco, Heaven’s Gate, and Sola Temple combined. A recent St. Louis
Post-Dispatch story related how the family of a deceased JW is suing
the doctor who accidentally
cut an artery during a gall bladder surgery but who could have been
easily saved with a transfusion, but refused it.
- The Kabbalah—One
of the latest spiritual fads which will seduce a percentage of people
needs some focus. That fad is the Kabbalah—a
new age mystical perversion of Judaism. Why will it have an impact?
The answer
reflects a serious weakness in our culture.
First, the Kabbalah’s message is that “the creator wants you to
have everything you want.” By meditating on the correct mantra (one of
God’s 72 names), you will tune in to bringing “more money into
your life, ignite sexual energy, meet your true soulmate, and radiate beauty
to all who see you.” Its guidelines promise the avoidance of chaos and
the receipt of fulfillment.
Second, Madonna, Britney Spears, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Gwyneth
Paltrow, Elizabeth Taylor, Roseanne Barr, Goldie Hawn, Courtney Love
and other actors/entertainers
are promoting it. Unfortunately, our culture is influenced by image,
and people who are “invented” to look like they have it together, and who
appeal to all the wrong values that a fallen nature can produce.
Cult deprogrammer Rick Ross has some different news that doesn’t
receive much press. He reports contact with “many people whose
lives have been destroyed by this organization.” For information
on this new trendy cult, contact our office.
- Scientology—One
of the most destructive cults in the U.S. and world continues to
get exposed for what it is. Filmmaker Vince
Offer had been a Scientologist
since 1982, but in 1997, Scientology allegedly “orchestrated
a meticulously covert propaganda campaign” against him. They
ruined him financially. Now he has sued them and is represented by
Ford Green who won an $8.7 million
suit from Scientology representing Larry Wollersheim, in a case Scientology
swore that he would never get “one thin dime” from.
A new Broadway play is opening this month, titled “Moonchild” which
depicts the relationship between Scientologist’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard,
and Satanists Jack Parsons and Aleister Crowley. It also speculates how this
relationship led to the birth of the multi-million dollar cult racket.
Finally, local Calera mayor issued a proclamation designating May
as “Dianetic
Month.” Dianetics is the introductory textbook for Scientology.
When he was informed of the facts about Scientology and Dianetics,
he publicly rescinded.
- Hindu American Foundation Launched—Because
of the rapid growth of Hinduism through immigration and conversion,
a national
organization has been
launched to “promote the ethos of tolerance and pluralism” in
the U.S. There are now over 2 million Hindus in America. Even conservative
Birmingham,
Alabama has a Hindu center.
Local Events
So why do you believe? Can you answer people’s questions
in objection to the faith? Invest your time in things eternal.
Beginning Wednesday nights at Briarwood
Presbyterian Church,
ARC will begin a series on active apologetics. The first
set of classes will be for Christians on how to respond effectively
to the most common objections of nonbelievers. These will
be followed by another set of classes designed for you to
bring nonbelievers as your guests. These will be promoted
with thought provoking, relevant topics. There is an optional
dinner from 5:30-6:30pm (reservations required, 776-5200,
$5 adults, $2.50/kids 12 and under), followed by the class
6:30-8:00pm. Child care is provided in the nursery as well
as Pioneer Club (K4-4th grade) and supervised activities
in the gym for 5th-6th graders. Junior high and high school
ministries are going on at the same time—so everyone
can come. Classes will be held in Classroom S-109.
Topics for Session 1
Evangelism Unpacked—overcoming the barriers (September
8)
The Bible or Da Vinci Code—Is the Bible infallible
and inerrant or just inspiring? (Sept. 15)
Truth or Consequences—Responding to relativism (Sept.
22)
How to respond to rampant pluralism in our culture—Is
Christ the only way? (Sept. 29)
So what makes Jesus unique?—the resurrection (October
6)
Topics for Session 2
Right or Self Righteous—True Tolerance (October 13)
Islam—Peaceful or Militant? (October 20)
Science and Christianity—Myth or Fact? (October 27)
Same-sex Marriage—the government in the bedroom? ((November
3)
If God is all-powerful and loving then how can there exist
evil and suffering in the world? (November 10)
These topics are designed to be provocative so you can invite
unbelievers to come and listen or participate. Come to
the first session so you can learn how to reach out to
unbelievers redemptively and how to better interact during
the second session presentations/discussions.
Three Sunday
School Quarters—ARC
staff will be teaching our core curriculum to three classes
and three churches in
the Fall semester. We will be at Briarwood
Presbyterian (older
singles), Oak Mountain Presbyterian (singles), and First
Baptist Church of Birmingham.
Singles Ministry—At
least 40% of Birmingham’s
population is single or single again, yet it is the least
addressed population by the church. ARC is beginning to significantly
address that population. Singleness is an important and significant
season in people’s lives. Singles typically have more
time and energy for effective ministry which leads to the
greatest fulfillment.
If you are a single
of any age and are looking to get plugged in, perhaps in
a whole new way,
contact Craig or Mary Branch
at 403-0102 or 967-6618 and let’s talk.
Non-Local Events
Labor Day Conference at Ridgehaven Conference Center in North
Carolina, September 4-5. Craig Branch will be covering
topics such as the reliability of the Bible, claims and
significance of the Resurrection, Islam, and overcoming
the barriers to sharing our faith.
Conference in Columbus, GA September
26. Steve will present seminars on Islam and Jehovah’s
Witnesses. Contact Billy Duncan at Beallwood Baptist Church
in Colombus, GA
for details.
American Family Foundation Conference in Atlanta, GA, October
14-16. Craig Branch will serve on a panel representing
a Christian approach to exit counseling at The Crowne Plaza
Atlanta Airport Hotel (visit csj.org for information).
Seminary and Bible Classes--All the staff members will be
teaching classes at several seminaries and colleges this
semester including Southeastern Bible College, Birmingham
Theological Seminary, and the BTS Tuscaloosa extension.
Class topics vary and include general apologetics, Philosophy,
Ethics, and several cult topics. Please call the ARC for
details on times and classes (403-0102).
Clete
Hux’s schedule for September and October includes:
1. Briarwood Sunday School Class--Cults, New Religious Movements,
World Religions.
2. Missions Conference-Sept. 12-15, New Hope Presbyterian
Church in Olathe, KS
3. Apologetics Conference in Plymouth, MI, October 1-3, multiple
topics
Letters
Dear ARC,
Thank you for your witness of Christ’s love. I am grateful
to God for your witness and ministry. Please call on me if
I can ever help you in any way. Birmingham, AL
Dear ARC,
Your ministry is a vital and important one. Please accept
this donation to use as you see fit...hopefully more will
follow! Keep up the good work because it is needed and
appreciated! Birmingham, AL
Dear ARC,
Thank you so much for sharing with our Pastor’s Conference
this past Monday. You guys did a great job in making the
pastors aware of the various resources available through
your ministry. I believe some new doors of opportunity were
opened.
Thank you for your friendship and assistance across the years
and I appreciate your ministry. Dekalb Baptist Association
Rainsville, AL
(top) |
