TOPIC: IRD Promotes 'Amazing Grace' -- Criticizes Jesus Tomb Documentary

From christiansunite.com

The entertainment industry should take a cue from the success of the film "Amazing Grace" and direct its efforts toward faith- affirming productions instead of those that tear down religious faith, according to Institute on Religion & Democracy President Jim Tonkowich.
Tonkowich's comments were directed at a new documentary program airing on the Discovery Channel featuring artifacts that allegedly debunk central Christian doctrine. This past weekend, the film "Amazing Grace," about the life of British abolitionist William Wilberforce, appeared in the box office top 10, despite being in only limited release. IRD President Jim Tonkowich commented:"In a time when people struggle with the discouraging realities of war, poverty and injustice, the entertainment industry should be seeking to uplift rather than tear down."
"The Discovery Channel's program is an absurd venture into irresponsible conjecture that appears to be designed to tear at the fabric of the faith and hope of billions worldwide. This controversy is not about a silly documentary that will be quickly forgotten. Rather, it is about recognizing religious faith as legitimate, credible and beneficial to society. Much like the DaVinci code, the documentary promises a tantalizingly alternative view of Biblical events, but ultimately offers little more than groundless speculation. An ossuary labeled "Jesus" is about as specific to Christ as a chunk of wood that is claimed to be a part of the Ark. This program about Jesus' alleged tomb is little more than a cynical ratings ploy that deserves to be buried with all of the other fantastical claims that arise about the "real" Jesus this time of year."

The Institute on Religion and Democracy, founded in 1981, is an ecumenical alliance of U.S. Christians working to reform their churches' social witness, in accord with biblical and historic Christian teachings, thereby contributing to the renewal of democratic society at home and abroad.

TOPIC: Amazing Grace Sunday to be Celebrated Around the Globe

by Gretta Curtis

The highly anticipated Amazing Grace film stars Ioan Gruffudd as William Wilberforce, the man who championed the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, and is doing much to raise awareness of slavery.
An estimated 27 million people are living in slavery today, indicating that there are more people living in slavery today than at any other time in history. Ironically, this year marks the 200th anniversary of the end of the slave trade in the British Empire, a historic event brought by Wilberforce and a group of friends. The group included John Newton, the slave-trader turned songwriter who penned the popular hymn Amazing Grace.
In advance of the release of the film chronicling their heroic actions, another larger group of abolitionists are once again mounting a campaign with the aim to end slavery once and for all. The campaign will culminate on Sunday, 18 February, when thousands across the globe will celebrate AMAZING GRACE SUNDAY.
Directed by acclaimed director Michael Apted (Coal Miner’s Daughter), Amazing Grace tells an inspiring story of how one man can change the world. Wilberforce’s life was an astounding spiritual and moral quest, and he is an inspiration to millions to this day. Elected to parliament at the age of 21, Wilberforce led a diverse coalition of believers in a decades-long struggle to end the lucrative, but dehumanising, slave trade. He was aided by slave-trader-turned abolitionist Rev. John Newton (Albert Finney) and by his spirited wife and political compatriot Barbara Spooner (Romola Garai).

The Sope-Bocks: I certainly hope this film comes to America. William Wilberforce is an inspiration to me, personally, in areas of law, morality and the spirit of determination.