TOPIC: Egos and Division in the Church Body

Cartoon from Church Mice

This Church Mice cartoon depicts a situation that is so true in many churches. We major on the minor things -- like paint, carpet & meals -- and minor on the major things -- like doctrine and biblical truth. The world around us is crumbling! We need to get together -- regardless of denominational differences -- and show the world that they (and we) need Jesus. Focus on Him and spread the gospel of His life saving love.

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: Evolution vs. Creation
The problem with the religion of evolution is that it takes TOO MUCH faith to believe it. The laws of evolution are NOT even kept BY evolution. It takes more will power and faith in "nothing" to believe evolutionary theory than it does to SEE the creation and design in the ordered -- and created -- world. Evolutionary poster boy Huxley admitted that evolution was latched on to by it protagonists mainly to prop up sexual mores. He was so right -- people delude themselves with the religion of evolution for the purpose of not being responsible for their moral choices (including, but not limited to, sexual behavior).
Lastly, science is continually evolving and making claims that were once thought incorrect. How can anyone believe that science has proven evolution when science is continually changing its mind on the answers to basic questions?
A discussion on the topic of Evolution vs. Creation (or rather religion) is currently happening on ScienceBlogs. The original post states, in part, "... let's assume that by "anti-evolution movement", Brayton is thinking of some conglomeration of organizations like the Discovery Institute, Answers in Genesis, and the Institute for Creation Research (forgetting for a moment that not all of these organizations share the same goals, and that some of them, like the DI and AiG, have actually criticized each other)..."
One reader replied,

"Of course, the main thing they have in common is that they dislike evolutionary theory and spend most of their time, money and effort trying to undermine it. Which is why Ed used the term "anti-evolution movement".

My reply, though somewhat curt, emphasizes my point of view:

"OF COURSE the organizations mentioned spend "most of their time, money and effort" showing the false doctrine of evolution. That IS one of their purposes! They don't simply dislike evolutionary dogma, they offer proof of its fallacies- in the face of a scientific community too deeply invested in the lie to change directions and tell the truth now. AiG, ICR, DI, Behe, Strobel, Morris and Ham are breaths of fresh air in the smoggy world of nonsense put forth by the 'anti-creation movement'.
IF you are a true thinker, you _must_ see the insurmountable problems with faith in evolution. To simply believe, without irreducible proof, is to be a fool. Evolution cannot offer such proof. Creation already has."

There is MUCH MORE on this topic -- currently being discussed on the Internet. I strongly encourage you to join the conversation -- no matter which side you're on.
Beyond Belief 2006
NY Times "Free for All"
The New Atheism
Albert Mohler's podcast -- the one that inspired me to write on this topic (again)