Christian News

31 July 2002

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* N.G. officials' re-assessment of Bible causes heresy row
* 'Legal persecution of Christians in USA'
* Constitutional court in favour of gay couples
* 'Recently found skull not only thing that's cracked'
* Christianity losing ground in West & progressing in South
* Turkish Church ordered to close after 40 years
* Death of faithful prison Cuban pastor
* 'UNFPA funds no longer for Chinese "one-child" policy'
* Challenge to Christians to fight porn Goliath
* 'In God we trust' signs go up in Virginia schools
* Einstein's Jewish identity not censored from display
* No medical aid for suicide
* Soul food for heart's good
* 'Youth won't take "No" for an answer'
* Cohabiting couples more likely to divorce
* Aids taboo broken in Islamic country
* Drug trafficker killed by his cargo
* 'Samson power' for bare-handed hippo buster

* N.G. OFFICIALS' RE-ASSESSMENT OF BIBLE CAUSES HERESY ROW - (South Africa) A controversial book written by a top Dutch Reformed Church official is stoking a fierce row which some fear will split the church. The debate is so fierce that it has led some members to organise a conference in September in Bloemfontein to force the church to take action against the "heretics" who question key tenets of the Christian faith such as the virgin-birth of Jesus and the resurrection. The church, with its 1.2 million mostly Afrikaans-speaking members has appointed a commission to investigate "the authority of the Bible as the word of God" and report back to the general synod in four months. The man at the center of the debate is Dr Ben du Toit, director of communications in the church, who published a book, "God? Geloof in 'n postmoderne tyd" ("God? Faith in a postmodern time"). The book says that the Bible was written by people in pre-modern times and that a new assessment needed to be made of key aspects of the Bible. (Sunday Times, 21 July)
In a nationwide phone-in radio program ("The Tim Modise Show" – 25 July) Dr du Toit claimed that Genesis 1 states that the earth is flat and that this cannot be accepted in this age of science and technology. He endorsed a caller’s views that belief in issues like 6-day creation and the virgin birth are not essential for salvation. "We need broader thinking," Dr du Toit said. (to index)

* 'LEGAL PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS IN USA' – According to the American Family Journal, most people, when thinking of Christian persecution, remember images of the Roman Colosseum where believers faced lions and other wild beasts, or of Christians burning at the stake and being crucified. In America, followers of Christ have not yet faced such ferocious persecution; however, the hostility is just as real, according to the cover article of American Family Association (AFA) Journal, July 2002. "Christians in twenty-first century America are coming under increasing pressure either to conform to a postmodern worldview or to exit the public arena". Now a new video from AFA presents the compelling stories of Christians who stood for their faith and found themselves in court – with AFA attorneys by their side. Titled "Facing Lions", this 30-minute video is gleaned from interviews with attorneys from the AFA Center for Law & Policy and the Christians they represented. It takes a look at five legal battles, fought by believers over the issues of religious freedom, abortion, public education and the homosexual agenda. "Facing Lions" gives viewers a sense of the American culture’s growing hostility towards Christ and those who dare to stand for Him in the public square; but viewers will also be inspired to see how God moves on behalf of such courageous believers. (www.afa.net - AFA Journal, July 2002) (to index)

* CONSTITUTIONAL COURT IN FAVOUR OF GAY COUPLES - (Johannesburg, South Africa) The Constitutional Court on 25 July confirmed the Pretoria High Court's ruling that same-sex couples should have the right to the same financial benefits as married couples. In a unanimous judgment, judges Tole Madala, Johan Kriegler and Kate O'Regan agreed that sections 8 and 9 of the Judges Remuneration and Conditions of Services Act and corresponding regulations were unconstitutional to the extent that they afforded benefits to the spouses of judges but not to their same-sex life partners. The matter came before the court after the State appealed a ruling by the Pretoria High Court that sections of the Judges' Remuneration and Conditions of Service Act of 1989, and regulations regarding transport, travelling and subsistence, were unconstitutional because they discriminated unfairly against same-sex couples. "In the Constitutional Court, government accepted that same-sex partners are entitled to have relationships compatible with their sexual orientation, and added that the restrictive legal meaning of the word spouse not only offends against same-sex partners but also against heterosexual partners in permanent life-lasting relationships," Madala said. (News24, 25 July) (to index)

* 'RECENTLY FOUND SKULL NOT ONLY THING THAT'S CRACKED' - A noted creation scientist says the recent discovery of skull fragments in Africa has evolutionists changing their story once again. Earlier in July scientists excitedly announced the discovery of a "remarkably intact skull of an apelike species" that walked upright. They say the skull, found in central African country of Chad, could be as many as 7 million years old. While paleontologists say they are not sure where the skull fits into man's "family tree," they are sure of one thing: the find could push back the date at which humans are believed to have diverged from apes. They also are claiming it gives clues to the so-called "missing link." Dr. Terry Mortonson is a geology expert with Answers in Genesis ministries and a noted creation science speaker. He says the whole theory of evolution is based on interpretation and assumptions, not scientific facts. In other words, he says, it is all make believe. Mortonson says the recent discovery of the skull in Chad now has many evolutionists questioning their own theories, forcing them to change their story once again. "They say that this find may make the picture of human evolution radically different than widely assumed," Mortonson says. "It just shows that the whole area of human evolution study is in a state of turmoil - they're constantly revising their theories, and they don't know what came from what." (Agapepress, 15 July) (to index)

* CHRISTIANITY LOSING GROUND IN WEST & PROGRESSING IN SOUTH - The Christian world will change dramatically within the next decades, according to a report from Idea News Agency. While Christianity is losing ground in the West, it is making fast progress in the Southern hemisphere. As the dean of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Paul Rajashekar, pointed out in a lecture at the University of Leipzig (Germany), Europe, previously known as the "Christian Occident," is turning into a post-Christian society. One hundred years ago, more than half of the world's Christians lived in Europe, today only a quarter. By comparison, Africa and Latin America constituted only 12 percent of Christianity around the turn of the 20th century. Today they make up 40 percent of the two billion or so Christians. Rajashekar believes one of the main reasons for this development is the difference in the understanding of the Bible. While Western theology had removed the mystery from the "Book of Books," Christians in Africa and Latin America do not simply see it as a historic document but as God's living word. They have no problems with miracles or apocalyptic statements in the Bible. (News - theway.co.uk, 26 July) (to index)

* TURKISH CHURCH ORDERED TO CLOSE AFTER 40 YEARS - Turkish security police have ordered a Protestant congregation meeting for 40 years in the southeastern port city of Iskenderun to close its doors, declaring the church had "no legal basis" and that its activities were harmful to society. Pastor Yusuf Yasmin, 71, was given notice last month to close and stop all activities of the New Testament Church, Compass Direct reported. According to authorities, the church was ordered to close "because your activities will incite religious, sectarian and dervish-order discrimination; will harm religious and national feelings; and will create offense in the society," Compass said. The church has met in its current location for the past seven years without previous complaints from authorities. "What a tragedy," said Jerry Kitchel, director of communications for Open Doors USA. "This faithful congregation has a constitutional right to worship the Lord...yet, they're forced to close their doors. This is another example of harassment and persecution of Christians. We must lift up these believers in prayer that they might regain the freedom to worship Christ in their church as they have done for many, many years." (News - theway.co.uk, 30 July) (to index)

* DEATH OF FAITHFUL PRISON CUBAN PASTOR - The Voice of the Martyrs is saddened to learn of the death of Pastor Noble Alexander, who spent a total of 22 years in Cuban prisons for his gospel work, and was deported from Cuba to the United States in 1984. It was while he was in prison that he met VOM Executive Director Tom White, who was imprisoned in Cuba for distributing gospel tracts. Inside the prison, White says, Noble became his "prison pastor." In spite of prison and torture, Noble never lost his joy or his commitment to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He ministered to countless prisoners over his years of incarceration. Noble was subjected to horrific tortures while incarcerated, mainly due to his continued preaching, singing and praying with fellow believers. His hands were shot up. He was nearly drowned and repeatedly beaten. Once Noble was locked in a small, wooden box, barely the size of a casket, for 90 days. Many of his prison experiences are recounted in his book, I Will Die Free. (For more on this book, click here: VOM BOOKSTORE). Noble Alexander was a faithful servant of the Lord. Countless other believers could tell stories of his sacrifice on their behalf. His ministry here on earth will be missed, yet we celebrate with him as he receives his eternal reward. (Voice of the Martyrs, 26 July) (to index)

* UNFPA FUNDS NO LONGER FOR CHINESE "ONE-CHILD" POLICY - The Bush administration has decided to withhold $34 million for international family planning programs administered by the United Nations. According to the Washington Post on 20 July, administration and congressional sources were indicating that the State Department was preparing to announce within the following days that the administration would not pay its contribution to the U.N. Population Fund. The fund operates projects - ranging from contraception to comprehensive sex education to gynaecological services - in 142 countries. The decision, reached by State in co-ordination with the White House, is based on the fact that the fund tacitly perpetuates a "one-child" policy in China that has led to abortions and sterilizations against women's will. They cite a provision routinely included in the foreign affairs spending bill that forbids funding of groups that allow such practices. The administration plans to announce that it will devote the same amount of money to other international aid efforts. (Washington Post, 20 July)
In the meantime abortion advocates in the U.S. Senate have changed a pro-life law that the Bush administration relied on to deny $34 million in taxpayer funds to the UNFPA. Congressman Chirs Smith (R-NJ), a leader on pro-life issues in the House of Representatives, said the Senate Foreign Appropriations Committee is trying an end-run around President Bush's decision. "By attempting to change the law, they (the Senate) are conceding that the UNFPA may never meet human rights standards. Instead of seeking to weaken the law, they should help women who have been victimized and pressure the UNFPA to divest itself of programs that rely on coercion." (Pro-Life Infonet; July 27)
(London) European plans to replace U.N. Population Fund money withheld by the United States received criticism on 30 July by pro-life groups on both sides of the Atlantic. European Development Commissioner Poul Nielson had announced that the European Union had plans to donate about $32 million to the UNFPA. (Cybercast News Service, 30 July) (to index)

* CHALLENGE TO CHRISTIANS TO FIGHT PORN GOLIATH - Christians in the Somerset West area near Cape Town have been mobilising to close down Adult World (porn peddlers) on the N2. Many churches and pastors have expressed or given their support. Some churches have dedicated services to the issue and the Helderberg Prayer Watch have this as Top Priority and are praying about it daily. Correspondence has also been sent out to the owner of Adult World, Mr. Arthur Calamaras. Dr Peter Hammond who has often been involved in the fight of faith against porn, will address a public meeting on Thursday 1st August at 7pm at the Somerset West Baptist Church. Apart from Africa Christian Action (ACA), representatives from STOP, an anti-pornography group/program; the Somerset West Police; Childline and the Rape Crisis Clinic will also be present. ACA encourages Christian groups to apply pressure to the Adult World by means of letter writing, petitions and peaceful protests. In the words of Rob McCafferty: " We as Christians need to rise up in prayer and action to pull down these giants of pornography in our land. The time to act is NOW!" (Africa Christian Action, 25 July) (to index)

* 'IN GOD WE TRUST' SIGNS GO UP IN VIRGINIA SCHOOLS - The Washington Times reports that around the state of Virginia, schools are posting signs proclaiming "In God We Trust," thanks to a state law that went into effect early this month. "In God We Trust" is the national motto, established by Congress in 1956. While principals expect some opposition, a number looked at the positive side. "I find that sometimes, with religion, we err on the side of eliminating rather than including," said Principal Pamela Latt of Centreville High School in Fairfax County. She told The Washington Times that her school has had a Buddhist club and a Christian club, among others. "The children find it educational and that is how it should be. This [sign] will spur a discussion in classrooms," she said. One parent said she did not see any conflict with separation of church and state. "This nation was founded on Christian principles and trust in our Creator," she said. According to The Washington Times, the law mandating that the phrase be posted in schools went into effect statewide on July 1. It was expected to affect around 2,000 public schools, including hundreds in the Washington metropolitan region. Mississippi, South Carolina and Utah have similar laws. Mississippi was the first state to pass such a law in 2000, while South Carolina, like Virginia, adopted the mandate this year. (Religion Today, 27 July)
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* EINSTEIN'S JEWISH IDENTITY NOT CENSORED FROM DISPLAY - (Hong Kong) Israel has withdrawn its exhibition in China of Albert Einstein's life after the Ministry of Culture demanded all references to the scientist's Jewish identity and advocacy for a Jewish state be dropped, the South China Morning Post reported 30 July. The ministry ordered that about 10 percent of the text referring to Einstein being Jewish, his support for Israel's creation and the invitation for him to be the first president be deleted, the newspaper said. Israel refused to drop the references saying history could not be changed. The exhibition consists of a large number of the scientist's notebooks, letters and photographs. "We are disappointed and offended by the Ministry of Culture's decision to censor or change parts of our exhibition of Einstein," said a spokesman for the Israeli Embassy in Beijing. "We find that the fact he was a Jew, pro-Zionist and was invited to be the first president of Israel are very important parts of his life. We cannot compromise on that and were forced to cancel." "We regret the most that an exhibition of Einstein who is admired by the Chinese public and leaders will not be shown in China," he said. The newspaper said the Israeli cultural office in Taipei had asked for the display to move to Taiwan for the three-month period it would have been shown in China. (Washington Times, 30 July)
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* NO MEDICAL AID FOR SUICIDE - The suicide rate has risen dramatically over the last seven years in South Africa. None of our 156 medical aid schemes will cover a suicide attempt. The South African Society of psychiatrists has announced that if they continue to discriminate against people with severe depression, medical aids will be taken to the constitutional court. The new Mental Health Care Act, to be promulgated in September, will also require that mental illness be treated equally with other illnesses. In SA the suicide rate increased from 23.7 to 38.6 for every 100 000 people between 1993 and 2000, according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group. "As a rule, treatment related to self-inflicted injuries are excluded from (medical aid) cover," said Discovery Health managing director Barry Swartzberg. "Benefit exclusions do not question the medical necessity of the treatment, but are there to minimise and balance the risk the scheme may be open to. If a relationship between suicide and mental illness can be established, Discovery will then review the case based on the underlying mental illness history." (Sunday Tribune, 14 July) (to index)

* SOUL FOOD FOR HEART'S GOOD - (New York) Diabetics who attend religious services at least once a year had lower levels of a marker of inflammation linked to heart disease than those who never attended religious services, a new US study has found. However, the authors note that they only measured how often people attended a religious service, and not how religious they were. Furthermore, there appeared to be no link between service attendance and the marker, called C-reactive protein (CRP), in people who were not diabetic. Dr Arch G Mainous of the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, explained that there are many reasons why attending religious services may improve health. For example, going to religious services welcomes a person into a community, which can provide a network of social support. Attenders may have lower levels of stress than those who do not embrace religion, because faith can give "people a better sense of answering the questions of the universe," Mainous said. He suggested that some people who attend religious services may also be more likely to follow their religion's healthy recommendations about lifestyle, which may include no drinking, or following a particular diet. (News24 - Reuters; 15 July) (to index)

* 'YOUTH WON'T TAKE "NO" FOR AN ANSWER' - (South Africa) Half of the boys and more than 40% of girls who participated in a South African youth survey said they would not accept no as an answer if their partners refused to have sex. According to the survey by `loveLife’, a programme promoting 'positive' sexuality among youngsters, there is still an alarming amount of sexual coercion. Three out of ten girls said that they sometimes simply agree because their boyfriends insist. 35% of boys and 18% of girls said they had had multiple sexual partners; 42% of them knew someone who had had sex for money or other favours. (Sunday Times, 14 July 2002) `LoveLife’ is sponsored by various organisations including the Planned Parenthood Association of South Africa and receive about 100 million rand a year from large foundations and the government. (to index)

* COHABITING COUPLES MORE LIKELY TO DIVORCE - (Atlanta, Georgia) Couples in the United States who live together before marrying may be more likely to consider divorce than those who do not, according to a study released on 24 July by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's health statistics division. The report on marriage, divorce, remarriage and cohabitation said 75 percent of American women have been married by age 30 and about half have lived with their partner outside of marriage. The study's findings are based on interviews conducted in 1995 with about 11,000 women ages 15 to 44. One of the study's authors said the report did not draw the conclusion that living together before marriage was the cause of the relationship ending. "What we're saying about that is that we think that couples who cohabit before marriage may have different values than couples who do not," said William Mosher... (CNN, 24 July) (to index)

* AIDS TABOO BROKEN IN ISLAMIC COUNTRY - In the west African country of Niger, which has largely ignored the existence of AIDS, a sociologist has announced on state-run television that he is seropositive. "We must break the wall of silence... to fight AIDS in all its dimensions," said Salifou Ibrahim, adding that "the media and the hospitals are not well informed" about the disease. He said his HIV infection was discovered during hospital tests eight months ago; this was not a surprise, he said, because he had been sexually promiscuous. AIDS is virtually a taboo subject in Niger, where more than 90 percent of the population is Muslim and where most Islamic clerics view the disease as punishment for sinners and adulterers. Officials in Niger have largely denied the existence of AIDS, even though the country's first AIDS case was detected in 1987. (Agence France Presse, 29 July) (to index)

* DRUG TRAFFICKER KILLED BY HIS CARGO - (South Africa) In only the second case of its kind in Cape Town, a man has died after heroin-filled condoms he was smuggling inside his stomach ruptured, causing a massive overdose. The man died last week after being admitted to Groote Schuur Hospital in a comatose state in mid-July. A doctor said the man had carried two insulated condoms filled with heroin in his stomach, which burst when the insulation tape was damaged by the fizz from a drink of ginger beer. The first drug trafficker using his body to hide illegal substances, whom the mortuary encountered, was a Nigerian man who died in Pollsmoor Prison from an overdose five years ago. (Cape Times, 30 July) (to index)

* ON A LIGHTER NOTE: 'SAMSON POWER' FOR BARE-HANDED HIPPO BUSTER - (Hazyview, S.A.) "It was the Lord. He gave Samson the power, and gave the same power to me." This was the explanation by Jamaica Mkombe from a farm in the Hazyview area after he tackled an enraged hippopotamus with his fists when the hippo knocked down his wife and started mauling her. Mkombe and his wife Levah Lubisi were on their way home on the evening of 24 July when the hippo stormed them in an avocado orchard. He threw down his Bible, cellular phone and shoes, and started beating the hippo, which had knocked down his wife, with his fists. The hippo let go of Lubisi and started chasing him, he said. The animal returned to Lubisi three times to bite her, and her husband chased it off again and again. The third time, Mkombe jumped through the forked branch of a tree and the hippo ran into the tree. Mkombe picked up his wife and started running with her, still being pursued by the hippo, which he eventually shook off with zigzag running. (www.news24.co.za, 26 July) (to index)