Remembering the Holocaust, Part 1

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Remembering the Holocaust, Part 1 Posted: 22 Jan 2010 02:12 PM PST Auschwitz buildings today. From Wikimedia Commons, Public domain. International Holocaust Remembrance Day In 2005, the United Nations designated Jan. 27 as an annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Why Jan. 27? It was on this day in 1945 that the largest World War II concentration camp, Auschwitz, was liberated. Auschwitz, a network of three camps, was operated in Poland under German occupation from 1940-1945. It probably accounted for the death of over one million Jews. Among other well-known “death camps” were Dachau, Treblinka and Bergen-Belsen. Claims that the Holocaust Didn’t Happen Currently, there are claims being made that the Holocaust never happened. These claims are frightening and outrageous to Jewish people, and could not be farther from the truth. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. houses more than 85,000 Holocaust photographs, twenty percent of which can be viewed online. There are traveling exhibits and several stationary USHMM branches around the U.S. The Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem has archived 62 million pages of documents, photos, testimonies of survivors and other articles as proof of the Holocaust. How/Why did the Holocaust happen? Adolph Hitler intended to create the perfect Aryan race, eliminating those people who didn’t fit his description of “perfect.” Beside the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust, it is estimated that two million other people lost their lives for either assisting the Jewish people or being imperfect themselves. Extending beyond his takeover of Germany, Hitler wanted to rule at least all of Europe, and perhaps the world. See a history with more details here at USHMM. Do Christians hate the Jewish People? Because some churches and Christian organizations either looked the other way or went along with Hitler’s bidding due to their own fear, some Jewish people are convinced to  this day that Christians hate them. However, Yad Vashem has a special memorial called “Avenue of the Righteous Among the Nations” dedicated to Christians and others who lovingly and bravely assisted the Jewish people at the risk of their own lives (watch for Part 2 of this article for portraits of several Christian “Holocaust Heroes”). There are many organizations of Christians and Jewish people working alongside each other today to make the way for better relationships between Christians and Jews, to erase rumors that the Holocaust never happened, and to stand against anti-Semitism and anti-Christianity. Want to get involved in this effort? Here are a few such organizations:* American Alliance of Jews & Christians Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc. Christians United for Israel Jews Against Anti-Christian Defamation (JAACD) *(The Underground is not connected to these organizations, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of these organizations.) Underground staff writer Sheryl Young is the author of What Every Christian Should Know about the Jewish People: Improving the Church’s Relationship with God’s Original Chosen Nation.

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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

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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 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

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“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

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“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 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

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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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