Bill Curtis shares about his father, the late Ken Curtis, who passed away in January
By Michael Ireland
Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service
NASHVILLE, TN (ANS) -- Ken Curtis, one of America’s most talented Christian movie makers who specialized in featuring the stories of early Christian pioneers through an amazing collection of feature films, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2011, at 1:55 PM in Brookside Hospice house in Palm Harbor, Florida, after a long battle with cancer.
Ken CurtisCurtis, who also founded the Christian History Institute (www.christianhistorymagazine.org ), was beloved by everyone who knew him. Even during his darkest days as he battled cancer, that famous twinkle in his eyes was always there and he constantly had a word of encouragement when I would meet him at various events.
Now his son, Bill Curtis, has revealed what it was like to work with his father, even during the darkest days of his battle with cancer, and also about his assuming the mantle of leadership of Vision Video and Gateway Films, the work that his father began.
Speaking with ANS Founder, Dan Wooding, for his “Front Page Radio” show that was recorded during NRB 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee, Bill Curtis talked movingly about his love and friendship with his extraordinary father.
Curtis is now the managing director of Vision Video and Gateway Films. His father was an unsung hero in the world of Christian films. He told Wooding about some of the projects he was involved with.
Read more at: http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2011/s11060110.htm
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
New Religion Law in Hungary is Most Repressive, Contravenes Human Rights Standards
THE INSTITUTE Releases Analysis of Dangerous Hungarian Religion Law
ALEXANDRIA, VA, June 21, 2011 (via Christian Newswire) -- Legislation recently proposed in Hungary contains provisions designed to create the most oppressive religion law and the most burdensome registration system in the entire OSCE region. Over a hundred religious organizations will be retroactively stripped of their status as religious communities and "de-registered" as religious organizations if these provisions become law.
On 10 June 2011, four Christian Democrat (KDNP) Members of the Parliament submitted a proposed draft law regarding "The Right to Freedom of Conscience and Religion and on the Status of Churches, Religions and Religious Communities".
Only four days after the Bill was introduced in Parliament, the Committee on Human Rights, Minority, Civil and Religious Affairs approved the proposed religious legislation and voted to send the draft law to the Parliamentary Assembly for discussion and passage.
"Passage of this legislation would represent a serious setback for religious freedom in Hungary," said Joseph K. Grieboski, Founder and Chairman of THE INSTITUTE.
"In my opinion, the legislation contravenes international human rights standards and Hungary's political commitments to the OSCE, European Union, Council of Europe, European Court of Human Rights, and the United Nations as it clearly discriminates against minority religious groups."
The draft law's tier system of state recognition is completely inconsistent with fundamental human rights as it contravenes the principles of equality and non-discrimination. The draft law includes retroactive provisions that violate the Rule of Law and the right to religious freedom. These provisions would "de-register" targeted minority faiths that have been registered as religions in Hungary since the adoption of the 1990 Religion Law, while allowing favored religious organizations to maintain their registered religious status. Religious organizations that have been "de-registered" may not use the name "Church" and will also lose their status as a religious organization if they are not "re-registered" through burdensome Court proceedings.
In addition, "re-registration" can only occur if a minority religious community meets onerous duration and population levels designed to suppress minority religious freedom in complete contravention of European Human Rights Court's and OSCE's standards. The Bill also includes a narrow definition of "religious activities" that do not comport with the broad definition of religion mandated under international human rights norms that Hungary is obliged to follow.
In addition to the egregious human rights defects in the legislation, the questionable method and manner in which the draft law is being rushed through the Parliament merits sending the legislation back to the Committee on Human Rights, Minority, Civil and Religious Affairs for further study. This is especially appropriate, as passage of the draft law by the Committee did not follow standard Parliamentary procedures. The draft law is being rushed through the Committee with such great speed that it has not received thoughtful consideration, the opportunity for amendments, or debate on its merits.
THE INSTITUTE on Religion and Public Policy urges the Hungary Parliament to refrain from enacting the draft legislation and by doing so ensure Hungary complies with international human rights and religious freedom standards. The analysis can be found here.
ALEXANDRIA, VA, June 21, 2011 (via Christian Newswire) -- Legislation recently proposed in Hungary contains provisions designed to create the most oppressive religion law and the most burdensome registration system in the entire OSCE region. Over a hundred religious organizations will be retroactively stripped of their status as religious communities and "de-registered" as religious organizations if these provisions become law.
On 10 June 2011, four Christian Democrat (KDNP) Members of the Parliament submitted a proposed draft law regarding "The Right to Freedom of Conscience and Religion and on the Status of Churches, Religions and Religious Communities".
Only four days after the Bill was introduced in Parliament, the Committee on Human Rights, Minority, Civil and Religious Affairs approved the proposed religious legislation and voted to send the draft law to the Parliamentary Assembly for discussion and passage.
"Passage of this legislation would represent a serious setback for religious freedom in Hungary," said Joseph K. Grieboski, Founder and Chairman of THE INSTITUTE.
"In my opinion, the legislation contravenes international human rights standards and Hungary's political commitments to the OSCE, European Union, Council of Europe, European Court of Human Rights, and the United Nations as it clearly discriminates against minority religious groups."
The draft law's tier system of state recognition is completely inconsistent with fundamental human rights as it contravenes the principles of equality and non-discrimination. The draft law includes retroactive provisions that violate the Rule of Law and the right to religious freedom. These provisions would "de-register" targeted minority faiths that have been registered as religions in Hungary since the adoption of the 1990 Religion Law, while allowing favored religious organizations to maintain their registered religious status. Religious organizations that have been "de-registered" may not use the name "Church" and will also lose their status as a religious organization if they are not "re-registered" through burdensome Court proceedings.
In addition, "re-registration" can only occur if a minority religious community meets onerous duration and population levels designed to suppress minority religious freedom in complete contravention of European Human Rights Court's and OSCE's standards. The Bill also includes a narrow definition of "religious activities" that do not comport with the broad definition of religion mandated under international human rights norms that Hungary is obliged to follow.
In addition to the egregious human rights defects in the legislation, the questionable method and manner in which the draft law is being rushed through the Parliament merits sending the legislation back to the Committee on Human Rights, Minority, Civil and Religious Affairs for further study. This is especially appropriate, as passage of the draft law by the Committee did not follow standard Parliamentary procedures. The draft law is being rushed through the Committee with such great speed that it has not received thoughtful consideration, the opportunity for amendments, or debate on its merits.
THE INSTITUTE on Religion and Public Policy urges the Hungary Parliament to refrain from enacting the draft legislation and by doing so ensure Hungary complies with international human rights and religious freedom standards. The analysis can be found here.
Author Identifies Dangers of Postmodernism
Author Identifies the Dangers of Postmodernism, and Its Effect Upon the Clarity and Validity of Truth Claims Communicated by Today's Church
ENUMCLAW, WA, June 21, 2011 (via Christian Newswire) -- Rather than engaging the culture, modern Christianity has faltered through compromise in exchange for cultural acceptance, says author James Barry Babb. His new book, "Post Cards from Another Gospel," seeks to dispel the allure of postmodernism church thinking.
Babb says:"Postmodernism asserts that universal truth is not transcendent from one culture or society to the next; rather it is to be personally and subjectively interpreted and applied."
This type of thinking appeals to a number of people, especially those reluctant to embrace more historical and traditional tenets of Christianity. Babb also believes one of the reasons for such a postmodern push is the generational onset of all-too-often ambiguous belief systems espoused by far too many Christians.
According to a study from LifeWay Research, more than two-thirds of young adults who attend a Protestant church for at least a year in high school will stop attending church regularly for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22.*
And so the evolution of evangelism has resulted in an effort to repackage Christianity in order to suit the whims of seekers, and to appeal to a growing consumerist-minded church-goer.
Primarily a first person account of a pastor's experience, "Post Cards" is part journey, part observation, as the reader is asked to consider the truth merits of concepts such as:
*Cultural Relevance
*Seeker and Emergent Movements
*True Social Justice
*The Prosperity Gospel
*Man-Centered Evangelism
Through Scripture, Babb re-establishes biblical tenants that counter the fallacies found in the trends that have affected all the streams of postmodern Christianity.
With degrees from Memphis State University and Liberty University, Babb is the founder of TruthCulture Ministries. A former high school teacher, Babb has worked for over 25 years as a pastor, counselor, and worship leader.
To purchase a copy of this book visit www.winepressbooks.com or call 877-421-7323.
* www.lifeway.com/article/165949/; August 31, 2010
ENUMCLAW, WA, June 21, 2011 (via Christian Newswire) -- Rather than engaging the culture, modern Christianity has faltered through compromise in exchange for cultural acceptance, says author James Barry Babb. His new book, "Post Cards from Another Gospel," seeks to dispel the allure of postmodernism church thinking.
Babb says:"Postmodernism asserts that universal truth is not transcendent from one culture or society to the next; rather it is to be personally and subjectively interpreted and applied."
This type of thinking appeals to a number of people, especially those reluctant to embrace more historical and traditional tenets of Christianity. Babb also believes one of the reasons for such a postmodern push is the generational onset of all-too-often ambiguous belief systems espoused by far too many Christians.
According to a study from LifeWay Research, more than two-thirds of young adults who attend a Protestant church for at least a year in high school will stop attending church regularly for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22.*
And so the evolution of evangelism has resulted in an effort to repackage Christianity in order to suit the whims of seekers, and to appeal to a growing consumerist-minded church-goer.
Primarily a first person account of a pastor's experience, "Post Cards" is part journey, part observation, as the reader is asked to consider the truth merits of concepts such as:
*Cultural Relevance
*Seeker and Emergent Movements
*True Social Justice
*The Prosperity Gospel
*Man-Centered Evangelism
Through Scripture, Babb re-establishes biblical tenants that counter the fallacies found in the trends that have affected all the streams of postmodern Christianity.
With degrees from Memphis State University and Liberty University, Babb is the founder of TruthCulture Ministries. A former high school teacher, Babb has worked for over 25 years as a pastor, counselor, and worship leader.
To purchase a copy of this book visit www.winepressbooks.com or call 877-421-7323.
* www.lifeway.com/article/165949/; August 31, 2010
Former 'Cutter' Shares Personal Journey of Pain and Triumph of Healing
I have to cut .... have control ... relieve tension ... numb out ... express my anger ...www.teenbreaks.com
A disturbing 1 in 200 hundred teenage girls have cut. Experts believe cutting is a coping mechanism for teens who haven’t learned how to manage the strong emotions, pressures and relationship problems that go hand in hand with growing up.
The new memoir, Snowflake Obsidian, by The Hippie With Anger Issues gives us a firsthand account of why a young woman feels driven to cut and, ultimately, how she heals and finds the love, joy and humor in life. Because her story is from the heart, teens find Snowflake Obsidian relatable with its insight into their behavior dosed with humor and, at times, raw emotion.
After conquering her demons, the author earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Utah and worked with others who battle addiction and personality disorders.
It's estimated that one in every 200 girls between 13 and 19 years old, or one-half of one percent, cut themselves regularly. Those who cut comprise about 70 percent of teen girls who self injure. --- www.teenhelp.com
Despite today’s modern conveniences, growing up has never been more difficult and the messages sent to young adults are more mixed up than ever. You just have to take a look at reality shows, such as Jersey Shore and 16 and Pregnant, to realize today’s teens are facing serious problems.
Throw in the ‘normal’ teenage desire to fit in and hang with the ‘popular’ crowd and you have the makings for teens suffering from anxiety, depression, and co-dependency.
In the new book, Snowflake Obsidian: Memoir of a Cutter, The Hippie with Anger Issues shares her transformation from a naïve girl who descends into the despair of depression, but ultimately emerges into adulthood confident of her place in the world and able to love the person she’s become.
Unlike other books on cutting and self-injuring, Snowflake Obsidian is a raw, real, account of sinking into despair, stewing in it, and slowly recovering. From getting a body piercing in a parlor full of sex toys and putting her faith in a snowflake obsidian stone, to living with her boyfriend (while struggling to remain abstinent), the Hippie shares her story with nostalgic observance and cynical optimism.
A mental health therapist specializing in addiction and personality disorders, The Hippie wrote Snowflake Obsidian to help teens by exploring issues such as:
• Addiction - Teens use cutting, drugs and other addictions to ‘check out’ of their current situations, frequently as a way to control and contain overwhelming emotions.
• Recovery - Cutting is a sign of deeper problems and professional help, develop self worth, and having a sense of humor can help resolve the issues.
• Unconditional Love - You cannot love another person without loving yourself first or define yourself through other people’s actions.
• Relationship Issues - You are not responsible for how another person behaves or feels. Love is not a cure all.
• Dysfunctional Families - Everyone can relate to them but lessons are learned when you can see them for who they are and love them all the same.
“My book has been often described as relatable,” says The Hippie. “People have read it said they really connected with certain aspects of the story that reminded them of their own life. I want to be able to give a voice to those who haven’t found their own.”
The Hippie with Anger Issues, a pen name, has a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Utah. She became licensed as a Professional Mental Health therapist and specialized in addition and personality disorders. Today she is following her passion as an author and is working on her next book. She lives in Salt Lake City, UT.
Website: www.SnowflakeObsidianBook.com
Book Trailer: http://www.freado.com/book/9903/Snowflake-Obsidian:-Memoir-of-a-Cutter
Snowflake Obsidian is available through www.amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, indiebound.org, and iUniverse.
A disturbing 1 in 200 hundred teenage girls have cut. Experts believe cutting is a coping mechanism for teens who haven’t learned how to manage the strong emotions, pressures and relationship problems that go hand in hand with growing up.
The new memoir, Snowflake Obsidian, by The Hippie With Anger Issues gives us a firsthand account of why a young woman feels driven to cut and, ultimately, how she heals and finds the love, joy and humor in life. Because her story is from the heart, teens find Snowflake Obsidian relatable with its insight into their behavior dosed with humor and, at times, raw emotion.
After conquering her demons, the author earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Utah and worked with others who battle addiction and personality disorders.
It's estimated that one in every 200 girls between 13 and 19 years old, or one-half of one percent, cut themselves regularly. Those who cut comprise about 70 percent of teen girls who self injure. --- www.teenhelp.com
Despite today’s modern conveniences, growing up has never been more difficult and the messages sent to young adults are more mixed up than ever. You just have to take a look at reality shows, such as Jersey Shore and 16 and Pregnant, to realize today’s teens are facing serious problems.
Throw in the ‘normal’ teenage desire to fit in and hang with the ‘popular’ crowd and you have the makings for teens suffering from anxiety, depression, and co-dependency.
In the new book, Snowflake Obsidian: Memoir of a Cutter, The Hippie with Anger Issues shares her transformation from a naïve girl who descends into the despair of depression, but ultimately emerges into adulthood confident of her place in the world and able to love the person she’s become.
Unlike other books on cutting and self-injuring, Snowflake Obsidian is a raw, real, account of sinking into despair, stewing in it, and slowly recovering. From getting a body piercing in a parlor full of sex toys and putting her faith in a snowflake obsidian stone, to living with her boyfriend (while struggling to remain abstinent), the Hippie shares her story with nostalgic observance and cynical optimism.
A mental health therapist specializing in addiction and personality disorders, The Hippie wrote Snowflake Obsidian to help teens by exploring issues such as:
• Addiction - Teens use cutting, drugs and other addictions to ‘check out’ of their current situations, frequently as a way to control and contain overwhelming emotions.
• Recovery - Cutting is a sign of deeper problems and professional help, develop self worth, and having a sense of humor can help resolve the issues.
• Unconditional Love - You cannot love another person without loving yourself first or define yourself through other people’s actions.
• Relationship Issues - You are not responsible for how another person behaves or feels. Love is not a cure all.
• Dysfunctional Families - Everyone can relate to them but lessons are learned when you can see them for who they are and love them all the same.
“My book has been often described as relatable,” says The Hippie. “People have read it said they really connected with certain aspects of the story that reminded them of their own life. I want to be able to give a voice to those who haven’t found their own.”
The Hippie with Anger Issues, a pen name, has a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Utah. She became licensed as a Professional Mental Health therapist and specialized in addition and personality disorders. Today she is following her passion as an author and is working on her next book. She lives in Salt Lake City, UT.
Website: www.SnowflakeObsidianBook.com
Book Trailer: http://www.freado.com/book/9903/Snowflake-Obsidian:-Memoir-of-a-Cutter
Snowflake Obsidian is available through www.amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, indiebound.org, and iUniverse.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Money Secrets of the Amish
Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving
Discover the money-saving and wealth-building secrets of America's thriftiest people, the Amish.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- June 10, 2011 (via Christian Newswire) -- New York Times best-selling author and journalist Lorilee Craker was just like the rest of us -- feeling the pinch from the financial fallout of 2008. As a freelancer, her income was going the way of the dodo -- family dollars seemed like an extinct myth, the bank account some archeological evidence of past prosperity.
But the Amish? They emerged from the economic crisis unscathed -- and it was then that she realized it was time to learn a thing or two about their time-tested approach to personal finances. While the middle-class was wringing its hands over the family budget and the wealthy were weeping over their slashed portfolios, the Amish were content as always, spared from the cares of the world and worldliness. They not only had financial health to support their lives, they exuded a wholeness that eludes so many when the financial bottom drops out.
"In 2008, when venerable banks were failing, Bill's HomeTowne Heritage Bank -- whose client base is 95% Amish -- had its best year ever. I figured they had a lot to teach the rest of us!
"Implementing the Amish principles of 'generous frugality' by spending less and saving more, we can do more with our money while living a lifestyle extravagant in peace, sharing, family, and community closeness. Wall Street drove all our financial buggies off the road. It's my hope that by using these tips people can get hitched up and on the right road again," adds Craker.
Discover the money-saving and wealth-building secrets of America's thriftiest people, the Amish.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- June 10, 2011 (via Christian Newswire) -- New York Times best-selling author and journalist Lorilee Craker was just like the rest of us -- feeling the pinch from the financial fallout of 2008. As a freelancer, her income was going the way of the dodo -- family dollars seemed like an extinct myth, the bank account some archeological evidence of past prosperity.
But the Amish? They emerged from the economic crisis unscathed -- and it was then that she realized it was time to learn a thing or two about their time-tested approach to personal finances. While the middle-class was wringing its hands over the family budget and the wealthy were weeping over their slashed portfolios, the Amish were content as always, spared from the cares of the world and worldliness. They not only had financial health to support their lives, they exuded a wholeness that eludes so many when the financial bottom drops out.
"In 2008, when venerable banks were failing, Bill's HomeTowne Heritage Bank -- whose client base is 95% Amish -- had its best year ever. I figured they had a lot to teach the rest of us!
"Implementing the Amish principles of 'generous frugality' by spending less and saving more, we can do more with our money while living a lifestyle extravagant in peace, sharing, family, and community closeness. Wall Street drove all our financial buggies off the road. It's my hope that by using these tips people can get hitched up and on the right road again," adds Craker.
Festival Brings Music with a Message to the Los Angeles Hispanic Community
Preparations are Underway for Festival of Hope with Franklin Graham at the Home Depot Center in Carson on June 25-26
LOS ANGELES, June 3, 2011 -- Joined by high-energy musical artists and supported by volunteers from local churches, Franklin Graham is coming to Los Angeles to bring a message of hope and encouragement to the area's Hispanic community on June 25-26 at the Home Depot Center in Carson.
"Everyone is welcome," said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the international Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse.
"Our hope is that anyone in the Los Angeles area who is struggling with questions about life or would like a new beginning will come to this Festival of Hope."
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is bringing the Festival of Hope to Los Angeles at the invitation of Hispanic churches in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Festival of Hope is a two-day event featuring nightly messages from Graham, coupled with energetic and inspirational music from popular Christian artists including Lily Goodman, Dennis Agajanian and the Gutierrez Brothers, the Tommy Coomes Band and more.
There will also be a special Saturday morning "Festiniños" event for kids on June 25. All Festival of Hope events will be held at the Home Depot Center.
All Festival programs will be open to the public and free of charge.
Since 1989, Franklin Graham has held an average of seven Festivals each year as an evangelist for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Graham's 2011 Festival schedule includes events in Port-au-Prince, Haiti (Jan. 8-9); Monrovia, Liberia (March 25-27); Los Angeles (June 25-26); Milwaukee (Aug. 20-21); Denver (Aug. 27-28); Winnipeg, Canada (Sept. 17-18); Vilnius, Lithuania (Oct. 28-30); and Hyderabad, India (Nov. 10-13).
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