Religion Today Summaries - July 8, 2005

Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk News Staff | Published: Jul 07, 2005

Religion Today Summaries - July 8, 2005

Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world. In today's edition:

  • Ten Commandments Controversy Fuels Evangelical Reaction 

  • Court Vacancy Prompts Special Programming On Familynet 

  • Sales Of 'Live For Him' Bands Reach One Million Milestone

  • Eritrea

Ten Commandments Controversy Fuels Evangelical Reaction
Religion News Service

Last week, the Supreme Court issued a mixed decision concerning the display of the Ten Commandments on public property. Because of decisions like this in our society, more and more people are prohibited from viewing basic, vital biblical truths. In response, one of America's oldest Christian ministries, the American Tract Society, takes aim with new pocket-sized Ten Commandments cards. These easy-to-read reminders of the Ten Commandments are the first in a series of Core Value Cards that ATS is releasing in August. A recent survey by The Barna Group indicates a large percentage of Christians struggle in the area of Bible knowledge. These cards are a response to an alarming trend in our country: more and more Americans lack knowledge of basic biblical precepts. It is this lack of biblical knowledge that has caused many to fall away from the faith or misunderstand traditional "core" values. ATS is uniquely able to create relevant messages of hope. Movies like the next “Harry Potter,” coming in November, and “Bewitched,” released this month, provide perfect opportunities for sharing the gospel through tracts such as "Is Witchcraft the Way?" In addition, ATS is offering a series of tracts for the “Chronicles of Narnia,” which hits the screens in December. The first tracts are available now.

Court Vacancy Prompts Special Programming On Familynet
Baptist Press

FamilyNet Television will preempt regularly scheduled programming Sunday evening, July 10, 8 p.m. Eastern for a special presentation titled, "Justice for All: Change in the Court," relating to the recent resignation of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. The program will feature commentary and analysis from a Christian worldview by noted constitutional lawyer Jay Sekulow of the American Center for Law and Justice; FamilyNet President Randy Singer; and North American Mission Board President Robert E. (Bob) Reccord. Singer said O'Connor has been "a critical swing vote" on issues like partial birth abortion and last month's 5-4 decision striking down a display of the Ten Commandments. "These are critical days in the life of our nation's judiciary," Sekulow said. "Christians must stay informed about the issues confronting our courts." Based in Fort Worth, Texas, FamilyNet is a 24-hour television network, accessible in more than 30 million TV households, airing values-based programs for today's families. The network is owned by the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board. For more information go to: www.FamilyNet.com  or call 1-800-832-6638.

Sales Of 'Live For Him' Bands Reach One Million Milestone
Religion News Service

Kerusso's "Live For Him" wristband campaign continues to build momentum as sales surpass the one million mark, raising $250,000 of the company's $500,000 donation goal for Compassion International within six short months. The Berryville, Ark.-based Kerusso, the world's leading Christian apparel and gift company, launched the 'Live For Him' wristband in early January with the goal of selling two million wristbands and donating .25 cents of every $1.50 wristband to Compassion International. "We continue to be amazed at the brisk sales of the 'Live for Him' wristbands," said Kerusso president Vic Kennett.  "People from all over the country, and literally around the world, are using these bands as a symbol of their faith and taking the opportunity to show their support for the missions work Compassion International does throughout the world." The half-inch-wide red wristbands, with the words 'Live For Him' etched into the rubber are available individually in Christian retail stores across the country or, in 10 or 100 packs online at www.kerusso.com. "We are grateful to Kerusso for all they are doing to help impoverished children around the world," said Wess Stafford, President and CEO of  Compassion International.  "Kerusso is a wonderful example of a company who is truly seeking to make a huge impact for the Kingdom of God by donating to worldwide missions."

Eritrea
Charisma News Service

Police recently raided a large Christian wedding ceremony in the capital of Asmara, arresting at least 250 guests. The marriage ceremony of Benyam Gezae and his bride, both members of the Meserete Kristos Church, was halted on May 28, Compass Direct reported. All those in attendance were detained and kept overnight at the police station. After the mass arrest, authorities reportedly contacted the families of all the imprisoned Christians in order to determine which ones were members of the officially registered Orthodox, Catholic or Lutheran churches. Those prisoners found to be members of the legally sanctioned churches were moved to separate cells, and most have since been released. But local sources confirmed that 70 individuals belonging to the outlawed Protestant churches still remain under arrest. The authorities have pressured these Christians to abandon their beliefs and return to one of the "legal" churches, but "all refused to do so," Compass reported. "The word on the street in Asmara is that these arrests were direct retaliation for the protest vigil held three days earlier in front of the Eritrean Embassy in Washington, D.C.," a source told Compass. Organized by Release-Eritrea, the peaceful May 25 demonstration hosted by Jubilee Campaign and Christian Solidarity International drew nearly 100 participants.  (www.charismanews.com)

Religion Today Summaries - July 8, 2005