Religion Today Summaries - September 2, 2005

Victims Of Hurricane Katrina Need Your Help!
World Vision

Tens of thousands of children and families have been forced to flee their homes in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. They are grieving, as hundreds, perhaps thousands, are feared dead. The survivors are in shock. And they urgently need your prayers and your help! World Vision has already begun sending shipments of emergency supplies, including water containers, clothing, cooking equipment, personal care and sanitation items supplies donated by generous American corporations. World Vision is partnering with local churches and Christian agencies who are on the ground in the devastated areas distributing vital supplies, and offering prayer, counseling, and comfort for the victims of this disaster. And in the weeks, months and years to come, World Vision will stay for the long haul, partnering with local communities, churches and Christian organizations to help rebuild homes — and lives. Your gift today to World Vision's American Families Assistance Fund will ship and distribute these urgently needed goods to the families who need them most. Please join in prayer for hurting children and families in the Gulf region, and please send a donation of any size today. (www.worldvision.org)

Conservative Radio Personality Steps Down from 'Diversity Committee'
Jim Brown, AgapePress

A popular conservative radio talk-show host has temporarily resigned from the diversity committee of the Broward County, Florida, school district. While on the Diversity Committee, local talk-show host Steve Kane was instrumental in getting the controversial tolerance video "We Are Family" barred from classrooms in Broward County.  But Kane's opposition to the video drew strong criticism from the Anti-Defamation League and other pro-homosexual groups. Kane, a born-again Christian, says his decision to step down from the school district committee was a strategic move. He believes the liberal groups wanted to use his presence on the committee to shut it down. The radio host says it is akin to a "chess game" when dealing with homosexual activists.  "They were putting a tremendous amount of focus and hatred and vitriol into attacking me, and I knew their real objective was the Diversity Committee," he explains.  "And because I am a born-again Christian, I wasn't getting that much support when the attack was on me." According to Kane, the ADL has become a "front group" for homosexual activists and groups like the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) that want the "We Are Family" video in schools. He says he plans to return to the Diversity Committee in November.

Three Christian Women Found Guilty Of All Charges
John M. Lindner, Assist News Service

The three women charged with violating Indonesia's 2002 Child Protection Act by Christianizing Muslim children were found guilty of all charges in an Indonesian court charged with anti-Christian radicals. Jeff Hammond, director of Bless Indonesia Today, told ANS Dr. Rebecca Laonita, Mrs. Ratna Mala Bangun, and Mrs. Ety Pangesti, who conducted a “Happy Week” (or “Happy Sunday”) program in their homes in early May, were found “guilty of all charges” and given a sentence of three years. Hammond pointed out that the guilty verdict was pronounced, even though the children had their parents’ permission to attend, and none of them had changed their religion. He said the verdict may actually have spared the three a worse fate, as the witnesses and judges were “constantly under the threats of violence from hundreds of Islamic radicals, who threatened to kill the three ladies, witnesses, pastors, missionaries--and even the judges--if the women were acquitted.” Hammond told ANS that anti-Christian radicals arrived in nine trucks and “brought a coffin to bury the accused if they were found not guilty. Their violent threats continued in their speeches before the session began.” “Please pray for these three beautiful, gentle women, who were just trying to help save the children of prostitutes from going down the same pathway,” Hammond requested. He said the verdict will undoubtedly be appealed.

Digital Version of The Popular Amplified Translation Offered for Handheld Users
Religion News Service

In cooperation with Zondervan, Olive Tree offers a digital version of the popular Amplified translation for handheld users. Renowned for its ability to bring out shades of understanding otherwise obscured by the more traditional word-for-word translation, this version takes both word meaning and context into account to accurately convey the original languages into English. "The words of the Hebrew tongue have a peculiar energy," writes Martin Luther in his Table Talk, "It is impossible to convey so much so briefly in any other language. To render them intelligibly we must not attempt to give word for word translations, but only aim at the sense and the [original Author's] idea." The Amplified's multiple English word equivalents for each key Hebrew and Greek word come close to offering the modern reader what the original listeners took for granted. Now the handheld user can reap these same benefits on their Palm OS, Pocket PC, BlackBerry, Smartphone or Symbian device. Since the days of John Wycliffe, scholars and translators have struggled to present an English translation that faithfully represents the original. Through this version's unique use of explanatory alternate readings and amplifications, the reader is assisted into a better understanding of what the Scripture really says.