Thursday, September 30, 2010 | |
But I'd like to win a Mac. :-)
Logos Bible Software is giving away thousands of dollars of prizes to celebrate the launch of Logos Bible Software 4 Mac on October 1. Prizes include an iMac, a MacBook Pro, an iPad, an iPod Touch, and more than 100 other prizes!
They’re also having a special limited-time sale on their Mac and PC base packages and upgrades. Check it out!
Thursday, April 15, 2010 | |
Currently I am a participant in the 2010 Centurions Worldview Course with Chuck Colson. We are in the process of learning and understanding our Christian Worldview and our mandate as Christians to influence all areas of culture. Today, I am reminded how the Spirit is continually prodding and challenging me to a greater maturity in understanding this truth. Further, how he insists on my humility and is so faithful to my continual sanctification in the process... Thank Jesus for His kindness and for moments to stop us before we take "one more bite..."
Bethany Vieth, 4/15/10
This morning I read an article by Chuck Colson in response to Anwan al-Awlaki, the Muslim connected with the shootings at Fort Hood and the "underpants bomber." Recently, the Obama administration authorized the targeted killing of this man and Chuck takes a moment to evaluate his "gut" personal response in light of Christian Worldview and principles surrounding the justification of this man's death.
The points he makes are absolutely valid and as a believer who lives in the light of Christ, I must also take these into consideration. Some include: al-Awlaki's U.S. Citizenship, due process guaranteed, just war/just cause in targeting this man, assasination, "collateral damage" - killing innocent families and neighbors, the disintegration of accountability in the way war is conducted... (Please read the entire article here, http://www.breakpoint.org/
As I read the article, I was completely humbled. Like Chuck, when I recall my immediate response to both circumstances, I remember thinking that everyone involved in these situations had "no right" to harm our citizens and should be punished! Now while this may be true, I realize after reading this article how often I respond out of pasison, emotion, personal experience and politics rather than Christian Worldview and truth. I was so encouraged and blown away by Chuck's thoughtful response to the situation and also I realized how little I understand Christian Worldview's relevance and contribution to such issues as just war...
It's so easy to quickly respond to circumstances like that of al-Awlaki and not really think about what I'm saying or the ideas I convey when I speak... It's at this point I can't help but ask the question, "What am I really feeding my gut?" and think of the scripture Mark 7:14-23, Luke 11:33-36. What I put in my gut and watch with my eyes matter and will be made manifest in my action and response to life. It's a challenge to truly evaluate what I'm consuming - is it political rhetoric and emotion? Or am I truly feeding off the bible, ideas reflecting truth, Christian Worldview, Christian/church history?
This is a humbling moment and I don't want to quickly skip by... It's an opportunity: an act of personal repentance, a renewal of my mind and an embrace of discipline to grow in my understanding. My worldview matters. The ideas I consume and believe absolutely influence the way I see and respond to the world. I must learn and know what I believe. I will stand on truth rather than emotion and rhetoric. This Christianity I claim is absolutely relevant to the situations I encounter, read and hear about in everyday life. I have been commissioned to know and defend the truth upon which I stand!
You're part of this too... As a believer, I encourage you to embrace your calling, brothers and sisters. You've been entrusted with this gift of faith. Know it deeply. Know it well. Contend for it. The world is waiting.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 | |
One of the most life changing films I have ever seen will be released on DVD, in two weeks - March 9. It's one that I hope everyone will see. (Based on a true story)
As I rewatch the preview, my body physically trembles. Just hearing the music and seeing the images I am reminded of the beauty, the struggle for justice, betrayal, horror.
When I first heard about the film last year, produced by Mpower Pictures, I knew I had to see it (Bella, As We Forgive). The film stars Shohreh Aghdashloo - Zahra (ER, The Nativity, The Lake House), Jim Caviezel - French Journalist (Jesus in the Passion), and Mozhan Marno as Soraya.
In an of itself, the film and cinematography is absolutely stunning and the true story - life changing. The film opens up with Jim Caviezel, a reporter stranded in an Iranian village. He is approached by a woman who has a story that she has promised will be told around the world. It's a story about her niece, Soraya, and her blood filled stoning that took place the day before. The story unfolds on screen as Zahra recounts the horrifying events involving Soraya's husband, a "phony mullah phony mullah, and a town all too easily led down a path of deceit, coercion, and hysteria."
The film exposes the depths of evil which can occur when the definition of human dignity is held in the hands of mankind. It's a wrestle of deceit, injustice and human dignity. I found myself silently crying out for the 'innocent' life of Soraya. In moments of her stoning, I couldn't help but silently beg that Jesus would have mercy on her and, "STOP!" There wasn't a dry eye in the audience... Most of the women audibly weeping. I somberly left the theater with my boyfriend, Ryan and our discussion centered on the justice of Jesus. Here is this 'innocent' yet fully human (sinful) Muslim woman, stoned to death; my entire body and soul wept for her salvation - both physical and spiritual. Did she know Jesus Christ? I wrestled over my understanding of the perfect justice of the Father and my personal desire for her to live.
It's an intensely bloody and violent film that I don't recommend for a younger audience. But if you are able, I really encourage you to buy and share this DVD with everyone you know. If you are interested, there is also an interview with one of the producers, Stephen McEveety (As We Forgive, Bella, The Passion, We Were Soldiers, Braveheart), available to download online. His insights into the making of this film are incredible. Wait until you hear how the real-life Muslim bystanders responded when asked to cast stones for the film... http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/57499
I'd love to hear your personal thoughts on the film as well...