February 2010 Journal Summary
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Summary of the articles and information in the Journal.
Summary - Salt Shakers Journal February 2010
Editorial (full version below)
After a welcome break over Christmas and New Year - we are back at our desks and at our computers! Even though we have had a rest, the issues and situations have not stopped...here is a sample...
The Future of our Christian Freedoms
Peter Stokes explains how the erosion of our Christian freedom has occurred by noting how the church systematically put social justice ahead of evangelism and has also continued to compromise the principle of 'loving your neighbour'.
Update: Atheist bus ads
Atheists have continued to post ads on buses around the world and now in Hobart, Tasmania. When the bus company refused to have the ads, the Atheist Foundation of Australia (AFA) complained to the Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner.
Sydney mardi gras - again!
This report summarises the history and current situation in regards to the mardi gras. The issue of sponsorship is discussed and the recent comments of politicians are quoted.
News & Action
NSW: Adoption; Internet filtering; Sexual Health Campaign
Humanism as 'religious instruction'
Jenny Stokes discusses the decision of the Victorian state government to allow 'Humanism' to be taught in the religious instruction program in Victorian primary schools and how this will impact upon Christian religious education.
Political Parties - What do they stand for? Part three - Minor Parties #2
Peter Stokes discusses the three minor parties that have had some semblance of political success in recent years - the Christian Democratic Party (CDP), the Democratic Labor Party (DLP) and Family First (FF).
Act now! R18+ rated computer games
An overview of the issues involved and the reasons why R18+ computer games should not be allowed is included in this article.
Combating Christian Paganism
This passionate article by Bill Muehlenberg exposes the failure of the Christian church in many places to not only instruct in the essentials of the Christian faith but in any way to keep to those essentials. This is a plea to return to biblical doctrine as well as a discussion of the consequences of blending with the surrounding society.
40 Days for Life
This highly successful campaign started in America in 2004 and aims to change the culture of death to a culture of life.
'Do Not Call' Register
If you haven't registered and want to avoid receiving telemarketing calls, register your phone number(s) or if you have already, you will need to update after three years.
Mother loses custody of daughter
An American court has ruled that Lisa Miller must hand over her 7 year old biological daughter to her former lesbian partner even though the relationship ended after her daughter was a year old. Lisa became a Christian and has tried to protect her daughter ever since.
Resistance Thinking
Cameron Spink, the RT coordinator, is back into full swing, posting articles, movie reviews and sending out weekly emails about the latest articles and forum topics.
Prayer for Religious Freedom
This call to pray highlights the plight of Christians in Muslim-majority countries and the extreme difficulties they face.
Pregnancy Support Helpline Scrapped
The federal government has decided to abolish the Helpline (which has helped thousands of women to obtain support during their pregnancy) and to replace it with a new perinatal helpline. It is vital that this new service would provide a counselling service to pregnant women.
Promoting a pro-life message in Victoria
Mrs Jan Kronberg MLC is to speak at Endeavour Forum's 31st birthday meeting.
Islam - Minarets banned in Switzerland
The Swiss people have voted to ban the building of minarets on mosques and this has caused much controversy.
Copenhagen and climate
The international climate conference held in Copenhagen in December 2009 failed to reach agreement on a binding treaty to reduce emissions.
PWR appoints a Muslim as Chair
The Parliament of the World's Religions has appointed Iman Abdul Malik Mujahid, the president of Sound Vision Foundation, which produces Radio Islam, as a new Chair.
World News
New York: same-sex 'marriage'; US: Live nativity & Supreme Court: USA: Lesbian bishop: UK: Abortion; USA: Lutheran Church; Gulf Monetary Council.
Full Editorial
After a welcome break over Christmas and New Year - we are back at our desks and at our computers!
Even though we have had a rest, the issues and situations have not stopped... here is a sample. . .
* Californication has been shown on Channel Ten on Wednesday nights over the summer. Despite the opposition, Channel Ten has even brought the start time forward to 9.30 pm.
* Midsumma - Melbourne's homosexual festival - is currently on from January 17 to February 7, 2010. The promotion of homosexuality through these events, especially the 'pride' marches supported by both politicians and community leaders like the Victorian Police Commissioner are a blight on our city, our state and our nation.
* R18+ rated computer games - Submissions are being received for the federal government's inquiry into whether violent and sexualised computer games should be allowed in Australia for adults - naturally this means children and teenagers will also have easy access to them too.
* Earthquake aftermath - Every night we have seen the human tragedy on our TV screens from the massive earthquake in Haiti as people struggle to find food and shelter. The people desperately need help.
* The climate keeps changing - a recent newspaper told us that the southern states of Australia are in for a "three-month-long cool change" whilst the northern states are expected to have hotter than average temperature! Britain and the USA have just had one of the coldest and whitest Christmases on record. We have received many photos from family and friends in the UK of snow, snow and more snow. Makes one ask just how cold it would have been without global warming! (Sorry, couldn't resist that!)
* The relentless push towards same-sex 'marriage' in Australia continues with
more rallies planned across the country by various homosexual groups in 2010.
We have said it often, but once the door to legal recognition was opened and endorsed by some Christian groups there would be no stopping the push for "marriage equality". Despite the token political support for not changing the law to allow same-sex 'marriage', incremental change has and will continue to happen until the almost inevitable 'equality' is granted. UNLESS there is a renewed and strong voice opposed to the legal recognition of immorality the future of marriage and the natural family will continue to be at risk.
A special 'thank you' to all those who responded so generously to our pre-Christmas email appeal for financial help to get through the usually quiet (financially) months of December and January.
We were able to have a break without worrying if we could afford to pay the next month's office rent. We really appreciate your ongoing support. Thank you for caring about the issues facing our community... Please stay tuned in the coming weeks as we gear up for another busy year in 2010.
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Yours, in the service of Jesus Christ
Peter & Jenny Stokes
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