IFC Monthly NewsLetter
Chris McFarlane
Patrick,
If you wish me to also post IFC to nz.soc.religion, please confirm.
Otherwise i'll assume that remains in your care.
Chris
Chris McFarlane
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Radio Rhema (NZ) offers comment on Christian lifestyle and values.
http://www.rhema.co.nz. Also check out LifeFM for upbeat music, and
Southern Star for a mellow sound.
*********************************************************************
INTERNET FOR CHRISTIANS An Internet Newsletter for Fishers of the Net
May 12, 1998 / Issue 57
Quentin J. Schultze, Ph.D.,
Executive Editor
Author of the book, Internet for Christians
Dale T. Mason
Managing Editor
Chris Van Oosterhout
Stacey Wieland
Assistant Editors
Chris DeRosia
IFC Web Master
______________________________________________________________________
SUBMISSIONS: Please submit your news, press releases, humorous anecdotes,
and WWW addresses to ifc-s...@gospelcom.net. As always, listings do not
mean endorsement.
______________________________________________________________________
DON'T MISS OUT! Extra information and graphics are provided in the FREE
online version of this newsletter at http://www.gospelcom.net/ifc . The
Web-version of Internet for Christians features everything you see here,
plus: article updates (as necessary), photos and illustrations, a full
site search engine, a list of many Christian email lists with easy
subscribe/unsubscribe features, ordering information for Dr. Schultze's
latest Internet-related book, scores of answers to frequently asked
Internet questions, and more.
PREVIOUS ISSUES: Did you miss a previous edition? Access it, and all
previous issues at http://www.gospelcom.net/ifc/past .
______________________________________________________________________
SECTIONS IN THIS ISSUE
* Top Stories
* Society Today
* Personal Growth & Evangelism
* Resources, Products and Entertainment
* Internet & Technology
* Ministries in the News
* High-Tech Positions Available
* Humor
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE
* New Study Predicts a Cyberchurch
* The Year 2000 Computer Problem -- What's It All About?
* Christian Music's Dove Award Recipients for 1997
* Prayer Volunteers Needed
* Black Theology Public Discourse: From Retrospect to Prospect
* Visit the Fischtank for Fun and Philosophy
* Health & Exercise -- What Shape is Your Temple In?
* What Does the Bible Say About Angels?
* International Wildlife Artist on the Net
* Fun for the Brain from Funbrain.com
* NavPress Software and Wycliffe Create New Bible Tools
* GCN Ministries Provide Free Clip Art Collections
* USA Intelligence Agency Debuts Children's Site -- Really!?
* Study Reveals Surprisingly Common Web-Design Problems
* Online Fundraising -- At What Price?
* International Bible Society Expands and Redesigns Web Site
* YFC Announces This Week's "Life the Life" Chat Topic
* Child Evangelism Fellowship Offers "Today's Child" in RealAudio
* Christian Testimonies Needed for Online Publication
* Gospel Communications Network -- Positions Available
* Quotes That Prove How "Stupid" Smart People Can Be
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TOP STORIES
______________________________________________________________________
NEW STUDY PREDICTS A CYBERCHURCH
A new survey of U.S. teenagers and adults suggests that many teens will
eventually use the Internet for their only religious experience. The
findings of Barna Research Group (BRG) are based on phone surveys of 620
teens and 1006 adults. George Barna, president of BRG explains, "Our
research indicates that by 2010 we will probably have 10% to 20% of the
population relying primarily or exclusively upon the Internet for its
religious input. Those people will never set foot on a church campus
because their religious and spiritual needs will be met through other
means -- including the Internet. Whether or not the cyberchurch is a
'true' church may not be as pressing an issue as what current church
leaders will do about the inevitable gravitation of tens of millions of
people away from the existing church and how they can help to shape this
emerging church form." According to the survey, non-Christians are nearly
as likely as Christians to seek a spiritual experience on the Internet
(10% versus 14%). http://www.barna.org/PressCyberChurch.htm
THE YEAR 2000 COMPUTER PROBLEM -- WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?
The "Millennium Bug," also known as the Year2000 (Y2K) problem started
over thirty years ago when computers were programmed to assume when a
two-digit year was entered that the first two "century digits" were "19."
When computer clocks roll-over to January 1, 2000, many will see "00" and
interpret it as "1900" instead of "2000." The following Web sites answer
specific questions about Y2K. Year 2000 Information Center:
http://www.year2000.com
The Mother of all Y2K Link Centers:
http://pw2.netcom.com/~helliott/00.htm
Year2000 Information Network:
http://www.mbs-program.com/ (This site offers a weekly email update.
Send a message to year...@interlog.com with "Subscribe Y2K Report" in
the subject heading.)
CHRISTIAN MUSIC'S DOVE AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR 1997
On April 23, 1998 the Gospel Music Association (GMA) presented it's
annual Dove Awards in Nashville, Tennessee (USA). 5500 professional and
associate members of GMA voted in forty-four categories, including best
song, songwriter, male and female vocalists, group and artist of the
year. Winners included Steven Curtis Chapman, Jars of Clay, Rich Mullins,
Third Day, Michael W. Smith, Caedman's Call, Sandi Patti and Sixpence
None the Richer. http://www.doveawards.com/live.html
PRAYER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
USA-based "Guideposts" magazine receives more than 18,000 prayer requests
each month and requests "volunteers who strongly believe in the power of
prayer to help insure that each person gets prayed for by name and need."
Guideposts will send the requests directly to your home. Contact Jackie
King at the Guideposts Prayer Fellowship via email: jk...@guideposts.org
http://www.guideposts.org/gp2/fellowship/fellowship.shtml
______________________________________________________________________
SOCIETY TODAY
______________________________________________________________________
BLACK THEOLOGY PUBLIC DISCOURSE: FROM RETROSPECT TO PROSPECT
The University of Chicago Divinity School recently hosted a conference
entitled "Black Theology and Discourse: From Retrospect to Prospect." A
diverse group of speakers discussed James H. Cone's book Black Theology
and Black Power, which was published over thirty years ago. Using the
particular history, experiences, and current issues confronting the
African American community and church, presenters shared their views of
how "black theology" impacts various segments of the church and society.
Excerpts from the conference will be aired on the CSPAN cable-TV channel
in the USA sometime this month. A detailed description of conference
proceedings is also available online.
http://www.publicreligionproj.org/services/sightings/sightings_index.html
VISIT THE FISCHTANK FOR FUN AND PHILOSOPHY
Cultural critic and musician John Fischer has been encouraging and
challenging Christians for two decades. Fischer's site offers all the
normal "stuff" found on the Web pages of authors and musicians --
discography, an online store, artist bio, etc. Plus John's includes his
unique "In the Tank" section of the site for lively discussions on
everything from the real reason for child porn to the conversion of Bob
Dylan. Fischer writes with remarkable discernment and courage -- rare
among Christian cultural critics. http://www.fischtank.com/
______________________________________________________________________
PERSONAL GROWTH
and EVANGELISM
______________________________________________________________________
HEALTH & EXERCISE -- WHAT SHAPE IS YOUR TEMPLE IN?
The United States Surgeon General's "Report on Physical Activity"
recommends walking at 3 - 4 mph several times each week to significantly
reduce the risk of premature death brought about by heart disease.
Medical & Sports Music Institute offers personalized pace-exercise
musical tapes which "work just like cruise-control on your heart --
keeping you at the mph that is right for your heart and personal
weightloss goal."
http://www.directory-inter.net/pacemusic
If you don't know at what pace you should exercise, visit:
http://www.fitnesszone.com/profiles
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT ANGELS?
Are angels active in the world today? How did they originate? Do they
have bodies? What is their "job description?" Do people become angels
after death? How many angels are there? Are all angels good? This site
strives to answer these and other questions regarding angels.
http://christiananswers.net/q-acb/acb-t005.html
______________________________________________________________________
RESOURCES, PRODUCTS
and ENTERTAINMENT
______________________________________________________________________
INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE ARTIST ON THE NET
Renowned Canadian Christian artist Robert M. Smith's Wildlife Gallery is
now on the Net. Smith's life-like images have been featured in private
and corporate collections from Barcelona to Los Angeles. His
illustrations have also appeared in numerous international publications
(including Wildflower, Wild Earth; Nature Canada, etc.). This world-class
artist is completing a project for the Creation Science ministry in
Australia. http://www.wordnet.co.uk/gallery.htm
FUN FOR THE BRAIN FROM FUNBRAIN.COM
This site contains entertaining online games, including Math Baseball,
Change Maker, Fun Match, Spell Check and Wacky Tales. All games are
available for multiple skill levels. http://www.funbrain.com
NAVPRESS SOFTWARE AND WYCLIFFE CREATE NEW BIBLE TOOLS
NavPress Software, Wycliffe Bible Translators and The Summer Institute of
Linguistics offer advanced Greek and Hebrew language Bible-study tools.
According to the publisher, the CD-ROM software package, scheduled for
release this summer (1998), includes "world-class Greek and Hebrew
capabilities along with the most complete electronic library of
discipleship tools." http://www.gospelcom.net/navsoft/PR-SIL.htm
GCN MINISTRIES PROVIDE FREE CLIP ART COLLECTIONS
Churches and other non-profit groups looking for clip art to enliven
their online and print publications will want to check these options.
The popular "Reverend Fun" comic -- http://www.gospelcom.net/rev-fun
-- offers free non-profit use of some cartoons. Cartoon Works,
http://www.gospelcom.net/cartoonworks/clipart.html offers a substantial
collection of free art for download and enhanced collections for
purchase.
USA INTELLIGENCE AGENCY DEBUTS CHILDREN'S SITE -- REALLY!?
The United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has unveiled a Web
site aimed at introducing the spy game to kids. The site features
geography quizzes, interactive disguise games, and thumbnail sketches of
cloak-and-dagger figures dating back to the Revolutionary war. It also
showcases "Who We Are and What We Do," and a very basic primer on
intelligence-gathering and analysis. "What we're really trying to do is
encourage kids to use computers, explore geography, and give them an
understanding of what the CIA does," said Anya Guilsher, an agency
spokeswoman. For the complete CNet story about the site, visit
http://www.news.com/News/Item/0%2C4%2C21384%2C00.html?st.ne.fd.mdh
To go directly to the CIA site, visit
http://www.odci.gov/cia/ciakids/index.html
______________________________________________________________________
INTERNET and TECHNOLOGY
______________________________________________________________________
STUDY REVEALS SURPRISINGLY COMMON WEB-DESIGN PROBLEMS
A study conducted at the recent Web Builder conference in San Francisco,
California (USA) may surprise a few Web designers. Of the ten Web sites
rated in the study, the most expensive site was judged the worst, and the
least expensive came out on top. The major problem: too difficult to find
information! Most links are not sufficiently descriptive. Researchers
also discovered that search engines on individual Web sites are not
usually a productive way to find information; users were fifty percent
more likely to find what they wanted if they did NOT use a site-specific
search engine. Finally, the study concluded that animation and movement
are irritating to users, who often covered up the annoying flashing with
one hand.
http://www.news.com/News/Item/0%2C4%2C21150%2C00.html?dd.ne.tx.rc
ONLINE FUNDRAISING -- AT WHAT PRICE?
An increasing number of Christian organizations hope to subsidize their
ministry efforts through direct, online fundraising solicitations (for
example, see http://donations.pff.net). While many non-profit
organizations strongly oppose using the Net to fish for funds, others
merely put fund-raising appeals deep in their site at locations less
likely to be visited by non-Christians. Yet others make unsolicited
online appeals on the most-trafficked pages of their sites. There are
logical reasons as well as ethical issues relating to all three
strategies. Please send us your comments regarding online fundraising.
We'll include a report in an upcoming issue of IFC. Email your public or
private comments (we won't identify you) and/or ideas and examples to:
______________________________________________________________________
MINISTRIES IN THE NEWS
______________________________________________________________________
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY EXPANDS AND REDESIGNS WEB SITE
The International Bible Society Web site redesign offers easier
navigation and enhanced features. Also see the new IBS video program "Let
There Be Light" in RealVideo at
http://www.gospelcom.netibs/ltbl/video.shtml "Let There Be Light" offers
biblical answers to commonly asked questions. The video features Dr. John
Stott, Bishop Gavin Reid, Joni Eareckson Tada and Luis Palau with music
from DC Talk and Phil Keaggy. http://www.gospelcom.net/ibs
YFC ANNOUNCES THIS WEEK'S "LIVE THE LIFE" CHAT TOPIC
Tuesday, May 12 from 8-9 p.m. EDT, a Live the Life online chat for
students discusses what it takes to live the Christian life. This week
Evangeline and DC/LA staff will be talking about Bible Clubs--what works?
What doesn't and what do you need help with? Come discuss your club--or
learn how to start one. http://www.gospelcom.net/yfc/livethelife/ichat/
CHILD EVANGELISM FELLOWSHIP OFFERS "TODAY'S CHILD" IN REALAUDIO
"Today's Child," one of fastest-growing radio shows in the USA, provides
parents and children's workers with practical and relevant instruction
for giving spiritual help to children. Now in addition to AM, FM and
satellite broadcasts of the program, it is available on the Net in
RealAudio. http://www.gospelcom.net/cef/
CHRISTIAN TESTIMONIES NEEDED FOR ONLINE PUBLICATION
Christian News, a non-denominational, online publication of Christian
Word Ministries (Kentucky, USA) shares stories that reveal God's work in
the world today. The publication features both world news and
persecuted-church updates. Says editor Feoshia Henderson, "We are looking
for personal testimonies of God's work in lives, churches and mission
fields." If you have a true story for online publication in Christian
News, request article length guidelines, deadlines, etc. from Mrs.
Henderson at good...@christianministry.com http://www.christiannews.org
______________________________________________________________________
HIGH-TECH POSITIONS AVAILABLE
______________________________________________________________________
GOSPEL COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK -- POSITIONS AVAILABLE
If you desire to serve God and feel that you may be qualified for the
position listed below, send your resume via fax to the attention of Mr.
Robby Richardson at (616) 777-1847, or email your Web-resume URL to:
pers...@gospelcom.net Position 1: full-time UNIX system administration
Position 2: full-time Web designer/programmer http://www.gospelcom.net
http://www.gospelcom.net/gf GCN is a non-denominational ministry of the
non-profit Gospel Communications International (the 21st century Gospel
Films!)
SEND IFC TO A FRIEND -- BEFORE YOU FORGET
If you appreciate the Internet for Christians Newsletter, why not forward
a copy to a friend? We welcome new subscribers--500 weekly!
______________________________________________________________________
HUMOR
______________________________________________________________________
QUOTES THAT PROVE HOW "STUPID" SMART PEOPLE CAN BE
(submitted by Kirk M. at Digital Equipment Corporation)
"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.'
* Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943
"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home."
* Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment
Corp.,1977
"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons."
* Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949
"The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value. Who would pay
for a message sent to nobody in particular?" * David Sarnoff's associates
in response to his urgings for investment in the radio in the 1920s.
"The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better
than a 'C,' the idea must be feasible." * A Yale University management
professor in response to Fred Smith's paper proposing reliable overnight
delivery service. (Smith went on to found Federal Express Corp.)
"I'm just glad it'll be Clark Gable who's falling on his face and not
Gary Cooper." * Gary Cooper on his decision not to take the leading role
in "Gone With The Wind."
"A cookie store is a bad idea. Besides, the market research reports say
America likes crispy cookies, not soft and chewy cookies like you make."
* Response to Debbi Fields' idea of starting Mrs. Fields' Cookies.
"We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out.'
* Decca Recording Co. rejecting the Beatles, 1962.
"If I had thought about it, I wouldn't have done the experiment. The
literature was full of examples that said you can't do this." * Spencer
Silver on the work that led to the unique adhesives for 3M Post-It"
Notepads.
"So we went to Atari and said, 'Hey, we've got this amazing thing, even
built with some of your parts, and what do you think about funding us? Or
we'll give it to you. We just want to do it. Pay our salary, we'll come
work for you.' And they said, 'No.' So then we went to Hewlett-Packard,
and they said, 'Hey, we don't need you. You haven't got through college
yet."' * Apple Computer Inc. founder Steve Jobs on attempts to get Atari
and HP interested in his and Steve Wozniak's personal computer.
"Everything that can be invented has been invented."
* Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, US Office of Patents, 1899.
"Louis Pasteur's theory of germs is ridiculous fiction."
* Pierre Pachet, Professor of Physiology at Toulouse, 1872
"640K ought to be enough for anybody."
* Bill Gates, 1981
___________________________________________________
Do you have a brief story, Web site or helpful tip for Internet for
Christians? Send it! ifc-s...@gospelcom.net
___________________________________________________
INTERNET FOR CHRISTIANS NEWSLETTER is published via email and on the WWW
by Quentin J. Schultze and the Gospel Communications Network
http://www.gospelcom.net Dr. Schultze is Professor of Communication at
Calvin College and Special Consultant for the Gospel Communications
Network. The newsletter may be posted and distributed without charge for
non-profit use. Commercial media may quote from it with proper
attribution to both the newsletter and Dr. Schultze. (copyright 1998
Quentin J. Schultze and Gospel Communications International, Inc.,
http://www.gospelcom.net/gf )
To subscribe, simply visit the web site and use our automatic
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SOLI DEO GLORIA!
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Gospel Communications Network (GCN). Online Christian Resources.
A Ministry of Gospel Communications International...the 21st Century
Gospel Films!
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Radio Rhema (NZ) offers comment on Christian lifestyle and values.
http://www.rhema.co.nz. Also check out LifeFM for upbeat music, and
Southern Star for a mellow sound.
*********************************************************************
Deborah Kaye Webb
>Patrick,
You've been asked not to post it here. Please post merely a suggestion that
anyone interested in reading it contact you.
Tigger =^..^=
a.a#1109
Mummy to a black DLH meower w/attitude and a red MkI Mr2 w/problems
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
"I do not consider it a sign of divine love to consign to hell
people who live good lives but make an honest mistake in belief"
[Moshe Shulman]
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
A..v..a..t..a..r
On Tue, 12 May 1998 19:22:14 GMT, nob...@nowhere.org (Chris McFarlane)
wrote in message [<6ja7h6$1io...@xtra.co.nz>]:
>*********************************************************************
>Radio Rhema (NZ) offers comment on Christian lifestyle and values.
WHY ?!?! are you such and ignorant bastard ?!?!?
Your bloody spam is NOT wanted here! as you have been told a hundred times!
Does your religion teach that you must annoy the hell out of people !?!
I'll steer well clear!
Fuck off!
Avatar
--
Let your rapidity be that of the wind, your compactness that of the forest.
In raiding and plundering be like fire, is immovability like a mountain.
Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall
like a thunderbolt. - Sun Tzu's "Art of War".
Join the Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial Email - http://www.cauce.org