37th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

Today is the 37th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s infamous decision, Roe v. Wade. See top blogger's Justin Taylor's interview with Clarke D. Forsythe, J. D., Valparaiso University; M.A., bioethics, Trinity International University.

Overturning and Undermining Roe v. Wade: An Interview with Clarke Forsythe – Justin Taylor

Bishop Blake Says: "Haiti, You Are Not Cursed"--Antoinette R. Banks

The Rev. Pat Robertson, on his CBN broadcast, offered his own explanation of the earthquake in Haiti:



"Something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it," he said. "They were under the heel of the French ... and they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, 'We will serve you if you'll get us free from the French.'
"True story. And the devil said, 'OK, it's a deal,'" Robertson said. "Ever since, they have been cursed by one thing after another."

If a televangelist comes on national television, with a following in the thousands, he or she ought to not offer insidious terminology about a country after a catastrophic natural disaster. How Pat Robertson knows such concrete terms of a demonic pack unless he had access to some ancient scroll in some private society somewhere is beyond me. (I’m not saying, I’m just saying).

When Robertson, with all genius, chose to describe a country blighted by devastation, “cursed” what images come to mind? The word “cursed” invokes images of voodoo and magic deified by an ethnic group. Language in itself can be confusing—what is the purpose of using misguided words? Did the “curse” take effect by a post-Colonial debt that no Western nation ever had to endure?

A free Haiti was hobbled economically from the start after not paying off their “independence debt” from France until 1947. After being defeated by Toussaint L’Ouverture, the French colonial powers who held Haiti demanded reparations in the form of 90 million gold francs for their freedom, (over $20 billion currently!) This ominous debt is what set the foundation for the massive poverty of the nation.

The recycling of Haitian francs between the French and the US is what paved the way for the Louisiana Purchase—otherwise known as the Vente de la Louisiane. The purchase included 14 states and 2 Canadian provinces which astoundingly expanded and enriched the United States. On the other hand, if the money was kept in Haitian hands instead of being thrown away as “reparation” I envision a more prosperous land.

What might have happened had the billions of dollars in gold not been exported out of Haiti but helped to build its infrastructure and education? What if the fallen buildings where built more sturdily, with earthquake defiant buildings, schools, and homes? What if Haiti was a country side with its forests intact ignorant to the term of deforestation? The current Haiti would have a substitute built on its hard-earned resources. A natural disaster could still strike, but the country would be equipped to survive nature’s blows and remain a land blessed by the fruits of the hard work of its people.

The most encouraging phrase I could hear was Bishop Charles E. Blake’s heartening words, “HAITI YOU ARE NOT CURSED.”

HT: FARAI!

The Book of Eli

The first $80 million dollar budgetary movie, based on a Christian apocalyptic type themes was the first movie I ever heard Bishop Charles E. Blake say, “Go see this movie.” Since its release on January 15th the movie has grossed $38,020,000.

Here’s the synopsis on IMBD:

Eli (Denzel Washington) has been on a journey for 30 years, walking west across America after a cataclysmic war that turned the earth into a total wasteland. The world has become a lawless civilization where people must kill or be killed. The barren roads belong to gangs of cutthroats who rob and kill for water, a pair of shoes, a lighter, or just for fun. Eli is a peaceful man who only acts in self defense, and becomes a warrior with unbelievable killing skills when he is challenged. After the war and the "Big Flash,” Eli was guided by a higher power to a hidden book and given the task of protecting the book and taking it to its final destination. Eli guards the book with his life, because he knows that the book is the only hope that humanity has for its future.

If you’ve seen the movie, write your review and tell us what you think.

AtypicalAnecdote

AtypicalAnecdote

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Bishop's Response to Haiti--Antoinette R. Banks

Overwhelmed by the devastation that has hit the town and people of Haiti, our Bishop, Charles E. Blake has released a video statement and appeal:



While President Obama has dispatched military troops and an air and sea flotilla, United Nation's financial contributions, Iraq's medical specialists, China's pledge, and a military reconnaissance team from Canada are collecting together, we want you to be a part and wield an impressive movement in the effort as well.


It is our desire to see relief sent to our brothers and sisters in Haiti and we, in agreement with Bishop, ask for you to contribute whatever amount God has put on your heart. Within each ripple of donation from the body of Christ, we will ultimately make a wave of an effect.


Please continue to uplift the people of Haiti for recovery in their bodies and minds from this incomprehensible tragedy.

How to Argue Like Jesus--Antoinette R. Banks

Revelant Magazine, a magazine geared towards, "God. Life. And Progressive Culture" often offer thought provoking reads. Contributors, John Coleman and Joe Carter, present an interesting write up on how stop your debates from becoming fights from a Christian perspective.

Take a quick look and let us know what you think!

RELEVANT Magazine - How to Argue Like Jesus

Great Online Bible! --Antoinette R. Banks

Online Bible

Looking for an exciting online Bible? The West Angeles Web Team recommends youversion, an innovative online Bible that enables community and collaboration like never before. As we are in a Web 2.0 world and embracing its ideologies, it’s safe to say that all we really want to do is connect, collaborate, and communicate.
YouVersion.com and YouVersion Mobile currently have 31 Bible Translations in 16 different languages!
Try it out and let us know what you think! We are always fascinated by technology and how believers can use it has an effective tool for growth and development in Christ.


Genesis 1:1 ASV - YouVersion.com: Online Bible

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He: Increase // Me: Decrease

Justin Taylor, one of the top Christian Blogger's, references a few brilliant quotes by Tullian Tchividjian. Take a moment to review.


He: Increase // Me: Decrease

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HT: Taylor!

Britt Hume Says, "Tiger Woods Needs Jesus Christ"

In an interview with Bill O'Reiley, Britt Hume expounds on his comment, "Tiger, turn to the Christian faith and you can be a great example for the world."

After serving as managing editor at Fox New for over 30 years, Britt Hume retired over a year ago because he wanted to pursue his faith. Here's an excerpt from an interview he did with The Hollywood Reporter

I certainly want to pursue my faith more ardently than I have done. I’m not claiming it’s impossible to do when you work in this business. I was kind of a nominal Christian for the longest time. When my son died (by suicide in 1998), I came to Christ in a way that was very meaningful to me. If a person is a Christian and tries to face up to the implications of what you say you believe, it’s a pretty big thing. If you do it part time, you’re not really living it.

Although Hume has retired, he still serves as a Political Analyst. While many believe he isn't at the top of his game anymore, one thing is for sure--he's doing his job! Political analysts offer their insight, opinion and views on the topics at hand. As Deion Sanders once said on an NFL pregame show, “This game doesn’t matter. Both teams will be in the playoffs at the end of the season. But we will analyze it anyway. We are analysts. It’s what we do.” In Hume analysis, he encourages Tiger to step away from Buddhism and find true forgiveness in Jesus Christ.

In Buddhism there is no God and personal mortality is followed by reincarnations after better or worse "rebirths" depending upon merit attained in previous lives. Buddhism's goal in the attainment of Nirvana or enlightenment. In Christianity, you do seek forgiveness and redemption from a higher being, something not offered in Buddhism.

Some may disagree with what Britt Hume said, but those who seem to think he was falling off his game overall, Hume's analysis is much on point.

Check out Britt Hume's commentary in an interview on the O'Reiley Factor! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_dCB-XUwoc

Consecration--Antoinette Banks

We invite you to partake with us in our consecration for the month of January. We have an updated version of the consecration calendar with new scriptures and prayer focus geared to lead you to a successful consecration. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you. (Leviticus 20:7-8)

What I find so interesting about the above scripture is the sentence structure. The adverb “therefore” modifies the transitive verb “consecrate” which is essentially telling the reader that if you consecrate yourself, if you dedicate yourself for a sacred purpose, if you irrevocably devout yourself to God, you will therefore be ye holy, in pleasing God, for ‘He’ is holy. (Leviticus 11:45) It is our duty to consecrate!

Please click the link below on West A’s website for the consecration calendar.

http://www.westa.org/images/2010consecrationcalendar.pdf