Sunday, April 24, 2005
MILLIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA SAY:
"NO, DO NOT ABUSE THE NAME OF
GOD IN THE MEDIA"
Based On Exodus 20:7, Group Calls For 30 Days Media Fast,
June 1- 30, 2005
By Michael
Ireland
RANT EN DAL, SOUTH AFRICA (ANS) --
Believers wishing to demonstrate their concern regarding
the type and content of programming on television as well as films
distributed in South Africa with special reference to the abuse of the
Name of God are being asked to take part in a 30-day fast from all
kinds of media in that country.
According to the website www.thenameofgod.com,
Christians in South Africa are being encouraged to fast for thirty days
of "abstinence" from all entertainment, excluding bona fide news,
actuality and religious programs and films.
The fast includes thirty days of prayer offered for the industry as a
whole, leaders and role players, actors and scriptwriters locally and
abroad. A prayer calendar will be made available for this purpose.
The month-long fast will also feature an active outreach to those who
need support, love and prayers during the time that become available.
Organizers say the target is "one million believers, united in vision,
purpose and heart."
They point out this is a media fast, not abstinence from food -- except
if God leads you in this matter.
BACKGROUND
"The way the Name of the Lord is used in vain in films, on television
and the media in general force Christians to take a stand. Exodus 20: 7
is a Biblical commandment which leaves no choice but obedience. Knowing
of an unlawful practice and not doing something about it is as
unacceptable as doing it yourself. If we really believe one Name has
been given whereby people can be saved, if we treasure His sacrifice on
Calvary, we cannot accommodate this practice," says Rev Jannie Pelser,
organizer.
Inquiries made by the event organizers point out that no measure is in
place to safeguard Christians in this regard. Apparently freedom of
speech in this country (South Africa) prohibits authorities to act. The
two big film theater groups indicate an unwillingness to address this
issue. Meanwhile revenue from ticket sales is accumulated -- also from
the pockets of Christians.
The project has jus been launched in the recent past and already
support is growing. Dr Isak Burger, president of the AFM represents 1.3
million Christians in South Africa. Writers such as Maretha Maartens,
organizations such as Bible media and Nupsa, musicians such as Jan de
Wet etc., have shown support. Prof. Adrio Konig, well-known theologian
as well as Ruben Kruger, ex rugby player pledged support. Prof. Pieter
Potgieter, moderator of the DRC, Maksiman, a life style men`s magazine,
etc., have also added their support. This project transcends cultural
and denominational barriers. It has the ability to unite Christians in
a meaningful way.
Organizers hope for at least one hundred thousand Christians showing
their solidarity to eradicate the misuse of the Name of our Lord in the
media.
"We will try our utmost best to negotiate a satisfactory solution to
this problem -- fair to all concerned. Christians will act with
integrity at all times whilst seeking to protect that which is dear to
them. If no progress can be made we will inform brothers and sisters
not to support certain movies in which this practice occurs," Pelser
says.
Pelser explains that it is technically possible, for instance, to erase
the Name of the Lord from the sound track of films.
"An age restriction does not safeguard Christians against blasphemy.
Expecting Christians not to see movies whilst the practice continues is
no solution. The issue has to be addressed," Pelser says.
Forms are distributed in mass at schools and churches. Each list
provides for twenty signatures. After one hundred thousand signatures
have been received, the first attempt will be made to have discussions
with the relevant parties.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
"As long as it takes," organizers say.
Pelser concludes: "The appeal is being made to Christians to live with
integrity and truth. They should honor the Name of God in conversations
at all times. Furthermore, they should not misuse the Name of the Lord
by insincere prayers. Christians are called upon to seek communion with
all other Christians and to come as one before the throne of Grace."
Register now and receive your prayer calendar free of charge, E-mail: emb@mweb.co.za
This event is in cooperation with Transformation Africa.
Posbus/Box 977
Rant en Dal - 1751
011 6652516 tel/faks/fax
0836019094 sel/cell
e-mail: emb@mweb.co.za
- website: www.thenameofgod.com
| ** Michael Ireland is an
international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a
London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News
Service of Garden Grove, CA. Michael immigrated to the United States in
1982 and became a US citizen in Sept., 1995. He is married with two
children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a
British Christian radio station. |
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