Eternal Perspectives We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen...

Ten Major Flaws of Evolution by Randy Alcorn and Jim Darnall

I wrote the following article many years ago, but it system known. A pinhead of DNA has a billion times needed to be thoroughly revised and updated. more information capacity than a 4-gigabit hard drive. When you look at Thanks to Jim Darnall for adding some important Ironically, evolutionists scan the heavens using mas- new information. sive radio telescopes hoping for relatively simple sig- a watch, nal patterns that might have originated in outer space, 1. The complexity of living systems all the while ignoring the incredibly complex evidence you assume could never evolve by chance— of superior intelligence built into every human’s DNA. While we’re waiting to hear signs of intelligence be- there was a they had to be designed and hind interstellar communication, we’re ignoring those created. built into us. watchmaker. A system that is irreducibly complex has precise components working together to perform the basic 3. No mutation that increases function of the system. (A mousetrap is a simple ex- genetic information has ever ample.) If any part of that system were missing, the been discovered. Inside this issue: system would cease to function. Gradual addi- Mutations which increase tions could not account genetic information would be the Randy’s Response to for the origin of such a raw material necessary for a Jewish Boy’s Position system. It would have to evolution. To get from “amoeba” on Abortion come together fully to “man” would require a mas- 4 formed and integrated. sive net increase in information. Many living systems ex- There are many examples of An Apology & Clarification hibit this (vision, blood- supposed evolution given by About Mel Gibson clotting, etc.). When you proponents. Variation within a 8 look at a watch, you as- species (finch beak, for ex- sume there was a watch- ample), bacteria which acquire It’s Time to Take a Stand maker. A watch is too antibiotic resistance, people 10 complex to “happen” by born with an extra chromo- chance. Yet such living some, etc. However, none of Distinctive Teachings of systems are almost infi- the examples demonstrate the Biblical Christianity nitely more complex than development of new informa- 12 a watch. They could not be random—they simply tion. Instead, they demonstrate either preprogrammed had to be designed and created. variation, multiple copies of existing information, or Bring Me the Books even loss of information (natural selection and adap- 14 2. The high information tation involve loss of information). The total lack of any content of DNA could only have such evidence refutes evolutionary theory. come from intelligence. 4. Evolution flies directly in the face Eternal Perspective Information science teaches that in all known of entropy, the second law of MINISTRIES cases, complex information requires an intelligent 2229 E. Burnside #23 message sender. This is at the core of the Search thermodynamics. Gresham, OR 97030 for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI). DNA is by This law of physics states that all systems, whether 503.663.6481 far the most compact information storage/retrieval open or closed, have a tendency to disorder (or “the www.epm.org Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 Creationism or Evolution?

least energetic state”). There are some ways. The fact is, many supposed “ape-men” are special cases where local order can increase, very clearly apes. Evolutionists now admit that but this is at the expense of greater disorder else- other so-called “ape-men” would be able to have where. Raw energy cannot generate the complex children by modern humans, which makes them systems in living things, or the information required to the same species as humans. The main species build them. Undirected energy just speeds up de- said to bridge this gap, Homo habilis, is thought struction. Yet, evolution is a building-up process, sug- by many to be a mixture of ape and human fossils. gesting that things tend to become more complex and In other words, the “missing link” (in reality there advanced over time. This is directly opposed to the would have to be millions of them) is still missing. Raw energy law of entropy. The body hair and the blank expressions of sub- humans in these models doesn’t come from the cannot 5. There is a total lack of bones, but the assumptions of the artist. Virtually noth- generate the undisputed examples (fossilized or ing can be determined about hair and the look in living) of the millions of transitional someone’s eyes based on a few old bones. complex forms (“missing links”) required for 7. The dating methods that systems in evolution to be true. evolutionists rely upon to assign Evolution does not require a single missing millions and billions of years to living things, or link, but innumerable ones. We should be sur- rounded by a zoo of transitional forms that cannot rocks are very inconsistent and the information be categorized as one particular life form. But we based on unproven (and don’t see this—there are different kinds of dogs, questionable) assumptions. required to but all are clearly dogs. The fossils show different sizes of horses, but all are clearly horses. None is Dating methods that use radioactive decay to build them. on the verge of being some other life form. The determine age assume that radioactive decay fossil record shows complex fossilized life sud- rates have always been constant. Yet, research denly appearing, and there are major gaps be- has shown that decay rates can change accord- tween the fossilized “kinds.” Darwin acknowl- ing to the chemical environment of the material edged that if his theory were true, it would require being tested. In fact, decay rates have been in- millions of transitional forms. He believed they creased in the laboratory by a factor of a billion. would be found in fossil records. They haven’t All such dating methods also assume a closed been. system—that no isotopes were gained or lost by th e rock since it formed. It’s common knowledge that 6. Pictures of ape-to-human hydrothermal waters, at temperatures of only a few “missing links” are extremely hundred degrees Centigrade, can create an open system where chemicals move easily from one rock subjective and based on system to another. In fact, this process is one of the evolutionists’ already-formed excuses used by evolutionists to reject dates that don’t assumptions. Often they are fit their expectations. What’s not commonly known is that the majority of dates are not even consistent for simply contrived. the same rock. Furthermore, 20th century lava flows The series of pictures or models that show often register dates in the millions to billions of years. progressive development from a little monkey to There are many different ways of dating the earth, modern man are an insult to scientific research. and many of them point to an earth much too young These are often based on fragmentary remains for evolution to have had a chance. All age-dating that can be “reconstructed” a hundred different methods rely on unprovable assumptions.

Page 2 Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 8. Uses continue to be found for If I flipped it for years nonstop, I supposedly “leftover” body might get 50 or even 100 in a row. But this is only because getting structures. heads is an inherent possibility. Evolutionists point to useless and vestigial (left- What are the chances of me flip- over) body structures as evidence of evolution. How- ping a coin, and then seeing it ever, it’s impossible to prove that an organ is useless, sprout arms and legs, and go sit in because there’s always the possibility that a use may a corner and read a magazine? be discovered in the future. That’s been the case for No chance. Given billions of years, over 100 supposedly useless organs which are now the chances would never in- known to be essential. Scientists continue to discover crease. Great periods of time make uses for such organs. It’s worth noting that even if an the possible likely but never make the impossible organ were no longer needed (e.g., eyes of blind possible. No matter how long it’s given, non-life creatures in caves), it would prove devolution not will not become alive. Great periods of evolution. The evolutionary hypothesis needs to find examples of developing organs—those that are in- 10. The scientific method can only time make the creasing in complexity. test existing data—it cannot draw conclusions about possible likely but origins. never make the Micro-evolution, changes within a spe- cies on a small scale, is observable. But evi- impossible dence for macro-evolution, changes tran- scending species, is conspicuous by its ab- possible. sence. To prove the possibility of anything, science must be able to reproduce exact original conditions. Even when it proves something is possible, it doesn’t mean it there- EPM Information: fore happened. Since no man was there to record or even witness the beginning, con- Eternal Perspectives is a 9. Evolution is said to have begun clusions must be made only on the basis of interpret- quarterly publication of Eter- by spontaneous generation—a ing presently available information. If I put on rose- nal Perspective Ministries, concept ridiculed by biology. colored glasses, I will always see red. I accept the 2229 E. Burnside #23, Gre- Bible’s teaching on creation, and see the evidence as sham, OR 97030, 503-663- When I was a sophomore in high school, and a being consistently supportive of that belief. When deal- 6481. Fax: 503-663-2292. brand new Christian, my biology class spent the first ing with origins, everyone who believes anything does Email: [email protected]. Web semester discussing how ignorant people used to so by faith, whether faith in God, the Bible, himself, page: www.epm.org. EPM is believe that garbage gave rise to rats, and raw meat modern science, or the dependability of his own sub- a nonprofit organization with produced maggots. This now disproven concept was jective interpretations of existing data. I would rather 501(c)3 tax-exempt status. called “spontaneous generation.” Louis Pasteur put my faith in God’s revealed Word. All contributions are tax-de- proved that life only comes from life—this is the law of ductible. biogenesis. The next semester we studied evolution, Recommended books on evolution: This newsletter is sent free where we learned that the first living cell came from a Refuting Evolution I and II (Dr. Jonathan Sarfati) to all who request it. Articles in freak combination of nonliving material (where that The Answers Book (Revised and expanded by this publication (and at our nonliving material came from we were not told). Ken Ham, Dr. Jonathan Sarfati, Dr. Carl Wieland) website) written by Randy “Chemical Evolution” is just another way of saying Not By Chance! (Dr. Lee Spetner) Alcorn may be freely quoted “spontaneous generation”—life comes from nonlife. Darwin’s Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge or copied, in part or in whole, Evolution is therefore built on a fallacy science long to Evolution (Dr. Michael Behe) provided EPM’s name and ago proved to be impossible. In the Beginning was Information (Dr. Werner address and website are Evolutionists admit that the chances of evolu- Gitt) placed on the copy. Feel free tionary progress are extremely low. Yet, they be- Darwin on Trial and Defeating Darwinism to reproduce this newsletter, lieve that given enough time, the apparently im- (Phillip Johnson) and pass it on to individuals, possible becomes possible. If I flip a coin, I have a A Case Against Accident and Self-Organization churches or groups. It’s our 50/50 chance of getting heads. To get five “heads” (Dean L. Overman) desire to spread this informa- in a row is unlikely but possible. If I flipped the coin The Creation Hypothesis (J. P. Moreland) tion, not protect or restrict it. long enough, I would eventually get five in a row. The Case for a Creator (Lee Strobel) Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 Page 3 Randy’s Response to a Jewish Boy’s Position on Abortion Dear Mr. Alcorn, residence, do you? So when people say of preborn I am a 13-year-old Jew. In performing research babies, “They’re just a few inches big,” or “They’re regarding denial of the Holocaust, I stumbled upon just a few days or weeks or months old,” or “They’re your page. While I disagree vehemently with your still living inside their mother,” I don’t discriminate anti-abortion position, that is not about what I am con- against them because of their size, age, or place of cerned. The contents of the article were very helpful, residence. (It’s like saying, “He’s just a Serbian,” or and I wanted to commend you on your efforts to “He’s just a Muslim,” or “He’s just a Gypsy,” or “She’s chastise the atrocious belief that the Holocaust never just a woman.”) occurred. Because of your Jewish heritage—which you Sincerely, Daniel are right to treasure, I highly recommend that you (name changed to protect identity) read Robert Jay Lifton’s powerful book, The Nazi Doctors: Study in the Psychology of Genocide. As a Daniel, Jewish scholar, he documents how normal and intel- Thanks for your thoughtful note. How kind of ligent medical professionals endorsed and participated you to write. I’m always glad to get letters from some- in cruel and deadly surgeries with shocking ease. one your age. Quite a few young people read my Well, that is exactly what has happened in America books, especially my novels, and I like hearing from (and many other places, including, tragically, Israel) them. I wanted to share with you some things to con- regarding abortion. sider. I hope you have not been influenced to accept On the abortion issue, I take no offense at your As Jews had abortion just because it is legal. Remember, the law disagreement, but I would encourage you to take a once protected unborn children, but was changed in closer look. I will not try to be critical of you, but I will their legal rights 1973. As Jews had their legal rights stripped from just express my convictions, in the same way that you them in Nazi Germany in the 1930s, so preborn chil- are free to express yours. Perhaps you and I can stripped from dren were systematically stripped of their rights in the both learn from each other. late ‘60s and early ‘70s. But just because the laws Several years ago I spent time with a national them in Nazi protecting them were changed in Germany, doesn’t prolife group in Israel, where Israeli citizens expressed mean the Jews became subhuman. Just because it their concerns that preborn children are being dehu- Germany in became legal to kill Jews doesn’t mean it became manized in the way that Jews were in Nazi Germany. right. And just because killing Holocaust scholar Raul the 1930s, so preborn children was legalized, Hilberg argues that the key to doesn’t mean it became right. Le- the destruction of the Jewish preborn gality and morality are not the same people was the use and ac- thing. Those who fail to see that be- ceptance of such terms as children were come collaborators in the atrocities “useless eaters” and “gar- of their place and time. bage” that blind society to the systematically The slippery slope starts with once-obvious fact that these the concept that some lives have were real people. Well, even stripped of their more worth than others. Historically, though they’re now de- this has always slid society into fur- meaned and dehumanized by rights in the late ther human exploitation. Dr. Leo terms like “product of concep- Alexander was a consultant to the tion,” it was once obvious to ‘60s and Secretary of War at the Nuremberg everybody that preborn chil- Trials. Writing in the New England dren were real people. early ‘70s. Journal of Medicine, he points out In my book ProLife An- that the Holocaust began with a subtle swers to ProChoice Argu- shift in medical ethics: ments, I cite page after page from prominent scientists, from Whatever proportions these medical school textbooks, affirming each human life crimes finally assumed, it became evident to all begins at conception. Do you really believe all these who investigated them that they had started from scientists are wrong? small beginnings. The beginnings at first were Daniel, I don’t think people should be discrimi- merely a subtle shift in emphasis in the basic nated against for race, gender, size, age, or place of attitude of the physicians. It started with the Page 4 Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 acceptance of the attitude . . . that there is such become desensitized to the truth of the humanity and a thing as life not worthy to be lived. This attitude worth of the unborn, and the moral evil of abortion. in its early stages concerned itself merely with We need to break out of the political correctness of the severely and chronically sick. Gradually our time and look with fresh and sane eyes to see if the sphere of those to be included in this cat- we too have bought into the propaganda that says egory was enlarged to encompass the socially killing some group of people—in this case, the un- unproductive, the ideologically unwanted, the born—is perfectly fine and right and moral. racially unwanted, and finally all non-Germans. Did you know that every doctor doing an abor- (Leo Alexander, “Medical Science Under Dic- tion violates the fundamental historic creeds of the tatorship,” New England Journal of Medicine medical profession? The fifth-century B.C. Hippocratic (14 July 1989):39-47.) oath was a resolution intended to forever separate killing and healing in the medical profession. Previ- Dr. Josef Mengele, the notorious “butcher of ously killing and healing had been incongruously Auschwitz,” epitomized the Nazi ideal of fastidious de- wedded together in the practices of pagan “doctors,” votion to research and medicine, killing innocent who were more like witch doctors. In the Hippocratic people in the name of bettering humanity. I’ll never oath, which was taken routinely by doctors for centu- forget reading the papers several years ago when ries, physicians swore they would never participate they first opened Argentine files concerning Dr. in inducing an abortion. Mengele. It turns out he spent his postwar Daniel, let me appeal to the Hebrew Scriptures years…what would you guess?…performing that I think we both believe. Proverbs 31:8-9 says, abortions. I admit, Daniel, I did not find “Speak up for those who cannot this in the least surprising. speak for themselves, for the rights of Those who commit atroci- all who are destitute. Speak up and ties against one group of judge fairly; defend the rights of the innocent people should be poor and needy.” expected to commit them In our organization we against another. stand up for those who are I read that Hitler killed persecuted for race, gen- 275,000 handicapped people der, religion, age, size, you before he started killing Jews— name it. And if anyone falls when you kill one group of people, into the category of people it makes it easier to kill another. Did who “cannot speak for them- The slippery you know that child abuse has risen selves,” I think it is preborn dramatically in America since abortion children, created in the image of God. slope starts with was legalized? Think about it—if it’s fine to kill a child Martin Luther King said, “Injustice any- before birth, what’s the big deal about beating up the where is a threat to justice everywhere.” By the concept that same child after he’s born? accepting injustice to the unborn, we open the door to In 1948, with the Holocaust still fresh in its memory, those who perpetuate injustice to women, Jews, and some lives have the World Medical Association adopted the Declaration the handicapped, among others. Just as there were of Geneva that said, “I will maintain the utmost respect for those who were so indoctrinated with the anti-Semitic more quality than human life, from the time of conception; even under rhetoric and assumptions of their culture that they threat, I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to embraced them without ever analyzing their inaccu- others. the laws of humanity.” In 1949 the World Medical Asso- racy or their evil, there are many today so indoctri- ciation also adopted the International Code of Medical nated with the anti-preborn rhetoric and assumptions Ethics which said, “A doctor must always bear in mind of their culture, that they embrace them without ever the importance of preserving human life from the time of analyzing their inaccuracy or their evil. Frankly, I am conception until death.” pro-baby for exactly the same reasons I am pro- History has given us a perspective that at the Jewish and pro-black and pro-woman. I think it is time few people had. I believe one day history will entirely inconsistent to pick and choose which hu- give us a perspective on the killing of unborn children mans’ rights we will defend and which we will deny. that few have today. It is relatively easy in retrospect to see the evil of American slavery or Nazi cruelty, but One last question to consider: the issue of choice. at those times and places few saw them because they Laws against false advertising restrict a were being nationally accepted and defended and businessman’s right to free speech. Laws against dis- people became gradually desensitized. The real trick crimination infringe on the freedom of choice of those is seeing the horrors being committed in our own day who would treat minorities unfairly. When others’ rights that are nationally accepted and defended. We have are at stake—and particularly when their very lives Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 Page 5 are at stake, any decent society must restrict the Nearly all violations of human rights have been The prochoice individual’s freedom of choice. Is an innocent person defended on the grounds of the right to choose. being damaged by a woman’s choice to have an The slaveowners in this country a century and position always abortion? If not, no problem. If so, it is a major prob- a half ago were prochoice. They said, “You don’t lem that society cannot afford to ignore. have to own slaves if you don’t want to, but don’t tell overlooks the “Freedom to choose” is too vague for meaning- us we can’t choose to. It’s our right.” Those who ful discussion; we must always ask, “Freedom to wanted slaveholding to be illegal were accused of victim’s right to choose what?” being anti-choice and anti-freedom, and of imposing It’s absurd to defend a specific choice merely on their morality on others. choose. The the basis that it is a choice. Yet if you read The civil rights movement, like the abolitionist the literature and listen to the talk shows, movement one hundred years earlier, vehemently women don’t you see that this is constantly done opposed the exercise of personal rights that much of by prochoice activists. “The right society defended. It was solidly anti-choice when it choose rape. to choose” is a magic slogan that came to racial discrimination. Whites historically had a seems to make all choices free choice to own slaves, and later to have segre- The blacks didn’t equally legitimate. gated lunch counters if they so chose. After all, All of us are in favor of free America was a free country. But the civil rights choose slavery. choice when it comes to where people movement fought to take away that free live, what kind of car they drive, and a choice from them. Likewise, the women’s The Jews thousand matters of personal preference movement fought to take away an that harm no one else. We are also employer’s free choice to discriminate didn’t choose prochoice in matters of religion, poli- against women. tics, and lifestyle, even when Nearly every movement of oppres- the ovens. people choose beliefs and be- sion and exploitation—from slavery, to havior with which we don’t prostitution, to pornography, to drug deal- And the babies agree. But most of us are de- ing, to abortion—has labeled itself cidedly not prochoice when it prochoice. Likewise, opposing move- don’t choose comes to murder, rape, kid- ments offering compassion and deliver- napping, armed robbery, child ance have been labeled anti-choice by abortion. abuse, and genocide. When the exploiters. At least with prostitution, por- we oppose the “right to nography, and drugs, the victim usually has choose” rape or child abuse some choice. In the case of abortion, the or the right to kill people be- victim has no choice. He is society’s most cause of their race or religion, glaring exception to all the high-sounding we aren’t opposing a “right,” rhetoric about the right to choose and the right we’re opposing a “wrong.” And we’re not narrow to live one’s life without interference from others. minded and bigoted for doing so. We’re just decent The prochoice position always overlooks the people concerned for the rights of the innocent. Do victim’s right to choose. The women don’t choose rape. you see the point, Daniel? To be prochoice about The blacks didn’t choose slavery. The Jews didn’t choose someone’s right to kill is to be anti-choice about some- the ovens. And the babies don’t choose abortion. one else’s right to live. If you ever want to talk about this—or about the Whenever we hear the term prochoice, we must question of who Jesus was and is—I’m here, Daniel. ask the all-important question, “What choice are we Best wishes, my friend. You are obviously a very talking about?” Given the facts about abortion, the intelligent and articulate young man. I pray that God question really becomes, “Do you think people should will use for his glory—and for the good of others—the have the right to choose to kill innocent children if gifts he has given you. that’s what they want to do?” Randy Alcorn

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Page 6 Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 Son of Martyr Ed McCully Responds to Safely Home

March 11, 2004 tears started flowing when he met Dear Mr. Alcorn, Nate and Jim and Pete and I wanted to write to let you know how much I Roger and my dad, Ed McCully. have enjoyed reading your books and to thank you I’ve been proud of my dad for the time and energy you spend in your writing. my whole life, although I was too Your writing is inspiring, motivating, and challenging young when he died to remem- lots of people in their walk with God, and also intro- ber him, but reading page 384 ducing many to God and reaching some for God, and of Safely Home without having my prayer is that you are encouraged in your ser- any idea that was coming was vice and that you know the Lord is using you. one of the most touching moments My wife and I just got back from a vacation that of my life. It meant more to me included our first ever cruise and a visit to Panama to than I can ever express on pa- Ed McCully, see a little bit of the filming of the movie “Walk His Trail” per, but I wanted to thank you for including my dad , which is the life story of , who was one of the and his four buddies with all of those other folks. What killers of the Nate, Jim, Ed, Pete and Roger that you a thrill it is to think of all those folks hanging out to- mentioned near the end of Safely Home. gether in heaven. I read that part to my mother and she was very moved as well, so I’m writing to thank you on behalf of our whole family. Thanks again for all you do serv- On January 2, ing our Lord, and don’t feel like you have to respond to this letter. I know 1956, five you must be a very busy guy—just keep on doing good for God. were Gratefully, Steve McCully P.S. I loved Deadline also! massacred by the

On 5/3/04 Steve added another Auca tribe in note: My dear, sweet mother has died , while and gone to heaven, and we are caught between rejoicing for her and how bringing the happy she is being in the presence of Barb Younderian and daughter Beth, her Lord and Savior and reunited with knowledge of Marilou McCully and son Steve, Marge Saint my dad after over 48 years, and crying and son Steve, Olive Fleming, every time we turn around from missing Christ to them. her so much already. Mincaye accepted Christ about 4 years after he My mother had lived with my wife and I for the took part in killing those 5 men and has been walking last eight and a half years, and she just died after her God’s trail ever since, and is now one of the leaders fourth different cancer...first 1988, then 2000, then of his tribe’s Church. I’m sure this movie will reach lots 2002 and finally this one. It just happened that I of folks for Christ! chose to read In Light of Eternity first from the pile of Anyway, when we left on our trip I wanted some books you sent us, and I’m still not good stuff to read, and my brother recommended through, but he had me crying again Safely Home and I was hooked as soon as I read the where he described the death of his dedication, and was fascinated, challenged, motivated mother and telling his daughter about and inspired every page of the way. it. I am learning a lot about heaven I was totally moved and inspired before I got to from Mr. Alcorn, and I’m already page 384 where Li Quan is in heaven meeting Gra- eager to read the book he is work- ham Staines and his 2 sons and Juan Coy and ing on. Heaven is sounding better Hudson Taylor and the first martyr Stephen, and the and better.

Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 Page 7 An Apology and Clarification About Mel Gibson by Randy Alcorn

Warning: Don’t ever take an email you wrote retrospect, I should not have given examples of the to a small group of friends and turn it into a printed kind of sins that could result in scandal, even though article, unless you first edit it very carefully, or ask I stated I had no reason to believe they would hap- someone else to. pen. I received a half dozen letters from people who I made that mistake in the last Eternal Perspec- were offended, and likely their letters represented tives when I included “Reflections the Day After See- many more who didn’t write. It’s common for me to ing The Passion of the Christ.” offend people because of stating the truth, but in this I praised the movie, despite its minor inaccura- case, I unwisely included a sentence that was unnec- cies, saying, “The essentials of the Gospel were pre- essary and which undercut an important point I was served” and “There is no doubt in my mind that seek- trying to make. I sincerely apologize. ing hearts could come (and are coming) to a genuine My positive words about Mel Gibson’s work on faith in Christ through this movie.” As I stated, “To say this movie were completely eclipsed by that single I unwisely that of a popular box-office mainstream movie in this sentence, so much so that the disclaimer was over- culture is nothing short of astounding.” shadowed. An editor would probably have caught included I then expressed my sincere appreciation for this. I should have asked someone to read it over Mel Gibson’s labors, but offered a caution about put- before printing it, but I didn’t. a sentence ting him on a pedestal. I said, “Let’s align ourselves One writer said, “Adding a disclaimer in paren- wholeheartedly with the central truths this movie pow- thesis didn’t make it OK! Warning people not to el- that was erfully portrays—precisely because they are true to evate Mr. Gibson and to focus on Jesus was great Jesus and God’s Word—but let’s be very careful and advice, but you should have stopped there.” I agree. unnecessary and cautious when it comes to joining the Mel Gibson fan She was absolutely right. club. If Mel Gibson is discredited, and we have failed Another said, “I don’t find either grace or truth which undercut to maintain a separation between him and the biblical in this section of your review.” This response illus- content of the movie, then the gospel will be discred- trated how I managed to bury my comments, which an important ited. (And even if this doesn’t happen—and I pray it were 95% positive, under my unwise statement. won’t—elevating celebrities still isn’t healthy, for us or Having sincerely apologized, I will now quote point I was trying them.)” from the letters of two readers whose words, I fear, I also said, “I think Mel Gibson is genuine, and illustrate exactly the concern I was raising: to make. I’m certain that God has used him with this film. But “You can never make me think like you do, that celebrity-worship is idolatry and is a dangerous game, Mel Gibson will someday cause a scandal…I see I sincerely already too rampant with our own evangelical celeb- nothing but goodness coming from this man. Please rities. It is unworthy of the bride of Christ, who should do not write about people you do not know and think apologize. have eyes only for Jesus.” they are just like anybody else.” All this I believed and still believe. Unfortunately, Personally, I think Mel Gibson would say that I clouded this by including one line that began, “We he is like anybody else, and that he would never could find out tomorrow he is…” and gave three ex- say of himself—any more than I would say of amples of sins that are very common in our society, myself—“I see nothing but goodness coming from and particularly common in Hollywood. I emphatically me.” I saw Mel Gibson interviewed and heard him stated, “I have no reason to believe any of these freely acknowledge that he’s an unworthy sinner. things.” I didn’t and I don’t. By asking “What would So am I. happen if?” I was trying to alert us to how important it Another woman wrote, “When I read your ar- was to separate the movie’s message from the direc- ticle, I was very upset…Mel Gibson is a great man tor. Many celebrities ex- who truly the dear Lord Jesus has chosen as his alted by Christians have in instrument to spread His message. Mel is very humble fact fallen, and the gospel and more mature than almost anyone in recent has been maligned as a re- years…You must want him to fall…Mr. Gibson is sult. following Jesus in the way Jesus wants all of us to Though particularities follow Him. Instead of tearing him down, we should are usually more helpful (if we’re truly Christian) support him. I would suggest than generalities, in this you look into your own motives for writing the article. case it was the opposite. In I read envy and jealousy into it.”

Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 Page 8 In reality, I did not tear down Mel Gibson. My be treated even if he didn’t want to—a sinner saved article expressed strong support and respect for him by Christ’s unfathomable grace, demonstrated on the for this undertaking. And I certainly don’t want him to cross. fall. On the contrary, I’ve prayed that he would not fall, I repeat what I said in the article: “Pray for him, but would grow in grace and enjoy a closer walk with absolutely, selectively agree with and support him, …The central Christ. I wish you would pray the same for me. I will be yes, but don’t make him—or anyone else— delighted if Mel Gibson continues to grow and becomes Christianity’s poster boy or spokesperson…Every time and dominant a powerful long-term ambassador for Christ, as, for in- Christians get mesmerized by and try to capitalize on stance, Chuck Colson has. (Colson is a celebrity con- fame and celebrity, it ends up hurting them, biting us message of the vert who has stayed true to Jesus.) and undermines rather than elevates our Lord.” As for envy and jealousy, I’m fully capable of I end by repeating my summary concerning movie is true either. But the truth is, I wouldn’t trade places with Mel The Passion of Jesus Christ: “Because the central Gibson for all the money and fame in the world—in- and dominant message of the movie is true to Scrip- to Scripture… deed, those are crosses I would not want to bear. I pray ture—to the most vital core of the gospel—we are God will give him the grace and strength to stand true. right to respond in profound gratitude to God for bring- So, I ask for two things: first, please forgive me ing the person and work of Christ to theaters and for including that ill-advised sentence. Second, please secular talk shows across the nation, and around the treat Mel Gibson as he wants to be treated, and should world.”

Randy Alcorn Speaking at Cannon Beach Conference Center

Randy Alcorn will be speaking at Can- non Beach Conference Center in Can- non Beach, Oregon, August 28-Septem- ber 3, 2004. He’ll be bringing 10 different messages on a variety of subjects in- cluding the New Earth. To register or for more information, call 800-745-1546 or visit their website at www.cbcc.net

Prayer Requires Christian Living by Saint Augustine

My brothers and sisters, Rest assured, my brothers and sisters, Let us be wary of praying to Christ with our mouths You will receive. But remaining mute in our life. Ask, seek, knock; Who is it that prays to Christ? You will receive and find, The person who spurns worldly pleasures. And it will be opened to you. The person who says— However, do not ask, seek, and knock Not in words but in conduct— With your voice alone “The world has been crucified to me But with your life as well. and I to the world” (Gal 6:14). Do the works your life should never be without. The person who lavishly gives to the poor (Ps 112:9). Saint Augustine: Sermon 88

Page 9 Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 It Is Time to Take a Stand: Four ways Christians can respond to the same-sex marriage debate by Dennis Rainey, Director, Family Life

Rosie O’Donnell, the former television talk show There are those who think this issue does not host turned gay activist, shared an interesting per- affect them or their families. This notion is unfortu- sonal story with Diane Sawyer on ABC’s “Primetime nately inaccurate. Let me give you just three ex- Live.” Rosie told how her 6-year-old son, Parker, amples how I believe life in America will change in the asked, “Mommy, why can’t I have a daddy?” months and years ahead: Stop for a moment and consider the implication First, expect educators who will insist that the of little Parker’s question. Here’s a boy who will never pictures in your child’s textbooks be changed to show know the joy of being raised by a father. He’ll never same-sex couples as “normal.” Your child will likely experience a dad tucking him in bed at night, reading be required to attend “sensitivity training” classes to him a book, wrestling him to the ground, or tossing relate to children who are raised in same-sex homes. him a football. Why? I believe private schools will not be exempted from Rosie—and those who advocate the reckless this process. move toward same-sex marriage—appears to be Second, churches and pastors will legally be more concerned about a personal agenda rather restrained from taking biblical stands against the prac- than what is best for the child. Rosie’s son longs for a tice of homosexuality. Such prophetic pronounce- The battle over father but has two mothers instead. ments will be declared intolerant and discriminatory. Rosie’s re- There could be a day in same-sex sponse to her son’s the not-too-distant future question? She said, when churches are marriage will “Because I’m the forced to provide same- kind of mommy who sex weddings. redefine wants another Third, same-sex mommy.” marriage will not be the marriage and Rosie’s gain is last stop on this runaway her son’s loss. agenda of those who family and Tragically, would socially recon- America is standing struct America. As Ameri- therefore on the threshold of cans adjust to the new raising a generation reality of gay marriage, redefine our of children in same- these social engineers sex homes where there will be either no father or no will lobby for polygamy, group marriage, and open nation. mother to love, care or provide a model for masculin- marriage. ity or femininity. This is indeed about “human rights”— At this rate, we are going to experience the a child’s “rights”. A boy and a girl ought to have “the deconstruction of the most basic unit of our nation— right” to feel the whiskers of a father and the soft, marriage. Dr. Carl Zimmerman studied the civiliza- smooth skin of a mother when he or she gets a good tions of history and in 1947 wrote a powerful book, night kiss on the cheek. History and Civilization. As a Harvard sociologist, his The battle over same-sex marriage will rede- research documented that what took place in the fine marriage and family and therefore redefine our family also impacted the civilization at large. When nation. As the moral standard bearer of the the family began to fall apart, that civilization unrav- culture, the Christian community dares not eled. He noted that the last phase of a family was to be silent. We cannot abdicate our re- marked by sexual perversions of all kinds and a sponsibility to be “salt and light” by allow- redefinition of marriage. This generally represented ing a vocal few to steam roll the masses. I the final stage of societal disintegration. believe now, more than ever, is the time for We’re already seeing this downward spiral in the church to let its light shine before men in Scandinavian countries. Marriage has fallen out of such a way that they may see our good favor as a trusted institution. Statistics report that 60 works and glorify our Father in heaven percent of all the children being born in Scandinavia (Matthew 5:16). are born out of wedlock. These children will not know

Page 10 Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 what it means to grow up in a home that has a mommy bulletin. The brochure explains God’s design for and a daddy in a committed relationship called mar- marriage and why the definition of marriage should riage and family. not be changed. It also provides direction on how to I confess, I used to be one of those who thought respond to the same-sex marriage movement. I wouldn’t see the deconstruction of the family in my We have also provided a downloadable PDF lifetime. But after talking to a few friends across the file of the brochure on our website with printer-ready country and taking the time to learn more about the art that you can share with your pastor to put in the issue, I can see the snowball is rolling downhill and bulletin. Let me challenge you to download the infor- Websites Ministering picking up speed. This progression of a decompos- mation now, and take it with you to your church on to Homosexuals: ing family structure will have a profound impact on my Sunday and ask your pastor to use this information www.desertstream.org family and yours. as a bulletin insert. (Desert Stream Ministries, There will be no escape for our children and Third, pray. The message of the Bible from be- ministering the life of Jesus to grandchildren. Or you. ginning to end has always been that our God is the the sexually & relationally broken) God Who’s in charge. He is the Sovereign Lord of the u What are you going to do when your new www.exodus-international.org universe. Isaiah 59:1-2 says, same-sex neighbors and their kids begin to call your (Exodus International, the largest Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short that it kids to come over and play at their house? Christian referral and information cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. ministry dealing with homosexual u What will you do when the evening news But your iniquities have made a separation between issues in our world today) shows two men or two women you and your God, kissing, again as though it is www.lifeguardministries.org and your sins have normal? (LifeGuard Ministries, offering hidden His face u What will you do freedom from homosexuality from you so that He when your child is forced to through Jesus Christ) does not hear. take classes that teach toler- As we pray, www.livehope.org ance and acceptance of a wide some of us may (Living Hope Ministries, extending range of alternate lifestyles? information and services to help need to begin with u What will you do understand homosexuality from a a prayer of repen- when your daughter brings redemptive Christian Perspective) tance over our atti- home a young man she’s in www.loveinaction.org tude toward the sin love with who grew up in a (Love In Action, finding freedom in of homosexuality home with a lesbian couple? Jesus Christ) and people who practice it. There has been hatred, As a young man, how could he possibly know how to anger, a failure to be compassionate, and a lack of www.wheregraceabounds.org treat his wife? proactive love in reaching out to victims of AIDS who (Where Grace Abounds, guiding and supporting men and women Now is the time for the Christian community to are in the homosexual community. Ask the Lord for who seek to understand sexuality take clear, courageous action. forgiveness and then ask Him to show us how to be and relationship and to inspire all First, if you’re not fully informed about compassionate and to love those who do not yet people to know and personally what’s happening, get informed today. In many know Him. appropriate God’s plan for their regards, the battle for marriage has just begun. Learn Finally, we need to step up and stand for sexuality and relationships) how this watershed moment in our history is going to the truth. Isaiah 59:14-15 warns, www.settingcaptivesfree.com impact your children, your communities, and your Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands (Setting Captives Free, providing nation. far away; for truth has stumbled in the street, and Christ-centered hope and Second, help educate others. We at uprightness cannot enter. Yes, truth is lacking; and he freedom) FamilyLife have created a brochure that you can who turns aside from evil makes himself a prey. www.sbministries.org hand out to friends and insert into your church If we do not press back against that which is evil, (Stephen Bennett Ministries, a and if we do not lovingly and compassionately pro-family organization led by a confront the darkness with the truth, we (our mar- former homosexual) riages, families and children) will be preyed upon by the very evil that we were meant to conquer. Indeed, it is time to take a stand. Will you join me?

(Used by permission of Family Life, a division of Campus Crusade for Christ. “Preserving The Family Brochures” [20 pack] can be ordered at the Family Life website, www.familylife.com/ familyroom or call 1-800-FL-TODAY)

Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 Page 11 Distinctive Teachings of Biblical Christianity by Randy Alcorn

I was asked some years ago to state “the es- 4. SIN: sentials” of Christian beliefs. Much could be added and some subtracted, but this is what I came up with. All that is contrary to God’s character and com- mand (“missing the mark”) Severed man’s relationship with God All men are sinners. 1. BIBLE: Death (separation) is the necessary conse- Inspired by God (“God-breathed”): quence of sin. words are the expression of God’s mind, Because of sin, man is destined for eternal and therefore trustworthy death (Hell, i.e., separation from God). Writers used own style and Man is left with a “hole” in his heart that only thoughts but God revealed, guided, God can fill; but he attempts to fill it with power, plea- and protected from error sure, possessions, religious activity, etc.—all are dead- Solely and finally au- end streets that can’t bring fulfillment. thoritative; all else is subordi- nated to it and judged by it, in- cluding personal experience, human wisdom, or supposed 5. CHRIST: new revelation (spoken or writ- Second person of the triune God (Son) ten) God in the fullest sense of the term Sent to earth, born of a virgin—man in the fullest sense 2. GOD: Holy and perfect; only sinless man Willingly took upon Himself the sins of all men; Creator of all things in their original form suffered ultimate punishment for their sins (death pen- Personal—thinks, feels, chooses alty) All-knowing, all powerful, infinite, unchange- Rose from the dead, conquering sin and death able, sovereign Ascended to heaven, where He is now One God, existing in three persons (the Coming again to bring: 1) judgment on sin Trinity) and rebellious humanity; 2) deliverance for His people Distinct from all that He created Christ is unique—not just a great teacher or Everywhere present and vitally concerned one in a string of prophets. with human affairs The central figure of God’s plan of human Biblical Self-revealing; communicates to men history Loving and gracious Provided eternal salvation for all who will know Christianity is Holy; separated from and committed against Him all that is contrary to His character fundamentally a His character is the basis of all morality. relationship with 6. SALVATION: 3. MAN: Recognizing God’s holy character and one’s Christ, not a own sin and guilt before God, and asking Jesus Christ Created in God’s image to forgive his sin and bring him into right relationship religion about Personal—thinks, feels, chooses, communi- with God cates According to His promise, God forgives. Christ. Unique, different from other creation—not sim- Takes place immediately upon accepting ply in degree, but in kind Christ—fruit confirms this Created to have intimate relationship and fel- Is purely a gift of God—cannot be worked for, lowship with God earned, or achieved; can only be gratefully accepted Since the Fall, man is committed to rebellion Man could never have salvation apart from against God in thought and action. Christ.

Page 12 Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 Christ is the only way of salvation—not “a but only by actively trusting in Christ for his salva- way,” but “the way”—salvation is in no one or noth- tion. ing else. Anyone who wishes may become a Chris- tian, as empowered by God’s Spirit God has offered the gift to all—everyone ac- 7. CHRISTIAN: cepts Him or rejects Him There is no middle Christ is the only One who has per- ground—to not accept sonally embraced God’s Christ is, in fact, to reject way of salvation— gift of substitutionary Him. Rejection is by choice atonement in Christ, one or default not “a way,” but who has recognized Becoming a Chris- and repented of his sin tian is accepting a Person, “the way.” and put his faith (belief not a package or a religious and trust) in Jesus Christ system. alone as the Son of God and his per- sonal Savior from sin One does not become a Christian by do- NOTE: All of the above statements are clearly ing good things, going to church, being baptized, taught in the Bible. Specific references can be or being raised in a Christian family or country, supplied upon request.

Ministry to Prisoners Over the years we’ve received hundreds of letters from prisoners requesting copies of Randy’s books, and we’re happy to provide them free of charge. Here is a sample of the many letters we’ve received:

Dear Mr. Alcorn, I am a prisoner, serving a sentence for second degree robbery. Your book, Deadline, has impacted me in a way nothing else has ever done, ever! My life will never be the same. For this, I will be grateful to you and Jesus Christ forever. Even though I was raised in a Conservative Baptist household, it was very dysfunc- tional. I rebelled against my family and the church (including Jesus). I spent nearly 25 years searching...for a purpose, a sort of, “Why am I here?” attitude. This was a very destructive path. A friend gave me your book, saying he received it from a family member, but it was not his kind of book. After I read it, I met with him to give the book back. He asked me why my face looked so different. I said, “I found the purpose to my life, thanks to this book.” He then told me this was the first time he had ever seen me smile! He’s reading your book now. Will you please send me any other books you’ve written? I will devour them, and then pass them on. Thank you, J. W., Ontario, OR

If you have a particular interest in this ministry and would like to help us underwrite the cost of providing and sending Randy’s books to prisoners, you may send a check to EPM designated “books for prisoners” on the memo line. Thanks for your consideration of this specific outreach to prisoners.

Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 Page 13 Bring Me the Books by Ravi Zacharias

The Old Testament millennial motif was portrayed have all had occasion to purchase as classics, as “Each man under his own fig tree.” I have often books that have served ulterior purposes. It is needled my father-in-law that with his confessed mi- said that a lady once wrote to Dr. A. W. Tozer, the nor vice; for him it would be better stated, “Each man famed mystic, and thanked him for his Christian in his own donut shop.” We both wholeheartedly con- journal, for it perfectly fit her bird cage. Groucho cur that as a culinary delight, a donut has a ring of Marx once responded to a friend turned author, innocent pleasure to it, albeit brief. But that is not all my “From the moment I picked your book up until I father-in-law and I have in common. We also speak laid it down, I was convulsed with laughter. Some to each other in wistful terms of the finest used book- day I intend to read it.” I suspect there are books stores in the world that we have visited. It gives the like that in our experience, which, while not quite nostalgic mood a whole new lump in the throat. I must generating hilarity when held in hand, have nev- concede, however, that the most unforgettable story ertheless never entered the mind. One critic of he recounts of his bookstore experiences has all the Stephen Hawking’s best- others I have heard soundly beaten. selling book, A He tells of the time he was doing his usual pe- Brief History of rusing in a sophisticated used bookstore in Toronto, Time, which which caters to the academic community, rich in clas- shattered all sical tradition. Suddenly, into that silent, reflective set- records on the ting, strode a rugged and roughshod individual in his best-seller list in greasy overalls, and full-throatedly inquired of the the United King- ...Ideas that man behind the counter how much it would cost to dom, said that it buy 128 feet of books. Somewhat confounded by this would be the come through oxymoronic request—for never before had he sold most bought and such scholarly works by the foot—the owner be- least read book reading give us trayed his bewilderment and asked the purchaser in recent memory. what exactly he had in mind. As he eagerly awaited I recall four years ago, when our family was the privilege of the answer, he was keenly aware that every reader visiting John Bunyan’s home in Bedford, England, within earshot had paused from his or her reading, being so overwhelmed by the worldwide impact of the sovereignty ears pinned in hopes of new enlightenment. his book, The Pilgrim’s Progress. Outside of the Bible, The mystery was unraveled as the buyer re- no book in history has been translated into so many of our own vealed that he had been hired by a group of trade languages and enjoyed such voluminous sales. As I union leaders, who were to be hosting their educated left his house, now a museum, I remarked to the imagination, counterparts in management in an effort to break a woman at the ticket desk how thrilling it was that an deadlock in some highly volatile negotiations. To deco- ordinary tinker had told the story of salvation in such unlike pictures rate their offices, and convey the intimidating air of lucid and imaginative terms—possibly better than being literary and ideological heavyweights, they had anyone else in post-biblical times. Even our little boy, which enforce ordered books by the length that would adorn their Nathan, then 8 years old, had read The Pilgrim’s walls and terrify the opposition. Progress in the children’s version. She looked up sovereignty Solomon reminds us that there is nothing new somewhat embarrassed and said, “I suppose it is a under the sun, and great book; I have never read it.” That statement upon us. so I suspect that this should make Ripley add another anecdote to his lim- was not the first itless publication. And so it is, that even one sur- such scenario in rounded wall-to-wall by one of the bestselling books history. Some- of all time could leave it unread. where, somehow, it I am absolutely convinced that the books one has been lived out reads possibly help mold one’s life more purposefully before with different and eternally than we ever realize, and that it is the details, but identical humiliation of the word in our time that has beggared intentions. After all, us more than any other factor. May I propose three jockeying for liter- vital strengths that reading imparts to the life of a per- ary superiority is as son, and the cautions that pertain. old as the printed First of all, our Lord Himself reminded us of page. In fact, we the superiority of the word, even to that of the

Page 14 Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 miraculous event. We are prone to tenderly set a Enemy,” says the senior devil. Sometime later the halo on the forehead of the supernatural, ever exag- young imp returns and says, “We lost him, he has gerating its value. Yet, of the surviving five brothers gone all the way over to the Enemy’s side.” “How did after the death of the rich man, our Lord said they had that happen?” inquires the evil one. “Well,” comes the sufficient grounds for accountability, as they already answer, “he started to take a long walk every morn- had Moses and the Prophets. Indeed, raising one ing, just for the pleasure of it, and on these walks, the from the dead would evoke no different a response Enemy became more audible to him. Further, he read from he whose will was wantonly wrongheaded. Read- a good book, just for the pleasure of it, and the Enemy ing entails accountability, and an informed mind, found him more receptive.” “That’s where you blew though not a guarantee for wise living, is neverthe- it,” comes the response. “If you had only had him less indispensable to it. Read- walk for the sake of exercise, it would have ing becomes even more im- become dreaded and tedious, de- portant as modern communi- void of pleasure. If you had cation goes for the sound only had him reading so he bite and misses the larger could parrot the contents to context. someone else, reading Second, ideas would become burdensome that come through and boring rather than plea- reading give us the surable. We could then privilege of the sovereignty of have easily snared him.” our own imagination, unlike pictures The application is which enforce sovereignty upon us. obvious. The nearer we It is often said that a picture is worth a are to legitimate pleasure the nearer thousand words, but it took words to pay we get to God’s voice, and one of the such a compliment to the picture, and oft greatest pleasures of all is a good book. The times a word can engender a thousand pic- apostle Paul wrote to Timothy from prison, “Bring tures. The memorable words of Alexander Pope come me the books,” for a book could break the mind The nearer we to mind, as he described the miracle at Cana of Gali- out beyond the walls and spell freedom. Charles lee: “The conscious water saw its Master and Dickens reminded his children to read well, but are to blushed.” What bliss those words evoke, stirring even above all the books in the world to read the scrip- the slumbering spirit. And it is still words that link our tures, for the Bible alone was supreme, the Book legitimate lives each day as vehicles of our thoughts, our in- of books. To that I add, God Himself must believe tents, and our promises. In his autobiography, Charles in books or he would not have given us one. pleasure the Darwin said that when his life played itself into his Maybe someday, someone may meet up with scientific hypothesis, he experienced the staggering those union leaders and gently remind them that nearer we get to impoverishment of losing all appreciation for music. while many books around us may convey the The melody, in effect, had left his life, and his scientific impression of being well read, only the Bible gives God’s voice, and theories struck a discordant note in the face of life’s to us the ultimate guidelines of what it means to read romantic symphony. To that note he sold his being. well. The heavenly motif may not be out of line, envi- one of the So it is, I believe, when we lose the power to read; life sioned as becomes monotonous and imprisons us in the deso- each person greatest lation of our own little sounds. in his or her Finally (and this is more a hazard than a gain), own book- pleasures of all is reading merely as a conduit for impressing other people store, espe- is somewhat akin to a sprinkler in a garden that sends cially when a good book. forth distant drops of nourishment, but leaves the im- graced by mediate terrain hard, dry and unproductive. the greatest I began this article linking the idea of pleasure to Author of all. the bite of a donut bringing momentary delight. I dare What a book suggest that a good book is as delectable as a slice of signing that infinity, lasting a lifetime. Let me explain. C. S. Lewis in will be! It his book, Screwtape Letters, has an incredibly pow- would be erful exchange take place between a senior and a great to see junior devil. The junior one is being urged to go and our friend in lure an individual suspended between going God’s his overalls way or the devil’s way. “Go get him away from the there.

Eternal Perspectives, Summer 2004 Page 15 Ann Hasseltine Judson: America’s First Female Foreign

What would make a twenty-one-year-old, single a society that didn’t allow women many rights, educa- Massachusetts girl want to travel half-way around the tion, or say in who they were to marry. world to live in a society that had no knowledge of In 1822 bad health drove Ann back to America. God? She used this time to write a history of the Burmese After accepting Christ as her Savior at the age of mission, American Baptist Mission to the Burman sixteen, Ann Hasseltine experienced the New En- Empire, which inspired many to become missionar- gland religious revival of 1806, prompting her to dedi- ies, especially women. cate her life to God. By the age of twenty-one (1810), The year 1823 brought Ann back to her home she knew she wanted to be a missionary in a foreign in Rangoon, and also war between Britain and land. While attending a missionary meeting hosted by Burma. The Burmese associated Americans with How do you her father, she heard four young students from the British, and thus threw Adoniram into prison, Andover Theological Seminary petition to be sent as assuming he was a spy. They also detained Ann, explain a God foreign missionaries. One of them was Adoniram who was pregnant, making her a prisoner in her Judson, who was invited to the Hasseltine home for own home. She was able to secretly provide who is eternal to dinner. They were soon engaged. Adoniram and other prisoners with supplies and On February 5, 1812, they were married. The food, and dedicated her time trying to influence a people who next day they started on a four-month ocean journey the governor to free her husband. for Calcutta, India, with six other missionaries. At the Three months after their daughter was born, have never time, both the government of India and the East India Adoniram caught a tropical fever. Ann cared for him Company were opposed to missions. Soon the mis- until the guards secretly moved him to another prison heard such a sionaries were ordered to leave the country. eight miles away. Ann followed, but became seriously So on July 13, 1813, they began their work in a ill with smallpox and spotted fever. concept, let alone land that had never heard the gospel, the seaport of When the war ended, Adoniram was freed and Rangoon, Burma (located between India and China). joined his wife and daughter after being imprisoned have words in After learning Burmese, they began translating for eighteen months. But because of the weakness the Scriptures, but ran up against roadblocks. How brought on by the illnesses, Ann died of a fever at the their language to do you explain a God who is eternal to a people who age of thirty-seven. Her daughter died six months have never heard such a concept, and have no later. accurately words in their language to accurately describe God, Was their sacrifice worth it? After twenty-four Heaven, and eternity? years, Adoniram had translated the entire Bible into describe God, As they worked among the people, they hoped Burmese. By the time of his death in 1850, Burma that their lives would convince the Burmese people of had sixty-three churches with 163 missionaries and Heaven, and their need for Christ. But after nine years, they had native church leaders to carry on his mission. only eighteen converts. Ann became part of the culture, adopting Bur- (This article was compiled and edited by Bonnie Hiestand using the following eternity? sources: Glimpses: Ann Hasseltine Judson: First American Woman Mis- mese traditional dress, and forming a society of Bur- sionary; Christian Biography Resources [www.wholesomewords.org/biogra- mese women who met together to pray and read the phy/biorpannjudson.html]; History’s Women: The Unsung Heroines Scriptures. In her own way, she sought to overcome [www.historyswomen.com/AnnJudson.htm].)

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