Environmental turning point

The Turning Point Project has a two-fold purpose. It aims to inform the public about what it feels is an impending ecological crisis while also providing opportunities for concerned citizens to help reverse the damage being done to the environment.

It has produced a series of educational advertisements that focus on particular topics—extinction of species, genetic engineering, forests, bio-invasion (the ability of nonnative species to invade an ecosystem, often through human actions), and land management, among others. The advertisements include a telephone number that readers can call for more in formation and for the names of organizations that are working on these issues. There is also a Web site: www.turnpoint.org.

CHURCHES AT THE STADIUM?

One of the leading trend trackers in the United States and around the world, Faith Popcorn, talked with Spirit magazine about new directions business and society will take in the next ten years. Speaking of religious organizations, she said, "Following the marketing precept of 'fish where the fish are,' churches, mosques, synagogues, and New-Age services will open minibraches in corners where people congregate—at malls, sports arenas, beach parking lots."

Reported by Robert Deitz
"Faith In The Future" October 1999

Beware of black metal rock

A product of the 1980s, many bands that play "black metal" music aim to attract suburban teens to white supremacist ideas. The music is described by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as "vehemently anti-Christian."

According to the SPLC, the music's hate-filled lyrics encourage young people to violently reject those who are not white. In the United States during the last five years, it has "grown exponentially." Reports from former adherents affirm that the lyrics influence thought. As one young man who gave up "black metal" put it, "The music we listened to, how we talked, it got into your mind. ... Then you'd start acting like that."

"Sounds of Violence"
Intelligence Report Fall, 1999

RELIGIOUS E-COMMERCE

"I think the Internet's a great place for people who wouldn't be caught dead in a Christian store to shop," says Les Dietzman, chief executive of iBelieve.com, one of several Christian companies seeking to meet the religious needs of people via the World Wide Web. Besides the expected church-going customers, Dietzman and his colleagues hope that iBelieve.com will also attract shoppers who are new to Christian products. "It's a real blend of a business and a ministry," he said.

Reported by Lisa Singhania
"Shopping for Religion"
The Sun (Lowell, MA) January 31, 2000.

Women in prison

According to Christianity Today, the number of women who have been incarcerated has increased 516% since 1980. Of the 130,000 in prison today, most did not commit violent crimes.

A growing concern is the effect on children. A survey by U.S. News & World Report in 1999 revealed that "between 40 and 60 percent of female juvenile offenders said their mothers were or had been incarcerated."

Various prison ministry groups are working to change the lives of inmates and their families in order to break this cycle. Organizations like the Women's Criminal Justice Network in Texas help connect the women with church mentors who will guide them to a more Christ-centered way of life.

Reported by Jody Veenker
"Setting Captives Free"
Christianity Today January 10, 2000

A mother's prayers

When Julia Straus was twelve, she had trouble sleeping. Her mother responded by writing a little prayer, which she left on her daughter's pillow. The arrangement continued for years, providing spiritual support for Julia while she was growing up. Now, these prayers have been adapted into a very successful book entitled Prayers on My Pillow by Julia's mom, Celia Straus.

The book has hit a chord among both parents and children. Straus maintains a Web site (www.girlprayers.com), which gets thirty-five thousand hits a month, many from girls looking for guidance and for spiritual help.

Reported by Libby Copeland
"Pray Tell: An Inspired Idea" The Washington Post October 4, 1999