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FOCUS ON DA VINCI
Focus on the Family, recognizing that millions of Americans of all faiths will fill theater seats when The Da Vinci Code releases May 19, is offering resources by top Christian scholars online at go.family.org/davinci to help moviegoers better understand and answer the questions raised in the novel.
"We realize that we won't be able to stop people from seeing this film, but we can be prepared to answer their questions," said Alex McFarland, director of teen apologetics for Focus on the Family. "Entertainment media has the ability to change history. Oliver Stone's JFK altered the way a generation viewed the Kennedy assassination; The Da Vinci Code may change the way future generations view Christianity. Christians need to be educated and ready to respond to the critical questions millions will be asking."
The Web site compiles original content from key Christian leaders, including Lee Strobel and Josh McDowell. The site also serves as a portal for news media seeking a greater understanding of the evangelical objections to Dan Brown's story.
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MYCHRISTIANSPACE
A new competitor with social network MySpace is the invitation-only Christian-based XIANZ.COM, offering a safe environment for teens and people of all ages to interact with others of the same or similar interests. Among other safeguards, settings can be specified that allow only people of the same age range to communicate.
The site features customized profiles with photos, video and music, private and instant messaging, online blogs, personal message boards, birthday reminders and invites, shared interests, friends lists and shout outs, groups, events and listings.
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DIRECTV CELEBRATES EASTER
"Songs of Praise" is an exclusive, DIRECTV original, one-hour Easter special scheduled to feature performances from several inspirational gospel artists and choirs across the country. Hosted by NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip and Dove Award-winning vocalist Nicole C. Mullen, guests include Kirk Franklin, Point of Grace and some of the country's most renowned church choirs.
Airing on DIRECTV channel 103, "Songs of Praise" premieres 6 a.m. EST/ 3 a.m. PST on Friday, April 14, continuing with back to back airings throughout Easter Weekend.
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L.A. SYMPHONY HITS THE ROAD WITH MYSPACE AND WORLD VISION
Hip-hop collective L.A. Symphony will hit the road on the "Driven By The Facts Tour" April 15-May 26. The tour, sponsored by Myspace and World Vision, will criss-cross the nation from Los Angeles and Seattle on to Florida and end up back in Los Angeles. Avatar/Universal recording artist Deux Process will be the opening act on the tour, with surprise guests slated for the final show date.
For info on L.A. Symphony, check out www.Gotee.com or the official artist website www.LASymphony.com
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WRESTLING WITH ANGELS ... SORTA
A friend passed this news item along from The Week, March 31, 2006:
"Evangelicals are now trying to save souls through Christian wrestling. Groups such as Ultimate Christian Wrestling and Wrestling for Jesus employ teams of masked, spandex-clad evangelists to dramatize the ongoing battle between Good and Evil to paying customers at community centers throughout Bible Belt states. 'I'm not going to sit here and listen to a shirt-and-tie preacher,' said Timothy 'T-Money' Blackmon, owner of the Wrestling for Jesus tour, 'but I might listen to a guy in spandex. Because he's like me.'"
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TOP 10 HEADLINES AT CHRIS WELL: LEARNING CURVE
01. OPEN FOR BUSINESS: VISIONARY COMICS
02. ITW SPOTLIGHT ON CHRIS WELL (ME)
04. LEIGH NASH: ONEPENCE NONE THE RICHER
05. Q&A WITH R.K. MORTENSON, PT. 1
06. SURPRISES IN THE NARNIA FILM
08. ARE YOU MONKISH?
10. PINKY AND THE BRAIN: WORLD DOMINATION TOUR
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