Walter Martin Ministries Blog

2009-06-26T12:59:00.008-05:00

Today marks the 20th Anniversary of my father's death. In some ways, I still cannot believe it--he died so suddenly and left such a big, empty place in our lives. As sad as we are without him, I know this day--June 26, 1989--was the happiest day of his life. He wanted nothing more than to be with Jesus.

I had planned on writing a few words in memory of him (so easy to write pages and pages--I loved him dearly), and then I was contacted by one of his best former researchers at Christian Research Institute, Kenneth Samples, about something he'd just written and it was so eloquent--and so touching--I knew I couldn't do any better.

Thank you, Ken.

In Memory of Walter Martin (1928-1989): The Original Bible Answer Man, Part 1 (of 3)
by Kenneth Richard Samples

http://www.reasons.org/InMemoryofWalterMartinPart1of3

Have you ever had a Jehovah's Witness knock at your door? Perhaps it's just me, but they always seem to come to my house at the most inconvenient times.

The first story I ever heard about Walter Martin involved turning the tables on the Jehovah's Witnesses. The story is that Martin, a native of New York City, went to the headquarters of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society located in Brooklyn. He knocked on their front door and began witnessing to them about the Jesus Christ of historic Christianity. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Martin had what my Jewish friends call "chutzpah." I had the distinct privilege of working with and for him at the countercult organization he founded, Christian Research Institute, in the late 1980s.

In light of the 20th anniversary of Martin's death (June 26), I'd like to share six things I learned from his example as a gifted and accomplished Christian apologist. These lessons have been enormously helpful in my own trek through the challenging Christian apologetics enterprise.

1. Rhetorical Eloquence

Like one of his favorite politicians, President Ronald Reagan, Martin was a great communicator. He mastered the media venues of radio and television in order to convey the Christian message with clarity, intelligence, and force. Martin was one of the finest public speakers I have ever heard. Amazingly, he could speak extemporaneously and nevertheless speak in complete, grammatically correct sentences. He was always a very hard act to follow.

While few can match Martin's gift and skill of rhetorical eloquence, his example challenged me to concentrate on speaking in a clear, concise, cogent, and compelling manner. I call this the "four C's of communication." I encourage would-be apologists to work at sharpening their rhetorical skills. As Martin proved, eloquent speaking is a powerful vehicle in persuading people of the truth of the gospel.

2. Courage Under Fire

Courage is the classic virtue I admire most. That's probably why I greatly admire noble warriors. Courage is a rare trait both in the Christian church and outside of it. But Martin exhibited a great deal of courage in his apologetics ministry. He wasn't afraid to take a tough stand on a controversial issue and live with the repercussions.

Some people vigorously criticized Martin when he asserted that Seventh-day Adventism and Roman Catholicism shouldn't be categorized as non-Christian cults. For the record, Martin did not give either church body a clean bill of theological health and criticized both belief systems. Martin did his homework and was willing to absorb criticism from all sides.

As one of his research assistants, I adopted and defended Martin's views on Adventism and Catholicism. Accordingly, some of Martin's critics also publicly criticized my positions. While it's never easy for a Christian apologist to enter into the arena and take the heat, aspiring apologists need to know that facing criticism comes with the apologetic territory.

Though he has a different temperament and labors in a different part of the apologetic vineyard, Hugh Ross exhibits Martin-like courage in defending old-Earth creationism. Yet Martin himself affirmed old-Earth creationism long before it gained popular support.

In part two of this article I will discuss two more apologetic lessons that I learned from my former boss and apologetics mentor, Walter Ralston Martin.

In Memory of Walter Martin (1928-1989): The Original Bible Answer Man, Part 2 (of 3)

In Memory of Walter Martin (1928-1989): The Original Bible Answer Man, Part 3 (of 3)

At my father's memorial service, we played a song sung by Glen Campbell called, No More Night. I've never been able to listen to it since that day, but I love to read the words:

The timeless theme
Earth and heaven will pass away
It's not a dream
God will make all things new that day
Gone is the curse
From which I stumbled and fell
Evil is banished to eternal hell

No more night
No more pain
No more tears
Never crying again
And praises to the great I Am
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb

See over there
There's a mansion prepared for me
Where we will live with my Savior eternally...

No more night
No more pain
No more tears
Never crying again
And praises to the great I Am
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb*

John 14:2-3

"In My Father's house are many mansions ; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

*(Music and Lyrics by Walt Harrah)

2009-05-31T18:33:00.006-05:00

One of the saddest things I've read lately:

Child Witches: Accused in the Name of Jesus

Christian Pastors in Congo Paid to Perform Violent Exorcisms; Children Banished From Homes, Abandoned by Families

"In a dirt-floored, back-alley church, 8-year-old Bobby and his 6-year-old brother Henock were made to kneel before a pastor wearing a white, flowing robe adorned with pictures of Jesus.

Looming over the boys, Pastor Moise Tshombe went into a trance, during which he claimed the Holy Spirit took over and the voice of God spoke through him. "I see that witchcraft is in these two," Tshombe said. "The threats inside of them are very strong." These young brothers were the latest victims in an epidemic of accusations of child witchcraft here in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is raging in the name of Jesus. It continues seemingly unabated despite flags raised by organizations such as the United Nations, Save the Children and Human Rights Watch." http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=7613395&page=1

Abandoned in the name of Jesus? I don't think so. This is another terrible example of evil running wild and conveniently dumping the blame on Christianity. Jesus loved the little ones and He has nothing to do with this brutality. He warned people to "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost." Matthew 18:10-11

Several churches are trying to help in the Congo, and Pastor Muhasanya's Assemblies of God church in the Panzi suburb of Bukavu is one of them. I wish we could do so much more--and do it quickly. As a mother, I long to take all of these little ones away from the nightmare they're living and give them a home where they are loved.

The Congo is so very far away . . . .

2009-05-14T20:42:00.003-05:00

Interesting reading over at Midwest Christian Outreach:

On the Blog: The Dilemma Called CRI

"Some of our readers may recall that The Local Church of Witness Lee had filed suit against Harvest House Publishers, John Ankerberg and John Weldon for their inclusion in the Encyclopedia of Cults and New Religions. To the surprise of most missions for cults and New Religions movements and discernment ministries, CRI had come out positively for the Local Church and against Harvest House Publishers, John Ankerberg and John Weldon. Near the end of the litigation, “More than 70 evangelical Christian scholars and ministry leaders from seven nations have signed an unprecedented open letter to the leadership of the “local churches” and Living Stream Ministry.” This week, Apologetics Index uploaded Five Christian apologists evaluate the teachings of Witness Lee and The Local Church. There is also a synopsis of this situation on this page and other links and evaluations. The dilemma we face is how to view CRI in its present incarnation. Over the years CRI has produced some of the leading researchers, writers and scholars in the area of missions to cults and New Religious Movements, training and equipping the Body of Christ in discernment and evangelism. Names like ... Read more at MidwestOutreach.org

My comment on all of this is that the Church today doesn’t hold anyone accountable for anything, and Hanegraaff is just one more example of this. Not only is there no accountability, but people put money and marketing connections before integrity and even worse--before biblical principles. When apologists regularly appear on the BAM show; when Christian leaders embrace Hanegraaff for 20 years—never voicing regret when they discover who he really is—things go from bad to worse.

2009-04-25T21:59:00.002-05:00

My father used to tell this story--it's one of my favorites:

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)

I once had a very good friend; we grew up together. He was really my brother’s buddy but I loved him just like an older brother. He was the most blasphemous, womanizing, boozing, absolutely degenerate human being I have ever met in my entire life—and I’ve met about every kind there is. He made his money in oil and he could buy anything he wanted, and he did. Every time I’d witness to him he would say, “You don’t really believe this Jesus stuff, do you?” And with that he’d really zing me. I witnessed to him until I was purple in the face. Man, he roasted me every chance he got. You would say, “It’s impossible—God’s never going to do anything with that kind of man.”

Well, I met him in Singapore a few years ago and while we were chatting, I began telling him about the Lord. Oh, he wouldn’t have anything to do with it. He didn’t need any of this stuff, and he went on and on about it. A few months later he came back to the United States and he contracted a rare disease—an inflammation of the lining of the heart. And suddenly, this great brute of a man was reduced to a shadow of himself: All of his money couldn’t help him, all his women were memories, all his strength was gone. Everything he had ever leaned on all of his life had disintegrated and disappeared.

I made a special trip to the hospital to see him, and he was lying in bed—frail and hopelessly sick. When I came into the room he recognized me and said, “Help me up,” so I gently pulled him up in the bed. He put his head down, and said, “I’m dying.”

“Did the doctor tell you that?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“Are you sure you’re going to die?”

“Yes,” he said, “Everything’s in order.” His lip trembled. He was a courageous man.

“It isn’t.” I said.

“What? What do you mean?”

“It isn’t in order, Jack. It’s not in order with God. But I’ve got some wonderful news for you! What I’ve been telling you all these years is still true. The Lord Jesus is here tonight and he wants to save you. Why don’t you trust Christ?” And then I witnessed to him.

Afterwards, I took him by that great, massive paw of his and I said, “Jackie, do you want Jesus?” The tears rolled down his hardened face and he said, “Yes, I need him.” And we prayed together. That night, in just a moment of time, Jesus Christ came into that room, and into that man’s life, and into his soul and he was born again.

Don’t ever give up on people.

2009-04-03T18:23:00.003-05:00

Check out The Frank Pastore Show, KKLA today at 7:00 PM Pacific. I will be talking with Frank about the endlessly fascinating topic of Vampires (and it isn't even Halloween). Specifically, the teen romance Vampire series Twilight.

You can listen here: http://www.kkla.com/ and also on podcast.

Here's my review of the Twilight series:

Have you heard all the press for the new movie Twilight? Do you have a teenager fascinated by vampires?

Stephenie Meyer's books about the secret world of teenage vampires have been very successful, and now have a following of at least 12 million worldwide--and that's before the movie's release (she gained this fan base in three short years). Meyer has just been chosen by Entertainment Weekly as one of their Entertainers of the Year. I've read all of her books and this is my assessment:

1. They differ from the historical vampire genre in that Meyer's main characters have renounced humans as "prey". They are not vegetarians, though. They hunt large animals. This is good as far as the monster aspect of vampirism goes, but a vampire is still a vampire.

2. There is some violence, although it occurs only a few times in books of500+ pages. The last book, however, is quite graphic.

3. There is no sexual content in the first three books, other than innuendo (which is mild by today's standards). The fourth book does include quite a bit of sexual content, although the protagonists are married (and the young girl is now 18). This content is far less graphic than the average historical romance novel.

4. There are no occult tools, ceremonies or spells other than Meyer's somewhat torturous explanations as to how the supernatural power of shape-shifting can be passed down through generations. When Meyer starts getting into the werewolf theme, she loses focus and wanders into some Native American mysticism (although this is limited in scope and detail).

Meyer also bestows various supernatural powers on her vampires that read more like something from Superman than anything occult-related (although they could be construed as Psi powers).

This series is unique in its lack of emphasis on the occult, which leads me to wonder about the author's beliefs--she graduated from Brigham Young University. However, it is still based upon what has historically been an evil, soulless creature, and Meyer does not explain what makes her vampires any different in this regard. In fact, Edward, the main character, talks occasionally about not having a soul and uses this as an argument to persuade Bella (the other main character) not to become a vampire. What Meyer never addresses is how her vampires can be kind and compassionate--valuing human life--and yet have no souls. The teenage Bella also dismisses eternal damnation like she would dismiss a visit to the dentist (not a good precedent).

Interest in Vampirism is taking off once again, and unfortunately, this movie will probably add to its popularity. So far, it has been wildly successful. Look for a sequel in the not too distant future.

2009-04-01T20:41:00.009-05:00

Just a heads up that I will be on The Frank Pastore Show, KKLA Los Angeles, this Friday night. Don't know the exact time yet but as soon as I do, I will post. Thank you, Frank and Gina, for your wonderful friendship and support.

I was thinking about a song today that came out a while back--it's funny how God brings things to mind when He wants to tell you something. It's a song by Ray Boltz:

When others see a shepherd boy, God may see a king
Even though your life is full of ordinary things
In just a moment, He can touch you, and everything will change

When others see a shepherd boy, God may see a king

So many times people say to me, "It's an honor to meet you," and I am always touched by their words because I know it has nothing to do with me and everything to do with my father. And the truth is, I am honored to meet them and very grateful for their kindness. I've always been puzzled by the whole media fame thing--especially in the Christian world. I guess I believe that we, of all people, should know how little it means to God.

Famous or not, every one of us is valuable to Him . . . in Christ, the playing field is level. A friend of mine drives a Special Ed School Bus, and she told me what a wonderful Easter she had last year when she went to see one of her students in a big Easter production. He was playing a shepherd, and it was such a moving moment when he came onstage--all the more so because he has Down Syndrome.

I thought about this story all day today--so touched by the thought of this little boy in his shepherd costume. And God brought this song to mind . . . .

How amazing is it that God made each of us unique? How moving is it that He loves us no matter what we do, and sees us in a far different way then the world sees us?

On my worst day, I may feel like a shepherd boy, (and the world may treat me like one) but the truth is that "When others see a shepherd boy, God may see a king . . . ."

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!"
1 John 3:1

2009-03-20T21:14:00.004-05:00

Well, well. . . it seems like the people behind Wii (Nintendo) slipped a little New Age technique in with their Wii Fit exercises. Now, why doesn't that surprise me? A little stretching, some yoga, and hey--why not follow it up with a game of "Lotus Focus"?

That's right, Lotus Focus. They want us (and our children) staring into the flame on our off time, centering our inner beings.

And how many families own this?

"So I was surprised to unlock and discover Wii Fit's "Lotus Focus" minigame, which is a meditation game! You sit still on the balance board with legs folded in a lotus position, and watch an onscreen candle in the darkness. Various things try to distract your attention, like moths fluttering about and people creaking about in the night. The longer you can stay still, the better your score. Very cool." --Digital Workout Guru http://digitalworkout.blogspot.com/2008/06/guru-meditation-in-wii-fit.html

O-Kay. . . .

Mediation itself isn't the issue--the Bible tells us we should meditate on God's word. It's the things the world attaches to meditation that cause all the problems.

And now, one more thing to keep an eye on. . . .

2009-03-04T20:01:00.001-06:00

Walter Martin:

The Foolishness of God

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. 1 Corinthians 1:18

The foolishness of God . . . this is a phrase that ought to cause every person who reads the Bible to stop short. What does the apostle mean when he says this? I can understand how human beings can be foolish because I deal with them every day. I can understand how I can be foolish because I have a long, accurate memory of the number of foolish things I’ve done. I can understand how the United Nations can be foolish—all you have to do is go there to see how the nations of the world can be foolish. I can understand every degree of foolishness that I confront in life, but I cannot for the life of me conceive of how God can be foolish. But here it is in Scripture.

So, I began my quest by going through the Scriptures trying to find out exactly what was God’s foolishness. The first man I found in the Bible who was the perfect example of foolishness was a man named Noah. I have a friend named Dr. John Montgomery; he climbed Mt. Ararat and then wrote a book, The Search for Noah’s Ark. Years ago, an absolutely enormous hunk of wood was discovered up there at 14,800 feet. It’s approximately 450 feet long; it looks to be about fifty to seventy-five feet thick and about fifty feet wide. The image they’ve been able to see through the ice is at least the Biblical dimensions...at least. Nobody knows what it is but it’s sitting up there in frozen water, perfectly preserved.

There are stories of what has been found there. I heard a tape recording of an elderly man who climbed Mt. Ararat with his grandfather when he was a boy. Once there, he stood on the deck of an immense boat—and he described boats as they were built in ancient times. He said the deck was put together with what looked like very large pegs, and it was so big he couldn’t walk the entire distance of it without getting tired.

In addition to this account, there are testimonies of archaeologists and other people who were there. They estimate that approximately 50 million tons of lumber is up there. I have actually held a piece of it in my hand. That lumber is white oak impregnated with pitch, and the Scripture says that God commanded Noah to cover the ark with pitch, inside and out.

Interestingly enough, there is no white oak within 200 miles of Mt. Ararat and even if there were, what would it be doing at 14,800 feet? Dr. Montgomery says it’s either the ark or the largest Turkish outhouse in all history!

I am not in a position to debate the findings with him, but there was a man named Noah of historical validity. The Lord said to him, “Build a barge!” So Noah started to build. You can imagine the reaction of the local neighborhood:

“What are you doing, Noah?”

“Oh, we’re building a barge”

“Really, why are you building a barge?”

“Well, I talked with the Lord recently—the Creator of the universe—and He told me there’s going to be a lot of water around here.”

“There is? We’re in the middle of the desert; what are you building this thing for? It’s like building a sailboat in your basement. How are you going to get it out?”

“Well, God told me to build it. I’m going to build it.”

This went on for years and years. This crazy old man hammering, banging and sawing; putting this monstrosity together. The neighbors must have thought he was ready for Happydale. Everyone laughed at crazy old Noah until it started to rain—then no one laughed anymore. That was the end. God deluged the earth with water.

Noah built his ark. He built it in the face of every kind of argument. He built his barge in the face of every kind of criticism: 120 years worth of building. Then he got inside and everyone laughed until it started to rain...and Noah survived.

In the end, it doesn’t make any difference what the world says about you. The only thing that matters is what God says. Noah believed the foolishness of God, “Build a barge...” when there was no water. What is utterly incredible and totally foolish to you and me is the essence of divine wisdom.

What is the foolishness of God?

It is divine wisdom demanding faith.

2009-02-13T23:53:00.010-06:00

I thought I would share this beautiful poem written by someone who left the Mormon Church after 50 years. The Holy Spirit is moving in people's hearts, opening their eyes to the true Jesus.

I am honored to be able post this:

I Am

Builder’s Stone
Tree and nails

Priceless Home
“Come, safely dwell”

Plane n’ chiseled - Cut n’ hammered

Sweating brow

Six days a week

“Am I

The Holy One

You see?

Or

Just the carpenter

From Galilee”

--The Stonecutter

2009-02-03T11:22:00.004-06:00

Good news! I am currently working on an online radio show that will focus on The Kingdom of the Occult--everything you always wanted to know about the occult but didn't know where to look. It will be part of Blog Talk Radio and you can call in and say "Hello" or ask a question or two. I will let you know when it is ready to launch.

If you haven't already discovered our new Walter Martin Ministries Discussion Board, take a look here:

http://www.waltermartin.com/forums/

The thing I love about it is that many people who are not Christians are members. This is a great opportunity, even though discussions can be difficult at times. It gives you a chance to share your faith--just like witnessing on a street corner or going door to door--only you get to do it sitting at your computer. :) Ya gotta love the twenty-first century!

2009-01-25T14:02:00.004-06:00

The Kingdom of the Occult has now hit #1 in the Bestsellers/Occult section of Amazon--followed by The Kingdom of the Cults at #2! It changes hourly, but we have been in the top 10 consistently over the last few weeks. God is good. :)

Just an update . . . things went great on Janet Parshall's show. Two hours flew by and the response was so overwhelming Janet invited me back for another two hour show. She is a remarkable host--very knowledgable and compassionate.

There is so much hunger out there to talk about the power of God vs. the power of the occult--people have questions and experiences they need to share. I feel honored to speak to everyone who calls in. It really is a humbling thing when someone takes time out of his or her busy schedule to talk to you. One lady had just dealt with a 5.7 earthquake that morning in Anchorage, Alaska and still she had to pick up the phone and call in. I truly hope this book changes people's lives the way it changed mine when I was working on it.

2009-01-24T10:35:00.003-06:00

Good news! I will be on Janet Parshall's Talking It Over for two hours today (11am - 1pm Central). They will be giving away ten books during this time, so if you happen to tune in, call and say "hello".

2009-01-15T20:10:00.004-06:00

Janet Parshall's America went very well yesterday. We talked about all kinds of topics from Oprah to Ouija Boards--the hour went by very quickly. One odd thing happened in the middle of the program, though. Janet asked me to tell the story of my experience with a Ouija Board, and I told the entire thing (at least three minutes worth) only to find out no one was listening! That was a first. :) The producer called back to tell me they had audio problems--very weird--but hey, when you're talking about the occult, anything can happen.

I will be on Janet Parshall's show again January 24, so it will give me another chance to correct a mistake I made too (yes, unfortunately, I am human). We were just closing my segment of the program when someone called to ask about UFOs. During the writing of KOTO, I researched quite a bit about Satan's power, based on what I read in the Bible, of course. As I was trying to quickly explain why I thought some UFOs could be Satan using his power to transmute matter, Janet asked me, "Is that in the Bible?" (that Satan has the power to transform and or shape/create matter). I should have said, "YES! And gone directly to the Bible verse in Exodus 7:8-12:

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron , "When Pharaoh says to you, 'Perform a miracle,' then say to Aaron , 'Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,' and it will become a snake."

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs.

But my mind blanked out and I could not remember a single example. Ahhh! Stress and Advil the night before (that stuff will short out your brain).

Oh well . . . tomorrow is another day.

The Kingdom of the Occult is doing well, and I am very happy about it but--honestly--not surprised. I knew God's hand was in this from the beginning, and when He wants you to do something, He works out all the details. (Proverbs 16:3)

2009-01-14T11:01:00.002-06:00

Today--3:00 p.m. Eastern I will be a guest on Janet Parshall's America. I'm looking forward to talking to Janet again--it's always interesting. :) You can listen here:

http://www.jpamerica.com/

Lately, the lines have been "exploding" (to use a host's words) when they ask people to call in--so I am delighted--but it can get a bit tense at times never knowing who will be calling or what they will be asking. I'm so very happy for the opportunity to talk to everyone, though, even if they're not happy with me. :) God is good.

Thanks for your prayers!

2009-01-02T13:55:00.003-06:00

I will be on VCY America shortly (2:00 p.m. CST) talking about Kingdom of the Occult. You can listen live online here:

http://www.vcyamerica.org/

Or checkout the archives here:

http://www.crosstalkamerica.com/mt/mt-search.cgi?search=Jill+Martin+Rische

2008-12-26T21:33:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas! It's been a difficult holiday season for us, but Christmas Day was actually a peaceful and happy one. We miss Kevin's father so much but it's wonderful to know he is with the Lord.

I hope all of you enjoyed a very happy Christmas. A dear friend of mine, Dwayna Litz, the founder and director of Lighting the Way Worldwide is also a gifted musician, and she recently wrote and recorded another beautiful song. I don't want to keep it all to myself, so if you have time, take a minute to stop and listen to something very special.

Dwayna wrote (when she sent me the song), "All Christians need to be encouraged to love the Lord with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and that is what my song is about. It is called My Prize."

http://www.ltwinternational.org/songs/112408_My%20Prize.mp3

2008-12-12T18:43:00.005-06:00

Have you heard all the press for the new movie Twilight? Do you have a teenager fascinated by vampires?

Stephenie Meyer's books about the secret world of teenage vampires have been very successful, and now have a following of at least 12 million worldwide--and that's before the movie's release (she gained this fan base in three short years). Meyer has just been chosen by Entertainment Weekly as one of their Entertainers of the Year. I've read all of her books and this is my assessment:

1. They differ from the historical vampire genre in that Meyer's main characters have renounced humans as "prey". They are not vegetarians, though. They hunt large animals. This is good as far as the monster aspect of vampirism goes, but a vampire is still a vampire.

2. There is some violence, although it occurs only a few times in books of
500+ pages. The last book, however, is quite graphic.

3. There is no sexual content in the first three books, other than innuendo (which is mild by today's standards). The fourth book does include quite a bit of sexual content, although the protagonists are married (and the young girl is now 18). This content is far less graphic than the average historical romance novel.

4. There are no occult tools, ceremonies or spells other than Meyer's somewhat torturous explanations as to how the supernatural power of shape-shifting can be passed down through generations. When Meyer starts getting into the werewolf theme, she loses focus and wanders into some Native American mysticism (although this is limited in scope and detail).

Meyer also bestows various supernatural powers on her vampires that read more like something from Superman than anything occult-related (although they could be construed as Psi powers).

This series is unique in its lack of emphasis on the occult, which leads me to wonder about the author's beliefs--she graduated from Brigham Young University. However, it is still based upon what has historically been an evil, soulless creature, and Meyer does not explain what makes her vampires any different in this regard. In fact, Edward, the main character, talks occasionally about not having a soul and uses this as an argument to persuade Bella (the other main character) not to become a vampire. What Meyer never addresses is how her vampires can be kind and compassionate--valuing human life--and yet have no souls. The teenage Bella also dismisses eternal damnation like she would dismiss a visit to the dentist (not a good precedent).

Interest in Vampirism is taking off once again, and unfortunately, this movie will probably add to its popularity. So far, it has been wildly successful. Look for a sequel in the not too distant future.

2008-12-03T21:08:00.002-06:00

It's been a very difficult time for us. My father-in-law died suddenly and we are all in a state of shock. We loved him very much.

I will hold off posting for now and hopefully will be back again on Monday or Tuesday.

Thank you for your prayers.

2008-11-22T13:28:00.003-06:00

Radio Update!

The response to Janet Parshall's Talking It Over was so overwhelming she asked me to come back in January for a two hour program! It was a great pleasure talking with Janet, who is a strong Christian woman and an awesome radio host. We had a variety of callers--non-Christian and Christian--so it was a fascinating hour.

Check it out and let me know your thoughts.

http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_programtoday.aspx?id=11642

2008-11-22T10:36:00.005-06:00

Great news! I will be on Talking It Over with Janet Parshall today from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (CST).

You can listen here: http://www.moodyradio.org/talkingitover.aspx and they are taking callers, so call in and say "Hello".

They tell me, "It’s the 2nd largest Christian Radio network (280 stations nationwide), so the imprint is pretty big, from Alaska to Hawaii and we’ve gotten calls from as far north as Manitoba and as far east as Belgium!"

2008-11-13T20:04:00.004-06:00

God is moving in the hearts of the Mormon people--people I love for their kindness, generosity and family values. Many of them are leaving the LDS Church (some after 50 years) and coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ--the Jesus of the Bible. It is a wonderful thing to see and I thank God for it. Their stories are often painful; many are shunned by their children and grandchildren. They risked everything dear to them to follow Jesus--story after story of modern-day persecution and pain--all for the sake of the gospel.

My father heard these stories, too--many, many times over the course of his ministry, and he would walk around elated for days after talking with ex-Mormons or ex-Jehovah's Witnesses or countless others whose hearts had been touched by the power of God.

Kevin Bywater is one of these special people:

Dear Jill,

Greetings from Oxford, England . . . . I lecture on cults and the occult here in Oxford during the school year and back in the States during the summer months.

I met Walter once, in Salt Lake City. It must have been in the late-80s. I had become a Christian in '87, as a fifth-generation Mormon. After he spoke, I approached to greet him. A lot of people were speaking with him. I didn't have a chance to say anything other than "thank you." That was enough for me. I very much appreciated his leading-edge work, his clarity and charity and confidence, as well as his teachability. Yes, teachability is perhaps something people would not normally attribute to Walter. I saw it firsthand. He listened attentively to others, sometimes seeing enough to warrant modifying his own opinions. I know he encouraged many in their faith, as well as spurring them on in their evangelistic and apologetic endeavors. I'm very thankful to have known of him so early in my Christian life.

Kevin James Bywater, Director
SUMMIT MINISTRIES OXFORD STUDY CENTRE
www.summitoxford.org • www.summit.org

Thank you, Kevin, for taking the time to share this with me; it means a lot.

Take heart, my friends--good things are happening . . . .

2008-11-05T17:34:00.005-06:00

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair . . . .”
--Charles Dickens

Yes, this is how I'm feeling today--how about you? Four years of a socialist government . . . God help us. And while we're praying, we can start getting used to the idea of fighting because we're going to have to fight to keep even our basic freedoms like freedom of Speech. Ever hear of the Fairness Doctrine? It's coming. And how about the sound bite yesterday from a prominent Democrat, hinting at controlling Talk Radio?

I refuse to be discouraged about all of this, though. I believe God knows what He's doing, and all I can do is trust Him.

2008-11-02T12:18:00.014-06:00

My one hour interview on The Frank Pastore Show (KKLA, Los Angeles) went very well--Frank is always a great host--and they decided to play it again on Halloween. Many thanks, Frank!

The election frenzy is heating up and the media already has Barack Obama in the White House (following his lead), but I'll go out on a limb here and say that I think McCain still has a shot. I can't endorse anyone, but I can say you should make sure to vote and vote your conscience.

FYI, be skeptical--be very, very skeptical of what you're hearing in the media. Here are a few reasons why I think the MSM may not be giving us the whole truth and nothing but the truth:

1. The McCain campaign is drawing huge crowds, thanks to Palin's presence on the ticket. Large, enthusiastic crowds are a good sign for voter turnout.

2. If you look back at the Democratic Primaries, the pattern is the same as the one we're currently seeing. Pollsters repeatedly called states for Obama (like Ohio) and guess who won? Hillary (by 10 points in Ohio). A week or two before the election, guess what happened? News headlines called for Hillary to give up a losing battle and quit the race. Sound familiar? The McCain campaign remains within the margin of error in most of the polls, so it's not over till it's over regardless of what the "elite" media says.

3. A very underrated and ignored group of Hillary supporters called the PUMAS are working hard in the toss-up states for McCain. These are lifelong, hardcore Democrats working long hours for a Republican. They might make a difference.

4. This is still America, and millions of people respect the war experience and accomplishments of John McCain, even if they disagree with him politically. (I know I disagree with him on a few things like stem cell research.)

So, who knows what will happen Tuesday? I am not a prophetess (contrary to what some might think). I'm just hoping for the best for our country.

2008-10-29T18:38:00.003-05:00

On the radio tonight!

I will be on the Frank Pastore show--KKLA Los Angeles during their 6:00 PM hour to talk about The Kingdom of the Occult. If you're interested, you can listen to it live online here:

http://www.kkla.com/

Thanks for the prayers. :)

2008-10-20T20:27:00.011-05:00

So much of our culture today has been influenced by Hinduism, and its commercially successful offspring, Buddhism. I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard on TV or in real life, "Karma will get you!" Karma--the great equilizer in life--will make sure we get what's coming to us. What goes around comes around . . . .

Whenever I hear something like this, I just have to say (in a loving way of course), "Sorry, there is no such thing as karma. Only God."

But whether we like it or not, Buddhist/Hindu beliefs permeate our society. They're here to stay, and we had better be ready to answer them:

Under Hinduism, the lot of the masses was poverty and despair, and the wheel of reincarnation or samsara loomed constantly before them like a never-ending nightmare of suffering and death. Discontent grew among the people and many searched for something to break the relentless hold of Hinduism.

There seemed no escape from the fate of having to endure an endless succession of painful lives before one could be freed to merge for eternity with the “World-Soul”—a state known as Nirvana.[1] Into this religion of strict castes and oppression was born the son of a minor Rasha or King sometime between 490 - 410 B.C. E..[2] His philosophy of life would impact the world for centuries to come.

Gautama Buddha, founder of the Buddhist religion, was the son of Suddhodana, a chieften reigning over a district near the Himalayas in what is known today as the country of Nepal. At an early age, Siddhartha Gautama,[3] his true name, observed the many contradictions and problems of life; he abandoned his wife and son when he felt he could no longer endure the life of a rich nobleman, and became a wandering ascetic in search of the truth about life. Buddhist historians tell us that after almost seven years of wandering, inquiring, meditating and searching, he found “the true path,” and “great enlightenment,” under the legendary Bo[4] tree (tree of wisdom), and thus attained Nirvana.

* Siddhartha Gautama taught that he followed the paths of previous “buddhas,” or enlightened ones until he discovered the Middle Road, the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, and achieved enlightenment.

* Buddhism shows a heavy influence of Brahmanism--Hindu gods and goddesses--in Buddha’s history and teachings; its description of a universal cosmic consciousness is that of a non-personal essence, sometimes called the Void.

* The Pali Tripitaka text is considered by many to be the most reliable teachings of Buddha, although Mahayana Buddhism and other sects add to it.

* Man suffers because his desires are fixated on the illusion of self, which confines him to non-permanence within the laws of karma and reincarnation.

* Self-salvation is achieved by following the Middle Path, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path. The ultimate goal is to reach the state of Nirvana, where the self becomes extinguished in the Void.

And so, this is the best Buddhism/Hinduism can offer you: multiple lifetimes of suffering and searching until with any luck you reach enlightenment and become absorbed by the cosmic consciousness.

But God's Truth teaches exactly the opposite:

Scriptures teach that man is not eternal. He is a direct creation of God (Psalm 139:13; Genesis 1:26-27). He is not incarnated successively, forced to physically atone for his sins of a previous life that he does not remember. Hebrews 9:26-27 categorically denies such ideas and instead asserts the justice of God: “Just as it is appointed unto man once to die, and after that the judgment.”

Christians do not look forward to reincarnation; we look forward to resurrection, when Christ will return and clothe us with glorified bodies so that we may eternally serve and worship God (1 Corinthians 15:5). Our glorification is not accomplished by our own efforts, but by the “victory though our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Christians have the assurance from God’s Word though the Holy Spirit that “He who raised up Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you (Romans 8:11).[5]

History proves that Christianity has always been unique among all the religions of the world. The Bible reveals a loving God, sacrificing Himself for every single one of His unique children; forgiving them, redeeming them, longing to be with them throughout eternity. This is our rich heritage in Christ.

Why would anyone wish to sacrifice infinite love like this for mere absorption into the cosmic void?

[1] Joseph Gaer, What Great Religions Believe, (Signet, The New American Library: New York, 1963), 30.
[2] http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/b_chron.htm. This date is approximate as there are no written historical records from the time of the Buddha.
[3] Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. Buddha is not his name, although today he is addressed as such, it is a title of enlightenment. The family name is Gautama (excellent cow or best cow) and his given name was Siddhartha (one who achieved his goal). Buddha is also known as Sakyamuni "Sage of the Sakyas" (his tribal ethnicity, where his family dwelt in northern India near Nepal).
[4] Also spelled Bodhi Tree (Wisdom Tree), which is a fig tree located at Uruvela (State of Bihar, India), under which Siddhartha Gautama meditated for 49 days until he attained enlightenment, or Nirvana.
From Kingdom of the Cults - Buddhism.
[5] The New Cults, 370-375. Researched by Cal Beisner.