Learn How To Tell Stories Well and Write Winning Screenplays:

Learn How To Tell Stories Well and Write Winning Screenplays:

Your movie is all about the story you are telling. Most films fail because their stories are poorly conceived and written. Now you can join master storyteller and accomplished script writer John Fornof at the Christian Filmmakers Academy. John is known for his work at Focus on the Family crafting the Adventures in Odyssey, has directed legendary film stars like John Rhys-Davies (of Indiana Jones), and is currently producer of Lamplighter Theater.

Sign up today for the Christian Filmmakers Academy

Article source: http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2012/01/9925/

Reason # 37 for Watching D-Day and the Providence of God

Reason # 37 for Watching D-Day and the Providence of God

Visit our website and sign-up today for this amazing home education experience in the history the Second World War and God’s providence, or purchase the boxed set available on this website.

www.afinalfarewell.org

Article source: http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2012/01/9911/

For Rent: The Acropolis

For Rent: The Acropolis

Greek officials recently announced that several ancient historic sites would be rented out for advertising space, beginning with the Acropolis in Athens. This comes in the wake of pressing economic concerns, as state agencies in Greece say they no longer have the funds to maintain and repair the ancient sites. State officials are hoping to raise enough revenue through advertising fees to pay for the upkeep of the properties, a move archeologists have “slammed . . . as sacrilege.”

It is ironic that these monuments stand in ruins in large part for the same reasons the modern government of Greece is also threatened with ruin. For years, Greece has embraced the statist ideas of their ancient forebears like Plato and Aristotle — the belief in a paternalistic state.

These ancient sites hang over the city of Athens as a reminder of the best that man has to offer apart from God. In the minds of proud Westerners, these pillars from the past stand as a testimony to man’s achievement. Yet these homages to statism represent something far more significant — the failure and destruction of men who reject God and His law. The results are real, and the crumbling Greek economy is but one tell-tale sign of the bankrupt worldview reflected in these centuries-old edifices which are now being peddled for rent.

Article source: http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2012/01/9920/

Girl in pink dress takes down enormous wild beast!

Girl in pink dress takes down enormous wild beast!

This report is rated PG-13 for bloodshed.

Girl in pink dress takes down enormous wild beast! from Douglas Phillips on Vimeo.

You know you are not a Texan if this troubles you.

Article source: http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2012/01/9910/

Will somebody please boldly and clearly fight for life? Please!

Will somebody please boldly and clearly fight for life? Please!

Last night the presidential candidates each flunked one of the most important questions of our generation. For many commentators, the question was a throw-away. But from my perspective it was defining. I will put in my own words—-in an age of abortion, contraceptive abortifacients, quality of life arguments, euthanasia and biomedical ethical nightmares WILL OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS ENTRUSTED BY GOD WITH THE DUTY OF PROTECTING THE INNOCENT STAND FOR LIFE?

The context of the debate question was the murder of Terri Schiavo by deprivation of food and water.

Senator Santorum sounded reasonable and technical reducing the question to a judicial proceeding to be weighed by the court, but did not explain the problem or say clearly—it is wrong for a husband to kill his conscious, but injured wife. Period! Former Speaker Gingrich misrepresented the facts of the case, offered a generally helpful comment about the judicial process, and then appeared to implicitly legitimize euthanasia. Ron Paul completely flunked the question by indicating that the actions against Terri would have been solved by legitimizing them with a living will. Each of these answers were in their own way unimpressive.

I want to hear the candidates boldly fight for life DURING THE DEBATE, not in carefully crafted statements afterwards. The facts of the Terri Schiavo case are known to each of them. She was alive. She was a person. She responded to communication. She was starved to death and denied water by her husband who facilitated the murder of this woman. No living will is relevant when it comes to murder. There are many duties which do not belong to the state, but defending the innocent against an ongoing attempted murder is the duty of the magistrate.

Article source: http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2012/01/9913/

A Weekend of Antithesis: February 24 and 25!

A Weekend of Antithesis: February 24 and 25!

The weekend of February 25 and 26 will be a time of radical antithesis as two award ceremonies representing two competing world views will go back to back—the Hollywood Oscars and the San Antonio Jubilee Awards.

May God help the SAICFF judges to make wise decisions from among many noteworthy projects. Hollywood clearly is confused and agenda-driven when choosing their own Oscar nominee. (Note that Steven Spielberg was almost completely snubbed. Tin Tin was not even included and the masterpiece Warhorse received only one nomination.)

Article source: http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2012/01/9914/

Evaluating Candidates for Office

Evaluating Candidates for Office

The biblical principle for evaluating candidate responses on specific issues is that we are not to be respecters of persons. This means that we evaluate specific statements and public positions objectively, not emotionally. We do not allow loyalties to cloud our judgment. We treat all men fairly, kindly and with the same standard. This does not necessarily diminish from our appreciation or disregard for them as candidates. It means that when Democrats do well we say so, and when Republicans do not, we say so as well. It means that the standard transcends the individual. Only then can we be faithful and honest as citizens of Heaven first, and the United States second.

Article source: http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2012/01/9915/

An Exciting Time to be Engaged in the World’s Oldest Profession: Taxonomy

An Exciting Time to be Engaged in the World’s Oldest Profession: Taxonomy

One of the most important areas of science for the creationist is taxonomy—-the classification and naming of animals. The domination of taxonomy by evolutionists has contributed to widespread misinformation and confusion about the relationship of various animals to each other. As we move into the 21st century it will be the responsibility of Christians engaged in science to help rename and classify animal groups consistent with the biblical principles of “kinds” and the available scientific information including DNA evidence. Creationists call the new approach to taxonomy—“baraminology”, which is the scientific attempt to find the boundaries of God’s created kinds.

But one thing is for sure, this is an area of dominion full of potential. Explorers responsible for the identification of previously undiscovered animal groups are often presented with new additions to the portfolio of God’s creation. In the last month, reports have been made of the discovery of predatory starfish, large spiral-shelled snails, and hairy-chested yeti crabs in the deep sea vents of Antarctica; as well as the discovery of the smallest-known frogs in the forests of Papua New Guinea, and a new snub-nosed monkey that sneezes uncontrollably in the rain in the jungles of Myanmar.

This should excite Christians since “taxonomy” is the world’s oldest profession and first work Adam pursued after he was created — to “name” the animals (Gen. 2:19). Following this initial task, God gave Adam further directions to “subdue” the earth and “have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Gen. 1:28). The Dominion Mandate called on Adam to gain mastery over the vast and diverse animal kingdom.

In view of this God-given mission to man, Vision Forum has made it a point to engage in various expeditions across the world to showcase the wonders of God’s creation, declaring His Glory and carrying the power of the gospel to the far regions of the earth. Over the last several years, we’ve led excursions to the islands of the Galapagos, to the Mayan ruins in Mexico, to the [mountains of Peru] (http://www.visionforum.com/browse/product/mysteries-of-the-ancient-world/?search=ancientsortby=0), and deep into the Amazon Rainforest. In each place we’ve explored, we’ve sought to explain the strange and usual animals found there in light of God’s order and purpose.

Those who join us at the Film Festival this February 23-25 will be introduced to yet another new and exciting project that advances God’s great charge to Adam.

We hope to see you there!

Article source: http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2012/01/9906/

Waiting List only for The 2012 Christian Filmmakers Academy

Waiting List only for The 2012 Christian Filmmakers Academy

Article source: http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2012/01/9909/

A Pro-Life Victory Defined

A Pro-Life Victory Defined

The Fifth Circuit Court of appeals has lifted an injunction on a Texas law that would require doctors to provide informed consent to a mother before taking the life of her unborn child. Doctors would be required to provide the mother with a sonogram of her child, show her the beating heart of the child, and provide the “epitome of truthful non-misleading information” about the child’s physical development.

Of course, the ability to make informed decisions about the medical treatment you receive is a good thing.
The hypocrisy of the Center for Reproductive Rights which claims to be “Pro-Choice” but is opposed to this kind of information because it may help a mother make up her mind is self-evident. However, those engaged in the battle to defend the sanctity of life should be honest about the nature of what has been achieved in the Fifth Circuit Court’s decision before a decisive victory is declared.

The Texas law in fact adopts a “pro-choice” position. The presupposition is this—as long as a woman is informed, she has the right to choose to ask a physician to kill her unborn baby. The law only requires that a mother should receive information that would help her to make a final decision on whether to allow her child to live or condemn her child to die. Additionally, the law makes exceptions for mothers who carry children who are conceived as a result of rape or incest, or who suffer from a severe disability.

Before we too loudly proclaim the Fifth Circuit’s decision to be a victory for those who defend the sanctity of life, as some pro-life activists have done, we should rather give a moment of silence for the children who will perish as a result of pregnant mothers’ independent, albeit newly-informed, choice. Even more so, we should grieve the deaths of those children who were not privileged enough to be considered under the new Texas law because either their circumstances of conception or quality of life was deemed deficient.

Article source: http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2012/01/9858/