October 2005 Archives

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — October 31, 2005 — More than a thousand participants representing states from New York to Washington and foreign countries from New Zealand to Romania were on hand for the presentation of the Jubilee Awards during closing ceremonies at the second annual San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, held at the Lila Cockrell Theatre in downtown San Antonio this last weekend.

“Our goal with the Jubilee Awards is to reward the work of Christian filmmakers who have artfully communicated a Christian worldview through their film production,” explained Doug Phillips, founder of the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival.

“With more than 130 film submissions to this year’s festival, selecting the winners was no easy task” noted Phillips, who also served as one of the five film competition judges. “Yet we are now delighted to recognize our winners — all worthy films that give glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

The “Best of Festival” Jubilee Award — a $10,000 grand prize — went to No Greater Love, a sixteen minute film produced and directed by Arthur and Hanna Rasco of Ideal Images. Set in Hungary during the refugee flight of 1956, the short film, which is based on a true story, contrasts two fathers: one who is willing to sacrifice for his family and one who is not.

“This project has been a catalyst for my wife and me to launch into a new ministry of filmmaking,” observed Mr. Rasco, “and we would be remiss if we did not cite and thank Vision Forum for inspiring this focus.”

The top honor in the “Best Documentary” category went to A Journey Home, a forty-four minute film which follows the extraordinary path traveled by Tommy Waller, his wife, and their eleven children. The film spans Tommy’s journey from eighty-hour work weeks to a remote community in rural Tennessee.

“Although the Wallers ... [strip] away all of the conveniences most of us equate with contentment and happiness, they [possess] a joy and contentment quite unlike the ... average American family,” explained Ken Carpenter, who produced and directed A Journey Home. “I was captured by their story, and I set about to make a film to similarly encourage and challenge audiences.”

Intent, an eighteen minute film that explores the current crisis in the Federal Judiciary, took first place in the “Best Political” category.

“Our hope is that Intent will help break down any barrier between Americans and their courts,” stated Ed Litton who, along with his sixteen-year-old son, Tyler, wrote, produced, and directed Intent. “The average citizen is key to keeping the courts in line and preserving government by the consent of the governed.”

The Littons were unable to attend the Jubilee Award ceremonies. Alabama Supreme Court Justice Tom Parker received the Littons’ trophy on their behalf.

Growing Up, another father/son collaboration, overwhelmingly swept the ballot for this year’s “Audience Choice” Award. Produced and directed by Russ Pond and starring his son Caleb, this humorous seventeen minute short film brings to life a home school boy’s quest to answer the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

The “Best Creation” Award went to Journey Thru Creation, a forty-four minute film directed by Christian Hidalgo of Navigation Advertising. “This video project boldly features numerous [geographic] locations that evolutionists use to justify their beliefs to prove the truth of Creation,” explained Hidalgo. “[While] numerous films have been made on this subject, we believed that we could add a level of quality and insight not seen in most pro-Creation films.”

Bluestate: Tolerance for All received the “Young Filmmaker’s” Award. The film, which tells of one family’s sacrifice in a world where “tolerance” has been mandated by law, was directed by seventeen-year-old Colton Davie of Matthew, Alabama.

“The making of Blue State ... is one of the most rewarding things I have ever undertaken,” remarked Davie. “What a great cause: to challenge the culture for the glory of God.”

The Narrow Path, produced by Miss Dalanglin Dkhar, took the runner-up award for “Best of Festival” and “Best Documentary.” Using old archival photographs and footage shot over many years, the film chronicles the life of the producer’s grandmother as she came to Christ in Northeast India and brought up her five children in the faith as a single mother. The film features inspiring footage of the last words spoken by the great Christian woman before her death, as she gathers her family around her and prays over multiple generations of her progeny.

The “Best Narrative” runner-up award went to Her Last Prayer. Directed by twenty-three-year-old Daniel Nunez of Rock Steady Films, this gripping seventeen minute short tells the true story of a young girl in 1970s communist China who is ordered to spit on the Bible or die.

Other winners include For God, Family, and the Republic, which garnered the runner-up award in the “Best Political” category; and Why Did the Duck Cross the Road?, which took home the “Young Filmmaker’s” runner-up award.

The “Best Trailer” Award, an honor for the trailer that best promoted the festival, went to Digitally Remastered, produced by Joshua Moore.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 31, 2005 | Permalink

This week, the Harris twins are providing ongoing coverage of the Christian Filmmakers Academy and San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. Visit their blog to stay up-to-date!

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 26, 2005 | Permalink

“Daddy, may I please play with your toy soldiers?”

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 26, 2005 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 26, 2005 | Permalink

Alex and Brett Harris with Joshua and Justice Phillips

Gregg Harris is one remarkable man. A true founding father of the home school movement and an outstanding teacher, he and his tremendous wife, Sono, have produced some remarkable children. I am particularly impressed by twin brothers Alex and Brett Harris, two articulate, sharp, father-honoring innovators who have developed a highly creative blog.

This week, the Harris twins are providing ongoing coverage of the Christian Filmmakers Academy and San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. Visit their blog to stay up-to-date!

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 25, 2005 | Permalink

This came in today:

A week ago a friend emailed me regarding the support the American Girl company gives to lesbianism and abortion. I praised God as I wrote back to her explaining that there is a better alternative! I truly thank God for the vision He gave to your organization years before any of us knew about the AG dissappointment. We bought our oldest daughter one of your dolls last year and were very pleased with the quality. I am thankful that such a wonderful doll (and book series) was already in place.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 24, 2005 | Permalink

This came in today:

I want to thank you so much for your company! I’m thirteen and it can be hard trying to find Godly books.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 24, 2005 | Permalink

This letter came in today:

I just wanted to encourage you with your collection of dolls and playthings for girls. I am twenty-one and have an American Girl which my parents bought a long time ago. I loved her and spent a lot of time playing with dolls. It is so sad to see little girls around me with barbies or modern ill-dressed fashion dolls. I loved the old fashioned themes when I was younger with sweet feminine dresses and playthings. The many toys you have for little girls are a breath of fresh air. It makes me want to be six again! My father handmade me many old-fashioned toys and they were worth more to me than any store-bought item could have been. The quality of your items are indeed felt by the children who are blessed to have them even if they don’t understand what the difference is. Isn’t that how it should be. The beautiful, high quality, pure things of life are the best. They are God’s plan. Thank you.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 24, 2005 | Permalink

By William Einwechter

Feminism is a radical movement. As such, it goes to the very root of the relationship between men and women and seeks to alter the societal and institutional structures that are perceived to be in conflict with the ideas and goals of feminism. Janet Richards declares that “Feminism is in its nature radical.... It is the social institutions of which we complain primarily.... If you consider the past, there is no doubt at all that the whole structure of society was designed to keep women entirely in the power of men.” As a radical ideology, feminism’s goal is revolution. Gloria Steinman speaks for feminists when she says: “We’re talking about a revolution, not just reform. It’s the deepest possible change there is.” Feminists want to create a “new society” where the restrictive social conditions of the past have been forever removed. How successful have feminists been in promoting their agenda of social revolution? Davidson says: “Today, feminism is the gender ideology of our society. From the universities to the public schools to the media to the military, feminism decides the issues, sets the terms of debate, and intimidates potential opponents into abashed silence.”

The social institution that feminists have targeted as one of the most repressive to women is the traditional family. By “traditional family” we mean the family structure that developed in Western society under the direct influence of Christianity and the Bible. In the traditional family, the man is the head of the home and the one responsible for providing those things necessary for the sustenance of life. The woman is a “keeper at home” and the one primarily responsible for the care of the children. The traditional family thus defined is in line with the biblical plan for the home. Feminists hate the family that is patterned after the Word of God because it is contrary to all that they accept as true. Thus, their goal is the total destruction of the traditional family. Feminist Roxanne Dunbar said it plainly: “Ultimately, we want to destroy the three pillars of class and caste [i.e., sexist] society — the family, private property, and the state.” Feminists seek the overthrow of the traditional family, and in its place they look for a radically different social institution that is shaped by feminist dogma.

When we consider the radical nature of feminism and its agenda to overthrow the family that is structured after the biblical model, we would be wise to pause and ponder how successful the feminists have been in remaking the family according to their own design. The fact is that, in Western society, feminism has been enormously successful in destroying the traditional family. The feminization of the family has already taken place! By the “feminization of the family” we mean the remaking of the family according to the beliefs and goals of feminism. This feminization has occurred in the last thirty years and with little opposition from men. Men have fallen away in fear at feminist charges of sexism, repression, tyranny, and exploitation, as a coward would wither before the charge of a determined enemy on the battlefield. Nothing seems to have terrified men more than the angry glare and words of feminist ideologues.

Now, when we say that the feminization of the family has already taken place, we do not intend to imply that the feminists have fully reached their goals in regard to the family. We mean, rather, that a revolution in family life that is due to feminist influence and in accord with feminist ideology has already come to pass in Western society. Today, the social institution of the family is far more in line with the vision of Betty Friedan than with the teaching of the Apostle Paul. This represents a triumph (at least a partial one) for the feminist’s radical vision of social revolution.

The feminization of the family is seen in at least six areas. First, marriage has been destabilized and divorce is rampant. Feminism’s “diabolization of marriage” has made divorce “socially and psychologically more acceptable by the idea that it is a reasonable response to a defective and dying institution.” The biblical teaching that marriage is a divine and covenantal institution that binds a man and woman together for life by a sacred vow (Gen. 2:18-24; Matt. 19:3-9) has been repudiated by modern society. The biblical concept has been replaced with the notion that marriage is a mere human institution, an imperfect one at that, and that divorce is a reasonable way to deal with any misery associated with it.

Second, male headship in the family has been replaced by an “egalitarian” arrangement where the husband and wife “share” in the leadership responsibilities of the family. The scriptural idea that the man is head of the family (1 Cor. 11:3-12; Eph. 5:22-23) and lord of his household (1 Pet. 3:5-6) is considered by feminists to be both tyrannical and barbaric, a vestige of primitive man and his ability to physically dominate his spouse. In our day, the overwhelming majority of both men and women scoff at the notion that the wife should submit to her husband’s authority.

Third, the man as provider has been rejected for a new model of joint economic responsibility. The view of our time is that the man is no more responsible than the woman to provide for the financial needs of the family. Feminists believe that the scriptural teaching of the man as the family provider (1 Tim. 5:9) is part of a male conspiracy to hold women down by making them economically dependent on men.

Fourth, the woman as a full-time homemaker is scorned, and the working woman who seeks fulfillment and independence in employment outside of her home is now a cultural norm. The biblical mandate that a woman be a “keeper at home” (Titus 2:4-5) is either unknown or unheeded. Feminist-minded folks consider it to be a demeaning thing for a woman to stay at home and confine her work to the sphere of her house and her family. A career is considered more suitable and meaningful for today’s wife and mother.

Fifth, the biblical norm of a woman as a nurturer of children has been replaced by the feminist ideal of a working mother who places her children in “daycare” so that she can pursue other important matters. The responsibility of motherhood is seen in far different terms than it was in the past. The biblical call to the mother to be with her children, to love, train, teach, and protect them (1 Tim. 2:15; 5:14), is rejected for the feminist vision of the woman who is freed from such constraints on her individuality and own fulfillment.

Sixth, the idea that a large family is a “blessing” is rejected for a notion that a small family of one or two children (and for some, no children at all) is far better. The concept of “family planning” geared at reducing the number of children in the home is advocated by nearly all. The biblical teaching that a large family is due to God’s blessing and sovereignty (Ps. 127; 128) is despised by modern families, even those claiming to be Christian. The feminist’s view that we determine the number of children we will have, that we are sovereign over such matters is now accepted with hardly a question. Of course, this supposed sovereignty over life and birth leads to a justification of abortion, the ultimate birth control.

Yes, the feminization of the family has taken place in America and in the West! The Christian concept of the family has been replaced by the feminist idea of the family: easy divorce has replaced a covenantal view of marriage; egalitarianism has replaced male headship; man and woman as joint providers has replaced man as provider; the wife and mother working outside of the home has replaced the woman as a keeper at home; the mother as an employee has replaced the mother as the nurturer of her children; “family planning” and “birth control” has replaced the large family.

Two factors have greatly contributed to the success of feminists in overthrowing the family structure and practice that is based on the Bible. The first factor is the cowardice of men; yes, even Christian men. To a degree it is understandable (though still shameful) that non-Christian men have cowered before the feminists and their attacks on them and the traditional family. But that Christian men who have the truth of the Word of God should have likewise capitulated is a sorry fact indeed. God has called men to defend His truth in the world and to live out its precepts. Yet, a look at the average evangelical Christian home will reveal that it too has been feminized to a large degree. Radical, Christ-hating feminist have transformed our homes, and Christian men have hardly objected to this or contested for the holy ground of a biblically patterned family. Furthermore, Christian husbands and fathers have also shown cowardice in their failure to lead and take up the responsibilities that God has given to them. They have been more than willing to shuck the full burden of leading and providing for their families — they have been more than to happy to share (or unload) these burdens with (or on) their wife. The family has been feminized because Christian men retreated from their duty.

The second factor is the silence and passivity of the church. The feminization of the family has taken place in large measure because the church has mostly been silent on the matter. The church has not met the assault of feminism head on with the sword of the Word of God. Rather, and shamefully, the church has retreated at the feminist onslaught, and has actually bought into many of the alien ideas of feminism. The church has been guilty of teaching such things as egalitarian marriage, “family planning,” and of supporting the idea of a career woman and working mother. Much of the blame must be laid at the feet of preachers and elders who are either deceived or too afraid to preach or stand for the truth concerning the family as God had revealed it in His Holy Word. The feminists have been successful in altering the family because the church has failed to live and teach the positive scriptural doctrine of the family and has not exposed, denounced, and answered the lies of the feminists.

What should our response be as Christians to the feminization of the family? Our response begins with the recognition that it has happened. Denial will not do us any good. Then, we must take up the task of the de-feminization of the family and the re-Christianization of the family. This task is the work of every individual Christian family; but it is primarily the work of Christian husbands and fathers who have been appointed by God as leaders in the home. Men must lead by precept and example in eradicating all aspects of feminist influence from the life and structure of their family and restore it to a biblical pattern. Men must prove themselves men and shoulder the full load of responsibility given to them by God. Men must stop being intimidated by feminist rhetoric and radicals and fearlessly promote God’s order for the family.

The task of reconstructing the family according to God’s Word will also require the church to faithfully teach what the Bible says concerning the family, and, in many cases, to alter the structure of their church and ministry (which has also been feminized) to support the family rather than to undermine it. It will require pastors and elders who respect the covenantal institution of the family, and who will stop lording it over the family and persecuting the man who seeks to de-feminize his own family. It will demand pastors and elders who are an example to the flock by de-feminizing their own homes. And it will take teachers and preachers with the courage and conviction of John Knox and John Calvin to expose the poisonous lies of feminist dogma and to declare and defend the biblical pattern for the family from the pulpit.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 22, 2005 | Permalink

I am assuming that this is going to the President of The Vision Forum, Inc. I am requesting to be removed from your mailing list. As a Christian, I believe in the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes and it is clear that your “Vision” and philosophy is quite the opposite. Thank you. —Walter S.

Dear Mr. S: We are happy to honor your request. Regarding your concerns: If by political, economic, and social equality of the sexes you mean the modern feminist view that there is no distinction of roles or division of labor between men and women, then you are correct — our vision is the opposite of that. We begin with the understanding that value and worth are separate concepts from jurisdictional duties and biblical hierarchies. We know of no difference in value between men and women. Furthermore, we believe that God is not a respecter of persons, which means male and female, rich and poor will be judged by the same law. Both are objects of God’s love, His grace, His wrath, His judgment, and His redemption.

As to the issue of jurisdiction, hierarchy, and division of labor: We stand with the Apostles in affirming the biblical teaching that woman is made for the man (and not the other way around); that man is declared by God to be the head of the woman who is to cherish woman as his own flesh, providing for her, protecting her, and leading her; that men are jurisdictional leaders at home, in the church, and in the gates, and that women are to be fruitful mothers and helpmeets to their husbands as keepers at home and skilled managers of the household economy on behalf of their husbands (Genesis 3; Proverbs 31; Titus 2; I Corinthians 11; Ephesians 5).

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 21, 2005 | Permalink

Check out NCFIC director Scott Brown’s blog entry to see the tragic effect of eugenicists and liberal clerics alike who decry prolific mothers as “baby machines” and extol the virtue of closing the fruitful womb.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 21, 2005 | Permalink

Artists rendition of 2nd Lt. Bill Brown leaving Iwo Jima in his P-51 Mustang

Interview with Scott Brown from the South Pacific: Why Christian Sons Should Honor Their Fathers By “Spreading Their Fame.”

“But there are two things that I want for my son...the first is that it will be driven deeply into his heart that my father delights in me, because my father does delight in me, and he expresses it all the time. He’s expressed it many times to me on this trip, and I, and I don’t know how often David has heard those expressions, but I want him to see it demonstrated that a father is delighting in this son, so that he can know what it looks like. So that by example he can see how a father does delight in a son. My father has expressed his delight in me every day that we’ve been together.

The other thing is that he would, my son would see that I do honor my father...that I do love my father and I do want to do his will. And I want my son to see my, his grandfather as he really is. He’s an ordinary man, but his fame should spread. It’s a son’s task in life to spread the fame and the glory of his father in the same way that the Lord Jesus Christ spread the fame and the glory of His Father in heaven.”

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 20, 2005 | Permalink

...Even our tire advertisements fearlessly quoted Scripture.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 20, 2005 | Permalink

With gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ for his many mercies and blessings, Vision Forum is pleased to announce the world premiere of The League of Grateful Sons next Friday at 6:30 at the beautiful Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. There have been thousands of dramatic films and documentaries on the Second World War, but this is the first that addresses the implications of faithful fatherhood on future generations in the context of the legacy of both the survivors and victims of the bloodiest battle in Marine Corps history — Iwo Jima.

The League of Grateful Sons answers the question: What happens when warrior fathers honor God by speaking the providences of God to future generations? What happens when they do not?

Filmed on Iwo Jima, Guam, Texas, Oahu and California, with original soundtrack and numerous previously unreleased archival photographs. The League of Grateful Sons is unlike any war documentary you have ever seen. It is a reflection of the heart of the families of Vision Forum to honor our fathers and encourage others to do the same. My sincere prayer is that people will leave the theater loving their heavenly father more, crying out for a deeper relationship with their sons and daughters. I pray they will rejoice in our great providential God who directs all affairs for His glory and for the good of a people he has elected before the foundation of the earth.

As a special tribute to our World War II fathers, the Friday premiere is open and free to all WWII vets and a friend or family member of their choosing. As a tribute to our WWII mothers and fathers, and to help this generation understand the past better, the evening includes the sounds of Sentimental Journey, a full orchestra/band dedicated to preserving the music of the WWII generation.

To my dear friends and readers of Doug’s Blog, I leave you with this thought: The sixtieth anniversary of the end of WWII is almost over. Have you and your children said “thank you” to our heroic fathers? With more than 1,500 veterans dying a day, and the prospect of few survivors for the seventieth anniversary, this may be one of our last opportunities to communicate our gratitude. Please consider attending this special event.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 19, 2005 | Permalink

Do you remember when our government spent more time defending and blessing the nobility of motherhood and the sanctity of life, than destroying it? On Friday, October 28 you can meet survivors of a generation born to parents from the pre-modern world — a world which extolled such virtues as “women and children first,” the nobility of motherhood and the blessing of children. Come to the premiere of Vision Forum’s The League of Grateful Sons, part of the Faith of Our Fathers Project.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 19, 2005 | Permalink

My deepest personal thanks, and the thanks of my family, to all of you who have and who continue to support the work of the Faith of Our Fathers Project. Your kindness is allowing us to proclaim the providence of a covenant-keeping God to this generation.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 19, 2005 | Permalink

“A wise son maketh a glad father.” Proverbs 10:1

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 19, 2005 | Permalink

Rachel Short and Liberty walk through a Rev. War graveyard together.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 19, 2005 | Permalink

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 19, 2005 | Permalink

The 2006 Plymouth Faith & Freedom Tour is full. Fifty spots remain for the 2006 Virginia Faith & Freedom Tour. Following this tour, Vision Forum will sponsor the History of the World Mega-Conference in the Williamsburg area.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 18, 2005 | Permalink

Jubilee with her Evangeline Doll

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 18, 2005 | Permalink

The friends and family of Vision Forum send a “howdy” from the set of the 2005 Vision Forum Family Catalogue (to be arriving in your mailbox shortly) and the Faith of Our Fathers Project.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 17, 2005 | Permalink

Last week, our friends Tim and Don Wildman at the American Family Association, broke the national news story that the American Girl company uses the dollars from the sales of their dolls to support lesbianism and abortion. Since that time we have received numerous letters like the following:

In view of the recent information about American Girl, I must tell you how thankful we are for your ministry and integrity. My daughters were very disappointed to hear we will no longer be buying products from American Girl, but how excited they were when I showed them your site...We have also been listening to the Jonathan Park CD’s and my children love them! I must say, not only they, but my husband and I are also learning very interesting things through them. Thank you again for your ministry. Sincerely, Lynn D.

We just received a disturbing e-mail from AFA (American Family Association) about the “American Girl Doll”, made by Matel. It appears that American Girl dolls are sponsoring a liberal, pro-abortion and pro lesbian organization, Girls, Inc. My daughter has an American Girl doll which her grandmother bought for her even though I prefered your Beautiful Girlhood Collection. I have told our family not to support the other doll company and to please look into your dolls for future purchase of dolls and clothes. My questions are: 1) would your dolls be the same size as American Girl Dolls so that we may buy clothes to fit my daughter’s doll?, and 2) are your dolls made my Matel? Thanks and I think your dolls and accompanying books are wonderful! Many blessings! Emelia R.

VF: Thanks for asking Emelia. AG girls are made in China. Our dolls are, in our opinion, of superior quality and are hand manufactured specifically and uniquely for Vision Forum’s Beautiful Girlhood Collection by an esteemed German doll-maker. Also, our dolls are the same size as the AG dolls. This means that AG clothing fits the Vision Forum dolls and vice versa. Let me also mention, that Vision Forum was able to secure a significant price reduction in the cost of manufacturing dresses, without going to China or losing any quality. We have passed those price reductions on to the consumer this year.

For the past 11 years, my daughter and I have collected American girl dolls, but as of now, I am recommending yours instead, to everyone I know. Recently, I got an email from a friend, stating that American Girl had partnered with an organization called Girls, Inc. This organization has an extreme anti-family agenda. Their webpage says they fully support right to abortion and the Roe decision, and they have aggressively lobbied Congress against abstinence funding. Additionally, they have pro-lesbian resource material available for girls. American Girl is donating $50,000 to this organization, a $50,000 lump sum plus seventy cents for every “I Can” bracelet sold at the American Girl website... I think now that Christian parents know they cannot trust American Girl, now owned by Mattell, they will be looking for alternative sources for dolls especially. I mention this to you know just for your awareness. I am hoping many parents will turn to you instead of American Girl, and that you have a good Christmas season. Additionally, I hope you will continue to expand your line with more stories to go with your dolls. I hope this is an opportunity for you and simply wanted you to be aware that this is going on. This is the first week that this has been called to people’s attention, so we will see what happens. It has been circulating quickly by email. Hopefully other print sources will also pick up the story. I will be writing an article for a local church newspaper and will mention your Maria von Trapp dress as well as the beautiful dolls. God bless you. Martha S.

Hi! I first want to thank you for offering this product line. I think you will find it’s popularity is about to explode due to the fast spreading news that American Girl supports pro-choice and lesbian agenda’s. I hope that you will consider producing some videos regarding these girls in your product line as they put the drama into the story and make it come alive for those younger than reading age. My daughter, who is five, LOVES the Samantha movie put out by American Girl. She really fell in love with Samantha and her friend. I just want to encourage you to expand this much needed line to steer young girls away from meaningless stuff like “Bratz”, “Cabbage Patch”, etc.. and more towards a Godly understanding of there womanly strength, potential, and future as a mother and wife. Thanks!

Dear Vision Forum -
In response to the latest blog entry, I will suggest another reason to consider avoiding the American Girl dolls and related products. The line represents and directly promotes a philosophy to the girls of America that is in total antithesis to what we as Christians want our daughters to embrace. Many, years ago, I discovered this while reading the first Felicity books aloud. We no longer have the books, but to the best I recall, Felicity took her brother’s breeches without asking,to wear them so that she could climb a fence and ride a horse that belonged to someone else. This happened on several occassions, in the middle of the night, of course, so her father wouldn’t know what she was doing (he had told her to stay away from the horse.) But - it’s the epitomy of situation ethics here - the poor horse is owned by a man who didn’t treat it right, and Felicity ultimately “saves the horse.” Not only does she save the horse, but she “saves the day” by work as an informant for the colonial cause for independence. I may be a little fuzzy on the story - it’s been quite awhile. But I clearly remember Felicity being elevated as a heroine (one wiser than her father), and that this same independent spirit permeated the other doll stories, though in such a way to appear right and just to the young, impressionable reader. Their catalog also promotes a subtle (or not so) “it’s all about you” message, with the modern girl line. We, too, are grateful for the superior alternative Vision Forum has made available to our daughters, including the wonderful books by Tracy Leininger Craven. Thank you!! Gari V.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 17, 2005 | Permalink

http://www.afa.net/petitions/issuedetail.asp?id=154

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051014/aponreus/americangirl_protest

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 17, 2005 | Permalink

Dear Vision Forum Family,

..I feel compelled to write you tonight. About 6 weeks ago my husband made the decision, during the weekend of his 30th birthday, to load up our little toyota corolla with our family (ie. him, me and our three precious daughters who range in age from 9 months to 5 years old) and our possessions of choice (ie. 3 weeks worth of clothes for each of us, my singer sewing machine, important paperwork, family documents, some potograghs and keepsakes). Hurricane Katrina was headed for New Orleans and we weren’t interested in hosting her visit. So off we went, two days before the storm came ashore. We visited an aunt and uncle in Killeen, Texas. Little did we know that our lives were about to change drastically. We lived in New Orleans East. Our home was one of the many homes that sustained damaged due to several feet of water. But not just us. Our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors and fellow homeschoolers lost their homes and most of their possessions as well. Many of our loved ones are still unaccounted for. Some we fear have drowned. We continue to pray. Close friends and relatives who are alive and well are scattered about the country.

Oh, but we are alive. My husband and I look at each other these days and we thank God that our little family is safe. I say little because we have a vision for more Godly seed. We want to have as many children as the Lod God will bless us with. Recently, I was wondering if I should adjust my thinking on the issue of childbearing, seeing as how we are in the process of starting our lives over. Surely, God wouldn’t want me to concieve while we were homeless and with an income. I shared my fears with God and he comforted me with his truth. I’ve been reminded that blessed is the man who has his quiver full. God’s word does not say blessed is the man who has his quiver full if he is employed or if he has a great 3 bedroom home with 2 baths (ie. like the one we left behind in New Orleans). No, God has told us as married folk to be fruitful and multiply. Period. That’s it in a nutshell. Right before my 9 month old was conceived I was blessed to read Nanvy Campbells book on being being fruitful and multiplying. It touched my soul, so. I was aching for another baby to give back to the Lord and love. The truth in the book encouraged me and gave me a peace that went beyond all understanding. Shoshannah, our youngest, was concieved shortly after.

Sherlin L.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 17, 2005 | Permalink

1. Antithesis

Culture is not neutral. It either reflects the priorities of Christianity or the priorities of godless man. Antithesis is the distinction between the two. There is no neutrality. While Hollywood continues to besiege the families and youth of America with the images and philosophies of godless man, the Lord is raising up a replacement industry of filmmakers committed to presuppositionally biblical filmmaking for the glory of God. At the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, you will meet these filmmaking mavericks and learn why our mission is neither to retreat from society, nor is it to synthesize with paganism — our mission is to do God’s work, God’s way, from the ground level up. In so doing, in the name of Christ, we are to force the antithesis between cultural righteousness and cultural evil.

1. Controversy

This film festival is controversial — not because it seeks to be avant-garde or push the envelope of visual acceptability. It is controversial, because it dares to proclaim that the Lordship of Christ applies to our methodologies as well as our ends. It is controversial, not because of the offensive things you will see, but because of what you will not see. You will not see, for example, God’s name taken in vain, unbiblical presentations of romance and sexuality, or the glorification of effeminate men and masculine women. It is controversial, because it rejects the notion that the legitimate goal of presenting culturally relevant media means that filmmakers have to adopt and glorify the worst elements and attitudes of modern culture in order to reach the culture.

1. Honor

A crucial element of this film festival is honor. We seek first to honor our Lord and Savior. In His name, we seek to honor others. Participants at this year’s festival will not only remember the fiftieth anniversary of the martyrdom of missionaries Jim Elliot and Nate Saint, but will participate in a special evening of honor to our World War II vets. Throughout the festival, attendees will watch films that honor God’s vision for the biblical family.

1. Refreshment

Those in attendance will have the opportunity to watch many dozens of hours of refreshing films; to enjoy live stage performances and musical presentations designed to encourage believers with courage, hope and vision; to enjoy an orchestra playing music of the World War II era; and to watch the world premiere of the film, The League of Grateful Sons. It is our experience, however, that the greatest refreshment comes through the interaction of the people attending with many other like-minded families and individuals of vision.

1. Opportunity

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with and meet other likeminded filmmakers, producers, and industry specialists who share a vision for building and financing the independent Christian film market.

1. Hope

We live at a time of great doubts about the future of our once-great Christian civilization. There is desperate need for our sons and daughters to receive a message of hope. That message is found in God’s Word and is made alive and real by the power of the Holy Spirit as we apply the message of His Word to the real world around us. At the SAICFF, participants will not only receive a message of hope, but they will witness the fruits of the hopeful — men and women laboring to advance the crown rights of Christ in a medium of defining significance for twenty-first century Christians.

Get your Festival Pass to reserve your place at this year’s film festival.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 15, 2005 | Permalink

The following are a series of testimonies from filmmakers who participated in last year’s San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. To read more, to see pictures, or to register, go to www.independentchirstianfilms.com.

Defining Moment as Filmmaker and Father

I think I can honestly say, with little hindsight required, that SAICFF will prove to be a defining point in my life not only as a filmmaker, but more importantly as a new father and a Christian. It was wonderful to spend the week with people who shared a passionate belief in God’s ability to speak to the culture through film, and who responded to the idea of families creating art together, not with cynical accusations of nepotism, but with genuine appreciation, love, and enthusiasm. Prior to the festival, I had not fully contemplated and appreciated the value of working with family. That has changed because of you, your staff, and your informative speakers. Thank you for giving my wife, my brother, and I such a wonderful experience to share together. —Richard R.

Festival Opens Professional Doors

I was the winner in your film festival “Creation Films” category. Right after my first screening, the Vice President of Marketing from [name withheld] took [my wife] and I to dinner to discuss publishing the project! They are discussing it right now and wish to fly me to [location] to discuss particulars. I understand you called them to tell them about the festival. Thank you so much. I’ll keep you posted on what transpires. —Wes Olson (Jubilee Award Winner, “Best of Creation”)Many of the films that I viewed simply blew away my expectations, and I left the festival energized and excited about the future of independent Christian filmmaking. I am grateful to have been able to witness the “ground breaking” of this movement and hope to also attend next year’s festival, which I suspect will be even better! Your vision and ministry have been a blessing to me and to my family. —Josh E., 2004 SAICFF Attendee

Direction for Independent Filmmakers

Let me thank you and Vision Forum for having this event in San Antonio. It was very exciting to see the gathering of people with a similar desire and passion, and to see the pool of talent that God is gathering together.... For the past five or six years, God has been stirring in my heart this desire to see redemptive, life-changing films for the glory of God. Over the years, as I travel to various media events and conferences, I meet Christians who have such a heart for media, and a heart to see that media used for God’s glory; yet, many of them are directionless. They are full of zeal, but have no guidance or organization that they can turn to for information and resources. That’s what excites me about this new movement. Thank you again for your hard work in this area, and may God continue to bless you and guide you as we step into this new and exciting area of ministry! —Russell Pond (Semi-Finalist, 2004 Jubilee Awards)

Professionalism and Excellence

Our film was accepted into the festival and after the first screening, my wife and I knew this experience was going to be different. The staff was organized, professional, and the screenings always started on time. But that’s only half the story because when the lights went down you could almost guarantee an entertaining screening. This will easily be the biggest and the best Christian film festival in years to come. That comment is not intended to stroke any egos. Honestly, if you want to attend a festival that’s committed to quality — this is the one. I plan to watch it closely and submit my films as often as possible. —Aaron M.

Exciting Vision for a Replacement Industry

Thank you for your hard work to bring this festival together! It was a tremendous blessing and encouragement to many people, myself included. I learned a lot, and will continue to learn as I listen to the lectures on tape. The vision of a replacement film industry — one that glorifies God rather than the devil — is a great one, and I believe that God will bless it! ... Again, the festival, in my opinion, was a great success, and will probably only get better every year! I was unable to enter a film this year, but I intend to do so next year. May God bless you all! —David T.

Developing Networks

It is my belief that, in addition to annual festivals, an ongoing communication network between Christian filmmakers at all levels is needed to help us to develop our craft and tackle film projects too large to be done individually. I met some people this weekend and have began forming a network of my own.... Thank you for your time, and thank you again for this program. —Ray J.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 15, 2005 | Permalink

We are sorry to announce that the Christian Filmmaker’s Academy is now sold out. Spaces are still available, however, for the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. Click here for details.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 13, 2005 | Permalink

The Mission: Trek across the “City of Brotherly Love” in search of clues to a hidden treasure. With historical facts, locations and markers as a source of information, members of the 2005 Faith and Freedom Tour used a Caeser Cipher to decode clues and help them find the location of $100 in American Eagle silver coins hidden somewhere in the historic center of Philadelphia. Approximately ten clues brought the treasure hunters to famous Christ’s Church where they located a loose brick under which was hidden a riddle to be ciphered and solved. The final riddle was this:

Where merchants once exchanged their wares, the noble lions sleep. They guard a precious history, and valued treasures keep.

The answer: The Philadelphia Merchant Exchnage — where the treasure was hidden under the great stone lions.

But — to the dismay of eager young boys and precocious girls, the treasure was found by a pair of grannies who used their head (rather than their brawn) to solve the mysteries.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 13, 2005 | Permalink

My bride celebrated her birthday this year during our Faith and Freedom Tour on the Brandywine Battlefield.

For a special birthday present, Charlie Zahm (our favorite baladeer of Americana, and Celtic and maritime music) made a suprise appearance. He sang songs of the Revolutionary War, of Scotland, of faith and of courage. (It was especially great to hear “The Blacksmith of Brandywine” sung on the battlefield.) What a blessing!

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 13, 2005 | Permalink

This young man blows his Vision Forum bugle for Washington and the Continentals of the Glorious Cause on the Brandywine Battle Field.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 13, 2005 | Permalink

Victoria Pent, daughter to Esther and Arnold Pent (author of Ten P’s In a Pod) with Beall Phillips.

Josh Erber portrays Patrick Henry and offers a stirring rendition of his “Give me liberty or give me death speech.” Josh is a businessman who owns and operates a conference tape recording enterprise. He is a member of the Roger and Maggie Erber family — a family which represents the very best and the brightest of the home school movement. Their family has served the home school movement through state leadership for seventeen years at ICHE.

This is the fourth Faith and Freedom tour for the Doug Canfield family. Twins Elizabeth and Evangeline annually bless the entire tour by performing famous poems from Longfellow like “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.” We love these girls dearly, along with their sister Emily.

It was a joy to complete my eigth year of Faith and Freedom tour trips with historian and close friend Bill Potter

Ruth and Rachel Short with the Phillips girls.

My father, Howard Phillips, walks through the streets of Princeton with Vision Forum interns and grandson Howard.

Peter Bradrick listens to a lecture on Washington at Valley Forge

Brad Spearing and daughter Lauren at the closing banquet for the 2005 Faith and Freedom Tour

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 13, 2005 | Permalink

Kelly Brown’s love for her grandfather, World War II hero Bill Brown, is simply contagious. Here, three generations of Browns give thanks for the mercies of God in their life. The image was taken at the closing banquet of the 2005 Faith and Freedom Tour, just moments after Kelly received the first copy of her new book Coming In on a Wing and a Prayer. This beautifully illustrated, multi-generational tribute is not only a great read, but a glorious testimony to the God-blessed success and capabilities of those daughters of Zion who choose to serve their fathers rather than striving for the feminist model of independence so pervasive in Evangelicalism. Coming In on a Wing and a Prayer is one of a number of new books written by formerly homeschooled young ladies, published by Vision Forum, and featured in the new 2006 Vision Forum catalog to arrive in the mail in the next two weeks.

Posted by Doug Phillips on October 13, 2005 | Permalink