In this Issue:

Apocalypse Now: Commentary by Rev. Michael S. Piazza
Rev. Piazza to Release Sixth Book: The Real Anti-Christ due in October
There’s No Place Like Hope: Gala & Silent Auction supports H4PJ
Congress’s New Anti-spam Measures Confound Interest Groups
It’s never been this easy: H4PJ Partners with GoodSearch.com

Apocalypse Now
Commentary by Rev. Michael S. Piazza

One minute the news was reporting on the war between Israel and the Palestinians, and the next there is a war between Israel and Hezbollah, and their Lebanese hosts and Syrian and Iranian backers. With war still raging in Iraq and simmering in Afghanistan, there is great fear that the entire Middle East could go up in flames. At least, there is great fear among most. The escalating violence is apparently exciting some Christian fundamentalists who read the Book of Revelation like a futuristic Ouija Board. “The Rapture Ready” website asked the question, “Did your pastor talk about the Middle East war in church today (7/16)?” Here are some actual responses:

Yes, we prayed for the Middle East crisis, for protection of Jewish people and Christians over there, and for salvation to those that don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior. How exciting!

Yes, my pastor brought up all that is going on in Israel. We prayed for the protection of Israel and for a victory for her. He said that whenever Israel receives a large victory in a war, the church also gets a victory; i.e., revival. Interesting, huh?

Yes he did! He spent his sermon talking about how what's going on just meant that it was that much closer to Christ's return and that we all need to be prepared.

Given the fundamentalist influence on our current government, this attitude is more apocalyptic than what is actually going on in the Middle East.

William Kristol, editor of the far-right periodical “The Weekly Standard,” has openly stated that the crisis should be used as an opportunity to attack other Middle Eastern nations. In an article titled “It's Our War,” Kristol writes, “While Syria and Iran are enemies of Israel, they are also enemies of the United States. The right response is renewed strength—in supporting the governments of Iraq and Afghanistan, in standing with Israel, and in pursuing regime change in Syria and Iran. For that matter, we might consider countering this act of Iranian aggression with a military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities.” Kristol was one of the most enthusiastic cheerleaders for the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

One can only wonder how so many people who claim to be Christians managed to get Bibles that apparently left out huge portions of the gospels like, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.” Well, hopefully your Bible still has those verses and you will spend the energy of your life praying for and working for peace. Let’s remind our leaders that peace is OUR Christian value!

Related Links

Rapture Ready
Sojourners

Hope for Peace & Justice needs your support to continue to provide a progressive, religious response to the Religious Right. Donations, at any amount, are greatly appreciated. Click here to Donate to H4PJ.

Rev. Piazza to Release Sixth Book
The Real Anti-Christ due in October

Since September 11, 2001, the Religious Right has used fear to manipulate America. It has used 19 terrorists to make us so afraid that we are willing to abandon our values and do things that are virulently anti-American and un-Christian. The sale of millions of books in the Left Behind series, which portrays the Religious Right’s apocalyptic vision, is just one example of how fear-based religion is foundational to what is going on in this country. That demon has to be named and called out if we are to be free of it.

Rev. Michael S. Piazza, President of Hope for Peace & Justice and Dean of the Cathedral of Hope, will do just that in his new book, The Real Anti-Christ. “There IS an anti-Christ and it isn't Russia or Osama bin Laden,” Rev. Piazza says. “It isn't even George W. Bush. I believe the real anti-Christ is the way in which America, and in particular the evangelical church in America, has come to embody a vision and values that are diametrically opposite of Jesus, therefore, ‘the Real Anti-Christ.’”

Rev. Piazza will take the various issues of concern to and talk in lay terms about:

• Where we are as a country on these issues;
• The reasons why we are there;
• Where we ought to be, based on the teachings of Jesus; and
• A strategy for getting there.

To read the book’s introduction and to preview a chapter, please go to www.therealantichrist.com.

The Real Anti-Christ Book Cover Contest

In preparation for the release of The Real Anti-Christ, the staff of Hope for Peace & JUustice is seeking submissions for artwork and/or a design to grace the cover. IF you are an artist or graphic designer and have a great idea for the cover, please visit www.therealantichrist.com for more information. If you have any questions, please contact David Plunkett at 214-351-1432 or via email at dplunkett@h4pj.org. Design/art work are due Monday, August 14. Coy James, Managing Director, is putting together a team to evaluate submissions for possible use as the cover.

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There’s No Place Like Hope
Gala & Silent Auction supports H4PJ

Time is running out for you to reserve your seat for this year’s gala. In fact, you only have 2 more weeks left. Emmy winning comedian Bruce Vilanch will be the headline entertainer for “There’s No Place Like Hope,” our annual Gala to be held on Saturday, July 29 at the Westin Galleria in Dallas. Jazz group “Signature Band” will provide fun dance music following Vilanch while guests make their final bids at the Silent Auction.

This year’s event promises to be truly spectacular. So far, dedicated volunteers have collected over $50,000 worth of art and merchandise for the Silent Auction and hundreds have already got their tickets to see gay rights activist Bruce Vilanch. We’re saving a place for you, but the sooner you purchase your tickets, the better the seat we can give you.

When you purchase your tickets for this event, you are supporting the peace and justice programs of the Cathedral of Hope and Hope for Peace & Justice. This year, we hope to raise over $25,000 for the organizations. You just need to be there.

Individual tickets are $85 or $100 and may be purchased online at www.theresnoplacelikehope.com or by calling Roger Stanley at 214-351-1901. Thank you for your support of There’s No Place Like Hope Gala & Silent Auction.

Blessings,

Mack Campbell
Development Specialist
www.theresnoplacelikehope.com

About Bruce Vilanch
Perhaps most recognizable from his four-year stint on “Hollywood Squares,” Vilanch is one of the most sought-after comedy writers in Hollywood. Winner of two Emmys for his contributions to the Academy Awards, Vilanch got his big break when Bette Midler hired him to provide material for her club act. His long collaboration with Midler dates from 1970 and includes co-writing the 1980 film “Divine Madness” and the television specials “Bette Midler: Ol’ Red Head Is Back” (1978) and “Bette Midler in Concert: Diva Las Vegas” (1997). Vilanch has written for many other entertainers including Lily Tomlin, Billy Crystal, Roseanne Barr, Rosie O’Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams. Most recently, he appeared as Edna Turnblad in the Broadway smash hit musical “Hairspray” and lost 20 pounds on VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club. He is a columnist for “The Advocate” magazine and is tireless champion of LGBT causes.

About the George Anderson & the Signature Band
Dallas’ own “Signature Band” will provide live music throughout our Gala celebration. Known as a “get the party going” band, Signature Band will begin the evening, during dinner, with the soft, romantic sounds of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett-style standards, as well as smooth jazz and some romantic vocal songs. After our meal and featured entertainer, well, IT’S PARTY TIME! The dance floor will surely be packed as Signature Band plays the best of Motown, Classic Rock, Young Country, 70’s Disco and today’s current hits.

Related Links

There’s No Place Like Hope
Cathedral of Hope

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Congress’s New Anti-spam Measures Confound Interest Groups
by Jessica Azulay
Originally Published by NewStandardNews.net

Constituents who want to send e-mail to some members of Congress now must answer a simple math problem in order to get their message through. Congress members say the new "logic puzzles" are necessary to cut down on "spam," but activists are decrying the requirement as a barrier to democracy.

According to the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call, about 60 members of Congress have implemented the quiz as the latest in a series of questions web-users must answer before they can send a message to their elected officials. Most federal politicians already require a full name, home address and e-mail address.

Now constituents must answer questions like: "What is the sum of 7 plus one" or "9 8 7 : What is the 1st number listed at the start of this question?" The "puzzles" supposedly create a barrier English-reading humans can easily pass, but which will entangle an automated "virtual" visitor.

"Congress long ago did away with the literacy-test qualification to vote," said Caroline Fredrickson of the American Civil Liberties Union in a press statement. "Apparently, members of Congress acknowledge you shouldn't have to pass a test to vote for them, but they don't want you to contact them without taking a quiz."

Activist groups, especially those that use web forms on their own sites to help the public send pre-written e-mails to congress members, are outraged over the quiz. The math problems may be trivial to most would-be constituent correspondents, but they are designed to baffle the software used to carry out high-tech grassroots campaigns.

Click here to continue reading.

Related Links

Don’t Silence the People
Don’t Block my Voice

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