“House” movie poster. The Satanic pentagram is surrounded by the words, “The wages of sin is death.”

Namesake Entertainment’s latest release comes to U.S. theaters on November 7, 2008. Filmed in Lodz, Poland, this horror/thriller is an adaption of the Thomas Nelson book (2006) of the same name by Christian novelists and producers Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti. Directed by Robby Henson (“Thre3e” and “The Visitation”), the screenplay was written by Rob Green with assistance from Peretti.

Budgeted at an estimated $2.5-million, the movie’s best known actors are Michael Madsen (“Reservoir Dogs,” “Kill Bill” Vol. 1 & 2, “Sin City”), Reynaldo Rosales (“She Hates Me,” “Homeland Security”), Heidi Dippold (“NCIS,” “Alias”, “The Sopranos”), Julie Ann Emery (“Hitch,” “Commander in Chief,” “ER”), and Bill Moseley (“The Devil’s Rejects,” “House of a 1000 Corpses”). Cinematography was supplied by the award-winning Polish photographer Marcin Koszalka. Principal photography was completed in the Summer of 2006.

“House” director Robby Henson regularly directs plays at Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theater in Danville, KY (his family’s Pioneer Playhouse)

Producer’s Synopsis: “When their car leaves them stranded on the side of a rural road, Jack and Stephanie Singleton seek refuge in an old bed-and-breakfast where they find another couple in the same situation. Soon, the four discover that the creepy owners of this old house know more about them than they should. Slowly, their darkest secrets and deepest fears begin to unfold around them. They try to escape, but a madman waits for them outside; he forces them back into the house and into his game. They have until dawn to give him one dead body.”

Originally slated for distribution by Twentieth Century Fox, “House” is instead being distributed theatrically in the U.S. by Roadside Attractions (Los Angeles) and will later be released on DVD by Lions Gate Films Home Entertainment. Producer Namesake Entertainment is located in Kentucky and is owned by Joe Goodman, Bobby Neutz (”Left Behind”) and Ralph Winter (“X-Men”). Founded to “to develop creative, purposeful and family appropriate entertainment products,” the company’s stated mission is “to provide quality properties for all audiences, from children to seniors, that are entertaining, non-offensive, uplifting and thought-provoking.” However, some Christian viewers may question whether this satanic-themed movie about evil fully delivers on those high standards. Despite repeated appeals, the MPAA rated “House” an “R for some violence and terror.”

Cover of the book, House, published by Thomas Nelson

Author Ted Dekker reports that the content of the movie isn’t substantially altered from the book,

“This is still essentially the same story from the book. It’s the story of four lost souls entering their own hell, mistaking their one hope of rescue as something evil, and in the end either living or dying.

But the marketing has changed. The message is now going out to the millions who would never be caught dead watching a movie like ‘Left Behind,’ no pun intended.

…I’ve been watching from a distance, powerless to influence the course of this movie. And I won’t lie, it’s been interesting watching everyone pull their hair out. Fact is, the movie just isn’t that terrifying. It has very little blood, less than a typical TV show. It has no foul language, maybe one ‘hell,’ but then the movie is about hell.”

For more details, see the movie review by one of our ChristianSpotlight™ contributors, Angela Bowman—she was very disappointed with it. “House” is not like any Christian film we’ve seen, but it does clearly represent the evil and depravity of man and Satan. We are waiting to see what reaction most secular critics will have. Only one is evident at this writing—MovieJungle’s Joanne Brokaw gave a positive review, calling it “a suspenseful psychological roller coaster ride” and emphasized, “I’m happy—thrilled, surprised, overjoyed—to tell you that ‘House’ is not like a Christian movie in any way.”

Hmm… Time will tell whether that is a good thing.

Movie review

Official site: housethemovie.net

As of today, the new movie FIREPROOF is playing in 905 theaters across the nation, including 100 new venues. For a movie made by a church, the results are amazing. Each week since it opened in late September, it has played in more theaters than the previous week. Many secular Hollywood productions cannot report the same.

Some interesting facts

1. When “Fireproof” was released on September 26, it left movie-industry experts astounded as it opened with the second-highest per-screen average of films and a No. 4 position overall.
2. For three weeks running, “Fireproof” has been one of the Top 10 movies in the country.
3. On beginning of its third week in theaters, “Fireproof” once again finished in the top 10. And that’s on a week that had four big-budget Hollywood films each opening in more than 2,000 theaters and 17 movies playing in more theaters than the 875 that “Fireproof” was playing in.
4. “Fireproof” finished last week with the fourth-highest per-screen average of the top-10 films.
5. Last week, “Fireproof” was reportedly the No. 3 film on Fandango.
6. Moviegoers also reported screens being sold out in theaters where the movie has been playing since late September.
7. According to the producers (Sherwood Pictures and Provident Films), in three weeks at theaters, more than 2.2 million people have seen it.
8. The film is highly recommended by all Christian movie critics that we have read, including our own Christian Spotlight™ [read review]. The story is God-honoring and has the right combination of elements to strongly impact individuals and couples.
9. High ticket sales for a relatively low budget film—CNN reports that…
   

   “The movie, which has a strong faith-based message and was made with a budget of just $500,000 and a volunteer cast that includes former teen idol Kirk Cameron, has been surprisingly successful. …it has earned an estimated $13.6 million…”

10. In the first 10 days in theaters, “Fireproof” surpassed what “Facing the Giants” did in four months.
11. The Love Dare, originally merely a prop and plot device in the film, has now been published and become the No. 1 bestseller on the New York Times list of paperback advice books and is currently among the 3 top bestselling books on Amazon.com.
12. The producers report that the movie is making an impact on marriages. As one woman viewer reported,
    

    “This movie totally hit home. …We were both pretty much giving up on each other. My mother called and told me about the movie. I was going to the movie alone. I believe God intervened and had Rob come home early that day from work.

    …Throughout the movie, I would hear him whisper, ‘that’s us on that screen.’ We waited for all to leave the theater. Rob held me tight, crying and thanking me for taking him to see this wonderful movie. We are a changed couple. We are more respectful and loving towards one another. It truly feels wonderful being in love with someone God has specifically chosen for me!”

    A male viewer reported…

    “My wife of 13 years had handed me divorce papers on the Monday evening before the movie came out. The script for the movie could have been written about us. We are both good people, we were just not being good to each other. I got a call from a friend on Saturday insisting that my wife and I go see this movie. I was afraid to even ask her, but I did. We went to the afternoon movie on Sunday.

    Wow … it was us on the screen. We went home and talked about a lot of things and both said that we were sorry. We decided to stay together, to start going to church together again, and to treat each other the way we should have been all along. My wife called her lawyer on Monday and told him that she didn’t want a divorce and I did the same. We ordered The Love Dare book for both of us on Tuesday, and the marriage kit as well. Thank you so much for showing us that we aren’t the only couple with the problems that these people had and for giving us a new direction to go in. I love my wife and am looking forward to our new life together!”

     

Official Web site: fireproofthemovie.com

See our earlier stories:

• Coming Christian film “Fireproof” brings together a union of marriage advocates
• “Fireproof” coming to theaters in September 2008

After an amazing box office success, landing the title as the Top Grossing Documentary of 2008, “EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed” will be making its debut in the DVD market on October 21, 2008. Distributed by Vivendi Entertainment, “EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed” will continue to open up the debate of freedom of speech and freedom of education in the United States.

The film opened in the Top 10, achieving the number 5 position on a per-screen average. It has reportedly already made its place in history as the Number 12 Top Grossing Documentary of all time, and the Number 1 Conservative Documentary. The initial buzz about the film was so intense that it became the #1 most popular blog on the Internet (3/24/08), the #6 Top search on Yahoo (4/8/08), and received over 2 million web hits, more than any other movie’s website during this time. All this, while surrounded by not only controversial subject matter, but a lawsuit from Yoko Ono claiming unfair copyright use as the film uses and critiques the John Lennon song “Imagine.” A federal judge noted the filmmakers would probably win on the doctrine of “Fair Use” and denied the motion for a preliminary injunction which would have removed the film from theaters.

Produced by Premise Media, the release of “EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed” on DVD will be accompanied by grass roots outreach by Motive Entertainment, the company that spearheaded the grass roots marketing for Hollywood blockbusters like “The Passion of the Christ,” “Polar Express” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.”

The film’s numbers proved that freedom-loving Americans were outraged to discover that teachers and professors across the nation are teaching a theory as indisputable fact and that scientists who dissent from that theory are being silenced and ousted.

Ben Stein, the highly recognizable television personality, actor and former White House presidential speech writer, is on a journey to answer one of the biggest questions ever asked: ‘Were we created, or are we the result of random chance - a mud puddle struck by lightning?’ Stein, who is also a lawyer, an economist, an author and social commentator, is stunned by what he finds on his journey. He discovers an elitist scientific establishment that has traded in its skepticism for dogma. But even worse, Stein uncovers a long line of biologists, astronomers, chemists and philosophers who have had their reputations destroyed and their careers ruined by a scientific establishment that allows absolutely no dissent from Charles Darwin’s theory of random mutation and natural selection.

Stein says,

“Big Science in this area has lost its way. Scientists are supposed to be allowed to follow the evidence wherever it may lead, no matter what the implications are. Freedom of inquiry has been greatly compromised, and this is not only anti-science, it’s anti-American.”

“EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed” uncovers that educators and scientists are being ridiculed, denied tenure and even fired in some cases for the fact that they believe there is evidence of “design” in nature, challenging the idea that life is a result of random chance. For example, Stein meets Richard Sternberg, a double PhD biologist who allowed a peer-reviewed research paper describing the evidence for intelligence in the universe to be published in the scientific journal Proceedings. Not long after publication, officials from the National Center for Science Education and the Smithsonian Institution where Sternberg was a Research Associate began a coordinated smear and intimidation campaign to get the promising young scientist expelled from his position. This attack on scientific freedom was so egregious that it prompted a congressional investigation.

On his journey, Stein meets other scientists such as astrobiologist Guillermo Gonzalez, who was denied tenure at Iowa State University in spite of his extraordinary record of achievement. Gonzalez made the mistake of documenting the design he has observed in the universe. There are others, such as Caroline Crocker, a brilliant biology teacher at George Mason University who was forced out of the university for briefly discussing problems with Darwinian Theory and for telling the students that some scientists believe there is evidence of design in the universe. The list goes on and on.

Unlike some other documentary films, “EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed” doesn’t just talk to people representing one side of the story. The film confronts scientists such as Richard Dawkins, author of The God Delusion, influential biologist and atheist blogger PZ Myers and Eugenie Scott, head of the National Center for Science Education. The creators of “EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed” crossed the globe over a two-year period, interviewing scores of scientists, doctors, philosophers and public leaders. The result is a startling revelation that freedom of thought and freedom of inquiry have been expelled from publicly funded high schools, universities and research institutions.

Walt Ruloff, co-founder of Premise Media and co-producer, says,

“The incredible thing about “EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed” is that we don’t resort to manipulating our interviews for the purpose of achieving the ‘shock effect,’ something that has become common in documentary film these days. People will be stunned to actually find out what elitist scientists proclaim, which is that a large majority of Americans are simpletons who believe in a fairy tale. Premise Media took on this difficult mission because we believe the greatest asset of humanity is our freedom to explore and discover truth.”

The extensive grass roots theatrical campaign for “EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed”, spearheaded by Motive Entertainment president Paul Lauer, included nationwide screenings and endorsements with key leaders, extensive promotional materials, a promotional resource DVD, publicity, radio promotions and Internet. In addition, a pre-launch campaign included unprecedented partnerships and a widespread campaign together with educators, youth, scientists, families and the media nationwide. These materials, resources and relationships will extend beyond the theatrical successes and be further developed through the current “EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed” DVD campaign.

Twelve episode series coming to shelves in Frys, Costco, Sam’s Club and other stores, reports Grizzly Adams Family Entertainment

Since the Bible was first printed in its entirety nearly five hundred years ago, it is estimated that six billion copies of the world’s bestselling book—The Holy Bible—have been sold. All or parts of the Bible have been translated into nearly 2,500 languages around the globe. Some of the Bible’s most fascinating and hotly debated stories are examined in a 12-episode DVD set released by Grizzly Adams^® Productions.

David W. Balsiger, Grizzly Adams senior producer of the twelve one-hour television specials known as The Bible Collectors Series, notes,

“One of the intriguing aspects for me is that the Bible, its stories, its lessons, and its prophecies are still relevant today, three thousand five hundred years after the earliest parts of it were authored.”

Viewers will find Balsiger’s answers to questions like: The Bible is the most widely read and revered book in the history of the world, but who really wrote it? Is the story of Adam and Eve fact… or fiction? What are archaeologists, palaeontologists, biologists and theologians saying today? Is the recent increase in earthquake activity, disastrous flooding, escalating global tension and the ever-present threat of war a fulfillment of prophecy, or an amazing series of coincidences? Balsiger adds,

“We didn’t make this series to take the place of reading the Bible, we created each documentary to help viewers better understand portions of the Bible that they may particularly find intriguing or challenging.”

Although the Bible has been the principal religious document for a third of the world’s population for hundreds of years, critics and skeptics question many of the historical and scientific claims made in the collection of books. Darwin, for example, proposed a popular alternate theory to explain the origin of the first humans. An ark housing two of every animal and floodwaters covering the earth has been attacked as a fable. God speaking to Moses and leading him through the desert for 40 years to the “Promised Land” has been doubted. Each of these questions is addressed by separate episodes of The Biblical Collector Series.

Charles E. Sellier, president of Grizzly Adams Productions, observes,

“With every generation it seems Bible stories and teachings are disputed by philosophers, scientists, and scholars. Yet, year after year, the Bible outsells every other book ever published by six times. The Bible has to be extraordinary to withstand a continual onslaught for centuries while retaining its popularity.”

Each volume examines key questions about topics like the authenticity of the Bible, its historical accuracy, the fulfilment of its prophecies, and much more. The series analyzes major biblical topics, from Adam and Eve and Old Testament mysteries, to catastrophic natural disasters and their ties to Bible prophecies.

The Biblical Collectors Series, which retails for $12.95 for each of the 12 DVDs, is presented in contemporary TV docu-drama style. The titles in the series include: Biblical Adam & Eve; Biblical Armageddon; Biblical Authors; Biblical End Times; Biblical Old Testament Mysteries; Biblical Prophecies; Biblical Rapture; Biblical Women; Biblical Early Years of Jesus; Lost Biblical Treasures; Moses – Man of God;and Noah’s Ark and the Biblical Flood.

Grizzly Adams’ Balsiger reports,

“At the retail level, it is by far our most successful product both in sales and exposure to the public. …The Biblical Collectors Series is now being sold at many of the largest retail outlets in the United States including Costco, Barnes and Noble, and Fry’s Electronics, as well as Kroger and other large grocery chains. It is also available in many Christian retail outlets such as, Christian Family Stores, and in national catalog offerings including Publishers Clearing House.”

“For the 2008 Christmas season the Sam’s Club, subsidiary retail giant, Wal-Mart will offer Set #3 of the series in approximately 400 stores. Sam’s Club has shown a lot of confidence in the series. The proof of that is in the fact that they have given it shelf space in the fourth quarter, traditionally the most competitive time of year for DVD products.”

Grizzly Adams Productions, named after its long-running NBC Network TV series The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams, produces network “Sweeps” TV specials and series for the iNetwork (formerly the PAX-TV Network) and major cable channels.

The DVDs are packaged individually or in three-episode sets. Each of the programs is approximately 50 minutes in length. They are all digitally mastered with digital Surround Sound 5.1 Audio. There are a total of twelve episodes in The Biblical Collector Series. Each program is sold individually or in packages of three episodes.

1. BIBLICAL WOMEN: Was Mary Magdalene a Saint or Sinner, and Was There a Miracle at Fatima? For 2000 years, there has been an ongoing curiosity about the role Mary Magdalene played among the disciples of Jesus. This documentary focuses on this remarkable woman of the New Testament. The show also examines the miracle at Fatima. Available individually and included in Set #1. UPC 6-66907-11533-1 ISBN 1-933424-16-8 DVD $12.95 / 3-Pak Series $34.95
2. BIBLICAL PROPHECIES: Are Ancient Prophecies Today’s Reality? This program considers the fact that about 2,000 of the approximately 2,500 prophecies that appear in the Bible have been fulfilled. It considers the possibility that the remaining 500 will occur in the very near future. Available individually and included in Set #1. DVD $12.95 / 3-Pak Series $34.95
3. BIBLICAL OLD TESTAMENT MYSTERIES: Did God Destroy Sodom, and Gomorrah, and The Tower of Babel? Using recent archaeological discoveries, this documentary explores whether God actually used fire and brimstone to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah at the southern end of the Dead Sea. Available individually and included in Set #1. UPC 6-66907-11513-3 DVD $12.95 / 3-Pak Series $34.95
4. MOSES – MAN OF GOD: Did Moses Part the Red Sea? One of the key figures in the Bible is Moses. This documentary investigates historic and scientific evidence to determine whether he actually lived in Egypt, spoke with God, and led His people to the “Promised Land.” Available individually and included in Set #2. DVD $12.95 / 3-Pak Series $34.95
5. BIBLICAL ADAM AND EVE:Have We Found the Garden of Eden? The most controversial story in the Bible, the creation of the first man and first woman, has stirred debate for hundreds of years. Using scientific inquiry, this television special differentiates fact from theory. Available individually and included in Set #2. DVD $12.95 / 3-Pak Series $34.95
6. THE BIBLICAL RAPTURE: Will We Be Left Behind? Many Bible scholars believe the Bible foretells of “The Rapture”-a momentous event that will separate the faithful from the unbelievers. This program probes the period that people project will precede the “Second Coming of Christ.” Available individually and included in Set #2. DVD $12.95 / 3-Pak Series $34.95
7. BIBLICAL AUTHORS: Who Actually Wrote the Bible? Debate has raged for centuries about who actually wrote the most popular book of all time. This documentary examines historical, archaeological, and theological evidence of the inspiration and accuracy of the Bible. Available individually and included in Set #3. DVD $12.95 / 3-Pak Series $34.95
8. THE EARLY YEARS OF JESUS: Where Was Jesus During the Lost Years? The majority of people on planet Earth know that a man called Jesus Christ was born in a stable 2000 years ago. What is not well known is where and how he grew up. This program looks at traditions of Jesus’ life prior to His public ministry. Available individually and included in Set #3. DVD $12.95 / 3-Pak Series $34.95
9. BIBLICAL ARMAGEDDON: Was the Six Day War the Real Start of Armageddon? Against all odds, the tiny nation of Israel earned a decisive military victory during the 1967 Six-Day War. This television special analyzes whether the outcome of that dramatically brief conflict is actually foretold in the Bible. Available individually and included in Set #3. DVD $12.95 / 3-Pak Series $34.95
10. LOST BIBLICAL TREASURES: Has the Holy Grail Been Found? For centuries the Holy Grail, believed to be a relic of the Last Supper of Christ, has captured the world’s imagination. This television special investigates the powerful allure of this legendary artifact and the quest to uncover it. Available individually and included in Set #4. DVD $12.95 / 3-Pak Series $34.95
11. BIBLICAL END TIMES: Are End Time Warnings True? The Bible warns of a vast array of cataclysmic disasters in the last days. This television special studies whether recent events are part of an apocalypse that will destroy most of the world in fulfillment of End Times prophecy. Available individually and included in Set #4. DVD $12.95 / 3-Pak Series $34.95
12. NOAH’S ARK & THE BIBLICAL FLOOD: Was There a Global Flood and Has Noah’s Ark Been Found? Nearly 200 ancient cultures reference a global flood. This documentary examines claims by some scientists that the biblical flood story can account for all of the world’s geographic and geologic anomalies. Available individually and included in Set #4. DVD $12.95 / 3-Pak Series $34.95

After nearly sold-out preview screenings of COME WHAT MAY in Harrisonburg, VA and Grants Pass, OR, Valley Family Forum director, Dean Welty, believes that the powerful new pro-life movie could impact the November elections.

“Audience survey card responses were tremendous. This movie tells how Roe v. Wade can be reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Moviegoers were excited or agitated on both sides because the movie shows in dramatic fashion just how flimsy the legal footing stands for Roe. New Justice appointees who believe in Constitutional original intent will likely overturn Roe.”

Polls show a very tight presidential race. A handful of voters from each precinct will make the difference. Welty predicts,

“If this new movie gets widely known, and it could breakout because it’s very controversial, then watch out.”

According to Mac Nichols, a local tax attorney who played one of the movie’s U.S. Supreme Court Justices,

“What’s remarkable is that COME WHAT MAY, a micro-budget feature, was largely produced by over 40 students mentored by only a handful of professionals.”

Advent Film Group (AFG) produced the movie in association with Patrick Henry College, a true-to-life powerhouse in collegiate debate and moot court competition. PHC, founded eight years ago, enrolling only 300 students, has won the Moot Court National Championship twice and has beaten Oxford in England and again in Richmond, VA.

The movie’s legal argument is solid, claims George Escobar, founder of AFG. The film’s legal framework for overturning Roe was written by Michael Farris, founder and chancellor of PHC and is a constitutional attorney who has successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court.

COME WHAT MAY is attracting distributors, five of whom have made bids for the movie. Negotiations are underway with major players in Christian cinema, including the folks who made FACING THE GIANTS a box-office success. Explains Escobar,

“We know that Christians love COME WHAT MAY. What surprised us were the secular pro-choice audiences. Some have told us that the movie is causing them to reconsider their position.”

“That’s why this independent film made in Purcellville, Virginia (far from Hollywood) could be used to positively affect the elections for pro-life candidates.” adds Welty. “There is nothing from the pro-choice side that is remotely as persuasive.”

Valley Family Forum says they are committed to renewing the spiritual, moral, and cultural vision of America’s founding fathers.

The movie trailer is available at adventfilmgroup.com

Some of our resources on abortion

• Have questions about life before birth, or a woman’s choice about pregnancy and abortion? Visit this beautiful online presentation. Ask questions; get reliable answers.

Grizzly Adams Release focuses on Christianity and American Presidents

Just in time for the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election, Grizzly Adams® Productions releases a new documentary, “Faith in the White House,” that examines how American presidents throughout history have relied on God and Christian principles to govern the country.

Both presidential candidates, Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama, have publicly declared that they are Christians. As both candidates know, from even a cursory examination of history, there is ample precedent for presidential belief in God. Yet, since his election in 2000, President George W. Bush has been attacked by his political adversaries and members of the media for his unapologetic commitment to Christianity and the teachings of the Bible.

Charles E. Sellier, founder of Grizzly Adams explains:

“Four years ago we released a television documentary titled ‘George W. Bush: Faith in the White House.’ It focused on a single president and how his faith in God sustained him as he faced one of the darkest days in U.S. history, September 11, 2001. Bush’s opponents somehow viewed his commitment to follow the Bible’s teachings as a weakness of character or leadership. The well-established fact that appears to have been overlooked since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1963 ‘School Prayer’ ruling is that American presidents have always talked about God.”

George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and George W. Bush are frequently mentioned when the topic of Christianity and the American presidency is discussed, but—as this documentary establishes—Thomas Jefferson and Franklin Roosevelt should also be added to the top of that list. This film looks at all forty-three U.S. presidents. The film’s director, David Balsiger, notes,

“Every United States president, regardless of political party, affiliation, has mentioned God in his inaugural address. In fact, upon taking office after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, President Andrew Johnson, exclaimed, ‘Christ first, our country next.’ Somehow, over the past few years of unbridled political correctness, ‘One nation under God’ has become a bad thing. But our Founding Fathers certainly didn’t see it that way.”

Ronald Reagan, a Republican, affirms,

“The Founding Fathers believed that faith in God was the key to our being a good people and America becoming a great nation.”

George Washington, the hero of the American Revolution, the first president of the United States, and often referred to as the ‘Father of Our Country’ states:

“It is impossible to properly govern without God and the Bible.”

President Woodrow Wilson, a Democrat, proclaims that America is a “Christian nation.”

During World War II, on the evening of June 6, 1944—”D-Day”—as American, British and Canadian troops were fighting to establish beach heads on the coast of Normandy, France, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a Democrat, led the nation in prayer. Reading live on the radio, FDR begins by saying:

“Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.”

Sellier concludes,

“The truth is, despite many attempts over the past several decades to obscure the fact, the United States is a political entity and a cultural society based on the teachings of the Bible. This television program has been rigorously researched and its conclusion is indisputable: For 232 years, this country has needed and embraced a person of faith in the White House.”

Quoted in the program are Founding Fathers, Democrats, and Republicans: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Quincy Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Woodrow Wilson, Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush.

Grizzly Adams Productions, named after its long-running NBC Network TV series The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams, produces network “Sweeps” TV Specials and series for the iNetwork (formerly the PAX-TV Network) and major cable channels. During the past 30 years, Grizzly Adams has produced more than 1000 family friendly TV specials and series for NBC, CBS, PAX, Discovery, SciFi, The Learning Channel and other networks. Eleven of their theatrical films are among the top 100 all-time independent grossing films (non-studio), with six of those releases ranking in the top 25.

“Faith in the White House” is now available for worldwide broadcast licensing and DVD distribution.

Official site: grizzlyadams.com

Some of our resources on this topic:

• Was George Washington a Christian? Answer
• What part should morality play in politics? Answer
• Does character matter in political leaders? Answer
• Should Christians seek political power or should we only focus on evangelism? Answer

Making waves  at building a better Hollywood, Christian actress Kerri Pomarolli tapped as one of the leads in the upcoming film ENGAGED.  Pomarolli proves her acting chops in this coming of age comedy.  The film focuses on the engagement of Pomarolli’s character, Eden, but the story is very cleverly told by the black sheep middle sister Beatrice (Amanda Fuller).  ENGAGED is a story that challenges cultural and religious stereotypes, as two families meet for the first time at an engagement party.  The film leads to both comical and bitter antagonism as Eden announces, during a family toast, that she is no longer getting married.  

Writer Claire Yorita Lee has worked on numerous TV shows and pilots including NBC’s “Medium.”  ENGAGED is a passion project for her, combining her love for Christ, comedy and community.

Directed by Dean Miyahira, the cast also includes Amanda Fuller (”CSI,” “Without a Trace,” “7th Heaven”), Patty Toy Chung (”NYPD Blue,” “Mad About You,” “Chicago Hope”), as well as some very talented newcomers.

Kerri Pomarolli’s successes have not gone unnoticed by secular media. She regularly makes television appearances on ABC, ABC Family, CBS, NBC, FOX, Comedy Central, Lifetime, Hallmark Channel, CBN, CNN, Oxygen and many more. She’s appeared on The Tonight Show over 28 times, published 3 books, writes an award winning column and is a contributing writer for many national magazines. Her book Guys Like Girls Named Jennie (formally known as If I’m Waiting on God, Then What Am I Doing In A Christian Chatroom?: Confessions of a Do-It-Yourself Single) was just released (June 2008) by Zondervan and is also being considered as a romantic comedy movie.

ENGAGED is scheduled to start shooting in Los Angeles September 13, 2008. ENGAGED is set to hit the festival circuit with a scheduled premiere at CINERGY 2008 held at the Japan America Theatre in downtown Los Angeles on November 1, 2008. For information on CINERGY 2008 see cinergylive.org. Tickets are free but limited.

For more information on Kerri Pomarolli visit KerriPom.com

Some of our resources related to singles and relationships

• What are the biblical guidelines for dating relationships? Answer
• What is true love and how do you know when you have found it? Answer
• Learn how to make your love the best it can be. Discover biblical answers to questions about sex, marriage, and more.

A Trinity Broadcasting Network initiative created to impact the nation’s soaring recidivism rates is gaining in popularity with correctional officials. Launched in 2007, TBN Second Chance is a faith-based program designed to give inmates a second chance to make good choices by providing positive, life-affirming television programming around the clock. The program is fully funded by TBN, the largest faith-based network in the world, and provides up to four different channels for diverse inmate populations-along with the equipment necessary to receive them-completely free of charge to correctional and rehabilitative facilities.

Corrections Corporation of America, the nation’s largest private prison operator, is one of a growing list of enthusiastic participants in the TBN Second Chance initiative. CCA is in the process of placing Second Chance programming into all 65 of its state, federal and juvenile facilities, a move that will impact approximately 75,000 prisoners across nineteen states and the District of Columbia.

In addition to numerous individual jails, prisons and juvenile facilities all over the U.S., TBN Second Chance has finalized agreements with officials in Texas and Florida to offer Second Chance programming in all of their state correctional facilities. According to Alex Taylor of the Florida Department of Corrections, the timing couldn’t be better. “At a time when budgetary limitations allow for fewer program opportunities for inmates, the availability of 24 hour messages of hope is an encouragement to all who work in corrections,” he said.

Following success with TBN Second Chance in a pilot program, South Dakota prison officials have indicated they will now institute the program in all of their state facilities, while correctional officials in Ohio, Mississippi and South Carolina are in the process of starting up their own Second Chance pilot programs.

Through Second Chance, correctional facilities can opt to receive up to four of TBN’s faith-based channels- including TBN, the nation’s most popular and most requested faith channel; The Church Channel, which airs church services and teaching programs from different denominations; TBN Enlace USA, which offers faith programs from Latin American countries and the U.S., all in Spanish; and JCTV, the only faith-based entertainment channel in the U.S. for 13-29 year-olds.

After JCTV was installed at his private juvenile facility in Texas, Executive Director Dan Ytuarte said the effect was immediate and noticeable. “Wow! What a complement to our existing faith-based initiative. JCTV has opened many doors to change the lives of our young generation.”

All four TBN Second Chance channels can be received with a Ku band satellite dish and appropriate receivers, which are provided, installed and maintained free of charge by TBN. But now, through new partnerships with Buford Satellite Systems and Correctional Cable TV-the nation’s two largest providers of correctional cable-prisons and jails already using their services can opt to receive up to four TBN Second Chance channels, which the companies have agreed to integrate into existing channel lineups free of charge.

“We are honored to have these multiple opportunities to offer the Second Chance program to viewers who can truly benefit,” said Amy Fihn, Director of TBN Second Chance, “it’s a unique tool for prisoners, one that can help bring them to a healthier level emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. Our goal is not only to provide help for inmates now, but to prepare them for future success when most of them will re-enter society.”

More information on the TBN Second Chance program is available at www.TBNSecondChance.org

Our ministry, Christian Videos for Prisons™, supplies free Christian videos to prison ministries and chaplains. See: christiananswers.net/prisons

The Arts Alliance America (New York) will be distributing Faith Films’ newest production “Sunday School Musical,” with a DVD release date of October 21st, 2008. The film is about two competing groups of high school students getting together and entering a song and dance competition in order to save their church’s youth center from closing. Emily Johnson of Arts Alliance America reports,

“The movie is a strong inspirational tale that exemplifies good morals through exciting and catchy musical numbers.”

The direct-to-DVD musical includes 21 songs, featuring 7 originals, which are composed by Don Raymond. “Sunday School Musical” is 90 minutes long and is directed by Rachel Goldenberg, with cinematography by Gabriel Diniz. The cast includes Mark Hengst, Candise Lakota, Dustin Fitzsimons, and Cecile del Rosario. The film’s trailer is currently showing on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prPXjVVRi5I

Previous productions from Faith Films include “2012: Doomsday” (2008) and “The Apocalypse” (2007).

The DVD will be available at http://www.aaadvdstore.com/catalog/item/4321710/6109529.htm and http://www.faithfilms.cc/

This Fall Ehrenkrook Entertainment is releasing “Wait Your Turn,” an uplifting romantic comedy addressing the issues of dating, relationships, and abstinence facing Christians in America today—a welcome respite from the current mass media trends promoting promiscuity and harmful dating behaviors.

Kelly Hoelscher

This romantic comedy stars Kelly Hoelscher (Eve) and Josh Murray (Thad). “Wait Your Turn” explores the dynamics of life, love and dating from a uniquely Christian perspective. The interplay between Hoelscher and Murray is designed to draw in viewers with a realistic view of love and dating as Christians in America today. Hoelscher added,

“I was trying to experience the struggles that Eve went through as well as the joys. Love is such a scary, but a thrilling ride, and I was trying to experience that as she would.”

The storyline tries to strike a careful balance between the importance of this issue and a light-hearted approach that will draw in teens and young women who so desperately need to hear this message.

“During the productions I prayed that I could shed a light on their message and inspire the audience,” said Hoelscher.

In this love story, Eve (Hoelscher) is young, single and disappointed with the dating scene when a college friend (Murray) comes back into her life. But this man has broken her heart before. Can they overcome the past and learn to trust one another? In their second chance at love both must decide if the other is worth keeping.

Produced by DC-based Ehrenkrook Entertainment in association with the Fellowship of Christian Filmmakers, “Wait Your Turn” is currently in post-production and scheduled to begin screening in September 2008.

Official site: waityourturnmovie.com