Back in the late 1970’s, Gary S. Paxton, a gifted singer songwriter and producer who before becoming a Christian created the Top 40 novelty hits, “Alley Oop” and “Monster Mash”. On his second Christian album, More Of The Astonishing, Outrageous, Amazing, Incredible Unbelievable Gary S. Paxton, there’s “Evidence,” a song which asks, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” He certainly wasn’t the first individual to issue that challenge. Rev. Billy Graham frequently used that line of thought in his crusade sermons. Now, with Obama Care becoming the law of the land, many notable ministries, schools, and companies with a Biblical worldview are going to court to face the charge, “Are you Christian enough.” The chorus rails on: “Evidence, evidence… does your life show enough evidence?” This is a question worth serious consideration by both individuals, ministries and corporations because the whole world is watching very closely. This is definitely the time to stand up and be counted as “Christ-like”.
Recently, Tyndale House Publishers, who over the years have printed and distributed millions of copies of The Living Bible and the New Living Translation (NLT) worldwide had the distinction of being among the first to challenge the directive in the Obama Care Health Act to provide contraceptive and abortion care for their employees after the government first ruled that “the company wasn’t Christian enough”. Many in-kind challengers are being notified of this same status which is basically a call to “prove it beyond a reasonable doubt” in a court of law which all comes down to “evidence”. So Tyndale House Publishers went to court to prove otherwise, as will many more to follow. And just days ago, the court ruled in their favor on the appeal.
Last summer, I had the privilege to interview Mark Taylor, current President and son of Dr. Kenneth Taylor, founder of Tyndale House Publishers about the historic 50th Anniversary of the company. You can listen to this fascinating and insightful 20 minute discussion here: http://www.sntradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Mark-Taylor.mp3
Plus, as you’re on the Podcast page – take a look and give a listen to some of the other timely interviews and see if any of the books or CD’s are products you might deem worthy to give as gifts this Christmas. My list of Top Picks for 2012 will be posted in this weekend’s blog.
In the interest of full disclosure, my first job out of college in 1976 was managing a Christian Bookstore owned by Tyndale House Publishers in the western suburbs of Chicago. It was a wonderful experience and I have many fond memories of my time there. And I know that Dr. Taylor is pleased that Tyndale House has been found “guilty” of being “Christian”, enough so that both the courts and US Government has recognized this fact about the “world-changing” and innovative company he so humbly founded on a kitchen table back in 1962.
A shameless plug – the Twelve Day of Keeping Christ in Christmas Music on SnT Radio.com begins Wednesday, December 12th and is presented by CILOA, the international ministry of encouragement and hope.
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