The Grand Rapids Press October 06, 2004 UNIVERSITY DROPS SIX-DECADE PROHIBITION ON SOCIAL DANCING (Edited by DCB) "After 63 years, the boogie ban has been lifted at Cornerstone University. The announcement by the conservative Christian college in Grand Rapids is causing a buzz as students hear about their new freedom to dance on and off campus."

One student is quoted saying "It was an old-fashioned rule that they should have done away with a long time ago." Another student who "worked with other student leaders to get the administration to rescind the ban for more than a year" said ""I'm so pumped, I think it's great. I love dancing."

The vice president for student development (that title is a misnomer) "said a ‘blanket prohibition’ didn't fit Cornerstone's mission." "The ban" against dancing was dropped Sept. 23 by Cornerstone's governing board." The VP for student development said the school did not "believe dancing, per se, is evil."

"Administrators said they have yet to define all dance rules, but ‘indecent, erotic and violent’ dance moves will be forbidden. A school-sponsored dance could be held later this year, but this weekend's homecoming events will be dance-free." However, "Some students were planning a line-dancing party at a barn north of town."

Editor’s Comment: One young man was quoted saying "I've never been a big dancer, but I'm more inclined to start." Cornerstone is just one example of when the slide begins there is no stopping. Spurgeon said that many would like to unite church and stage, cards and prayer, dancing and sacraments. If we are powerless to stem this torrent, we can at least warn men of its existence, and entreat them to keep out of it. When the old faith is gone, and enthusiasm for the gospel is extinct, it is no wonder that people seek something else in the way of delight."

Cornerstone University web site: STUDENT ORGANIZES FINE ARTS FOR WORSHIP, Oct 10, 2003, (Edited by DCB) "Amy Baker, fine arts intern with the Spiritual Formation team, has been helping to implement new elements of worship on campus this year." Baker said "Cornerstone wants to recognize that God is the originator of fine arts" which will enable us to use the gifts that He has given us with pure hearts, to present a beautiful incense of worship."

Cornerstone students also would notice some exciting changes in recent years with regard to chapel and fine arts. During the praise chapel on Sept. 19, 2003, the worship included a power point presentation, drama, poetry and dance." "Dance has been very tainted by the secular world," for as Baker pointed out "It was originally something that God created to bring glory to Himself."

The first dance teams on the Cornerstone campus was created in the spring of 2003. "Baker, a member of the worship dance team last year, is now leading this group, one of five dance groups on campus this year." Baker said "Dancing itself is not a sin; it is the unpure motives that we harbor that bring dishonor to God. It’s time for Christianity to reclaim dance and use it to bring God complete praise."

Editor’s Comment: Exodus 32:19 "And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot "

Episcopal News Service (ENS Hereafter) 6 October 2004 (Edited by DCB) HIPHOPEMASS. IT'S A DONE DEAL! ‘Amen?’ followed by ‘Word!’ echoed from the rafters at Trinity Episcopal Church in the Bronx as nearly 90 boys, girls, men and women participated in the now permanent 6p.m. HipHopEMass." This was the "brainchild of Trinity Church's rector, the Rev. Timothy Holder, HipHopEMass made its debut on the streets of the South Bronx with just CDs and a DJ. Growth was definitely visible last night with the introduction of the HipHopEMass band who with drums, bass, and keyboards played live beats of old and new rap songs that had all in attendance either bouncing their heads, or swaying their bodies in time to the music." Holder said "Hip Hop is hope; Hip Hop is brilliant." "Over the beat of slain rapper Biggie Smalls, Bishop Suffragan Catherine Roskam swayed to the rhythm while delivering the evening's sermon "

"Bishop James Amanze assisted with the Communion Hip while singers Tamara, Kenny and the choir of St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery, Manhattan, led by rap hall of famer Jeannine Otis, lifted their voices in song."

One eleven year old girl said she "liked it. I could move to the music. It wasn't boring like church usually is." Holder and two others attended a World Council of Churches panel in Atlanta called "God and Hip Hop: Reconciliation, Redemption and Revolution."

Editor’s Comment: James 4:4 "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." ENS 6 October 2004 (Edited by DCB) "RICHMOND, Virginia - St. Philip's Church in Richmond is sponsoring a Jazz Concert "

Editor’s Comment: Spurgeon said "...our solemn conviction is that things are much worse in many churches than they seem to be, and are rapidly tending downward." "...ask yourself, How much farther could they go?"

ENS 6 October 2004 (Edited by DCB) "HOUSTON, Texas - The Church of the Redeemer in Houston will hold its first Blessing of the Animals on the lawn, Saturday, October 9, at 3 p.m. All creatures great and small are welcome. Refreshments for all God's creatures will be served." Editor’s Comment: What nonsense goes on in the name of Christianity! 1Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."

Des Moines Register 3 September 2004 COURSES DESIGNED TO HELP MEN 'LOOK INSIDE THEMSELVES' (Edited by DCB) MANifest workshop offers men the help of a clinical therapist and a sexologist and the opportunity "...to really take a look inside themselves." Editor’s Comment: Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"