Monster Media 1994 #2/Monster Media No. 2 (Monster Media)(1994).ISO/text/cultinfo.zip/CRIMON22.TXT

Text File | 1994-02-19 | 36KB | 711 lines

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1994 by the Christian Research Institute.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

COPYRIGHT/REPRODUCTION LIMITATIONS:
This data file is the sole property of the Christian Research
Institute.  It may not be altered or edited in any way.  It may be
reproduced only in its entirety for circulation as "freeware,"
without charge.  All reproductions of this data file must contain
the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright 1994 by the Christian
Research Institute").  This data file may not be used without the
permission of the Christian Research Institute for resale or the
enhancement of any other product sold.  This includes all of its
content with the exception of a few brief quotations not to exceed
more than 500 words.

If you desire to reproduce less than 500 words of this data file
for resale or the enhancement of any other product for resale,
please give the following source credit:  Copyright 1994 by the
Christian Research Institute, P.O. Box 500-TC, San Juan Capistrano,
CA  92693.



-------------------------------------------------------------------


The following article appeared in the Winter 1990 issue of
"Monograph," the quarterly publication of the International School
of Theology, a seminary affiliated with Campus Crusade for Christ.


                "C O M P U T E R   T E C H N O L O G Y
       A N D   T H E   D E F E N S E   O F   T H E   G O S P E L"

                             by Rich Poll

     Twenty-three years ago Christian Research Institute (CRI),
founded in 1960 by the late Walter Martin (author of The Kingdom of
the Cults), sponsored the All Europe Conference on Computer
Technique for Theological Research which "brought together
thirty-five stellar European theologians and Christian leaders to
discuss the establishment of an international computer network to
aid the Church's apologetic task."[1]  Within a year of that
conference CRI published the small book Computers, Cultural Change,
and the Christ, asking aloud:

    "The Christian church, since it took second place to secularism
in the 18th century, has not been particularly noted for standing
at the forefront of movements for positive social change or for the
introduction of new methodologies.  Generally, in fact, the church
has been dragging her pews.  What will she do in the computer
revolution?"[2]

     With the hindsight of two decades, the answer to this question
is that little in contrast to the accelerating need has been done.
What began in the late 60s as an idea is only now becoming a
reality.  The following is a preliminary report from one observer's
narrow perspective.  The computer revolution is so wide in scope
today that no one person can know all that is taking place relative
to the topic of this paper.[3]

AN IGNORED FIELD FOR MINISTRY

     Few fields of Christian ministry have fallen so far behind due
to today's Information Age as has that of apologetics.  The
explosion of general knowledge has been aided by electronic
breakthroughs in printing and publishing as well as the
computerization of mailing lists.  The cults have kept up with the
times in the utilization of computer technology to propagate their
teachings.  As a result the church is increasingly behind in
responding to the cults.  While computer Bibles have been available
to the Christian church for years, the cults have also published
their scriptures on disk.  As the complexity of the Information Age
falls upon us, the time is passing for the church to utilize the
computer as a tool to track and supply precise responses to myriad
false messiahs and teachings.

MEANS OF DATA ACCESS

     There are two basic ways to access computer data for the
average personal computer user.  Most computer software is obtained
through retail sales at a computer store or through the mail,
involving the purchase of a computer disk.  The other standard
option for data access is the world of computer telecommunications.
 It is an activity which uses common telephone lines in connection
with a peripheral computer unit called a modem.  This new world of
communication carries its own mystique.  Nothing can prepare one
for the compelling draw of personal time that the novice computer
bulletin board user experiences in the discovery of this uniquely
intimate dialog.[4]

Computer Telecommunications

     There are two distinct areas within the world of computer
telecommunication that traffic apologetic activity.  The first is
commercial.  It is typified by huge distributed mainframe systems
marketed under names such as CompuServe, GEnie and Delphi.  Users
of these systems pay a monthly service fee, a rate charge for
connection time on line with the system, and a varied additional
rate charge for the database subfile being accessed or the data
that users download to their own personal computers.  The user of
these systems has access to such databases as current stock market
quotations and wire service news.  There are remote sales networks
through which the user can make hotel reservations or purchase
anything from tickets to furniture.  And there are live forums in
which the user interacts via the computer keyboard with other users
regarding a multitude of topic-specific subject areas.

The Computer Bulletin Board

     A second area of computer telecommunication is that of the
electronic Bulletin Board System, (BBS).  Most of these computer
bulletin boards in the Christian world are managed by volunteers on
a non-profit basis with no charge to the user.  The larger
commercial systems mentioned above also have the following traits
in common with the typical BBS.  First, the medium which has
perhaps made computer telecommunication most popular is the message
roundtable or conference group.  Different from the live forum
above, here a user's message is added to a constantly changing
collection of other messages posted for general observation and
response by anyone else using the system.  The activity is much
like that with a cork bulletin board covered with notes that any
passer by can read and respond to at will.  These conferences are
related to individual topics which cover the full spectrum of human
interest including, of course, religion.  In addition to
conferences (and sometimes within the structure of certain
conferences) the user has the option of using private messages also
known as electronic mail.  Finally, a BBS often has a section
dedicated to software that may be downloaded by users for their own
computer.

APOLOGETICS DATA CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Information on Disk

     At the time of this writing the author is aware of only three
sources of published, professional-level apologetics data on disk.

Bibliographic Database Files
     The Apologetic Research Coalition (ARC) in Trenton, Michigan,
offers a bibliographic database application, for
MS-DOS/IBM-PC-compatible computers only, designed specifically for
apologetics and countercult ministry.[5]  Database files of cult
literature for use with this application are also available from
ARC.  Of all the apologetics ministries the author is familiar
with, ARC has the greatest expertise in the MS-DOS operating system
environment.

Text Files
     The computer text files of the Personal Freedom Outreach
Newsletter are available (again, for DOS computers only).[6]  PFO
is one of the four largest evangelical countercult ministries in
the United States.  The PFO Newsletter, eight to twelve pages in
length, has been published on a quarterly basis since 1981.  It
should be noted that PFO prohibits any reproduction of its computer
data files, including BBS use.

Resource Abstracts
     Currently the only software available from the Christian
Research Institute is a free database consisting of abstracts from
literature pertinent to apologetics ministry, much of it uncommon
to most libraries.[7]  Christian, secular, cult, occult, atheist,
and world religion publications are covered.  The data structure is
modeled after the "FYI" column in CRI's quarterly, the Christian
Research Journal.

Telecommunications Apologetic Data

     Though there are large Christian computer BBS networks such as
Computers for Christ, this writer has been aware of no
professional-level apologetics data "published" for
telecommunications use until recently.  The defense of the gospel,
as the task of all believers to give reasons for the hope that lies
within, has been ongoing within the telecommunications environment
since the earliest days of the BBS, circa 1981.  However, the
remaining evidence of these efforts often does not fairly represent
the work of skilled apologists.  Eric Pement, System Operator
(Sysop) of the Jesus People USA (JPUSA) chapter within the
Computers for Christ (CFC) network, reports that many and perhaps
most BBS files of an apologetic nature include text keyed in by
users who simply copied, often with spelling errors and no source
credit, from Christian literature.[8]  The recently launched JPUSA
BBS is this writer's choice for the best on-line apologetics
resource at this time.  Pement, an experienced apologist, is a
member of Cornerstone magazine's editorial staff and has regularly
contributed to the expert apologetics work which comprises a
significant portion of the publication's well deserved reputation
for a balanced application of Christianity to popular culture.[9]
In addition the Saints Alive (Ex-Mormons for Jesus) ministry has
recently joined the Computers for Christ system.[10] Within the
commercial telecommunications area the GEnie system's "Religion
Roundtable" appears to have more activity of interest to apologists
than that of the generally larger CompuServe system.

Echo Communications: A Resource for Interaction and Evangelism
     Care must be exercised by the reader to understand that any
lack of "published professional-level apologetics data" should by
no means detract from the value of telecommunications sources.  One
prime example is the Cult Watch echo area within many religious BBS
systems including Computers for Christ.  A BBS echo area can be
described as a message relay.  In an echo a message left by a user
is automatically distributed to other BBS nodes.  This often makes
a message available in cities across the nation.  Instead of many
people calling long-distance with their computer to access one BBS
message, one long-distance call by a network manager relays many
messages to another BBS.  With each BBS node taking part the cost
is shared among the members of a network.  This results in a lower
long-distance telephone charge or even no long-distance charge at
all for the user.  The echo transmission itself is usually
automated by the host BBS computer which collects all new message
files since the last collection was made and passes them on at
predesignated times.  The current standard form of electronic
"echomail" first began in 1984.[11]  Not every BBS has a form of
echomail, and even those which do have several different
incompatible systems.  These include:

     Echomail/Netmail -- often called Fidonet, after the first and
biggest network built using this technology (which uses zones 1-6),
but other networks using compatible software include NETwork (a
"G-rated" and heavily Christian-influenced network using zone 8.
Computers For Christ, Christian Distribution Network, Messianic
Jewish Computer Network, and Christian Fellowship Network are all
part of NETwork), The Global Mission Network (using zone 12), and
Agape Echolink (using zone 70).  There is also an informal grouping
of Fidonet BBSs called Ecunet, which had ties with a commercial
system called NWI which recently folded.  Fidonet style systems are
the biggest BBS-based network.  There are nearly 100 conferences
related to Christianity.  Conferences on Fido-compatible systems
are called "echoes."

     Relaynet -- This system is popular with PC-Board BBSs.  There
is at least one "Christian" relay on the basic RelayNet network,
plus a specifically Christian network using RelayNet software
called NewLifeNet, run by Buggs Bugnon.  The BBS run by Christian
Computing Magazine (Editor, Steve Hewitt.  P.O. Box 439, Belton,
MO, 64012.  BBS: 816-331-4161) is part of NewLifeNet.  Conferences
on RelayNet systems are called "relays."

     Internet/Bitnet -- This system, using UNIX style electronic
mail capability, is the largest of all the systems, but most users
are researchers at scientific labs, or students or faculty at
universities worldwide.  Some BBSs, such as MindLink in the
Vancouver area, carry Internet conferences.  There are about two
dozen conferences related to Christianity.  Internet conferences
are called "newsgroups."  One way to receive this data is by
subscription to free Internet "Listserv" e-mail by topic.

     GTNet - This system is based upon a mail package called GT
Powercomm.[11a]

Cult Watch
     The Cult Watch echo was originally designed to aid Christians
in the prompt identification and understanding of cults with which
they had come into contact.  The echo provided a means for
detailed, quick interaction regarding a user's questions.  Today
the Cult Watch echo is also received by non-Evangelical boards.
Some of these are linked to cult BBS networks.  There are many
cultic computer bulletin boards across the country.[12]  Those that
are connected to the Cult Watch echo are often characterized by
vigorous interaction with Christians.  An intriguing irony is that
invariably most cultists who use the echo do not consider their
organization to be a cult.  The definition of the term "cult" is
frequently a major subject of discussion.  In this unique forum a
Christian can dialog with a diversity of non-Christians in the
extraordinary anonymity offered by BBS communication.  Such
anonymity inspires boldness for both sides of religious issues.
Interaction is often heated.  However, observes Daniel Segard,
Co-moderator of the Cult Watch echo, "this is an unparalleled
opportunity to reach people with the gospel who you might otherwise
never meet."  Segard has been involved with Cult Watch since its
beginning in 1987.  He estimates that today roughly 60% of the
echo's use is by non-Christians, half of whom are specifically
neo-pagan occultists.[13]  The other half of the non-Christian user
group is comprised of a wide variety of convictions.  Atheist,
Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, Moonie, Scientologist and Hare Krishna
are just some of the worldviews represented.  In addition one may
find a multitude of theologically aberrational views which claim to
represent an orthodox Christian perspective.  Segard says that of
all the changes in Cult Watch that he would like to see most, he
wishes more trained apologists would become involved.

THE SCOPE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY

     The telecommunications media of computer use obviously
represents a unique environment in comparison to that of disk media
alone.  The aforementioned Computers for Christ (CFC) system
represents an informal network of BBS chapters that may become a
major player in the potential development of a sophisticated tool
for the defense of the faith in years to come.  Overseen from his
CFC chapter's BBS in Illinois, Doug Moore manages the unstructured
development of CFC in his spare time.  Moore is aware of five other
major Christian BBS networks.[14]  At the time of this writing the
author is aware of no Christian BBS network that is larger than
CFC.  CFC chapters have no rigid organization or formalized
management structure.  The signing of a doctrinal statement is the
main criteria of accountability.  The 46 nodes that currently make
up the CFC network are unevenly spread not only across the North
American continent but are also found in England and China, with a
South African node due to link up soon.  Moore estimates that of
the near 600 registered users of his CFC chapter's BBS, just 40 to
50 individuals use the network on a weekly basis.[15]

     Harold Robbins, Sysop of the Christian Fellowship Net out of
Austin, has a listing of about 300 boards with a Christian (loosely
defined) emphasis.  Robbins feels there are many more that he is
not aware of yet.  These boards cover the globe including in part:
New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Germany, and even the
Soviet Union.  Robbins is working with other nets such as CFC to
build a unifying "backbone" system for all the major Christian
boards.[16]  As it stands Robbins reports that he can leave a
message that will end up in places on the other side of the globe
in less than 24 hours.

     While all of this has striking ministry potential, the reader
should be aware of two things.  First, the author has elected to
limit the scope of this writing by not including a comparable
amount of work being done within the closely related realm of
Christian missions.[17] Second, while this article may leave one
with the idea that there is a great selection of Christian boards,
let the reader understand that Christian boards make up only a very
small fraction of the total number of systems in operation today,
most of which are non-religious.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

     The computerized defense of the gospel is still in an immature
stage of development.  A great contribution waits to be made by
trained apologists.  Much work remains to be done in the area of
Christian BBS networking.  This environment holds great potential
for both the proclamation and the defense of the faith.  In the
late 60s CRI proposed a planned, centralized network.[18]  Since
the days of CRI's proposal other centralized networks have been
attempted.  This author is aware of several similar efforts now
being undertaken.  However, none of these current projects have
shown signs of surpassing the doomed startups of their forgotten
predecessors.  What is taking place that may survive has occurred
for the most part at the local level across the country.  Only
recently has a national orientation in network strategy among these
local settings begun to fall into place.  It appears that today
lasting networks may be forming.  They have not come from CRI.
There is no one organization in charge.  The networks are
decentralized, perhaps moving toward centralization, their synergy
unplanned by human invention, perhaps resulting from providence.

          ___________________________________________________

NOTES

1. John Warwick Montgomery, "Automating Apologetics in Austria,"
Christianity Today, 8 November 1968, 57.

2. John Warwick Montgomery, Computers, Cultural Change, and the
Christ (Wayne, N. J.: Christian Research Institute, 1969), 15.

3. The author regrets that he has not found this article written
years ago and updated annually ever since by others more qualified
than himself.  Lord willing, the readership of this work will
respond to the author and yield an improved future version.  Also,
the author is indebted to Eric Pement of Cornerstone Press/JPUSA
for counsel received in the preparation of this manuscript.

4. For an idea of what the author is describing see: David L.
Gonzalez, "Very Personal Computing," Newsweek, 28 August 1989, 64;
Jim Shaver, "Matthew Blau of Zanesville Ohio," Christian Computing,
June 1990, 11; and Cecilio Morales, "This 'Electronic Church' Has
No Walls," The United Methodist Reporter, 24 August 1990, 5.

5. For more information write ARC, P. O. Box 168, Trenton, MI
48183; [phone].  [1.9 amendment:, ARC has changed its name
to American Religions Center.]

6. PFO, P. O. Box 26062, St. Louis, MO  63136; [phone].
[1.8 ammendment: You can now gain access to the text files of the
PFO Newsletter at no charge via modem exclusively on the JPUSA BBS.
 See note eight below.  "Access to the PFO File Collection is
intended solely for personal and non-commercial use.  Unauthorized
reproduction, including the posting of files on other bulletin
board services, is prohibited."]

7. Named CRI TEXT, this free database has been available on the
nationwide GEnie network since June 1990.  The MS-DOS version of
the database (each comes with its own retrieval engine) should
become available through GEnie and Computers for Christ nodes
(beginning with the JPUSA BBS) near the time this manuscript is
published.  In the event that the reader does not have
telecommunications access, or would prefer this other route, CRI
TEXT can be received by mail.  [SEE UPDATE 1.9 BELOW]
   (1.5 ammendment: CRI TEXT 2.1 was released to the public in May
of 1992.  It included this article, the CRI Resource catalog,
indexes to the SCP and PFO Newsletters through 1991, and 1991
updates to the Christian Research Newsletter and Journal indexes as
well as the FYI text collection.  The overall size of the database
increased to about 250,000 words.  [Consequently, I will probably
request three megabytes of blank media for the 1993 update.]  There
were no public releases of CRI TEXT between the 1.3 and 2.1
versions.)

8. From a February 6, 1991, telephone interview with Pement.  The
phone number for the CFC JPUSA node in Chicago is [phone].
Ongoing updates of this article will be posted on the JPUSA BBS.

9. Cornerstone, 920 West Wilson, Chicago, IL  60640.

10. Contact the Saints Alive BBS in Issaquah, WA, via modem at
[phone].  It should be noted that the Saints Alive BBS is in
contact with at least one LDS echo area.

11. This is in reference to Fidonet, from Barbara Connick,
"Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Fidonet, but Were
Either Afraid to Ask, or Didn't Know Whom to Ask," edited by
Michael D. Pester, originally from the Copernicus 1.01 manual (Des
Moines, IA: Software Design, 1990), n.p.

11a. The text in the body copy of this article (beginning with with
update 1.4) between note #11 and #11a came to us courtesy of Greg
Slade with CAMsoc.

12. Pement has a nationwide list of occult boards.  In addition,
Pement includes a listing of Christian BBS systems which have an
apologetics emphasis in his Directory of Cult Research
Organizations available through Cornerstone.

13. Neo-paganism is a popular term incorporating worldviews such as
native American Indian shamanism and modern witchcraft.  Often the
pagan/Wiccan dialog on Cult Watch centers on epistemology.  Belief
in ultimate reality is commonly challenged on this echo.  Pagan
beliefs spurn absolute values and dogma.  Segard can be reached via
modem at the Midrash BBS, a Messianic Jewish board (part of the
Messianic Jewish Computer Network in addition to Midrash being
affiliated with CFC) in Denver, CO, [phone].

14. The other five major Christian BBS networks: New Life Net out
of Maryland; the Computer Aided Ministry Society of Canada
(CAMSOC); the Canadian American Computer Society (CACS) which
covers Canada as well as the U.S.; the Christian Fellowship Net
(CFN); and the United Christian Computer Network (UCCN) originating
out of Australia but with a node in Michigan.  The above listing is
a very difficult call.  Perhaps no one person has a complete
picture of the current scene at this time.

15. From a February 5, 1991, telephone interview with Moore.  Moore
can be reached via modem at the CFC Chapter 11 BBS, [phone],
or through the mails at 335 Cherry Valley Road, Vernon Hills, IL
60061.

16. For more details contact CFN via modem at [phone].

17. For perhaps the best place to begin looking into this area
contact Mark Patterson with Global Mapping International's BBS (a
collaborating agency with the U. S. Center for World Mission) via
modem in Colorado, [phone].

18. "SENT/EAST: a Christian computer network," a brochure published
in 1969 by CRI (Wayne, N. J.). The project is also presented in the
"Road to Recovery" chapter of Walter R. Martin's Kingdom of the
Cults (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany Fellowship, 1977), 354.

 -----------------

      The author, Rich Poll, serves as Resource Manager at the
Christian Research Institute.

 +++++++++++++++++

UPDATE 1.2, Rich Poll with Eric Pement, June 22, 1991:
      After making the final submission of this manuscript to the
publisher the author (Poll) learned that Alpha and Omega Ministries
(P.O. Box 47041, Phoenix, AZ  85068; office, [602] 265-4844),
launched its own BBS, Pros Apologian, at the beginning of 1991.
Their BBS number is (SEE UPDATE 1.7).  The work of Alpha and Omega
is well regarded by CRI.

 +++++++++++++++++

UPDATE 1.4 (1.3 deleted), R. Poll, August 9, 1991:
      Greg Slade of CAMsoc (spells it this way) contacted me with
the following information.  (Also new is the related note, 11a.)
In spite of what note #14 says, CAMsoc is not a BBS network, but
simply a large user's group.  Based in Vancouver, BC, it was
started in November, 1988.  At the moment, there is no charge for
CAMsoc membership.

     The society newsletter, CAMsoc Update, is included in Church
Bytes: The Church Computing Magazine.  (Write Church Bytes Inc.,
562 Brightleaf Square #9, 905 West Main Street, Durham, NC, 27701.)

     The official CAMsoc BBS is Agape BBS in Coquitlam, BC (604)
931-1416.  Agape also carries echomail and netmail (1:153/744;
8:7000/25).  CAMsoc members have access to a private message area
on Agape.

     Ron Rhodes, Associate Editor at CRI, passed the file on to me
referenced in note #11 (revised with this update) having found it
on the GEnie system.

 +++++++++++++++++

UPDATE 1.5, R. Poll, May 4, 1992:
     Notice regarding BBS access to the PFO Newsletter added to the
end of note #6.

     Notice of CRI TEXT 2.1 release added to end of note #7.

     Phone number change for Global Mapping's BBS, note #17.

     For those with an acute historical interest, Dr. Martin (CRI's
late founder) was the keynote speaker at the September 26, 1987
national conference, "Symposium on the Gospel and Computer
Technology," which had a focus on CD-ROM production for Christian
publishers and was held in Nashville, Tennessee.  This is available
on tape for $6.00.  Contact CRI and ask for item C-70.  Part of the
conference schedule included a satalite video uplink session to a
network of simultaneous meetings for electrical engineers across
the country who were interested or active in CD-ROM publishing.
The very first satellite video conference inquiry that went out over
the loudspeaker originated from Brigham Young University.

     Eric Pement spoke at the Rockford, Illinois "Conference on
Discernment," September 28, 1989 on "Cult and Occult Computer
Systems."  This message was particularly useful in pointing out the
unique ministry value and potential of computer telecommunications
within the field of apologetics.

 +++++++++++++++++

UPDATE 1.8, R. Poll, June 18, 1993:
     (Updates 1.6 and 1.7 were skipped to avoid confusion with the
hard copy of this file that is circulated by CRI.)

     The phone number for Alpha and Omega Ministries' BBS is now
[phone].  Other helpful contact points for Pros Apologian
are: FidoNet 1:114/105 and 8:7707/5 on FamilyNet.

     The text indicating the cost of PFO's newsletter on disk was
deleted from the body of the article above due to a price change.
See new price below.

     The Christian BBS (never did think that was a good choice for
a name) previously mentioned in note #6 has closed down.
Consequently PFO asked the JPUSA BBS if it would consent to being
the only BBS in North America which is authorized to carry the full
text of ALL the PFO database online, for free download.  JPUSA said
yes, of course.  The database of Personal Freedom Outreach is
called "PFO Online"; it consists of ASCII text of each feature
article, news item, book review, editorial, etc. which have
appeared in the quarterly newsletter/journal of PFO since its
inception 13 years ago.  "PFO Online" is normally sold in diskette
format (3.5 or 5.25 inch) for $29.95, containing files from each
issue from the beginning through 1990.  The text for '91 is
available separately at $10 and '92 for $12.  Please add $1.00
shipping to each order and another $3.00 each if you are requesting
3-1/2" diskettes.

     Because it does generate needed income for the ministry, PFO
does _not_ permit its files to be copied and posted on BBS's
generally, since one could theoretically obtain the entire set of
all of PFO's material without paying for it (except in phone
bills).  However, PFO DOES want its material available for download
somewhere, so they resolve the conflict by allowing only one BBS to
carry all their files.  Other systems may carry SOME of their files
(usually less than 10, and then only by special request), and "they
should not carry more than that."

     The JPUSA BBS will very soon carry an electronic database for
TREN, the Theological Research and Exchange Network, in Portland,
Oregon.  TREN provides microfiche and photocopied reproductions of
every major theological dissertation and thesis produced in North
American seminaries, as well as ETS conference papers, etc.

    In closing, I have found another BBS that I can recommend which
specializes in apologetics.  Right next door in San Diego,
Christian BBS Abba II has a good number of text files that deal
with apologetics.  While not a vocational apologist, co-sysop and
apologetics buff Anton Hein has become a trusted on-line friend
over the past few months.  You can reach Abba II at [phone]
(up to 14,400 baud).  Abba II is unique also in that it produces
the weekly digital Christian newspaper, Christian Press Report.
CPR is largely made up of news reports from the Evangelical Press
Association.  For MS-DOS systems only, the CPR also has a strong
apologetics section in each issue.  You can find uploads of the CPR
on GEnie, America Online and hundreds of Christian bulletin boards
across the country.

 +++++++++++++++++

UPDATE 1.9, R. Poll, January 14, 1994:
     Phone number and name updated for note five (ARC).

     "When we need information fast, there are basically two
resources that we use.  The first is our vertical files and the
second is CRI TEXT.  We (myself and all the other research staff)
use it on average several times a day and find it an extremely
valuable tool."
 -- Stuart Chevre, Spiritual Counterfeits Project

     Announcing CRI TEXT version 2.5

     With release 2.5 the entire CRI TEXT database is approaching a
half-million words in size and now includes up-to-date indexes to
the following periodicals:
          Areopagus
          The Christian Research Newsletter
          The Christian Research Journal
          The LodeStar Review
          The PFO Newsletter / Quarterly Journal
          The Spiritual Counterfeits Newsletter
          The Spiritual Counterfeits Journal
          Update Journal on New Religious Movements

     In addition, the full text is included for:

CRI's BBS-FYI Research Bulletin, Volume 1, 1993
CRI's FYI Research Bulletin, Volume 1, 1985 -- Volume 9, 1993

     Separate, non-database files included:
CRI's introductory brochure
CRI's Resource Listing (catalog of literature and tapes offered)
CRI's "Bible Answer Man" nationwide radio show station listing/log
This article, "Computer Technology and the Defense of the Gospel"

     For many CRI's BBS-FYI Research Bulletin will be something
new.  Until recently I had planned to regularly update this paper
("Computer Technology and the Defense of the Gospel") and include
it as a separate file within the CRI TEXT software package.  That
ambition became impractical.  The rate of growth of information
eclipsed the possibility of doing updates in any efficient manner.
    Like the FYI, the BBS-FYI began as tool to distribute current
information to our research staff; this time related to computers
and apologetics.  The purpose of the BBS-FYI is to report on the
religious influence of  non-Christian elements within the world of
computer technology for those interested in Christian apologetics.
In addition, secular and Christian computer resources that are of
general value to apologists are also noted.  This release of CRI
TEXT includes the first 20 issues of the BBS-FYI (over 56,000
words).

    To receive CRI TEXT 2.5 by mail send enough FORMATTED blank
media (any standard disk size or density) to contain up to three
megabytes of data with your request and an equal size,
self-addressed, postage-paid return envelope to "CRI TEXT 2.5
Software Offer," CRI Library, P. O. Box 500-TC, San Juan
Capistrano, CA 92693.  (Please remember to state either "Mac" or
"DOS" with your request and what version of CRI TEXT you have been
using.)  There is no charge for this, though CRI reserves the right
to keep unused disks at its discretion.  CRI will not be
responsible for the return of surplus blank media or replying
to those who neglect to include a postage-paid return envelope.
CRI cannot promise prompt response to each request.  However, every
effort will be made to insure timely turnaround.  CRI TEXT, though
copyrighted, may be freely distributed.  In fact, it is preferred
that you have your friends get CRI TEXT from you instead of CRI.
CRI has no public access computer bulletin board and offers no
other free software on order from its headquarters office at this
time.  There were no public releases of CRI TEXT between the 2.1
and 2.5 versions.

 --------------

End of document, CRIMON22.TXT, (original CRI file name)
"Computer Technology and the Defense of the Gospel"
Release 2.2 -- January 31, 1994
R. Poll, CRI


-------------------------------------------------------------------

* CRI SOFTWARE: Individual, free CRI software files of articles
from our newsletter and journal are available NOT from CRI but
on-line from the following resources:
 -- the Computers for Christ BBS network originating from the
    JPUSA BBS in Chicago [phone]
 -- the ABBA II BBS in San Diego, [phone]
 -- the GEnie commercial network [phone] (voice)
 -- the CompuServe commercial network (planned for 1994)
 -- and on enough other systems that we can not keep track of
    them all thanks to our friends who circulate them.

    Again, CRI does not offer access to individual article files
from its own facilities.  So please do not contact CRI for them.
No phone calls on this PLEASE.


-------------------------------------------------------------------

YOURS FOR THE ASKING The Christian Research Institute (CRI) --
founded in 1960 by the late Dr. Walter R. Martin -- is a clearing
house for current, in-depth information on new religious movements
and aberrant Christian teachings.  We provide well-reasoned,
carefully-researched answers to concepts and ideas that challenge
orthodox Christianity.

Did you know that CRI has a wealth of information on various topics
that is yours for the asking?  In fact, a free subscription to the
Christian Research Newsletter is yours if you contact CRI and ask
for one saying that you found out about the offer from this
computer text file.  We offer a wide variety of articles and fact
sheets free of charge.  Write us today for information on these or
other topics.  Our first-rate research staff will do everything
possible to help you.

Christian Research Institute Post Office Box 500-TC San Juan
Capistrano, CA  92693

[phone]

 -----------

End of file.