Posted on Sunday, December 20, 2015

Why is the ‘Real Face’ of Jesus Controversial? The Real Christmas Story…

Hello World,

Today marks the fourth Sunday of Advent as we celebrate the birth of Jesus THIS FRIDAY! Every year I always struggle to get into the true Christmas spirit amid the commercialism of this holiday that would have us skip over Thanksgiving and plunge headfirst into racking up debt to buy our family and friends happiness…During this season, I have to retreat and reflect on Scriptures such as Seven Scriptures to Remind Us that Jesus is the Real Reason for the Season…so that I am reminded that the original Christmas was about how God enabled his son Jesus to come to this earth in the form of a baby born to a Jewish couple in the Middle East…

That is why I am a bit perplexed that medical artist Richard Neave’s rendering of the real face of Jesus has gone viral! Although my earliest recollections of portraits of Jesus featured a man with blonde hair and blue eyes which I probably learned about in Sunday School and or the private Christian school I attended as a child, I stopped believing those depictions were accurate once I understood the Christmas story even as a child. That was probably around the time that I read “The Diary of Anne Frank” and began to study world history. My deductive reasoning led me to believe that Jesus, while in human form, must have been of a darker hue and looked similar to those who live in the Middle East…That would only make sense…

Still, I love that that forensic science is now backing up what was clear to me…Below is an excerpt from the article “The Real Face Of Jesus” on popularmechanics.com.

For those accustomed to traditional Sunday school portraits of Jesus, the sculpture of the dark and swarthy Middle Eastern man that emerges from Neave’s laboratory is a reminder of the roots of their faith. “The fact that he probably looked a great deal more like a darker-skinned Semite than westerners are used to seeing him pictured is a reminder of his universality,” says Charles D. Hackett, director of Episcopal studies at the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. “And [it is] a reminder of our tendency to sinfully appropriate him in the service of our cultural values.”

Neave emphasizes that his re-creation is simply that of an adult man who lived in the same place and at the same time as Jesus. As might well be expected, not everyone agrees.

Forensic depictions are not an exact science, cautions Alison Galloway, professor of anthropology at the University of California in Santa Cruz. The details in a face follow the soft tissue above the muscle, and it is here where forensic artists differ widely in technique. Galloway points out that some artists pay more attention to the subtle differences in such details as the distance between the bottom of the nose and the mouth. And the most recognizable features of the face—the folds of the eyes, structure of the nose and shape of the mouth—are left to the artist. “In some cases the resemblance between the reconstruction and the actual individual can be uncanny,” says Galloway. “But in others there may be more resemblance with the other work of the same artist.” Despite this reservation, she reaches one conclusion that is inescapable to almost everyone who has ever seen Neave’s Jesus. “This is probably a lot closer to the truth than the work of many great masters.”

And furthermore, I hope this rendering of the real face of Jesus encourages many of us to get off of our cultural high horses regarding refugees coming into this country particularly at this time of the year...This meme says it better than I can…

I’m not saying that we don’t need to be cautious because we absolutely have to be in this time of terrorism. But for that those of us who profess to be Christians, our actions have to be rooted in love and not fear…

Can I get an Amen?

Any thoughts?

Posted on Saturday, December 12, 2015

Interdenominational Theological Center Triumphant After Accreditation Scare, Honors Civil Rights Icons at Global Transformers Gala (PHOTOS included)

Hello World,

When an invitation to cover the Interdenominational Theological Center’s (ITC) inaugural Global Transformers Gala 2015 showed up in my inbox last week, I knew I had to attend for two reasons. First of all, my father received his doctorate from the school and secondly, it was an opportunity to be among civil rights icons who changed the trajectory of humankind through their contributions! Check out these honorees: Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former President Jimmy Carter, Ambassador Andrew Young, Congressman John Lewis, Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery, Dr. C.T. Vivian; Rabbi Alvin Sugarman, Dr. Barbara Lewis King, Dr. Cameron Madison Alexander, Dr. Lonnie C. King Jr. and Rev. Dr. R.L. White Jr. (Close your mouth! I know you’re impressed.)

Once the event began at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park began last night, I learned that ITC faced losing its accreditation in 2011; however, in the four years since, ITC has worked to address “areas of institutional effectiveness, financial aid, and financial sustainability” according to a press release in the program. As a result, “full, unconditional, reaffirmation concludes a four-year effort by ITC to secure that status.” In fact, ITC’s reaffirmation was just announced at the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges on December 8! So in addition to celebrating civil rights icons, ITC was also celebrating its reaffirmation!

The first person I spoke with was Dr. C.T. Vivian, who was just as gracious in person as he seems to be when I’ve seen him interviewed on television and heard interviews with him on the radio. “I’m thankful to be with these 12 people who did the Civil Rights Movement together,” Vivian said to me in the VIP reception prior to the gala. “I remember all of these people throughout the years and it makes it more like a homecoming than a meeting.”

I also met Dr. Edward L. Wheeler, who became the president of ITC in January of this year. Below he is pictured with Rev. Dr. R.L. White Jr., one of the honorees and president of ITC’s National Alumni Association.

Below is Dr. Wheeler and Rev. A. Denise Bell, regional minister Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

After the VIP reception ended, I made my way to the banquet hall where the gala was held. Below are a few photographs of what I saw along the way. (Keep in mind that I’m a writer not a photographer, please : ). )

The Mistress of Ceremony for the evening was one of Atlanta’s finest journalists Mrs. Monica Pearson, who looked gorge in this marigold, green and black African print dress. My picture doesn’t do it or her justice, but you get the idea…She said of the honorees: “We want to honor you while you can still smell the roses.” Agreed…

I roamed around the gala and wound up with a few decent shots of the honorees…Take a look…I’m sure you recognize Congressman John Lewis and Ambassador Andrew Young…

Below is some new information that I learned last night that impressed me:

Monica Pearson said without Dr. Lonnie King Jr., there would be no Monica Pearson. Apparently, King (no relation to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King), as president of Atlanta’s NAACP in 1969, formed a Community Coalition on Broadcasting to convince television and radio stations to hire black people on and off of the air. According to the April 30, 1970 issue of JET magazine, after a “10-month power struggle” which included the coalition’s persuasion of the FCC to delay the “license renewals of every one of Atlanta’s radio and television stations” for 30 days, 20 of the stations “agreed across the board to coalition demands.” Monica Pearson, who is retired, started her career at Channel 2 Action News in 1975 as Atlanta’s first minority and woman to anchor the 6 p.m. news. And although I’m not television or radio journalist, I’m reasonably sure that Dr. King’s work influenced the hiring of black print journalists in the city as well. Salute!
Rev. Dr. R.L. White Jr., who also was president of the NAACP Atlanta branch, spearheaded a gun buyback campaign which led to almost 1,00o guns being taken off the streets in 2014. Salute!
Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, who was once pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church, was instrumental in securing 10 acres of land for the church and $1 million that was used for the construction of the church’s cathedral. Salute!

I also spoke with a few of the gala attendees. Below is Timi Simpson, executive assistant to ITC’s vice president of financial services and CFO, and her husband Kenneth Simpson. Simpson was excited about ITC gala as well as its new president. “This is a kickoff of a new birth for ITC. We are introducing our self back into the community and fostering new relationships.”

Below is Carmen Holman, a consultant with the Andrew Young Foundation. “When I saw the honorees, I was immediately impressed with those selected. They are deserving of the recognition. At this day and time, we need this level of inspiration.”

Rev. Felice Betaudier, who is an associate minister at Redemptive Life Christian Fellowship in Conyers, says she hopes to enroll at ITC and earn a master of divinity degree.

Below are the honorees who were in attendance last night as well as those who accepted awards on behalf of the honorees who weren’t able to attend. Professional photographer Calvin Evans was gracious enough to allow me to use his photograph of them.

Global Tansformers Gala "ITC" Presidents "Light of the World Award ITC Global Tansformers Award photography by Calvin Evans www.calvinevansphotoshoot.com © 2016 All rights reserved

And below is a photo of the actual awards…

Finally, I asked President Wheeler what the gala meant to him and his reply was, “It means a couple of things. First, it is a celebration of excellence for the honorees and what they displayed because of their faith. It is inspiring. It is also a celebration of ITC coming out again as a voice of justice, a voice of equity and voice of transformation for the betterment of humanity.”

Any thoughts?

Posted on Thursday, December 10, 2015

Oxygen’s Preachers of Atlanta Premieres on Wednesday, February 3rd‏!!!

I'll Be Watching! Will You?

Hello World,

Oxygen Media reimagines the network’s popular franchise and heads to The A with the series premiere of “Preachers of Atlanta,” on Wednesday, February 3 at 10 PM ET/PT. Through the lens of five pastors with drastically different approaches to their ministry, the show explores many of the most hot-button and polarizing issues in America today. From passionate discussions surrounding the validity of unorthodox ministry methods to first-person accounts of the rippling and emotional effects of racial tensions with law enforcement, these unconventional preachers have no boundaries when it comes to tackling real issues that affect real people in their communities. The five preachers challenging the status quo are Pastor Corey Hambrick, Pastor Le’Andria Johnson, Pastor Canton Jones, Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier, and Pastor Judah Swilley.

“Preachers of Atlanta” offers a fresh perspective on men and women of the cloth determined to meet people in their current circumstances in order to inspire a resurgence of faith. Their ministries include communicating spiritual messages through hip-hop lyrics and venturing into the neighborhoods of Atlanta to find those in need. The pastors are real, passionate, and unashamed in their transparency, using their imperfections and out-of-the-box ways to reach a new generation for God.

Meet the Cast:

Pastor Corey Hambrick (@ckhambrick)

The Life Church Christian Center

An Atlanta native, Pastor Corey Hambrick is the pastor of the Life Church Christian Center. Recently celebrating its fourth year of ministry, the Life Church Christian Center has become one of the most buzzed-about churches in the Conyers community. First hearing the call of God at the early age of 14, Pastor Corey believes in the importance of building up the church and also the community. Living by his conviction to not only save souls but to also save lives, Pastor Corey divides his time between his ministry and being a Sergeant Detective at the City of Conyers Police Department.

Between spending quality time with his wife, Corrinne, and their beautiful daughters, Chloe and Mariah, uplifting his congregation, and defending the shield he wears with honor against those who question its merit, Pastor Corey remains committed to his work as both a pastor and a police officer.

Pastor Le’Andria Johnson (@ LeAndriaJ)

I.P.C. Ministries

A Grammy® Award-winning recording artist, Le’Andria Johnson currently pastors I.P.C. (Imperfect People Changing) Ministries in Atlanta. Employing what some may consider unorthodox methods in her ministry, she is willing to take extreme measures to reach those in need.

In addition to winning a Grammy, Le’Andria is a two-time Stellar Gospel Music Award winner and Billboard magazine’s #1 Female Gospel Albums Artist of 2012. Le’Andria has taken the gospel music scene by storm since being crowned the season three winner of BET’s “Sunday Best” in 2010. The Music World Gospel recording artist’s groundbreaking and chart-topping debut CD, The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson, entered at #1 on multiple music charts, including both the Billboard Top Gospel Albums and the Top Christian/Gospel Albums charts. The CD also debuted at #1 on the Christian Music Trade Association’s Current Gospel Overall chart.

In 2011, Le’Andria received her first Grammy® Award for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music performance for her debut single, “Jesus.” In 2012, she received her first NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary) for her current CD project, Le’Andria Johnson The Experience. Known for her captivating live performances, Le’Andria is expanding her music ministry and breaking new ground all over the world.

Pastor Canton Jones (@thecantonjones)

Free Life Church

A Florida native, Pastor Canton Jones found his ministering voice through the power of music and is the pastor of Free Life Church. Currently residing in Atlanta with his wife and business partner, Ramona, and their three sons–Justice, Dominion, and Canaan–and daughter, Love, Canton ministers with determination and transparency, in the hope that this generation will find ways to incorporate God’s word into their own lives.

Pastor Canton is the president of Cajo Records and serves as a media triple threat, working as a successful rapper, songwriter, and producer. Pastor Canton has performed in front of millions of people and released countless albums throughout his lucrative career. An award-winning artist, he has been nominated for a Grammy and a Stellar Award, and he has won three Gospel Choice Awards.

With a jam-packed schedule, Pastor Canton is faced with juggling his musical career, serving his congregation, and continuing to expand his musical ventures, all while preparing to welcome a new bundle of joy into the family.

Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier (@realtalkkim)

Church of the Harvest

Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier is a life coach and mentor with the desire to lead others to their purpose by realizing their passion. The daughter of two preacher parents, Pastor Kimberly and her husband, Mark Pothier, are Senior Pastors of Church of the Harvest in Fayetteville, Georgia, where they reside with their two sons, Morgan and Lyncoln.

Pastor Kimberly leads a movement called Conquering Hell in High Heels and travels the world preaching, teaching, and leading others as she “loves people back to life.” A well-known evangelist, she balances running a thriving church and staying up-to-date with both her congregation and her social media followers. Her toughest challenge yet may be upon her as she prepares to meet her husband’s sons from a previous relationship for the first time while working to spark her own sons’ interest in the ministry.

Pastor Judah Swilley (@OfficialJudah)

The Movement

Judah Swilley grew up in the ministry and is a fifth-generation preacher. He recently launched a new church called The Movement, where he pastors full-time at weekly worship services, hoping to inspire youth to come back to the church. Judah feels that people, particularly youth, are hungry for God, but are done with the “division of religion.” His goal is to bring people from all walks of life together in a mission to change the world. By presenting God in a loving light and relevant way, he feels that this next generation will fall in love with God the way he did so long ago.

Prior to starting The Movement, Judah served as Youth Pastor of Church In The Now for six years and grew the ministry to one of the largest youth outreaches in the Atlanta area. Judah travels to churches, conferences, and schools across the country to share his story and spread the love of Christ in a real and radical way. In addition to ministry, music has been one of Judah’s premiere passions since he was just five years old. At 12, he released his first album and has since released many records that have received national attention, with his music being featured on numerous news channels, radio stations, and media outlets.

Below is the trailer:

Real Talk:

Aside from the press release, I do have some thoughts about this upcoming “Preachers” installment. I am not against reality shows, but I do feel there must be limits. Please read my post “Why Mary Mary May Need To Get Off Reality TV…My Open Letter to Erica & Tina Campbell.” All that aside, I am excited to see what will unfold in my hometown, which is arguably the most “churched” city in the USA! If more people will be exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ, I am all for that! Now, when it comes to the specific pastors who will be featured on the show, I have mixed feelings. When I wrote a post about Pastor Le’Andria Johnson, “Was It Wrong for ‘Sunday Best’ Winner Le’Andria Johnson to be Drunk Allegedly on Periscope?” back in September, I had no idea she was a pastor and would be featured on this show. I had heard she started a ministry, but I didn’t know she actually held the office of pastor. As a pastor, you are held to a higher standard which is why many of us (including me) do not profess or should not profess to be pastors. I really have no idea what to expect from her on this show, but I’m sure she will be the one who will get people talking! Other than Pastor Le’Andria Johnson, the only other pastor I am familiar with is Pastor Canton Jones. I’m a fan of his music, but I had no idea that he is a pastor of a church! So I am curious about his role in the show as well. I recognized Dr. Alduan Tartt, a noted Christian psychologist in Atlanta, who is speaking with Pastor Corey Hambrick on the trailer so I’m also curious about his storyline.

For more “Preachers of Atlanta” content, visit the official show site to see exclusive video, behind-the-scenes photos, news, interviews, and bios. During the premiere of each episode, viewers can watch and interact with real-time content synced to the show, including chats, photos, bonus videos, and more. To learn more about the cast and get exclusive, snackable content, like the official Preachers on Oxygen Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram using #PreachersofAtlanta.

Any thoughts?