By Dwight Swanson

Christianity and Islam are 'missionary' religions. That is, they both believe their message is so important that it must be shared with others, and others should be encouraged to share their faith. This is one of many aspects of faith shared by the two religions. What is not shared is the methods or the aftercare. Two of the accused in the Airline Plot are British converts to Islam. The two Fox reporters kidnapped in Gaza were released on the basis they agree to convert to Islam.

Neither does Christianity share Islam's response to those who 'convert' to another faith. Our correspondent writes from a francophone country in West Africa; a country in which 14% are Muslim, and 20% Christian. So, neither a Christian nor a Muslim nation. This report is translated from a message by a Church leader there. (more)

By Dwight Swanson

The two reports below come from Christians in the Middle East. It is often forgotten by Western Christians, and Media, that significant percentages of the Arab and Palestinian populations are Christian. Those who would consider the conflicts to be religious tend to ignore (once again, as 'collateral damage') the fact that bombs do not descriminate between religions. They fall on all. So, Israeli bombs killed Arab and Maronite Christians, too. Hezbollah bombs killed Arab Muslims and Christians.

These reports are presented to allow these voices to be heard--and to catch a glimpse of the ongoing costs of this recent war.

By Dwight Swanson

The war took all of us by surprise. We were getting ready to go to Jordan. Three days before the time to go, the war broke. It was not so bad the first day, but as of Thursday, the second day, we started realizing what was happening. Destruction was not limited to Hezb Allah, but to every life aspect. Bridges, roads, ports, airports, etc. I heard people (nominal Christians) talking that at the beginning they were mad at Hezb Allah, and were hoping that this will be the end with it. However, after the Israeli attacks on all areas and on every thing that was moving, they started blaming Israel and hoping that they would lose. (more)

By Dwight Swanson

Have you ever experienced deliverance from a situation in which you were powerless helpless? This is the feelings of the people in our region in these days upon the agreement of cease fire between Israel and Hezbollah. (more)

By Dwight Swanson

A warrior of the Terracotta Army, buried with the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty in 2nd C BC China. The photo was taken in the Historical Museum in Red Square, Moscow.

Over 10,000 figures have been uncovered. Each face is unique and distinct. A truly remarkable burial.

By Dwight Swanson

Early this morning Gordon Thomas slipped away from this life, his three year-long battle with melanoma coming to a peaceful end. We who remain behind are bereft.

My friend is gone. (more)

By Dwight Swanson

We in the UK woke up to the news that a plot to blow up airlines mid-flight has been foiled by MI5, but that extreme security measures were being taken at airports for all flights going to the US.

I breathed a sigh of relief that all my flying for the Summer is over, so I was not affected. Then, I thought briefly of my student who was leaving for the US this morning, and wondered how long he would have to wait to get on his plane. Then I went on with life… (more)