Sean Bean and Hans Zimmer Are Indicative of the Production Quality of Upcoming Miniseries 'The Bible'

Mark Burnett and Roma Downey provided additional detail to The Christian Post on the upcoming TV series "The Bible."

Married since 2007, the couple conceived the idea for the series based on Scripture three years ago.

"It's a passion project for Mark and myself." Downey shared.  She also explained that casting for "The Bible" would have been impossible without prayer.

"Casting began with prayer," the actress said, noting the challenge and significance of selecting the right actor to fill the role of Jesus in the series.

"We had been scouting locations in Morocco and were 'looking for Jesus,'" the actress quipped. "Six weeks before filming began, we still didn't have Jesus."

Fortunately, Downey and Burnett came across the name of Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado. "He has a gentleness and humanity about him." Burnett said of the actor.

As the producer of major hit shows including "Survivor" and "The Voice," Burnett has first-hand knowledge of how to create compelling television.

"'The Bible' is going to be seen by millions of people, and it looks like a $100 million feature film," said the creator of "The Apprentice."  Because of its potential reach accuracy was key and researchers and theologians were consulted on every part of the script.

Beyond Burnett's production pedigree, the series has other indicators of quality.

Hans Zimmer, who has worked on music for films such as "The Dark Knight Rises," provided the musical score for "The Bible."

The series features stars such as "Game of Thrones" actors Sean Bean and Nonso Anozie, while Roma Downey herself portrays Mary, the mother of Jesus.

The 10-hour series will bridge the Old Testament with the New Testament, or as Burnett said, "from Genesis to Revelation" with several in-depth portrayals of Bible stories.

It is the hope of Downey and Burnett that "The Bible" can become a template for learning and added to curriculums the world over.

"A great story that happens to be our faith," concluded Burnett while speaking to CP about the series.

"The Bible" is set to air on The History Channel following its current and final stage of editing, with the last episode in the series airing on Easter Sunday.

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Chad Michael Murray May Be ‘Left Behind’

Chad Michael Murray is in negotiations to join the cast of Left Behind. The former One Tree Hill actor would be playing the role of journalist Cameron “Buck” Williams in the end-of-the-world thriller. Nicolas Cage is also starring in the Left Behind reboot. The film is based on the first of the 16 bestselling faith-based novels written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. Left Behind was first adapted for a series of movies starring Kirk Cameron starting in 2001.

Third Day's Golden Christmas Offerings

Third Day has earned another Gold record with its 2006 Holiday album, Christmas Offerings. This marks the band's ninth career RIAA Gold Album Award.

Released in 2006, Christmas Offerings was the third project in Third Day's successful Offerings series, also comprising Offerings I, Offerings II, and the Christmas Offerings DVD.

TobyMac To Perfom on ABC's Annual Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade

TobyMac is capping off his whirlwind year with a performance on ABC's 29th annual Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. He will perform his Christmas song "Christmas This Year" while being featured along with performers including Lady Antebellum, Backstreet Boys, Colbie Caillat, Brad Paisley and American Idol Season 11 champion Phillip Phillips. Hosts Nick Cannon and Mario Lopez, along with co-host Maria Menounos, will lead the two-hour telecast, which is scheduled to air on ABC on Christmas Day beginning at 9:00 AM CST (check local listings).

Newsong's The Christmas Shoes To Be Featured on The Mike Huckabee Show

Eddie Carswell, co-writer of the holiday classic "The Christmas Shoes" and a founding member of NewSong is slated to talk about the song's inspiration and continued popularity on radio's "The Mike Huckabee Show" this Friday, December 21. "The Christmas Shoes" is the biggest song of NewSong's career and has become a Christmas standard since its release more than a decade ago.

For King and Country To Make Late Night TV Debut on Jay Leno

New duo for KING & COUNTRY will make their late night debut on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on January 10, 2013. They are set to perform "The Proof of Your Love" from their debut album, Crave.

"To share our music with such a wide audience on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' is a humbling and exciting way to greet the new year!" said Joel of for KING & COUNTRY. "Our motto has been and will continue to be, 'no matter what we say, what we believe, or what we do, we're bankrupt without love.'"

"The Proof of Your Love," is the second single from the duo's debut album, Crave, which was released earlier this year to outstanding critical praise. The video was the first-ever Christian music video to officially premiere in partnership with YouTube Music. for KING & COUNTRY were named as one of Billboard's 17 acts to watch in 2012 and are already Contemporary Christian Music's best-selling new artist of 2012.  Their music has also piqued the interest of music fans outside the Christian genre. ET's "The Insider" said the duo, "make music that speaks directly to your heart" and have been "gaining popularity in the alt-rock genre." American Songwriter commented that "for KING & COUNTRY may just be Australia's answer to Coldplay."

Matthew West on Fox and Friends After the Show Show

Watch video here.

Member Changes Announced for Disciple

Rock band Disciple recently released a brand new album, O God Save Us All, but there are a few significant changes happening with the band's lineup. Guitarist Micah Sannan and Bassist Israel Beachy have departed the band, and vocalist/frontman Kevin Young has announced a couple of fill-in members for 2013...

"Tonight in Germany will be the last show with our beloved friends Micah & Israel. Micah is leaving the band to pursue his passion of recording & producing. Israel, a new father, is coming off the road to be near his family. Micah & Israel have been a strong foundation in this band for the last 5 years and have made life very easy for me and the other guys because of their hard work ethic and stress-free environment they create. They will be sorely missed.

I know that their departure will raise some questions, so I will try to answer some of them now. Disciple will continue on with me and Trent. We are very excited about the players that will be joining us for our Spring tour: Rich Ward on Lead Guitar (Fozzy/Stuck Mojo), Josiah Prince on Guitar (Philmont), and Jason Wilkes on Bass (Lead Singer of High Flight Society). So tonight marks the end of an era as we say farewell to the "Beard" and "The Backflip." Please join me in this post as we thank Micah & Israel for their service to this ministry for the last 5 years, and pray that God will richly bless them in the future - Kevin"

Mary Mary Open Up On Potential Split, Strippers and Difficulties of Being On Camera

Mary Mary, Grammy Award-winning gospel music duo, recently premiered the second season of their reality television show and are opening up about featuring strippers on the series, criticism, and the group splitting up.

Mary Mary group members and sisters Erica and Tina Campbell recently opened up to Gospel Talk online radio host Mona Austin about some of the criticism they have received for doing a reality television show, especially after a sneak peek of Season 2 included a stripper at their sister Alana Atkin's bachelorette party.

"My sister was getting married, there was nothing rude or crude. Of course on TV, it's a clip and you're not sure. People's minds are left to wonder to create whatever they think happened." Erica said.

The 40-year-old singer explained why she doesn't feel the need to respond to her critics.

"It's a lot of fun and a great time. We don't really take time to respond to critics that much because we'd be talking about something every single day," she said on the Gospel Talk radio show. "When there is something that genuinely hurts people or something that genuinely causes people to go 'wow' then I'll respond to that."

Still, the singer explained why viewers were given a glimpse of strippers at a bachelorette party.

"When you open up the cameras to your life, we wanted a true show. We didn't want a fake show, I didn't want this party where we're eating crumpets and tea. Mary is a virgin so we teased her about sex and played and laughed and had a good time," Erica said. "You know, the same thing that any family would do. Everybody that was there grew up in church with me. We're all church girls."

While some people may be wondering why a successful gospel-singing duo would want to reveal their lives on a reality television show, Erica explained her reason for doing so.

"It was our opportunity to let our lives be a witness. People have a lot of misconceptions about what a Christian life should look like," one-half of the gospel singing duo said on the radio show. "Not just ridicule from church people it was opinions from people who are unchurched and their only version of what a Christian life looked like was their grandmother."

Viewers of the television show will also get some insight into the group's struggles trying to stay together. While Erica has been performing solo to give Tina time to rest after giving birth in August, some have been questioning if the duo will split for good.

Tina did not deny the possibility of a group split taking place.

"They're going to have to watch the season to find that out! It is very challenging having two very filled lives that are individual lives," Tina said on Gospel Talk. "We don't have a life of Mary Mary we have a life of Erica and Tina and our husbands and our homes and they're very different. So it can be very challenging trying to maintain one unit that's like a marriage when we're already married at home. So it's hard."

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Cee Lo's 'Mary Did You Know' Unlike Any Other Christmas Video You'll See This Season

The video for Cee Lo Green's version of the Christmas standard "Mary Did You Know" uses clips from the upcoming series, "The Bible"and brings to life scenes from Christ's birth to His resurrection.

The video has at least one prominent fan in Pastor Joel Osteen who wrote on his official Facebook page: "At least a few of his more than 2,641,000 million followers must have checked out the video, which has been viewed nearly 300,000 times on YouTube.

Matthew West to Entertain National TV Audiences with Appearances on Fox & Friends and Katie

Matthew West is slated to perform before two national television audiences over the next week with stops at Katie and Fox & Friends. West will perform his hit single, "Forgiveness," which has inspired radio listeners and is featured on his new album, Into The Light. Also set to appear on Katie are Renee Napier and Eric Smallridge, whose touching story has become the inspiration behind "Forgiveness." The singer-songwriter will perform live this Saturday, Dec. 15 on Fox & Friends, which airs at 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST on FOX News Channel. His performance on ABC's No. 1 new talk show, Katie, will air next Wed., Dec. 19 (check local listings).

Controversy Would Have Driven Alfred Hitchcock Psycho

New film on Hitchcock has brought renewed interest in the director.  A biographer said that the famous director, Alfred Hitchcock, at the end of his life, shunned religion. Not true, according to Jesuit priest, Mark Henninger.

Henninger recounts his visits to Hitchcock near the end of his life to have mass in his home.

Former Beatles Exec Pens Memoir

GRAMMY® Award-winning former Beatles executive and music industry icon Ken Mansfield chronicles a deeply personal journey of faith and struggle in his highly-anticipated fourth title, Stumbling on Open Ground: Love, God, Cancer, and Rock ‘n’ Roll (January 15).

Revealing ongoing trials with two bouts of cancer, Mansfield’s memoir thoughtfully frames his spiritual struggle and physical pain in the light of ultimate healing and triumph. Sharing personal prayers and honest insight alongside remarkable moments from his storied music career, he confronts his failing body, a faith that both falters and soars, and the questions that aren’t supposed to be asked—but need to be answered.

“Dealing with cancer is not as linear as most books describe the ordeal,” Mansfield shares. “Going into it, going through it, and coming out of cancer is not that orderly. The battle is more of a hanging on, a falling apart, a sense of loss, and a lot of lonely flailing among the rubble.”

“This is a quest for deeper comprehension, a desire to dip beneath the opaque surface,” he adds. “As a child, I would ask my earthly father how to do things. As a child of God, I am asking my heavenly Father how this all works between Him and me.”

Ken Mansfield’s legendary career in the music industry includes tenures as the U.S. manager of the Beatles’ Apple Records, an executive at Capitol Records, a vice president at MGM Records, and president of Andy Williams’ Barnaby Records (CBS Records), among numerous influential roles. He has worked with such artists as the Beach Boys, James Taylor, Roy Orbison, Glen Campbell and Lou Rawls.

Instrumental in launching country music’s “Outlaw” movement in the 1970s, Mansfield was involved in the careers of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, among others. He produced Colter's #1 hit "I'm Not Lisa," as well as Jennings’ 1975 landmark recording, Are You Ready For The Country. He also produced the Gaither Vocal Band’s GRAMMY® Award-winning 1991 Homecoming album. The seminal release precipitated the resurgence of Southern Gospel music and the Gaither Homecoming series of recordings, videos and concerts.

Since devoting his life to Christ more than two decades ago, Mansfield is now an ordained minister and sought-after speaker.

Lisa Welchel Makes It to Final Six on ‘Survivor’ and Gets a Visit from Her Pastor Brother

As one of the most emotional contestants on Survivor: Philippines, Lisa Whelchel developed a coping mechanism to survive being away from her family. "I tried not to think about my loved ones at home, except to pray for them," Whelchel tells PEOPLE. "But I couldn't help but anticipate and hope that I made it long enough in the game to get to see my brother."

On Wednesday's episode of Survivor, Lisa is visited by her younger brother, Justice Coleman, 28, a pastor from Chatsworth, Calif., and the visit didn't go as planned.

"I came running out to give her the biggest hug of her life," Coleman tells PEOPLE. "I wasn't prepared to see her at that level of desperation. It was immediately obvious she had hit rock bottom."

"She broke down in my arms and was sobbing so hard and it was hard for me not to cry," he continues. "I wasn't expecting her to be at the end of her rope. She is a Survivor super fan and so I imagined her enjoying the game and having a blast."

"I almost didn't recognize her," he adds. "She looked absolutely ragged: physically and emotionally torn up. I was imagining a big smile on her face, since she was so deep into the game and doing so well, but she started crying so hard. I was legitimately concerned for her."

After the tears were dried, Coleman maintained he's proud of his sister for making the final six. "My sister has always been my role model growing up," he says. "In fact, she still is."

Stephen Baldwin Defends Two and a Half Men Star

Angus T. Jones received some criticism after speaking out against his "Two and a Half Men" television show recently, but fellow Christian actor Stephen Baldwin is defending the 19-year-old's stance.

Jones later apologized for showing "a lack of appreciation of the extraordinary opportunity" he has been blessed with. However Baldwin, 46, said he understood what the young actor was going through when he decided to speak out against his own series.

"It just sounds like Angus is having an authentic experience with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's a serious thing," Baldwin said in a recent interview with "Good Morning America." "A real, true walk of Christianity is very difficult, quite radical. It seems to me he was a young man when he started and now he's kind of come into his own and he's connected with his pastor."

Although Jones apologized for his comments, Baldwin said he thinks Jones was genuine about his initial remarks concerning "Two and a Half Men."

"I think he knows exactly what he's doing. Again, he meant to probably have it come out differently," Baldwin said. "He didn't want to offend [show creator] Chuck Lorre or any of the people from the show or be disrespectful, but I think he authentically means what he says where he finds now if you hold up the content of his show to the Bible, what he's saying is, 'Now there's a conflict for me.'"

Capital Records to Release Britt Nicole's Gold

Capitol Records is gearing up for the release of the new album from Britt Nicole. Due out February 26th, the newly repackaged Gold which was released on Sparrow Records in March 2012 and debuted at number 41 on the Top 100 Billboard Chart signals Britt's emergence as a pop phenom.

The follow-up to Britt's sophomore effort The Lost Get Found, Gold now features new mixes of its title track and "All This Time. "

Offering both tender ballads and beat-soaked dance-pop songs, Gold showcases the passionately thoughtful lyrics that attest Britt's strength as a songwriter. Its slick and shimmering title track and lead single, for instance, strives to help kids overcome feelings of lonely self-doubt and find their way to courage and confidence.

"The message of 'Gold' is to remind those kids that are struggling that no matter what they have been told they are worth so much more than the words of another," explains Britt. "Once you know that, no one can ever steal your shine."

Angus T. Jones Apologizes for 'Two and a Half Men' Slam

"I apologize if my remarks reflect me showing indifference to and disrespect of my colleagues and a lack of appreciation of the extraordinary opportunity of which I have been blessed," the actor says.

Two and a Half Men star Angus T. Jones has issued a statement regarding his recent comments against the show, in which he called the comedy "filth" and begged viewers to "please stop watching."

"I apologize if my remarks reflect me showing indifference to and disrespect of my colleagues and a lack of appreciation of the extraordinary opportunity of which I have been blessed," he said in a statement Tuesday. "I never intended that."

Jones, 19, also praised the cast and crew of the show as well as CBS and producer Warner Bros. Television.

"Without qualification, I am grateful to and have the highest regard and respect for all of the wonderful people on Two and Half Men with whom I have worked and over the past 10 years who have become an extension of my family," he added.

Jones made headlines Monday after a YouTube video went viral in which he discussed his newfound Christian faith in great detail.

In the clip, published by Forerunner and featuring the organization’s controversial leader Christopher Hudson, Jones suggested that Two and a Half Men was promoting the word of Satan.

"A lot of people don't like to think about how deceptive the enemy is," said Jones. "There's no playing around when it comes to eternity ... People will see us and be like, 'I can be a Christian and be on a show like Two and a Half Men.' You can't. You cannot be a true God-fearing person and be on a television show like that. I know I can't."

In his speech, Jones also said: “If you watch Two and a Half Men, please stop watching Two and a Half Men. I'm on Two and a Half Men and I don't want to be on it. Please stop watching it and filling your head with filth. People say it’s just entertainment. Do some research on the effects of television and your brain, and I promise you, you’ll have a decision to make when it comes to television, especially with what you watch."

HBO to Produce Series About a Missionary

HBO is known for making cutting-edge TV, but they haven’t gotten into the religion realm since cancelling Big Love in 2010. Now, they’ve announced production on a new series called The Missionary, which is about... a missionary. Benjamin Walker, star of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, will play the title role. Billed as a spy drama, Walker will play an American missionary who gets caught up in Cold War intrigue while helping a young woman escape East Berlin.

It'll be interesting to see how HBO deals with the missionary's faith and whether the series will have him act in a way that isn't true to his faith.

Two & a Half Men Star: "Don't Watch the Show"

'Two and a Half Men's young star, Angus T. Jones -- the half man in the show's title -- has blasted the series as "filth" and suggested that people should stop watching.

"Jake from Two and a Half Men means nothing. He is a non-existent character," Jones says in a video for the Forerunner Chronicles, a Christian group. "If you watch Two and a Half Men, please stop watching Two and a Half Men. I'm on Two and a Half Men and I don't want to be on it. Please stop watching it and filling your head with filth. People say it’s just entertainment. Do some research on the effects of television and your brain, and I promise you you’ll have a decision to make when it comes to television, especially with what you watch."

Jones continues that the show is part of the plan of "the enemy" [Satan]. "If I am doing any harm, I don't want to be here," he says. "I don't want to be contributing to the enemy's plan. … You cannot be a true God-fearing person and be on a television show like that. I know I can't. I'm not OK with what I'm learning, what the Bible says and being on that television show."

Jones, 19, gave a testimony in October at the Voice of Prophecy in Los Angeles, where he attends services.

Jones earns about $350,000 per episode; in May he received a salary bump -- along with co-stars Jon Cryer and Ashton Kutcher -- when Men was renewed for a 10th season.

Jones' comments mark the latest brouhaha for the veteran sitcom, which in addition to the Sheen debacle also saw former showrunner Lee Aronsohn step down after he came under fire for comments he made to The Hollywood Reporter about female-driven shows at a Toronto screenwriting conference.

Jones' Men comments begin at 7:30 in the video.

Kevin Sorbo To Star in God's Not Dead

Kevin Sorbo is starring in a new film "God's Not Dead" which also features the Newsboys, presumably performing their hit song of the same name.

In the interview below, Kevin speaks to what he's begun starring in Christian films and the need for more family friendly entertainment.

Switchfoot Performs on Jay Leno

Switchfoot performs "The Original" from their CD "Vice Verses" on Jay Leno.

http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/switchfoot/?roi=echo7-7480604551-27780238-5171f72fc666d069eebd31c0ad2b2f1f&

Third Day Miracle in Top 10

This week Third Day rounds out the top 10 of the Billboard 200 with its new album "Miracle" bowing in the No. 10 slot with 29,000. It's the fourth top 10 effort for the act, which opened at No. 9 with its last album, 2010's "Move" (37,000). On the Christian Albums chart, "Miracle" is the act's 13th top 10 and sixth No. 1.

“You haven’t seen miracles come alive on the big screen until you’ve seen these"

Roma Downey, TV’s former lead angel in Touched by an Angel, gave the blog Tinsel an update on the History Channel's Bible miniseries to air in Spring 2013.

With her husband, producer Mark Burnett of Survivor fame, Downey is producing a ten part miniseries.  They wrapped principal photography in July, after spending six months in Morocco filming.

Downey is particularly excited about applying modern special effects to the Bible, updating Cecil B. Mille’s 1956 version of the burning bush, for example. “You haven’t seen miracles come alive on the big screen until you’ve seen these,” she gushed.

But the special effects aren’t the only thing going for the project. Diogo Morgado as Jesus “brought beauty, strength, and humility to the role. He portrayed the lion and the lamb.”

Downey herself stepped in front of the camera. “I’ve loved Jesus my whole life,” she said, “so the chance to step in as his mother, it was so humbling and a privilege.”

Downey said the project is the best work she and her husband have ever done. “As a married couple, to have brought this to life….thrilling,” she said, “Two years and we’re still speaking to each other. It’s brought us closer.”

But best of all, she said, is the chance to reach people from all walks of life.

“I have reached a point in my career where I don’t have to work,” she said, “I have a lot of gratitude. I have a choice. I can do projects that are positive and honor God.”

Controversy Often Makes Movies, Even Christian Ones, Win at Box Office, Says Producer

For movies with Christian themes that previously were considered un-buzzworthy inside the Hollywood film industry, it is controversy that often makes them box office successes, says an award-winning film and music producer.

Speaking to a workshop at the San Diego Christian Film Festival, Mark Joseph told part of the story of how "Facing the Giants" became a box office success.

The film about an underdog high school football team, and issues of faith in God, was made for $100,000. Volunteers from Sherwood Baptist Church were cast in supporting roles. Joseph helped market the film, but said one of the keys to the movie's $11 million in sales was letting a reporter know that there was a controversy over the film's initial PG-13 rating.

"The MPAA gave two reasons for the PG-13 rating: excessive religious content and the other was that it elevated one religion over another," said Joseph, who also helped to market "The Passion of the Christ" and "Chronicles of Narnia." "As a marketing person this was like God's gift to the film."
He said that he explored the idea of having a reporter break the story by first talking to an editor at the Drudge Report.

"I said I think I have a story for you, the MPAA thinks God is worthy of a rating," he explained. Joseph said he knew that others would find it as astonishing as he did that issues of faith and religion would be lumped together with such things as sex, drugs, and violence when establishing a movie rating. The editor told him to find a reporter to write the story.

"Instantly, it became this mega media sensation. The story being that Hollywood is so out of touch with normal people that they thought this film needed a PG rating," he said.

The MPAA suddenly realized they had made a mistake and tried to cover-up by saying their objections had been misinterpreted. Joseph said the movie gained even more attention when Congress called for a hearing to investigate the MPAA.

"That was a message to the country to go watch this movie that's so 'forbidden,'" he said. "The movie made $11 million at the box office."

Organizers of the three-day film festival in San Diego say they hope to strengthen the community of Christian filmmakers interested in bringing about a positive change in the types of movies coming out of Hollywood. Filmgoers are craving for movies with a good message and faith-based values.

"The market is starving for it, not hungry, starving for good quality films," said Chad Stewart, who is on the board of directors for the festival and the managing director of a production company based in Del Mar, Calif.

Joseph said he's been a part of at least six traditionalist movies that were labeled "surprise successes" by Hollywood standards.

"We've discovered an audience that Hollywood doesn't think exists in America," he said. "Narnia and Passion are movies that on paper don't make sense to anybody in Hollywood. Nobody that I know of thought that the Passion of the Christ was going to be successful. Same goes for the Chronicles of Narnia. The Chronicles of Narnia was really an unknown property in Hollywood. A lot of executive didn't know who C.S. Lewis was and so it wasn't the slam dunk that you might think it was today."
"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" has grossed more than $739 million worldwide.

Phil Stacey Touring Japan

One of the Top 5 finalists on season 6 of American Idol, Phil Stacey, is currently in Japan. Stacey will tour Japan for the next couple of weeks.

Phil Stacey, "I covet your prayers over the next couple of weeks. I believe God is going to do some awesome stuff here in Japan."

Will Russell Crowe Portray Noah as an Environmentalist Nut?

It's billed as a "Biblical epic" but a Christian screenwriter in Hollywood who has had a chance to read the script for "Noah" says there's a good chance that the movie, which is still in production, will be far from the truth of the Gospel.

"If you were expecting a Biblically faithful retelling of the story of the greatest mariner in history and a tale of redemption and obedience to God you'll be sorely disappointed," Brian Godawa recently wrote in his analysis of an undated script he was able to get his hands on as a movie industry insider.

Godawa told The Christian Post that he is not 100 percent sure that the copy of the script written by Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel that he read has since been changed to reflect a more accurate portrayal of what's written in the Bible, but chances aren't good that is the case.

In fact, he fears the movie's Noah (played by Russell Crowe) will be depicted more like an "environmentalist wacko."

"Noah paints the primeval world of Genesis 6 as scorched arid desert, dry cracked earth, and a gray gloomy sky that gives no rain – and all this, caused by man's 'disrespect' for the environment," Godawa wrote in his analysis. "In short, an anachronistic doomsday scenario of ancient global warming. How Neolithic man was able to cause such anthropogenic catastrophic climate change without the 'evil' carbon emissions of modern industrial revolution is not explained."

Apparently, Noah and his family also seek to "avoid the crowds and live off the land." He is this "kind of rural shaman, and vegan hippy-like gatherer of herbs, according to Godawa's analysis of the script. "Noah explains that his family 'studies the world,' 'healing it as best we can,' like a kind of environmentalist scientist," he writes.

"They want to tell the story about the Bible that they think everyone wants to see. They are interpreting it through their own worldview. It's not necessarily a malicious thing," he continued. "I don't expect Aronofsky to be true to this biblical message because he probably doesn't really believe it. He's just going to use it to communicate his own [message]. He's already told us that when he said this is all about environmentalism."

In addition to not really embracing Aronofsky's creative license with the Bible in regards to the environment, Godawa notes that there's a problem with his interpretation morally.

"I have to say that the movie script for Noah is deeply anti-Biblical in its moral vision," he stated. "While the Bible commands mankind to 'work and keep' the garden of earth as its stewards, the sin that brought about the judgment of the Flood was NOT violence against the environment as depicted in the script, it was violence against God and his image in man. That's no minor difference."

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Brian 'Head' Welch Readies "Love And Death"

TOOTH & NAIL Records will be releasing the eagerly anticipated full length album, 'Between Here & Lost', by metal band Love And Death. The group is fronted by former Korn guitarist Brian 'Head' Welch.

Phillips, Craig & Dean member Dan Dean fighting prostate cancer

A member of Phillips, Craig & Dean, Dan Dean, recently announced that he has been battling prostate cancer. The worship leader and senior pastor of The Heartland Church in Carrollton, Texas, was diagnosed early last spring, just prior to the release of Phillips, Craig & Dean's most recent album, 'Breathe In'. Since his initial diagnosis, Dan has been making progress towards recovery and remission.

UK Songsmith Adam Baker Featured on Olympics Album

Christian singer/songwriter Adam Baker, who has previously released the independent albums 'Your Eyes' (2009) and 'Beyond The Sun' (2011), is showcased on a new compilation album featuring artists who performed in the Olympic Park during the London 2012 Olympics. The 'Emerging Icons In The Park' album features Baker singing the song "Carry You", a song motivated by his feelings about his wife. Said Baker, "In the summer I was performing at the London 2012 Olympics in the Olympic Park. As a Christian artist it was an awesome opportunity and I felt so blessed to be a part of the Games sharing my music. It was quite an experience."

Hands & Feet Project To Make Appearance in NASCAR Race

The Hands & Feet Project should be seen by thousands this weekend as MacDonald Motorsports car #49 will feature the logo of the Hands & Feet Project will driving in NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series race on Saturday, Nov. 3rd. The car will be driven by 19-year old Harrison Rhodes. The race is the season finale at Rockingham Speedway.

“I’m really excited to see the Hands & Feet Project #49 on the racetrack this weekend,” explained Jeni MacDonald, team owner. “I really hope we can raise awareness as to what Hands & Feet is doing and bring them more support.”

Along with the Hands & Feet Project, Audio Adrenaline will also be presented on Harrison’s #49 car. The multi-GRAMMY® award-winning band has recently reunited with a new lineup of like-minded musicians with the same common goal; to be the voice for orphans in Haiti and around the world.

“I am thrilled about getting to drive the Hands & Feet Project #49 at Rockingham Speedway this weekend,” explained driver Rhodes. “It is going to be awesome getting to race at a track where there is so much history and where so many great drivers have raced.”

Third Day to Perform on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Tomorrow

Third Day will perform on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” tomorrow November 2 in support of their upcoming release MIRACLE. The band will perform “Hit Me Like a Bomb” and, following the performance, will offer a limited-time free download of the song on its site ThirdDay.com.

The 12-track MIRACLE was produced by Brendan O’Brien (Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Train, The Killers) and recorded in the band’s Atlanta-based studio called, The Quarry.

Third Day will be back on the road in support of MIRACLE with a headlining tour starting in spring 2013, followed by appearances at major festivals that summer.

needtobreathe Performs on Conan

needtobreathe performs "Girl From Tennessee" on Conan on Halloween in unusual costumes.

Best Male Christian Vocalists of All Time

Below is our list for the best male Christian vocalists of all time.

This list is not just based on vocal prowess, criteria also include song quality, impact on industry, ability to play an instrument and/or craft a song, and of course my personal bias...

10.  Matthew West
9. Ken Tamplin
8. Michael Tait (also of dc Talk & Newsboys) & Kevin Max (also of dc Talk and Audio A)
7. John Elefante
6. Michael Sweet (also of Stryper fame)

5. Michael W. Smith

4. Jeremy Camp
3. Bryan Duncan

2. Steven Curtis Chapman

1. Russ Taff

Honorable Mentions:

Brandon Heath

Charlie Peacock

Chris Tomlin

Mark Schultz
Phil Keaggy
Todd Agnew
Warren Barfield

On the way to establishing post-band career:
Peter Furler (of Newsboys)
John Schlitt (of Petra fame)
Martin Smith (of delirious?)

To make the list manageable, we've also excluded vocalists who are primarily fronting a band without a body of solo work.  That list is here.

Thoughts?

Best Christian Male Lead Singers of All Time

Below are the 10 best male lead singers of Christian bands.

This list is not just based on vocal prowess, criteria also include song quality, impact on industry, ability to play an instrument and/or craft a song, and of course my personal bias...

10. Rick Florian (WhiteHeart)
9. Matt Hammitt (Sanctus Real)
8. David Crowder (DavidCrowderBand)
7. Jon Foreman (Switchfoot)
6. Bear Rinehart (needtobreathe)
5. Michael Barnes (Red)
4. Jon Micah Sumrall (Kutless)
3. Bart Millard (MercyMe)
2. Mac Powell (Third Day)
1. Marc Martel (of downhere)

Some notable misses (like dc Talk)?  Check here.

Honorable Mentions:
Mark Hall (Casting Crowns)
Jamie Rowe (Guardian)
Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay)
Derri Daugherty (The Choir)
Edin Adahl

Kevin Young (Disciple)

Josh Reedy (Decemberadio)
Josh Havens (The Afters)

Thoughts?

Australia's Cindy-Leigh Boske Gets US release

Dream Records is bringing Cindy-Leigh Boske to the international market. Cindy-Leigh leads worship at City Church, Brisbane, and has performed with such artists as Keith Urban, Vanessa Amorosi and The Corrs. Cindy-Leigh has been described as the "Woman with the golden pipes."  About her new album 'My Genesis' Cindy-Leigh said, "I want this new album to be an album that will inspire people and give them hope, I want it to be authentic in every way.

BarlowGirl To Retire After Release Of Final Song on October 30

14-time Dove Award nominated band BarlowGirl is retiring after the release of their final song, "Hope Will Lead Us On," on October 30. As their fans have been instrumental in their success, the sister trio want them to conduct their final interview. On October 29, live via Ustream, the band will perform a few of their hits acoustically, take questions from their fans and premiere their final song, "Hope Will Lead Us On," (Ustream link).

Since releasing their self-titled debut in 2004, BarlowGirl has sold over one million albums, received 14 Dove Award nominations and accumulated four No. 1 singles on the Christian radio. Their poignant 2005 hit, "I Need You To Love Me," topped the charts for 13 weeks in 2005 making it the longest No. 1 single in Christian Hit Radio chart history. With a wonderful run, the sisters are ready to leave on a high note.

"The last 10 years as BarlowGirl has been one of the most incredible adventures we have ever been on," said Alyssa, Lauren and Rebecca. "We could not have imagined this journey without our incredible supportive fans who waited in lines to get into shows, called radio stations to play our music, watched all of our ridiculous podcasts, bought or sent us hundreds of pounds of chocolate and encouraged us the entire way. We are so honored to have shared our dream with you. Thank you for being a part of it."

On October 29, fans can log on to Ustream to submit questions. In addition, the sisters will play a few acoustic songs and will premiere "Hope Will Lead Us On" via a lyric video. The following day, their final song will be available at all digital retailers. Alyssa, Lauren and Rebecca Barlow also personally wanted to be the ones to notify their fans of their retirement. To do so, they have drafted a letter that fans can read at barlowgirl.com.

John Schlitt to Appear on The Mike Huckabee Show

Multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning recording artist John Schlitt will be a guest on Friday's edition of The Mike Huckabee Show, the popular radio talk show hosted by former Arkansas governor, Mike Huckabee.

Schlitt and Huckabee met when the two shared the stage at the Faith and Freedom Celebration in Tampa, Fla., in August. The the legendary rock singer performed at the event, which was hosted by the Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition and held in coordination with the Republican National Convention. During the event, Schlitt sang his song "Faith & Freedom" from his critically-acclaimed CD, The Greater Cause, and met with Republican Party dignitaries, including Huckabee. Following Schlitt's performance, as the singer and former governor chatted backstage, Huckabee invited Schlitt to be a guest on his radio show. "I believe Governor Huckabee is an example of a true patriot," Schlitt says. "I'm excited about the opportunity to have a conversation with someone I very much respect."

Mandisa to Appear on "The Doctors"

Three time GRAMMY® Nominated artist Mandisa will make an appearance on the highly-rated syndicated television show, "The Doctors" tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 25. Mandisa will be on the show to discuss her remarkable 120lb weight loss and career success since American Idol. Since one of her favorite ways to exercise is through Zumba, Mandisa taught The Doctors audience the Zumba routine to her up-beat single, "Good Morning." The audience also received a complimentary copy of Mandisa's highest-selling record to date, What If We Were Real.

Mark Burnett Talks About Fear, Bible Miniseries

Mark Burnett, creator of such reality shows as Celebrity Apprentice, Survivor and The Voice, said one of his fears is that of not making a "meaningful contribution" in life. Burnett was interviewed by best-selling author and pastor Rick Warren for a taped segment shown during a business summit at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., on Friday.

"I have had great fear, but my fear isn't of the failure of the project. It's looking back later having done nothing. It's a very serious fear. The fear of not making a meaningful contribution, of being insignificant, of looking back [and thinking] that I didn't step up. I am honestly petrified of that, or I was, and my pain of feeling like I let myself down, my family down, and not taking the risk to do it was far greater than the pleasure of being calm," said Burnett.

The reality television pioneer was one of five speakers featured at the O.C. Business Summit, spearheaded by Warren. The Saddleback Church founder said he felt that one way to tackle a struggling economy was to bring together the brightest minds in business to discuss how they achieved success. The day-long conference included sessions led by Steve Case, former CEO of America Online; Lynda Resnick, listed #634 on Forbes Billionaires list and #212 on Forbes 400; Michael E. Gerber, who is well known as a business guru and author of The E-Myth Revisited; and Warren.

In his discussion about fear, Burnett also talked about the making of "The Bible," a 10-hour miniseries, filmed in Morocco with his wife, Roma Downey, as co-producer and playing the part of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The series is scheduled to premiere on the History Channel early next year.

"In doing the Bible project with Roma, if I would have over-analyzed it and took too much advice. I would have never started. It's too enormous, too scary, but actually my fear was of looking back and feeling like a loser that I was called to do this and I didn't do it and I have massive regrets and I'm not going to have that happen," Burnett told Warren. "I don't know for a fact that the Bible project will be as big as I hope it is, but I know I did it well and that's what matters."

When asked to talk about his creative process, Burnett first talked about the opportunities that are unique to the United States.

"America is a country, which obviously from my accent I wasn't born here but moving here, it is the land of opportunity and what that means is that this country will allow you to have an idea, take a risk, make mistakes, and try again. This country celebrates ideas and action. I know that what I've succeeded to do in television here would have unlikely been done in Europe where I came from," he said.

Once someone has an idea they should rely on their instinct that it is a workable idea and not ridiculous, because "the first thing that usually happens is a hundred people will tell you how stupid you are," Burnett explained.

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Casting Crowns in Golden Wells

In August 2012, Christian music touring and sales leader Casting Crowns received a rare double Platinum certification by the RIAA for its 2005, self-titled debut. Earlier this month, the band received its sixth career Gold certification for its October 2011 project Come to the Well which has sold more than 500,000 units to date.

Flyleaf's New CD 'New Horizons' Will Be Last With Current Lead Singer

Flyleaf announced the departure of long time singer Lacey Sturm today. The band's final album with Lacey, New Horizons, will be out on October 30. Kristen May, formerly of the band Vedera, will be stepping in as the band's lead singer for tour dates in support of the new CD.

Lacey commented on her departure:

"I have been beyond blessed to be in Flyleaf for the past ten years, touring with 4 amazing men and the Flyleaf crew, whom I love like my flesh and blood family. They have all given so much. It took everyone on our team to make the beauty in Flyleaf possible. I am honored to have met so many wonderful people who love Flyleaf music all over the world. Your incredible stories continue to inspire me. I am very thankful to have recently become a mom to one of the greatest blessings of my life, my son Jack. You may have also heard that we recently lost our brilliant sound engineer, Rich Caldwell, in a devastating car accident. Now, more than ever, I understand the phrase Memento Mori. I understand that, for me, living life to the fullest in this season means to step down as the lead singer for Flyleaf. I wish the best to Jared, Pat, Sameer and James and I know that as I continue to pursue the highest heights of what I am created for, it will free them all to pursue that for themselves too. 

The guys will continue to tour and write music together. I'm so very grateful that they are able to do what they desire and that there is a beautiful and talented, warm hearted girl like Kristen May to sing for them. Because of this, you will all get a chance to see a new Flyleaf show and support the new album. 

As I take this first step on a new journey, I pray that each one of you would pursue your highest calling with reckless abandon as well, understanding that sometimes the fullness of life comes in doing things that are only understood by you, God, and the special people God has put in your life that truly love you for you… not for what you do, but for who you are. I love you guys so much and in many ways, I will stay in touch. May God bless you all with healthy hearts, full of courage to weather the journey to your own New Horizons."

Nicolas Cage Likely to Star in 'Left Behind' Series Remake

Academy Award–winning actor Nicolas Cage is reportedly in talks to star in "Left Behind," a mainstream remake of the Christian-themed movie trilogy about the End Times.

The reboot will mark the first film from Stoney Lake Entertainment, a new production company led by Paul Lalonde, a Canadian/American film producer and writer and co-founder of Cloud Ten Pictures, variety.com reported Friday.

"Left Behind" is the first installment of a 16-book series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins about the adventures of the sinners left on earth after the Rapture. The series, first published 1995-2007, has sold more than 65 million copies around the world.

The series has already been adapted into three films starring Kirk Cameron, who plays the leader of the Tribulation Force against the Global Community and its leader Nicolae Carpathia, the Antichrist. The original movie series was launched in 2001.

The plot focuses on a group of survivors during the first few hours after the Rapture. The budget of the film is in the $15 million range, and its production is likely to begin in early spring for a late next year release.

Variety quoted Lalonde as saying that distributor Samuel Goldwyn Films had given a theatrical guarantee.

Lalonde and his brother, Peter, started up the production company Cloud Ten Pictures as a means of spreading the Gospel message and producing inspirational Christian films that would help to disband the general consensus that Christian movies are low quality," the company's website says.

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Candace Cameron Bure on Brother Kirk Cameron: 'We Have a Different Style of Saying Same Things'

Actress Candace Cameron Bure has opened up about her personal beliefs and her relationship with her equally famous, and openly Christian, brother Kirk Cameron. The interview comes at the same time as the release of "The Heart of Christmas" on DVD and a recent "Full House" reunion.

"Acting is my first passion-and my faith is incredibly important, which flows into every aspect of my life, which includes the decisions that I make on acting," Bure told Yahoo. "I want to focus on great family programming and good movies and the charitable organizations that I'm involved with."

When it comes to dealing with her brother, Kirk, an outspoken Christian advocate who has his own series focused exclusively on evangelism, Bure said she and Kirk "have a different style of saying some of those things. But he is much more in the world of ministry and does a lot of conferences…that's really his main focus."

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Amy Grant: My Faith Has Enlarged

Amy Grant is a six-time GRAMMY winner and has sold more than 30 million albums over three decades. But after arriving home from touring in 2008 and seeing how frail her mother was, Amy cleared her calendar to take care of her. Her mother died last year and now she is focusing on caring for her father, who is still living with dementia.

Watch clips of Amy Grant on Katie.

Amy Grant To Appear on Katie

Multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY® winning superstar Amy Grant will make an appearance on the highly rated talk show, Katie, on Fri., Oct. 19. Katie is the No. 1 new talk show on television and is helmed and hosted by veteran TV personality Katie Couric.

Many know Grant her for her iconic 30-year career, but in recent years, she’s been caring for her father who is struggling with dementia. On this episode of Katie, she opens up about this intensely personal, challenging and rewarding experience, a situation 42 million other Americans are also in as they provide care for their aging loved ones. She will perform the world premiere of a new song she wrote, “How Mercy Looks From Here,” inspired by this experience.

Grant is wrapping her three-month weekend run with “Women of Faith” at the beginning of November, where she has headlined the tour also featuring Mandisa, Patsy Clairmont, Mark Lowry and others. Soon thereafter, she will embark on a holiday tour, including select dates featuring symphony-backed performances. In addition, Grant and husband Vince Gill will bring their popular “Twelve Days of Christmas” show to the Ryman stage for “Christmas at the Ryman” three nights this December. This marks the sixth year the couple—who celebrated their twelfth wedding anniversary this year—has performed the holiday special.

Currently at work on a new project, Grant will release her first studio album in three years in early 2013.

GMC Responds to Complaints for Cutting 'Pivotal' Pro-Life Scene From 'October Baby'

Family friendly channel GMC is drawing criticism for cutting out what some viewers consider the "most important pro-life scene" in the film "October Baby."

"October Baby" had its television premiere on Sunday with three showings on GMC. While the movie itself drew praise from TV viewers, those who already watched the film on the big screen are not happy that a pro-life scene was edited out.

GMCTV responded to the complaints Monday, saying it wasn't their intent to alter or dilute the impact of "October Baby."

"All movies on gmc are edited for length and for various types of content (graphic violence, sex, language, etc.). We always aim to ensure that the essence of the story is not altered by the editing process. Upon further reflection in light of your comments, we agree that some of these edits were not necessary. We will be re-editing the film to re-introduce these portions in all future airings," the network stated.

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Kevin James on Weight Loss, Faith, and 'Here Comes The Boom'

Starring in the new sports comedy "Here Comes The Boom," actor Kevin James has opened up about his weight, glorifying God, and becoming a better man.

James, 47, is best known for his role on the sitcom "The King of Queens" and has starred in several hit films including "Hitch" alongside Will Smith and "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" with Adam Sandler.

In theaters last Friday, "Here Comes The Boom" follows James as Scott Voss, a middle-aged biology teacher. When his school suffers financial crisis, Voss volunteers to train to become a mixed-martial arts fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and raise money as an attempt to prevent extra-curricular activities from being cut.

Real-life MAA fighters inspired James, who co-wrote the screenplay for "Here Comes The Boom." "They aren't these brutal gladiators, they are guys with families and trying to put dinner on the table," explained James while speaking to The Christian Post.

James added that his recent weight loss was not intentional- he trained especially hard for 14 months after having received a "blessing from the UFC" for his role as a mixed martial artist in the film.

"I had to promise them I'm going to make this thing as real as possible," said the actor. "It's going to be something that [fans] haven't seen in me before."

The actor admitted that his weight fluctuates, and his work for "Here Comes The Boom" has since worn away.  "I'm back [to my pre-training] weight," James laughingly divulged.

 James credited his Christian faith for not just helping him in his career, but in all aspects of life.
"My faith helps me in everything, it shapes me and I always try to glorify Him in movies," said the actor. "We all make mistakes, and if I played an angel every time I'd be out of the business. There are faulted people and there is good and evil."

Moreover, James explained the film's title and that "Here Comes The Boom" refers to being the best person you can be.  "It means bringing the best of you to the table, in life, in whatever you're doing.  As an employee, as a father, and to not become complacent in your life because it effects those around you."

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Will New TV Series From 'Law & Order' Producer Be Anti-Christian?

Some commentators have voiced concern over the religious message of a recently announced series that "Law & Order" producer Dick Wolf will soon be making about a cult.

Presently titled "The Church," according to the Hollywood Reporter the series would be about a family who discovers that an upstanding group they belong to is actually a cult.

Jeff Field of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights told The Christian Post that Wolf's television projects have a history of painting a negative picture of Christianity.

"We have had issues in the past of Wolf taking cheap shots at Christianity and Catholicism. So based on history, we wouldn't expect anything different in the new series," said Field. "Of course we will save final judgment until we see the final product."

Field added that he believed that these days primetime television "has become somewhat of a haven for Christian bashing."

In the past, Wolf has garnered controversy for his portrayal of Christians in his television work, including in both the flagship "Law & Order" program as well as the successful spinoff "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."

Dan Gainor of Culture for the Media Research Center, a conservative media watchdog group, told The Christian Post that Law & Order is notably hostile towards religion and conservatives.

"Wolf's Law & Order franchise was one of the most notoriously anti-conservative on TV. Villains rarely were who they are in real life," said Gainor.

"Actual mobsters, terrorists and such were bypassed by businessmen, conservatives and people of faith. One 'Law & Order SVU' episode told of a murderous lay minister who left prayer cards on the bodies of the prostitutes he murdered."

Co-writing the script for "The Church" is Howard Franklin, a writer and director whose work includes "The Name of the Rose," a 1986 film starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater.

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Comedy For a Cause Featuring Henry Cho Raises Money for Rocketown

Michael W. Smith, a multi-platinum, Grammy®, American Music Award and GMA Dove Winning artist partnered with Kroger, MobileSmartBid and several key sponsors to host Rocketown's annual fundraising dinner, auction and evening of entertainment to raise awareness and support for the non-profit outreach for teens. This year's event was themed "Comedy for a Cause" and featured comedian guests, Henry Cho and Jeff Allen.

The gathering took place at Rocketown's downtown Nashville venue, commencing with a VIP reception attended by more than 430 guests.  Notable attendees included Governor Bill Haslam, author Karen Kingsbury, American Idol contestant Scott MacIntyre, Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, several Tennessee Titan players, the entire coaching staff of the Nashville Predators and many others.

"This was a great night -- and certainly a great cause. So many kids have been helped by the ministry at Rocketown," shares founder, Michael W. Smith. "The money from this event will help us do more and serve more kids."

Combined sponsorships, generous donations, live auction and new MobileSmartBid online auction generated much needed proceeds that impact day-to-day efforts of Rocketown's staff. Auction items included two trips to perform with Michael W. Smith in New York City at Carnegie Hall, an all-exclusive Yacht trip, a Charlie Daniels autographed fiddle, Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators sports packages and more.

Rocketown's mission is to offer hope to the next generation through Christ's love. In the coming year, it will continue to provide that outlet for the community through weekly gatherings, special events and its concerts.

Philippa Hanna To Tour With Lionel Richie

Philippa Hanna is arguably British Christian music's best known female singer. But what may have escaped some fans' attention is that in recent times Philippa has started to attract more and more attention from the mainstream music industry. Her future may be even brighter as of October 26 Philippa will be kicking off a tour as support act for megastar Lionel Richie. So how has a singer moved from the rather insular confines of Christian music to the attention of the pop industry big time? Explained Philippa, "Things have been progressing steadily for me over the last couple of years, particularly since I started working with the Grammy Award winning songwriter and producer Eliot Kennedy. I've been able to do a few gigs with mainstream artists and at one of those a guy called Nathan, who works in the industry as a tour manager, saw me perform. He was very enthusiastic and one thing led to another and I was invited to do the Lionel Richie Tuskegee Tour."

Philippa will be singing six songs acoustically. She is already familiar with the challenges of being a support act working before an audience where the majority of the people have never heard of you. "I'm aware of the support act dynamic," she said. "I've already done gigs with Laura White (of X Factor fame) and Graham Kendrick. I know that my role is to support Lionel and help people get in a positive frame of mind."

Although Philippa's final set list is still to be finalised, one song she will be singing will be "I Am Amazing", the singer's powerful antidote to the fake tan, crash diet, skin deep beauty obsessions of our modern world. "I am really looking forward to singing that song to the audience," she commented. "We're going to be offering the song as a free download so that people who hear it can text a number we'll be giving them and get it. It's an important message that people need to hear - that we are wonderfully and amazingly made by God."

Philippa concluded our interview by reminiscing about her father, "When I was growing up I remember my dad singing 'Three Times A Lady' around the house. Now I'm touring with the great singer who recorded that song. God moves in mysterious ways!"

Read full article here.

BET May Pick Up TD Jakes Talk Show

BET may feature programming with Christian themes on Sundays, but now the television station is reportedly looking to broaden its faith-based programs to be broadcast on weekdays and may be considering a new talk show hosted by Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Charlie Jordan Brookins, BET's SVP of original programming, spoke to Variety magazine about moving faith-based programming into the network's general schedule.
"We are trying to bring (spiritual themes) into the fabric of our programming in general," Brookins said.

Still, Brookins said the new faith-based featured on the network is not looking to be "overtly preachy."

While BET let it be known that it planned to turn author Reshonda Tate Billingsley's novel, Let the Church Say Amen, into a film for the network, the channel will also broadcast three other Billingsley novels that will be turned into small screen pictures.

In the past, BET has featured the gospel singing competition "Sunday's Best" along with the reality show focused on a Christian family in the entertainment industry called "The Family Crews." However, future shows may include additional docu-series and a talk show.

T.D. Jakes reportedly shot a pilot for the network last month. The bishop of the Dallas, Texas-based megachurch The Potter's House finished up a pilot for a talk show that he will be hosting, according to Variety.

In addition to the televised films and potential Jakes' talk show, a reality television show is also reportedly in the works featuring the multi-generational gospel singing family from Detroit, the Sheards. Brookins said the network is not aiming to document the family's religion. "It's not about their faith," Brookins said in a Variety report. "It's about them as a family of faith."

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Steven Spielberg to Direct Moses Epic?

Deadline is reporting that Steven Spielberg is near to etching in stone with Warner Bros on a movie portraying the Jewish leader as the warrior to beat all warriors. With a working title of "Gods And Kings," what’s envisioned is “a movie like a Braveheart-ish version of the Moses story,” an insider tells Deadline.  And despite the awesome screen possibilities of the parting of the Red Sea, the movie isn’t being contemplated in 3D.  In 1956, Paramount released "The Ten Commandments" in VistaVision to give moviegoers a more spectacular experience of scenes like that. But this film is as far from a remake of the Cecile B. DeMille-directed epic as you can get even though they cover similar ground. Instead Warner Bros wants Spielberg to direct it with the gritty reality of Saving Private Ryan, which is considered a masterpiece redefining battle movies. ”There have been glossy versions of the Moses story but this would be a real warrior story,” an insider tells Deadline.

The studio has wanted Spielberg on the project since last September when he first read the script. Talks intensified, and now insiders tell us the dialogue should consummate by the end of the month. Warner Bros wants to start production sometime in March or April of 2013.

Spielberg just finished directing "Lincoln" and is already working on Robopocalypse. Spielberg wants a big film next and this is it: "Ten Commandments" was one of the most profitable films of its era, grossing $65 million in 1956 — which in today’s dollars is equivalent to close to $1 Billion theatrical. Spielberg helmed another seminal Jewish movie, "Schindler’s List" which won seven Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director.

Meanwhile this marks the second high-profile film Warner Bros is developing on a seminal Jewish hero. Mel Gibson and Joe Eszterhas are collaborating on their pitch to tell the story of Jewish warrior Judah Maccabee, who teamed with his father and four brothers to lead the Jewish revolt against the Greek-Syrian armies that had conquered Judea in the 2nd century B.C. Gibson has the first option to direct, and he will produce the film through his Icon Productions banner.

Mira Sorvino's Latest Film Defends the 'Innocents'

The thriller, "Trade of Innocents," is a compelling story about child trafficking and the people working tirelessly to end it.

The independent film by Bill and Laurie Bolthouse and director Christopher Bessette was inspired by trips to Cambodia.

Jim Schmidt, a Los Angeles-based film producer and award-winning actor who has been in films such as Billy Graham's "The Climb," signed on to co-produce "Trade of Innocents" after being approached by the Bolthouses.

The film stars Dermot Mulroney as Alex Becker and Academy Award Winning actress Mira Sorvino as Claire Becker; a married couple dedicated to human rights work in Cambodia after suffering the loss of their own child.

Sorvino, whose character still struggles with the pain of losing her young daughter, spoke directly with The Christian Post about how her role as a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador helped her prepare for the role in the film. The mother of four also went on to explain why human trafficking is not foreign to her.

Best Female Christian Vocalist of All Time

Half a decade ago, I shared my thoughts on who I thought were the best female Christian vocalists of all time.

Criteria include song quality, vocal prowess, ability to play an instrument and/or craft a song, and of course my personal bias...

An updated list:

10. Nichole Nordeman

9. Crystal Lewis

8. Margaret Becker

7. Natalie Grant

6. Mandisa

5. Ginny Owens

4. Britt Nicole

3. Jaci Velasquez

2. Joy Williams

1. Amy Grant

Honorable Mentions:

Francesca Battistelli

Lisa Bevill

Christine Dente (Out of the Grey)

Brooke Fraser

Rachael Lampa

Leigh Nash (Sixpence None the Richer)

Rebecca St. James

Kathy Troccoli

Thoughts?

Here Comes the Boom

New movie, Here Comes the Boom, starring Kevin James and Salma Hayek, is apparently named after P.O.D.'s song "Boom" and the commercials feature the song.

Comedy for a Cause Fundraiser to Feature Jeff Foxworthy and Henry Cho

"Comedy for a Cause," the theme of this year's Rocketown fundraiser, to be held at the popular Nashville-based youth outreach facility on Oct. 9, will feature an all-mobile bidding auction sponsored by Kroger and powered by MobileSmartBid. Among those items up for grabs are Atlanta Braves and Chicago Bears sports packages as well as a unique NYC/Carnegie Hall weekend that includes hotel accommodations for two and the opportunity to sing onstage with Michael W. Smith.

An annual event to help raise funds for the venue which serves at-risk youth, the 2012 benefit is chaired by last year's featured performer, comedian Jeff Foxworthy, and his wife Gregg. Coined "Comedy for a Cause," the evening will include performances by comics Jeff Allen and Henry Cho. All are invited to bid either at the event or remotely via their mobile phone on items including a VIP treatment in Miami, four tickets to a Chicago Bears game, and Atlanta Braves game tickets directly behind home plate complete with field passes. Auction items will be updated frequently at www.michaelwsmith.com or www.rocketown-auction.com, and the bidding goes live the week of Oct. 9.

Nowhere But Up: Justin Bieber's Mom Publishes Life's Story

Justin Bieber's mom, Pattie Mallette, left home at 16. To support herself and pay for her destructive habits, she turned to petty crime and pot dealing. At 17, she threw herself in front of a truck and landed in a mental ward.

It was there that she was led to a Christian life, though her faith faltered soon after and she fell back in with her old friends and became pregnant. There was no returning home and she went on government assistance after Justin was born. She worked part-time jobs for diapers and rent, wondering how to proceed without a high school diploma, wondering how she could go back to school with no one to care for Justin.

With the help of a neighbor who paid for a year's worth of daycare, Mallette slowly earned her degree, followed by college training in website design on scholarship.

Meanwhile, her son's perfect rhythm on the drums, his guitar playing and singing talent, surfaced early.  He earned extra cash as a busker on guitar and a djembe drum he had received as a gift. Singing on the streets for money is something Mallette said she never forced him to do but earned them thousands of dollars after the first time he tried for fun at age 6.

Success snowballed when Justin was 12 on the strength of YouTube videos Mallette posted for faraway relatives that were quickly discovered by young people and exploded with millions of views. Along came Scooter Braun, a persistent manager who launched Justin's career at barely 13, fresh out of junior high.

Mallette first told Justin about her past when he was about 12, after she began sharing at small-group meetings.

"I felt like he was old enough, mature enough to hear my story, and, you know, talk about it," Mallette said. "I feel like it's really important for us to talk, and I've always asked him a lot of questions and always tried to protect him from going through the same sort of thing."

At 21, Mallette made a choice to abstain from extramarital relations. Still never married and holding strong, she is ready let go of another promise, this one to Justin when they first moved to the states that she wouldn't date until he was 18.

"It's time to start dating," she smiled.

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Denzel Washington Minister of Movies

Denzel Washington, the multiple Oscar award winner, may be known for many of his gangster roles in movies like "Training Day" but the thespian is also adamant about sharing his love for Jesus Christ.

In an interview with GQ magazine, Washington opened up about his Christian values, telling the publication that he made sure to read his Bible every day.

"I read from the Bible every day, and I read my Daily Word," Washington revealed. "I read something great yesterday. It said, 'Don't aspire to make a living. Aspire to make a difference.'"

The Christian actor also told the publication about his experience with feeling the Holy Spirit during a service at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ.

"That was thirty years ago, at the church I still attend. The minister was preaching, 'Just let it go.' I said, 'I'm going to go with it.'"

The acclaimed actor has remained vocal throughout the years about his Christian faith. In a previous interview with Beliefnet, Washington spoke about the importance of his spirituality in not only his life, but also his career.

"Spirituality is important in every aspect of my life," Washington said. "I mean, that's why I'm here. That's what I've been blessed to do."

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Lisa Whelchel Announces Divorce

When she left her Texas home to compete on Survivor: Philippines, Lisa Whelchel was hiding a secret that only her close friends knew: Her 24-year marriage to Steve Cauble was ending.

"The divorce was final on March 1, and [I] went out to be on Survivor on March 10," Whelchel tells PEOPLE magazine. "Going out to Survivor was helpful for me, to divert my attention and not just dwell on the loss."

"I just never thought it would happen to me," says Whelchel, who has worked in Christian ministry with Cauble since The Facts of Life ended in 1988. "It was painful to realize that it wasn't going to work out."

Whelchel, 49, and Cauble, 61, have three grown children. Despite the divorce, they remain close – even watching the premiere of the show together with their kids.

"We will always be friends," Whechel says. "And we will always be family, too."

'Facts of Life' star and devout Christian Lisa Whelchel says she's ok with nudity on 'Survivor'

To many, Lisa Whelchel is forever linked with Blair Warner, the spoiled, preppy rich girl she played on the long-running ‘80s sitcom, “The Facts of Life.” But Whelchel may change that image forever with her turn on “Survivor: Philippines.”

“Being on ‘Survivor’ has been a dream of mine since the show first got on the air,” Whelchel told FOX. “I just love the show. I’m a huge fan – I’ve watched every episode!”  Whelchel was so eager to be cast on the 25th season of her favorite show, she pleaded her case on two popular social networking sites.

A devout Christian, Whelchel was also concerned about how her deeply held religious convictions would come across on a reality show.

“Going into it, I really didn’t want to even pray,” said Whelchel. “Even though that is a part of my everyday personal life, it usually doesn’t translate well on television, especially in the context of a game.”

Whelchel also wanted to make it clear that she was not asking God for any special favors during the competition.

“There’s a part of me that thinks, ‘Yes, God is interested in each of our lives,’ so if we’re playing ‘Survivor,’ then He’s interested in us playing ‘Survivor,’” explained Whelchel. “But in the big scheme of things, I really don’t think God cares who wins ‘Survivor’ or who wins what challenge. I don’t think He has a favorite a football team or a favorite country, and so I didn’t want it to come across that I was asking God to be on my side to help me win a challenge or win a million dollars. That just doesn’t seem to line up with who God is, and it’s hard to translate having a conversation with God in prayer that’s personal in the context of a game. So, I didn’t even want to pray, even though that’s a big part of my life personally.”

The mother of three did bring a copy of the Bible as her luxury item, along with some trepidation about what most “Survivor” players resort to in order to win the game.

“I was really concerned about the possibility of having to lie on ‘Survivor,’ confessed Whelchel. “I didn’t want to lie and I wasn’t planning on lying if I could avoid it, but I also knew the game and I knew what it took to play the game and I knew that it would be naive to think that you could play the game without lying. Although I was worried about – especially Christians – judging me, because they might say, ‘OK, you say you’re a Christian, you’re supposed representing God and you’re lying.’ And they would have felt it was just an excuse to say, ‘Yes, but it is just a game.’ But the truth is that it IS a game. The rules of the game are, ‘There are no rules.’ Everybody signs up for the same game. I would just hope that I would be able to keep that mindset while playing the game.”

Even if Whelchel had some reservations about lying during “Survivor” gameplay, she’s not too concerned about the cursing and occasional nudity on the show.

“It doesn’t bother me,” declared Whelchel. “Maybe because, personally, I have experienced so much judgment myself, I go overboard on the mercy. So, I have a whole lot of leeway with (my competitors) and I celebrate whoever they are. I have actually really learned to seek out people who are way different from me and way outside my comfort zone, because I find them so fascinating and interesting. It makes me want to get to know them – it’s like going on a trip to a foreign country, learning about something that I don’t experience in my every day life.”

If Whelchel eventually wins to top prize on “Survivor,” she already has plans for the million bucks.

“My brother just started a church in a really poor neighborhood of California, and they have been doing just the most wonderful things, like giving away fully decorated Christmas trees at Christmas, bicycles and backpacks filled with school supplies,” Whelchel said of the Freedom Church in Chatsworth, Calif. “I love what he’s doing and it would be a joy to give away 10 percent to him. Then, after that, I have a daughter that’s getting married in October and another one that’s marrying age, and three in college – so I hope that there’s something leftover for me to start a new career!”

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Lecrae Defies Gravity with Top 3 Premiere and TobyMac Remains in Top 10

Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae and his "Gravity" set, bows at No. 3 with a career-high 72,000 sold. Until this week, the artist had never sold more than 27,000 of an album in a single week - with 2010's "Rehab" (when it debuted at No. 17). Further, Lecrae had never gone higher than No. 15 in 2011, with "Rehab: The Overdose."

Lecrae's success comes hot on the heels of fellow Christian act TobyMac, who debuted at No. 1 last week with "Eye On It." The set became the first Christian album to reach No. 1 since 1997. This week, it slips to No. 8 with 26,000 (down 63%).

American Idol Finalist Colton Dixon Signs Record Deal

American Idol's season 11 Top 10 finalist Colton Dixon has signed a recording deal with EMI CMG Label Group, joining a roster that includes noted artists from the legendary Amy Grant and current Billboard 200 chart-topper TobyMac to Season 5 Idol finalist/multi-Grammy nominee Mandisa.

Colton says, “Two of the most important things in my life have always been my faith and my music. I am now blessed with the chance to combine both of these passions in working with 19 recordings/EMI CMG. With their support, I know I will be able to make an album that I am proud of and showcases who I am as an artist.”

The 20-year-old Tennessee native was widely embraced by TV viewers for his strong voice, outspoken faith, and original songwriting ability. Colton will release his first single “You Are” on October 19, with his highly anticipated debut album set to follow in February 2013. Watch here for more exciting details shared directly by Dixon.

Mac Powell Puts His Faith in Country Music

For two decades, Mac Powell has delighted audiences as a member of the popular Christian rock band Third Day. However, there is another side to the soulful singer, as he explores on his new self-titled debut country disc.

"It's something I have listened to since I was a little kid," he tells Billboard.

Country music was something he heard around the house growing up on a daily basis, and his parents helped spread the love of the format. "They loved playing acoustic guitar, and would sing around the house."

However, his musical journey would take him in a different direction, but he never forgot his love of the music.

Powell says that about two years ago, he began being approached by people asking whether he'd ever thought about making a country record

"When you have random people saying that, you start to think, 'Maybe I should be doing this,'" he says. "I knew I loved it, but I had been in this other genre for so long. So, I had a little time off at the end of last year, and got together with some friends of mine, and started working on some songs. I liked what I had come up with, and played it for some other people who did, and thought 'Maybe I need to get this out there."

Though the music on his solo disc is a much different sound, that doesn't mean that Third Day is calling it a day. "We've been together for twenty years, and it's one of things I still love doing. I have a great time playing with those guys. We actually have a new record coming out soon. It's fun to be able to do this. As a songwriter and musician, doing a country record gives me another outlet. I've had these other song ideas, and things I've wanted to do, but couldn't within Third Day, so this gives me a chance to do it."

Two of the highlights on the album are the first single, "June Bug," and "Sweet Georgia Girls," of which Powell says "It was one of the first songs we wrote for the record. There are several semi-autobiographical cuts on it, and it's not totally true. Like many writers, I tried to take some things that have happened in life, and tried to make a song out of it. I grew up in Alabama, and moved to Georgia, met my sweetheart, and now I have a house full of Georgia girls like the song talks about."

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Christian Music Overheard in MLB Telecasts

We've written in the past about Christian music being used promotionally by Major League Baseball, as 'at bat' songs in the Playoffs and World Series, and stars promoting Christian music, but it's still refreshing to hear during the season.  It was noted last night that Milwaukee Brewers' players Jonathan Lucroy (Red's "Let Go"), Travis Ishikawa (TobyMac's "Ignition") and Jeff Bianchi (Jeremy Camp's "Tonight") had Christian songs as their 'at bat'/'walk up' songs.  According to the Brewers' site, Corey Hart has Newsboys' "Born Again" and Mark Rogers' pitching entrance music is P.O.D.' "Lights Out."

Francesca Battistelli's Paper Heart is Golden

Francesca Battistelli, received a surprise onstage Friday night at Disney World's "Night of Joy" when she was presented with a gold album for her debut release My Paper Heart. This marks the first debut album from a CCM artist in nearly a decade to receive RIAA-certified Gold status for sales in excess of 500,000 units. Casting Crowns' release in 2003 was the last debut album to receive RIAA Gold certification.

Battistelli's 2008 debut album features the No. 1 single, "Free To Be Me," and Top 10 hits, "I'm Letting Go," "It's Your Life" and "Beautiful, Beautiful."  Since her debut in 2008, Francesca Battistelli has earned a Grammy nomination (Best Gospel Performance) and six Dove Awards. On October 16, the singer is set to release her first solo Christmas album, Christmas, which includes classics and newly-penned tunes. She also has songs showcased on two additional holiday albums due out the same day: Word Record's A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace on Earth and A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary benefitting the Special Olympics.