------------------------------------------------------------------ Copyright 1994 by the Christian Research Institute. ------------------------------------------------------------------ COPYRIGHT/REPRODUCTION LIMITATIONS: This data file is the sole property of the Christian Research Institute. It may not be altered or edited in any way. It may be reproduced only in its entirety for circulation as "freeware," without charge. All reproductions of this data file must contain the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright 1994 by the Christian Research Institute"). This data file may not be used without the permission of the Christian Research Institute for resale or the enhancement of any other product sold. This includes all of its content with the exception of a few brief quotations not to exceed more than 500 words. If you desire to reproduce less than 500 words of this data file for resale or the enhancement of any other product for resale, please give the following source credit: Copyright 1994 by the Christian Research Institute, P.O. Box 500-TC, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693. ------------------------------------------------------------------ The following article appeared in the Winter 1990 issue of "Monograph," the quarterly publication of the International School of Theology, a seminary affiliated with Campus Crusade for Christ. "C O M P U T E R T E C H N O L O G Y A N D T H E D E F E N S E O F T H E G O S P E L" by Rich Poll Twenty-three years ago Christian Research Institute (CRI), founded in 1960 by the late Walter Martin (author of The Kingdom of the Cults), sponsored the All Europe Conference on Computer Technique for Theological Research which "brought together thirty-five stellar European theologians and Christian leaders to discuss the establishment of an international computer network to aid the Church's apologetic task."[1] Within a year of that conference CRI published the small book Computers, Cultural Change, and the Christ, asking aloud: "The Christian church, since it took second place to secularism in the 18th century, has not been particularly noted for standing at the forefront of movements for positive social change or for the introduction of new methodologies. Generally, in fact, the church has been dragging her pews. What will she do in the computer revolution?"[2] With the hindsight of two decades, the answer to this question is that little in contrast to the accelerating need has been done. What began in the late 60s as an idea is only now becoming a reality. The following is a preliminary report from one observer's narrow perspective. The computer revolution is so wide in scope today that no one person can know all that is taking place relative to the topic of this paper.[3] AN IGNORED FIELD FOR MINISTRY Few fields of Christian ministry have fallen so far behind due to today's Information Age as has that of apologetics. The explosion of general knowledge has been aided by electronic breakthroughs in printing and publishing as well as the computerization of mailing lists. The cults have kept up with the times in the utilization of computer technology to propagate their teachings. As a result the church is increasingly behind in responding to the cults. While computer Bibles have been available to the Christian church for years, the cults have also published their scriptures on disk. As the complexity of the Information Age falls upon us, the time is passing for the church to utilize the computer as a tool to track and supply precise responses to myriad false messiahs and teachings. MEANS OF DATA ACCESS There are two basic ways to access computer data for the average personal computer user. Most computer software is obtained through retail sales at a computer store or through the mail, involving the purchase of a computer disk. The other standard option for data access is the world of computer telecommunications. It is an activity which uses common telephone lines in connection with a peripheral computer unit called a modem. This new world of communication carries its own mystique. Nothing can prepare one for the compelling draw of personal time that the novice computer bulletin board user experiences in the discovery of this uniquely intimate dialog.[4] Computer Telecommunications There are two distinct areas within the world of computer telecommunication that traffic apologetic activity. The first is commercial. It is typified by huge distributed mainframe systems marketed under names such as CompuServe, GEnie and Delphi. Users of these systems pay a monthly service fee, a rate charge for connection time on line with the system, and a varied additional rate charge for the database subfile being accessed or the data that users download to their own personal computers. The user of these systems has access to such databases as current stock market quotations and wire service news. There are remote sales networks through which the user can make hotel reservations or purchase anything from tickets to furniture. And there are live forums in which the user interacts via the computer keyboard with other users regarding a multitude of topic-specific subject areas. The Computer Bulletin Board A second area of computer telecommunication is that of the electronic Bulletin Board System, (BBS). Most of these computer bulletin boards in the Christian world are managed by volunteers on a non-profit basis with no charge to the user. The larger commercial systems mentioned above also have the following traits in common with the typical BBS. First, the medium which has perhaps made computer telecommunication most popular is the message roundtable or conference group. Different from the live forum above, here a user's message is added to a constantly changing collection of other messages posted for general observation and response by anyone else using the system. The activity is much like that with a cork bulletin board covered with notes that any passer by can read and respond to at will. These conferences are related to individual topics which cover the full spectrum of human interest including, of course, religion. In addition to conferences (and sometimes within the structure of certain conferences) the user has the option of using private messages also known as electronic mail. Finally, a BBS often has a section dedicated to software that may be downloaded by users for their own computer. APOLOGETICS DATA CURRENTLY AVAILABLE Information on Disk At the time of this writing the author is aware of only three sources of published, professional-level apologetics data on disk. Bibliographic Database Files The Apologetic Research Coalition (ARC) in Trenton, Michigan, offers a bibliographic database application, for MS-DOS/IBM-PC-compatible computers only, designed specifically for apologetics and countercult ministry.[5] Database files of cult literature for use with this application are also available from ARC. Of all the apologetics ministries the author is familiar with, ARC has the greatest expertise in the MS-DOS operating system environment. Text Files The computer text files of the Personal Freedom Outreach Newsletter are available (again, for DOS computers only).[6] PFO is one of the four largest evangelical countercult ministries in the United States. The PFO Newsletter, eight to twelve pages in length, has been published on a quarterly basis since 1981. It should be noted that PFO prohibits any reproduction of its computer data files, including BBS use. Resource Abstracts Currently the only software available from the Christian Research Institute is a free database consisting of abstracts from literature pertinent to apologetics ministry, much of it uncommon to most libraries.[7] Christian, secular, cult, occult, atheist, and world religion publications are covered. The data structure is modeled after the "FYI" column in CRI's quarterly, the Christian Research Journal. Telecommunications Apologetic Data Though there are large Christian computer BBS networks such as Computers for Christ, this writer has been aware of no professional-level apologetics data "published" for telecommunications use until recently. The defense of the gospel, as the task of all believers to give reasons for the hope that lies within, has been ongoing within the telecommunications environment since the earliest days of the BBS, circa 1981. However, the remaining evidence of these efforts often does not fairly represent the work of skilled apologists. Eric Pement, System Operator (Sysop) of the Jesus People USA (JPUSA) chapter within the Computers for Christ (CFC) network, reports that many and perhaps most BBS files of an apologetic nature include text keyed in by users who simply copied, often with spelling errors and no source credit, from Christian literature.[8] The recently launched JPUSA BBS is this writer's choice for the best on-line apologetics resource at this time. Pement, an experienced apologist, is a member of Cornerstone magazine's editorial staff and has regularly contributed to the expert apologetics work which comprises a significant portion of the publication's well deserved reputation for a balanced application of Christianity to popular culture.[9] In addition the Saints Alive (Ex-Mormons for Jesus) ministry has recently joined the Computers for Christ system.[10] Within the commercial telecommunications area the GEnie system's "Religion Roundtable" appears to have more activity of interest to apologists than that of the generally larger CompuServe system. Echo Communications: A Resource for Interaction and Evangelism Care must be exercised by the reader to understand that any lack of "published professional-level apologetics data" should by no means detract from the value of telecommunications sources. One prime example is the Cult Watch echo area within many religious BBS systems including Computers for Christ. A BBS echo area can be described as a message relay. In an echo a message left by a user is automatically distributed to other BBS nodes. This often makes a message available in cities across the nation. Instead of many people calling long-distance with their computer to access one BBS message, one long-distance call by a network manager relays many messages to another BBS. With each BBS node taking part the cost is shared among the members of a network. This results in a lower long-distance telephone charge or even no long-distance charge at all for the user. The echo transmission itself is usually automated by the host BBS computer which collects all new message files since the last collection was made and passes them on at predesignated times. The current standard form of electronic "echomail" first began in 1984.[11] Not every BBS has a form of echomail, and even those which do have several different incompatible systems. These include: Echomail/Netmail -- often called Fidonet, after the first and biggest network built using this technology (which uses zones 1-6), but other networks using compatible software include NETwork (a "G-rated" and heavily Christian-influenced network using zone 8. Computers For Christ, Christian Distribution Network, Messianic Jewish Computer Network, and Christian Fellowship Network are all part of NETwork), The Global Mission Network (using zone 12), and Agape Echolink (using zone 70). There is also an informal grouping of Fidonet BBSs called Ecunet, which had ties with a commercial system called NWI which recently folded. Fidonet style systems are the biggest BBS-based network. There are nearly 100 conferences related to Christianity. Conferences on Fido-compatible systems are called "echoes." Relaynet -- This system is popular with PC-Board BBSs. There is at least one "Christian" relay on the basic RelayNet network, plus a specifically Christian network using RelayNet software called NewLifeNet, run by Buggs Bugnon. The BBS run by Christian Computing Magazine (Editor, Steve Hewitt. P.O. Box 439, Belton, MO, 64012. BBS: 816-331-4161) is part of NewLifeNet. Conferences on RelayNet systems are called "relays." Internet/Bitnet -- This system, using UNIX style electronic mail capability, is the largest of all the systems, but most users are researchers at scientific labs, or students or faculty at universities worldwide. Some BBSs, such as MindLink in the Vancouver area, carry Internet conferences. There are about two dozen conferences related to Christianity. Internet conferences are called "newsgroups." One way to receive this data is by subscription to free Internet "Listserv" e-mail by topic. GTNet - This system is based upon a mail package called GT Powercomm.[11a] Cult Watch The Cult Watch echo was originally designed to aid Christians in the prompt identification and understanding of cults with which they had come into contact. The echo provided a means for detailed, quick interaction regarding a user's questions. Today the Cult Watch echo is also received by non-Evangelical boards. Some of these are linked to cult BBS networks. There are many cultic computer bulletin boards across the country.[12] Those that are connected to the Cult Watch echo are often characterized by vigorous interaction with Christians. An intriguing irony is that invariably most cultists who use the echo do not consider their organization to be a cult. The definition of the term "cult" is frequently a major subject of discussion. In this unique forum a Christian can dialog with a diversity of non-Christians in the extraordinary anonymity offered by BBS communication. Such anonymity inspires boldness for both sides of religious issues. Interaction is often heated. However, observes Daniel Segard, Co-moderator of the Cult Watch echo, "this is an unparalleled opportunity to reach people with the gospel who you might otherwise never meet." Segard has been involved with Cult Watch since its beginning in 1987. He estimates that today roughly 60% of the echo's use is by non-Christians, half of whom are specifically neo-pagan occultists.[13] The other half of the non-Christian user group is comprised of a wide variety of convictions. Atheist, Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, Moonie, Scientologist and Hare Krishna are just some of the worldviews represented. In addition one may find a multitude of theologically aberrational views which claim to represent an orthodox Christian perspective. Segard says that of all the changes in Cult Watch that he would like to see most, he wishes more trained apologists would become involved. THE SCOPE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY The telecommunications media of computer use obviously represents a unique environment in comparison to that of disk media alone. The aforementioned Computers for Christ (CFC) system represents an informal network of BBS chapters that may become a major player in the potential development of a sophisticated tool for the defense of the faith in years to come. Overseen from his CFC chapter's BBS in Illinois, Doug Moore manages the unstructured development of CFC in his spare time. Moore is aware of five other major Christian BBS networks.[14] At the time of this writing the author is aware of no Christian BBS network that is larger than CFC. CFC chapters have no rigid organization or formalized management structure. The signing of a doctrinal statement is the main criteria of accountability. The 46 nodes that currently make up the CFC network are unevenly spread not only across the North American continent but are also found in England and China, with a South African node due to link up soon. Moore estimates that of the near 600 registered users of his CFC chapter's BBS, just 40 to 50 individuals use the network on a weekly basis.[15] Harold Robbins, Sysop of the Christian Fellowship Net out of Austin, has a listing of about 300 boards with a Christian (loosely defined) emphasis. Robbins feels there are many more that he is not aware of yet. These boards cover the globe including in part: New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Germany, and even the Soviet Union. Robbins is working with other nets such as CFC to build a unifying "backbone" system for all the major Christian boards.[16] As it stands Robbins reports that he can leave a message that will end up in places on the other side of the globe in less than 24 hours. While all of this has striking ministry potential, the reader should be aware of two things. First, the author has elected to limit the scope of this writing by not including a comparable amount of work being done within the closely related realm of Christian missions.[17] Second, while this article may leave one with the idea that there is a great selection of Christian boards, let the reader understand that Christian boards make up only a very small fraction of the total number of systems in operation today, most of which are non-religious. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE The computerized defense of the gospel is still in an immature stage of development. A great contribution waits to be made by trained apologists. Much work remains to be done in the area of Christian BBS networking. This environment holds great potential for both the proclamation and the defense of the faith. In the late 60s CRI proposed a planned, centralized network.[18] Since the days of CRI's proposal other centralized networks have been attempted. This author is aware of several similar efforts now being undertaken. However, none of these current projects have shown signs of surpassing the doomed startups of their forgotten predecessors. What is taking place that may survive has occurred for the most part at the local level across the country. Only recently has a national orientation in network strategy among these local settings begun to fall into place. It appears that today lasting networks may be forming. They have not come from CRI. There is no one organization in charge. The networks are decentralized, perhaps moving toward centralization, their synergy unplanned by human invention, perhaps resulting from providence. ___________________________________________________ NOTES 1. John Warwick Montgomery, "Automating Apologetics in Austria," Christianity Today, 8 November 1968, 57. 2. John Warwick Montgomery, Computers, Cultural Change, and the Christ (Wayne, N. J.: Christian Research Institute, 1969), 15. 3. The author regrets that he has not found this article written years ago and updated annually ever since by others more qualified than himself. Lord willing, the readership of this work will respond to the author and yield an improved future version. Also, the author is indebted to Eric Pement of Cornerstone Press/JPUSA for counsel received in the preparation of this manuscript. 4. For an idea of what the author is describing see: David L. Gonzalez, "Very Personal Computing," Newsweek, 28 August 1989, 64; Jim Shaver, "Matthew Blau of Zanesville Ohio," Christian Computing, June 1990, 11; and Cecilio Morales, "This 'Electronic Church' Has No Walls," The United Methodist Reporter, 24 August 1990, 5. 5. For more information write ARC, P. O. Box 168, Trenton, MI 48183; (313) 425-7788. [1.9 amendment:, ARC has changed its name to American Religions Center.] 6. PFO, P. O. Box 26062, St. Louis, MO 63136; (314) 388-2648. [1.8 ammendment: You can now gain access to the text files of the PFO Newsletter at no charge via modem exclusively on the JPUSA BBS. See note eight below. "Access to the PFO File Collection is intended solely for personal and non-commercial use. Unauthorized reproduction, including the posting of files on other bulletin board services, is prohibited."] 7. Named CRI TEXT, this free database has been available on the nationwide GEnie network since June 1990. The MS-DOS version of the database (each comes with its own retrieval engine) should become available through GEnie and Computers for Christ nodes (beginning with the JPUSA BBS) near the time this manuscript is published. In the event that the reader does not have telecommunications access, or would prefer this other route, CRI TEXT can be received by mail. [SEE UPDATE 1.9 BELOW] (1.5 ammendment: CRI TEXT 2.1 was released to the public in May of 1992. It included this article, the CRI Resource catalog, indexes to the SCP and PFO Newsletters through 1991, and 1991 updates to the Christian Research Newsletter and Journal indexes as well as the FYI text collection. The overall size of the database increased to about 250,000 words. [Consequently, I will probably request three megabytes of blank media for the 1993 update.] There were no public releases of CRI TEXT between the 1.3 and 2.1 versions.) 8. From a February 6, 1991, telephone interview with Pement. The phone number for the CFC JPUSA node in Chicago is (312) 878-6030. Ongoing updates of this article will be posted on the JPUSA BBS. 9. Cornerstone, 920 West Wilson, Chicago, IL 60640. 10. Contact the Saints Alive BBS in Issaquah, WA, via modem at (206) 277-8813. It should be noted that the Saints Alive BBS is in contact with at least one LDS echo area. 11. This is in reference to Fidonet, from Barbara Connick, "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Fidonet, but Were Either Afraid to Ask, or Didn't Know Whom to Ask," edited by Michael D. Pester, originally from the Copernicus 1.01 manual (Des Moines, IA: Software Design, 1990), n.p. 11a. The text in the body copy of this article (beginning with with update 1.4) between note #11 and #11a came to us courtesy of Greg Slade with CAMsoc. 12. Pement has a nationwide list of occult boards. In addition, Pement includes a listing of Christian BBS systems which have an apologetics emphasis in his Directory of Cult Research Organizations available through Cornerstone. 13. Neo-paganism is a popular term incorporating worldviews such as native American Indian shamanism and modern witchcraft. Often the pagan/Wiccan dialog on Cult Watch centers on epistemology. Belief in ultimate reality is commonly challenged on this echo. Pagan beliefs spurn absolute values and dogma. Segard can be reached via modem at the Midrash BBS, a Messianic Jewish board (part of the Messianic Jewish Computer Network in addition to Midrash being affiliated with CFC) in Denver, CO, (303) 289-6864. 14. The other five major Christian BBS networks: New Life Net out of Maryland; the Computer Aided Ministry Society of Canada (CAMSOC); the Canadian American Computer Society (CACS) which covers Canada as well as the U.S.; the Christian Fellowship Net (CFN); and the United Christian Computer Network (UCCN) originating out of Australia but with a node in Michigan. The above listing is a very difficult call. Perhaps no one person has a complete picture of the current scene at this time. 15. From a February 5, 1991, telephone interview with Moore. Moore can be reached via modem at the CFC Chapter 11 BBS, (708) 362-7875, or through the mails at 335 Cherry Valley Road, Vernon Hills, IL 60061. 16. For more details contact CFN via modem at (512) 452-6350. 17. For perhaps the best place to begin looking into this area contact Mark Patterson with Global Mapping International's BBS (a collaborating agency with the U. S. Center for World Mission) via modem in Colorado, (719) 548-8483. 18. "SENT/EAST: a Christian computer network," a brochure published in 1969 by CRI (Wayne, N. J.). The project is also presented in the "Road to Recovery" chapter of Walter R. Martin's Kingdom of the Cults (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany Fellowship, 1977), 354. ---------------- The author, Rich Poll, serves as Resource Manager at the Christian Research Institute. +++++++++++++++++ UPDATE 1.2, Rich Poll with Eric Pement, June 22, 1991: After making the final submission of this manuscript to the publisher the author (Poll) learned that Alpha and Omega Ministries (P.O. Box 47041, Phoenix, AZ 85068; office, [602] 265-4844), launched its own BBS, Pros Apologian, at the beginning of 1991. Their BBS number is (SEE UPDATE 1.7). The work of Alpha and Omega is well regarded by CRI. +++++++++++++++++ UPDATE 1.4 (1.3 deleted), R. Poll, August 9, 1991: Greg Slade of CAMsoc (spells it this way) contacted me with the following information. (Also new is the related note, 11a.) In spite of what note #14 says, CAMsoc is not a BBS network, but simply a large user's group. Based in Vancouver, BC, it was started in November, 1988. At the moment, there is no charge for CAMsoc membership. The society newsletter, CAMsoc Update, is included in Church Bytes: The Church Computing Magazine. (Write Church Bytes Inc., 562 Brightleaf Square #9, 905 West Main Street, Durham, NC, 27701.) The official CAMsoc BBS is Agape BBS in Coquitlam, BC (604) 931-1416. Agape also carries echomail and netmail (1:153/744; 8:7000/25). CAMsoc members have access to a private message area on Agape. Ron Rhodes, Associate Editor at CRI, passed the file on to me referenced in note #11 (revised with this update) having found it on the GEnie system. +++++++++++++++++ UPDATE 1.5, R. Poll, May 4, 1992: Notice regarding BBS access to the PFO Newsletter added to the end of note #6. Notice of CRI TEXT 2.1 release added to end of note #7. Phone number change for Global Mapping's BBS, note #17. For those with an acute historical interest, Dr. Martin (CRI's late founder) was the keynote speaker at the September 26, 1987 national conference, "Symposium on the Gospel and Computer Technology," which had a focus on CD-ROM production for Christian publishers and was held in Nashville, Tennessee. This is available on tape for $6.00. Contact CRI and ask for item C-70. Part of the conference schedule included a satalite video uplink session to a network of simultaneous meetings for electrical engineers across the country who were interested or active in CD-ROM publishing. The very first satellite video conference inquiry that went out over the loudspeaker originated from Brigham Young University. Eric Pement spoke at the Rockford, Illinois "Conference on Discernment," September 28, 1989 on "Cult and Occult Computer Systems." This message was particularly useful in pointing out the unique ministry value and potential of computer telecommunications within the field of apologetics. +++++++++++++++++ UPDATE 1.8, R. Poll, June 18, 1993: (Updates 1.6 and 1.7 were skipped to avoid confusion with the hard copy of this file that is circulated by CRI.) The phone number for Alpha and Omega Ministries' BBS is now (602) 973-3739. Other helpful contact points for Pros Apologian are: FidoNet 1:114/105 and 8:7707/5 on FamilyNet. The text indicating the cost of PFO's newsletter on disk was deleted from the body of the article above due to a price change. See new price below. The Christian BBS (never did think that was a good choice for a name) previously mentioned in note #6 has closed down. Consequently PFO asked the JPUSA BBS if it would consent to being the only BBS in North America which is authorized to carry the full text of ALL the PFO database online, for free download. JPUSA said yes, of course. The database of Personal Freedom Outreach is called "PFO Online"; it consists of ASCII text of each feature article, news item, book review, editorial, etc. which have appeared in the quarterly newsletter/journal of PFO since its inception 13 years ago. "PFO Online" is normally sold in diskette format (3.5 or 5.25 inch) for $29.95, containing files from each issue from the beginning through 1990. The text for '91 is available separately at $10 and '92 for $12. Please add $1.00 shipping to each order and another $3.00 each if you are requesting 3-1/2" diskettes. Because it does generate needed income for the ministry, PFO does _not_ permit its files to be copied and posted on BBS's generally, since one could theoretically obtain the entire set of all of PFO's material without paying for it (except in phone bills). However, PFO DOES want its material available for download somewhere, so they resolve the conflict by allowing only one BBS to carry all their files. Other systems may carry SOME of their files (usually less than 10, and then only by special request), and "they should not carry more than that." The JPUSA BBS will very soon carry an electronic database for TREN, the Theological Research and Exchange Network, in Portland, Oregon. TREN provides microfiche and photocopied reproductions of every major theological dissertation and thesis produced in North American seminaries, as well as ETS conference papers, etc. In closing, I have found another BBS that I can recommend which specializes in apologetics. Right next door in San Diego, Christian BBS Abba II has a good number of text files that deal with apologetics. While not a vocational apologist, co-sysop and apologetics buff Anton Hein has become a trusted on-line friend over the past few months. You can reach Abba II at (619) 487-7746 (up to 14,400 baud). Abba II is unique also in that it produces the weekly digital Christian newspaper, Christian Press Report. CPR is largely made up of news reports from the Evangelical Press Association. For MS-DOS systems only, the CPR also has a strong apologetics section in each issue. You can find uploads of the CPR on GEnie, America Online and hundreds of Christian bulletin boards across the country. +++++++++++++++++ UPDATE 1.9, R. Poll, January 14, 1994: Phone number and name updated for note five (ARC). "When we need information fast, there are basically two resources that we use. The first is our vertical files and the second is CRI TEXT. We (myself and all the other research staff) use it on average several times a day and find it an extremely valuable tool." -- Stuart Chevre, Spiritual Counterfeits Project Announcing CRI TEXT version 2.5 With release 2.5 the entire CRI TEXT database is approaching a half-million words in size and now includes up-to-date indexes to the following periodicals: Areopagus The Christian Research Newsletter The Christian Research Journal The LodeStar Review The PFO Newsletter / Quarterly Journal The Spiritual Counterfeits Newsletter The Spiritual Counterfeits Journal Update Journal on New Religious Movements In addition, the full text is included for: CRI's BBS-FYI Research Bulletin, Volume 1, 1993 CRI's FYI Research Bulletin, Vol 1, '85 -- Vol 9, '93 Separate, non-database files included: CRI's introductory brochure CRI's Resource Listing (catalog of literature and tapes offered) CRI's "Bible Answer Man" nationwide radio show station listing/log This article, "Computer Technology and the Defense of the Gospel" For many CRI's BBS-FYI Research Bulletin will be something new. Until recently I had planned to regularly update this paper ("Computer Technology and the Defense of the Gospel") and include it as a separate file within the CRI TEXT software package. That ambition became impractical. The rate of growth of information eclipsed the possibility of doing updates in any efficient manner. Like the FYI, the BBS-FYI began as tool to distribute current information to our research staff; this time related to computers and apologetics. The purpose of the BBS-FYI is to report on the religious influence of non-Christian elements within the world of computer technology for those interested in Christian apologetics. In addition, secular and Christian computer resources that are of general value to apologists are also noted. This release of CRI TEXT includes the first 20 issues of the BBS-FYI (over 56,000 words). To receive CRI TEXT 2.5 by mail send enough FORMATTED blank media (any standard disk size or density) to contain up to three megabytes of data with your request and an equal size, self-addressed, postage-paid return envelope to "CRI TEXT 2.5 Software Offer," CRI Library, P. O. Box 500-TC, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693. (Please remember to state either "Mac" or "DOS" with your request and what version of CRI TEXT you have been using.) There is no charge for this, though CRI reserves the right to keep unused disks at its discretion. CRI will not be responsible for the return of surplus blank media or replying to those who neglect to include a postage-paid return envelope. CRI cannot promise prompt response to each request. However, every effort will be made to insure timely turnaround. CRI TEXT, though copyrighted, may be freely distributed. In fact, it is preferred that you have your friends get CRI TEXT from you instead of CRI. CRI has no public access computer bulletin board and offers no other free software on order from its headquarters office at this time. There were no public releases of CRI TEXT between the 2.1 and 2.5 versions. ------------- End of document, CRIMON22.TXT, (original CRI file name, but named "Computers & Apologetics, 2.2" in the Mac environment) "Computer Technology and the Defense of the Gospel" Release 2.2 -- January 31, 1994 R. Poll, CRI ------------------------------------------------------------------ * CRI SOFTWARE: Individual, free CRI software files of articles from our newsletter and journal are available NOT from CRI but on-line from the following resources: -- the Computers for Christ BBS network originating from the JPUSA BBS in Chicago (312) 878-6030 -- the ABBA II BBS in San Diego, (619) 487-7746 -- the GEnie commercial network (800) 638-9636 (voice) -- the CompuServe commercial network (planned for 1994) -- and on enough other systems that we can not keep track of them all thanks to our friends who circulate them. Again, CRI does not offer access to individual article files from its own facilities. So please do not contact CRI for them. No phone calls on this PLEASE. ------------------------------------------------------------------ YOURS FOR THE ASKING The Christian Research Institute (CRI) -founded in 1960 by the late Dr. Walter R. Martin -- is a clearing house for current, in-depth information on new religious movements and aberrant Christian teachings. We provide well-reasoned, carefully-researched answers to concepts and ideas that challenge orthodox Christianity. Did you know that CRI has a wealth of information on various topics that is yours for the asking? In fact, a free subscription to the Christian Research Newsletter is yours if you contact CRI and ask for one saying that you found out about the offer from this computer text file. We offer a wide variety of articles and fact sheets free of charge. Write us today for information on these or other topics. Our first-rate research staff will do everything possible to help you. Christian Research Institute Post Office Box 500-TC San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693 (714) 855-9926 ---------- End of file.