NBC cancels ‘Book of Daniel’
NBC’s foray into irreverent religion ended Jan. 23 with the cancellation of “The Book of Daniel” after three episodes. The show’s most outspoken critic, Donald Wildmon, founder and chairman of the American Family Association, celebrated the news that low ratings, a dwindling roster of sponsors and reluctant affiliates had taken a toll on the show that spotlights an Episcopal priest and his family in various quagmires of promiscuity, homosexuality, alcoholism and drug abuse. “NBC’s decision to pull The Book of Daniel shows the power of the pocketbook,” Wildmon wrote to supporters via AFA’s website. “Because of your efforts, the sponsors dropped the program.”
Hollifield nominated as N.C. exec
Milton Hollifield Jr., executive leader for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina missions growth evangelism team, has been nominated to become executive director-treasurer. A search committee recommended Hollifield to the convention’s executive committee and board of directors Jan. 24. The board voted to empower various BSC committees to prepare for a special called convention to vote on Hollifield’s nomination. The executive director-treasurer position became vacant when Jim Royston resigned last July after seven-and-a-half years as executive director-treasurer. Hollifield, 55, has worked for the North Carolina convention for the past 12-and-a-half years, joining the staff in 1993 as director of the evangelism division.
Recovery program offered online
LifeWay Christian Resources has joined with Pure Online to offer an Internet-based recovery program for sexual addiction and pornography that provides anonymity along with a call to accountability. “LifeWay wants to recognize what a blight sexual addiction and pornography have become in this culture,” said Bruce Mills, manager of online learning in LifeWay’s e-business department. “We hope to help people get the support for the recovery they need.” Pure Online features a 30-day curriculum that alternates between sessions of streaming video and workbook material. For more information, visit www.lifeway.com/learning.
At New Orleans, 200 back in class
Calling it a great day of triumph and victory, New Orleans Baptist Seminary president Chuck Kelley welcomed students back to the main campus Jan. 23. After five months away, about 200 students participated in a “welcome back” lunch on the first day of classes. Also among those in attendance were 17 new NOBTS students. The return of classes to New Orleans marked the most significant milestone to date in the seminary’s efforts to recover from Hurricane Katrina.