Richard Land’s travels to speak in Southern Baptist churches give him the opportunity to see the best of the United States from coast to coast, and the president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission is inviting professional and amateur photographers to use their cameras to convey America’s greatness.
“Americans are known for their ingenuity and their God-given creativity,” Land said. “I admire those individuals who can capture the beauty of our country, the blessings of our families and the wonder of our faith on film. While the mainstream media focuses on the negative, I believe the fruits of this contest will counter those scenes with uplifting, positive images reflecting the beauty of God’s creation and the hope that is in Christ Jesus.”
Land admitted a photography contest might be an unusual endeavor for a ministry focused on moral and ethical issues and public policy. “The old maxim is true – a picture is worth a thousand words,” he said, noting the contest’s theme – “Faith, Family and Freedom” – reflects the heart of the ERLC’s ministry.
“It is our hope that, through the photographs received in this contest, we will be reminded of the psalmist’s words, ‘When I observe Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You set in place, what is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him?'” Land said, quoting Psalm 8:3-4.
Contest entries must be submitted by mail by May 15. The winning photographs will be displayed in the ERLC’s exhibit area at the SBC’s June 13-14 annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C., and on the ERLC’s website.
The grand-prize-winning amateur photographer will be able to choose between an Apple iMac and a Canon EOS SLR digital camera. Other prizes include a Canon Digital Rebel XT camera, a Mac mini computer, Aperture photography software, and a 1 gig iPod Nano. Contest information, including technical specifications, is available online at faithandfamily.com.