The Words of the Burton Family
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The Words of the Burton Family |
Las Vegas, NV -- Saturday is the Day of Judgment according to some end-time believers, but the Reverend Sun Myung Moon of Korea, honored as a prophet and peacemaker by millions worldwide, is bullish on the future of the planet and particularly keen on the future of Las Vegas. Rev. Moon will be the keynote speaker at 1 p.m., Saturday May 21, 2011 at the stylish Aria Hotel (the Bristlecone Ballroom) where he will speak on the topic of "Building a World of Universal Peace at a Time of Global Crisis." The program will include prayers for peace from local ministers and other religious leaders. Music will be provided by Sonic Cult, called "a kickass band" by the Village Voice
Rev. Moon, 92, and Mrs. Moon arrive in Las Vegas at the end of a world speaking tour that began in Seoul on Easter and covered eight European capitals in May. The Unification Church founder, who famously predicted in 1985 the imminent demise of the Soviet Union, has been telling his audiences that January 13, 2013 indeed is a turning point in world history. Yet, unlike end-time preachers who foresee the end of the world on Saturday, or else in the year 2012, Rev. Moon foresees a coming world of peace and prosperity ushered in gradually by a spiritual awakening. Lauded by many outside his own faith for his many peace-building efforts and famous for urging marriages across racial, ethnic and religious lines, Rev. Moon now wants to guide the culture of Sin City in a heavenly direction, that is, from what many condemn as a modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah to a "Shining City." By his lights, Las Vegas has a bright future as a world-class tourist destination where visitors and their families can take advantage of spectacular shows and environmental wonders in the region.
In Rev. Moon's view, the gaming industry, too, can be used responsibly for purposes of entertainment and to raise funds for good causes, and to demonstrate this, he is inviting hundreds of friends to participate in a benefit Slot Tournament and black-tie Gala on Saturday. Proceeds of the tournament will go to the Salvation Army. More than 2,000 participants are expected at the speech and approximately 1,000 at the gala.
For weeks, scores of Unificationists have prepared Las Vegas for the weekend by distributing 85,000 copies of the book, As a Peace-loving Global Citizen, Rev. Moon's bestselling autobiography. (See vimeo video: vimeo.com/23157892 Blessing of Glory -- Remix" performed by Mai Thurston and Demian Dunkley.) Motorists in Las Vegas have noticed recent billboards advertising the book and Sonic Cult.
Reporters interested to attend the speech and gala may do so, provided that they register in advance.
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Vegas billboard design for Sonic Cult