Contact: Wesley Strackbein, 210-340-5250 ext 222, wesley@visionforum.org

BRANSON, Mo., April 11, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a week dominated by Titanic film specials, tribute cruises, artifact auctions, music extravaganzas, and culinary recreations of Titanic's last meal, the organizer of Titanic 100: An International Centennial Event -- to be held on April 12-15 in Branson, Missouri -- has declared that Titanic's legacy of "women and children first" should be foremost in focus as the ship's story is remembered.

"As Titanimania reaches its zenith, the world would do well to honor Titanic's most important legacy -- that in the midst of this great maritime tragedy, the Christian doctrine of 'women and children first' was firmly upheld," noted Doug Phillips President of Vision Forum and Founder of the Christian Boy's and Men's Titanic Society.

"Titanic is a testimony of God's providence, and a reminder that even where the hubris of man may lead to judgment, there can be mercy when men respond by following the example of sacrifice patterned by Jesus Christ who died for His bride, the Church, and who reminded us that greater love hath no man than this -- that a man lay down his life for his friends," Phillips said.

"As the great ocean liner sank 100 years ago this week, men and boys on board Titanic willingly gave their lives so women and children might live. Captain E.J. Smith gave this directive, and with few exceptions, his order was carefully followed," remarked Phillips.

"This example is in stark contrast to what occurred earlier this year when the captain of the Costa Concordia went AWOL and failed to act with manly propriety and self-sacrifice when his ship foundered -- a sad sign of our times, as men today prefer to shirk responsibility rather than sacrifice for those weaker who are under their care."

Sponsored by Vision Forum Ministries and the Christian Boy's and Men's Titanic Society, Titanic 100 will focus on the Christian doctrine of "women and children first" that was displayed in the midst of Titanic's tragic sinking. The event will feature a wide range of exciting activities for the whole family, including a live play and musical performances at the Lawrence Welk Theatre, an Edwardian Ladies Tea hosted on the Chateau on the Lake, exclusive tours of the world's largest Titanic attraction, a special film screening of A Night to Remember, a Gala Banquet and Celebration on board the Branson Belle, and the opportunity to engage with reenactors who will bring to life the passengers and crew who were on Titanic's maiden voyage.

"This year, the Pentagon sanctioned sending women to the frontlines of combat -- a policy that would have been unthinkable in 1912 when men knew that it was their duty to sacrifice for women and children," remarked Phillips. "The men on board Titanic embraced a principle that guided Western Civilization for centuries: that the groom dies for the bride, and men must protect women and children. They were raised in a Christian culture which implicitly embraced these ideals.

"Modern feminism has wreaked havoc on this doctrine, leaving women defenseless when they should be defended," Phillips observed. "In the name of 'empowering women,' feminism has led femininity to be undermined, cheapened, and trampled upon.

"The rule of 'women and children first' must be restored, or we will devolve into total barbarism."

Doug Phillips founded the Christian Boy's and Men's Titanic Society in 1997, and each year the society hosts a gathering on the anniversary of Titanic's sinking to commemorate the legacy of male chivalry demonstrated on board the ship when the great ocean liner foundered.

"Titanic's sinking marked the darkest and brightest night in maritime history," Phillips commented. "Though more than 1,500 people died in this international tragedy, the Darwinian notion of the 'survival of the fittest' was rejected in favor of the age-old Christian doctrine that the 'strong sacrifice for the weak.'

"No event in modern history has done more to remind the world of this important bedrock of Western culture, and we look forward to showcasing this legacy in Branson this week at the Titanic 100."

To learn more about or to register for the Titanic 100, visit:
www.visionforumministries.org/events/cbmts/013

To interview Doug Phillips about the Titanic 100 Celebration, contact Wesley Strackbein by e-mail at wesley@visionforum.org or by phone at (210) 340-5250, ext. 222.