Archive for July, 2008
Piety is an aspect in our faith journey which is valuable. But when piety is the only quality we have or aspire, without the outward dimension of living it in a complex world, then it rings hollow.
Zeal for change in society is lacking these days. So, when we see it, we affirm it. But because we often operate from a life framework which tends to polarize rather than integrate, personal change takes a back seat. In the long run, we run dry.
Why is it that religion is only valued when it benefits ourselves and our wants or fancies? Why is it that religion is often cornered for personal or political agendas? Why is religion getting so much bad press these days? Why is it we are not willing to admit the new "religion" we have constructed in order to push away the ancient ones?
How much can one take when bombarded with too much propaganda? What are the limits before fatigue and frustrations plunges into despair?
The urgent and the immediate … constantly distracts and dominates over the important and the long term. Sorting what’s the difference, and redirecting one’s energy is quite an effort itself.
Silence is precious these days.
Life evolves unexpectedly. Looking back we wonder, how did I land up here? And yet, we make choices to move on to where we perceive to be a better place.
Trust is a hidden treasure these days.
How can we be people who are trustworthy? dependable? and with integrity? Especially when people around us tend to disappoint when we wonder why should I pursue these virtues anyway?
Talk, chats, commentary … I suppose, we need to speak up more since we’ve often been quiet and led by the nose. But why does so much of our vocalizing feels so empty?
Wisdom is in rare supply in a world of "smart alecs".
I don’t know exactly why, but this video does wonders for me …
watching the following "the making" scene was a bonus.
"Presence" is more important than "presents". Presents catch out attention immediately and brings a surge of happiness for a moment but the presence of a loved one warms our cold hearts, and plants a deep sense of joy. Presents costs money, presence costs time. Presents leave the other alone with their new toys, presence glues the relationship between two people. God gives us presents too … free gifts of grace, but the best gift he gives us daily is his presence, – himself … the God of grace – God with us!
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"Seasons" is a good way to help us "see" different phases of our life journey. I recall a time when as a Christian I could only see myself in either "close to God" or "far away from God" categories. A problem arises when it’s seen as a static way of explaining our spiritual lives. In reality it’s more dynamic. I found it more helpful to ask whether my posture is facing God or moving away from him. But in addition to that, the usage of "seasons" helps us to see different time periods, events, experiences and environments we are in as we "work-out" our salvation. It’s not confined to an either/or good-bad pole. There’s a lot in between.
From a human experience angle, there are periods of intensity, rest, slow moving, moderate pace,and so on. Interspersed with that are highlights of birthdays anniversaries, reunions, and so on. From a Christian year angle, I found it helpful to have the different seasons of advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost which is based on the life seasons of Jesus and the church. Interspersed are days around the Holy Week, Trinity Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, etc. What this tells us that there is much variety in our experiences of God and the environment where our faith is being shaped by the HOly Spirit. BY "Faith" here I’m speaking about the broader use of the word which includes the head (thinking), heart (feeling) and hands (doing) dimensions.
For each season, we will then grow differently, as well as practice different spiritual disciplines to move towards the center where God and his Kingdom is the focus!
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These harmonics vibrated from July 24 -25, 2008
I’m trying to relax before I sleep tonight …
Doctor on the run: police want him to fabricate evidence against Anwar
RPK never ceases to surprise us yet again, and again, and again …
Police: Report aims to sabotage sodomy probe
Azizah: This proves my husband is innocent
Reactions: Do the right thing, authorities told
Malaysiakini always banks in on their speed of news.
Why Has Anwar Not Been Charged?
This was probably on our minds before this recent news on the medical report.
Leaked medical report stirs controversy for Anwar, police
The Malaysian Insider who claims to want to play a more unbiased role in reporting chips in.
Police cannot be silent a single second – latest shocking revelation on 2nd Anwar sodomy charge
We can always expect Lim Kit Siang to react speedily too.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you, WCW!
Of course, the ever dependable Haris Ibrahim keeping us on our toes.
Raising needed questions and challenges here …
My reaction to this so far has been: What has Malaysia come to?
Are we being led by leaders who don’t lead? Are we being duped by reporters who don’t report? Are we being silenced by fear and paranoia? Are we being robbed by unfair policies? Are we being stepped on by rubbish politicians? Are we being spat at on the face by the very persons we voted into office?
Are we going to keep silent about all this? Are we going to say “I’ve had enough of this,” and simply turn our cheek? Are we going to slowly kill ourselves by thinking it has nothing to do with us?
I missed last week’s updates. Let me quickly catch up first… before putting up the next one.
Commentary
Recruitment System of Foreign Workers needs to be Urgently Revamped Press Statement by CENTRE FOR PUBLIC POLICY STUDIES
Read the article…
There is a great deal of confusion presently about the management of foreign workers, the appointment of agents, renewal of permits and licenses and role of enforcement agencies. This is a poor reflection of a country intending to achieve developed-nation status. The Centre calls for a thorough and intensive revamping of the present system that would clarify matters for employers (both local and foreign) and instill greater public and investor confidence. The need to address this problem is important, as it would counter the perception as indicated by the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) that the government is against unionization of foreign workers. A more transparently efficient system is urgently needed to enhance the integrity of the Immigration Department and various government agencies in managing foreign labour in the country.
Reflection
Idealism by Tricia Yeoh
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Idealism is a value that is under-appreciated, but one that sparks all initiatives for change. As young graduates who leave for the employment field always experience, older and more experienced people tend to chastise them for being dreamers without their feet on the ground – but one has to dream first – and this is what I have done in my work.
Reflection
NINETY YEAR OLD SHOWS THE WAY by Goh Keat Peng
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Out of his ninety years, twenty-seven were spent in prison. Yet he emerged as leader of his people who were themselves collectively imprisoned in their own country for forty-six years.
“In my country we go to prison first and then become President.”
What was the likelihood of this happening? Yet it did happen this way. And the world could only watch in wonder and admiration which lingers till this present day. Individuals and countries draw hope and courage from this amazing story of one human being’s “LONG WALK TO FREEDOM”.
Commentary
Do Not Add (up) by TK Tan
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And it seems that after all the numerous episodes of CSI, we now believe that truth can be easily ascertained: just do a DNA test lah. Isn’t it incredible that so many government leaders think that all the case needs now is a little DNA sample?
Reflection
SUFFICIENCY & SAFETY – SUFFERING: TWO SIDES OF THE COIN By Peter Young
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Reflection
6 OUT FROM THE SILENCE By Koichi Ohtawa
Read the article…
Commentary
CREATING A WORLD-CLASS PARLIAMENT By Raja Aziz Addruse and Andrew Khoo Chin Hock
Read the article…
Commentary
Weekly News Monitor: 21 July, 2008
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Reflection
MICAH MANDATE’S WEEKLY BIBLICAL CHALLENGE (updated weekly) By Peter Young
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Fun way to look at a serious meeting.
Perhaps I should be writing more than commenting? 
Gathering some material and thoughts this last week. Will see what can emerge … writing is hard work! Commenting is easier…
52. Sivin Kit (07/22/2008 04:33:23)
ImaginationIn addition to Idealism, I think a good dose of healthy imagination will be even better. An important ingredient for imagination is that we don’t lose some childlike creativity and curiosity often prematurely squashed as we move beyond childishness to more mature postures in relating to people and issues.
Critical thinking is often lacking in our Malaysian context. Cynicism maybe also taking a front seat after so many disappointments and failed promises we experienced.
Granted we can’t ignore to the need to be critical and cautious, but let’s not forget the powerful energy that can be unleashed when chastised idealism still has it’s say, and creative imaginations are on the move.6 total posts | view profile
51. potts (07/21/2008 09:30:38)
Mr Liang, I am continuing this debate only because you have written that Christians should engage in discussions. Not trying to find fault at all.
Honestly, "the decline of law and order" is so broad that it will fit most criteria, including, yes, "issues that affect our society spiritually". The problem is you emphasized that the criteria for acting decisively is when these issues affect our society spiritually. Wouldn’t it be more consistent with what Jesus taught to say that Christians should get involved because we are concerned about the welfare, needs and rights of our neighbour. The focus is on the neighbour and his concerns. Perhaps the Samaritan can in some way say that he was helping the Jew who was robbed and wounded, spiritually. But that’s not really the point, is it?
As for voting on March 8, a Christian can only vote on the choices available. If you have to choose between a candidate that stands for a corrupt regime BUT secular in philosophy, and a candidate that stands for honesty BUT also establishing an Islamic state, you just have to make the best choice you can. What Christians need to ask is what they can do to ensure that they have better choices at the next elections. But if you do nothing, then the next time you will still have choices that you are uncomfortable with.7 total posts | view profile | edit profile
50. Sivin Kit (07/20/2008 20:35:48)
Hot Button IssuesIn Malaysia, Christians tend to be known for only two hot button issues, i.e. (1) Freedom of Religion (e.g. The Lina Joy Case) and (2) Places of Worship including burial grounds.
While these two issues must not be neglected, and it has indirectly forced Non-Muslim groups to work together as seen in visible work of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hindusim, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST), and are rights we believe enshrined fundamentally in the Malaysian Constitution, it would be a grave mistake on our part to be reduced only to these 2 issues.
The way forward Malaysians and the Christian contribution specifically is for us to move beyond what concerns our immediate communities to wider issues of poverty, human rights, civil and political reform, etc.
A caution for Christians in Malaysia is that we need to guard against importing the issues and tone which dominate American Christianity and politics into our own context (of course, this doesn’t mean we isolate ourselves). This means we need to make more conscious efforts to keep our focus on local issues.
ROTFL …. rolling on the floor laughing … first reaction.
On second thought, seriously, what do you think are the implications of what we just saw? What is communicated by the tour?
I noticed that the new name card …
has been a good conversation starter!
