Sivin Kit's Garden

The Journey from Texts to Translations

someone asked me about the Apocrypha last night ... I realised though I had some basic answer and reponse which I think is ok - my historical and content details are very rusty (*grin*).

I think many of the new Christians who come to our church have asked this before why there are more books in the Roman Catholic Bible. So, when I saw the book above for such a good price at the Glad Sounds bookstore sales .. I quickly got one for the church library. I think it's a good intro to the questions and issues raised by inquisitive friends..

Here's what Scot McKnight, Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies, North Park University blurbs for the book ..
"When it comes to books on the Bible, students are often forced to choose between technical systematic theology or detailed commentaries; a good book on the Bible as Bible is hard to find. Further, what students often look for are "facts" about the Bible (how it came into being, how books were selected, how the manuscripts fared, and how the translations were undertaken) and this book admirably provides the kind of facts students need. Charts are abundant, tables everywhere, and the text clearly written and clarifyingly illustrated. This is a delightful book which will serve generations to come.

Here's a summary & review of the book!

Just glancing through it a while ago I think the visuals will enhance the usefulness for new comers to the faith and those who are interested in the Bible. We'll leave the more complicated debates another time ...

Hi! Sally ... Elysia's new friend

It's rare for Mama May Chin to come out with something creative like this naming ... this little pink bear - Sally! It's a cute gift given by our German friends and suits Elysia just nice.

Elysia has been growing healthy and fine. It's been quite an adjustment but very much rewarding in all aspects! I love it when she starts doing her "baby talk" thing ... and her look really is magnetic huh? I hope this photo brightens up everyone who comes to visit this blog today!

New Monasticism

Thanks Prodigal Kiwi for the link ... and introducing the book. I've always been facinated by the monastic movement in the early church. Now it's interesting to see how this New Monasticism plays its role for church and society today.

Walking through these 12 marks will prove challenging and life changing:

1) Relocation to the abandoned places of Empire.

2) Sharing economic resources with fellow community members and the needy among us.

3) Hospitality to the stranger

4) Lament for racial divisions within the church and our communities
combined with the active pursuit of a just reconciliation.

5) Humble submission to Christ’s body, the church.

6) Intentional formation in the way of Christ and the rule of the
community along the lines of the old novitiate.

7) Nurturing common life among members of intentional community.

8) Support for celibate singles alongside monogamous married couples and their children.

9) Geographical proximity to community members who share a common rule of life.

10) Care for the plot of God’s earth given to us along with support of our local economies.

11) Peacemaking in the midst of violence and conflict resolution within communities along the lines of Matthew 18.

12) Commitment to a disciplined contemplative life.

May God give us grace by the power of the Holy Spirit to discern rules for living that will help us embody these marks in our local contexts as signs of Christ’s kingdom for the sake of God’s world.

Comments on Emerging Church or Emergent

I've been leaving comments quite a bit lately on other people's blogs .. I thought I'd just share some while linking the original posts.

On A Question of Church (1)

while I was driving to work today .. my mind was thinking about how all this may translate in Malaysia.

Karen does wonderful job highlighting the incarnation and the trinity. I lean along the same lines.

I was thinking how I found it helpful to start with Jesus - thus incarnation - life, death, resurrection and ascension.
then consider the Spirit especially in the creation of the church. And then back into how all this is realized in the world and benefits the world - thus like going full circle back to the Creator. It's walking through the apostle's creed but starting with the second article, then third and then back to the first.

am I making sense or just rambling? :-)

On A Question of Church (2)

I agree that history is important .. much has gone before us. My concern in a place like Malaysia for example that there are some who advocate a "calvinist" or "reformed" agenda maybe too tighly (as if it's timeless) where as I'd prefer to respectfully engage whether it's our Lutheran, Reformed or methodist heritage (that came with the missionary package)not that rigidly taking seriously the timeliness of the context of the reformation for example.

I think then I don't have to uncritically accept everything, and not throw all of their insights out and act as if I'm starting from scratch. because the reality is I'm not!

On Emergent divergence
Sivin Kit said...

This is another crucial point, I'd shout yes! My first intro to Brian McLaren was "The Church on the other Side" and some personal emails. Then after having better online access, I discovered a much wider discussion on the "emerging church" - like in Australia and New Zealand, and of course UK. I think being "conversant" with the others like Dan Kimball (liked his charts!), Andrew Jones (awesome blogger), Tony Jones (enjoyed his practical theology bent), Doug Pagitt(I'm less familiar until I read his book) is paramount ... then there's Jason Clark in the UK (who has become a personal friend). I find the dynamism of having them as "conversational partners" to be very helpful. At least, to keep the global feel of my personal reflections.

But then again, because of the profilic publishing (traditional as well as internet) in the west, we hear more of you and you hear about what we think here in Asia, Africa or South America :-) Hopefully that will change soon.

another spot on observation!

On Missional and holistic
sivin kit said...

Thanks for your excellent interaction with Carsons' upcoming book. As an Asian (more specifically Malaysia Chinese) 33year old pastor in a mainline Lutheran denonimation :-) I was first drawn into the emergent & wider emerging church conversation because of the "missional" & "holistic" emphasis and posture. I was aware of the "postmodern" context discussion and I've eavesdropped quite a while and found it helpful. But when all is said and done, the discussions on epistemology though are important are not what I relate to the most. Thus, I think your point in this post is spot on!

Random Links 35

Systematic Theology: Volume 3 by Wolfhart Pannenberg (book review)
I was glancing through some parts of chapters on church which is indeed substantial while putting Gareth to sleep. I thought might as well read a review by Robert Jenson to get a broad feel ...

Wolfhart Pannenberg: God the Spirit - and Natural Science
Some have called him an "eschatological realist" and a great interdisciplinary thinker , here's a chance to hear and see Prof. Pannenberg in action.- i.e. speak on the subject of theology and science. Tell me whether you can follow the lecture :-) if you are multi-tasking ...

Four questions that every religion must answer
Just caught my attention ...

A Question of Church (1) & A Question of Church (2)
The subject of "church" is very much occupying my mind right now.

Random Thoughts at 12:07pm onwards

It's been quite a fruitful two days. Yesterday I had a chance to sit through some lectures on "Preaching Prophetic Narratives" by Princeton Prof. Seow which as always was insighful - he worked through passages from 1 Kings 19-21 and 2 Kings 5 and I felt it helped me appreciate good exegetical work combined with theological connections with our context today. The overdose of dim sum and conversations during lunch was memorable too :-)

I managed to borrow 6 books from the local seminary to get my more focused wider reading started. It's already April and I'm only at a brainstorming stage with a few "hunches" ...

Talking with Dr. Ng was helpful today just to get a feel of some areas that I may have missed and possible resource people I could get in touch with. I felt really affirmed in choosing my concentration on Ecclesiology for my Masters programme. Ms. Wong was also kind enough to point me to The Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization and check out some recent work from Evangelicals.

Loads of thoughts floating right now .. like .. it's those "I wonder" moments .. very scattered though ...

- I wonder what was the understanding of church like during the Patristic period? how was the interaction between the apostolic fathers and the desert fathers? what about the church as it was moving toward Asia?
- I wonder what has been our Asian self-understanding of the church especially after the "missionary" era? maybe engaging Lesslie Newbigin and Vincent Donovan might be helpful .. as they kind of were in the Asia & Africa and then returned to UK and USA. hmmm ... of course, then that leads to some interest in the Gospel and Culture Network in UK, and also in USA as well as New Zealand, the overall emerging church conversations and Emergent (as a more organized attempt) specifically.
- I wonder who has written specifically on church from Malaysia or Asia(I heard that there a substantial theological work from Singapore)? How do we think about church, be church and do church here? where can we move forward? I know fragments here or there and the Roman Catholic Bishops in Asia have been working on it. I found something from the Christian Conference of Asia yesterday at the library.
- of course, as a Lutheran, I've wondered about early German Pietism and its relationship with institutional Lutheranism of its time. :-)
- so lots of "wondering" (not "wandering" .. though there's an element of that too!)
- of course apart from the content, I'm also wondering how to work out the modules I would like to take and the possible workable thesis proposal etc. It;s not OhD, but it's definatelt a personal quest.

The Emerging Church: The Old Church Made New

Thanks DJ Chuang for this article by Tim Dearborn, The Emerging Church: The Old Church Made New. It's encouraging to read from a western American perspective how the emerging church in Asia, Africa and Latin America can impact American Christianity. So, has the age of genuine, level, equal conversation and partnership begun? I suppose both sides already have people working on it ...

Here's some statements and stories that caught my attention:

"... Obviously, the world is messy and the church complex. Any generalizations are suspect. To attempt to categorize and distinguish Western evangelicalism with the emerging Christian movement in the two-thirds world is laden with hazards. If there are indeed two streams, at times they flow together and at times flow in divergent directions. Much of the world church is flowing in a stream toward the Western church, attracted to American evangelicalism with our affluence and technology, our emphasis on individual freedom and fulfillment and our entrepreneurial zeal. Just as the world imports western pop culture and seeks to emigrate to gain access to western affluence, so it adopts western church forms. I’ve sung “Shine Jesus Shine” in 7 countries on 3 continents in the past year. The Jesus Film, Purpose Driven Life, Prayer of Jabez, Maxwell’s Principles of Leadership and Alpha are omnipresent in the world. Unquestionably God is using these tools. However, they risk imposing Western cultural and theological forms. They risk participating in the Western imperial rule. Recently a group of mission leaders met in LA to design web-based strategies of evangelism. When someone cautioned that they needed to make sure their messages were culturally appropriate, the leader of one organization retorted, “If it’s good enough for America it’s good enough for the world.”

Yet at the same time, there is a current moving away from the West—concerned about our individualized, consumer-oriented religion. There are several distinct marks of this church:

1. It is digging deep into traditional cultural forms, rejecting Western styles of church life and theology.
2. It is highly charismatic, relying on the Spirit rather than money
3. Anointed leaders guide its life, regardless of their academic training; generally with high authority and conservative morality.
4. Worship is a dramatic encounter with the power of God, rather than a passive and comforting moment of education and encouragement.
5. Its community is a gathering of people rather than a cluster of programs and activities.
6. Mission is a daily encounter with the demonic and evil, conducted through spiritual battle, suffering and a holistic engagement with the world; for all of life is deemed as the domain of God, with social, economic and even political ministry integral to church life.

... I met last year with 25 rural pastors in Zimbabwe. Their average monthly salary was $10. They carried to our meeting one of their three books, their Bible. (Their other two had recently been given to them (and most of the pastors of southern Africa) the Prayer of Jabez, and Maxwell’s Principles of Leadership. Many walked for two days to get there. When they discussed the life of the church in their region, I had the clear sense of meeting with the ekklesia theos—the people of God called by the Spirit to conduct the affairs of the community. Penniless, these pastors—Pentecostal, Salvation Army, Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, African Indigenous Church, and Adventist described their vision and the activities which were transforming their community. Their vision wasn’t merely for saving souls, but the care of AIDS orphans. They didn’t concern themselves with constructing church buildings—most met in schools, under trees, in sheds. Rather they were building wells, clinics and model farms.

... The emerging church lives under the sign of the cross—not as a source of comfort and as a protector from harm—but in recognition that it is called to share in Christ’s suffering. This church is well content with weakness, rather than pretending to coerce and conquer with campaigns and might. The gospel of the emerging church isn’t simply the good news that we’re forgiven, but that we’re called to a new kind of life that puts us in conflict with the empire. I read recently that Martin Buber, the Jewish philosopher who has inspired millions with his brilliant book, I Thou, near the end of his life, confessed Jesus as the Messiah. However, he never called himself a Christian and refused to identify with the Church, saying “I cannot see what the Christian Church as an institution has to do with Jesus Christ.” (quoted by Graham Kings, Christianity Connected (Zoetermeer, The Netherlands: Boekencentrum, 2002:270).

... A Hindu leader recently met with the village heads in a community where World Vision works in India. He warned them to watch out, lest World vision staff try to make them Christians. They replied, “if you saw how they lived, you’d want to become a Christian too.” We are called not to love in word but in deed and truth. If we say we love God, then we will love our neighbor. The world will believe in Christ by our love for one another. Taxi drivers are my favorite social commentators. Recently I was speaking with one riding from the airport. He was an emigrant from Ethiopia, having been here for four years. I asked “How is the America of your experience different than the America of your dreams”. After a few cautious remarks, he said, “the biggest surprise is that I had thought the Gospel would have made a greater difference on American life.” He went on to explain, “besides driving a taxi I’m studying nursing at North Seattle Community College and work as an orderly in a nursing home. All the staff comment on how you can anticipate by the quality of care from their family a resident will receive by their nationality. Asian residents are visited almost every day. Eastern Europeans are visited at least weekly, but we have Caucasian Americans, who even though family members live in Seattle, are only visited on birthdays and holidays. In Ethiopia we believe the gospel is about community and love for one another. America is a very religious country but it doesn’t seem to have made much difference.”

... The emerging church is dynamically creative, with new forms and patterns which she believes are inspired by the Spirit, rather than the fruit of human education and skill. A few years ago I visited The Church of the Divine Canal, in a medium size town in the Dominican Republic. The pastor received a vision of a canal of living water pouring through the church into his town. The church prayed together for weeks to discern what this might mean. Convinced that this was from God they renamed their church and prayed that the Spirit would guide them, pouring living water into their town. What were the first acts they believed God wanted to do through them to bring living water to the town? Nothing I would have ever imagined. Their town lacked a fire station. When a building caught fire they had no way to save it. So, the raised the money and petitioned the government to give them a fire truck and created a volunteer fire department. Living water to put out real fires! Their next act was to create a public park, which their town lacked, resulting in many children being injured or killed by trucks while playing in the streets. Living water in children’s paddling pools!

... Though I don’t commend their strategy I admire the passion of a group of Korean missionaries in India last year who disrupted a major Hindu festival attended by over two million Hindu pilgrims. Their loud and aggressive proclamation of the gospel in the midst of the crowds was finally silenced by their arrest and deportation. When interviewed they expressed profound disappointment, for they had hoped they would have been killed and claim martyrdom. I prefer the response Kerry and I received from the mother superior of a Missionaries of Charity center we visited in the midst of a horrific slum in Calcutta. When asked if the sisters’ lives were ever threatened during their work in the slum she said, “Of course. Always by disease and sometimes by violence. But they took the eucharist this morning. They are prepared to die.”

...
Last year Kerry and I worshiped at Nairobi Chapel on the Sunday in which their long-range plan was announced. The church gathers business leaders and slum dwellers, people from myriad cultures and even nations. Arriving only 10 minutes before the service began, we had to worship outside the walls, through the open windows—along with 100’s of others. And the vision? For a new building, more staff, a larger budget? No. The vision was that over the next decade God would work through the church to raise up Christian leaders in the 250 most influential positions in the government, businesses, media and educational institutions of Kenya. It was for a dozen new churches in Nairobi and 10 internationally. It was for better schools for children, greater justice in their nation, and end of corruption in society. They didn’t only have a vision. They outlined detailed plans. This is the life of the emerging church.

... we have an opportunity to let the emerging church in the rest of the world shape and transform our way of life and worship. I believe we need them to help us learn how to respond to the deepest hungers of people in our own western societies—the longing for a vibrant spirituality, for moral clarity, for embracive community, and for a solid enough reason to live that it is not threatened by suffering or death. Perhaps one of the greatest missionary challenges of the coming decades is for missionaries from around the world to help churches emerge in the West, at the heart of the empire, faithfully to follow our Lord. This indeed, is already happening, with hundreds of dynamic churches emerging in Western cities pastured by people from abroad."

Good Job! 1st Day at "School"

I felt really proud of Gareth today on his first day at "school" (actually it's nursery ...). We went scouting around the other day .. and managed to find three church related kindergartens. Each has their uniqueness. One was very small, the other that has lots of space and one more pretty sophisticated. This brings back loads of memories for me because Mom actually was the cook and helper at the church nursery/kindergarten that I was going to when I was around three.

We thought it might be nice for Gareth to make some friends ... at the end we chose the 1st one we visited. It's a small one next to the Anglican church nearby.

Gareth seemed excited this morning and a little apprehensive. It's a big step for our shy son. He walked into the little compound himself with his "school bag". The headmistress greeted us with a smile as well as the other teachers and also the kids.

Once Gareth got his new uniform on we went to the "singing session". he just stood there to get himself "orientated". As the father I just stuck around :-) nearby. I think it was more for me then him! (Apparently, May Chin expected me to go off .. but I misunderstood her instructions and stayed on throughout - which was ok! I had a chair nearby and did my work there.)

During the break, he really enjoyed the biscuits and the companionship around him - ok! especially the extra biscuits the teacher gave him. His joy was so contagious ...

As parents we don't expect a lot of academic stuff or pressure on Gareth now. As long as he enjoyes himself, learns someting, plays with others, socialize with kids around his age that would be great.

We felt good that we could support a church kindergarten as well ... we could see clearly that there wasn't any "profit-mindedness" lurking anywhere ... which we really appreciate.

We're just thankful .. again how things are working out. It's a trial run actually ... but if it works out (which is very likely) .. then Gareth is going to have a new routine. He did excellent today ... GOOD Job, Gareth!

Random Links 35

The 'Not Jesus' Videos
I'm downloading them now ... thanks for the links from Conrad Gempf

Hangin’ with Mr Hunter
I really miss those phone calls, Todd! Thanks anyway. Every single one helped me move forward ...

Internet Archive (Movie Archive)
I'll go crazy ....

Graphical view of Biblical narrative timeline (via Pat Loughery again)
The "wider" - "big picture" really helps!

The Church on the Other Side

When I first came across Reinventing the Church around 1999 I knew I wanted to get the book (especially after reading a favourable review from NEXT WAVE) . So my friend Daniel got it from Bookstore and sent it to me. This was my first Brian McLaren book which blew me away (I'mean challenged me and comforted me at the same time!) Those days he was an unknown.

Here's how it looked like (before the revised edition) I think there's still one copy at the Glad Sounds Resource Centre near my house :-) It's interesting to compare the reviews on this book in Amazon with the Church on the Other Side.

Anyway, I was asked by Kairos Reseach Centre to write a book review on a book I was passionate about guess which one I chose (this was my maiden book review so I'm still very romantic about it *grin*)? Check out the cover of the magazine ...

Anway, why all this little history? I guess I'm gearing up how would I respond (in my view) to questions like "What is emergent?" , "Why are you engaged in this?", "Seeing as one of the emergent values is missional, to whom is your mission?" kind of questions. Way before "emerging church", "emergent" or even "postmodern" became buzz words, or labels or whatever .. it was simply a genuine resonance with ideas and questions and possible directions to move forward. Of course, now I might explore the word "post-colonial", "post-western", or even "global" to engage further in conversation ... but then words are meant to help, clarify, stimulate not make things too difficult :-)

I liked the book because it gave me a picture of how a pastor "reflectively" works through the pressing challenges before him and doesn't want to be boxed up in pre-fixed answers or pre-packaged mindsets. I gave one away two weeks ago to a fellow pastor friend who was open to share what's going on in the head and the heart in the midst of challenging ministry situations. I felt this book might open up some possibilities or hope (which it gave me)

So here's my maiden book review written in 2002. I'll probably follow up with a second thoughts kind of post later.

The Church on the Other Side
Brian D. McLaren Zondervan, 2000
BY SIVIN KIT

The author of The Church on the Other Side is not pastor of a mega church; neither has he written books that flood our bookstores. Yet, I believe he has something worthwhile to say that is worth listening to. Unlike purpose driven Rick Warren or seeker targeted Bill Hybels, Brian McLaren sees himself as a "reflective practitioner ... focused on the down and dirty of doing ministry, but trying to have a high altitude understanding of when, where, how, and why we are doing it." This book gives us a glimpse into his thinking and provides us with an opportunity to resonate with his passion for "doing ministry in the post modern matrix."

His basic premise is simple: "if you have a new world, you need a new church." But don't misunderstand him, he's not talking about forming new denominations or initiating new church movements or religious campaigns. He goes deeper. He defines "new" as new in kind but not in age. McLaren carefully points out, "We won't need a new religion per se, but a new framework for our theology. Not a New Spirit, but a new spirituality. Not a new Christ, but a new Christian. Not a new denomination, but a new kind of denomination." His focus is on changing our attitude towards change itself and carefully wrestling with what must change and what must not.

McLaren proposes that we are born in an age of a transition from Modernity to Post Modernity. He uses the analogy of "tectonic activity" which describes the constant but imperceptible movement of the large fractured plates of the earth's crust. Once in a while, an earthquake occurs. Only then do we become aware of the unseen forces acting on the earth. Almost immediately, the changes in our world force us to admit that our "old maps" no longer fit into the new reality.
It may be said that human history is not unlike the physical earth in that it, too, is susceptible to 'tectonic activity', albeit of a different kind. The resulting 'tectonic' changes such as those sparked off by scientific discoveries and developments create new situations to which society must adapt.

For instance, think of the impact the automobile has had on the environment, the economy, the family unit, and even courtship and sexuality! Think of radio, air travel, birth control pills, antibiotics. Think of space travel, the personal computer, the Internet, genetic engineering ... the list goes on! Even the cultural, political and religious realms are not as stable as we think.

How has the church fared in the face of all these developments? Has it been contented to remain "the way we've always been," and assume that it is doing fine and make good progress using the 'old maps' of the past as guides to the new, post modern age? Or should it not, during this time of transition, respond by seeking creative solutions to new realities? In this regard, McLaren helps us by suggesting a 13 strategy framework for doing ministry in a fast changing world:

I Maximize Discontinuity.
2 Redefine Your Mission.
3 Practice Systems Thinking.
4 Trade up Your traditions for Tradition.
5 Resurrect Theology as Art and Science
6 Design a New Apologetic.
7 Learn A New Rhetoric.
8 Abandon Structures as They are Outgrown.
9 Save the Leaders.
10 Subsume Missions in Mission.
11 Look Ahead, Farther Ahead.
12 Enter the Post modern World Understand it, Engage it, Get Ready for a Revolution.
13 Add to the List.

Though McLaren writes from a North American context for a North American audience, he acknowledges that some of his reflections were stimulated by his contacts with Asians. After reading the book, I was pushed to think about what the whole discussion on "Post Modernity" means for us in Malaysia. Whether we follow the Western classification of Pre modern, Modern, and Post modern is up for debate. But one thing we do agree on is that we, in Malaysia, also live in a fast changing world.

Think of the social impact that is the result of our latest economic recession, the political uncertainties after the sacking of the former deputy prime minister and the religious climate since the last general elections. Think about the on going controversy concerning the status of Malaysia as an Islamic State; and the struggles and challenges Christian students in the universities must face as they are exposed to the sciences and to conflicting religious viewpoints. And of course, the recent September 11th incident has undoubtedly changed the world.
Closer to home, think of cell phones interrupting our worship services and Bible studies, the impact of satellite TV (ASTRO) on youth ministry, and the content of our conversations with our non Christian families,and friends. Those in urban churches must think through the demands of the marketplace for their time, attention and energy, and the resulting impact on church participation. We need to grapple with all these issues urgently and understand what the repercussions are, not just for the individual, but especially for the church.

As a young pastor turned church planter ministering in these times of fast changing realities (whether we call it post modern transition or not), I am challenged by McLaren's book to reconsider many 'sacred cows' I've inherited in the course of my church life, seminary education, and interaction within the Malaysian Christian community in general. These 'sacred cows' include the search for the perfect church model/structure (usually with a "Big is better" mentality), or the particular evangelistic programme that will solve all our problems (usually copied wholesale), or some revival experience that will rev up the whole nation at one go (usually one mass event), or clinging on to a particular theology or tradition that is considered most faithful to God (most of the time without considering the differences in historical and cultural contexts).The list goes on! Certainly, there is much value in these things, and through them I have discovered helpful tools for ministry. My philosophy of ministry has also been expanded and my heart has been warmed by the passion behind these efforts.

And yet I am concerned that in our desperation to make things happen in our churches, we are tempted to grasp at any available answer or to resort to 'fix it all' solutions. However, the real answer lies in having a proper understanding of the momentous changes that are happening in the world today. Only then will we be able to develop an effective response that integrates theology, mission and church ministry. In this regard, McLaren's book serves as an excellent resource for struggling pastors.

SIVIN KIT IS PASTOR OF THE 2 YEAR OLD BANGSAR LUTHERAN CHURCH.

Truth and Authentic Humanity

It's a public holiday today, so I managed to catch up with some reading - and since this issue of "truth" has been hovering my mind lately I thought reading Dr. Carver Yu's paper "TRUTH AND AUTHENTIC HUMANITY" would be good for the siesta. I admit I fell asleep reading it not because it's boring but because I was tired. After finishing the article then I decided to blog parts of it.

Here are some paragraphs that "glare" for attention:

"The human condition, the possibility and actuality of being human, is the heart of the Gospel. Theology has to be "anthropocentric" if it is to be truly theo-centric, for as God unfolds Himself to us, we see humanity at the heart and in the horizon of His unfolding. "The Word became flesh" as the heart of the Gospel points to the fact that, as intended by God, truth is to be unfolded and actualized in concrete human reality.

... Perhaps Christian theologians should take the power of critique more seriously, instead of submitting to the Enlightenment critique of the Christian faith passively, they should bring the spirit of critique all the way back to the critique itself, so that the ideology intrinsic to the Enlightenment as well as the inner contradictions there may be revealed. Perhaps, very often, theologians succumb all too easily to the onslaught of philosophical currents, and are not critical enough, not only of our own proclamation, but also of the ideologies in vogue which are presented as reason and truth over against the Gospel as truth. So theologians have a two-fold task: on the one hand they have to be critical of the ideologies of their time, and at the same time, they have to be constructive in bringing forth the spiritual resources from the Gospel for socio-cultural synthesis.

... Is it not the habit of the Western mind that whenever the question concerning truth arises it is almost exclusively the question concerning the epistemic status of truth, how truth may be identified theoretically as truth? Is it not true to say that, the question how truth may become concretized and realized as human reality rarely surfaces in philosophical discourses, which never really get beyond the questions concerning truth - values, truth-conditions or the plausibility of theories of truth? Is it not true that the question concerning the appropriation of truth or identification with truth is pushed into the realm of spiritual discipline, something distinct from knowledge, even theological knowledge? Is it not because of this that philosophy becomes a conceptual or language game, and becoming that, it has become irrelevant in addressing the question of the meaning or meaninglessness of human existence? Is it not true that, intimidated by philosophy and for fear of being marginalized, theology very often feels constrained to take the same approach to truth?

... It can also be revealed perhaps even more clearly in contrast to the ancient Chinese thought. The Chinese approached reality or truth with Ching (reverence) to Tao (Being). Ching is the intuitive confidence for the unity between Tao and human existence, and thus for the existence and infinite value of man as well as the cosmos. Tao was grasped in the immediacy of existence as well as the constant dialogue and communion between Tao and human being. Because of such confidence, philosophical energy was spent almost totally in the cultivation of authentic humanity through attentive following of the way of Tao, through harmonious intercourse within the communion of beings. For the ancient Chinese, to be a philosopher or to be wise is simply to be human. So Confucius would regard an illiterate peasant as a profound philosopher. Much intellectual energy was spent on "The Learning of Hsin-hsing (heart-nature)". Here, Tao or Truth of Being is not to be grasped merely as an object of thought, for it is in the human person's inner being or in the depth of his/her humanity can it be grasped and realized. That is, Tao or Being can only be grasped In Its very actualization or concretization in authentic human existence. A human person knows Tao or Being in his/her authentic acting out of what is natural to his/her Hsin-hsing. Thus cultivation of inwardness and transcendence is the true business of philosophy, ...

... Have we not missed the most fundamental of human reality in our pursuit for truth? Have we not forgotten the way God chose to "proclaim" Himself, not through the overpowering manifestation of Himself as protesta absoluta, but through humiliation and suffering? Truth does not seem to be proclaimed by God Himself for exhibition of the Immensity of divine rationality, but that human beings may have life and have it abundantly. And so, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth." It is in the humility and incomprehensibility of the Incarnation that "we have beheld His glory."

"The Word became flesh" radically changed our perception of truth. Truth is truth concretized as true humanity in Jesus Christ, who is both the truth, the light and the way. As the light, it shines into the darkness of our heart; as the way, It points to and leads to authentic humanity. In Jesus Christ, truth is not an abstract representation of the Absolute, but authentic humanity in concrete reality, unfolded in a life which is life-for-others. Through Jesus Christ we do not come to know God as Pure Thought, but as a God who acts, who encounters human beings and engages them in His very acts. The actuality of God's being is manifested in His acts, not as a sheer manifestation of what He is capable, but as manifestation of His freedom to love, His goodness in actualizing this freedom to love through self-limiting, self-giving acts culminating in the actuality of Jesus Christ. And all these are to become concrete human reality in us. Truth, following the principle of identity, is actuality becoming actuality itself. It is the actuality of authentic humanity in Christ becoming actuality in us. It is through our very act in our freedom to love that we become actual. In becoming so, we become the actuality of truth.

Such an understanding of truth is in no way anti-intellectual. It calls our attention to examine the way we place our intellectual energy and creativity. The exercise of our intellect is part and parcel of our realization of truth in us.

Is it therefore not the duty of theologians to develop theological structures for the cultivation of this life-for-others? If theology is to be a science, should it not be completely determined by the object of its "comprehension", by the mode, scope and intent of God's revelation as revealed in Jesus Christ? As we write our theological tomes, should we not at the same time ask, whether we are writing truth into the human person's life. What exactly is this whole business of faith, if it is not meant for the transformation of our life?"

Random Links 34

A theologian, both respected and controversial
We're going to have our elections this year too :-) I wonder how would be describe our new Bishop of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia.

The New Pope
I guess who we are before we step into a new position means a lot .

Jason Clark is having loads of fun at the Worship, Art, Liturgy and Preaching conference in Kentucky. Nice of him to put his notes for us. Looking forward to the next set of notes and his notes on preaching of course!

Worship as Spiritual Formation: Brian McLaren
Apparently, Jason thought this was worth the trip alone ...

Maggi Dawn: Sublime
I remember hearing some of the thoughts and names here during coffee at her office, way to go Maggi!

Worship in Eastern Orthodox Tradtion
I'll never forget my first visit to an Eastern Orthodox Church in Geneva ... way beyond what I've experienced thus far!

Who Do We Say We Are? A Question For The Seekers Church
facinating seminary paper on the Seeker's church which was birthed out of the Church of the Saviour ( Gordon Cosby & Elisabeth O'Connor)

PROSETYLISM AND EVANGELISM

I first read this in the COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF MALAYSIA latest newsletter.

"As there is misunderstanding and misuse of the words proselytism and evangelism in the world today, World Evangelical Alliance wants to share an official definition of these words. WEA strongly rejects proselytism but supports full religious freedom according to the United Nations declaration of Human Rights (Articles 18 and 19). That freedom will give people of every religion the right to share their beliefs and allow everyone the freedom of conscience to believe as they choose.

According to World Evangelical Alliance to proselytize and to evangelize are not synonymous. Citing Dr. John R.W. Stott, "The best way to distinguish them is to understand proselytism as 'unworthy witness'.

The World Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church produced a helpful study document in 1970 titled 'Common Witness and Proselytism'. It identified three aspects of proselytism. Proselytism takes place
(1) whenever our motives are unworthy (when our concern is for our glory rather than God's),
(2) whenever our methods are unworthy (when we resort to any kind of 'physical coercion, moral constraint, or psychological pressure'),
and (3) whenever our message is unworthy (whenever we deliberately misrepresent other people's beliefs).

In contrast, to evangelize is (in the words of the Manila Manifesto) 'to make an open and honest statement of the gospel, which leaves the hearers entirely free to make up their own minds about it. We wish to be sensitive to those of other faiths, and we reject any approach that seeks to force conversion on them."- WORLD EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE offers a DEFINITION of PROSELYTISM and EVANGELISM

Digging deeper

I hated the study of history in school because I thougt it was just memorizing facts and dates plus we didn't really have any exciting or passionate teachers. I think a teacher passionate about the subject really makes a difference. Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri (who's the current general secretary of the Council of churches Malaysia was that kind of teacher for me during my two years if church history courses and I took an elective on Methodism with him - I never saw church history as a dull subject again. I was thinking about the early church fathers yesterday so then I googled my way to the following links which I think I'll be visited quite often.

Internet Theology Resources (by St. John's School of Theology · Seminary)
wow ... fantastic links - especially loads of stuff from the early church fathers - I'm checking out church history, systematics, spirituality and monastic studies.

The Ecole Initiative
I wanted to read first hand what the early church before the infamous start of Christendom had to say about church - it's part of basic research for a possible first module for my masters.

Christianity Today: Church History Site
I really enjoyed their magazines in seminary. Lots of nice pictures and quotes - a good entry level place to go.

In the eye of the Emerging Storm

Here's some not so random links for those who are following the "discussion" or "conversation", I'm eavesdropping to hear, and keeping my eyes open to see how my western brothers (and sisters) work this out .. :

The Emerging Storm: DA Carson, Andrew Jones and Scot McKnight
Thanks Stephen for a little outline

An Open Blog Post for Don Carson 1.0
We probably heard of open letters but this open blog is one unique blog ... if D.A. Carson responds that would be really cool and better on the credibility of his critique. How media has changed the speed and in some ways the rules of discourse.

The Carson Chronicles - Where Now?
This is quite a fascinating sequence of events now with Prof. Scott McKnight who's blogging at Jesus Creed entering the picture. Which reminds me if i could manage to encourage those teaching in Malaysian seminaries to blog that would be a great "achievement" in 2005 :-)

emergAnt: The Skinny on the Global Emerging Church
Andrew Jones is definately another voice (apart from Brian Mclaren) that I've been followign with interest the last five years! Both are worth listening ... of course there are a variety of voices out there ... these are the ones I've emailed or met face to face : Jason Clark, Tony Jones, Karen Ward , those on the emergent-US blog, a wider feel is found in Planet Emergent, etc.

The Emerging Conversation: Unabridged
This is a good place to begin hearing the different voices. Good questions with good answers.

what is emergent?
a sample three minute response

Just who is emergent, anyway?
another interesting attempt to give some framework for self-identity

So what is emergent?
Another attempt I stumbled into .. :-)

Emergent is not the Emerging Church
Ah .. my friend Jason Clark tries to make things clear from his angle.

It's quite exciting to see how dynamic this "emergent" and/or "emerging church" thing has become. of course, with the so called "criticism" that has come in one way or another it forces people who are involved in the conversation to work on clarity when we've enjoyed the under the radar "creative space" thus far.

when I first was in touch with this conversation five years ago and throughout, I actualy enjoyed the low-profile-ness or this whole thing, especially with the internet .. there was a kind of freedom just to listen to thoughts (especially in blogs) and also interact with people in the English speaking Christian world from USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand ... plus other surprising contacts here and there. I can see well able people "giving a reason" (or "defense" or "clarification") for why and what they are doing (as you can read in all the links above). As for us here in Malaysia, we're still very much just getting started to get ourselves a little more organized and connected.

It's interesting to see how all this will turn out in the next 5 years time. 5 years ago I didn't expect this .. much of the pleasant outcome as well as the not so pleasant ones. But then again, what's next is equally going to be surprising isn't it?

As usual the Asian, Latin American and African voices are still pretty quiet. And maybe some like me are quietly observing our western counterparts. As for me, it's still it's very much still one step at a time ... I don't want to be too distracted by this "storm" and yet I cannot "ignore" it as well.

U-theory & the Cross

I think these two pictures are really good and helpful ... Thanks Dwight Friesen for this useful post on u-theory and the cross. Like the good quote says "... when necessary use words" we may add "... often it's necessary to use pictures."

Finishing Strong

It was great on Saturday when Gareth and I had another father-son bonding time. Thanks to World Vision Malaysia for organizing the Fun Night Walk to raise funds for poor communities in Marjeyoun, South Lebanon.

The "Taman Arboretum" is a great place for an event like this. And it's a first time for Gareth ... and it's been sooooo long since I've gone for a walk :-) There was mention during a speech of people whom are eye-ing to cut a chunk of the park and forest reserve for some expensive condos (which you and I know will benefit who!) This is so so sad ... So, apart from highlighting the needs for those far away in South Lebanon, I appreciated the awareness raised right where we stood. We need to voice out our disatisfaction with such "efforts" merely for the benefit of a few. And as always it's money related :-(

Anyway, with that out of the way ... both of us had a good time ... starting with good free Milo that brought me back to school day memories. Then we sat down as others did their "Jazzercise" warm ups which was quite amusing as well as helpful.

Then off for the walk ... which was much longer then I expected ... I mean REALLY much longer. the extra challenge was I carried Gareth rotating hands for 99% of the journey. I tried to get him to walk but I failed. Nevertheless with the company of two friends Yew Khuen and Jo-ann who walked with us it made my suffering less painful. It was great to have conversations as I sqeezed every ounce of energy I could for the next step *grin* As I drove back later, I thought about how even harder it would have been if I had to walk and carry Gareth alone ... ah. .. there another good illustration of the importance of friends during a hard journey...

Well, the following picture is Gareth's 1% of glory running towards the finishing line... there were some cheers ... more for him than the father who carried him most of the journey .. but that's ok. I was proud of him anyway.

The next photo ... is a miracle one time shot that just came out beautifully ... the joy of passing the finishing line. They say that starting well is half of the battle won, well ... I guess there's some truth in that, the middle of the journey needed as much perseverance as the passion for starting. But I think finishing strong and finishing well is what we all desire and work towards in everything we do. I was delighted by all the photos here .. I'm proud of Gareth (for enduring the mosquitos ... and running the final lap.), I'm quite happy with myself for surviving a pretty long journey and not complaining too much (*ha*), all in all I'm encouraged by the more than 200 participants who joined the walk, donated the funds, and simply had a good time ... I was hoping more from our church community could have joined (it's a pity many missed it - hopefully the next round), a handful still made it (I think we enjoyed the time there), and for Gareth and me ... the bonus benefits we got was a wondeful, fun, and a good exercise time (tiring especially for me) and of course, just a chance to bump into some friends helped make it more worthwhile ... I suppose lots of ingredients helps one to finish strong.

Gareth Cool ...

I just came back from a night out with Gareth to support a Worship CD launch by 1accordministry at my friend Pastor Timothy Loh's church EaglePoint Christian Fellowship. It's been quite a while since I've attended a concert like this. *grin* (in normal circumstances I'd probably stay home but with an invitation from a good friend like Tim, I couldn't stay away ...*hehe*)

Gareth was intrigued by this particular light before the powerpacked multimedia intro began and then the worship concert went on the way. The worship team led us through their "journey" of songs they composed themselves. Overall, it's a good effort by a local church based worship ministry. There's was a pretty good short kind of "promo" video they did to introduce their ministry. At the end of the event it was good to catch up with some old friends especially from the Youth Prayer Wave Network I was part of during my youth pastor days!
It was an interesting feeling tonight ... quite a number of random thoughts ... some reflections ... some little observations here and there ...

Anyway, I thought this particular photo would have been a "cool" album cover for Gareth's album :-) We had a good time out together Father and son. I appreciated a good closing "mini-message" by my friend Pastor Tim whom I felt painted a beautiful picture of God's Father heart love for people like us. That was a highlight for me .. after carrying Gareth the whole 2 hours

Before I sleep tonight, I rest assured Our God indeed is unique and one thing I do is appreciate the customized journey he's led me thus far ... plus the stuff he's opened my eyes to see "again" and "afresh". ...

Career vs. Vocation

"Career’s are what people have to get what they want for themselves. In a Vocation you discover your gift. And a Vocation is where your gift meets the crushing needs of the world.” ~ Jim Wallis (via Emerging God)

Random Thoughts after a long journey home

Funerals and memorial always make me stop ... listen ... and be with people. Auntie no.2 - i.e. Dad's sister passed away at 69 (yesterday I think). I'm glad I managed to make it for her "service". She was not a Christian. My relative told me that they managed to get Buddhist monks to conduct the ritual but actually she's more Toaist in her opinion but as long as there's a road for her then that's the best we can do. This really got me thinking how one views death.

Strangely, someone asked me, "what would do people think in the final hours of their life?" Just before I went to pay my respects to Auntie No.2.

The Long silent ride home made me reconsider my relationships with my relatives especially from my Dad's side. We've been pretty detached. probably the next round we'll meet will be at a cousin's wedding in September. When I was a kid we were pretty close.

It was good to catch up with at least some cousins with some conversations.
I listened with interest how one is doing well at work, another changed church and feels she's found a place where she can grow (strangely I'm in touch with people from the exact same church feeling totally different *grin*), another cousin talked about her studies put on hold and work, .... then I could also connect a little with some other aunties which was good. It's strange how what is a sad event like this has lots of redemptive elements.

Many thoughts emerged during the drive home ... and I'll need to sleep on them.
It's been a full day today ... from speaking in a seminary chapel to meeting a missions organization giant to catching up with a church elder to practicing for Sunday worship to trying to answer questions on the HOly Spirit to a Chinese memorial/funeral.

Wanting More

Happy Birthday Joel Vestal! I'm so happy for him to have such a blessed in the basement time :-)

There aren't many chances that I've in being part of the process of printing a book and also to see how the final touch up looked like. Further more even before reading the book actually knowing the author in person.

This is a long awaited post ... and I think it's timely now since it's Joel's Birthday. Joel, here's a picture of the baby who was born near the birth of your book :-)

For those in are in Malaysia who want a copy of the book please email me (Joel was kind enough to leave a box of books for us ... all the proceeds of the book will go to ServLife orphanages.

As you can see in the picture below, he was really excited like a father holding on to his new born baby! :-) I'm the Chinese looking "midwife" next to him equally proud of his efforts.

Anyway, here' some paragraphs I picked out ... to wet your appetite (there's lot real life stories of "Indian Joel" as I call him cheekily one day). Joel mentioned that he had the North American audience in mind, BUt I told him what he shared in the book has relevance for us too in Asia:

"Augustine wrote that the older we grow in faith the less we like to be instructed -- but we all need to be reminded. This book will take you on a journey across the globe and at the same time remind you of some important keys for your own spiritual journey here at home. Perhaps it will bring instruction for some as well. My hope is that it will leave you wanting more. You don't have to buy a plane ticket or get your passport to travel on this journey with me (though perhaps you will want to after reading the book!)." (p.15)

"Clearly, the way we approach global ministry in North America needs to change... perhaps it is a paradox to say that we as westerners can make the most impact overseas by taking a back seat and working through local church communities that are indigenous to a particular region. After all, these people know their culture and language. they live in the same standard of living, and face the same daily struggles as the souls they are trying to reach." (p. 26)

"... I believe that we, as the western church, do simply play a crucial role in world evangelization. And yet, the western church simply cannot accomplish the task on its own." (p. 27)

"The purpose of the church is to both fill up and to pour out. It is the gathering of the people for worship, sacrament, teaching and community so they can be sent out to demonstrate and proclaim the love of God in their community and the entire world. Unfortunately, churches in the West are usually best known for the first aspect (bringing people in), but rarely for the second (sending disciples out)." (p. 33-34)

"The core issues of a healthy, vibrant church are not rooted in the organizational structure or style of music but in the character qualities of its people -- qualities like humility, integrity, brokenness, holiness, love, authenticity and patience. So embrace the diversity of the body of Christ. Celebrate how Jesus is building His church today in so many different kinds of models and forms." (p. 40)

"Mother Theresa taught me something very beautiful that day about prayer, and I will never forget it. There is a mystery and a deep beauty to the role of prayer in the Christian life. Prayer embraces both vertical and horizontal dimension of the Christian journey. The spiritual nurturing and growth of our lives as our ministry to the poor, lost and despised are woven together like two pieces of yarn. Discipleship and evangelism are married. Being and doing are somehow integrated in a holistic manner. Like breathing is to the human body, prayer is essential to us as followers of Jesus to both our spiritual growth and service to others." (p. 115)

The Last Word and the Word after that

Finally, I got the final book of the New Kind of Christian trilogy by Brian McLaren ... in fact it was the only copy I could get after calling one of the managers at the bookstore. Apparently, there were only two copies brought in (to test the market?) but when Gareth and I arrived there was only one :-P

I'm already into p. 125, and I wish I could just go on. But I need to sleep because I'm speaking at a seminary chapel tomorrow. And I hope to do well and have a focused mind *grin*. Brian's book is a little distracting on this account. It's been a good read so far. And I actually started glancing through the commentary at the end of the book which i think is a fabulous idea. I wish the earlier two books did the same.

I found Brian's words in his website noteworthy before the book came out:

"I'm excited about it ... and a little nervous. Yes, it's going to hurt my reputation with some people, and yes, it will be controversial and frequently misunderstood. And yes, I've been a bit anxious about that
- but at the moment, I'm less anxious and more excited.

And if the status quo is destabilized so something better can shake loose ... thanks be to God."

Amongst all of Brian's books I read, I enjoy the trilogy because of the kind of space this "creative fiction" allows in one's mind and imagination to explore often very serious topics and deep concerns. I also enjoy a kind of child-like playfulness in a sense that's often lost when we explore theological concepts. Sometimes (not all the time) this is necessary for us to get closer to the truth of the matter. So I decided to recruit baby Elysia and Gareth for two photos ...

Well, as I mentioned before I don't necessary agree with all the details in Brian's books ... but I appreciate the questions he raises and proposals he offers. At least they give me some space to begin working out my own answers. I've always found him a great conversation partner.

I'll just leave you tonight with some paragraphs from the introduction that caught my attention and as usual let Brian speak for himself ... thanks my friend *grin* for this accesible effort.

“As I see it, more significant that any doctrine of hell itself is the view of God of which one’s doctrine of hell contributes. William Temple once said that if your concept of God is radically false, the more devoted you are, the worse off you will be. So this book is in the end more about our view of God than it is about our understandings of hell. What kind of God do we believe exists? What kind of life should we live in response? How does our view of God affect the way we see and treat other people? And how does the way we see and treat other people affect our view of God?” (p. xii)

“At any rate, at heart this book is about the goodness of God and the life with God. This means is is about the gospel and about justice and mercy and a new way of understanding their relationship -- suggesting that God's justice is always merciful and God's mercy is always just. This book flows from the hunch that the heart disease afflicting the Christian community is chronic and serious rather than cosmetic: deep in our hearts, we don't fully love God because we are not fully confident that God is fully good." (p. xiv)

"The word destructive is often associated with the word deconstructive but the association is erroneous. Deconstruction is not destruction; it is hope. It arises from the belief that sometimes, our constructed laws get in the way of unseen justice, our underdeconstructed words get in the way of communication, our institutions get in the way of the purposes for which they were constructed, our formulations get in the way of meaning, our curricula get in the way of learning. In those cases, one must deconstruct laws, words, institutions, formulations, or curricula in the hope that something better will appear once the constructions-become-obstructions have been taken apart. The love of what is hidden, as yet unseen, and the hoped for gives one courage to deconstruct what is seen and familiar. This book, in a sense, attempts to deconstruct our conventional concepts of hell in the sincere hope that a better vision of the gospel of Jesus Christ will appear." (p. xvii)

Random Links 33 - blog entry 1000

An Evening with Brian McLaren
Interesting to read how an old friend comments on an old friend :-)

Fresh Expresssions
who said the Anglicans and Methodists are an archaic bunch? Looking forward to see what they put up in the resources section.

Kingdom Rain
Might check out some of the sermons and articles to see how our Vineyard friends are working things out.

Problogger
wow! this is advance stuff ... helping bloggers earn money. I've earned zero but I've gained some friends :-)

Click (via Mike Todd)
This made me add the white band on the right hand corner of this blog!

*Update note: I just realized this is my blog entry no. 1000*

Margin

here's a review of the older edition

I kind of introduced this concept of "Margin" coined by Richard A. Swenson in my message yesterday at the worship gathering. Frankly, I was very much aware that I too needed to heed the call to watch how my life get's overloaded in all areas. The fact is I'm definately not in a place in my life where I've fully managed to be have a good "margin" :-) But, it's good to have some language to remind me to stay healthy.

Here's what I read out tas part of the message ...

"Marginless is being thirty minutes late to the doctor's office because you were twenty minutes late getting out of the bank because you were ten minutes late dropping the kids off at school because the car ran out of gas two blocks from the gas station -- and you forgot your wallet.

Margin, on the other hand, is having breath left at the top of the staircase, money left at the end of the month, and sanity left at the end of adolescence.

Marginless is the baby crying and the phone ringing at the same time; margin is Grandma taking the baby for the afternoon. Marginless is being asked to carry half the burden. Marginless is not having time to finish the book you're reading on stress; margin is having the time to read it twice.

Marginless is fatigue; margin is energy.
Marginless is red ink; margin is black ink.
Marginless is hurry; margin is cam.
Marginless is anxiety; margin is security.
Marginless is culture; margin is counterculture.
Marginless is the disease of the new millenium; margin is the cure."(p. 13)

I can relate to the book reading part a lot :-) But I do wonder whether thos eof us who hear the above quote consider this state of "marginless" as a disease of our times. Living in the capital of Malaysia and just listening to our conversations ... it seems to be in our city life in Kuala Lumpur ... most of us have "overloaded" lives and it's hard to "let some stuff" go and we're taking upon ourselves more "loads". But I think a deeper concern is there's an illusion that because of our abilities, education, and technology we deceive ourselves that we are "limitless". This surely is not spoken ... but our actions speak very loudly.

here's some other stuff that I highlighted and brought me to more than one pause:

"Analyzing progress and social trends from this macroscopic view lends a valuable perspective. But we do not see pain as clearly from this distance as we do when it sits in front of us. Pain comes alive when it talks -- even more so when it cries." (p. 24)

"Margin has been stolen away, and progress was the thief" (p. 25)

"Before we can subjugate progress, we must first break the addiction." (p. 29)

"Margin ... knows how to nurture relationship. In fact, margin exists for relationship."(p. 30)

"Margin is the space between our load and our limits." (p. 69)

"... margin is not a spiritual necessity. But availability is. God expects us to be available for the needs of others. And without margin, each of us would have great difficulty guuarenteeing availability. Instead when God calls. He gets the busy signal." (p. 77)

I'm encouraged through reading Swenson's book I can have a greater awareness of beyond stress and change but also margin, limits and loads. We only have one life ... and I want to live it to the fullest :-)

Blogs that get me thinking

Here are some blogs not from Malaysians that's giving me some "space" and "content" to (1) widen my horizons (2) deepen my own thoughts.

Harbinger: Social & Spiritual Investigations by a Post-Evangelical Christian
Steve's recent "Emerging church project series and some email thoughts really drew me in.

Theoblogy: emerging church, missional life, practical theology, rants
I found Tony's series on "Practical Theology" very helpful and timly for me.

xphiles: An electronic walk of discipleship in a postmodern world
cool cowboy hat and nice to see how a fellow Lutheran works things out!

Tony Sheng: mobilizing, students, mission
fellow Chinese passionate about seeing the next generation be on mission for the Kingdom.

the deep end w/ dave fleming: exploring what the muse whispers on life, leadership and spirituality
I have one of his books on leadership. Might check out his other one especially after reading his blog.

Porch Pondering: reflections on village life
Drawn to this because of the word "missional" more than the word "emerging" in his quest as far as church is concerned.

Odyssey: Soundings for Christians and other Sojourners on a Missional Journey
ah .. there you go the word "Missional" again ... anyway, there's so much good stuff here that I might need to take one day off just to process them.

Random Thoughts after midnight

We've been really having good food since Elysia's Full Moon lunch on Friday. We then had a couple of LiFe Group members over with Mom's good cooking on saturda. Tonight, it was good to catch up with old friends. Good "Margin" for what's important.

I feel really humbled to day when a pastor friend came to visit and just share what's going on in ministry and personal reflections. I enjoyed the conversation, the questions and interaction. I learnt a lot simply by listening ... I still find myself talking a lot :-)

It's feel wonderful to conduct baptism for two new people in who've connected with our church community. I recall years ago when I watched a baptism service video shown by Bill Hybels in his closing presentation in Singapore that drew more than one tear from my eye.

I have loads of fun talking with Gareth these days especially in the car whenever we're either driving to and fro church, or going to buy stuff, or simply sending mom home to Ampang and coming back to P.J. There are times I must admit that the adjustments for Gareth with the arrival of Elysia can be stressful and frustrating. But, it's embracing the whole package isn't it? that picking and choosing what we want ... it's the whole package. And I find joy and learning in that.

Carrying Elysia this after noon and seeing dose off is a beautiful experience. And then she wakes up and dozes of again. At times making some noise and sleeping again... wow! this rhythm can be tiring but we're getting use to it.

May Chin as always is "super"!

Good to have some "space" and "time" - i.e. "Margin" to catch up with unhurried blog reading and some commenting.

Nice to have the red eggs on Friday ... especially when it;s so close to Easter when our kids at church got similar eggs to wrap up as well as Chocolat eggs. Anyway, "new life" is a constant theme latelty. Especially with another friend giving birth to a baby girl on Saturday!

Random Links 32

Themes in Theories of Colonialism and Postcolonialism
We've tossed this term around "post-colonial", and now I want to get some grasp on it.

Postcolonialism, Nation and Gender
The fun part is I can read the Chinese parts too *grin* Really excited to find some things on Chinese in Malaysia (I'm one of them!)

Towards an Asian Theological Agenda for the 21st Century
It's good to read someone you're less familiar with ... another fellow Chinese but from Hong Kong!

Faith Without Foundations: Christian Epistemology and Apologetics after Modernity
I'm reading this just to keep up a little with this word "foundationalism" :-) post & non ...

Conference on World Mission and Evangelism (Athens 2005) Documents
oh no matter what I still land up drawn to two words that excites me, i.e. "Mission" and "Evanglism"

Signs amid the Rubble: The Purposes of God in Human History

As I was trying to get my study room organized (finally!), my eyes caught this thin book squeezed in between two other thicker ones. I don't recall ever finishing the book but I think I did glance through some pages. So, I decided to just jump to the back and read the late Bishop Newbigin's lectures which touched on "Gospel and Culture". After reading one, I realized I haven't signed the book yet and put my usual captions on every book I purchase ... I scribbled the following words ... "Newbigin never fails to nourish me.".

Consider the following paragraphs I used my marker to highlight (for a review check out, Witness to the Signs),for now let's hear Newbigin again.

" ... Christianity is what generations of us have made of the gospel, and we know we have often made a mess of it. We're not talking about religious experience either, because that also is a very ambivalent affair. We're talking about a factual statement. Namely, that at a certain point in history , the history of the world , God who is the author , the sustainer, the goal of all that exists, of all veing and all meaning and all truth, has become present in our human history as the man Jesus, whom we can know and whom we can love and serve, and that by His incarnation, His ministry, His death and resurrection, He has finally broken the powers and that oppress has created a space and a time in which we who are unholy can nevertheless live in fellowship with God who is holy." (p. 113)

"...if it is true that all authority is given to Jesus, and that He has thereby created a space and a time in which , in spite of the powers that seem to control us, we can obey Him, then to refrain from telling other people that this is so is not merely to betray the trust that has been given to us by our Lord, but it is also a collusion with the occupying power. It is colluding with that power which deceives human beings into believing that the final authority lies for example in the free market. And that is why it seems to be fundamental that we place at the center of our concern for mission the simple responsibility to tell the story. "(p. 114)

"I know that the responsibilities of politics and economics have to be taken with utter seriousness. Whatever else we do for people -- to come to know Jesus, to love Him, to serve Him, to honor Him, to obey Him -- that is the greatest thing we can do for anyone and it is the specific thing entrusted to us. It must be the center of our mission." (p. 115)

"If we accept the fact that the gospel is a factual story about what God has done, we have immediately to say that that story has to be told in a human language. And language is the very heart of culture. It is the key to culture. And therefore there is no gospel which is not already embodied in a culture." (p. 116)

"... whether we are talking about our own culture or about another one -- the crucial question is whether we tell the story, whether we continue to recount the mighty acts of God, whether we continue over and over and over again to read and reread and ponder the story of Jesus, because it is only the telling of the story that can change the meaning of the words we use and the concepts that we entertain." (p. 117)

"The Christian gospel ... affirms that the manisfestation of the sovereignity of God was made not in an overwhelming display of power but in the humiliation of the cross. Moreover, that atoning deed on the cross, which was in fact not defeat but victory, has been made known not as a great public demonstration, which would mean the end of human history, but as a secret communication to a very small company chosen to be witnesses, so that there could be a space and a time within which there is freedom, freedom to dissent, freedom to disbelieve, even freedom to blaspheme, so that there could be freedom for a freely given allegience, so that the rule of God, the kingdom of God, would not be a matter of coerced obedience, but freely given love and obedience, the obedience of loving children." (p. 118)

"... I plead that we stop arguing about whether or not other people are going to be saved. I do not believe that that is our business. I do not believe we have a mandate to settle those questions. We know from the teaching of Jesus that one thing is sure -- that at the end there will be surprises; that those who thought they were in will be out, and those who though they were out will be in. The Bible as a whole and the teaching of Jesus give to us both immensely universalistic visions of the all-embracing power of God to save and to heal, but also and especially in the teaching of Jesus very, very harshwarnings about the possibility of losing the way, about the possibility of being lost, about the broad and inclusive way that leads to destruction and the narrow way, the hard way, that leads to life." (p. 120)

"... What is the point of missions? And the answer I believe is quite simply is the glory of God. If God has done those things which we repeat in our creed, if God has so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, what is our response to that? Is it an argument about who is going to be saved? Surely not. It is thanksgiving. It is the question, how can I glorify God? How can I respond to that matchless gift? And mission is acting out that question." (p.120-121)

Posted by sivinkit at 09:45 PM | Comments (2)

Happy Full Moon ... Elysia!

We're so glad you came, Elysia ... the whole month of "orientation" has been quite an experience for Gareth (especially), Mummy and Papa ... :-)

Random Links 32

When Christians Quit Church
Interesting that Charisma Magazine finally is picking up this topic ... an interesting quote here (which I agree is also true in my personal conversations & observations with friends in Pentecostal & Charismatic churches in general):

"Jamieson also identified four main reasons why people leave a church--cultural preferences, personal factors such as broken relationships, disagreements over doctrine and changing stages in their faith development.

This last area, he says, is especially important in Pentecostal and charismatic churches, which "are very good at attracting younger people and introducing them to Christian faith and God, but not so good at helping them to work through normal later-faith development." "

Emergent Democracy
I remember reading this before "emergent" became a buzz word for us Christians ... well some of us :-) BTW, this is a very informative and insightful paper.

Brian Walsh: Selected Publications
More toilet reading? I found this Brian's articles a good read as well ... ok I admit I'm a knowledge junkie ... who requires more wisdom and thus more time for reflection which should lead to insights than just the mere acquisition of information!

emerging, emergent, and neo-evangelicalism
Maggi does it again!

Emergence
Interesting "The principle of emergence" graphic there and loads of info surrounding the term.

Christian Existential Humanism
stumbled on this from the previous link ... Facinating .. that so much effort has gone into this.

Constants in Context

Constants in Context: ways of perceiving culture in mission gives a glimpse of the contents in the book. I've found Steven Bevans' book Models of Contextual Theology to be very helpful - I tend to get linked through authors not just the topics. It's a personal thing :-)

Anway, building on some of the directions sparked by Mangoes and Bananas in my adventures in theology and missiology, I was also drawn to the desire to see how the "constants" and ""context" interact and inform each other. Previous ways of framing the question could be what's absolute? what's relative? What's unchanging? and what's changing? , etc. So, first of all I felt these two words (i.e. Constants & Context), help to take some emotional charged temptations aside (at least for now *grin*) and help me work through some of the issues. The "inner movement" for me personally is always, "ok? now what's next? how can we move forward?" (I'm indebted much to my teacher Rev. Dr. Hwa Yung for springing me free into this direction and recognizing the need to be aware of the presuppositions I'm working with ... the seeds of all this goes back to those classes in seminary and personal conversations).

This collaborative effort in this particular book is a rich resource - consider the opening words in p.7,

"One of the most important things Christians need to now about the church is that the church is not the ultimate importance. To say this is not to deny the church's divine origin or to believe one whit less of it that is "the people mad eone with the unity of the Father , Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (LG4). The church is indeed, the "universal sacrament of salvation" (LG 48; AG1), "imbued with the hidden presence of God." Nevertheless, the point of the church is not the church itself. The church's foundation and continued existence are not to provide refuge from a sinful world or to provide a warm and supportive community of lonely souls, or even less to be a plank of salvation on a tempestous sea that threatens damnation. The point of the church is rather to point beyond itself, to be a community that preaches, serves, and witnesses to the reign of God. In doing this the church shares in and continues, throught the power of God's Spirit, the work of its Lord, Jesus Christ. so completely does the church live for God's reign that, when finally is fully established, the church will be subsumed into is all-encompassing reality. "Only the Kingdom ... is absolute and it makes everything else relative" (EN 8.)

I'm freewheeling the idea of working on matters relating to church for my Masters programme - so here's some words that puts some perspective on the endeavour :-)

In my eavesdropping the emerging church (especially the UK, USA and a little bit with NZ and Australia) as well as emergent conversation there is sometimes the tendency to be drawn into the philosophically framed discussions on for example Foundationalism (which I think is an important and valid one) or sociologically framed discussions such as the changing cultural shifts and be tempted to miss out the possibilities that missiologically framed discussions could provide (which I think allows the conversation to widen including non-westen immediate concerns).

For me it's not either/or ... it;s definately both/and to sound little more cliche but it's mainly accepting different starting points while seeking to see how we're heading to the future working out how the Gospel touches our various contexts. And I think there is a climate in the present conversations for acceptance of a variety of starting points which I see as encouraging.

So for emergent malaysia as a network that opens up space for grassroot (i.e. local church) conversations and constructive work to emerge *grin* while connecting with others globally - fellow "reflective practioners". The accent is less on philosophical loaded catergories or terminology in the Malaysian context (though some of us would have fun doing it) but if what I sense is correct based on our last few conversations, it seems to have started more a more missiological starting point (I think that's what moves our hearts). Then again those of us seriously engaged in this effort know it's a fascinating webs of interactions between sociology, philosophy, theology, missiology, cultural anthropology, Biblical exegesis, etc isn't it?

It's a long journey ahead ... starts with small steps!

Mangoes or Bananas?

The subtitle is pretty attractive - The Quest for an Authentic Asian Christian Theology and reflects the genuine concern of my former Christian theology and Asian Theology lecturer, and also principal of the seminary I studied in, Rev. Dr. Hwa Yung (later he served as the Director of at Trinity Theological College, Singapore, and now Bishop of The Methodist Church in Malaysia). Of course, now after graduating from seminary, stumbling and fumbling in life and ministry as well as progressing/growing in learning and expanding minsitrial horizons I find myself at a place more able to interact with what he shared with us from a different angle.

I must say he was a passionate teacher and a sharp mind with a deep concern for "on the ground" ministry faced by pastors in the local churches. And I found working through his Doctoral thesis during the classes quite an experience, but of course, it was more then just intellectual engagement, there was friendship, mentoring of some sort, and heart talk on the church scene in Malaysia. This deep respect is unchanged.

A good review by Amos Yong can be found here, I think he pretty much captures what I've been hearing over and over in the classes I attended, :-).

... Hwa’s thesis is that a truly indigenous Asian Christian theology has yet to emerge insofar as previous Asian Christian theological contributions have been held captive by western presuppositions, concerns and methods.Thus, for example, he concurs with missiologists like Charles Kraft and anthropologists like Paul Hiebert that Enlightenment rationality has bequeathed to the contemporary mind what Hiebert calls the "flaw of the excluded middle": the arbitrary reduction of reality to two tiers—phenomenal and noumenal, to use Kantian language—that contemptuously dismisses or purposefully ignores the middle realm of spiritual and demonic beings. This has resulted in less than fully contextualized theologies that have only superficially engaged Asian cultures and mentalities which include ancestors and complex layers of cosmological spirits. Asian Christian theologies have therefore to date been more akin to bananas (Asian-yellow on the outside, but Western-white on the inside) than mangoes (the quintessential Asian fruit representing an authentic homegrown theological product).

... More adequate contextual Asian Christian theologies, Hwa suggests, must therefore be theologies of mission or missiological theologies. With this in mind, he develops four criteria by which to assess Asian Christian theologies: (A) their ability to address the diverse socio-political Asian contexts in which the Churches find themselves; (B) the empowerment they bring to the evangelistic and pastoral tasks of the Churches; (C) the means by which they facilitate the inculturation of the Gospel; and (D) their faithfulness to the Christian tradition."

My fellow seminary mate and now pastor use to tell me this book is where our teacher first states what he want to do, tells us what he thinks are inadequate in people's theology whether ecumenical or evangelical and then gives us some pointers ... and insome ways many of us went through some form of "deconstruction" (the stronger word) or at least "reconsideration" (to put it more mildly).

I was then happy that there was a place for the supernatural in his proposal, and
provided me with some language to stand pretty firm and try to interact with some Asian Theologians at a memorable workshop on reading the Bible organized by the ecumenical (and the what is seen as the more "liberal" influenced) Christian Conference of Asia There was a lot of necessary (I think!) critique ... enough to get me in a Rethinking mode ... but just when I felt we're into Construction mode ... it's time to graduate ... and we're plunged into the reality of ministry, until I suppose things started to crash for me and then I found myself in "reconstruction" not only theologically, but even spiritually and in ministry ... (that's another story)

Amongst Yong's critique .. I find these few to be intriguing and resonate with some thoughts I had, probably more at an unrefined intuitive level,

"Hwa expends much energy exposing the inadequacy of the western theological paradigm, based as it is on Enlightenment dualistic categories. His argument that Christian theology has yet to achieve emancipation from the West and genuine contextualization and inculturation in Asia, is surely successful. Yet, Hwa does not in turn suggest what kind of worldview would be superior for the emergence of a genuine Asian Christian theology."

This is exactly what I felt at some points of the classes, I'm not sure what are his views now (I should check) But we were all expecting him to write his constructive proposals for Theology and Ethics in days to come but now he's Bishop (so that's quite a different role). This of course, opened up my interest and openness to see try to understand the "postmodern", "premodern" or alternative worldviews (whatever that means) - at least, I was sensitized to my own worldview and what influences it.

If "dualism" is to be discarded, is "monism" now favored? Hwa never comes out and says that an Eastern worldview is to be preferred to that of the Enlightenment West. On the one hand, this may be what is implied by his suggestion that a fully contextualized Asian Christian theology must be presented and comprehensible in Asian categories. On the other hand, his treatment of theologians like Thomas, Song, and Koyama would seem to suggest that the Asian worldview is the object toward which inculturation is directed rather than the framework within which theologizing occurs. It would seem that Hwa advocates a "biblical" worldview. Does this refer to a Hebraic-Semitic, a classical-Hellenistic or an Eastern Orthodox paradigm? Hwa does discuss the classical worldview, and suggests that Asian Christian theologians would benefit from an encounter with the patristic fathers. But his reading of the fathers is itself dependent on westerners (E. L. Mascal and Thomas Oden; similarly, Hwa’s rejection of theological pluralism with regard to other religious traditions seems to rely on the work of Western evangelicals like Harold Netland). "

These are tough questions Yong poses and it does and has crossed my mind too ... but I suppose though Hwa doesn't come out and say what worldview ... I felt that in a sense we're all exploring what this worldview is ... the directions he pointed to definately was helpful to me ... I tried to read a little on the Desert Fathers for areas of spirituality, and then at elast have an awareness of the Patristic Fathers in terms of theology, I also founf myself being more willing to wrestle with issues related to other religions, pluralism, secularism and now globalization. But, what has happened is I found myself on a journey of exploration now. And trying to do all this while being a church planter (5 years ago) and now pastor of 50-60people at the same time interacting with youth and young adults. It has never been a purely intellectual exercise for me. Personally, I don't mind drawing from the work of westerners as a tentative or transitional process ... the fact is there's not much in Asia we can do yet because there's still a lot of work in progress ... so a kind of fluid interaction is still very useful We've got to start somewhere. At least, raising the questions and begin moving ...

"What does his own constructive proposal consist of? Perhaps if Hwa had included in his analysis and assessment Catholic thinkers like Raimundo Panikkar, Bede Griffiths, and Aloysius Pieris, or other Protestants like Stanley Samartha or those affiliated with the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA), he may have been forced to confront this question more straightforwardly. Rather than simply rejecting Panikkar’s and Samartha’s work as tainted with Advaita Vedantism, or dismissing Pieris for his recourse to Buddhist praxis and spirituality, or labeling ATESEA thinkers as Christian-Confucian syncretists—none of which he does, but which would be easy enough for any evangelical to do, Hwa would have had to more clearly identify and delimit options available to Christian theologians in arguing against these Asian-based theologies."

A constructive proposal was in progress (I suppose), constructive proposals are so needed in our part of the world. But whenever we move into constructive mode, there's always need for "space" to explore, converse, interact, even make some mistakes - hopefully not too bad that it'll hurt the church(?!). And constructive proposals must not stay at a theological level ... it has got to have a parrallel practical dimension - which I felt more from Rev. Dr. Hwa Yung in our personal interactions and conversations. More on some areas he pointed out tomorrow. This is becoming a long post. Anyway ... as I joked with a friend about the book, hey before Rowan Williams became the Archbishop of Canterbury he wrote an endorsement for the book ... cool! here's what he said,

"The contribution of Hwa Yung's excellent work is to suggest that we have as yet hardly seen the beginning of an authentic Christian theology for Asia. He shows with great clarity how both radical and conservative Asian theologians have so far failed to break out of western captivity and points the way to a fresh and powerful recovery of authentic Christianity in a genuinely Asian mode. This book is a hugely welcome contribution to a discussion on method in Asian theology, which is rapidly becoming more and more sophisticated and interesting." ~ Rowan Williams, Bishop of Monmouth

Random Thoughts on Tuesday 3.15pm

It's been sometime since I've listened to Brian McLaren speak and it's still good and helpful. It's nice to see him in action at his local church where he's pastor. These Talks Online has a range to listen to.

I hope to do more disciplined or focused blogs in the next couple of days or maybe a month. Maybe a series on how I connected with Emergent and the Global Emerging Church conversation

I really feel like posting up a number of books that's been revolving in my mind. But I'm pretty excited to especially interact with Constants in context

Last sunday is a significant Sunday for us as a church and me personally. I need to pause and allow God to take me deeper to grasp the significance in this.

Oh yeah ... there's still at least 3 things I need to settle at a denominational level which i hope to settle by tomorrow! No more delay!

Making my return to Toastmasters Bangsar tonight ... it's important for me to reconnect with my unchurched friends.

Random Thoughts on Monday noon

I'm pretty excited to learn how to maximize the performance of the notebook (or as a friend put it "blogging machine" - I use it more than just for that!). Less pretty looking in appearance, but I can live with that!

Elysia is "pacifier"-trained :-) We feel a little bad but we need to survive!

Gareth is doing so much better these days. I enjoyed a great time with him yesterday afternoon introducing him Mr. Men (I loved these guys when I was a kid in the UK)

wow! yesterday, I was having a headache sitting through an evening special service. Loads of thoughts about ministry, relating to the more English-speaking as well as Chinese-speaking cultures even within out Lutheran denomination, the balance between intellect and practical reflections, etc. and much more. I was zonked out after that!

I was pretty touched with reading the substantial amount of coverage in the Sunday evening Chinese paper and English NST paper today on Pope John Paul II.

Lunch time better go! quite happy with the performance of the notebook thus far ...

Random Links 31

Pope John Paul II
we mourn with those who mourn ... from what little I've read about this Pope I have great respect for him.

Joan Bakewell talks with Bishop Tom Wright
Topics are ... a little personal stuff, virgin birth, the bodily resurrection, historical jesus, Paul, beign a political priest, homosexual clergy, etc.

The Future of Postliberal Theology
may be a little dated but still it was an informative read (while Gareth was doing his toilet business!)

Post-missionaries
way to go Karen and the Apostles Church, Seattle, USA!

Hans W. Frei - Unpublished Pieces

So if this is the man who coined the phrase "generous orthodoxy" originally, it will be interesting to read him first hand isn't it. I'll be checking this out these Transcripts from the Yale Divinity School archive when I'm free - hmm.... which is I don't know when :-)

Theology News & Notes

Nice of Fuller Theological Seminary to make these issues available online. I know at least one person who's finishing his Doctor of Ministry with them (all the best mate in the final writing!)

Anyway, I'm checking these out ...

Theology News & Notes, Fall 2004 - The challenge of Evangelism in the 21st Century

Theology News & Notes, Winter 2005 -Theology of Religions

when I have time I'll check the other issues. Good intro to many matters of concern.

Template of Questions

From Tony Jones via Chris Scharen

miroslav's template of questions:

god.
who is god.
what is god doing in the world.
how is god achieving this.

us.
who are we.
where are we going.
how are we supposed to get there.

connecting the two.
what should we ultimately trust.
how should we order our trusts, provisional and ultimate.

Random Links 31

Internet Evangelism for the 21st Century (speaker resources)
download away!

Odyssey on "Missional Leadership"
I'll need to sit down and slowly digest the feast offered here on Monday. I think it's time to pause and not just do fast reading in the toilet or in the car. I love what they two wise sages "marinate" for us! One of the best collaborations I've seen thus far on anything "missional"

People vs. Programs
good seminary student quote here, "A church culture that is people-focused ought to precede a structure that is people-focused. If we create an environment where people are free to love each other, to serve each other, to pray with each other, etc. we can put more emphasis on people rather than into programs. "

The Birthday of BLC

April 1, 2000 ... that's when Bangsar Lutheran Church was born (or re-born).

wow! how time flies! Thank you Lord ... it's been quite a journey. We're still learning what it means to be pilgrims on a journey on a narrow road. We're still grasping the challenges and opportunities as pioneers in some way. We're trusting the Spirit to graciously lead us as a people of God here and now with a view of the future.

As I began reading Constants in Context: A Theology of Mission for Today tonight. The following words leap out on p.10,

"Even though the word church is used to designate the community in Acts occassionally (for example, 5:11; 8:1,4; 9:31), our contention is that the disciples really do not fully recognize themselves as church -- as separate reality from Judaism -- until they recognize that they are called to mission that has as its scope "the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:9). In a real sense , then Pentecost was not, contrary to what is usually said, "the birthday of the church"; rather the church is born only as the disciples of Jesus gradually and painfully realize that they are called beyond themselves to all peoples until (in Paul's formulation) the "full number of the Gentiles entet in" (Rom. 11:25)"

After "jumping first" and "fearing later" the past five years, somehow the words above really resonate with me ... at least that's where I am now. Indeed, how gradually and painfully the truth of allowing the "beyond ourselves" bit really take root in my life. It does put BLC's birthday today in Biblical perspective for which I think is needful and I'm grateful.