Sivin Kit's Garden

Notes after Three I.Howard Marshall Lectures!

I arrived late for the lecture series by Prof. I. Howard Marshall on the "Aspects of Atonement" at Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (Malaysian Theological Seminary - which please should redesign their website for Firefox users like me!).

I managed to google one of the papers he presented today which I think is based on The theology of the Atonement (pdf) (I just found this fascinating Anabaptist Network feedback to the paper)

I must admit it was quite a challenge to follow the lectures more because of the style of presentation (which was clear but a lot of propositions). Thanks to wireless in the seminary :-) I could interact with the concepts presented by some surfing, and then multi-tasked by catching up with some important emails at the back of the hall.

I have little to comment on the lectures ... apart from I sensed an attempt to provide a more nuanced presentation of the "penal subsitutionary" theory of atonement for the first lecture. Later there was talk about Resurrection and Reconciliation. My German pastor friend appreciated Prof. Marshall's scholarship

Some pleasant suprises came along today. Like bumping into a number of familar faces and new friends. One or two (and more I think) significant conversations. Of course, the special lunch by Rev. Ting Moy Hong was good ... Sherman guided us to the special venue. And I went on about not knowing where to go and trusting the one guiding me (trying hard to be spiritual before Ash wednesday huh). I wonder how a new friend Danny thought about this strange theologian (refering to Sherman) and this odd pastor (that's me!) And then the lunch ... Curry Fish Head was the center of attraction and I was delighted y my personal order for Garlic Naan.

I had some interesting post-lecture conversations with a former seminary lecturer and a current one over some curry puffs and tea (which I didn't take photos). Our topics ran all over the plac and shot into all sorts of tangents. I enjoyed it.

Overall it was a pleasant day ... and I guess, it was a special bonus to manage to do the stuff beyond the just sitting and listening to the lectures. I'm not refering to the food!

Random Links 85

Like the Wideness of the Sea?
This is a must read for not just the issue of divorce but also homosexuality.

Essential culture for theologian
Perhaps Sherman, you could come out with one for us here in Malaysia? Asia?

Remarks at a reception to mark the inaugural meeting of the Christian-Muslim Forum (via Aporia Falls)
When Archbishop Rowan Williams quotes Brian Mclaren this makes an interesting read.

Jesus and Homosexuality
Jordon Cooper gives us the compilation from Scot McKnight which I should spend some time reading at some point.

Random Thoughts at 3:26PM

I survived last week! Thanks to the Pantocrator (Greek "Παντοκρατορ") literally means "Lord (or master) of Everything (the universe)"! It was a great chance to introduce this amazing Eastern Orthodox Icon linking it to the text I used for the message yesterday, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6.

" If the Good News we preach is veiled from anyone, it is a sign that they are perishing. Satan, the god of this evil world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don't understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

We don't go around preaching about ourselves; we preach Christ Jesus, the Lord. All we say about ourselves is that we are your servants because of what Jesus has done for us. For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made us understand that this light is the brightness of the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

Suddenly I'm wondering how to slip back into my normal routine. Wait! There's no normal routine for another two weeks! :-)

Looking forward to lead/facilitate our first Ash Wednesday Service in BLC based on this liturgy : Fire and Ashes. I don't think I can manage everything but I'll try something :-)

I hope to slowly settle into a mode where I can walk through this Lent season with a heart and mind open to the work of the Spirit in my own formation. I feel that increasingly the demand on me from others or mostly from myself is more and more challenging. It's important to "center".

Didn't blog much last week or post comments. That's ok.

Last night's wedding dinner was interesting. I was refreshed mentally after spending some time with people whom would be considered "unchurched". I found it helpful just to be in touch with them. It's easy to forget what's it is like or what do they think. Quite a number of interesting moments there. The food was ok, the state of the art video camera set up was impressive. The conversations was what I treasured. Yes, one more thing. We do live in a small world.

I was tickled by the idea that I wrote "mediations" for "meditations" in the Lent Meditation Preface I and a group of friends were contributing in :-)

This morning didn't start very well as I slightly "bumped" into someone's car. Perhaps I was tired or plain careless. The man was just standing there but he wasn't nasty and I arranged for someone to repair the damage. It's just I hate "spending" money to for these unnecessary errors.

It's strange whenever you want to have a good day, you might end up starting lousy.

It was nice to just stay a little longer and see how Gareth sits obediently while his teacher is teaching in school. I'm pround of my son. I'll be off to pick up Elysia in 30minutes time, she will be turning One next week March 8 on International Woman's Day- "International Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men." wow! Indeed, Elysia is learning to stand up even now :-)

Random Thoughts before I go

It's wonderful to see Rev. Dr. Richard A. Jensen again and this time with his wife Rev. Dr. Bonnie Jensen. His classes on preaching a number of years ago before my ordination I think, and the three books he gave me (which he was the author) really helped me along the way. Most of all I enjoyed the conversations we had especially when I was driving him around in a van I borrowed from another congregation. Of course, it's was more than his vast experience and knowledge that impacted me, it was also his character, "wonder"-full posture towards learning and exploring, and a genuine generous orthodoxy that encouraged me tremendously.

I've been blogging very little for my standards the last week. It's really a "busy" season even though I try to be an "unbusy" pastor. I suppose it's a mixture of many factors how things got stacked up but then again. I'd like to see it as a season not as a permanent feature.

I'm in awe of God's grace at work the last one week. With devotionals written, prayer guides done, catechism material sourced, Sunday message work in progress, supporting another through crisis, juggling the family responsibilities, .... the list goes on. I'm no super human, I'm most surely one fragile man amazed by God's grace which empowers indeed in moments when I'm most in need.

time is flying... I need to go. A delightful "present" today is the opportunity to see Jason Clark's Dmin Dissertation which will surely be part of my reading during Lent :-)

I'm looking forward to a simple Ash Wednesday service at BLC 8pm, which will be our first.

Elysia's "Papa" calling is improving day by day. May Chin has been wonderful in shouldering an extra load during my "crammed" schedule this week. Hers is no less "crammed". Thank God for our parents.

So the theme for this morning is finalization ... and hopefully I can operate the video cam properly this afternoon and the Mp3 player/recorder. I'm still in need for much help :-) Nice to have John Cheah assisting in some administrative details for the preaching classes. He's a God-sent "angel" :-)

Random Thoughts Returns ...

I really found this temporary work space I have (in the picture above) to be pretty inspirational the last two days ... perhaps it's the new surroundings, perhaps it's the air-con (which works better than the one in the thinking room), perhaps it's just being in our worship hall which we call the Living room and there's an aliveness there, perhaps being in this environment connects me more with God's presence.

I'm happy to finish my assigned readings for the Lent Meditations. I went for simplicity and honesty. Of course, being a creative person it leaked out into the way I wrote these short devotionals. I pray that those who use it will find help.

I'm also glad to have finished the BLC prayer guide with pictures and all. Sent it for printing, so looking forward to the final photostat copies. It took quite a but of work ... thanks to Moh Foong for typing a big chunk of it. I think the value of the guide would actually be practicing the prayer exercises and enabling that practice without unrealistic pressure to open space for an "encounter" with God. Pray for that to happen.

Then I'm also telling myself. These past days and in this week plus next week and the other one. Three in a row will be a strange way to enter the season of LENT. i.e. Busyness. :-P

Nice to see the renovations coming to some closure. The carpet cleaners are coming tomorrow. And we'll be fresh and ready for a weekend of seminars and worship gathering.

Walked into two Christian book stores today for a little while. Interesting contrast. One had a whole row of commentaries and Bible tools. The other only two shelves the most. One is owned by one whom would be aligned with the Malaysian Charismatic movement I think. The other would be closer to the Evangelical wing. Hmmm ... made me think of the other Christian bookstores we have. I've got a favorite which is linked to student ministries because of the bid range of indepth theological, biblical stuff they have with good prices. I go for another one which is linked to our denomination in some way because they give me 20% discount. Then when I can't find stuff there I'll go to the secular bookstores. Sometimes I find surprises there.

had some good reading lately. Some heavy stuff on "postfoundationalism". some more pastoral stuff on being a "Good Shepherd". Lots of scripture because of the Lent mediations. Some on prayer because of the BLC prayer guide.

Cleaned the fan for mom today. Which was a little funny.

Nice to hear Elysia calling me "Papa" with a variety of tones.

Gareth and I are setting mini goals daily to arrive at school earlier.

Interesting conversation with the landlord today. From Rick Warren to Billy Graham to Norman Vincent Peale. Then there were stuff on miracles, on the Holy Spirit, on the temple next to his house, etc.

Miss a good swim alone.

Still got lots of unfinished work. Trust that I will be energized the moment I step into my temporary work space (which might become more permanent?)

Searching the Scriptures

*this is one of my favorite pictures of Elysia lately and I think her new Godpa agrees too!*

I love this quote by Martin Luther and it has helped me a lot in terms of reading the Scriptures and encountering Christ in the process, Luther's famous words are ... "The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid"

I think Christ himself puts it right before us with these words ...
"You search the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!" ~ John 5:39 (NLT)

As I'm completing a series of mediations for Lent, in spite of some unforeseen circumstance that has made the writing more challenging. Meditating on the assigned passages and allowing Christ to speak through them to me first and foremost before I attempt to connect with other concerns or the wider community is thoroughly nourishing. But more than that, it's where I encounter Christ in ways that are beyond pre-packaged ideas and fancy opinions I may have or imposed/influencd on me (mostly people with utmost sincerity, some maybe misled but that's another issue or may be a bit of both.) Of course, there are those who have helped instorduce and instill important "foundations" built into my walk thus far that I think helps me to appreciate Luther's quote above and what Christ is saying about the witness of the Scriptures. I'll have a chance to host one of them these two weeks. For them I am thankful.

I pray that May Chin and I (with the support of the greater Christian family .. from Godparents to the church local & global) will play our part as best as we can to nurture our kids in their interaction with the Scriptures - get in touch with God's story within and thus encounter Christ too.

Elysia's Baptism!

"People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." ~ Luke 18:15-17 (The Message)

Yesterday February 19 Sunday was Elysia's baptism (interesting to note from the ELCA lectionary on February 18, we commorate Martin Luther, renewer of the church, 1546) ... it was nice to have our new Bishop Philip Lok come and conduct the baptism (thanks to my friend Scot for the beautiful pictures!). He spoke from the OT passage for the day Isaiah 43:18-25,
"Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland. ..."

May Chin and I & Gareth are delighted that Elysia has two wonderful Godparents one who has been May Chin's friend since primary school days Wai Mun (we've also been together during our student fellowship days so that's a long time) and another one Chin Hor who became a Christian and got baptised in BLC a number of years back. I just noticed last night ... that both their surnames are "Wong" :-)

For me (who was baptised as an infant and made my return to the faith as a teenager, May Chin was baptised when she was a teenager), I'm amazed by God's grace upon my life these years and am assured that He truly holds Elysia in His hands and will continue to do so. I know Christians have been "divided" in their understanding of "infant baptism" and the biblical, historical, and theological discussion can be complicated and there's a place for each person and church to work through these matters. For me, the baptism of Elysia is not only a powerful picture of God's choosing of her, and including her into his presence & purposes, it's also receiving her into the community of faith past, present and future and commissioning us as a family and church to nurture our children to walk with us in/with Christ starting now ... As parents and a pastor, I find these words from the last century an important challenge (of course, the language is less inclusive - I'll read the "he" with a "she" in mind as well *smile*).

"What is the true idea of Christian education?-I answer in the following proposition, which it will be the aim of my argument to establish, viz: That the child is to grow up a Christian, and never know himself as being otherwise. In other words, the aim, effort, and expectation should be, not, as is commonly assumed, that the child is to grow up in sin, to be converted after he comes to a mature age; but that he is to open on the world as one that is spiritually renewed, not remembering the time when he went through a technical experience, but seeming rather to have loved what is good from his earliest years. " ~ Horace Bushnell, Christian Nurture, 1876

National Chip Week

Thanks Maggi for introducing this to me!

I like what she said, "Fish and Chips are among the healthiest forms of fast food you can find. Less fat, and way less salt than a pizza." Check here and be free!

Emergent Box of Chocolates

emeRging::conneXion
wow ... a site dedicated to "aggregating global conversations on the emerging church"

The Future or Fad? : A Look at the Emerging Church Movement (pdf)
It's good to see the final edition of Scot's sympathetic and careful piece.

Resonances with the Emerging Church
Two paragraphs that stand out for me:

"... my participation through the years in the evangelical church had left me with the impression that it was believed we pretty much had all of our theological i's dotted and doctrinal t's crossed. But in more recent years, I've come to the conclusion that my personal theology is generally an outline and not an exhaustive encyclopedia. There are known items in the outline but there's much that's not filled in.

... I've come to believe that spiritual change only occurs in the context of relationship - either vertically with God or horizontally with others or - perhaps usually - both. This is not, of course, an apropositional context, but it is a transpropositional context. There is something conveyed in a hug, a shared meal, the sharing of service experiences, the presence of another, that is not entirely capturable by lexical symbols. This, of course, has large implications on question of praxis, leadership development, and spiritual formation."

Seven Habits of Successful Emerging Discussions
I'll pick two paragraphs again to highlight:

"... in spite of his readership and influence, try not to equate Brian McLaren’s nonfiction and fiction with exactly what he believes and exactly what that is, is exactly what everyone, young and old, far and wide, here and there, who considers himself or herself connected to the emerging movement or emergent believes exactly. This is unfair to Brian and to everyone else.

... please do not assume that everyone, everyone, everyone in emerging circles is postmodernist in epistemology, or assume that all postmodernists deny truth completely, or assume that postmodernists deny all metanarratives, or assume that metanarratives include the gospel, or just keep saying that emerging folk deny absolute truth. This in spite of many, many, many who have said over and over that none of this is accurate."

emergent does not equal postmodern
Interesting two paragraphs:

"... the term 'emergent' is in no way synonymous with 'postmodern.' emergent is a spirit, and (more specifically) that spirit embodied in conversation(s). it's a new (or at least re-embodied) idea that longs for a church that is emerging, not stagnant; for a church that embodies the gospel and lives into the kingdom in fresh ways as culture changes and as new challenges present themselves. the spirit of the movement calls us to grasp our own culture lightly, that it not become an idol as we seek to perpetuate it at all costs.

... if postmodernity is not something that you feel you are dealing with, leave it alone. it's emergence has little to do with you. don't feel like you need to be doing what pastors and christians in the states are doing. do the things that you must do. emerge where you are."

A pre-trip interview with Brian McLaren
now this is from South Africa ... so it's getting exciting now.

"... I am always glad to be in settings where people are less polarized, more open, and committed to being more diligent to preserve the unity of the Holy Spirit in the bond of peace.

... Christians in the West need to hear the stories of "integral mission" that are emerging from the global south. They need to see how the formerly colonized are making Christian faith their own and are dropping some of the Western trappings - most notably, the Western dualism between "spiritual" on one side and "almost everything else" on the other - sociological, justice, peace, psychological, economic and related issues.

... A lot of conversation about theology, ministry, and mission is taking place through blogs, and it makes global conversation instantaneously possible.

... the first few people who became my mentors introduced me to spiritual disciplines or practices - from "practicing God's presence" to keeping a prayer journal to spiritual direction/friendship to tithing to solitude and silence. These practices have sustained me and are part of my life every day, helping me make room for the Holy Spirit in my heart and helping me, to use Jesus' beautiful image, be like a branch which abides in the Vine. As Jesus said, apart from that connection, we can do nothing. But with God's empowerment, all things are possible."

Happy Valentine's Day ... dear :-)

Happy Valentine's Day ... Dear
(this is a special post for May Chin whom if I recall correctly some one I met when I was 9 years old:-) Started kind of as a couple around 18. Thus dated for 10years before we got married!)

Thank you for sticking with me all these years. Accepting me as I am and believing I can become better than I am now.

It's been quite a long journey, both of us know there's still a long distance to go.

Thanks for saying "Yes!" and "I will" on that eventful day ... and continuing the "yes" and "I will" every day.

Thank you so much for keeping me in touch with matters of eternal significance whether it's our family and our relationship as husband and wife..

Looks like there are more adventures ahead. Thanks for not just sticking with me on this "journey" but also running the right "race" together with me.

I am indeed grateful to God for blessing me with you. I pray that I can be a blessing to you too.

Fearless

After reading A Kung Fu Swan Song, I decided last minute today to give this movie a try. I heard some comments here and there, but I have never really been a Jet Li fan (I'm impressed with his website though!). I think he's got fantastic moves and is definately the REAL thing when it comes to Kung Fu. But when it comes to acting, it depends on the movie and is less consistent.

Fearless was much better than I expected. I didn't go with much expectation ... and this is in the context of not going to the movies for at least 2 months since Chicken Little. But perhaps it's because of what's on my mind lately that I was actually moved emotionally and intellectually at some points. In short, I didn't just leave the movie appreciating some intense and excellently choreographed fight scenes. There was a story and insights that followed me back One thing for sure, to me it wasn't to glorify the violence of Kung fu (or Wushu) which could have been the case, and I appreciated that there was more thought in the portrayal of some of the characters (so it wasn't over simplistic that one nationality is painted a bad guy while another is the pure good guy.

I guess I liked the movie because I noticed and "felt" themes of honor, repentance, redemption, the bigger than personal vision, sacrifice, forgiveness, reconciliation, etc. so there were moments of connection.

Random Thoughts after Chap Goh Mei

wow the Chinese New year celebrations went by very fast. we didn't have anything special last night. Oh ... maybe we did .. the dinner was good and it's great to see Gareth enjoy his pasta and Elysia munching her garlic bread. We had some fun getting some groceries too ... May Chin was busy getting stuff while I has taking the kids on a ride all over the place on the trolley! I enjoyed that.

I've been thinking a lot about how I'm getting more and more in touch with and drawn to themes revolving around Gracious Christianity (I hope I can get the book) lately and what that looks like. Then there's the ongoing wrestling on how a Generous Orthodoxy looks like in my life, ministry and context.

I also wonder how I could do an apostle Paul thing humbly presenting these insights and practices above in a "Follow me as I follow Christ" kind of way. My own "Christian journey" has been nourished thus far by these musins but I question at times whether other Christians are interested at all in these matters. Sure it's a some yes others no scenario. But then I'd ask what then are they interested in or is it a don't bother and get on with life as it is lah. Or just tweak what ever we're used to.

Seeds of distrust is such a dangerous thing. Broken trust is so hard to repair. perhaps I shouldn't say impossible but it's difficult.

Do people decide how they relate to you or give respect ... based on age, skin colour, perceived experience, gender, etc? or is it just plain prejudice or pride?

Glad I managed to put Elysia to sleep ... got some time to blog :-P

It's rare to have good friends these days ... it's rare to have a "safe place" where one can be themselves without such vulnerability being "used" for even so called personally perceived "noble" end. Good friends are indeed a treasure ... and every single one counts.

Going in circles is tiring.

these thoughts are REALLY getting more and more random right now.

I read a funny conversation between a Dad and his son. I laughed out loud while carrying my daughter.

On second thoughts, the family outing last night though simple - just a dinner and some shopping was very special. Re-calling it more is energizing me.

This morning didn't turn out the way I would have wanted it. so, another adjustment. But there's so much that hasn't turned out the way I would have wanted it. Some discourages and drains, but there will be always pleasant suprises.

I was thinking about what if I "remained" the same I was 5 years ago, or 10 years ago would I even be typing all the above seemingly incoherent ramblings. or would I probably sweep stuff under the carpet and throw myself in to busyness and activity.

I need to read more Bonhoeffer this season.

I have to start reading my Newbigin readin today.

Oh yes ... I do feel drawn back to spend time in the Scriptures. A little bit of "silence" will help. Centering ... hmm, how does one do that with Kids running about and perhaps needing attention? Ok ... the monks didn't have kids in the monastry but what was their distractions? Maybe Luther migh have a different model that might work better for me?

Come to think of it .... right now, while Elysia is sleeping, there's a little silence, I'm blogging ... it's precious. And I think I'm praying too.

More from Emergent Theological Conversation 2006

volf-ing emergent, emerging volf (part three)
Loads of gems here ... I'm looking forward for the podcasts! Check out the following notes:
"... surely one of the most controversial and dramatic moments was on the second day when mirosalv went off a bit, sounding like john in revelation, critiquing christians for being lukewarm and indifferent to the treasure of faith and relationship with god. he thinks too many christians are lousy embracers, and he finds the indifference of believers towards god more troubling than atheists who are angry with god and thus deny god but in the process are passionately engaged with god. he said one can learn this from neitzche here, but also average people who have dismissed the church and reject god via complaint and lament.

... towards the end in a passionate plea miroslav distinguished between the church and the gospel in what amounts to a riff on paul in 2 corinthians 4:7. he said more or less that he is saved by grace, by the power of the gospel, and not by the church, even if it was through the broken vessel of the church that the gospel came to him. the church, therefore, is never ultimate. it deserves our energy and commitment not for its own sake, for the priority is on god; rather, there is a priority of the gospel over the church. this is not meant as an encouragement of individualistic spirituality shorn from the discipline of community nor is it meant to offer license to trash-talk the church. it is simply and clearly a marker of priority, of which comes first."

miroslav volf, part 1
miroslav volf, part 2
Another set of helpful notes. Some sentences that stood out for me.
"... Volf argued, especially in light of our current world circumstance, we need to make space for the "muslim other".
He cautioned that this "making space" should not be some sentimental, "we're the same" dreck that seems to permeate so much of the "official dialogue" in religious circles. We need to embrace, but not fake it when it comes to real disagreement.
He spoke of how through the eyes of a Muslim, he can re-discover and enrich his own understanding of God's holiness, how God is categorically other/different and awe-inspiring. To hear from a Muslim as Volf reads the Bible, he claimed an enlightening of his own convictions and faith. (note: not a changing or a modifying, but an enlightening of HIS OWN CONVICTIONS). He mentioned a need for a hermeneutic of charity that authentically deals with our own texts and gently articulates differences.

... People want certainty, not nuance and openness.
(but we need to retain our humility)
Volf was asked how do we balance epistemic humility with confidence in God?
We celebrate the story, not the commentators. We radically trust in the revelation of God in Jesus. We must remember that the primary purpose of preaching is proclamation of the work of God, as opposed to highly technical teaching that can find a home in the Sunday School class."

Lots to chew on .. much that's worth chewing on.

Bad Prayer or Beautiful Prayer

*note: I love this picture that Gareth painted a while ago... I saw him work on it. It was amazing. Later it transformed into a special birthday gift for his Grandfather - "Gong gong"*

"God is big enough to handle all the mixture in our lives, and he will purify the motives. And, if God doesn't hear the prayer of the sinner, we're in trouble, aren't we? No, God hears. There is a sense in which it's like a little child that can never draw a bad picture. A child of God can't utter a bad prayer. We come with our ego-centered, greed-motivated prayers, and God looks at that and says, "That's my child. That's my child who has chosen to be with me. It's a beautiful prayer."

Now, God will not leave us there, but he receives us there. God works with us -- enters the relationship; we're building a history with him. That's how the motive, that's how the problem of sin, that's how all those things begin to be dealt with in time. We just come as we are. You know that old song, Just As I Am. Well, that's the way it is. We're not only saved by grace, we live by grace, and we pray by grace. God loves us so much that he receives us just as we are, and he loves us so much that he won't leave us where we are. " ~ Richard J. Foster in Hearing The Heartbeat of God

Michael Hedges - Face Yourself

Emergent Theological Conversation 2006

Emergent Theological Conversation, 2006
great pictures by James Mills and he gives a list of Conversation bloggers… and More conversation bloggers… and his on notes on the event on his blog!

Emergent Theological Conversation - Miroslav Volf Day I
Emergent Theological Conversation - Miroslav Volf Day II
My friend Jason offers some notes here.

volf-ing emergent, emerging volf (part one)
volfing emergent, emerging volf (part two)
Can't wait for part three ...notes that leaped out for me
"... primary research and theological systems are of some use, and one needs to think about how various commitments regarding one doctrine (say, one's view of christology) impacts the others (say, one's view of ecclesiology) and so on. but if theology is not also and primarily an integrated whole and grounded in practices that make up a way of life, then it misses its most important purpose. to make his point, he quoted his mentor, jurgen moltmann, who says "theology has become marginalized because theologians are afraid to deal with the difficulties of real life."

... the issue of epistemic humility is intimately tied to the question of embrace and it amounts to the challenge of acting while nonetheless holding an openness to the possiblity that we are wrong. to have such a view, for mv, simply means having an appropriate view of humanity. we are not absolue, and our horizon is limited. thus we cannot fully know and defend without a doubt my view of what right belief and action should be. how then can i act with confidence? in a marvelous moment (one among a handful of times this happened), mv's love of martin luther showed itself. he said quite simply that our confidence comes not from our conviction but from our faith, not from our holding truth but because of our being held by truth. at this point he quoted luther's heidelberg disputation #28: "the love of god does not find, but creates, that which is pleasing to it. the love of [hu]man[ity] comes into being through that which is please to it."

ETC Day 3 Pix
ETC — A Day Two Real Post
ETC Day 2
Diversity in the Emerging Church Session
ETC: Monday Evening Wrap Up
Thanks to Jay for the pictures and notes.

In short ... I wish i was there :-) I admit it's a little far. Perhaps some day ...

Random Thoughts after a good bath

Workin on and tweaking my new Second Thoughts site has been quite a learning experience. I chose green mainly because it's May Chin's favorite colour!

When I'm trying to help re-frame a question or issues at hand I struggle to convey that I'm not saying the original question is stupid or not worthy to be asked. I'm merely trying to say, "perhaps we could and should see it another way to move forward?"

I'm honored to be one of the person another has chosen to come to during the crossroads of his life. It's a gift.

I'm really excited and find myself increasingly focusing more as I read up for my MTheol Program. I may have "lost" one potentil supervisor for one module but gained another one for another module. That's just part of the process huh?

There's still quite a lot on my plate ... I hope to one by one handle them this week. Lots of energy, discipline, thinking, reflecting, writing, doing required. Lots of help needed from others too.

Gareth said something tonite that caught me by surprise.

I think I overfed Elysia some biscuits that brought some needed wrath from May Chin. Opps ...

Miss journaling ... I want to and need to return to the practice.

It's really hot these past few days. I feel baked tonight. Thank God and thank the humans who invented the air-con.

Did Cornel West really act in one of the Matrix movies? I really would like to find out. BTW, I've missed lots and lots of movies since December 2005. (I found out from here Cornel West indeed appeared as Councillor West in the science fiction films Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions, and recorded commentaries on philosophy for all three films in the Matrix trilogy for their DVD release, along with Ken Wilber.) Wow! Now I'm looking for the DVDs.

There are a few DVDs on my mind I'd like to own. Hmmm ...

Second Thoughts

I had this idea of writing and organizing some of my Second Thoughts for quite some time dating from entries here. This blog has always been more of my random experiments and expressions, as well as first impulses and impressions, occassional insights and reflections. So, I finally decided to start ...

Sivin Kit's Second Thoughts

The Worst Illusion

“The worst illusion to which the theologian can fall prey is imaginary certainty.”

—Gerhard Ebeling, The Study of Theology (London: Collins, 1979), p. 131. (via Bill Myers)

Emergent Ang Pow

Unbundling Christianity: An Attempt to Define the Emerging Church
a more US-centric view, that's ok. :-)

What I Mean When I Say "Emerging-Missional" Church
a wider perspective from the tall man!

Amahoro
Now if we could really get this global conversation going then it's going to be REALLY exciting ... I hope to play some part in that. Or maybe I'm already doing something ... well, trying is the better description.

Emergent Malaysia
ok finally I'll try with the help of many others to get this site going properly. Nothing much yet .. but next week, check again! This is a genuinely local attempt ...

eMo 2006.1: Learn, Question, Pray, Hide

This is a very delayed report of the recent emergent Malaysia open meeting. Mine is is work in progress but thanks to Alwyn who's been pretty good being the first one putting up stuff on his blog. I decided (with some minor editing - more of corrections on names and info). There's a lot I took down and we're in the midst of compiling the scribblings from others groups and try to put it into some coherent form :-) or picture :-P For now, enjoy AL's post.

Thursday, February 02, 2006 Learn, Question, Pray, Hide

Tree. Petrol station. Mid-Wife. Jesus as the Question. Jesus as Provocateur.

The first Emergent Malaysia Open (EMO) meeting of 2006 was filled with cute, enduring metaphors for Emergent. Participants shared how they were more than cosy with the (sexy) ambiguity of the network i.e. how it might be less helpful to fully define and formalise it. Kinda reminds me of prayer gatherings where maybe a 'structure' (I start, you end) unnecessarily complicates things and stifles spontaneity and flow.

Sherman insightfully suggested that Emergent is the kind of group whose value is felt in a trickle-down manner, whose life-changing impact might never be credited to itself. The spring performs its quiet drip-drip-drip magic on the rock which, after some time, erodes, breaks off and gives birth to new landforms. Kia Meng compared Emergent to a mid-wife, undeniably the pivotal part of the childbirth process. Everybody remembers mother and baby - nobody remembers the mid-wife (except God, remarked Pastor Luke, *smile*). John, perhaps with CNY traffic in mind, personified Emergent as a petrol station: a refreshing stop to get fuel, take a leak, have a drink, stretch one's legs, and from which one leaves reanimated (both man and machine) for the continuing journey.

Emergent shall be glad to serve in hiddenness.

John, his second time at an Emergent meeting, also shared a vision of a tree, spreading its branches to give shade and fruit, its roots to bind-up the soil and nourish itself. (I can't recall if he said all of this, but the Geog teacher in me is firmly in charge here...)

Speaking of nourishment, it was also reiterated that Emergent must be a learning network where the instruction, insights and inspiration are multi-directional.

Jack Said brought out the theological goodies, suggesting that Emergent aided the sanctification process via observation, learning and experience. Sanctification is the Jesus way of saying "self-improvement" - began, continued and perfected by a more powerful Self other than self.

There was a sweet reminder from Vicky (a Korean student at STM, worshipping at BLC) that, whatever happens, Emergent has to be a network in which its participants pray for each other, for the places in the community most in pain (I recall Yew Khuen sharing about this at the previous meeting, how we have to be most giving, most caring, most sacrificial, most humble in the most needy and pain-filled spheres of life).

Prayer. Nobody needs attend a course to begin, yet which defies rational explication. There is no absolutely 'correct' or 'right' way to do it. Yet not to do it is like a spouse not talking to you, like a network with no terminals, like a hotline never called, or hands unused. Explain to the satisfaction of everyone its impact and effects - if you've got eternity to spare. But the lack of an explanation won't alter the fact that billions have gotten on their knees throughout the centuries, and how in the depths of one's heart, one knows that life is changed with prayer.

Kia Meng, one with no shortage of metaphors, proposed that we ponder why Jesus is today often viewed as boring. Perhaps it's because the church has too often pitched Him as the "Answer" to questions people don't care much about anymore. Maybe it's time to see Jesus as the Question, the Provocateur. "Who do you say I am? And why? And so what?"

A hidden, praying, learning, questioning, organic, emerging community. Something delightful for 2006, we hope (smile).

Posted at 01:17 pm by alwynlau

Random Thoughts after backing up precious data

right now I'm smiling and feeling happy like Elysia & Gareth in the above picture I took last week.

Why? because thanks to a Mr. C.K. (the Miracle man!) he managed somehow to make my "faulty-corrupted-condemned" previous notebook hard drive disk come back alive and he & I could access precious data - articles I've saved since having the notebook, photos I've downloaded from the my digital camera (especially stuff since last october will January this year), my writings, lots and lots of audios (Mp3s) etc. ...

Now, I'm learning the art of back up while still in the midst of "back up phobia" - using a simple Firefox extention gSpace which is great for starters. Once I get my homenetwork done properly then I'll transfer some to the desktop. Of course, I could just burn CDs or DVDs.

It's been quite a roller coaster ride for me emotionally .. . and a great realization how dependant I've been to technology and easily affected by it's blessing and troubles.

I'm just happy I culd recover a majority of my data .. which is helpful with so many "stuff" that's pending for my attention starting TOMORROW. Of course, I'll still have to re-install a number of programs. But then, now I'm more conscious of the clutter I've got myself into the last time as a "messy crazy" notebook user.