Sivin Kit's Garden

Blog Updates (Malaysia)

I haven't updated my blog roll for a long time... but I've discovered and have been following these blogs with interest.

Krisis & Praxis: To Understand Truth and to Attain the True
Dr. Ng Kam Weng "clearly" states it's more of a resource page with a blog format than a "REAL" blog ... I always enjoy our little chats (which can be pretty long). With titles like "JESUS CHRIST AS ESCHATOLOGICAL PROPHET AND INCARNATE SAVIOR" and "Christian-Muslim Dialog in Malaysia: Terms of Engagement" ... I frequent here but need more time to digest his writings :-)

Random Musings from a Doctor's Chair
Dr. Alex Tang's blog is REALLY a blog and he replies and engages in mutual comments. So that's nice. We met once face to face in a Singapore conference. It's amazing that we're in conversation more lately.

Our Reason For Being: An exposition of Ecclesiastes on the meaning of life and how to experience it"
A Malaysian OT Scholar's offering in a blog format.

Egalitaria: :: speak up :: judge fairly :: defend the needy ::
Before this post is dominated by male voices, allow me to introduce a young female voice which is often refreshing, insightful and challenging. And unlike the more senior sages above, I can at least say I'm older than her (but that doesn't mean I'm smarter. There's a difference *smile*)

My Dream Machine?

[Mashed Potato Making Machine Video]

I'm speechless ...

A Christmas Gift from the Sarcastic Lutheran

The following quote has been ringing in my head since I saw it the first time. I thought I'd share it since it was a Christmas gift :-) and we're still in the Christmas season. Good to have the focus.

"Let us, then, meditate upon the nativity just as we see it happening in our own babies. Behold Christ lying in the lap of his own mother. What can be sweeter than the Babe, what more lovely than the young mother! What fairer than her youth! What more gracious than her virginity! Look at the Child, knowing nothing. Yet all that is belongs to him, that your conscience should not fear but take comfort in him. Doubt nothing. To me there is no greater consolation given to mankind than this, that Christ became man, a child, a babe, playing in the lap and at the breasts of his most gracious mother. Who is there that this sight would not comfort? Now is overcome the power of sin, death, hell, conscience, and guilt, if you come to this gurgling Babe and believe that he is come, not to judge you, but to save." -Martin Luther's Christmas sermon (via Sarcastic Lutheran)

Emergent Christmas

Why Don't More in the Emerging Church Respond?
postmodernegro has a wonderful interaction going on with Stephen in this post. The following comment made me sit up ... "While I agree that postmodern skepticism can lead to a profound subjecitivism I also believe that postmodernity illumines (at least the more Continental versions) for us the various ways we are disciplined, discipled, and formed by the socio-political matrices we inhabit. For instance living in America many North American Christians privilege a white aesthetic when presenting a 'biblical' version of Christianity. I think this speaks to the Eschatological tension in just one of many areas. The 'powers' bring havoc in our socio-political formations influencing us to be more wedded to the present age. Specific Christian counter-cultural practices and habits can give us the ability to hold on to the age to come while we wrestle our lives away from the present age."

A Conversation with Brian McLaren on Epistemology
wow ... stuff like this was already going on in 2001! After reading the following, you might want to have a look at the line of reasoning:

"For me, this line of
thought pushes me to realize that narratives are far more profound than
propositions, because without the narrative to give context, the
propositions are just kind of floating and up for grabs and up for anyone's
interpretation.

So, faith (which is wrapped up with personal trust and a sense of a story,
narrative) is more "fundamental" than knowledge (i.e. propositions which can
be rationally debated). "

Emerging Liberals?
Great questions ....
" 1. To begin with, Emergent and the emerging church aren't one and the same. Are you more comfortable with one over the other? If so, why?

3. If you are willing to write off Emergent or the emerging church because of examples you've heard about or come across that you think are heretical, do you do the same thing when you hear of segments of mainline denominations that have this same problem? Why, or why not?"

Understanding Church in Emergent/Emerging Conversation
Another fellow Malaysian who is giving the conversation a sympathetic hearing. I've been enjoying some interaction with Dr. Alex Tang on this matter and more.

Letters to Emerging Christians, December 19, 2006
I noticed the word "missional" is also entering our Malaysian Christian publication vocabulary. So what Scot wrote here caught my eye --> "Yes, you are right that “missional” is one of the emerging movement’s favorite terms and, yes, you are right that there is no official definition. But, I think I could take a stab at describing how it is used and maybe answer the question you ask about whether they are really saying anything new and valuable with this term. I will answer these last two questions first.
No, it is not something new; the emerging movement didn’t invent this term but they have undoubtedly given it a new currency. But, yes, this is a valuable insight and I’m so glad the emerging movement Christians are doing their best to find their way into a “missional” worldview."

Random Thoughts After a Can of Pringles

I love the picture above. Elysia amazes me ...

This has been quite an "eventful" Christmas ... not so much in being busy but in the variety of events. Friday we were at the Rumah Hope children's home, Saturday I was at the last BLC council meeting for the year (good wrap up), afternoon Christmas eve practice and then an evening party, Sunday was my Aunty's baptism, and the evening was the BLC service and then the next day I took Elysia to visit a friend's church (giving mummy and Gareth some space), and in the evening we had a family dinner,. On tuesday a meaningful farewell lunch and in the evening I had to go for a "crisis/conflict resolve" meeting which ended alright with a peaceful prayer and we await what's next ...

I don't feel drained .... it's been good. A pretty good Christmas ...

chatted with 5 people at one go a while ago ... havent done that for some time.

I've been noticing Gareth's caring nature these days ...

Looking forward to some time of solitude and closing the year. Lot's of things to bring to some "closure" ...

Did my blood, urine and ECG test this morning. It was fun to bump into a fellow pastor from our denomination. I was goofing around as usual. Rewarded myself after the pre-test fasting with 3 cans of Pringles. I just finished one!

Hope the broadband speed gets back to normal so I can upload the videos.

The car has been giving some trouble. Glad to get one of the leaking pipes changed. But will need to watch the fan.

Need to fix up my new bookshelf ... and relocate the books in my library. I think getting it done will also help orientate my mind to get my part-time Master's program moving!

While I'm preoccupied with myself, I just want to remember those whose Christmas has ranged from unpleasant experiences to a disaster.

"Father, watch over them."

"Jesus, hold them close to you"

"Spirit, comfort them.."

From Brokenness to Beauty

"... it can be intoxicating to inordinately focus on our brokenness and pain, but at some point we have to avert our gaze and let ourselves be lost in the beauty of Jesus ..."
- A Christmas Day Surprise - A Christmas Eve Reminder (thanks Stephen Shields for highlighting Bruce Marcey's message at Warehouse 242)

Christmas Eve at the Father's House

Here's some pictures I managed to take before and after the service. For pictures during the service we'll have to depend on Chin Hor. I'm also taking this chance to try out my Picasa Web Albums :-)

BLC Christmas Eve Communion Service 2006

HOW DO YOU FEEL THIS CHRISTMAS?

The children are sitting on the floor checking out the presents and learning how to say "please" and share with each other what they have opened (including the presents for the parents!). May Chin is completing her masterpiece. I've had a cup of coffee ... Anyway, here's the piece I wrote for our church seasonal newsletter ... Hope it's helpful :-) Have a good holiday, and for those who are already back to work ... slow and easy, ok? And for those who like me who might take a little more time and space for year end contemplation, let's be open to His still small whisper!
____________________________________________________________________

HOW DO YOU FEEL THIS CHRISTMAS?
Sivin Kit

I came across this link HOW DO YOU FEEL THIS CHRISTMAS? with a title that grabbed my attention and relevant scriptures to me process through my feelings this Christmas. Indeed as the opening paragraph says,

“Christmas is a time of mixed feelings, or a maybe it's a time when our feelings catch up with us. Pausing for a day or two and looking back over the past year has a way of making you face where your life has got to, and how you feel about it.”

I’d like to invite you to walk through the year with me, I offer these “confessions”, “testimonies”, “complaints” and “random thoughts” (just a sampling) to encourage you to look back over the past year for you …

… when I sat across the table at a McDonalds with a re-fill-able Coke and heard these words, “I would like to be baptized and follow Jesus, what’s the next step for me?”

… to once again say “Good bye” those whom have been such a blessing to our community in BLC – this years it’s the Berrys. And yet, the Chinese farewell probably would fit better, “See you again!”

… one day sitting with a pen and ready to write in my journal and wondering “is all this worth it ?”… “..am I crazy to think this way?” …

… for May Chin – the Wonder Woman in our family, for Gareth – whose questions keeps me to the ground, for Elysia – the giggles and smiles that warms my heart

… after coming home from a visit and wondered, “Where did I miss it this time? Could I have prevented it from happening?”

… for Malaysia which has so much promise, and yet lately…
I pray even more, “Lord Have mercy!” and sit down and ask, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening, what do you want me to do?”

… when I start getting into a downward spiral of beating myself up …battling with self-condemnation …

… when I heard about a broken marriage and a man in hospital for attempted suicide, … when I read of a father who poisoned his children …when I got news a Christian lawyer got shot in Honduras because of his work for justice .. when people close by are hurting, neglected or in pain…

… after blurting out in anger .. when I see myself being impatient with others .. after saying something stupid or hurtful… because of my inaction …

… physically and emotionally after an intense 27 days in Germany for the teaching/preaching program :-)
… of seeing “popular” and some “versions” of Christianity distracting us from what is more important for the Gospel, the Church and the World. :-(

… so I started to pick up a little Origami and was surprised it helped.

… as I was walking through the Mega-Mall jolted to think about the meaning of Christmas … while reading “Christianity for the Rest of Us” … beginning to use the Moravian devotional Scripture texts to allow the words to connect me to God.
… when I heard a little child pray ..”Jesus, help me!”

Walking through these “feelings” allows me to have a clearer picture where I am now, and this is where Christ meets me this season. The feelings whether Hi, low or even mixed does not have to deter us or distract us from allowing us to meet God. In fact, the message of Immanuel, “God with us” during Christmas is his way of saying to us … where we are is especially where he will meet us .. let us receive the King.

… Let every heart prepare Him room,

… No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow

… He rules the world with truth and grace,
________________________________________________________________________

Blessed-Happy-Merry Christmas

{note: this picture of the altar at our church was taken at our 2006 Christmas Eve Communion Service}

Jesus, Name above All Names
Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord
Emmanuel, God is with us
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word.

Let us create room in our hearts to encounter and re-encounter ... The Mystery of Christmas.

BLC Choir 2007

[BLC Choir Practise Video]

After coming back from Germany I was delighted to see the BLC choir 2007 progressing quite well. Vickly from Korea who's worshipping with us did a wonderful job getting the BLCians organized. We are not know as a "choir" kind of church so it's fun. The funnier thing for the practice above the keyboard tuning was accidentally tuned higher +22 I think. We found out later and had a good laugh!

We did one more practice last week ... and I was amused by the "overtones" contributed by the crying babies and/or kids who were looking for their parents. We did sing the songs during the combined service with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. But I think we're very happy to have a chance to sing on "home ground" in BLC tomorrow night at our Christmas eve event starting at 7pm.

The scene is typical and "vintage" BLC ... a little messy, with no pretense, and ready for surprises. We aren't a "great", "professional" choir ... we're just trying to harmonize and communicate what we feel is important. :-)

[BLC Choir 2007 ]

Flood Reflections

[click on the picture for more pictures]

I got an SMS from one of my church members who's in Australia right now on the day of heavy rain and flood. I was shocked to find out that his Grandmother and maid were trapped in the house when the whole town of Segamat was flooded. he asked for prayer.

After a few more SMSes, thankfully I got news that some people came with a boat to help them out. I think some members from the Methodist church managed to offer assistance.

It's times like this when reading the news isn't a distant experience. Because someone closely connected is affected. But the fact is no matter what news we read especially when it comes to floods and disasters .. another human being in the human family is affected whether we have blood ties. Then again, on second thoughts all of us are related.

From what I hear the water is subsiding which is good news. There is a Chinese website giving updates here www.segamat.8talk.net (HT: Sassy MP) Teresa Kok highlighted important stories for us here :

"Slow rescue works carried out by the rescue teams in the flood in Segamat is causing alot of grief , anger and dissatisfaction.

Many flood victims have been stranded in their houses for more than 10 hours. Some have climbed up to the roof top and waited for hours to be rescued. Yesterday a sick woman died in her son’s arm as no one came to rescue them for more than 24 hours."

I hope that reports on people taking advantage of the situation by demanding money for the rescue is not true. "RM250 from the flood victims in return for aid to cross the river by boat...." Something is SERIOUSLY wrong here if it's true no matter how much is being asked..

Lord, judge us for our greed and abuse of vulnerability in others

Lord have mercy.

a prayer ...

"Lord, I REALLY don't know what to pray or say eloquently ...

Please take care of the flood victims, especially the elderly, the sick, the pregnant women, the children. ...

Give focus and strength to those on the rescue mission ..

Things have gone wrong here ... put it right again ...

whether it's in the heart of the disaster area or the human heart

Amen"

Prepare Him Room

During this advent season as we draw close this weekend to Christmas, can we hear the whisper of God, to open our inner lives to him too ... ?

"... Thinking about justice, talking about peace, debating public policy, and working for social change are important ... but not as a substitute for the very personal choice to "prepare him room" in our hearts, so that (as the saying goes) we can be the change we want to see in the world.

... how can there be political transformation in the external world of thorns, sins, and sorrow if our inner lives don't become the manger into which hope, healing, empowerment, love, and joy are born?" - Brian McLaren, The Politics of Joy

Emergent Advent

CONFESSIONS OF EMERGING GUY
"Are you REALLY being authentic- Mr. or Ms. emerging person? Or just selfish and self-absorbed? Do you remember it is ultimately about Jesus and not Derrida?" ...

emergers in non-emerging church contexts
So, if it's more about mindset, values, ethos, conversations ... we can be a little more relaxed can we?

Well, Scot, what about you?
"First, don’t box me in." We are often very preoccupied with boxes. I found Scot's answers "beaming" us up for a broader perspective.

toward establishing the boundaries of orthodoxy for the emerging church
I found Steve Knight's comment as interesting as the post by Stephen Shields .. both whom I enjoy chatting with ... here's his comment: "Still, I think it's a very good barometer, and, despite all the "sky is falling" in terms of a move away from orthodoxy in the ECM, I think the vast majority of emerging churches (at least in North America) are still very much rooted in traditionally held "orthodox" evangelicalism. Which is why it is so sad when rumors get spread about the ECM being 100% for universalism or some other such hogwash.

BTW -- One other interesting twist on this whole discussion is what will happen as the ECM in North America becomes more conversant with the post-colonial ECM in Africa and Asia (which tends to be more conservative theologically and more pentecostal in practice) -- how that will affect the trajectory of the global church. I would suspect that even the more "liberal" (for lack of a better term) folks theologically would have to submit in humility to the broad concensus of a more "conservative" Christian church globally. But I could be wrong ;-)"

Emergent Village Podcast: Panel Discussion - Part 1 (Brian McLaren, Phyllis Tickle, and Pete Rollins)
I enjoyed Pete Rollins accent. But I REALLY found the overall discussion very stimulating. It might be a little too challenging for some ... enter with care:-) The "Belong, Behave, Believe" and "Icons not Idols" comments by Pete Rollins stuck in my mind.

Jesus Freaks, Emerging Church and 2007
This caught my attention partly because I just came back from Germany end of November.

Diana Butler Bass Podcast
I'm listening to this podcast now. Partly because I'm also reading Diana's book and I think it's "different" and "resonating". Nick and Josh describes Diana here --> "She’s a writer, speaker, theologian, Mainliner, wife, mother, and board member of Emergent Village. She’s smart. Witty. And quite hopeful about the future of the church." Hopeful is a good word.

emerging church postcards 06
Thanks Steve for giving postcards for others to "share" to the world. I sent in ours in 05 here

Letters to Emerging Christians, December 19, 2006
I was thinking of writing some "letters" myself. .. this one is one "penal substitution".

Recovering my evangelicalism
I read Jason Clark's struggles and affirmations ... and am thinking about my list? I like Jason, I think he's looking forward and seeing where we can take new steps rather than spinning round and round.

Emerging Church in northern Ireland
One day it will nice to visit Ireland.

Emergent Village Goals, 2007
I was amazed how much energy was put into the comments.

The Truth War: John MacArthur and Emerging Church
We can always depend on Andrew Jones for giving us a skinny and gentle & generous response.

Please Don't Stereotype The Emerging Church
For Dan Kimball (who is such a gentle guy) to respond, it must be serious.

Peter Rollins is (not) talking about the emerging church
"One of the most powerful insights I gained from Peter Rollins' amazing visit this past weekend at Yale was that he is NOT writing about church, or even doing church, but that what he is doing has profound implications for what churches are and ought to be doing today." I think I need to read the book and meet the man someday.

The National Coordinator of Emergent looks back and forward
Hearing Tony share rather than merely reading what he writes (with a special bonus addition from Julie) was refreshing. What they talked about at the end is something which has been on my mind too lately.

Letter to an Emerging Christian December 6, 2006
Two statements for supper tonight:
(1) "we are emerging into how we think the Church should be in the future. We use emerging it refers to the direction we are moving. We want to be the kind of Christians that speak the gospel in our world in such a way that it cuts into the fabric of sin and constructs a way of life that is fully consistent with the way Jesus calls us to live."
(2) "we think “emerging” relates to moving from where we’ve been, and frankly for must of us (though not all) where we’ve been is conservative evangelicalism. It is not that we have all (some have) abandoned that evangelicalism, but we think that shifts and adjustments are necessary to that traditional expression of our faith in order to ltrust, live and speak the truth of the gospel to the current generation."

ARE YOU WHO YOU BLOG?

I was happy to respond with a "Yes" to write for D2Y2 (a local Malaysian Youth Magazine). Below is the "unedited" version. I hope to post up a few more other things I've written this year .. perhaps with a little commentary.
_____________________________________________________________________

1. What made you decide to blog? When did you start to blog?
I started off blogging using Blogger in 2002. A little later there was this younger friend Kiffer whom became my tech guru who offered me to use his webspace and helped me set up “Movable Type” and showed me some basics in using the tools for blogging.

Here’s what I wrote on my first post on August 22, 2002 entitled “Start”:

“I just decided to start my own weblog. Karen Ward from ELCA was the first person to nudge me in this direction. The Newsweek article sparked a greater interest. Ah! I dunno what I'm getting myself into ... well ... let's see what happens. Just came back from pre-natal class with May Chin, it was fun. The refreshments were good!

Two years later this is what I wrote here “Thoughts from a 32year Old: How broadband & blogging changed my life”:

“… At first, I just wanted to have a "place" to "record" down my moments and reflections. I never thought it actually gave me more confidence in my writing (which I still think it sucks!). The more delightful and surprising aspect is how new "friendships" (to many to even link now) that are formed by a "generous" exchange of ideas and links (and love/respect/encouragement/correction?!). I find my horizons constantly "expanding" and more multiple "connections"in terms of ideas and insights. And of course, in a context like that, I believe some "butterfly effect" kind of change (for the better of course) is happening! Some of this has spilled over even to others in the church and now we even have a BLC community blog …”

2. . What have you been blogging about?
The subtitle of my blog is “Happenings in my head and heart on this side of heaven.” So, I mainly blog about whatever catches my attention or is occupying my mind. This includes books I’ve read, movies or music I enjoy, and personal reflections on a given subject – which in my case very often revolves around my observations on faith, friends, family, church and society. Occasionally, I’d put up quotes or insights I’ve benefited from others, and recently I’ve tried posting up and even uploading Youtube videos which I think are worth sharing.

When I don’t have anything focused to say I like to blog about “Random Thoughts” which is a free-flow write down whatever comes to my mind kind of therapeutic exercise. I also enjoy doing “Random Links” where I put up links up and little comments on why I put them up (some people think I actually have read everything I linked J but in actual fact, there are some links I put up there to read later.)

So, I think what I blog about can be pretty eclectic and yet those who read it would probably find some common themes which is very much a reflection of what engages by head and heart!

3. What do you hope to achieve with your blog?
At first nothing -- apart from putting up my thoughts and having a record of it online. I started with a lot of fear. I always lacked confidence in my writing. But I do enjoy communicating and connecting with people. The delightful surprise is that gradually my blog created opportunities for that to happen. After blogging the last few years, it’s become a daily discipline (at times an obsession if not careful) of conscious personal reflection which I open up for others to eavesdrop on.

4. How do others respond to your blog?
Someone commented on my blog once and called me a false prophet! But then after a little email exchange between us, he apologized after discovering he misunderstood the post and a link which was meant to be humorous and not to be taken seriously. So, at times it’s easy for people to misunderstand you since very often we may unconsciously read into someone’s blog or their comments (there is a lot of limitation when it comes to mere textual communication, thus face to face interaction is still very important!).

Most of the time, people are appreciative of the links and reflections I’ve posted up. Some enjoy a glimpse into my life whether it’s personal, family or church. Recently, a new friend from the USA told me that he would point people to my blog to read about what is life like as a Christian and a pastor in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A few people have become friends as we read each others blog regularly. Nowadays, it’s not surprising that we actually have opportunities to meet with people who read our blog face to face which takes the relationship to another dimension. The face to face interaction also in my view transforms how we read each others blogs as we have a better context on why certain posts may be posted up. A couple of years ago, I met up in UK with a pastor and a professor in one week for the first time, I found the whole experience of meeting bloggers a little frightening and yet exciting.

At a recent conference, it was exciting to meet up with a blogger from the USA whom we have been emailing here and there. It was quite easy to plunge deeper into our friendship as we have already a head start through reading each others blog. After a few days, I was surprised when an Hungarian lady turned to me and asked “Are you Sivin Kit?”, I said, “Yes!” She said “I read your blog”. I blushed! Of course, I do advice caution and wisdom when it comes to meeting strangers, but I’m still quite fascinated at how new connections and friendships have developed directly or indirectly through my adventures in blogging.

5. What are your personal opinions about people who seemingly are different when they blog? (almost a different persona)

It’s hard to give an opinion on the question above. Partly because the question that would be bugging me is why does this person want to or need to portray a different persona? That would involve some interesting and enlightening conversations.

But, I’ve met people who have chosen to blog anonymously because they feel it gives them a freedom to express themselves in ways they couldn’t have if they did so openly. I tried once to blog anonymously, but it was too hard to always need to switch my mental mode when I was writing. I think I gave up after less than a few posts and deleted the blog. I found it easier to be myself (with relevant restraints of course when it comes to what I chose to make public). I think this is the way we are in real life and I reserve the more private stuff between God and me in my spiritual/prayer journal which one discipline has been liberating for me since I started when I was 17 (I assure you there’s more juicy stuff in there than my blog!).

So, to the question “Are you Who you blog?” – my answer is Yes. And yet my life is not confined to my blog, my life is more than my blog, it’s merely a tip of the iceberg of a lot of “happenings” that my blog could never fully capture. But it’s a space where I share thoughts, opinions, and reflections as well as life episodes where for one reason or another I sense it’s worth planting in “Sivin Kit’s Garden” and see what can grow from there.

Rev. Sivin Kit is married to May Chin with two young children Gareth and Elysia. He’s an ordained minister with the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore (LCMS) and pastors Bangsar Lutheran Church (http://blc.net.my). His interests includes theology, spiritual formation, missiology, and networking. He enjoys eating potatoes, blogging (http://sivinkit.net), reading, music and movies.

Random Links 127

Understanding Burnout Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Looks good. I like the graphs.

Not cut out for religion
Thanks Jason Clark for the link ... I love the last section.

Time: Person of the Year: You
It's an interesting twist than what we'd expect. Feel special? maybe ... a little disturbed? a little... but then that's maybe because there's so much these days tell "me" that "You" (which means "me") are the center of the world. Hmmm

An Open Letter To The Attorney General
Open letters are getting more popular nowadays in the local news.

Leadership Network Books
I think like it or not I need to deal with "leadership", I enjoy healthy "networks" and I love books. ..so ... maybe I might get the book they are blogging about, maybe ... maybe not. But nice blog!

5 Things Every Pastor Should Know About the Multi-Site Church
Thought about it before, not much in depth though. Maybe because I saw the book with the title "Multi-site church" in the book store.

Friend of Missional
Lots of good links.

Random Thoughts after a short break

The above prawn dish was one of the best dishes I've tasted in any wedding dinner thus far. It was pure pleasure having it last Saturday at "Indiana" Joo and Renee's wedding dinner!

How time flies ... and being at the wedding brought back some memories of the past when Seng Joo was still in Malaysia. It was good to have a morning breakfast and conversation with Renee and him last week before the dinner. And it helped me see things a little bit more from an "Australian" point of view. on one hand I felt good that we could talk freely about many topics ranging from religion, politics, economics, etc. and of course, personal develpments :-) on the other hand, I find that these discussions moves us to keep on asking, "so what's next?" or more existentially, "So, what's next for us? for me? and what step can I take?" of course, depending on our values, whether the answer to these questions will be just about the "person of the year" (according to TIME) - only "YOU" or "us" in the context of the world beyond us will make us dig deeper into ourselves.

Oh yes .. I've been absent from blogging partly because We had a little pre-christmas family holiday. I'm glad May Chin got some days off considering the demands from company can be unpredictable. All in all I think it was a much needed time also to "rebond" a little more after I came back from my Germany trip. Got some great videos of the kids!

Today is International Migrants Day! I found Woman's Aid Organizations (WAO) Ivy Josiah's interview very helpful and enlightening today on Red 104.9. I think we need more awareness on our airwaves especially as people are driving to and fro work. She made some comments that really makes sense ... I thought about the reality of what she said especially on the common view that because someone might have come through illegally (for whatever reason), that we automatically think they deserve to be treated without respect and in some cases in ways totally inhumane. I appreciated her focus on Domestic workers in Malaysia and how often we focus on the negative news and yet fail to realize how they actually do contribute to the home management and even care for the kids. And then her comment on our prejudices on migrant workers and privileging of expats really made me think about the way we choose to view these issues without more in depth consideration. The truth is for many of us, we could trace how once upon a time our ancestors were migrant workers to Malaysia. The radio was worth listening this morning.

Much work tomorrow onwards. Need to get some bookshelves fixed. It's also time to rearrange my library again!

The internet connection is getting more and more frustrating considering it's supposed to be broadband.

I noticed the word "emerging" is becoming popular for whatever reason.

There's quite a lot of posts that I'd like to put up... on some articles I've been part of, last saturday's emergent Malaysia party, at least 2 books I've finished reading, loads of videos to upload, and lots of pictures too.

Ah, I'm reminded of an assignment May Chin instructed me to do! Oh .. I think there's more than two I need to complete ...

Random Thoughts after too much to eat!

I'm still "troubled" (to put it mildly) with an outright racist comment I heard today!!! A comment made by a so called "mature" Christian ... I felt so ashamed ... and still do (Lord have mercy 100times!).

Had another long meeting today ... some good news, some bad news (Thanks and help!).

Sad to realize that it's hard to "trust" people to be "better" .. or to expect the best. Why is that so? Some would attribute it to demonic spirits ... I'd focus on acknowledging how messed up we are in our sinfulness for a start! We don't just need to be "fixed", we need a total overhaul! (Lord have mercy 1000 times!)

Ate too much these two days,

We have so much to complain ... even when we eat too much. Suddenly, I feel ashamed for complaining ... with a dose of over eating. Restraint is a hard lesson. Moderation is tough in our overindulgent world! Yes, blame it on the world? Nope ... take some personal responsibility! (another Lord have mercy 500 times)

Looking forward to meet two brothers tomorrow ... there are different seasons in life where people just step in and enrich us. Another two good brothers are moving on in their life and ministry ... one very far away on the edge of the earth, another nearby across the sea. So, I'm thankful for two other friends who are meeting up with me for a cup of coffee tomorrow and see where this "triad" will lead us ... (ok ... all praise to the Spirit for leading)

Practiced my origami naturally while waiting for people today ...

We will be having a short holiday as a family the next few days. I'm looking forward to that. Many thanks to the ladies in Neuendettelsau for making this possible! Danke!

This Advent season is a little different ... I find myself more in tune preparing my hear and thinking about stuff.

Sad to see another pastor resign ... but then again, in this case it's perhaps better for him and those around him. Sad but reality.

Glad to see a pastor friend having a fresh start back into pastoral ministry ... it's been hard years for him ... I pray for new beginnings in the coming days.

I'm always saddened when people get disconnected with Christ and his church ... I'm always glad when a "reconnect" happens ... the danger of disconnection is always ever present.

So often, we are asking the questions or raising complaints which lead us away from what we are really seeking.

If I genuinely seek to follow Christ, if I authentically want to "be" as well as "do" all that I am and all that I'm called for, what does it look like?

So many "babies" are thrown out with the "bath water" these days that ... I'm seeing "babies" everywhere ... time to pick them up! This would involve some effort in cleaning the mess ...

Ok I need some "origami" time tonight ... perhaps I should learn how to make a Kimono!

These are random thoughts!

Random Links 126

Are Numbers Evil?
Is there a right use of numbers? "For McGavran, numbers meant accuracy, truth, the removal of spiritual language about sociological phenomena. McGavran would hear stories where 'thousands were reached with the gospel." McGavran would respond, "how many were now engaged in church life?" "

What Really Unites Pentecostals?
As one who spent some years in a Pentecostal church, this subtitle raised my eye brows : "It's not speaking in tongues. It may be the prosperity gospel.". However, I will never deny the genuine openness to the Spirit I learnt from the Pentecostal tradition. It's this drive towards "prosperity" Gospel in whatever form or mutation (even in Malaysia) that's driving me nuts. Lord have mercy. Frankly, I confess I no longer will pick up and buy a book by Benny Hinn , I don't know where have I put all my "faith movement" books nor will I get excited by another "wave" or "trend", and yet I've been enjoying some interesting Pentecostal scholars like Amos Yong & Simon Chan (whom both may not have infiltrated into the grassroots yet). In short, while I no longer speak in tongues (like I used to), I have not abandoned the Spirit (or the Spirit has not abandoned me!)

Liturgical Theology 1 | Function or ontology?
Liturgical Theology 2 | What's in your pneumatology?
I haven't finished the previous Simon Chan book, but his new one has already caught my attention. And thanks to Benjamin Sternke I can eavesdrop on his interaction with it. This spoke loud to me this morning (from Simon Chan):

" Herein lies the main weakness in Protestant and evangelical theology: it terminates the gospel story at the resurrection and ascension, so that the church is seen solely as the agent to retell or restate a story that ended with Christ's resurrection. Protestantism has no sense of the continuation of the gospel into ecclesiology and pneumatology. When it comes to understanding the church, sociology takes over.

Against such a view, we need to see ecclesiology as an intrinsic part of the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ, not an administrative arrangement for the sake of securing some practical results."

And the last line in the post jolted me a little ... "Maybe Augustine said it best: "The church is a whore, but she is my mother."". Now that's more than food for thought!

AEF Conference: Panel Discussion #6 (final)
Desert Pastor Chris Monroe has been doing some excellent summaries here on the Call to an Ancient Evangelical Future Conference. Track back and look at the previous posts too. Perhaps they might make the Mp3s available for the rest of us.

The Skinny on New Atheism
I saw the Dawkin's book very much "glaring" at a mega bookstore here in Kuala Lumpur. I'm not too attracted to waste too much energy on what I perceive as a form of "secular fundamentalism" which markets itself as science but feels like another form of narrow mindedness. There are other more meaty challenges.

Apocalypto, Mel Gibson, and the Christian Practice of Saying yes and saying no
what does our baptism have to do with our entertainment decisions?

First Origami, Next ...?

Gareth appreciated my basic origami attempts :-) I was intrigued how he liked this simple art. Next ... one day it will be Asterix? :-) But that's another kind of art ... with it's unique humor and adventure.

There's a lot that happened today. But I'm exhausted after a long day today ... will try to get some sleep. At least, the "wonder" of this picture will help. Thanks Gareth.

Origami & Asterix

Origami & Asterix brought me much joy and relaxation today!

Random Thoughts after the rain ...

Well ... I didn't manage to sleep. And I didn't read a book. I went to check some blogs. Google some websites. Only to discover how far removed I am from a "former life" or a "former world" which I'm still connected with loosely but not so directly involved.

In many ways, I'm happy to be not "well known" or in a "high profile" ministry in Malaysia. I'm genuinely surprised how "unsuccessful" I am in a way (and we can go on and on what defines "true success" ... My Good friend's sermon illustration on himself reminded me of how we often question ourselves in the name of "appraising" our worth... but according to who's values?

Reading in between the lines of the words of another, has given me a little peek into the "struggle" within every leader or pastor once again. The pain that's unspoken, the frustration which is hard for others to understand, facing self-righteous people who have their spiritual formulas more figured out than most of us mortals, the list goes on.

and yet, having listened to so many on the other end in the "pew", it's becoming increasingly challenging to learn how to exist in some sort of "in between" mode in order to facilitate genuine discipleship rather than just slip into some form of unhelpful pampering.

Back to the pop stuff, it's interesting to have a look at a mega-church pastors blog! My first reaction was "Wow! even he has a blog!"

thought about the term Brian McLaren uses "Radio Orthodoxy" and how people somehow give more legitimacy to people who convey their ideas on the radio or some form of mass media. Perhaps in Malaysia it's "best-seller" orthodoxy? Lord have mercy.

What has happened to the once upon of time drivenness ambition in me? I can't be aging that fast right in spite of the white hairs? I am still 34 ... not 43! But then again, it doesn't really bother me that much. My wife thinks I'm a little crazy up there but she knows my heart - and I'm sincerely attempting in small steps to live what I believe is the way forward .. in life, faith, work and ministry. even if it's a minority position.

I admit it does feel strange at times when I see things in our Malaysian Christian context which looks the same like what I saw when i was a "zealot" Christian as a teenage. It's more polished, better marketed, and even uses more sophisticated technology or language. But it's still essentially the presentation of a truncated gospel which produces more "consumer" mindset Christianity than what I'm reading in the gospels and even a cursory glance through church history.

It was nice to listen to a podcast when it was raining. And the unplanned conversation between husband and wife helped bring to surface some stuff I've been thinking about for a long while.

How does one "celebrate" the ordinary and small things this Christmas? How can I not just "complain" and "criticize"? How can we keep or purge "poison" in our system which will ultimately send us to the grave faster? or make us walking zombies?

There's so much hurt, pain, brokenness, sickness, weakness ... in the church, in the world, in ourselves.

time to pause, let God break into our "hardened" hearts ... what other option do we want to take?

"suffering" or our capacity to "suffer" or our self-induced "suffering" ... or is it just "stress" and our inability to face our discomfort - we do live in a world that keeps telling us being uncomfortable is WRONG! or If you suffer, something must be WRONG with you... but this must not stop us from being able to say YES to what's beyond suffering! or our capacity to look beyond discomfort ...

I think I'm rambling a little, and I haven't drunk any wine or beer ... just soft drinks.

Perhaps I have a streak of insanity which I call "creativity" :-)

But often, I feel drawn back to the "center" - and "centering" does wonders for me. Especially, when Christ is at the center .. speaking, leading, listening, defragmenting, reintegrating, doing a whole lot of stuff ... even in my sleep.

I think I'll go for another little drink of soda with some ice ... and perhaps get a book and then sleep.

The year is quickly coming to an end. And last Saturday, or since I came back from Germany I've already begun slipping into a mode of slowly wrapping up my thoughts for the year.

The quietness tonight is therapeutic!

Random Thoughts while it rains ...

I could feel the heat .. but when I saw 34 degrees celsius on the signboard when I was driving home in the afternoon. I thought wow .. this is hot!

Happy to have some rain now and some time alone.

Everyone is sleeping.

I'm surprised I finished reading two books last week. One in two days, the other through the week. They are books around 150pages not too heavy but insightful.

Today's BLC children's ministry meeting was pretty good. It's great to see a good team work well together. There's small steps already towards 2007.

We had a combined service tonight .. the first time for our church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. will try to put up a video and some pictures once I find my camera cable tomorrow.

Nice to see old friends today.

Changes has been so constant the past 6 years.

It was an interesting experience to pick the guitar and lead worship in an unfamiliar environment today. We managed! I'm always grateful and joyful when I see the children dance with an abandonment that often can't be replicated in us adults that easily.

One day to rest before a full two days this week and perhaps some days off before stepping in the few Christmas events lined up. I noticed we are quite minimalist this year.

Time REALLY flies. My friend has just turned 40. Wow. .. it was only yesterday when both of us were praying together in a seminary. It's amazing how now he is a fellow pastor in the same denomination I'm serving in. In addition to that, so is my room mate in seminary. How does all this work out? Lot's of unexpected events this past year.

Good to see one of our God-sons today. He's grown up a lot and still has that "free-roaming-spirit" in him! :-)

Need to put some energy into having some "discussions" with Gareth this week. We'll see. He's going to a new kindergarten in 2007 ... a Chinese speaking one. This will be a major adjustment.

Suddenly thought about how many times I changed school and how many times I had to adjust to different mediums of instruction - English, Mandarin, Malay ... etc. How did I do it? :-P I do enjoy language. I'll admit that. And with the right conducive environment I think wonders to happen.

[I just deleted a sentence .. which perhaps would be misunderstood with harmful effects]

I do feel the temperature is cooler now. Time to sleep?

Should I read another book? :-)

Malaysia: A Place called Home ...

[Sport's Day Fun Video]

This is one of my favorite videos. And I think it's timely for me to watch it again and again. One of the things I like about Gareth's previous kindergarten was the chance for him to interact with people from different backgrounds ... the fact is as far as the children is concerned .. the backgrounds didn't matter so much for their friendship, fun and interaction. Sure, one day as they grow up they would slowly see the differences and with guidance learn to understand, accept, and respect each other. But that's a more adult-like process, the basis or center before all that is a healthy appreciation of each other.

Today, as I sit here, it's tempting to allow my vision of the future to be clouded by many of the events which has transpired especially this past one year in our beloved Malaysia. And while I was away for 27 days in Germany, other not-so-encouraging signs sprouted up. Even when I returned we are still confronted with new controversies. The fact is there are problems that we cannot ignore. But one thing is for sure, we need to be watchful of those whom are using tactics which have no regard for the well being of others who are different from them. In fact, we need to resist these unhealthy developments with firmness and confidence as well as a big dose of wisdom and discernment.

And yet, in the midst of the more so called adult-like mature responses. as we also reconsider where we stand in terms of our responsibility as citizens or where do we go from here personally, we cannot and must not lose the child-like wonder and joy demonstrated in this video. For me the video, plugs me into matters of the heart that goes beyond heady meaty analysis and discourse (which are necessary), it also plugs me into a tomorrow (the next 50years?) where our children can be proud of the efforts we put in for place we are all proud to call home.

Christmas Decorations

[BLC Christmas Decorations Video]

I was surprised how Gareth enjoyed helping in the decorations! And Elysia watched on with "wide eyed wonder" :-) Having Judith's contribution from a German perspective was a nice cross-cultural input for us Malaysians. I like this year's decorations. They are simple, and beautiful. The LiFE Group "Lighthouse" did a good job serving behind the scenes - Thanks Hoong Guit and co! (they are known for organizing a great BBQ this year)

In a quiet way, this season of Advent is a good time to prepare one's heart for Christmas (similar to Lent as a prelude to Good Friday/Easter)

Back to Routines

[Driving back Home Video]

One of the important routines after coming back is to be back on the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur. I'm still get stuck at the Kampung Pandan roundabout everytime I pick up Elysia from my mum's place. The construction for the new roads are still in progress after one year (phew!).

Slowly but surely, I'm settling back into the routines (and rituals) which have been part of me before I left. The question is how can I breath new meaning into them or even reshape them. Now that's another story in the making :-)

Random Links 125

The Modern Word - John D. Caputo Interview
I'm reading Caputo's book On Religion so this is a supplement. The book is easier and refreshingly constructive than I expected :-) I will read the interview later.

Deep Church lecture series no.4: On being a theological (Gospel) teacher - notes from the frontline.
I'm following this series quietly. This should wet our appetite: "The aim of mission is not just to be relevant, yes we need to communicate the divine life but we are also here to invite people into the story – if the gospel is not enculturated into the contemporary society it becomes domesticated by it."

The Other Journal
Check out the special section on "After Attending Lausanne's Younger Leaders Gathering In Malaysia, Do I Want To Be An Evangelical?"

Christian-Muslim Dialog in Malaysia: Terms of Engagement (Part 1)
Christian-Muslim Dialog in Malaysia: Terms of Engagement (Part 2)
Dr. Ng Kam Weng shares on the challenges for Christians and Muslims ... where do we go from here?

staying in M'sia?
Good reflection by a thoughtful young man : "... In our hearts, many of us are afraid of the growing tide of Islamic fundamentalism chorus gripping the nation today. It is inherent in our media, politicians, and the current state of the world. When we discussed the issue in the USJ house, many of us felt similiar feelings on our country. These feelings tended to push us to one corner, and after that choosing the, (I'd put it) "easier way out" to migrate. After all, isn't it justified? Free will, and a globalized society? Some felt it's justified. ... Looking at the not so favourable outlook facing us Christians today, the question still lingers in many of our minds - To migrate of not? After all, heroes are produced in times of calamities not in good times. And, adversity reveals genius, while prosperity conseals it."

Grace Revisited

When Pastor Thomas Hoffman explained to me how one of his members took broken glass and designed this art-piece for the Christuskirche, he got my attention. Even broken glass can be turned into beautiful art! And that's a great picture of what happens when we allow "Grace" to visit us, or re-visit us (some of us might even use the word "invade" us!). That's why when I read the quotes from a article on Lewis B. Smedes, I could feel my whole person vibrating with agreement.

It's a very good example of a Lutheran perspective on "Law/Gospel" (or "Judgment/Grace). The tendency for us is to focus on misguided organizing ideas which affects every aspect of our lives consciously or unconsciously (e.g. the "sacred trinity of feeling good, looking good and making good" he talks about). When we make these our "gods" rather than seeing them as "goods", no wonder we plunge into a whirlpool of emptiness.

But his contrasts on "common sense" and "grace" is so spot on. Our common sense is a "law"/"judgment" kind of focus, and while an honest acknowledgment of the messy, broken, ugly and even sinful state our being is crucial and better than denial and pretense, when grace is absent we are left powerless and stuck in that moment (somehow there's a nagging nudge for a better tomorrow). Smedes' following two quotes does a great job in showing us on one hand the reality many of us face when we replace God with the "goods", and later points us out of our tendency to spin in circles heading somewhere ... "to being a better person". I think that's grace at it's best. Even broken glass can be turned into beauty!

“The sacred trinity of feeling good, looking good, and making good are very good goods, but they make very bad gods. As gods they eventually leave us feeling like spent dreams on the soiled sheets of disenchantment.”

“Grace is a mysterious power to live as if you know tomorrow will be better than today, even though common sense gives you odds that tomorrow will be the pits … Grace is amazing because it works against the grain of common sense … Realistic common sense tells you that you are too weak, too harassed, too human to change for the better; grace gives you power to send you on the way to being a better person. Plain common sense may tell you that you are caught in a rut of fate or futility; grace promises that you can trust God to have a better tomorrow for you than the day you have made for yourself.”

This is not a message easily grasped, but it surely is GOOD NEWS! Gospel!

Karibu

[Karibu Video]

Whenever I walked back to room 312 when I was in Neuendettelsau, Bavaria, the word "Karibu" greeted me (it means "welcome" in Kiswahili). I've been back more than a week now. The "karibu" from the Kit kids were all that I needed (and more than I expected).

I'm dreaming of a ________ Christmas

There are two corporate worship events related to Advent/Christmas starting this Sunday December 10, 7.30pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The map to the venue for this Sunday is below (click on the image)

Random Links 125

Stopping Cultural Drift
Simon Chan the Earnest Lau Professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity Theological College in Singapore is getting some airplay :-)

More than Saving Souls
an interview is always better so we can hear Prof. Simon Chan in his own words.

The Limits of Tolerance
One of the Malaysian Bishop's sent me this link ... and this statement from the piece makes me wonder whether those who hold on to such opinions about those of us in the "south" really know what they are talking about or at least have a proposal for the future: "... "We will depend on them for vitality," Father Greeley predicted. "But they will continue to depend on us for the ideas."

To judge by a murmuring restlessness in the crowd, more than a few audience members were surprised such a remark. It seemed--how to put it?--patronizing. Do people in the Global South have no ideas of their own? Is theirs a faith of pure emotion? Catherine Barsotti, a professor at Centro Hispano de Estudios Teológicos outside of Los Angeles who attended the talk, told me afterward that Father Greeley is, generally, "a voice of sanity in the Catholic Church, [someone who is] trying to get the church to hear people it doesn't like to hear." Which is why, she added, "I can't believe he meant what he said."

Putting the malaise into Malaysia
One we start talking about economics, everyone gets concerned.

Don’t imprison apostates!
The "conversation" needs to go at least two ways or more, one with the "other", and then one with "ourselves" within. And of course, more discussion with those whom may create an environment for all to live in reasonable peace and respect.

Random Thoughts on a Sunny Morning

Every morning has been bright and sunny since I've returned from Germany.

The wedding and dinner last Saturday went on smoothly for Carmen and Joey. The drizzling rain stopped just in time with many of us stressed out and praying the "garden wedding" would make it :-)

I woke up a couple of times last week around 3.30am or 4.00am. Now, it's pretty much back to normal. In fact, I think I have healthier sleeping patterns the last few days.

Gareth is enjoying his cereal now. I'm with my coffee.

We fixed a new bed for Elysia and she seems to be doing well on it. Of course, she still cries for mummy here and there.

Last night we fixed a small table and two chairs for the kids. They are happy about it. Oh yes ... all items from IKEA. Last night, fixing the table suddenly reminded me of my favorite Lego sets and how I enjoyed first, following the instructions and putting the pieces together. And then after that, it was creative explorations and innovations. Sounds like my modus operandi in many areas.

Haven't managed to get back into a more "reflective" blogging posture. But, I'm glad to get back to some reading. And catching up with Newsweek Magazines (which we subscribe) and some Time Magazines (May Chin brought back for me to have a look).

Had a meeting yesterday morning for our denomination education programs for next year. There should be another one before next week's executive council meeting. So, work is already piling up. This Sunday I'm looking forward to our combine Christmas worship service in the evening with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. It's a first time for us ... a kind of "official" combined service between two smaller churches which I think is a great idea.

I enjoyed a brief chat conversation with Steve Knight. It was another of those delightful surprises which is encouraging. Makes the day sunnier!

Random Links 124

Second New Leader Resigns From the Christian Coalition
It was nice to have a roommate for a couple of days who's on staff in Joel Hunter's church. My vote is with Hunter's concerns and his statement reflects he in touch with many younger USAmericans I've met, ""I hope we can break out of 'liberal' and 'conservative.' I'm not sure when compassion became fitted under 'liberal,' " he said. "There are many Christians, especially in their twenties and thirties, who don't care about liberal and conservative. They just see that if you're going to love your neighbor, you have to address things like the environment."

Pope makes Turkish mosque visit
From a Western perspective.

Turks make peace with the Pope
From an Eastern perspective.

Zainah Anwar on Friday: Listen to cries of the silent majority
I hope those with a "divisive agenda" will take her words seriously and back off from unhelpful steps which hurt our country... and for those who desire "national unity" in the best sense of the word beyond cliché will take steps to constructively move the nation forward in maturity. As far as this observation is concerned, I think all Malaysians can play a part: "In the worst of times, the best of times can emerge. I am hearing many stories of Malaysians thinking and planning all kinds of actions to foster better inter-ethnic and inter-religious understanding, in small and big ways."

Microsoft: '64% of Malaysian bloggers are female'
Ok so I'm a minority in this too!

Democracy and the Muslim World
It seems former Malaysian deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim is still someone to watch in our Malaysian scene.

Evangelism in the City

"How can this strange story of God made flesh, of a crucified Savior, of resurrection and new creation become credible for those whose entire mental training has conditioned them to believe that the real world is the world which can be satisfactorily explained and managed without the hypothesis of God? I know of only one clue to the answering of that question, only one real hermeneutic of the gospel: a congregation which believes it."
- Lesslie Newbigin (via Dream Awakener)

Theology of Pilgrims

"... according to the measure of my insight, a theological teacher can have "disciples" only in the sense that he teaches them to immerse themselves more thoroughly in the lifelong school of Holy Scripture, in order that there they may find the criteria for the training of their own faculty of judgment. The pastor, by the way, has an analogous task with respect to the congregation. Evangelical (i.e., Protestant) theology is at least in this respect the heir (perhaps even the mother?) of the Enlightenment, because it gives us the courage to use our own understanding as it has been trained by the hearing of God's Word. Only in this way is the consensus of believers in a common confession before God and before the world worth anything at all. In this sense theology must, I am convinced, pursue enlightenment in the light of the gospel -- beyond neoorthodoxy and neorationalism, but also beyond collectivism and individualism. In this way I have tried since 1961 to make theology both appetizing and obligatory to the students entrusted to me: as a theologia viatorum, a "theology of pilgrims," who are "on the way to the heart of the matter" (unterwegs zur Sache) and who must always keep widening the boundaries of their insight. "New frontiers . "- Eberhard Jüngel in "Toward the Heart of the Matter"

Random Links 123

CALLING ALL CATHOLICS & PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL TO FASTING, PENANCE AND PRAYER ON 1ST DECEMBER 2006.
I was alerted to this by Bob's Beatitudes in Action. Bishop Antony Selvanayagam's exhortation is worth listening here:

"The words of Jesus come vividly and forcefully “Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you” this is not the time for revenge but a time for healing and prayer. In the spirit of Christ and the church I call on all Catholics and all people of good will to observe Friday the 1st of December 2006 as a day of fast, penance and prayer. As far as possible gather in your own churches and chapels and homes at 8.00 pm and pray for:

1. Healing: that the first communion children and the parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes in Ipoh many be healed for this negative experience and experience peace and tranquillity to the full again in Jesus.

2. Forgiveness: that we forgive the Muslim group sincerely from our hearts as Jesus forgives us and call upon God the Almighty to forgive the group.

3. Dialogue: that the Prime Minister and the Cabinet will seriously work towards establishing structures of Dialogue at various levels, comprising peoples of all races, cultures and religions. "

Article 11
Got a lot of press at one point in Malaysia ... "The coalition of NGOs known as Article 11 is committed to embracing, upholding and pursuing the realization of the following principles as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution and Human Rights Conventions"

Sisters In Islam
An amazing group of ladies ... "Sisters in Islam (SIS) is an independent non-governmental organisation which believes in an Islam that upholds the principles of equality, justice, freedom and dignity."

Jesus' speech, God's word: an introduction to Eberhard Jungel - part 1 -
I heard Jungel's name a number of times in Germany so it's true that "Of all contemporary Protestant thinkers in Germany, he is at once the most invigorating and the most demanding. He is also seriously underappreciated. Unlike his near-contemporaries Jurgen Moltmann and Wolfhart Pannenberg, he is little known in North America, though the work of translators and interpreters in the 1980s has improved the situation. Even in Germany, where students flock to hear him lecture and preach, he remains a somewhat tangential figure in the theological establishment.".

Loads of food for thought ...
"Developing coherent and persuasive Christian answers to those questions, Jungel proposes, commits the theologian to a dual task. The first is to give sustained attention to Jesus. In Jesus, Jungel argues, God "comes to the world," and in that coming all truth about God and humanity is embodied. It is therefore Jesus and his proclamation (and not religious consciousness, morals or ideas) which must be the imaginative center of theological existence. "I believe, therefore I speak," Jungel wrote in a summary of his theology. But "not of me and of my faith ... I believe, therefore I speak of the God who has come to the world as a human being and who has for our salvation revealed himself as God in the person of Jesus Christ."

"The second task is responsible critique of the intellectual habits of the modem world which have exercised such authority over Christian thinking since the 17th century. "Human reason's ideas of God, when reason does not let itself be led on to the path of thought by the God who comes to the world, pass God by. Thus even faith cannot speak of God without thinking about God." But to speak and think in this way is to be astonished, for, "believing, one experiences God as the inexhaustible mystery of oneself and all things."

Who God is, who we are: an introduction to Eberhard Jungel - II -
More to chew on ... "WE SHOULD BE human and not God. That is the summa." So Luther in a famous letter to Spalatin in 1530. The aphorism is a favorite of Eberhard Jungel's, pointing to the heart of his understanding of the gospel. "In the last analysis," he writes, "the revelation of God which it is the concern of Christian theology to understand means just this: for the good of humanity God himself intends the proper distinction between himself and humanity." Behind Jungel's critical reading of modem intellectual and political culture, and behind his own presentation of Christian faith, lies a sense that responsible Christian theology arises in faith's conviction that "God became human to differentiate savingly between God and humanity.""

Toward the Heart of the Matter
Listening to Eberhard Jungel directly.

Posts on Eberhard Jüngel
A good bonus compilation of posts :-)