I love doing these interviews and introducing people to agents of change. So I’m glad this one I did with Steven Sim last year finally sees the light!
Of course, there’s more updated stuff on The Micah Mandate please read on.
Some days it’s tough to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Some days it’s tough to care.
Here in Malaysia, we have to come to terms with the horrendous injustice of a political leader driven out of public office because an ex-boyfriend releases nude pictures that he took of her while she was sleeping. While followers of Jesus may not agree with her sexual ethics, we are angered to see politicians using this gross betrayal of personal privacy to destroy an opponent’s political career, and doing it from a posture of moral superiority. Makes me sick.
We must acknowledge one sided reports on both sides. And perhaps probe deeper, what is the purpose or underlying assumptions which drive the one-sidedness. Having said that, one must ask why do people like Awad writes the way he writes as a committed Christian who is committed to Christ, and the Scriptures. I don’t think it’s so simple as labeling those like him as anti-Israel. Is being critical of the church being anti-church? Is being critical of Chinese who have rigid parochial attitudes anti-Chinese? Is being critical of the myself being anti-self? (to push it further) The list goes on. Obviously, No.
Then, it’s about raising important questions where we may be blinded because of our understandings of the role of Israel in God’s plan and purpose for the world which in many cases is part of a dispensationalist reading of the Bible – while has it’s merits – but is not the only way to read the Bible. And I would suggest, a more Christ-centred approach is more helpful especially in these matters.
We need to heed a reminder from the late great church statesman and mission theologian Leslie Newbigin – – Christians ought to be “the strength of every good movement of social and political effort.” Bishop Newbigin’s insight is a timely challenge as well as invitation to us all in every sphere of influence we are engaged in.
When I first met Steven Sim at the “Moorthy” candlelight vigil in front of the high court organized by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) and supported by civil society groups, I had already sensed he was responding to that call to be “the strength” Newbigin talked about. I was intrigued by his willingness to move to Penang from Klang Valley for work as well as to be with family, which later with the change of Penang state government openned up further opportunities for him to contribute towards the good of society
How wonderful to have a heavenly Father who listens, understands and answers our cries. However, sometimes, in his love and for our own good his answer is “not yet” or “no”
Peter’s Pithy Pointers have now been in existence for one year (March 2008 to February 2009). God willing, fifty PPPs and the Weekly Bible Challenges will be printed in booklet form within 3 months. Let us conclude the first year in a humuorous vein.
1) DIPLOMA
Which is the most popular game being played by Malaysian politicians?
a) Monopoly
b) Scrabble
c) Hide-and-Seek
d) Leap-frog
e) Happy Families
Actually, I’m rather curious as to why the Sultan did not just dissolve the state assembly when requested. All this party-hopping business was reeking havoc on the public’s faith in the democratic system.