Monday, February 9, 2009
C S Lewish on good theology!
Did not C S Lewish say, "good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad philosophy needs to be answered?" If he was here I am sure he would say, "good theology must exist, if for no other reason, because bad theology needs to be answered. " After all Theology was once called the Queen of Science. Whether one realises it or not it still is, and ought to be!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
A failed survey
United Nations Surveyer: "Would you please give your opinion about shortage of food in the rest of the world?
The survey failed because: In Africa, people didn't know what "food" was, In China, they didn't know what "opinion" was, In Europe, they didn't know what "shortage" was, Filipino leaders didn’t know what "honest" meant, France didn't know what "please" was. In America, they didn't know what "the rest of the world" meant.
Friday, February 6, 2009
N T Wright
Nicholas Thomas Wright, popularly known as Tom Wright, is the 4th highest ranking Bishop of the Church of England. He is one of the most well known New Testament scholars within and outside the Church. He started his student’s life as a president of Oxford Inter-Collegiate Christian Union, which is equivalent to being the president of an ICEU (of UESI) in India, studying Classical Literature, Philosophy and History. Later on he went to teach New Testament at Cambridge, Oxford, McGill etc till his moving into Church ministry in 2003. He received his Ph. D and D.D from Oxford.Wright has been known to be audacious and intelligent. He does not shy away from speaking his mind; whether it is about theology or history or politics. Many conservatives are angry with him for having challenged Augustine and Luther on the doctrine of Justification. On the other hand his defence of (bodily) resurrection of Jesus from the dead is welcomed by all. His 800 odd page Resurrection of the Son of God (RSG) is so far the most voluminous work on resurrection by any scholar. His Christian Origin Series, of which RSG is one, challenges liberal’s account of Christian origin. He is also the one who coined the term "the third quest for Historical Jesus", and he is an expert on Historical Jesus.
He is very eloquent. And his message is very clear. Those individuals who are interested in grafting ‘saving of soul’ into the big picture of the Bible should read or listen to him. Some called his book Simply Christian as the 'Mere Christianity' of 21st century. He has been one of those theologians from whom I have learned so much this recent time. Go on Rev. Wright... go on!
His website: http://www.ntwrightpage.com/
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Young Earth Creationism and Dispensational Premillenialism
Christians have throughout history difference of opinion on various issues. Sometimes a particular view would be condemned officially, sometimes different views are allowed. The latter is possible when Scripture is not clear about the issue. For the Catholic Church it is easy to declare the official position since Pope, through the magisterium, has the ultimate say in matters of faith and practice. That does not mean there is no diversity of theological opinion among Catholics. There is so much of room to differ. For the Protestants it’s so messy since there is no unifying head as such to correctly interpret the text. Protestants are, therefore, more prone to cultic groups emerging within them.
Nowadays Young Earth Creationism and Dispensational Premillenialism are two positions widely common among Christian laity specially in the Protestant Churches. Young Earth Creationism is that view which believes in the ‘literal’ interpretation of days of Genesis, and consequently the age of the earth as some 6,000 years. ( Augustine said he interpreted Genesis literally, but Augustine’s approach was to read the text from the author’s perspective, not from his perspective). Dispensational Premillenialism is the view which says that rapture will be followed by seven year tribulation, at the end of which Jesus will return with the saints to defeat the Evil one and reign with the saints for one thousand year on earth, followed by the final defeat of the forces of evil to usher in the new heaven and new earth.
Both Young Earth Creationism (YEC) and Dispensational Premillenialism (DP) are very recent invention. Since YEC strongly advocates for some 6,000 years old earth. The implication is that current textbooks used in all the universities of the world are mistaken because all of them underscore for 4.5 billions years old earth. This also means to say that Muslims, Buddhist, Hindus, Shintoist, atheists, most Christians and host of other people are all wrong in their scientific enterprise. This claim is incredible. But are all these people really wrong? YEC proponents say they are.
I have no hesitation in saying that YEC is built on wrong interpretation of the texts: Bible and nature. They have been more successful in shooing away seekers than bringing them in. Since their interpretation is bizarre their target audience is most often children and old people, whose intellectual defence mechanism is not robust. Strangely, though the position is theologically and scientifically bizarre this is extremely popular among Christians in the West. And it is now being exported to India too. But I believe once it takes root it will damage mission in India more than anything else.
Dispensational Premillenialism was invented by one J N Darby in the late 19th century. Recently popularized by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins’ Left Behind Series this has now become the most popular millenial position among Christian laity. But let us be clear. This position is the least common one among theologians of all shape and size. Old Testament Scholar as well as New Testament scholars have made it clear that Dispensationalists interpretation of text is mistaken at various points. But I think most lay Christians don’t read theologians! Apart from hermeneutical error proponents of this position have supported Israel at the expense of the Palestinian. This I think is the most bizarre implication of having wrong theology. No doubt God is not through with Israel yet. Romans 9-11 is clear about that. But that does not mean Israel occupies the unique position even now as it did before the advent of Jesus.
On both counts the Catholic church has a well balanced theology. Protestants need re-formation of theology!
Nowadays Young Earth Creationism and Dispensational Premillenialism are two positions widely common among Christian laity specially in the Protestant Churches. Young Earth Creationism is that view which believes in the ‘literal’ interpretation of days of Genesis, and consequently the age of the earth as some 6,000 years. ( Augustine said he interpreted Genesis literally, but Augustine’s approach was to read the text from the author’s perspective, not from his perspective). Dispensational Premillenialism is the view which says that rapture will be followed by seven year tribulation, at the end of which Jesus will return with the saints to defeat the Evil one and reign with the saints for one thousand year on earth, followed by the final defeat of the forces of evil to usher in the new heaven and new earth.
Both Young Earth Creationism (YEC) and Dispensational Premillenialism (DP) are very recent invention. Since YEC strongly advocates for some 6,000 years old earth. The implication is that current textbooks used in all the universities of the world are mistaken because all of them underscore for 4.5 billions years old earth. This also means to say that Muslims, Buddhist, Hindus, Shintoist, atheists, most Christians and host of other people are all wrong in their scientific enterprise. This claim is incredible. But are all these people really wrong? YEC proponents say they are.
I have no hesitation in saying that YEC is built on wrong interpretation of the texts: Bible and nature. They have been more successful in shooing away seekers than bringing them in. Since their interpretation is bizarre their target audience is most often children and old people, whose intellectual defence mechanism is not robust. Strangely, though the position is theologically and scientifically bizarre this is extremely popular among Christians in the West. And it is now being exported to India too. But I believe once it takes root it will damage mission in India more than anything else.
Dispensational Premillenialism was invented by one J N Darby in the late 19th century. Recently popularized by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins’ Left Behind Series this has now become the most popular millenial position among Christian laity. But let us be clear. This position is the least common one among theologians of all shape and size. Old Testament Scholar as well as New Testament scholars have made it clear that Dispensationalists interpretation of text is mistaken at various points. But I think most lay Christians don’t read theologians! Apart from hermeneutical error proponents of this position have supported Israel at the expense of the Palestinian. This I think is the most bizarre implication of having wrong theology. No doubt God is not through with Israel yet. Romans 9-11 is clear about that. But that does not mean Israel occupies the unique position even now as it did before the advent of Jesus.
On both counts the Catholic church has a well balanced theology. Protestants need re-formation of theology!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Sanjay Dutt and Politics
Like father like son, they say. Sunil Dutt was an actor, and so is his son Sanjay Dutt. Sunil Dutt shifted to politics in the later part of his life. And recently his son Sanjay announced his plunge into politics, towards the twilight of his entertaining career. India has seen many actors moved into politics. Some did well, some flopped.
I have asked myself what for these actors moved into politics. Is it because they don’t sell anymore? Or is it because they want to serve the public? Or is it because they want a change in life? If an actor moves into politics because he does not sell in his old profession, choosing politics as his next career may not be a wise move. This is so because being a politician requires one to be extremely responsible. And for same reason desire for change in life should not be the reason for one person to move into politics. Politicians can ruins thousands of lives as much as they can build thousands of lives.
One reason these ‘stars’ would give for such a move is that they want to serve the common people. What a noble reason! In India there are three kinds of people who are worshipped: Bollywood actors, cricketers and politicians. Being a fine actor Sanjay Dutt is almost worshipped by thousands of fans all over India. His movies are sold out. If he had wanted to serve the people of India he could have used movies to educate millions of Indians. There are so many social issues he could project through his movies and bring transformation in the lives of people. Dowry, caste system, terrorism, communalism, unemployment, brain drain, rape, and all sorts of issues can be projected through movies.
The question is whether he would be able to serve more people better as a politician or as an actor. I have no doubt that even if has reached the twilight of his career as an actor he could serve the people thousand times better than by being a politician. Govinda Ahuja, Dharmendra Deol, Vinod Khanna and Sanjay Dutt would have all contributed more to India and her citizens by sticking on in Bollywood.
Big boys of Bollywood, do want to serve the people of India? Reel world is the right place for you!
I have asked myself what for these actors moved into politics. Is it because they don’t sell anymore? Or is it because they want to serve the public? Or is it because they want a change in life? If an actor moves into politics because he does not sell in his old profession, choosing politics as his next career may not be a wise move. This is so because being a politician requires one to be extremely responsible. And for same reason desire for change in life should not be the reason for one person to move into politics. Politicians can ruins thousands of lives as much as they can build thousands of lives.
One reason these ‘stars’ would give for such a move is that they want to serve the common people. What a noble reason! In India there are three kinds of people who are worshipped: Bollywood actors, cricketers and politicians. Being a fine actor Sanjay Dutt is almost worshipped by thousands of fans all over India. His movies are sold out. If he had wanted to serve the people of India he could have used movies to educate millions of Indians. There are so many social issues he could project through his movies and bring transformation in the lives of people. Dowry, caste system, terrorism, communalism, unemployment, brain drain, rape, and all sorts of issues can be projected through movies.
The question is whether he would be able to serve more people better as a politician or as an actor. I have no doubt that even if has reached the twilight of his career as an actor he could serve the people thousand times better than by being a politician. Govinda Ahuja, Dharmendra Deol, Vinod Khanna and Sanjay Dutt would have all contributed more to India and her citizens by sticking on in Bollywood.
Big boys of Bollywood, do want to serve the people of India? Reel world is the right place for you!
Sincerely yours,
_______
Monday, February 2, 2009
Nicene Creed (325 CE)
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.
Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
NB: This is one doctrinal affirmation Christians of all denominations accept. Many of the Baptists I was raised with do not know about this affirmation because of their lack of encounter with other denominations. There is a tendency to think that Baptist is the only valid denomination among many people who are not exposed to other denominations. As many students come out from Manipur and Nagaland to study in Delhi they seem to be at a loss which church they should attend. Sometimes they end up attending a cult group. One of the ways to test whether a congregation is a cult group or not is to ask whether the particular group accepts Nicene Creed.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.
Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
NB: This is one doctrinal affirmation Christians of all denominations accept. Many of the Baptists I was raised with do not know about this affirmation because of their lack of encounter with other denominations. There is a tendency to think that Baptist is the only valid denomination among many people who are not exposed to other denominations. As many students come out from Manipur and Nagaland to study in Delhi they seem to be at a loss which church they should attend. Sometimes they end up attending a cult group. One of the ways to test whether a congregation is a cult group or not is to ask whether the particular group accepts Nicene Creed.
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