Church, synagogue, mosque planned together for Arabian Peninsula - UPI.com
UPI reports: "The three houses of worship, collectively known as the Abrahamic Family
House, will stand together as a symbol of the kind of religious
tolerance that the UAE wants to be known for and is meant to be seen as a
sign of hope. [...] The church, the temple and the mosque are not going
to be museum pieces or tourist attractions but are instead aimed at
serving the religiously diverse population of the UAE, where the huge
influx of migrant workers means there are hundreds of thousands of
Christians -- mostly Catholics -- as well as members of other religions,
including an active Jewish community that numbers about 3,000."
Comment: I think this is hugely significant. First, for the spread of the Gospel. As we know, the Arab world is not welcoming to the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. Did you know that there is not a single church in Saudi Arabia? Not one. If one is caught with a Bible it will be confiscated. So, it is indeed significant the the UAE is not afraid to build a Christian house of worship on their soil.
Second, this report was also recommended to me as a sign of apostasy, of the kind of creeping relativism that suggests all religions are equally valid and all paths lead to God. I understand how this report could suggest that narrative and time will tell if this effort does indeed water down the three Abrahamic faiths into a kind of "Chrislam" as some have called it, but that is not where I would find fault. Rather than these three compromising their faiths, I see this more as a PR stunt, one that will not have wider implications for global religious culture. Note that this is to be built on an island, which is by definition remote and hard to access.
I suspect that is something designed to make a statement of toleration but will work out in practice to be nothing more than a PR stunt and not a living breathing site of worship that become a global movement. Time will tell and we will be watching.
Showing posts with label Gospel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gospel. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Monday, July 08, 2019
Gospel Preached to All Nations
Bible shortage? Publishers say tariffs could cause it
The AP reports: "Religious publishers say President Donald Trump’s most recent proposed tariffs on Chinese imports could result in a Bible shortage. That’s because millions of Bibles — some estimates put it at 150 million or more — are printed in China each year. Critics of a proposed tariff say it would make the Bible more expensive for consumers and hurt the evangelism efforts [...] Biblica, the International Bible Society, is a charitable religious organization that gives away Bibles to people in 55 countries. China represents 72% of the group’s investment in Bible publishing, according to Biblica President and CEO Geof Morin. A Bible tariff would 'dramatically affect the number of Bibles we are able to print and give away, impacting the religious freedom of individuals in countries where Bible access is limited and often nonexistent,' Morin said in testimony to the Trade Representative, according to a transcript he provided."
Comment: This is an article that really surprised me. I had no idea that the majority of Bibles were printed in China. Did no one ever stop to consider the notion that closing domestic printing houses and relocating to China, a country that is hostile to Christianity, would be a bad idea? Still, this report does have some good stats on Bible sales and if you ever need to back up an argument in which you say that Bible is still the bestselling book in the U.S., this report has some good stats for you.
The AP reports: "Religious publishers say President Donald Trump’s most recent proposed tariffs on Chinese imports could result in a Bible shortage. That’s because millions of Bibles — some estimates put it at 150 million or more — are printed in China each year. Critics of a proposed tariff say it would make the Bible more expensive for consumers and hurt the evangelism efforts [...] Biblica, the International Bible Society, is a charitable religious organization that gives away Bibles to people in 55 countries. China represents 72% of the group’s investment in Bible publishing, according to Biblica President and CEO Geof Morin. A Bible tariff would 'dramatically affect the number of Bibles we are able to print and give away, impacting the religious freedom of individuals in countries where Bible access is limited and often nonexistent,' Morin said in testimony to the Trade Representative, according to a transcript he provided."
Comment: This is an article that really surprised me. I had no idea that the majority of Bibles were printed in China. Did no one ever stop to consider the notion that closing domestic printing houses and relocating to China, a country that is hostile to Christianity, would be a bad idea? Still, this report does have some good stats on Bible sales and if you ever need to back up an argument in which you say that Bible is still the bestselling book in the U.S., this report has some good stats for you.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Gospel Preached to All Nations
Anthropologist suggests gifts in effort to retrieve body from North Sentinel Island
UPI reports: "An anthropologist who made contact several times with an isolated island tribe accused of killing an American missionary last week suggested the Indian government take gifts to ease the effort of retrieving the man's body from North Sentinel Island. John Allen Chau, 27, ignored Indian law and multiple warnings that the Sentinelese tribe resists outsiders when he paid fishermen to take him to the island in an attempt to convert the islanders to Christianity. The fisherman told Indian authorities the tribespeople shot Chau with arrows as he reached the shore and that they buried his body on the beach."
Comment: This was an unfortunate incident but it's also a great example of how brave missionaries continue to reach the farthest corners of the globe to proclaim the gospel of Jesus.
UPI reports: "An anthropologist who made contact several times with an isolated island tribe accused of killing an American missionary last week suggested the Indian government take gifts to ease the effort of retrieving the man's body from North Sentinel Island. John Allen Chau, 27, ignored Indian law and multiple warnings that the Sentinelese tribe resists outsiders when he paid fishermen to take him to the island in an attempt to convert the islanders to Christianity. The fisherman told Indian authorities the tribespeople shot Chau with arrows as he reached the shore and that they buried his body on the beach."
Comment: This was an unfortunate incident but it's also a great example of how brave missionaries continue to reach the farthest corners of the globe to proclaim the gospel of Jesus.
Sunday, April 01, 2018
Gospel Preached to All Nations
Celebrating Easter Around The World : The Two-Way : NPR
NPR reports: "For Christians around the world, the Holy Week and Easter are a time to celebrate Jesus Christ's return to Jerusalem, his crucifixion and his resurrection. In some countries, that can mean lighting candles, attending ceremonies and watching solemn processions go by. In others, it can be a chance to dance, make music and eat special foods."
Comment: On this Resurrection Sunday I'd found this great collection of photos from NPR showing how Easter is being celebrated by Christians all over the world, really nicely done. He is risen!
NPR reports: "For Christians around the world, the Holy Week and Easter are a time to celebrate Jesus Christ's return to Jerusalem, his crucifixion and his resurrection. In some countries, that can mean lighting candles, attending ceremonies and watching solemn processions go by. In others, it can be a chance to dance, make music and eat special foods."
Comment: On this Resurrection Sunday I'd found this great collection of photos from NPR showing how Easter is being celebrated by Christians all over the world, really nicely done. He is risen!
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Gospel Preached to All Nations
Billy Graham, world renowned evangelist, dead at 99 - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Rev. Billy Graham, a well-known evangelist for decades and often referred to as 'America's pastor,' died Wednesday morning at the age of 99. [...] Following World War II, Graham preached throughout the United States and Europe and was thrust to international fame during the Los Angeles Crusade in 1949, one of his earliest evangelism drives. Perhaps most famous for his evangelic missions or 'crusades,' Graham subsequently traveled across the world -- from Ethiopia to Russia, and New Zealand to China."
Comment: I've been reading news reports about Billy Graham and they are amazing. He is described as someone who transformed American religious life with his preaching and his activism and is called the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history. That is pretty amazing. I'm reminded of Matthew 24:14 about the gospel being preached to all nations. One report said that he preached in over 180 nations. Wow. I wonder if in every generation God anoints one preacher to the great preacher to the world? For many people of the post-WWII era, that preacher was Billy Graham.
UPI reports: "Rev. Billy Graham, a well-known evangelist for decades and often referred to as 'America's pastor,' died Wednesday morning at the age of 99. [...] Following World War II, Graham preached throughout the United States and Europe and was thrust to international fame during the Los Angeles Crusade in 1949, one of his earliest evangelism drives. Perhaps most famous for his evangelic missions or 'crusades,' Graham subsequently traveled across the world -- from Ethiopia to Russia, and New Zealand to China."
Comment: I've been reading news reports about Billy Graham and they are amazing. He is described as someone who transformed American religious life with his preaching and his activism and is called the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history. That is pretty amazing. I'm reminded of Matthew 24:14 about the gospel being preached to all nations. One report said that he preached in over 180 nations. Wow. I wonder if in every generation God anoints one preacher to the great preacher to the world? For many people of the post-WWII era, that preacher was Billy Graham.
Monday, December 11, 2017
Gospel Preached to All Nations
American evangelist leads rare event in communist Vietnam - AP
The AP reports: "More than 10,000 Vietnamese filled up a stadium in a rare Christian evangelistic event led by the Rev. Franklin Graham, who said he wants the communist government to consider Christians its best citizens. Despite sweeping economic reforms over the past 30 years that made Vietnam one of the fasting growing countries in the region, the ruling Communist Party maintains strict control over all aspects of society, from media to religions. According to Human Rights Watch, more than 100 Vietnamese are in prison for peaceful religious and political activities. [...] Graham, who is president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and one of the most prominent American preachers, said that religious freedom has gradually improved in Vietnam. [...] There are about 6.5 million Catholics and more than 1 million Protestants among Vietnam’s 95 million people, majority of whom are Buddhists."
Comment: What an extraordinary evangelistic event for a country not known to be welcoming to Christian preachers. I hope that Rev. Graham's visit will encourage Christians in Vietnam and convince the government that they are not a threat to be persecuted. Please join me in praying for the church in Vietnam.
The AP reports: "More than 10,000 Vietnamese filled up a stadium in a rare Christian evangelistic event led by the Rev. Franklin Graham, who said he wants the communist government to consider Christians its best citizens. Despite sweeping economic reforms over the past 30 years that made Vietnam one of the fasting growing countries in the region, the ruling Communist Party maintains strict control over all aspects of society, from media to religions. According to Human Rights Watch, more than 100 Vietnamese are in prison for peaceful religious and political activities. [...] Graham, who is president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and one of the most prominent American preachers, said that religious freedom has gradually improved in Vietnam. [...] There are about 6.5 million Catholics and more than 1 million Protestants among Vietnam’s 95 million people, majority of whom are Buddhists."
Comment: What an extraordinary evangelistic event for a country not known to be welcoming to Christian preachers. I hope that Rev. Graham's visit will encourage Christians in Vietnam and convince the government that they are not a threat to be persecuted. Please join me in praying for the church in Vietnam.
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Gospel Preached to All Nations
Museum of the Bible, built by Hobby Lobby owner, opens in DC - AP
The AP reports: "The $500 million museum includes pieces from the family’s collection from the Dead Sea Scrolls, towering bronze gates inscribed with text from the Gutenberg Bible and a soundscape of the 10 plagues, enhanced by smog and a glowing red light to symbolize the Nile turned to blood. It is an ambitious attempt to appeal simultaneously to people of deep faith and no faith, and to stand out amid the impressive constellation of museums in Washington. The Bible exhibits are so extensive that administrators say it would take days to see everything."
Comment: This is an excellent article to point out to your liberal friends who scoff at the idea of media bias. Sure, we all accept there is bias in news media platforms, after all, no one watches MSNBC and expects a conservative slant or watches Fox News and expects a liberal slant or tunes in to CNN and expects to hear good things about President Trump. We have become accustomed to biased news presented on television. But bias in the legacy news media is often harder to pin down and that's especially true when it comes to what they used to call the "newswire" services, outlets like the Associated Press and Reuters news services. These kinds of services come closest to old school "just the facts" reporting. Yet, when you look closely there are examples of embedded cultural bias like the well documented bias educated Eastern liberals have towards organized religion.
Like a lawyer deposing a witness we are first given the facts of the case, a new museum has opened, but then the credibility of the witness is slowly attacked so that in the end, you start to suspect their motives. There is something fishy going on here.
So, this is where we are in America in the 21st Century. We live in a time when a wealthy celebrity (not naming names) can use his fortune to support a newfangled religion like Scientology but if a Christian entrepreneur uses his fortune to support his Christian faith it's presented as something sketchy. If you read between the lines of this article closely you see that the facts are presented clearly, that this is a privately funded museum that is going to great pains to present a book and not proselytize, that's clear, but the adept reader will note the underlying assumption that if they did attempt to do that it would somehow be bad.
Here we are in the West, what was once quaintly called Christendom, and it's as if the reporter has discovered a new religion that is being pushed on the people by an eccentric millionaire and she is doing a public service by warning us of this strange and possibly dangerous religion. Don't be hoodwinked by the snake-oil salesman, the reporter seems to caution, there is definitely some scary religious evangelism going on here. Beware!
The AP reports: "The $500 million museum includes pieces from the family’s collection from the Dead Sea Scrolls, towering bronze gates inscribed with text from the Gutenberg Bible and a soundscape of the 10 plagues, enhanced by smog and a glowing red light to symbolize the Nile turned to blood. It is an ambitious attempt to appeal simultaneously to people of deep faith and no faith, and to stand out amid the impressive constellation of museums in Washington. The Bible exhibits are so extensive that administrators say it would take days to see everything."
Comment: This is an excellent article to point out to your liberal friends who scoff at the idea of media bias. Sure, we all accept there is bias in news media platforms, after all, no one watches MSNBC and expects a conservative slant or watches Fox News and expects a liberal slant or tunes in to CNN and expects to hear good things about President Trump. We have become accustomed to biased news presented on television. But bias in the legacy news media is often harder to pin down and that's especially true when it comes to what they used to call the "newswire" services, outlets like the Associated Press and Reuters news services. These kinds of services come closest to old school "just the facts" reporting. Yet, when you look closely there are examples of embedded cultural bias like the well documented bias educated Eastern liberals have towards organized religion.
Like a lawyer deposing a witness we are first given the facts of the case, a new museum has opened, but then the credibility of the witness is slowly attacked so that in the end, you start to suspect their motives. There is something fishy going on here.
So, this is where we are in America in the 21st Century. We live in a time when a wealthy celebrity (not naming names) can use his fortune to support a newfangled religion like Scientology but if a Christian entrepreneur uses his fortune to support his Christian faith it's presented as something sketchy. If you read between the lines of this article closely you see that the facts are presented clearly, that this is a privately funded museum that is going to great pains to present a book and not proselytize, that's clear, but the adept reader will note the underlying assumption that if they did attempt to do that it would somehow be bad.
Here we are in the West, what was once quaintly called Christendom, and it's as if the reporter has discovered a new religion that is being pushed on the people by an eccentric millionaire and she is doing a public service by warning us of this strange and possibly dangerous religion. Don't be hoodwinked by the snake-oil salesman, the reporter seems to caution, there is definitely some scary religious evangelism going on here. Beware!
Tuesday, June 06, 2017
Gospel Preached to All Nations
New Bible video project 'revolutionises' the Gospel stories of Jesus - Christian Today
Christian Today reports: "A creative new Bible project has brought the Gospel of Matthew to cinematic realisation – now bringing Jesus' life from all four Gospels into a vivid new form. The video series from 'The Lumo Project' uses the narrative and dialogue from Matthew's Gospel, brings Jesus' ministry to life using with high production values and a realistic visualisation of first century Palestine. Previously completed late last year, The Gospel of Matthew can now be watched for free via The YouVersion 'Bible App'. [...] As its website writes: 'The Lumo Project is a versatile educational resource that can be seen and heard by a truly global audience as it can be dubbed into any translation and all languages. This pioneering educational resource is designed to promote biblical literacy for everyone, irrespective of faith."
Comment: This looks interesting, I like the way they emphasize that it can be translated into all languages.
Christian Today reports: "A creative new Bible project has brought the Gospel of Matthew to cinematic realisation – now bringing Jesus' life from all four Gospels into a vivid new form. The video series from 'The Lumo Project' uses the narrative and dialogue from Matthew's Gospel, brings Jesus' ministry to life using with high production values and a realistic visualisation of first century Palestine. Previously completed late last year, The Gospel of Matthew can now be watched for free via The YouVersion 'Bible App'. [...] As its website writes: 'The Lumo Project is a versatile educational resource that can be seen and heard by a truly global audience as it can be dubbed into any translation and all languages. This pioneering educational resource is designed to promote biblical literacy for everyone, irrespective of faith."
Comment: This looks interesting, I like the way they emphasize that it can be translated into all languages.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Gospel
AP PHOTOS: Christians celebrate Easter around the world
The AP reports: "Christians around the world celebrated Easter on Sunday, as Pope Francis and others expressed concern over embattled communities in the cradle of the faith following church bombings in Egypt and attacks on civilians in Syria's civil war. [...] Thousands of worshippers flocked to Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and resurrected. [...] In Egypt, Coptic Christians marked a somber Easter a week after twin bombings by the Islamic State group killed dozens of worshippers at churches in two separate cities."
Comment: Happy Resurrection Sunday! I hope you are all having a wonderful day of celebration and hopefully some quiet time to reflect on what the resurrection means in your life. The news we track here and the tides of history they reflect are but ripples from that singular moment in time when the Living God intervened in human history, took on human flesh, lived among us and then sacrificed himself to save us. The gift of God is eternal life and that life is in his son, Jesus. Receive that gift and be reborn into a larger life, a life without limits.
The AP reports: "Christians around the world celebrated Easter on Sunday, as Pope Francis and others expressed concern over embattled communities in the cradle of the faith following church bombings in Egypt and attacks on civilians in Syria's civil war. [...] Thousands of worshippers flocked to Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and resurrected. [...] In Egypt, Coptic Christians marked a somber Easter a week after twin bombings by the Islamic State group killed dozens of worshippers at churches in two separate cities."
Comment: Happy Resurrection Sunday! I hope you are all having a wonderful day of celebration and hopefully some quiet time to reflect on what the resurrection means in your life. The news we track here and the tides of history they reflect are but ripples from that singular moment in time when the Living God intervened in human history, took on human flesh, lived among us and then sacrificed himself to save us. The gift of God is eternal life and that life is in his son, Jesus. Receive that gift and be reborn into a larger life, a life without limits.
Saturday, April 08, 2017
Gospel Preached to All Nations
'Jesus' film spreads the word in more than 1,500 languages, 230 countries | The Salt Lake Tribune:
The Salt Lake Tribune reports: "The Jesus Film Project has topped the 1,500-language milestone for translation of the gospel story, this time making the movie available in the eastern African Daasanach tongue. [...] The Jesus Film Project estimates the film has been viewed by hundreds of millions in more than 230 countries. It's goal — tapping social media, phone and tablet apps, DVD sales, as well as traditional screening options — is to reach 5 billion viewers by 2025."
Comment: How is it that I haven't seen this movie? Actually, I've never heard of it. It was screened in the 1970s, so perhaps it was before my time but it's available now in multiple formats. I'm looking forward to seeing it. Congrats to the filmmakers on reaching that translation milestone.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports: "The Jesus Film Project has topped the 1,500-language milestone for translation of the gospel story, this time making the movie available in the eastern African Daasanach tongue. [...] The Jesus Film Project estimates the film has been viewed by hundreds of millions in more than 230 countries. It's goal — tapping social media, phone and tablet apps, DVD sales, as well as traditional screening options — is to reach 5 billion viewers by 2025."
Comment: How is it that I haven't seen this movie? Actually, I've never heard of it. It was screened in the 1970s, so perhaps it was before my time but it's available now in multiple formats. I'm looking forward to seeing it. Congrats to the filmmakers on reaching that translation milestone.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Gospel Preachd to All
Is God really dead? How Britain lost faith in the church - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Is God dead? Fifty years ago, on April 8, 1966, a Time magazine cover asked just that question. The same could be asked in Britain today. The Church of England recently announced it was considering dropping the requirement for weekly church services in parish churches in the wake of dwindling attendance that shows no sign of bouncing back for at least a generation. Low church attendance is frequently in the news, but looking deeper into the phenomenon reveals what the underlying issues really are."
Comment: How's the church doing in England? Not very well according to this opinion piece but the situation is more interesting and more complicated if you look at other denominations, particularly at evangelical churches. The article is worth a read and it's also worth praying for revival.
UPI reports: "Is God dead? Fifty years ago, on April 8, 1966, a Time magazine cover asked just that question. The same could be asked in Britain today. The Church of England recently announced it was considering dropping the requirement for weekly church services in parish churches in the wake of dwindling attendance that shows no sign of bouncing back for at least a generation. Low church attendance is frequently in the news, but looking deeper into the phenomenon reveals what the underlying issues really are."
Comment: How's the church doing in England? Not very well according to this opinion piece but the situation is more interesting and more complicated if you look at other denominations, particularly at evangelical churches. The article is worth a read and it's also worth praying for revival.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Gospel
Christians in Holy Land, across world celebrate Easter - Israel News, Ynetnews:
Ynetnews reports: "Christians in the Holy Land and across the world are celebrating Easter, commemorating the day followers believe Jesus was resurrected in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. The cavernous Holy Sepulcher church in Jerusalem was packed with worshippers on Sunday. The site is where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected."
Ynetnews reports: "Christians in the Holy Land and across the world are celebrating Easter, commemorating the day followers believe Jesus was resurrected in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. The cavernous Holy Sepulcher church in Jerusalem was packed with worshippers on Sunday. The site is where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected."
Friday, February 12, 2016
Persecution
AP - 'Finally': Pope meets Russian Orthodox leader
The AP reports: "With an exclamation of 'Finally,' Pope Francis embraced Patriarch Kirill on Friday in the first meeting between a pontiff and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, a brief but historic encounter held during a stopover in Cuba before the pope flew on to Mexico. [...] Francis and Kirill also called for political leaders to act on the single most important issue of shared concern between the Catholic and Orthodox churches today: the plight of Christians in Iraq and Syria who are being killed and driven from their homes by the Islamic State group."
Comment: While I doubt this meeting will lead to a real ecumenical movement between the Catholic and Orthodox branches of Christianity, the two leaders are shining an important light on the persecution of Christians in the Middle East.
The AP reports: "With an exclamation of 'Finally,' Pope Francis embraced Patriarch Kirill on Friday in the first meeting between a pontiff and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, a brief but historic encounter held during a stopover in Cuba before the pope flew on to Mexico. [...] Francis and Kirill also called for political leaders to act on the single most important issue of shared concern between the Catholic and Orthodox churches today: the plight of Christians in Iraq and Syria who are being killed and driven from their homes by the Islamic State group."
Comment: While I doubt this meeting will lead to a real ecumenical movement between the Catholic and Orthodox branches of Christianity, the two leaders are shining an important light on the persecution of Christians in the Middle East.
Wednesday, January 06, 2016
Gospel Preached to All Nations
Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany - AP
AP reports: "Wednesday is Epiphany, a major holiday in much of Orthodox Christianity celebrating the birth and baptism of Jesus. Religious services are held as well as Blessing of Water ceremonies at lakes, rivers and seafronts. But in Russia, Serbia, Ukraine and other Orthodox countries that observe a different religious calendar, it is Christmas Eve. Roman Catholics and Protestants, meanwhile, celebrate the story of the Wise Men who followed a star to Jesus' cradle."
AP reports: "Wednesday is Epiphany, a major holiday in much of Orthodox Christianity celebrating the birth and baptism of Jesus. Religious services are held as well as Blessing of Water ceremonies at lakes, rivers and seafronts. But in Russia, Serbia, Ukraine and other Orthodox countries that observe a different religious calendar, it is Christmas Eve. Roman Catholics and Protestants, meanwhile, celebrate the story of the Wise Men who followed a star to Jesus' cradle."
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Final Kingdom - Persecution - Gospel
My Way News - Migrant arrivals unlikely to bring major changes to Europe
My Way News reports: "Experts say, however, that there's virtually no chance that the newcomers will radically change the demographics or cultural makeup of the continent — as many populist leaders have contended. They cite recent research by the U.S.-based Pew Research Center which estimated that in 2010 Muslims made up 6 percent of the population of Europe and Russia and this was expected to rise to just over 10 percent by 2050. In the same period, the percentage of Christians is set to decline from 74.5 percent to just over 65 percent — with part of that decline due to the increasing numbers of those with Christian backgrounds who are turning their backs on religion altogether. [...] although projections of numbers of migrants may need to be updated."
Comment: Well, there's an understatement. I hope they don't make policy based on 2010 projections without taking into account the demographic and population surge caused by the mass exodus of refugees from the Middle East. To say there will be virtually no change in the demographics or cultural makeup of Europe is merely wishful thinking after what we've seen in the last month and what is still to come. Refugees traditionally return home after the the war, but I doubt the majority of those recent arrivals will make the return journey. Still unanswered, why are the rich Gulf states, with whom the refugees share ties of ethnicity and religion, not the safe haven that Europe is?
My Way News reports: "Experts say, however, that there's virtually no chance that the newcomers will radically change the demographics or cultural makeup of the continent — as many populist leaders have contended. They cite recent research by the U.S.-based Pew Research Center which estimated that in 2010 Muslims made up 6 percent of the population of Europe and Russia and this was expected to rise to just over 10 percent by 2050. In the same period, the percentage of Christians is set to decline from 74.5 percent to just over 65 percent — with part of that decline due to the increasing numbers of those with Christian backgrounds who are turning their backs on religion altogether. [...] although projections of numbers of migrants may need to be updated."
Comment: Well, there's an understatement. I hope they don't make policy based on 2010 projections without taking into account the demographic and population surge caused by the mass exodus of refugees from the Middle East. To say there will be virtually no change in the demographics or cultural makeup of Europe is merely wishful thinking after what we've seen in the last month and what is still to come. Refugees traditionally return home after the the war, but I doubt the majority of those recent arrivals will make the return journey. Still unanswered, why are the rich Gulf states, with whom the refugees share ties of ethnicity and religion, not the safe haven that Europe is?
Friday, June 19, 2015
Gospel Preached to All Nations
My Way News - Charleston church victims' families forgive suspect in court
My Way News reports: "They forgave him. They advised him to repent for his sins, and asked for God's mercy on his soul. One even told Dylann Storm Roof to repent and confess, and "you'll be OK." Relatives of the nine people shot down during a Bible study session inside their historic black church confronted the 21-year-old suspect Friday during his initial hearing. They described their pain and anger, but also spoke of love."
Comment: Out of this great tragedy has come a living witness to the power of the Christian virtues of love, forgiveness and mercy. So great is their love that the secular news media is amazed and leads their newscasts and headlines with this astonishing new narrative of forgiveness. Is there something different about Christianity? When other religions are attacked they respond with calls for vengeance, for revenge, for retribution. It's not unusual for other religions to meet violence with violence, an "eye-for-an-eye" according to the old code, but where does that lead? There is indeed something different about Christianity because there was something different about the founder of the religion. That difference is revealed daily in the lives of those who follow Him and it was on display today in that courtroom. What a powerful witness!
My Way News reports: "They forgave him. They advised him to repent for his sins, and asked for God's mercy on his soul. One even told Dylann Storm Roof to repent and confess, and "you'll be OK." Relatives of the nine people shot down during a Bible study session inside their historic black church confronted the 21-year-old suspect Friday during his initial hearing. They described their pain and anger, but also spoke of love."
Comment: Out of this great tragedy has come a living witness to the power of the Christian virtues of love, forgiveness and mercy. So great is their love that the secular news media is amazed and leads their newscasts and headlines with this astonishing new narrative of forgiveness. Is there something different about Christianity? When other religions are attacked they respond with calls for vengeance, for revenge, for retribution. It's not unusual for other religions to meet violence with violence, an "eye-for-an-eye" according to the old code, but where does that lead? There is indeed something different about Christianity because there was something different about the founder of the religion. That difference is revealed daily in the lives of those who follow Him and it was on display today in that courtroom. What a powerful witness!
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Gospel Preached to All Nations
My Way News - Tennessee plan to make Bible 'official' book derailed
My Way News reports: "The Bible usually unites Republicans in conservative Tennessee, but lately it is proving to be — as an epistle writer put it — more powerful and sharper than a double-edged sword. Legislators here are deeply divided over a proposal to make the holy text an official state book, with some saying it's far too sacred to be trivialized like the state fruit (tomato), the state amphibian (Tennessee cave salamander) and several state songs ('Tennessee Waltz' and 'Rocky Top'). [...] House lawmakers on Wednesday voted 55-38 in favor of the plan. On Thursday, the proposal was derailed when the Senate voted 22-9 to send it back to a committee that has been closed, effectively killing it for the year."
My Way News reports: "The Bible usually unites Republicans in conservative Tennessee, but lately it is proving to be — as an epistle writer put it — more powerful and sharper than a double-edged sword. Legislators here are deeply divided over a proposal to make the holy text an official state book, with some saying it's far too sacred to be trivialized like the state fruit (tomato), the state amphibian (Tennessee cave salamander) and several state songs ('Tennessee Waltz' and 'Rocky Top'). [...] House lawmakers on Wednesday voted 55-38 in favor of the plan. On Thursday, the proposal was derailed when the Senate voted 22-9 to send it back to a committee that has been closed, effectively killing it for the year."
Wednesday, April 01, 2015
Gospel Preached to All Nations
My Way News - 'A.D. The Bible Continues' goes beyond the biblical epic
My Way News reports: "Politics in Jerusalem 33 A.D. was just as complex and dangerous as it is today and NBC's new series, 'A.D. The Bible Continues' fuses the biblical epic with the current rage for taut political dramas — 'House of Cards' in sandals. The first of the 12 episodes airs at 9 p.m. EDT Easter, picking up where its predecessor, the wildly popular 'The Bible' series from the History Channel left off and going on to tell the story of what happened to Christ's disciples after the crucifixion. It is choosing this time period that makes 'A.D.' such a departure from past Bible stories, most of which end with the resurrection."
Comment: I'm keeping an open mind. This series has the potential to teach millions of people about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It could inspire curiosity among those who are unfamiliar with Christianity and lead them to a spiritual epiphany. On the other hand, it could also be a series heavy with secular themes told in a manner to titillate modern audiences without sharing the message of salvation. I'm hoping for the former, but would not be at all surprised by the latter.
My Way News reports: "Politics in Jerusalem 33 A.D. was just as complex and dangerous as it is today and NBC's new series, 'A.D. The Bible Continues' fuses the biblical epic with the current rage for taut political dramas — 'House of Cards' in sandals. The first of the 12 episodes airs at 9 p.m. EDT Easter, picking up where its predecessor, the wildly popular 'The Bible' series from the History Channel left off and going on to tell the story of what happened to Christ's disciples after the crucifixion. It is choosing this time period that makes 'A.D.' such a departure from past Bible stories, most of which end with the resurrection."
Comment: I'm keeping an open mind. This series has the potential to teach millions of people about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It could inspire curiosity among those who are unfamiliar with Christianity and lead them to a spiritual epiphany. On the other hand, it could also be a series heavy with secular themes told in a manner to titillate modern audiences without sharing the message of salvation. I'm hoping for the former, but would not be at all surprised by the latter.
Friday, August 15, 2014
Persecution
My Way News - Who stopped China Catholics going to South Korea?
My Way News reports: "Days after Chinese officials blocked Catholics from seeing the pope in South Korea, it's still unclear who was behind the action or why it was taken. [...] the central government in Beijing has offered no clarification on the matter, underscoring its discomfort about how to deal with the Vatican. The sides have no formal ties and are locked in a dispute over who has the right to appoint bishops and overall religious freedoms under the officially atheistic ruling party. Reports said about 50 Catholic clergy and laypeople were stopped at Chinese airports earlier this week. [...] Jensen and Lam said there appears to be a debate within President Xi Jinping's government over how to deal with growing religious belief in China. While some see religion as a force for social stability, they are opposed by communist hardliners wary of any challenge to the party's authority, they said."
My Way News reports: "Days after Chinese officials blocked Catholics from seeing the pope in South Korea, it's still unclear who was behind the action or why it was taken. [...] the central government in Beijing has offered no clarification on the matter, underscoring its discomfort about how to deal with the Vatican. The sides have no formal ties and are locked in a dispute over who has the right to appoint bishops and overall religious freedoms under the officially atheistic ruling party. Reports said about 50 Catholic clergy and laypeople were stopped at Chinese airports earlier this week. [...] Jensen and Lam said there appears to be a debate within President Xi Jinping's government over how to deal with growing religious belief in China. While some see religion as a force for social stability, they are opposed by communist hardliners wary of any challenge to the party's authority, they said."
Monday, April 21, 2014
Gospel
My Way News - Thousands celebrate Easter in Holy Land
My Way News reports: "Thousands of pilgrims from around the world are celebrating Easter in the Holy Land, commemorating the day when according to Christian tradition Jesus was resurrected in Jerusalem two millennia ago."
My Way News reports: "Thousands of pilgrims from around the world are celebrating Easter in the Holy Land, commemorating the day when according to Christian tradition Jesus was resurrected in Jerusalem two millennia ago."
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