Here I am again talking about the KJV. Next thing you know, I'll be hitting the revival meeting circuit with Oral Roberts. Anyway, here are 5 reasons why you should consider reading the King James Version.
1. It is beautiful. There is a reason why you study this thing in Literature courses. While some might feel that beauty comes at the price of clarity (especially considering the plainness of the original language), to experience the English language at its best, you need to read the KJV or Shakespeare. I pick the bible!
2. It is common to all. Step back for a minute. Think of all the scripture you can quote. If you are Presbyterian like me, it is probably not much! But the things you DO know probably come from the King James Version. The Lord's Prayer. The 23rd Psalm. Even John 3:16. Most people quote these from the King James Version. It gives us English speakers a common bond and language to share.
3. It is a good translation. Sure, the KJV doesn't make use of the earliest manuscripts. It might not match up well to modern bibles in terms of content (or vice versa if you are of the King James Only variety). However, the KJV is an excellent translation of the Greek language. Seriously! As long as there are not too many textual variants in the passage, the translation of the KJV will stand up to anything you come up with on your own. I used it to check my Greek from time to time. Chop off the -sts or the -ths and you are good to go.
4. It is pre-modern, thus making it post-modern. We hear all about post-modernism these days. And the result? Crappy modern sounding English translations like The Message. (Sorry, I just can't drink the Eugene Peterson Kool-aid.) If the commentators are right about the post-modern desire for mystery and ritual, what could be better than the King James? It sounds archaic and at times down-right spooky. That is what the post-modern world loves, so this should be the version of choice!
5. It is free to use. Most people don't realize this, but most modern bible translations are copyrighted. If you are going to quote from them, you need permission. Otherwise, it is time to pay up. Lest you think this is a joke, I was part of a one-act play in college based on the book of Job. Two weeks before we went live, the playwright discovered that his script, based on the NIV, could not be performed because it was based entirely on copyrighted material. I am not sure how he resolved this, but needless to say, it is a problem. On the other hand, the KJV has passed out of copyright in the U.S. That is why you find it so many places. That is why the Gideons used it for their bibles. Its completely, totally, 100% free to use!
And there you have it. Pick one up, try it...
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Hunting for the KJV
The other day, while I was browsing the shelves at the local Cokesbury, I had an urge. It was a little strange, but something that has been tugging at me ever since. I don't own a good King James Bible. I have one of the $5 Wal-Mart variety on my shelf. I know I could find an armful if I just looked around the church. Still, I was bothered by the fact that I don't own a nice copy of the KJV. I have two copies of the NIV Study Bible, The Harper Collins Study Bible, The NRSV Classics Devotional Bible, and The New Interpreters Study Bible. But I decided that I wanted a good King James Study Bible. So, that became my obsession for a couple hours the other day.
In case you wondered, here are your 3 basic options (to be found at Cokesbury, Wellspring, Family Christian Store, Barnes & Noble, or Borders...yes, I visited all five!):
First is the Zondervan KJV Study Bible. This is the cheapest of the three in hardcover. That would seem to be all that is going for it. The introduction states that the study notes are intended for the 'Conservative Christian'. Strike one. The back cover includes an endorsement from Jerry Falwell. Strikes two...and three. It looks nicely put together and I almost decided to go with this one because of the price. It has nice type-setting and the print is easy on the eye. It is not too bulky and is available in paperback. (No leather cover, however). Still, I just couldn't get past the endorsement from its biggest fan.
Second is the Nelson KJV Study Bible. This one was hard to pick out from the Nelson KJV Reference Bible, which contains no study notes. Again, the introduction states that the bible is for the 'Conservative Christian'. What is up with that? I shouldn't have asked. Turn to the next page...Jerry Falwell is listed as one of the editors. Yikes! Dr. Falwell must really be a fan of the Authorized Version! Its okay...I don't like the layout of this book as much. The print is too dark (I know, it sounds weird, but you'd have to see it). There are symbols that function as pointers to study notes, including a 'set of keys' that are included to indicate essential doctrines. I found these study notes to be heavy-handed and certainly a little bit awkward as they intruded into the text itself. This version was more expensive, though it did come in a nice leather bound addition. Sadly, I don't think it would be proper to buy a Study Bible that you would want to throw across the room every time you sat down to read.
Last, but not least...in this case best (relatively speaking) is the Life Application Bible KJV. I have had a Life Application Bible in the past. It is a beautiful creature. I love the typesetting and layout. It was nicely bound, the kind of bible you'd pass on to your child. This bible was almost identical to the one I remember. The main problem here is that the study notes aren't study notes as much as they are life application questions. It is a little different approach, though it doesn't seem nearly as heavy handed as the Nelson version. There is still some good textual information, though nothing like the Harper Collins or Interpreters. Also, it is the most expensive. However, it was the bible I eventually chose, in the leather bound version no less! Thank God for Amazon! (I saved almost $20 ordering it online!)
All in all, you can find some good KJV bibles out there. It is funny, though, how different store skew towards one version or another. Cokesbury really didn't have much in the way of KJV. They were selling a lot of NRSV Study Bibles. (BTW, the paperback of the Interpreters Study Bible is only $15 at the DSM Cokesbury...get it while its hot!). Wellspring had the largest collection of KJV bibles and that was my basic spot to compare bible version. Family Christian is the place to go for the Message, evidently, as well as the NIV. B&N and Borders had about the same variety. (They had the cheaper paperbacks in more abundance...plus I snagged THE BEST Illustrated Bible Dictionary I have ever seen for only $10 on the bargain shelf.) Basically I wanted a KJV that was easy on the eye and that I would look forward to reading. I got what I needed. As for why I want to read the King James Version...I'll get to that later.
In case you wondered, here are your 3 basic options (to be found at Cokesbury, Wellspring, Family Christian Store, Barnes & Noble, or Borders...yes, I visited all five!):
First is the Zondervan KJV Study Bible. This is the cheapest of the three in hardcover. That would seem to be all that is going for it. The introduction states that the study notes are intended for the 'Conservative Christian'. Strike one. The back cover includes an endorsement from Jerry Falwell. Strikes two...and three. It looks nicely put together and I almost decided to go with this one because of the price. It has nice type-setting and the print is easy on the eye. It is not too bulky and is available in paperback. (No leather cover, however). Still, I just couldn't get past the endorsement from its biggest fan.
Second is the Nelson KJV Study Bible. This one was hard to pick out from the Nelson KJV Reference Bible, which contains no study notes. Again, the introduction states that the bible is for the 'Conservative Christian'. What is up with that? I shouldn't have asked. Turn to the next page...Jerry Falwell is listed as one of the editors. Yikes! Dr. Falwell must really be a fan of the Authorized Version! Its okay...I don't like the layout of this book as much. The print is too dark (I know, it sounds weird, but you'd have to see it). There are symbols that function as pointers to study notes, including a 'set of keys' that are included to indicate essential doctrines. I found these study notes to be heavy-handed and certainly a little bit awkward as they intruded into the text itself. This version was more expensive, though it did come in a nice leather bound addition. Sadly, I don't think it would be proper to buy a Study Bible that you would want to throw across the room every time you sat down to read.
Last, but not least...in this case best (relatively speaking) is the Life Application Bible KJV. I have had a Life Application Bible in the past. It is a beautiful creature. I love the typesetting and layout. It was nicely bound, the kind of bible you'd pass on to your child. This bible was almost identical to the one I remember. The main problem here is that the study notes aren't study notes as much as they are life application questions. It is a little different approach, though it doesn't seem nearly as heavy handed as the Nelson version. There is still some good textual information, though nothing like the Harper Collins or Interpreters. Also, it is the most expensive. However, it was the bible I eventually chose, in the leather bound version no less! Thank God for Amazon! (I saved almost $20 ordering it online!)
All in all, you can find some good KJV bibles out there. It is funny, though, how different store skew towards one version or another. Cokesbury really didn't have much in the way of KJV. They were selling a lot of NRSV Study Bibles. (BTW, the paperback of the Interpreters Study Bible is only $15 at the DSM Cokesbury...get it while its hot!). Wellspring had the largest collection of KJV bibles and that was my basic spot to compare bible version. Family Christian is the place to go for the Message, evidently, as well as the NIV. B&N and Borders had about the same variety. (They had the cheaper paperbacks in more abundance...plus I snagged THE BEST Illustrated Bible Dictionary I have ever seen for only $10 on the bargain shelf.) Basically I wanted a KJV that was easy on the eye and that I would look forward to reading. I got what I needed. As for why I want to read the King James Version...I'll get to that later.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Science....bleh
An article in the online version of the New York Times caught my eye this week. The article was about Florida's requirement that evolution be taught in schools as 'the organizing principle' of modern science. It seems silly to me that this has to be a state law, but of course it plays right into the headline worthy "Evolution vs. Creation" debate. The focus of this article was a teacher by the name of David Campbell who sees teaching evolution as his mission. While he teaches, he is worried about the backwoods, religious fundamentalism of many of his students. He is concerned that he say just the right things so that he doesn't lose the captain of the football team who also happens to be a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. It would appear that Mr. Campbell is an evolution missionary bent on making sure all of his students think and believe like he does. Very strange, really, as he has the benefit many of us pastors would kill for: a captive audience.
I jest. I am not for or against the teaching of evolution. Science was terribly boring, ahem...is terribly boring to me. I barely made it through chemistry in high school. When Mrs. Hughes excitedly promoted Physics by saying 'its only applied math' that was a double strike for me! So with apologies to Uncle Sam for not becoming an engineer and designing missles or something, I checked out of science mentally and phyisically. I wonder how ANYONE things that teaching a scientific theory can be exciting. Which is why I think this whole religion vs. science debate is simply overblown and terribly boring.
As a complete 'hater of science' in the mode of Homer Simpson (Did he say science?! No dad, he said...uh...'Pie Pants'! Mmmmm....pie pants!), I have to ask the question: Is it necessary to teach 'evolution'? I mean, can you be a chemist without being subject to boring lectures about natural selection? Can you be a physicist and not read 'The Descent of Man'? Heck, do you really need to understand the fossil record to make a better tasting steak? After reading this article I imagine Mr. Campbell's elite stormtroopers forcing students to study evolution ala Clockword Orange. Seriously...is it that important to focus on evolution specifically? Can't you just teach science?
Let me take the flip side. I am a pastor. My job is to teach people about the Bible. Do I start with an all-encompassing lecture on the Reformed Tradition before I preach every sermon? Of course not! After years of hearing me preach, I would hope that if you sat down my congregants with a list of things Reformed preachers preach about, they would realize I was Reformed. But I don't feel the need to have all of my parishoners universally accept all the points of Reformed Calvinism before I move on. I am not naive enough to think I am preaching to a bunch of Calvinists. In fact, I know two or three who would probably jump right out the stained glass windows if they knew what Calvinists actually believed! Is it important to me as a minister to know it? Yes, of course! Is it important for my congregation to know it? Yes, I think so! Can they still be Christians...can they still be Calvinists...if they don't accept every last point of Reformed theology? Sure, you bet.
I know the evolution thing makes for a sexy debate. Personally, I have only cared about it when the teachers are arrogant jerks. That does happen sometimes and sadly, it doesn't do much to help anyone's openness to scientific theory. However, all being equal, our country is in deperate need of scientists. I hate science. And there are probably quite a few others like me who choose some other sort of career. But, in an age where you NEED scientists, and CRAVE scientists, why start by pissing off a good half of your students with this? Why not just teach science, math, computers...and when it crops up...mention it and move along? Makes sense to me. Ever read this sign: "Don't pee in our pool. We don't swim in your toliet." That's all I have to say about that.
I jest. I am not for or against the teaching of evolution. Science was terribly boring, ahem...is terribly boring to me. I barely made it through chemistry in high school. When Mrs. Hughes excitedly promoted Physics by saying 'its only applied math' that was a double strike for me! So with apologies to Uncle Sam for not becoming an engineer and designing missles or something, I checked out of science mentally and phyisically. I wonder how ANYONE things that teaching a scientific theory can be exciting. Which is why I think this whole religion vs. science debate is simply overblown and terribly boring.
As a complete 'hater of science' in the mode of Homer Simpson (Did he say science?! No dad, he said...uh...'Pie Pants'! Mmmmm....pie pants!), I have to ask the question: Is it necessary to teach 'evolution'? I mean, can you be a chemist without being subject to boring lectures about natural selection? Can you be a physicist and not read 'The Descent of Man'? Heck, do you really need to understand the fossil record to make a better tasting steak? After reading this article I imagine Mr. Campbell's elite stormtroopers forcing students to study evolution ala Clockword Orange. Seriously...is it that important to focus on evolution specifically? Can't you just teach science?
Let me take the flip side. I am a pastor. My job is to teach people about the Bible. Do I start with an all-encompassing lecture on the Reformed Tradition before I preach every sermon? Of course not! After years of hearing me preach, I would hope that if you sat down my congregants with a list of things Reformed preachers preach about, they would realize I was Reformed. But I don't feel the need to have all of my parishoners universally accept all the points of Reformed Calvinism before I move on. I am not naive enough to think I am preaching to a bunch of Calvinists. In fact, I know two or three who would probably jump right out the stained glass windows if they knew what Calvinists actually believed! Is it important to me as a minister to know it? Yes, of course! Is it important for my congregation to know it? Yes, I think so! Can they still be Christians...can they still be Calvinists...if they don't accept every last point of Reformed theology? Sure, you bet.
I know the evolution thing makes for a sexy debate. Personally, I have only cared about it when the teachers are arrogant jerks. That does happen sometimes and sadly, it doesn't do much to help anyone's openness to scientific theory. However, all being equal, our country is in deperate need of scientists. I hate science. And there are probably quite a few others like me who choose some other sort of career. But, in an age where you NEED scientists, and CRAVE scientists, why start by pissing off a good half of your students with this? Why not just teach science, math, computers...and when it crops up...mention it and move along? Makes sense to me. Ever read this sign: "Don't pee in our pool. We don't swim in your toliet." That's all I have to say about that.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
More on China
Today we learn that China has blocked its citizens from the Itunes store. Yesterday, there was news that a computer hacker discovered Excel spreadsheets that gave the true ages of young gymnasts in an internet cache. (They were being deleted even as he stumbled upon them.) Also, yesterday the story that two elderly women who legally applied for protest permits we being sent for "re-education" (ie. hard labor). It goes on and on... While the Christian Century makes apologies for the harsh actions of the Chinese regime, here is an article from a journalist brave enough to paint a true picture of life for Christians in China:
On August 8, 2008, three American Christians were arrested in China. After the group's press conference in Tiananmen Square, during which they condemned the country's widespread oppression and human rights violations, they were imprisoned and subsequently deported back to the United States.
On that same day, as the world prepared for the commencement of the Olympic Games in Beijing, several Chinese house church leaders were quietly detained in the Henan Province, in an effort by government leaders to curb protests and reports of religious persecution in the country.
On August 11, while visiting China for the Olympics, U.S. President George Bush attended a carefully staged, government-approved worship service at the Three Self Patriotic Movement Kuanjie Church. Before his visit was over, unbeknownst to the outside world, Christian social activist Hua Huiqi would be arrested and illegally detained near Beijing.
They are just a few of the thousands of people who daily risk their lives for the "crime" of Christian faith in China.
Although its constitution claims that all Chinese citizens enjoy religious freedom, China remains as one of the worst violators of human rights in the world. The only legally existing churches are those under the government's strict control; anyone who refuses to follow its policies on religious practices and beliefs are forced to meet and worship in illegal house churches. If caught, they face confiscation of property, imprisonment, torture, or even death. The government's "re-education" system also sends hundreds of thousands of people, particularly Christians, to grueling work camps each year in an effort to indoctrinate them with Communist ideologies.
Bible production and distribution is also strictly controlled in China, with just a small number of the Scriptures being printed each year. But with an estimated 60 to 100 million believers currently existing in China's "underground" church, the overwhelming demand for Bibles drastically outweighs the country's supply.
Despite harsh opposition and resistance, the underground church continues to thrive in China, growing by the millions each year.
Christian Freedom International (CFI), a Michigan-based organization that assists persecuted Christians worldwide, has provided humanitarian relief and Bibles for suffering Chinese believers since 1996.
CFI urges all Christians to pray for the safety of Christians in China and that they would be encouraged to continue sharing the Gospel with others, despite the dangers they face. CFI also calls on the international community and its governments to hold China accountable for its lack of religious freedom and severe human rights abuses.
On August 8, 2008, three American Christians were arrested in China. After the group's press conference in Tiananmen Square, during which they condemned the country's widespread oppression and human rights violations, they were imprisoned and subsequently deported back to the United States.
On that same day, as the world prepared for the commencement of the Olympic Games in Beijing, several Chinese house church leaders were quietly detained in the Henan Province, in an effort by government leaders to curb protests and reports of religious persecution in the country.
On August 11, while visiting China for the Olympics, U.S. President George Bush attended a carefully staged, government-approved worship service at the Three Self Patriotic Movement Kuanjie Church. Before his visit was over, unbeknownst to the outside world, Christian social activist Hua Huiqi would be arrested and illegally detained near Beijing.
They are just a few of the thousands of people who daily risk their lives for the "crime" of Christian faith in China.
Although its constitution claims that all Chinese citizens enjoy religious freedom, China remains as one of the worst violators of human rights in the world. The only legally existing churches are those under the government's strict control; anyone who refuses to follow its policies on religious practices and beliefs are forced to meet and worship in illegal house churches. If caught, they face confiscation of property, imprisonment, torture, or even death. The government's "re-education" system also sends hundreds of thousands of people, particularly Christians, to grueling work camps each year in an effort to indoctrinate them with Communist ideologies.
Bible production and distribution is also strictly controlled in China, with just a small number of the Scriptures being printed each year. But with an estimated 60 to 100 million believers currently existing in China's "underground" church, the overwhelming demand for Bibles drastically outweighs the country's supply.
Despite harsh opposition and resistance, the underground church continues to thrive in China, growing by the millions each year.
Christian Freedom International (CFI), a Michigan-based organization that assists persecuted Christians worldwide, has provided humanitarian relief and Bibles for suffering Chinese believers since 1996.
CFI urges all Christians to pray for the safety of Christians in China and that they would be encouraged to continue sharing the Gospel with others, despite the dangers they face. CFI also calls on the international community and its governments to hold China accountable for its lack of religious freedom and severe human rights abuses.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
A Little More Than Just Showing Up
If these Olympics remind me of anything, it is that getting a medal is about more than just showing up. This morning all the networks in Des Moines congratulated Shawn Johnson on getting her gold...finally. Not to diminish anything this girl has done, but it seems hardly worth the celebration. I mean, Shawn Johnson was supposed to win FOUR of these things, was she not? She was supposed to be the mini-Michael Phelps, the new American golden sweetheart. Heck, she's even hawking $500 golden pendants for Brodkeys. And yet there was no guarantee she was going to get that gold medal. Just the eager expectation that she would...in some cases, the over-zealous expectation that she would win in her quest for gold. Just watch the Hy-Vee commercials.
If anyone has this thing in perspective, it is Shawn herself. While most of the state of Iowa, and indeed the rest of the country itself, felt disappointed for her three silvers it was Shawn who had the solid gold attitude. "I'm happy to get any medal," she said. She didn't just say that...she looked like she meant it. By all accounts, she was having the time of her life at these Olympics. She went so far as to say that her competitors were just as talented as she was and that even if she got last place she would be happy to be there. At 16 she somehow manages to be more mature that I am at 31. (Yes, I did yell at the TV, the judges, her teammates, and the Chinese gymnasts...everyone who was messing up her chances!) In a nation of people, myself included, who feel rather entitled to every honor they receive it is nice to know that somewhere there is someone who can step back and bring a little perspective to the jingo-istic medal fest that has become the Olympics.
If anyone has this thing in perspective, it is Shawn herself. While most of the state of Iowa, and indeed the rest of the country itself, felt disappointed for her three silvers it was Shawn who had the solid gold attitude. "I'm happy to get any medal," she said. She didn't just say that...she looked like she meant it. By all accounts, she was having the time of her life at these Olympics. She went so far as to say that her competitors were just as talented as she was and that even if she got last place she would be happy to be there. At 16 she somehow manages to be more mature that I am at 31. (Yes, I did yell at the TV, the judges, her teammates, and the Chinese gymnasts...everyone who was messing up her chances!) In a nation of people, myself included, who feel rather entitled to every honor they receive it is nice to know that somewhere there is someone who can step back and bring a little perspective to the jingo-istic medal fest that has become the Olympics.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Presbymeme II
The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow posted these questions on his blog today. I thought I would take the opportunity to answer them. Why not?
1. What is your favorite faith-based hymn, song or chorus?
Well, I don't want to sound silly, but Christian metal played an essential role in my coming to faith. I would have to say 'Into the Abyss' by Vengeance Rising. I know, apocalyptic thrash metal isn't everyone's cup of tea.
2. What was the context, content and/or topic of the last sermon that truly touched, convicted, inspired, challenged, comforted and/or otherwise moved you?
I don't hear a lot of sermons these days. I will say I was impressed with the passion and empathy with which my future wife's pastor preached about Immigration a month or so ago. It was one of those 'skin-crawling, hair standing up, grip the pew' uncomfortable moments. But I applaud him for preaching that message and afflicting the comfortable!
3. If you could have all Presbyterians read just one of your previous posts, what would it be and why?
I don't have a lot of these to choose from, but I will say I was most vulnerable in a post in which I decried the practice of attempting to change one's sexual orientation. I do indeed struggle with the underlying issue and what it means for the church. I hope anyone who reads it would see my pastoral intention to put the individual first, regardless of my personal belief, and to be open to hearing God's voice in any situation.
4. What are three PC(USA) flavored blogs you read on a regular basis?
Classical Presbyterian - Toby Brown
Shuck & Jive - John Shuck
Decently and In Order - more of a podcast, but I still check it often
5. If the PC(USA) were a movie, what would it be and why?
I would say 'Revenge of the Sith'. That moment where Mace Windu stands ready to violate the Jedi code and assisinate Chancellor Palpatine without trial (for the greater good, of course)...that speaks volumes to me about how some Presbyterians relate to those with whom they disagree.
1. What is your favorite faith-based hymn, song or chorus?
Well, I don't want to sound silly, but Christian metal played an essential role in my coming to faith. I would have to say 'Into the Abyss' by Vengeance Rising. I know, apocalyptic thrash metal isn't everyone's cup of tea.
2. What was the context, content and/or topic of the last sermon that truly touched, convicted, inspired, challenged, comforted and/or otherwise moved you?
I don't hear a lot of sermons these days. I will say I was impressed with the passion and empathy with which my future wife's pastor preached about Immigration a month or so ago. It was one of those 'skin-crawling, hair standing up, grip the pew' uncomfortable moments. But I applaud him for preaching that message and afflicting the comfortable!
3. If you could have all Presbyterians read just one of your previous posts, what would it be and why?
I don't have a lot of these to choose from, but I will say I was most vulnerable in a post in which I decried the practice of attempting to change one's sexual orientation. I do indeed struggle with the underlying issue and what it means for the church. I hope anyone who reads it would see my pastoral intention to put the individual first, regardless of my personal belief, and to be open to hearing God's voice in any situation.
4. What are three PC(USA) flavored blogs you read on a regular basis?
Classical Presbyterian - Toby Brown
Shuck & Jive - John Shuck
Decently and In Order - more of a podcast, but I still check it often
5. If the PC(USA) were a movie, what would it be and why?
I would say 'Revenge of the Sith'. That moment where Mace Windu stands ready to violate the Jedi code and assisinate Chancellor Palpatine without trial (for the greater good, of course)...that speaks volumes to me about how some Presbyterians relate to those with whom they disagree.
Duped in China?
During the past two weeks, I have encouraged memebers of my congregation to be in prayer for the people of China. As the Olympics put this nation in the spotlight, many were afraid that the glimmer of the Olympic torch would bedazzle the people of the world and make them forget about the harsh repression of the Communist regime that rules there. If this was the plan, then the authorities might just have won the publicity battle. Tibet, free speech, political persection...all of these issues have been enthusiastically dropped in favor of a few gold medals. Yet, thousands of Christians in this country continue to be in prayer for the billions of people in this nation.
Sadly, it seems that even the progressive magazine Christian Century has lost perspective on this issue. In a recent article entitled "The Chinese At Worship", Stuart C. Strother examines Chinese Christianity first-hand. He visits officially sanctioned Three-Self Churches as well as so called 'underground' churches that are not registered with the government. Meeting native Christians of all stripes, he concludes that, "While tales of persecution of the Chinese church in the past were generally accurate, these stories persist because they appeal to our appetite for sensational news more than because they reflect the truth. The story of the healthy Chinese church that peacefully coexists with the government is less sensational, but its one that needs to be told."
Really, Mr. Strother, how can you believe this good news? Aren't you curious about the lack of protests during the first week of the Olympics? Did you read the reports that protesters who applied for permits were arrested on the spot? Did you visit the Muslim communities in the West and ask them if this newfound toleration applies to them? Doesn't it all seem a little too good to be true?
This isn't the first time I have heard progressives serve as apologists for the Communist regime in China. My own denomination, the PC(USA) maintains relations with the CCC and has recently published several articles about similar progress. It is a shame that this misinformation is coming from progressive liberals who seem to be in complete ignorance of every act of repression committed by the Chinese government toward its own people. If any thing is certain about the Church in China, it is that nothing is certain. You can believe the propaganda if you wish, but in a country with such a vicious civil rights record can you truly believe the words of those who are talking to a foreign journalist? Certainly Mr. Strother's subjects are not to blame for this. They are the ones who must live under such oppression and have to fear the consequences of their words. It is rather Mr. Strother who must be blamed for a lack of critical thinking.
The last thing we as American Christians need to do is stampede into Asia and try forcibly protest this situation. The primary reason for Christian persecution is the fear that these Christians want to overthrow the government. On the other hand, we should not buy into this 'all is well' message, either. It is obvious that all is not well. Perhaps, once the Olympic spotlight is over and journalists no longer fear deportation for covering controversial stories, we will hear the truth about life in China. Until then, let us continue to pray!
Sadly, it seems that even the progressive magazine Christian Century has lost perspective on this issue. In a recent article entitled "The Chinese At Worship", Stuart C. Strother examines Chinese Christianity first-hand. He visits officially sanctioned Three-Self Churches as well as so called 'underground' churches that are not registered with the government. Meeting native Christians of all stripes, he concludes that, "While tales of persecution of the Chinese church in the past were generally accurate, these stories persist because they appeal to our appetite for sensational news more than because they reflect the truth. The story of the healthy Chinese church that peacefully coexists with the government is less sensational, but its one that needs to be told."
Really, Mr. Strother, how can you believe this good news? Aren't you curious about the lack of protests during the first week of the Olympics? Did you read the reports that protesters who applied for permits were arrested on the spot? Did you visit the Muslim communities in the West and ask them if this newfound toleration applies to them? Doesn't it all seem a little too good to be true?
This isn't the first time I have heard progressives serve as apologists for the Communist regime in China. My own denomination, the PC(USA) maintains relations with the CCC and has recently published several articles about similar progress. It is a shame that this misinformation is coming from progressive liberals who seem to be in complete ignorance of every act of repression committed by the Chinese government toward its own people. If any thing is certain about the Church in China, it is that nothing is certain. You can believe the propaganda if you wish, but in a country with such a vicious civil rights record can you truly believe the words of those who are talking to a foreign journalist? Certainly Mr. Strother's subjects are not to blame for this. They are the ones who must live under such oppression and have to fear the consequences of their words. It is rather Mr. Strother who must be blamed for a lack of critical thinking.
The last thing we as American Christians need to do is stampede into Asia and try forcibly protest this situation. The primary reason for Christian persecution is the fear that these Christians want to overthrow the government. On the other hand, we should not buy into this 'all is well' message, either. It is obvious that all is not well. Perhaps, once the Olympic spotlight is over and journalists no longer fear deportation for covering controversial stories, we will hear the truth about life in China. Until then, let us continue to pray!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Starting Over
Wow. It has been over a year since I started this blog on a whim. In that period of time, much has changed. I have moved to Iowa and succumbed to the freezing...ahem...fall weather and a winter from wherever it is that hell freezes over. I have gotten to know a bunch of new people in a new parish and am adjusting to living in a small town once again. Its been a great year! The first of fifty years in Hartford according to the fine print of my contract, says the Personnel Committee.
Well, now that I am learning the ropes I figure that it is time to reboot this blog in the hope that I will do or say something meanful that will inspire someone somewhere. That is really all we bloggers can hope to do, right? Coming off of a week of Synod School where I was challenged to think, reflect, and yes...write...I think it is high time I make this a practice of mine. I have debated about whether or not to leave everything up or start over. But I have grown to like my writings and until I offend someone vigorously, I will keep them up. I am challenging myself to think outside the box, so I best be able to live with the consequences!
If you are reading this and a little confused as to my blog title, I want to take a minute to explain that while I do appreciate the fact the you can spell the word 'Presbyterians' by using all the letters of Britney Spears, my favorite female Presbyterian celebrity would probably be Robin Roberts.
I will try my best to blog. You should try it, too!
Well, now that I am learning the ropes I figure that it is time to reboot this blog in the hope that I will do or say something meanful that will inspire someone somewhere. That is really all we bloggers can hope to do, right? Coming off of a week of Synod School where I was challenged to think, reflect, and yes...write...I think it is high time I make this a practice of mine. I have debated about whether or not to leave everything up or start over. But I have grown to like my writings and until I offend someone vigorously, I will keep them up. I am challenging myself to think outside the box, so I best be able to live with the consequences!
If you are reading this and a little confused as to my blog title, I want to take a minute to explain that while I do appreciate the fact the you can spell the word 'Presbyterians' by using all the letters of Britney Spears, my favorite female Presbyterian celebrity would probably be Robin Roberts.
I will try my best to blog. You should try it, too!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)