Rev 21:22-27
Our World Is Not for Sale
I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb (22).
Francis Fukuyama’s theory holds that we have arrived at “the end point of [hu]mankind's ideological evolution and the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government." On the other hand , the advocates of the World Social Forum crticizes this ideology and affirm that another and better world through nonviolence criticizes the market ideology of globalization declare that “Our World Is Not for Sale.”
The book of Revelation, gives us a picture of new heaven and new earth, which is not controlled by any particular brand of civilization, but initiated by God and in whose light all people on earth will rejoice, where no evil and darkness have any place and all people will contribute their best towards the future world that God creates. God is against any kind of monopolization of the heaven and earth by any group and the temple of God, the divine being itself, will remain the focus of power and glory. The gates of the new world will be open always as it is no longer a prison, but a free world.
● Let us find shalom in you, Lord, our source of comfort and power, our temple and our city.
●Let us build a new world, not by might, but in the spirit of the Lord.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Rev 18:10-20: Globalization of Terrorism
Rev 18:10-20
Globalization of Terrorism
Alas, alas, the great city, Babylon, the mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come (10).
Alexander Hislophas in his book, The Two Babylons, refers to the Babel of Genesis and the Babylon of Revelation. In the book of theRevelation, “Babylon the Great " appears as the originator of all the evil and falsehood and the attempt to gain earthly honour by means of religion, economics and politics is denounced as "Mystery Babylon" which inevitably invites its own destruction.
The dominant powers today tend to support globalization as a way to increase the ambit of their influence, expand trade and gain economic advantage, co-opt new citizens and possibly show the advantages of their own pax. The advocates of globalization are generally not sensitive to the way it affects the less privileged majority of the world and less concerned about how their mercantile policies and designs of empire building. This in turn generates violent reaction to global market strategies invites resistance in the form of global terrorism, which threatens the world with destruction. The terrorists all over the world are mainly targeting economic centres of power and the book of Revelation anticipates such a danger as a consequence of unbridled business passions.
● Lord, give us the wisdom to change the things we can change.
● ●Terrorism is the bye-product of marginalization and poverty, and marginalization and poverty the products of globalization.
Globalization of Terrorism
Alas, alas, the great city, Babylon, the mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come (10).
Alexander Hislophas in his book, The Two Babylons, refers to the Babel of Genesis and the Babylon of Revelation. In the book of theRevelation, “Babylon the Great " appears as the originator of all the evil and falsehood and the attempt to gain earthly honour by means of religion, economics and politics is denounced as "Mystery Babylon" which inevitably invites its own destruction.
The dominant powers today tend to support globalization as a way to increase the ambit of their influence, expand trade and gain economic advantage, co-opt new citizens and possibly show the advantages of their own pax. The advocates of globalization are generally not sensitive to the way it affects the less privileged majority of the world and less concerned about how their mercantile policies and designs of empire building. This in turn generates violent reaction to global market strategies invites resistance in the form of global terrorism, which threatens the world with destruction. The terrorists all over the world are mainly targeting economic centres of power and the book of Revelation anticipates such a danger as a consequence of unbridled business passions.
● Lord, give us the wisdom to change the things we can change.
● ●Terrorism is the bye-product of marginalization and poverty, and marginalization and poverty the products of globalization.
Matthew 13:47-50:The Kingdom of Heaven is like a Net
Matthew 13:47-50
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a Net
The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind (47).
The Greek word, sagene refers to a large dragnet, which is cast into the water to drag fish up from the bottom. While being dragged along it keeps gathering all in its way, both good and bad, small and great. This image of the Kingdom of God as a net provides a picture different from that of the modern globalization net which selectively concerned with few privileged, on the basis of their merit and economic value to its network. Quite contrarily, the Kingdom of God gives preference to the least, the weak, unsupported and the marginalized, the subalterns.
In Globalization humans and nature becomes simply objects of commercial transaction. Holistic human well being in the areas of environment, public health, living standards, and the protection of human rights are undermined. This has become very visible on account of the large scale protests by people at the places where the meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund like, Seattle, Davos and Hongkong in recent years and how these were responded to. The world needs new political and economic network that protects the rights of all.
● Lord, Save us from the viles of the evil one.
●● Participate in protest movements so as to expose the evil designs of the selective economics of Corporate world.
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a Net
The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind (47).
The Greek word, sagene refers to a large dragnet, which is cast into the water to drag fish up from the bottom. While being dragged along it keeps gathering all in its way, both good and bad, small and great. This image of the Kingdom of God as a net provides a picture different from that of the modern globalization net which selectively concerned with few privileged, on the basis of their merit and economic value to its network. Quite contrarily, the Kingdom of God gives preference to the least, the weak, unsupported and the marginalized, the subalterns.
In Globalization humans and nature becomes simply objects of commercial transaction. Holistic human well being in the areas of environment, public health, living standards, and the protection of human rights are undermined. This has become very visible on account of the large scale protests by people at the places where the meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund like, Seattle, Davos and Hongkong in recent years and how these were responded to. The world needs new political and economic network that protects the rights of all.
● Lord, Save us from the viles of the evil one.
●● Participate in protest movements so as to expose the evil designs of the selective economics of Corporate world.
Micah 4:3-5: Under Their Own Fig Trees
Micah 4:3-5
Under Their Own Fig Trees
… but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken (3-4).
The expression, all shall sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, is indicative of perfect peace, security, and rural comfort of the most prosperous tranquility. The present conditions of globalization have rapidly transformed agriculture into a business, destroying its rural pristine sanctity. As agribusiness becomes a globally integrated enterprise, farmers from poor countries find themselves in direct competition with the mechanized projects of the corporate giants. In India the traditional small farmers find themselves dictated by the business interests of biotech major like Monsanto who enjoys the patent rights of traditional seeds and misuse their gene technology to modify seeds and impose them upon poor farmers at unaffordable prices. Micah’s vision of a new world serves as a safeguard against such corporate business practices, promising enjoyment and relaxation under their own vines and fig trees. According to the biblical economy, society must be built around the interests of the real producers and consumers, to meet the actual needs of people for food and drink. A just system must protect, not undermine, cultural, biological, economic and social diversity. Religious as well as political, economic and social freedom are interrelated.
● Lord, help us to lead a life of our own choice.
● ● Think of ways to protect personal rights against corporate giants.
Under Their Own Fig Trees
… but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken (3-4).
The expression, all shall sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, is indicative of perfect peace, security, and rural comfort of the most prosperous tranquility. The present conditions of globalization have rapidly transformed agriculture into a business, destroying its rural pristine sanctity. As agribusiness becomes a globally integrated enterprise, farmers from poor countries find themselves in direct competition with the mechanized projects of the corporate giants. In India the traditional small farmers find themselves dictated by the business interests of biotech major like Monsanto who enjoys the patent rights of traditional seeds and misuse their gene technology to modify seeds and impose them upon poor farmers at unaffordable prices. Micah’s vision of a new world serves as a safeguard against such corporate business practices, promising enjoyment and relaxation under their own vines and fig trees. According to the biblical economy, society must be built around the interests of the real producers and consumers, to meet the actual needs of people for food and drink. A just system must protect, not undermine, cultural, biological, economic and social diversity. Religious as well as political, economic and social freedom are interrelated.
● Lord, help us to lead a life of our own choice.
● ● Think of ways to protect personal rights against corporate giants.
Day of Atonement, Day of Correction Lev 25:4-10.
Lev 25:4-10.
Day of Atonement, Day of Correction
…but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land, …You shall count off seven weeks of years, seven times seven years... then shall …the trumpet of the jubilee sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement (4ff.).
The Sabbath day of the week, Sabbath year of seven weeks and of Jubilee year coming after seven Sabbath years all have its focus upon correcting the wrongs done with regard to the rights of property and freedom of other human beings, which in religious terms, denoted as the atonement day . The weekly, yearly and jubilee Sabbaths, also involved rest not only for people but also for the land as well as all the living and the non-living organisms (v. 10). All are entitled to regain whatever they have lost (vv. 10, 13), mark of real atonement. These Sabbaths were holy as they proclaimed full forgiveness of sins, redistribution of land and restoration of God given rights and freedom. It reiterated the fundamental law that "the land belongs to God.”
During these days of the hegemony of globalization where poor people are dispossessed and displaced from land in the name of development and free trade the Church must proclaim loud and clear this biblical injunction that denounces callous race for possession and power .
● Lord, make us instruments of peace and justice.
● ● Engage in the political process to restore the rights of people over land and life.
Day of Atonement, Day of Correction
…but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land, …You shall count off seven weeks of years, seven times seven years... then shall …the trumpet of the jubilee sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement (4ff.).
The Sabbath day of the week, Sabbath year of seven weeks and of Jubilee year coming after seven Sabbath years all have its focus upon correcting the wrongs done with regard to the rights of property and freedom of other human beings, which in religious terms, denoted as the atonement day . The weekly, yearly and jubilee Sabbaths, also involved rest not only for people but also for the land as well as all the living and the non-living organisms (v. 10). All are entitled to regain whatever they have lost (vv. 10, 13), mark of real atonement. These Sabbaths were holy as they proclaimed full forgiveness of sins, redistribution of land and restoration of God given rights and freedom. It reiterated the fundamental law that "the land belongs to God.”
During these days of the hegemony of globalization where poor people are dispossessed and displaced from land in the name of development and free trade the Church must proclaim loud and clear this biblical injunction that denounces callous race for possession and power .
● Lord, make us instruments of peace and justice.
● ● Engage in the political process to restore the rights of people over land and life.
The Global Neighbour
Gal 5:13-15
The Global Neighbour
Love others as you love yourself (14).
Today, globalization connects places and people around the world in ways that were previously unimaginable, making everyone our neighbour. However, in real life experience people find themselves more and more in a state of isolation, distrust and hostility to one another. Life in a transnationalized world is more insecure and alienated because of the casualised, precarious, neo-colonial relationship fostered by the multinational corporations with regard to their business practices. The new business strategy of outsourcing is an example of how these powerful corporations attempt to distance themselves from their responsibility towards their workers through indirect employment. Recent struggles against the Coco Cola company in Kerala’ s Plachimada by the tribals against the large scale extraction and resultant drying up of fresh water wells and the contamination of groundwater is yet another example of the irresponsibility of multinational corporate giants towards the poor.
St. Paul summarising the substance of the law quotes Lev. 19:8. The law is about human responsibility in the world (cf. Rom 13:8-10) The easiest way to destroy spirituality is to excite a spirit of contention and competition which have become the guiding values of the present day globalization. Any assistance to the weak by the nation states are challenged by the values of free trade and equal opportunity advocated by the transnational corporations.
● Lord, help us against the life threatening trade parctices of our strong corporate giant neighbours.
● Organise people’s resistance against unfair global business practices.
The Global Neighbour
Love others as you love yourself (14).
Today, globalization connects places and people around the world in ways that were previously unimaginable, making everyone our neighbour. However, in real life experience people find themselves more and more in a state of isolation, distrust and hostility to one another. Life in a transnationalized world is more insecure and alienated because of the casualised, precarious, neo-colonial relationship fostered by the multinational corporations with regard to their business practices. The new business strategy of outsourcing is an example of how these powerful corporations attempt to distance themselves from their responsibility towards their workers through indirect employment. Recent struggles against the Coco Cola company in Kerala’ s Plachimada by the tribals against the large scale extraction and resultant drying up of fresh water wells and the contamination of groundwater is yet another example of the irresponsibility of multinational corporate giants towards the poor.
St. Paul summarising the substance of the law quotes Lev. 19:8. The law is about human responsibility in the world (cf. Rom 13:8-10) The easiest way to destroy spirituality is to excite a spirit of contention and competition which have become the guiding values of the present day globalization. Any assistance to the weak by the nation states are challenged by the values of free trade and equal opportunity advocated by the transnational corporations.
● Lord, help us against the life threatening trade parctices of our strong corporate giant neighbours.
● Organise people’s resistance against unfair global business practices.
Babel –Globalization, the First Round
Gen 11.1-9
Babel –Globalization, the First Round
Now the whole earth had one language and the same words( v.1).
Josephus, in his Antiquities, suggests that the tower of Babel, probably built a hundred years after the Great Flood intended to provide some security against second one. Babel is combination of words, baa (gate), el (god) and balal (confusion). As in the case of later Babylonian ziggurats, the tower of Babel also must have intended to serve as a shrine of the Sun god, as well as an astronomical observatory. Babel has become a symbol of human achievement in architecture, engineering, science and philosophy as well associated with human pride, selfishness, vain glory and superfluous unity. A people with common language and political economy, starts to force a civilization with the support of their newly acquired technological prowess of architectural engineering and a unipolar ideology of power, very much symbolizes the present day globalization and empire building.
The postmodern Globalization of our times has idealized money, market, competition and technology accelerating the erosion of human integrity at the altear of competitive progress. Globalization suppresses local cultures, nationalities and ethnic identities to serve hegemonic designs of the multinational corporations. The story of the tower of Babel always warns us against hegemonic ideologies camouflaged as freedom and unity.
●Lord, save us from the evils of globalized market which sacrifices the weak for the advantage of the strong in the altar of progress.
● ● A unipolar world is a threat to human freedom.
Babel –Globalization, the First Round
Now the whole earth had one language and the same words( v.1).
Josephus, in his Antiquities, suggests that the tower of Babel, probably built a hundred years after the Great Flood intended to provide some security against second one. Babel is combination of words, baa (gate), el (god) and balal (confusion). As in the case of later Babylonian ziggurats, the tower of Babel also must have intended to serve as a shrine of the Sun god, as well as an astronomical observatory. Babel has become a symbol of human achievement in architecture, engineering, science and philosophy as well associated with human pride, selfishness, vain glory and superfluous unity. A people with common language and political economy, starts to force a civilization with the support of their newly acquired technological prowess of architectural engineering and a unipolar ideology of power, very much symbolizes the present day globalization and empire building.
The postmodern Globalization of our times has idealized money, market, competition and technology accelerating the erosion of human integrity at the altear of competitive progress. Globalization suppresses local cultures, nationalities and ethnic identities to serve hegemonic designs of the multinational corporations. The story of the tower of Babel always warns us against hegemonic ideologies camouflaged as freedom and unity.
●Lord, save us from the evils of globalized market which sacrifices the weak for the advantage of the strong in the altar of progress.
● ● A unipolar world is a threat to human freedom.
Parousia
Titus 2:11-14
Parousia
For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all people … training us… to live sober…, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ….(vv11-13).
The Reformation teaching that the church is always reforming (ecclesia semper reformanda ) is a challenge for the church to constantly examine its doctrines and life. The doctrines of resurrection and the parousia give continued assurance that every sorrow will be turned into joy and the end will be the beginning of something entirely new. Parousia, a Greek word, literally means, "a being alongside.” It also means " "appearance" or "presence" or "presence after absence," and "arrival;” but not a "return or “second coming” as popularly conceived. Parousia appears 13 times in the New Testament with reference to the coming of Christ: 1 Cor 15:23; 1 Thess 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23; 2 Thess 2:1,8; James 5:7-8; 2 Peter 1:16; 3:4,12; 1 John 2:28. This blessed hope of parousia, sustains believers in their troublesome existence in the world. However, the doctrine of Parousia has become a fundamentalist doctrine of world negation and misleading speculations about the end of the world. Christians need to reaffirm an open future and meaning of all historical life, that the dead will be raised and the world will be renewed.
Parousia
For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all people … training us… to live sober…, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ….(vv11-13).
The Reformation teaching that the church is always reforming (ecclesia semper reformanda ) is a challenge for the church to constantly examine its doctrines and life. The doctrines of resurrection and the parousia give continued assurance that every sorrow will be turned into joy and the end will be the beginning of something entirely new. Parousia, a Greek word, literally means, "a being alongside.” It also means " "appearance" or "presence" or "presence after absence," and "arrival;” but not a "return or “second coming” as popularly conceived. Parousia appears 13 times in the New Testament with reference to the coming of Christ: 1 Cor 15:23; 1 Thess 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23; 2 Thess 2:1,8; James 5:7-8; 2 Peter 1:16; 3:4,12; 1 John 2:28. This blessed hope of parousia, sustains believers in their troublesome existence in the world. However, the doctrine of Parousia has become a fundamentalist doctrine of world negation and misleading speculations about the end of the world. Christians need to reaffirm an open future and meaning of all historical life, that the dead will be raised and the world will be renewed.
Sobornost
Eph 3:14-21
Sobornost
… you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints… (18).
Russian theologians like Nicolay Berdyaev use two terms to denote the nature of the church: sobornost and symphony. The first denotes the community of faith, which cannot be divided into actors and spectators: clergy and laity. The church as sobornost manifests the active life of the community in which the different organs of the body are necessary and contribute to the well being of the whole organism. The Church is a "divine-human organism" which participates in the life of the world around. Sobornost thus extends to the world and influences its social and political life.
The term symphony comes from Plato, but in Eastern Christianity it means the harmonious concord and cooperation between church and state. In Byzantine times, the symphonic understanding of the relationship of the Church and the state implied that both parties should fulfill their respective functions, in close connection with one another.
However, sobornost, has not been open enough to do justice to women, the transgendered and people with different sexual orientations in the life of the church; and, symphony may result in a state church. Spirit of reformation needs to be bold enough to keep all relationships in the Church true to the word of God.
Sobornost
… you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints… (18).
Russian theologians like Nicolay Berdyaev use two terms to denote the nature of the church: sobornost and symphony. The first denotes the community of faith, which cannot be divided into actors and spectators: clergy and laity. The church as sobornost manifests the active life of the community in which the different organs of the body are necessary and contribute to the well being of the whole organism. The Church is a "divine-human organism" which participates in the life of the world around. Sobornost thus extends to the world and influences its social and political life.
The term symphony comes from Plato, but in Eastern Christianity it means the harmonious concord and cooperation between church and state. In Byzantine times, the symphonic understanding of the relationship of the Church and the state implied that both parties should fulfill their respective functions, in close connection with one another.
However, sobornost, has not been open enough to do justice to women, the transgendered and people with different sexual orientations in the life of the church; and, symphony may result in a state church. Spirit of reformation needs to be bold enough to keep all relationships in the Church true to the word of God.
Religious Deception
Religious Deception
….until certain people came from James….(v.12).
From the remarkable vision of Acts 10 Peter has learned that God breaks down the wall of partition between the Jews and the Gentiles. Encouraged by that vision he dared to eat with the gentile Christians of Antioch. However, when certain Jewish Christians who considered the Mosaic Law still in force came from Jerusalem, with the authority of James, Peter retract from fellowship meals with the gentile Christians.
Paul was bold enough to expose this hypocrisy behind practicing discrimination in the name of the Law. Even after coming out of the ethnic religion of Judaism to the freedom of the Gospel, many Jewish Christians insisted upon following ancient practices of ritual purity. Hypocrisy is the major problem of all religions all the time. All religions arose in good faith, broadening the mind of the people but in due course people refuse to continue new vision and reify the faith to suit the self-interest of those who highjack religion. The Gospel of Christ needs to be proclaimed and practiced strongly by the Church in India in order to break the caste and cultural discriminatory practices.
The Church today needs prophetic leaders who can stand against the corrupt hypocritical versions of the gospel.
….until certain people came from James….(v.12).
From the remarkable vision of Acts 10 Peter has learned that God breaks down the wall of partition between the Jews and the Gentiles. Encouraged by that vision he dared to eat with the gentile Christians of Antioch. However, when certain Jewish Christians who considered the Mosaic Law still in force came from Jerusalem, with the authority of James, Peter retract from fellowship meals with the gentile Christians.
Paul was bold enough to expose this hypocrisy behind practicing discrimination in the name of the Law. Even after coming out of the ethnic religion of Judaism to the freedom of the Gospel, many Jewish Christians insisted upon following ancient practices of ritual purity. Hypocrisy is the major problem of all religions all the time. All religions arose in good faith, broadening the mind of the people but in due course people refuse to continue new vision and reify the faith to suit the self-interest of those who highjack religion. The Gospel of Christ needs to be proclaimed and practiced strongly by the Church in India in order to break the caste and cultural discriminatory practices.
The Church today needs prophetic leaders who can stand against the corrupt hypocritical versions of the gospel.
Outrunning!
1Cor 9: 19-24
Outrunning!
Two friends were traveling together through a jungle where they were warned that the road ahead was frequented by a tiger. When they heard tiger’s roar behind them both started to run. Then one started to get out his running shoes. "You'll never outrun the tiger," said his friend, "I don't have to outrun the tiger,” the other said, “I only have to outrun you." Several Christians consider salvation as something like outrunning others; for them salvation is a private goal to be won. Of course, Paul uses the image of race to describe Christian life (2 Tim 4:7;) However, it is better used in the sense of pursuing a goal (1Tim.6: 11; Phili.3:14).
To be reforming means coming to humility. Augustine once said, "Should you ask me what is the first thing in religion, I should reply that the first, second, and third thing therein is humility.” Humilitas, the word from which humble comes, shares its root with the word humus, dirt. Christian life is not a competitive race to outrun others. It is run-together with others, helping the other to enjoy the happiness of being in fellowship with God and every other creation. The ideal of Maitreya Buddha, one who incarnates again and again till the last one is saved better explains Paul’s phrase, “to the weak I became weak” (1Cor.9:22).
Outrunning!
Two friends were traveling together through a jungle where they were warned that the road ahead was frequented by a tiger. When they heard tiger’s roar behind them both started to run. Then one started to get out his running shoes. "You'll never outrun the tiger," said his friend, "I don't have to outrun the tiger,” the other said, “I only have to outrun you." Several Christians consider salvation as something like outrunning others; for them salvation is a private goal to be won. Of course, Paul uses the image of race to describe Christian life (2 Tim 4:7;) However, it is better used in the sense of pursuing a goal (1Tim.6: 11; Phili.3:14).
To be reforming means coming to humility. Augustine once said, "Should you ask me what is the first thing in religion, I should reply that the first, second, and third thing therein is humility.” Humilitas, the word from which humble comes, shares its root with the word humus, dirt. Christian life is not a competitive race to outrun others. It is run-together with others, helping the other to enjoy the happiness of being in fellowship with God and every other creation. The ideal of Maitreya Buddha, one who incarnates again and again till the last one is saved better explains Paul’s phrase, “to the weak I became weak” (1Cor.9:22).
Pentecost: Together to the Truth
Acts 2:12-21
Pentecost: Together to the Truth
…I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh… (v.17)
Through the prophet Joel (2:28-32), God has promised all people freedom in spirit. According to Peter that promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, the last day of Jewish festival of atonement a time when all injustices are supposed to be rectified (Deut. 15). The miracle of Pentecost highlights the church's multicultural and multilingual character. In reversal to the confusion in Babel in Pentecost people experience cultural and linguistic freedom as well as a unity of spirit that transcends age, gender, religion or social status (Acts 2; 3:32-35; 10: 44-48). Luther says, all Christians are Spirit-enabled to bear witness to "knowledge of God through Christ which the Holy Spirit kindles and makes to burn through the word of the gospel." The spirit gives new life, new insights, and new power to recreate, to challenge the existing order of society as well as individual life
We live in the time of the Spirit's life-giving presence freely available to all who seek. God's call to the human race through the gospel is a call to change- change in its parts, and change in its totality.
Pentecost: Together to the Truth
…I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh… (v.17)
Through the prophet Joel (2:28-32), God has promised all people freedom in spirit. According to Peter that promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, the last day of Jewish festival of atonement a time when all injustices are supposed to be rectified (Deut. 15). The miracle of Pentecost highlights the church's multicultural and multilingual character. In reversal to the confusion in Babel in Pentecost people experience cultural and linguistic freedom as well as a unity of spirit that transcends age, gender, religion or social status (Acts 2; 3:32-35; 10: 44-48). Luther says, all Christians are Spirit-enabled to bear witness to "knowledge of God through Christ which the Holy Spirit kindles and makes to burn through the word of the gospel." The spirit gives new life, new insights, and new power to recreate, to challenge the existing order of society as well as individual life
We live in the time of the Spirit's life-giving presence freely available to all who seek. God's call to the human race through the gospel is a call to change- change in its parts, and change in its totality.
Ubuntu
Colossians 3. 9-14
Ubuntu
…As the Lord has forgiven you… (V.13).
September 11 reminds us of two important events: first, the destruction of the World Trade Center six years ago (2001) by terrorists and, secondly the introduction of the most nonviolent form of resistance --Satyagraha -- by Mahatma Gandhi a century ago (1906)in South Africa. Archbishop Desmond Tutu Mpilo, who has been in the forefront of resistance to apartheid, in his book, No Future Without Forgiveness (1999), stresses the need for reconciliation and forgiveness in the post apartheid South Africa.The central idea of his book is expressed by the term, Ubuntu, which is related to a Zulu concept -- umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu -- which is vaguely translated as “My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in what is yours” or “I am what you are.” Bishop Tutu says that the only way to learn ubuntu and forgiveness is through suffering, and gives the example of Nelson Mandela. The New Testament makes clear that the forgiveness of God is revealed in the experience of suffering and rejection in the life and crucifixion of Jesus. Forgiveness breaks the chain of causality and makes it the basis of working for peace and justice in the world. It gives us the power to accept the world of sin and death.
Ubuntu
…As the Lord has forgiven you… (V.13).
September 11 reminds us of two important events: first, the destruction of the World Trade Center six years ago (2001) by terrorists and, secondly the introduction of the most nonviolent form of resistance --Satyagraha -- by Mahatma Gandhi a century ago (1906)in South Africa. Archbishop Desmond Tutu Mpilo, who has been in the forefront of resistance to apartheid, in his book, No Future Without Forgiveness (1999), stresses the need for reconciliation and forgiveness in the post apartheid South Africa.The central idea of his book is expressed by the term, Ubuntu, which is related to a Zulu concept -- umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu -- which is vaguely translated as “My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in what is yours” or “I am what you are.” Bishop Tutu says that the only way to learn ubuntu and forgiveness is through suffering, and gives the example of Nelson Mandela. The New Testament makes clear that the forgiveness of God is revealed in the experience of suffering and rejection in the life and crucifixion of Jesus. Forgiveness breaks the chain of causality and makes it the basis of working for peace and justice in the world. It gives us the power to accept the world of sin and death.
Tradition and Reform
1 Samuel 15:22 -29
Tradition and Reform
During the time of Reformation in 1543 John Calvin wrote a letter to the French Emperor Charles V on the Necessity of Reforming the Church quoting the verse from the Book of Samuel : "Obedience is better than sacrifice" (1 Sam. 15:22). Jesus looked at the Jewish worship tradition and said, "...in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines"(Matt. 15:9). Obeying God does not mean going back to the times of Jesus' or Moses' and imitate what they did. Obedience means fulfilling the will and purpose of God in our lives in today's world. One important principle while reforming Christian worship is to constantly check whether we are obeying God or our self-interest in worship. Unless we keep Jesus' vision of the Kingdom of God and its righteousness, justice, peace and happiness in the Holy Spirit, the Church will remain part of the status quo, devoid of its light and salt, a useless parasitic religion, destroying the very purpose of the Church. Purpose of worship is not to be fulfillment of our desires, but to glorify God by serving others.
Tradition and Reform
During the time of Reformation in 1543 John Calvin wrote a letter to the French Emperor Charles V on the Necessity of Reforming the Church quoting the verse from the Book of Samuel : "Obedience is better than sacrifice" (1 Sam. 15:22). Jesus looked at the Jewish worship tradition and said, "...in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines"(Matt. 15:9). Obeying God does not mean going back to the times of Jesus' or Moses' and imitate what they did. Obedience means fulfilling the will and purpose of God in our lives in today's world. One important principle while reforming Christian worship is to constantly check whether we are obeying God or our self-interest in worship. Unless we keep Jesus' vision of the Kingdom of God and its righteousness, justice, peace and happiness in the Holy Spirit, the Church will remain part of the status quo, devoid of its light and salt, a useless parasitic religion, destroying the very purpose of the Church. Purpose of worship is not to be fulfillment of our desires, but to glorify God by serving others.
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