eChurch Blog

I love this little piece posted by CyberBrethren ths morning:

There is nothing in us or done by us, at any stage of our earthly development, because of which we are acceptable to God. We must always be accepted for Christ’s sake, or we cannot ever be accepted at all.

This is not true of us only when we believe. It is just as true after we have believed. It will continue to be trust as long as we live.

Our need of Christ does not cease with our believing; nor does the nature of our relation to Him or to God through Him ever alter, no matter what our attainments in Christian graces or our achievements in behavior may be.

It is always on His “blood and righteousness” alone that we can rest.

– B.B. Warfield

AMEN!

There is a plethora of articles today reporting on the news that Ofsted has stated that schools are failing to teach pupils about Christian beliefs in religious education lessons.

I know that my view won’t be very popular, but frankly who cares anymore what is taught in Religious Education. The fact of the matter is, true Christian education should be the preserve of the family and the church. It is not the responsibility of a publicly funded education system to pump out Christians. The only folks who can truly teach Christianity are those who are themselves Christian.

Some Christians will be up in arms over all of this, but for me personally, I learned nothing of Christianity from my RE teacher and looking at my sons school work, it might be better all round if the public education system removed religious education altogether.

This is from my sons school RE book:-

Christians have been responsible for two millenia of suppressing women and Christians believe that if they are good they will go to heaven.

Islam was cited as bringing science and mathematics to humanity.

Uh huh!

ITN:

Religious education lessons in England’s secondary schools are worse now than they were three years ago, according to inspectors.

Teachers are uncertain about what they are meant to achieve when teaching the subject, and some pupils gain only a basic understanding of religion and beliefs, according to a new Ofsted report.

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Telegraph:

The study published tomorrow by Ofsted, the school watchdog, suggests that teachers in English schools pay more attention to other faiths and that Christian pupils are being sidelined in class.

Inspectors found that overall the quality of RE in secondary schools was worse than it was three years ago when the last analysis of the subject was carried out, with inadequate teaching in nearly a fifth of lessons.

It also found that changes to the curriculum in the early years of secondary school, introduced by the Labour government to increase “flexibility”, were having a negative impact on RE; in some schools it had been amalgamated with other lessons and had all but disappeared.

But one of the “specific concerns” raised by inspectors was the poor teaching of Christianity in some schools. The report suggested that other religions were treated more seriously in RE classes.

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Independent:

Schools are failing to teach pupils about Christian beliefs in religious education lessons, inspectors said today.

Too often they focus on Jesus’s parables to explore pupils’ personal feelings and principles, but ignore any religious significance they may have.

The report, by the education watchdog Ofsted, said standards of teaching in the subject are falling. Christianity is a core part of the compulsory course and is taught alongside other major world faiths, including Judaism, Islam and Hinduism.

Compared with a survey carried out three years ago, the number of lessons classified as inadequate in secondary schools has doubled.

The figures show the quality of teaching to be inadequate in nearly a fifth of lessons over a three-year period. In the past year, though, this had risen to one in three. Inspectors visited a total of 183 primary and secondary schools in 70 authorities to compile the report. They singled out the way Christianity is taught for particular criticism. “Primary schools were often uncertain whether Christian material should be investigated in its own right as part of an understanding of the religion – or whether it should be used to consider moral and social themes outside of the context of the religion,” it said.

In one example given, a primary school used the story of the healing of the blind man to get pupils to try to understand what it would feel like to be blind rather than to gain any understanding of miracles.

“In many cases, the study of Jesus focused on an unsystematic collection of information about his life, with limited reference to his theological significance within the [Christian] faith,” the report said.

However, it added that schools are making progress in teaching about comparative religions, which helps to promote a more harmonious society. But they are neglecting the study of humanism, despite a directive that they should include it on the syllabus. Some local authorities failed to include non-religious beliefs altogether, despite clear guidelines.

The report also highlighted the increasing use of non-specialist teachers to take RE lessons, resulting in a tendency to focus on their own subjects in topic work – ignoring RE.

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Further links:

(British Religion in Numbers) BRIN – Transforming Religious Education

British Humanist Association – BHA supports calls to “transform religious education”

The Free Thinker – C of E says there is an urgent need for the Government to invest more in RE

Christian Institute – Ofsted: Christianity is being marginalised in RE lessons

Earlier in the week I noticed this from the Telegraph:

Thousands of rare books and manuscripts at Cambridge University Library – including handwritten notes by Sir Isaac Newton – are to be made available on line thanks to a £1.5m donation.

The gift from the former businessman Dr Leonard Polonsky will be used to start the Digital Library for the 21st Century create an infrastructure capable of digitising the vast collection housed at the 600-year-old institution.

Digitisation will be completed in stages, with the first collections to be called “The Foundations of Faith” and “The Foundations of Science”.

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Although this piqued my interest, I left off blogging about it, as I really didn’t understand the significance or importance of this, and wanted to await comments from Roger Pearse. Roger is very knowledgeable on both Antiquity and Patristics, and frequently embarks on translation work for Internet consumption. This is what he had to say:

Cambridge University Library is going to put Codex Bezae online, or so I read in a Daily Telegraph story.   Better still, they’re preparing to put all their books online, and make them freely available.  That’s what we want to hear.

Anne Jarvis, the university Librarian, said that the exciting new plans would open up priceless collections to students worldwide.

She said: “Our library contains evidence of some of the greatest ideas and discoveries over two millennia.

“We want to make it accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world with an internet connection and a thirst for knowledge.

Good for them!  Codex Bezae will be in the first tranche, as — at little pointlessly — will be a Gutenberg bible.

I hope they attract lots of funding.  This will be the first UK library to take mass free access seriously, and if they do it, will probably guarantee the existence of the library into the digital age.

Dan Wallace and the chaps at CSNTM who photograph manuscripts of the bible were in Cambridge trying to negotiate access.  I suspect their efforts — seemingly fruitless at the time — probably helped change minds and create expectations at CUL.

There seems to be a notable Christian event taking place in Edinburgh currently, called the World Missionary Conference 2010, which has even received a hat-tip from the Pope himself today, who is touring in Cyprus.

‘I send my greetings to those gathered during these days in Scotland for the centennial of the first Edinburgh Missionary Conference, which is now acknowledged to have given birth to the modern ecumenical movement. May we all renew our commitment to work humbly and patiently, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to live again together our common apostolic heritage.’

Truth is I hadn’t even heard about this conference until today, however, I now seem to be beholding references to it everywhere, especially from the World Council of Churches.

Ekklesia are also connected to this one by the looks of it. (UPDATE: Jonathan Bartley has informed me they’re not formally involved with this conference).

Here is a bit of gumpf from the Organisers:

OK I’ve provided some info and links above if you want to take a closer look, and you now know as little much as I do. I’ll keep an eye on developments and if anything noteworthy occurs I’ll post the link here.

QUICK POPE UPDATE: The Pope has now met with the President of Cyprus and is urging support for embattled Christian communities in the Middle East, calling them a vital force for peace in the region.

TallSkinnyKiwi – Edinburgh 2010 is happening

Ekklesia – Edinburgh global Christianity service live on the Internet

ScotsMan – A SERVICE led by Archbishop of York the Most Rev Dr John Sentamu will today close the Edinburgh 2010 conference, which has brought together more than 300 church leaders from around the world.

There has been some vitriolic commentary following Channel 4′s announcement that Peter Tatchell is to host an hour-long documentary on the Pope, which will be broadcast shortly before the pontiff’s State Visit to Britain in September this year.

There has also been robust defense of this move.

For me personally, this all does seem rather an odd move by Channel four, as surely they would have had the foresight to portend a strong element of  disquiet, consequently, I do view this as somewhat antagonistic with a pungent element of controversy and publicity stirring.

Anyway, at this point I’ll refer you to the TheChurchMouse, who picks up on this subject, and notes in addition that Richard Dawkins has been chosen by Channel 4 to head up a documentary on faith schools!

Mouse thought that he had read this in the comedy news section, but it seems to be real.  Channel 4 have decided that an an appropriate documentary to show in September to coincide with the Papal visit to the UK would be one presented by Peter Tatchell, founder of Protest the Pope which opposes the visit.   Naturally there has been a pretty hostile response from Catholics.  Catholic writer and journalist Christina Odone explained her confusion saying “Peter himself would be the first to admit that he is no authority on the subject.  And perhaps it would be good, rather than have some polemical, knee-jerk reaction to the Pope if Channel 4 would be interested in actually shedding light on a figure who is so important, and so often misinterpreted and misunderstood – and of whom more needs to be known.  I don’t think the founding father of Outrage! is the right person for this.”.

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Original Source: BoredPanda – 55 Funniest Signs Around the World

First off, Polycarp has posted his © Friday Question ® of the week and I want to highlight it here, as I feel this is an important and challenging question to ask, especially given recent events:

Polycarp: Question of the Day: Must we Support Israel at All Costs

I’ve posted my stance on his blog and would encourage you to do likewise.

(UPDATE: T C Robinson of New Leaven has just posted this question also).

Secondly, on the subject of my personal sentiment toward Israel, Calvin L Smith has just posted an article provocatively entitled; Israel right or wrong vs Israel is always wrong, and in this, he articulates such a balanced, realistic, sober analysis, that I like to imagine this reflects something akin to my own position on Zionism.

Cross-Post Calvin L Smith (Principal of King’s Evangelical Divinity School)

Israel right or wrong vs Israel is always wrong

The truth about the flotilla is slowly coming out. The Independent details how an Al-Jazeera reporter acknowledges an initial small group of Israeli soldiers lowered to the boat were overcome and beaten, while Haaretz reports fears of three unconscious soldiers being taken hostage (the Al-Jazeera reporter details four captured Israeli soldiers). Given Israel’s sensitivity about its soldiers being taken hostage (Gilad Shalit was abducted by Hamas four years ago and remains a hostage, while Hizbollah’s abductions of Israeli soldiers led to the 2006 Lebanon war), this undoubtedly contributed to a second wave of Israeli soldiers boarding the ship who were apparently far more brutal in putting down the riot. We now have confirmation several of those on board were provocateurs, with family members back in Turkey acknowledging they sought martyrdom. We’ve seen the slingshots, complete with Islamist slogans and ball bearings, as well as other weapons. We’ve seen the videos of soldiers being beaten, too, though apparently the journalists who filmed them have complained Israel released the footage without their permission. Elsewhere, the Guardian reports on how Hamas has refused the flotilla aid which their propaganda machine had maintained was essential for the survival of the people of Gaza. Indeed, on the BBC Radio 4′s The World Tonight the other day an Arab member of the Israeli Knesset openly stated the flotilla was not about aid, but rather making a political statement. Meanwhile, another ship is making its way to Gaza, also on a publicity mission and adamant it will not stop. Its cargo? Cement. Lest anyone think I’ve fallen for the Israeli propaganda machine, the media sources cited above are generally on the left and tend to be the most critical of Israel.

It all comes too late, of course. It always does. Israel has already been tried and sentenced in the court of public opinion before some of the facts even had chance to emerge. Time again Israel responds to provocations no other country would tolerate (imagine, say, Syria’s reaction to settlers on the Golan firing some eight thousand rockets over the border). The problem is, Israel sometimes acts stupidly, as it did earlier this week. After all, the Hamas propaganda strategy and manipulation of the media is pretty slick and it was clear the flotilla offered a chance for valuable media coverage, which is probably why Israel sent in troops with paintball guns. But as we know it all went dreadfully wrong with tragic consequences.

What is galling is the instant demonisation of Israel by an hysterical media lynch mob whenever she is involved in confrontation. Whether her actions are clearly justified or else Israel acts foolishly (and make no mistake, her gung-ho military doctrine is sometimes a cause for concern), there is an immediate assumption within the Arab world that Israel is out to engage in deliberate murder. Elsewhere, Israel is instantly judged in the court of public opinion, while there is a notable absence of scrutiny of the other side. By the time the facts come out demonstrating Israel is not the demon everyone jumps to assume, it’s too late. The damage is done, and the evil Israeli monster narrative is reinforced (which is precisely what the likes of Hizbollah, Iran and Hamas all want, while us poor Western saps dance to their tune).

Earlier this week a blog reader responded to my flotilla post by asking what outrage must Israel commit before I scream, “no, enough”. My answer, I think, is that for many Christians the instant demonisation of Israel before the full facts have come to light, the same old anti-Israel propaganda and hysteria, the blatant ignoring of the wickedness perpetrated by Israel’s enemies, the West’s hypocritical demonisation of the only democracy in the Middle East (however imperfect it is), siding with Islamists and countries such as Iran, and (dare I say it) in some cases blatant anti-Semitism, all make it somewhat difficult for some Christians to join in the instant universal chorus of condemnation of Israel which is so ideologically-based and in many cases hatred-driven.

I’m no ultra-Christian Zionist who takes an ”Israel right or wrong” position, and I do try (perhaps not always successfully) to be objective, seeking to point out when Israel when does wrong. But like millions of Christians who eschew supercessionism on the basis of Romans 9-11, I strongly believe God retains a plan and purpose for the Jewish people. When, then, a nation four-fifths of which is Jewish is immediately pilloried and demonised by those unwilling even for a second to consider that there may be another side to the story, it makes it very difficult to join in that condemnation until the full facts are known. After all, while an ”Israel right or wrong” position is untenable, an ”Israel is always wrong” position is equally unChristian.

Sadly, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu was right when he recently observed that the world is against Israel. As for me, despite the sin in the land, the need for the Jewish people too accept Yeshua HaMashiach, the Jewish Messiah, however unpopular it is and however much people criticise me for it, I would much prefer to be a friend of God’s historical people and take the time to establish the truth rather than be on that side which instantly demonises them no matter what.

Hat-tip CIFWatch + Elders of Ziyon

SAO PAULO — At least 1 million evangelical Christians rallied in Sao Paulo on Thursday for the annual “March for Jesus,” an event that unites the faithful from hundreds of Protestant churches in the world’s largest Roman Catholic country.

More piccy’s here.

I doubt that you need me to again relay details of this indescribable gut crunching terror and evil, perpetrated by a lone gunman, in the sleepy countryside area of West Cumbria, so here is a cross-post from Ekklesia detailing the response from the local churches.

Churches in Cumbria pledge long term support following shootings

Church leaders in Cumbria have come together to pledge their long to term support for all effected by the shootings that took place in West Cumbria on Wednesday 2 June.

In a joint statement they acknowledged that the grief and pain would be longlasting. They said that churches would continue to be involved in supporting those affected by the tragedy.

Clergy will be available from churches in the area to support hospital and emergency services chaplains. The churches are also being encouraged to make their buildings places of ‘sanctuary’ for people to pray, light candles and find people to talk to.

The full statement reads as follows:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been caught up in the terrible events of yesterday, but particularly they are with the family and friends of those who have been killed or injured. The community grieves deeply at the losses we have suffered; the confusion and pain will be long-lasting.

“We are all grateful for the dedication of all those members of the emergency services who have worked tirelessly to help the injured and to bring the situation to a conclusion. We also pay tribute to the members of the public who did what they could to help other people, perhaps total strangers, who had been wounded.

“All the churches from across a very wide area have been, and will continue to be, involved in supporting those affected by yesterday’s tragedy. In addition to ministering to people in our communities, clergy will be available to support the hospital and emergency services chaplains as required. The church will continue to play a longer term role in providing support and sanctuary to those who need it, and we strongly encourage all churches in the area to make their buildings and people available for people to come and pray, light candles and have someone to talk to.

“The communities of West Cumbria are close-knit and hugely supportive, and we know that people throughout the area will be caring deeply for each other both now and in the months to come.

“Christians in Cumbria and further afield are praying for everyone who has been affected, and are doing everything they can to offer comfort and practical help at a local level.”

The Right Revd James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle
The Revd Rachel Poolman, President of the United Reformed Church Cumbria Area and President of Churches Together in Cumbria
The Revd Richard Teal, Chair of the Cumbria Methodist District
The Right Revd Michael Campbell, Roman Catholic Bishop of Lancaster
The Revd John Goddard, Cumbria Baptist Network Minister

I think we need to urgently pray for these local church leaders and their congregations, who are dedicating themselves to pastoring and generally caring for others in this bleak hour, whilst no doubt in great pain themselves.

Put simply, pray the Lord upholds them, as they uphold others.

Further Link:

Christian Today – Church leaders in Cumbria have expressed their sorrow over yesterday’s shooting spree by a taxi driver in the Lake District.