A few good links
Some stuff I found interesting for one reason or another:
BioLogos – How Should BioLogos Respond to Dr. Albert Mohler’s Critique of The BioLogos Initiative?
Dr Calvin L Smith – Today’s Methodism: Distancing Itself Yet Further From Wesley?
Practical Shepherding – What is one of the best ways for a pastor to gain evangelist opportunities?
Ekklesia – Rise of European far right fuels ‘new racism’ of religious victimisation
New Leaven – Does Jesus Really Understand Human Suffering?
ClayBoy – This is the only true church (and you’re going to hell)
Parchment and Pen – What if God Read Your Posts? Christian Conduct on the Internet
CIFWatch – Press Release from Anglican Friends of Israel
scientia et sapientia – We need to be more materialistic
The Ugley Vicar – Be very careful before you object to Dr John
Why Evolution is True – BioLogos has lost it
Guardian – The Book of Job, Part 2, Theodicy on the street
Seismic Shock – US Methodist Writer on the UK Methodist Boycott
Tags: Christian Life, Christianity, Church Life, Internet & Technology, Religion Society, Science & Medical, Theology Doctrine Philosophy
July 6th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
the Ekklesia post is verymuddled. Although any form of racism or religious discrimination is obviously deplorable, this article seems to put anti semitism on a par with opposition to Islam. Ekklesia does not allow for any value judgements about the various religious groups mentioned.It is possible to oppose Islam without discriminating against Muslims; and that opposition cannot be called Islamophobia. It is based on an absolute oposition to all that Islam stands for: sharia, denial of the Trinity and the divinity of Christ, the subjugation of women, the mandate to conquer the world, to name but a few of the tenets of Islam which render it abhorrent. It is not fear or phobia to object to Islam which is not merely a religion but a political system which seeks for dominance. So “Islamophobia” is an annoying term, bandied about by the PC crowd and by Muslims alike to consolidate their position. Mind you, it may not be long before we truly fear Islam.
Antsemitism, on the other hand, seeks the destruction of a religion which does not demonstrate any of the characteristics mentioned above. Ina similar fashion, the Roma pose no threat to anyone…and are picked onby the right wing groups because of their economic dependance and racism
Ekklesia either does not understand Islam -which is itself a right wing philosohy, or deliberately subscribes to the moral equivalence position of so many people today.
July 6th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Grainne. Excellent observations, well said and needed to be said!
July 6th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
I think the point they are trying to make Grainne is that minorities of all types are becoming increasingly targetted. I don’t think there is any intention of impying equivalence. Racism or callous prejudice is surely always wrong, whoever the target.
July 7th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
I’ve explored most of them. Regarding the first link, “BioLogos – How Should BioLogos Respond to Dr. Albert Mohler’s Critique of The BioLogos Initiative?” I hadn’t heard Dr Mohler’s critique, so I read the transcript of his speech. And what a speech! The kind of theology, IMO, that’s likely to drive people to atheism.
I did find an amusing post in reply:
A Baptist theologian went to the Grand Canyon for a retreat. At the edge of the chasm and savoring the sunrise, he asked, “Oh Ancient of Days, why did you make the earth to appear so old?”
Soon a Park Naturalist came along and asked “Hi, what’re you doing?”
“I’m wondering why God made the earth appear so old,” replied the theologian.
“I’m about to lead a hike down the canyon to learn about the ancient history of this area. Want to come?” offered the Naturalist. “I’ll show you layers of rock that show different ancient ecosystems and fossils of the flora and fauna that lived there. It is clear they were laid down over millions of years.”
“No thanks I am waiting for God to answer me.”
About noon a Texas Oilman drove up. “Howdy. That must be your car with the Texas plates. What’s going on?”
“I’m asking God why he made the earth to appear so old,” replied the theologian.
” I used to think the earth was young too, until I got into the oil business. I have charts that show the strata all over this area. It is clear that they were laid down over millions of years, and then the land started rising. Let me show you how the river carved this canyon as the land rose,” offered the Oilman.
“No thanks, I don’t need to see your charts. I’m waiting for God to answer me.”
As the sun started to set, an Astronomer arrived and began to set up a telescope.
“The stars are going to be amazing tonight. No moon. I’ll be looking for a quasar 8.7 billion light years away. By the way, what are you doing tonight?” inquired the Astromomer
“I’m waiting for God to tell me why he made the earth to appear so old,” replied the theologian rather testily. “And no, I am not interested in looking at things supposedly billions of light years away.”
Just then a bolt of lighting slashed through the darkening sky ushering the theologian into the presence of God.
“Lord, I don’t mean to be rude, but why didn’t you answer my question about the age of the earth?” asked the theologian.
“What do you mean? I sent you a Naturalist, a Geologist and an Astronomer,” Replied God.
“I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!” the theologian exclaimed.
“Well actually…”