http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/may/how-missionaries-are-changing-medicine.html
Christianity has put emphasis on social services throughout it's history that include health. Sometimes, this form comes in supernatural ways, however, now it's shifting towards more scientific means. Hannah Gay has cured a baby with Aids. She was a former missionary in Ethiopia. This article expands on the missionary experience tying in with large medical finds. Doctors who have had missionary experience have been connected with identifying new cancers, treating leprosy, new global health organizations, and creating innovative cancer treatments.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Disqualification for showing faith - High School Track
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2013/05/thanking-god-disqualifies-texas-track-team.html
This is a bit ridiculous. An athlete after finishing, and winning, a race pointed his finger to the sky looking as a show of thanks to God. Now, the whole team is disqualified because it violated a University Interscholastic League regulation barring any display of excessive celebration.
This is a bit ridiculous. An athlete after finishing, and winning, a race pointed his finger to the sky looking as a show of thanks to God. Now, the whole team is disqualified because it violated a University Interscholastic League regulation barring any display of excessive celebration.
A New Exodus?
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/05/07/mass-exodus-christians-from-muslim-world/
This article presenting an interesting shift in demographics. Christians in Egypt, Iraq, and Afghanistan are leaving their areas in increasing and unprecedented rates. This may be explained by increase in violence. Churches in these areas are being bombed and people have been crucified. Surprisingly, in the future we may no longer any trace of Christian people in these areas where it originated.
This article presenting an interesting shift in demographics. Christians in Egypt, Iraq, and Afghanistan are leaving their areas in increasing and unprecedented rates. This may be explained by increase in violence. Churches in these areas are being bombed and people have been crucified. Surprisingly, in the future we may no longer any trace of Christian people in these areas where it originated.
Falling Plates
Here's a cool use of visual media spreading the Christian message. They use falling plates to represent our brokenness along with a myriad of other cool images! I really liked the message of this video and it was made really well. However... the whole time I couldn't help but wonder how many plates they broke and couldn't help but really wish I was the person breaking all of them haha.
Spoken Word!
A few years ago we saw a video boom in popularity called "Why I Hate Religion but Love Jesus" that was spoken word poetry. From this popular video we see a spread in spoken word poetry being expressed along with Christian values.
An Army of Christian Teens
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/07/-reach-america-anti-christian-bullying-video_n_3232699.html?ref=topbar
An interesting article that covers a new teenage Christian movement called The Thaw. Their message is that today's culture is presenting a frozen Christianity. We're limited by what we can say in school and we're criticized for some of the beliefs we hold. Under the verse in Matthew that calls us to be the salt and light of the world, they call forth action to thaw out modern day Christianity.
Overall, I thought it was creative, but the video itself was a bit cheesy/dramatic.
Atheists encouraging Bible reading
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-michael-dowd/new-atheists-promote-bibl_b_1320555.html
This is new, Atheists are now encouraging people to read the Bible. They believe it actually supports their cause, which is interestingly contrary to some of the things we've learned in class. From our Christian Thinkers, a lot of them view Scripture as communication to God. However, here we have a case where instead of bringing people closer to God, it's pushing them back.
The article then goes on to state how new readers, when reading through the Old Testament see a brutal God of the Jews. They're floods and whole cities being destroyed. A powerful accusation is made by Michael Scott Earl, accusing God of being a terrorist, "the U.S. Department of Defense defines terrorism as 'the calculated use of violence or the threat of violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate others in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological.'" Instead of the Bible being used to draw people in, some Atheists are using it to turn people away.
This is new, Atheists are now encouraging people to read the Bible. They believe it actually supports their cause, which is interestingly contrary to some of the things we've learned in class. From our Christian Thinkers, a lot of them view Scripture as communication to God. However, here we have a case where instead of bringing people closer to God, it's pushing them back.
The article then goes on to state how new readers, when reading through the Old Testament see a brutal God of the Jews. They're floods and whole cities being destroyed. A powerful accusation is made by Michael Scott Earl, accusing God of being a terrorist, "the U.S. Department of Defense defines terrorism as 'the calculated use of violence or the threat of violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate others in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological.'" Instead of the Bible being used to draw people in, some Atheists are using it to turn people away.
Non-Stop Bible reading
http://www.christianpost.com/news/90-hour-bible-reading-marathon-underway-at-us-capitol-94933/
So... this is intense. In DC, every year they have a 90 hour bible reading on the steps of the capitol. People usually volunteer to do around 5-15 minutes, but it's being read non-stop. Apparently, they usually do this to inspire others into devotionals and prepare people of National Prayer Day.
I heard on campus they had a reading of The Odyssey nonstop similar to this. Although, it didn't last 90 hours...
90 hour Bible Reading
http://www.christianpost.com/news/90-hour-bible-reading-marathon-underway-at-us-capitol-94933/
So... this is intense. In DC, every year they have a 90 hour bible reading on the steps of the capitol. People usually volunteer to do around 5-15 minutes, but it's being read non-stop. Apparently, they usually do this to inspire others into devotionals and prepare people of National Prayer Day.
I heard on campus they had a reading of The Odyssey nonstop similar to this. Although, it didn't last 90 hours...
So... this is intense. In DC, every year they have a 90 hour bible reading on the steps of the capitol. People usually volunteer to do around 5-15 minutes, but it's being read non-stop. Apparently, they usually do this to inspire others into devotionals and prepare people of National Prayer Day.
I heard on campus they had a reading of The Odyssey nonstop similar to this. Although, it didn't last 90 hours...
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Who's the most charitable: Atheists or Christians?
An interesting experiment was done by a homeless man in Austin, Texas. He had multiple bowls laid out and labeled them with different religions. As people donated, they put their money in the bowl with which they associated with. Interestingly, Atheists and Christians came out as the top two groups in this man's experiment. Although, the article does state that given the demographics of the city, they are probably the two most common groups.
Treason?
http://www.christianpost.com/news/religious-freedom-in-our-military-this-is-what-intolerance-smells-like-95058/
"President Obama's new "religious tolerance" consultant to the Pentagon, Mikey Weinstein, wants Christian military service members who openly talk about their faith in uniform to be charged with treason, which is a crime punishable by death according to military law."
An interesting issue this article shines light on is a growing fear of religious extremism and religious groups. With a rise in violence in the Middle East there has arisen a violent and bloody face to religious extremism. The aftermath of 9/11 and Iraq and Afghanistan war has lead many Americans to the perception that Islam is a dangerous religion, whether a person associated with it is extremist or not. Today, this view isn't being confined just to Muslims. America is entering a stage where there is fear and anger against all forms of potential religious extremism and their associates. For example, the Southern Baptist church has been gaining a rep. for doing incredulous things like protesting the Newton funeral. Now, fear and anger isn't being applied to just this group but to all of Christianity. Religion in general is starting to be viewed as dangerous and inevitably extreme. This particular viewed is exemplified by Mr. Weinstein.
"President Obama's new "religious tolerance" consultant to the Pentagon, Mikey Weinstein, wants Christian military service members who openly talk about their faith in uniform to be charged with treason, which is a crime punishable by death according to military law."
An interesting issue this article shines light on is a growing fear of religious extremism and religious groups. With a rise in violence in the Middle East there has arisen a violent and bloody face to religious extremism. The aftermath of 9/11 and Iraq and Afghanistan war has lead many Americans to the perception that Islam is a dangerous religion, whether a person associated with it is extremist or not. Today, this view isn't being confined just to Muslims. America is entering a stage where there is fear and anger against all forms of potential religious extremism and their associates. For example, the Southern Baptist church has been gaining a rep. for doing incredulous things like protesting the Newton funeral. Now, fear and anger isn't being applied to just this group but to all of Christianity. Religion in general is starting to be viewed as dangerous and inevitably extreme. This particular viewed is exemplified by Mr. Weinstein.
Rob Bell and Gay Marriage
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christandpopculture/2013/03/rob-bell-on-gay-marriage-why-the-church-cant-follow/
"I am for fidelity. I am for love, whether it's a man and a woman, a woman and a woman, a man and a man. I think the ship has sailed and I think that the church needs to just … this is the world that we are living in and we need to affirm people wherever they are," Rob Bell
Are we seeing another surge in the Liberalism movement? During the Liberal Christian movement, we saw an incorporation of science (modern culture) into faith. Here we see gay marriage trying to be incorporated into faith. What's interesting is that Rob Bell implies that this is what the world is coming to and we need to come to terms with it. However, from the Next Christendom article that we read, we're actually seeing the world becoming more conservative. North America and Western Christianity is pushing for more of a liberal Christianity. Actually, the ship hasn't sailed yet, if anything it's still in the North American docks.
"I am for fidelity. I am for love, whether it's a man and a woman, a woman and a woman, a man and a man. I think the ship has sailed and I think that the church needs to just … this is the world that we are living in and we need to affirm people wherever they are," Rob Bell
Are we seeing another surge in the Liberalism movement? During the Liberal Christian movement, we saw an incorporation of science (modern culture) into faith. Here we see gay marriage trying to be incorporated into faith. What's interesting is that Rob Bell implies that this is what the world is coming to and we need to come to terms with it. However, from the Next Christendom article that we read, we're actually seeing the world becoming more conservative. North America and Western Christianity is pushing for more of a liberal Christianity. Actually, the ship hasn't sailed yet, if anything it's still in the North American docks.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Vatican Uncovers First Known European Depiction Of Native Americans
"Preservationists working on a Renaissance fresco in the Vatican have uncovered what experts believe is the first European representation of Native Americans, from 1494."
Apparently 1494 is two years before Columbus sailed and made contact with Natives. What's interesting is the depiction of the Native Americans is consistent with Columbus's description even though it's two years before he actually departed.
CONSPIRACY THEORY
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Idolatry of the Word
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-michael-dowd/idolatry-of-the-written-word_b_2832435.html?utm_hp_ref=religion
The author criticizes inconsistent modern day strict-interpretation of Scripture. There are some parts of Scripture that our culture no longer literally applies. We don't stone people to death over the breaking of rules/laws presented in Leviticus. However, we see a contradiction of not taking strict-interpretation and application of Scripture in some areas (like stoning people) and taking strict-interpretation and application in other cases. The author describes we are in a mindset of idolatry of ancient texts like Scripture and the Nicene Creed.
He describes his purpose in his presentations to schools and universities:
"Thus my call: Those of us who wish to continue calling ourselves Christian must no longer enslave mind and heart to inert fossils of ancient texts and creeds."
Additionally, "And let us elevate our children and youth with stories that excite them, that build faith and trust, evoke gratitude and compassion, and provide guidance relevant to today's challenges and choices."
Overall, I would have to disagree with this author and his message. His main reason for shifting our focus from ancient texts is due to cultural evolution. One might think much of what happens and is described in the Bible doesn't apply to us today. However, in my opinion stories, situations, and values don't really change. Nothing is new under the sun. David and Goliath is a story about courage, overcoming the odds, and rooting for the underdog. Personally, I don't agree with this article, although I do find it interesting.
The author criticizes inconsistent modern day strict-interpretation of Scripture. There are some parts of Scripture that our culture no longer literally applies. We don't stone people to death over the breaking of rules/laws presented in Leviticus. However, we see a contradiction of not taking strict-interpretation and application of Scripture in some areas (like stoning people) and taking strict-interpretation and application in other cases. The author describes we are in a mindset of idolatry of ancient texts like Scripture and the Nicene Creed.
He describes his purpose in his presentations to schools and universities:
"Thus my call: Those of us who wish to continue calling ourselves Christian must no longer enslave mind and heart to inert fossils of ancient texts and creeds."
Additionally, "And let us elevate our children and youth with stories that excite them, that build faith and trust, evoke gratitude and compassion, and provide guidance relevant to today's challenges and choices."
Overall, I would have to disagree with this author and his message. His main reason for shifting our focus from ancient texts is due to cultural evolution. One might think much of what happens and is described in the Bible doesn't apply to us today. However, in my opinion stories, situations, and values don't really change. Nothing is new under the sun. David and Goliath is a story about courage, overcoming the odds, and rooting for the underdog. Personally, I don't agree with this article, although I do find it interesting.
Sing me to Death
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/02/deathbed-singers-threshold-choirs-death_n_3187291.html?utm_hp_ref=religion
An a-cappella group volunteers around hospitals to sing to dying patients. They offer it as a comforting service. Interestingly, many patients feel less alone and less afraid to die as a result. The group featured in the article performs their own original songs. Depending on the patient, a group may be singing from 15-45min. However, rarely do the singers witness a patient's last dying breath.
What an interesting service to offer. I think it really shows the power and effect of music.
An a-cappella group volunteers around hospitals to sing to dying patients. They offer it as a comforting service. Interestingly, many patients feel less alone and less afraid to die as a result. The group featured in the article performs their own original songs. Depending on the patient, a group may be singing from 15-45min. However, rarely do the singers witness a patient's last dying breath.
What an interesting service to offer. I think it really shows the power and effect of music.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Jason Collins
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-raushenbush/jason-collins-gay_b_3180069.html?ref=topbar
Current NBA player Jason Collins, came out to the public that he is gay. Mr. Collins grew up in a Christian household and doesn't believe his sexual orientation conflicts with his faith. Instead, his faith strengthened him to not be ashamed but to accept his sexual orientation.
A refreshing aspect the article points out is that "Collins' experience refutes the polarity we hear so much of, that to be religious is to be anti-gay or to be gay is to be anti-religious."
Current NBA player Jason Collins, came out to the public that he is gay. Mr. Collins grew up in a Christian household and doesn't believe his sexual orientation conflicts with his faith. Instead, his faith strengthened him to not be ashamed but to accept his sexual orientation.
A refreshing aspect the article points out is that "Collins' experience refutes the polarity we hear so much of, that to be religious is to be anti-gay or to be gay is to be anti-religious."
Christians against all marriage not just between homosexuals
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/25/you-deserve-rape-sign-brother-dean_n_3154980.html
This article presents an interesting viewpoint that for much of history, instead of arguing over homosexuality, Christian debates have argued over heterosexual relationships. Many religious leaders throughout time, have argued that celibacy is the best option. However, this demand isn't feasible for the majority of people so marriage is permissible in order not to fall into deeper sin. This follows along the lines of Luther's stance on marriage. Also, sex should be used as a procreational means and not for pleasure.
Additionally, more-so than Christians encouraging and defending the state of marriage pagans have made more effort.
Lastly, the author proposes that the debate of homosexual marriage should include the perspective of past Christian stances.
This article presents an interesting viewpoint that for much of history, instead of arguing over homosexuality, Christian debates have argued over heterosexual relationships. Many religious leaders throughout time, have argued that celibacy is the best option. However, this demand isn't feasible for the majority of people so marriage is permissible in order not to fall into deeper sin. This follows along the lines of Luther's stance on marriage. Also, sex should be used as a procreational means and not for pleasure.
Additionally, more-so than Christians encouraging and defending the state of marriage pagans have made more effort.
Lastly, the author proposes that the debate of homosexual marriage should include the perspective of past Christian stances.
Brother Dean "You deserve rape"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/25/you-deserve-rape-sign-brother-dean_n_3154980.html
Some people go too far. A man known as Brother Dean on University of Arizona campus held a sign that stated, "you deserve rape." It was meant for girls wearing short-shorts. His repertoire of signs includes condemning homosexuals and people who masturbate to hell.
Due to Brother Dean's publicity, the University has gotten many letters of complaints. Interestingly though, due to one's right to free speech they can't make Brother Dean stop. Although, they have publicly stated they do not condone nor support Brother Dean's message.
Some people go too far. A man known as Brother Dean on University of Arizona campus held a sign that stated, "you deserve rape." It was meant for girls wearing short-shorts. His repertoire of signs includes condemning homosexuals and people who masturbate to hell.
Due to Brother Dean's publicity, the University has gotten many letters of complaints. Interestingly though, due to one's right to free speech they can't make Brother Dean stop. Although, they have publicly stated they do not condone nor support Brother Dean's message.
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