Today we celebrated the first year anniversary of our little church here in Baguio. It has been a challenging year... but I think we are stronger for it. Our older daughter sang a special number--- "Thank You Lord For Your Blessings on Me." She was trying to decide whether to sing that song or 'Thank …
Month: January 2019
A Luring that is Without
Somewhat lengthy quote of W. Paul Jones in his book "Theological Worlds: Understanding the Alternative Rhythms of Christian Belief." They are quoted backwards, in that the first two paragraphs are from page 14 while the third paragraph is from page 11. "Tillich distills these conclusions to which the past centuries have brought us by insisting …
The Fish Model of Project Design
The following was a diagram that I had in my book, CHRISTIAN MEDICAL MISSIONS: Principles and Practices in the Church's Role for Effective Community Outreach in the Philippines and Beyond. However, it is quite useful in Project Design for ministry, with special focus on the transitioning from a short-term event or project to a long-term …
Christian Mimicry (Part 2)
(Continued from Part 1) Earlier I was looking at Passive Mimicry (to avoid being targeted or, positively, to demonstrate or promote belongingness). But sometimes mimicry has a more Active Role. Rather than to help the person remain hidden, mimicry can be done to be seen. 1. Trying to Make Lightning Strike Twice. In my previous …
Christian Mimicry (Part 1)
Mimicry: the ability an organism develops to imitate one or more traits from another organism (with which it’s unrelated) so that it can obtain some benefit. (https://allyouneedisbiology.wordpress.com/2015/10/25/animal-mimicry/) Let me give an example: We have been a part of several churches in the Philippines. Most Philippine churches assign music ministry to the youth in the church--- …
Chapter 5. Models of IRD (part 2)
<Continued from previous post> “Poles” of Interreligious Dialogue Harvie Cox has noted that interreligious dialogue must address two elements that exist between two different religions or faiths. These are the universalistic elements and the particularistic elements. Religions address universal human concerns and questions. Not only do they address common concerns, often they come up with …
Chapter 5. Models of IRD (part 1)
Chapter 5 from "Dialogue in Diversity: Christians in Conversation with a Multi-faith World." Views of Salvation There are many views regarding Interreligious dialogue. Not only are there many views, there are many labels and many classifications for IRD. In this book, we will use a spectrum based on the people's understanding with regards the the …
Book Finally Complete– “Dialogue in Diversity”
It is finished. The battle is over. Yesterday, January 12, 2019 I put my book "Dialogue in Diversity--- Christians in Conversation with a Multi-faith World" out into the world. It has been a slow process, and am thoroughly glad it is over. That being said, I now feel trepidation at putting it out for all …
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Clericalism and Languages Worthy of Praising God
It ihas been common to assume that worship or praise of God must come through sacred languages. This may for some be Arabic or Sanskrit, or a myriad of other languages deemed sacred. One might think that Christianity would be immune to this. In Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and there before me was …
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St. Francis and the Sultan
St. Francis of Assisi and his trip to Cairo to meet with Sultan al Kamil is a very interesting chapter in a very ugly story (the Crusades). Part of what I like about it is that it involves dialogue between two people who were passionate about what they believed, while still being able to respect …