I know that people tend to think of chaplaincy as decidedly different from missionary. However, both come from a missional spirit, as one embraces the calling to serve others outside of the church setting. Well, I was supposed to give an commissioning address for some chaplain trainees at our center a couple of weeks ago. …
Month: July 2020
Defining Myth for Missionaries
The term "Myth" is very hard to define because so many people have investment in the term. It is used in anthropology, it is used in religious studies, it is used storytelling and literature. It is used by the scholar and the layman alike. But the meanings often differ. I teach in a seminary and …
Missions Books I am Looking Forward to Reading
Here are a few books that I am planning to read. They are written by people I know who are involved in missions, and are not as well-known as they should be: Barry Phillips is a friend of mine and fellow missionary serving here in the Philippines. He enjoys controversy more than I do, but …
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A Bad Test Question on Worldview
My daughter was preparing for her NCLEX (Nursing exam for the US). In a preparation app for the test (so I don't know if this question ever showed up in an actual NCLEX) was: A nurse caring for a (sic) Asian-American client plans care considering the client's view of illness. Which of the following appropriately …
Teaching Doubt
I am a big fan of doubt---- because, in part, I am a big fan of faith. I believe faith is empowered by doubt. As such, faith is damaged by dogma--- not in the sense of holding onto core beliefs, but dogma in terms of training people to conform to beliefs without allowing them the …
Christian Missions is Not “If it Works, Do it.” (Quote)
"Jesus at the outset of his ministry was forced to contend with three of the most powerful temptations Satan could offer--- expediency, popularity and power (Mt 4:1-11). It would have been expedient, logical and even strategic for Jesus to have ended his forty-day fast by turning stones into bread. He could have attracted the attention, …
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The Great Commission: Changing the Starting Point
The Matthew 28 version of the Great Commission speaks of developing Disciples. There appear to be three basic steps: They are Evangelize, Baptize, and Teach/Train. The question is where does it start. Within the context of the various Great Commission versions, the start seems to be with Evangelize. That is because the key issue of …
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