church history

Sunday, December 25, 2005 T: 17 57
Thursday, December 29, 2005 T: 11 59

Dear readers,

It came as a gradual surprise when I realize that more and more people seem to read my blog. Anyway, thanks for reading and do comment so that I do know you are there.

I understand that a couple of you post replies and seem to get none from me. This I apologize. I will try to make an attempt to.

Finally, the next entry (below) may prove to be a bit hard for comprehension and understanding due to my pathetic grasp of the language. Do point out key mistakes that I have. Thanks.

Sherman

There are some who fear reaching books like the Da Vinci Code, Harry Potter etc because it may cause repercussions to their Christian faith. [Though to this, I have a cynical response since from the Calvinistic point of view, if such blaspheme causes one to ‘fall off the cliff’, chances are high that he or she isn’t a Christian to begin with. On the other hand, if it raises just doubts and questions that can be easily be answered by mature, doctrine-sound Christians, then he or she would be further rooted in Christ altogether.] But if I would to say that History can even be more stumbling than these ‘anti-Christ’ books, would you believe me? Harry Potter and the other books no doubt are fiction. Dan Brown’s books, with an early disclaimer mentions that some of the names and societies listed in the book may be true (which spark off the questioning of the Cannon), have distorted the truth altogether. The Chinese call this ‘duan zhang qu yi’. Church history on the other hand is a book based on reality, supported by witnesses and evidence. Like Science, the very notion that it can be proven (though to a lesser extent) means that it can be more capable of distorting the image of God, doing harm to the faith in Christianity.

Over the holidays, I have spent much time reading Christian books. Most recently, I have completed Lion’s Handbook of History of Christianity. More or less, it provides a brief concise of the progress of the church right after Christ’s death, from the times of Acts to the present, modern age. It is remarkable to note the power of Christianity right from the start, especially when Constantine came into power and make the church into the official religion. That begins an age when even kings have to take into consideration the church and the pope.

Yet throughout the history, especially post 500 A.D, it is dismal to note the decline of the church. It did grow in power, in the size of its congregation and members, but people begin having wrong ideas about the Bible and the Cross. The catholic (mainstream) church begins engaging in more and more rituals, even resorting to violence in response to the opposition, people of which they pronounced heretics. Some they banish and exile, others they executed and flamed. As time continues, sure enough, different opinions resulted in arguments, later battles (better known as crusades) and even war, dividing the church instead of promoting growth. And indeed, it is curious to note how people from the past till now always slough their lives out searching for the confirmation of salvation, mostly through religion, when the answers seem to be right in front of them. In a way, the idea by philosophers that religion is just a form of escape or a way of instilling moral values is perhaps consequential of such. Worse still, it leads people to a wrong perception of the faith and the truth. And indeed even in this present day we must still be wary of false teaching, for it stumbles and leads us to a false reality. We also hear of non-believers criticizing the church as a hypocritical community, viewing Christians as a bunch of arrogant individuals who believe that others will be banished to hell, even more depressing when they highlight the unthinkable acts of Christians (or at least people who claim to be) and condemned it thus right from the start. And I say to you, as Christians, if we continue to live in our old self when at the same time proclaiming that we are believers of the faith, then perhaps we are very much equal to the false prophets who misled the congregation into accepting false doctrines since in the same way, we misled others into thinking Christians are just a group of self-righteous and pride people!

I find it possible to attribute the cause of the decline of the church to simply the lack of entry to God’s word. In the old days, writing materials is scarce and expensive, and history records that a scholar would find himself fortunate to have a few books of Scripture. Consider this fact today, when each of us probably have a few different versions of the Bible, we are indeed a fortunate bunch. Back then, chances are the wrong interpretation of Scripture by the leaders would very much go uncorrected by the mostly poor and uneducated citizens. And even if there is one or two, they would sadly be condemned as heretics. The church is after a very powerful political power in the olden days, and the pope perhaps possess power more than a king himself. Gradually, legalism grows with the questionable theology based solely on tradition, quite much like the Pharisees of the past I would say. There is even an increasingly amount of immorality too within the clergy and the lay people. And that’s probably when the great German Reformer, Martin Luther, steps up to present his 95 Theses on scriptural grounds. JI Packer greatly sums it all up in his book, “God Has Spoken”.

“I know for myself what it is to enjoy the Bible – that is, to be glad at finding God and being found by Him in and through the Bible; I know by experience why the psalmist called God’s message of promise and command his delight and his joy, and why he said that he loved it (Ten times in the book); I have proven, as have others, that as good food yields pleasure as well as nourishment, so does good word of God….Bible study will only give enjoyment if conforming to our Creator in belief and behavior, through trust and obedience, is its goal.”

And indeed, what a blessing it is to have God’s Revealation with us! In the midst of all that arguments about doctrines, be it the Trinity, predestination or even the most recent of all regarding the ordination of women, it is reassuring to know that we have the number one authority with us – God’s Word Himself! And this is the criteria which will differentiate the servants of the gospel to that of Satan. It is Scripture that shall correct all wrong assumptions, and it is the infallible Scripture that shall allow Christians today to share the same faith as Paul, John and the rest of the apostles.

The Enlightenment movement in the 18th century has brought about critics to the fundamentals of the compilation of 66 books we call the Bible. People question the Canon and thus the reliability of Scripture. Some deemed Christianity just a belief concocted for religious purposes. And with the quick advance of Science, it seems no surprise that the church begin losing in attendance, and evangelism turns out to be more difficult than before, demanding logical and intellectual answers to Darwinism and Canonization. To me, the historical evidence of the presence of the books is already present. The huge number of greatly similar manuscripts of the books written around 0-300 A.D discovered already can satisfy that. After all, it is hard to believe that people can actually make up something that flawless. Besides, if it is bullshit, it would have received much condemnation and objection by the people. On the contrary, the church grew in power and numbers since. A greater concern and query lies however in the canon, as to who acknowledges the list of books that are to be in Scripture. Some pointed out that the canon involves a list of strict criteria which the early church follows in determines its position, though this does bring in doubts. Nevertheless, the canonization of the Bible is no small feat, and to me, the notion that churches all over the world actually agree on this 66 books shows something no short of a miracle and the inspiration of God. For more details, http://www.pastornet.net.au/rtc/canon.htm is a help website. I quote the conclusion.
“The Church has dealt with this situation as does one who knows and points to a certain person as father or mother. Such a knowledge rests not on demonstration but upon direct experience; it is most closely connected with one's own identity. In this and no other way must we picture the knowledge and 'decision' of the Church concerning the Canon.48In this way the history of the canon a posteriori supports the redemptive-historical a priori. Yet it remains a confession of faith that the canon of the New Testament corresponds exactly to Christ's canon. Their identity cannot be absolutely established by historical study. Historical evidence and "proofs" take us only so far. As in so many other areas there comes a point where it becomes a matter of faith. Our theological presuppositions and the historical evidence dovetail, but not perfectly. While our view of the canon does greater justice to the historical process than do, for example, the views of Harnack and the Roman Catholic theologians, we do not claim any infallible criteria of canonicity. In the end, with Ridderbos, we must acknowledge in faith that the empirical canon coincides with the canon of Christ. We can be absolutely certain and not just "practically" certain about the status of the canon,49 but our certainty does not depend upon our study of historical data, but it comes from our faith in the sovereignty and providence of God. “

As we move into the new millennia, the church will see no end to an opposition. Perhaps today, the heard voice of human freedom and liberty has seen to it that churches receive lesser persecution than before, at the very least in the first world countries. Yet the new century also brings along intellectual thought which bases truth on logical reasoning and evidence. Faith, something that presents who knows ages ago, seems to be an abstract and foreign concept altogether. “Without doubt, claims for Christian revelation must cope with an exceptionally relativistic environment, coming to terms with the New Age, energetic cults, thke new physics, the insights of post-Vatican II Roman Catholicism and the strongest face-to-face encounters with the living and powerful religions in centuries.”

“These will be critical issues that must be embraced within the next chapter of history. They are of such profound nature as to challenge shallow pragmatisms and to driver men and women back to asking fundamental questions about purpose and reality. If the Christian church fails to meet such questioning with answers of sufficient dept and conviction, it will have failed at a vital turning point of human history.”

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Present and Future – John Briggs
Revelation of God – Peter Jenson
Formation of New Testament Canon - Stephen Voorwinde
God has spoken - JI Packer

the race

Sunday, December 18, 2005 T: 14 12

I was somehow convinced and persuaded easily to join YF Amazing Race, perhaps out to satisfy my curiosity of the fellowship I was coerced by nature to leave, or perhaps to help the Sec 4s get used to PUNJ. If it was the latter reason, I must say the very fact that only two of them turned up is somehow disappointing, though I’m gratified to see that they seem to enjoy the company of old people pretty much, nevertheless amazed at their enthusiastic and ardent nature. It must be comical, I can imagine from an omniscient point of view, to see me lumbering after those two after one or two soundless grumbles about their high energy levels. Still, I suppose that’s where the interest of the world mostly lies – zeal.

As I hear descriptions of it from my brother, from Kenny and Grace yesterday, I found myself question whether YF has grown. Surely enough, it has significant growth in size, (my brother has commented that the attendance yesterday was only about 50-60%), yet my concern is its growth in Christ-centeredness, the most important of any church. I don’t think I’m capable of judging anyway. It seems sad in any case to hear the gradual depletion of the Y Com. I feel proud that my batch of com members seems still to be the best, yet I wonder if we have done a good job in handing down our duties and inculcating in others the zeal in serving the church, wonder if we have done our part in teaching the younger ones about the goal and priorities of servant hood. Today, it was especially disconcerting to notice in presence of elitism within a fellowship we termed Christian. To me, the sight of them choosing their comfort zone makes me wonder about the modern Christian circle. And indeed, such is not only typical in our church, but also of others as well, not to mention the very one next door. As a church grows in size, will it simply be reduced to cliques, engulfing those who are included, isolating and displacing those who are determined by the elites to be outcasted? To make it worse, are the decisions of these elites anywhere near selflessness? For me, I find myself guilty too in always remaining in the comfort zone designated by me, engaging only the familiars, and shrink away from the outsiders. How much of a Christian I am? I find it exceptionally helpful to see people, the leaders and the mature Christians, always eager to make the newcomers feel at home, and maybe this is something I should look forward to in my daily walk in Christ. Understandably, it is much easier to preach than practice.

When I was younger, I deemed a more sinless life to be an isolated one, maybe something like Robinson Crusoe. In my immaturity, I have thought a world without any other people to be more suitable for a sinless. Yet come to think of it, isn’t this very thought itself the epitome of selfishness and self-centeredness itself? Isn’t wanting to live myself easier because I don’t have others but only myself to love and care for? In the OT, the very idea of city building by Cain is sinful enough. And as people living in the post-Christ times, isn’t evangelism our responsibility as servants of the gospel? Indeed, how foolish and childish I once was!

Similarly, I think it is incumbent upon me to aid the Sec 4s in the transition from YF to PUNJ, and it will be my prayer that they will delight in learning more about Him, gradually becoming more and more rooted in the Word of God. I find it disturbing somehow that only 4 people from my batch of YF graduates become regular PUNJ attendees, despite an initial confidence. The rest seems to disappear, just attending service alone. Maybe it will be time for a change.

As for YF, it will be my hope that they will grow steadily into a church worthy of the gospel, that the youths will come to seek ardently God, and marvel at His awesome majesty and love. It is too my hope that they will be prepared to love one another and spur one another on, not only within their own clique, which even so I doubt presence of mutual encouragement in Christ.

It is always reassuring to know that the conversion of a person is not by the pathetic and insignificant me, but it is the work of the Paraclete – “the illuminating of human hearts; the regenerating and sanctifying of sinners; the actualizing of gifts and good works; the Holy Spirit bearing witness to our adoption and helping our human weakness; the supernatural engendering of faith, prayer, hope, love and all the many facets of Christlike character; and so forth.” – JI Packer

equivalent trade, do you want it?

Saturday, December 17, 2005 T: 23 53

Having a rather academic history, competition has always been a motivation in my pursuit of education. Selfish and arrogant I admit it has been, it seems nevertheless to push me this far. I feel proud at getting rather good results despite my indolence, yet at the same time guilty of such a pride. On my way, I can’t help but notice the diligent ones who struggle half their life away yet with minimal achievements, not to boast of my own intelligence which I feel is also way beneath many. It seems not fair suddenly, that the old proverb of hard work pays seems no longer in existence. That seems to be a lie. There seems no equivalent trade, no law in this world. And this very fact has brought some to tears, and as a observer, I wonder about the suitable response to such people. ‘Work harder’ seems to be the epitome of sarcasm and malice. ‘Misfortune it must be this time’ seems to be too frequent a reason for encouragement, if not just a lame excuse. Sometimes, one questions if God is fair.

My church, Adam Road Presbyterian Center, can be almost accused of being the church of only the wealthy and the intelligence. And indeed, most of the congregation is all in specialized professions, doctors, lawyers and so on. This is also typical of many churches. Yet surely the gospel is not only for the smart, but for all, equal in the eyes of God. To make it worse, false teachers use such trends to preach the prosperity gospel, that material wealth will accompany the strength of faith. They quote some coincidental examples, and twist and turn the verses of God’s word, reading them totally out of context. I doubt the credibility of prosperity gospel, and it has no root at all in God’s word, this I have come to believe. God’s word does not promise material wealth, but it promise the wealth of wisdom and love. By wisdom, it’s not our own folly, but that of God’s, gifted to us by the Holy Spirit to allow us to be more Christ-like. I would like to think that Christianity is a perfectly logical faith and in a way, it thus attracts the more intellectual ones to believe. It is a ‘religion’ grounded by truth and historical evidence, unlike the other pagan religions which are totally flawed and have doubtful sources. The Cross is for all.

Going back to the first issue, my response is that each of us will have a gift of some sort. There will always be the very gifted theologians and preachers, like Augustine and Calvin, and there are the hundreds of common folks who would just seem to be capable of being plain followers. There will always be the people who suffer more and Christians who lead indeed a very good life. There will always be the pagans who seem to live a life of bliss, compared to the suffering Paul or the crucified apostles. But what if this is all in God’s plan so to speak? What if God’s purpose in that distribution of gifts and circumstances is present so that more can be saved by the Cross, that there will always be people of each social level to evangelize, and it will be of higher effectiveness if the backgrounds are similar? What if having material wealth does not mean less suffering since that wealth and power will tempt one further to sin, and risk the compromise of his or her godliness?

I think three facts of God will always be with me as I survive through this city of Man so full of sin and contempt. Firstly, the love of God is inconceivable (shown ultimately through and by the Cross) and He will always delight in the increasingly number of people coming to salvation. Secondly, God is sovereign and he has a perfect plan already for us. We may complain of unfairness and injustice but bear in mind that we all have a part to play and that He who begins a good work in us will carry it to the end. Thirdly, the promise of the life time is already there right in God’s word. One day, we shall all be vindicated and finally be in the City of God, and that itself is I think the ultimate lack of equivalent trade, only thanks to the love and grace of God.
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I hope I put this across rightly and will not do injustice to God in this entry. I think I plan also to write a book after my ‘A’ levels regarding the doctrines and in attempt to answer as many questions as possible. At times, I think I tend to be more worried that I may see the Bible as some academic literature with its flawlessness that I neglect the practical aspect and implications of it. I pray too that I will continue to read more books and hopefully write a book that is accurate and does not compromise on the love and justice of our Almighty God.

one more chance

Monday, December 12, 2005 T: 18 53

Despite many blunt comments about the pathetic nature of our local Chinese serials, especially when compared to those directed by Hong Kongers, many would still be able to appreciate our local movie productions, perhaps much thanks to Jack Neo and his ability to engage public opinions and current affair issues in ways hilarious and more agreeable manner. Till now, I’m still struggling to wonder if the government actually is in favor of the movies He has produced, though it’s an observed fact that the government has much control of our Singapore media.

Nevertheless, Neo’s latest movie – namely One more Chance or Shan ge hao ren – did addressed a key issue in society today. And as a viewer, I must say I am touched, both in the heart and the mind; moved by the portrayal of the relationships among the characters, provoked thoughtfully by the issues the movie highlights. In a nutshell, the movie describes how three men found themselves behind bars and proceed to attempt to live a life at least worthy of being called righteous in morality. Yet ex-convicts they are, the criminal record remains a permanent blemish on their resume, almost screaming out loud the condemnation of their souls and personhood. Sent to jail they are, punished justly for their mistakes, yet still sent to their deaths by society – whose despise and harsh rejection almost render them no longer humans, no longer useful.

Will they one day be normally accepted? In our midst perhaps, Christian surroundings it can be, there can be apprehension in interacting with people way below our intellect. And if so, how much more harder it may be for ex-convicts to be forgiven for their transgressions? It is no wonder that many return to their own ways, yes, to be returned to where they once belong, yet at least that world can accept them, where at least security can somehow be found, where at least people can look at them in the eye, saved for the blood-thirsting rotan for repetitive offenders for their apparent adamancy and stubbornness. Most of the time though, where else can they go?

I think Neo did a very good job highlighting this to the public through the production, at the very least be able to spark off a certain level of guilt and self-reflection, if negative condemnation of them cannot be eradicated over night. Proudly, I’ll too praise the Yellow Ribbon Project, initiated by Christians, which seeks to give the chance ex-convicts sorely need. It would be my prayer that they can gradually be accepted by people, my pleasure all the more if they have come to know the true and living God who is capable of putting to death their own self and spur them towards goodness and perfection.

After all, they are humans too, born with a body like million others have, equipped with the mind and heart, made in God’s image, having seen at the very least the general revelations of God, what we would call conscience. A criminal after all is very much like every one of us, except that he has put to action his sinful thoughts, except that he got caught. As Christians, surely we would forgive as the Lord has forgiven after all. After all, who are we to judge the lives of others? Ours may not be much better as well, just masked by hypocritism and false fronts. Wretched we are, says Paul, yet thanks be to God who has displayed His awesome love and inconceivable grace through the death and resurrection of His son, whom He love too.