GatheredTogether.org » Opinion

Missions, Orality, and the Bible

seniorSOY — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:34:04 +0000

Thoughts on Pre-, Less-, and Post-literate Cultures

There is significant discussion today about oral cultures and how they learn and how they should be evangelized and built up in faith. The discussion ranges from pre-literate to post-literate—from cultures that have never had their languages written down to Western groups that no longer read but only watch images and listen to iPods. Of course, awareness of orality is not new, since virtually all cultures before the modern period and its printing press learned orally. Everywhere the church has gone in the history of missions, its initial task has mainly been oral, even where missionaries prized literacy and sought to translate the Bible as part of their church planting.

What’s new is 1) the development of more self-conscious strategies of adapting to the kinds of oral traditions in various cultures, and 2) the more rigorous application of the biblical history of redemption as oral story, and 3) the intention and attempt to develop means of communicating biblical truth to so-called post-literate Westerners who spend little time reading.

None of these developments is in itself bad and may be very good. 1) Orality will always be a huge and precious and inevitable part of human life, even in the most literate cultures, and it is wise to make the best use of this reality for Christ and his kingdom. 2) The Bible is history and interpretation—it is a story along with the inspired, authoritative explanation. It should be heralded in oral and written form for what it is. 3) Post-literate Westerners (and people who in every age have had difficulty with reading, or dislike for reading) should be both met where they are and encouraged and helped to advance in the benefits of Bible reading and meditation. So, it seems to me that these developments are expressions of love and common sense.

But I am not sure what convictions about the Bible lie beneath some of these developments. So I want to ask a few questions that I hope will help us make explicit the underlying assumptions about the function of the written word of God in these developments. My hope and expectation is that all who identify themselves as evangelicals will say a hearty No to question #1 below and a hearty Yes to the rest. Then let us do the mission with the wisest use of our voice and our Book.

Will we Westerners who have had the Bible in our languages for five centuries and who have access to Greek and Hebrew in which the Bible was verbally inspired keep this privileged position for ourselves?
Or will we humble ourselves and labor with all our might to help other peoples and cultures have the same access we have to a full and right understanding of the scriptures so that they do not have to depend on cultural outsiders telling them what God’s words say and what they mean and how they should be applied culturally and religiously and missiologically?
Will we tell pre-literate and less-literate peoples and cultures that all authoritative religious truth comes from God through a single inspired book, and that all oral communication about God and his ways, no matter where it happens anywhere in the world, depends for its final reliability on this book, the Bible?
Will we clarify for them that, although all other holy books may have some helpful religious insights, nevertheless they do not have any final authority from God, but only the Bible does?
Will we tell them that this Bible was first written in Greek and Hebrew, the languages that God used when centuries ago “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21)?
Will we make sure they understand that if they remain only oral and do not someday raise up a generation who can read this book and study it in the original languages, they will remain dependent on outsiders for the divine truth God has given only through the Book?
Will we joyfully concur that access to the words of God in the Bible in one’s own language is a blessing greater than health and life, and that the golden rule gives us the privilege and duty to give other people and peoples the blessing that has come to us without our deserving it or planning it?
Will we labor for the long-term strength of the church among all unreached and less-reached peoples, by empowering them with the ability to read and study the Bible in the original languages, in the desire that the Lord may come very soon, but in the sober possibility that he may delay his return for centuries?
Will we labor to reverse the Western cultural trend away from reading, in the conviction that, when one moves away from reading, one moves away from a precious, God-given, edifying, stabilizing connection with God’s written word?

For the Word and for the Mission,

William Hannaford
http://crossfaithministry.org

Can God Bless America? – Happy 231st Birthday!

seniorSOY — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:50:12 +0000

As the United States of America turns 231 years old today I want to pose the question Can God Bless America?

The United States of America was founded 231 years ago on strong Judeo-Christian principles. From our founding documents to our courts to the eventual printing of our currency, the reverence of God, in government, was everywhere.

The blessings we Americans have enjoyed have made us a shining beacon of freedom and prosperity. We live in a land where anyone regardless of race, gender, class or creed can rise to be anything they set their sights on.

America has turned away from reliance on God to self-sufficiency. It reminds me of when Israel turned from God and did “what was right in their own eyes”. Is it a coincidence that as we turn from God our economic prosperity, and with it, the world’s disappears?

America is also consistently abandoning Israel in favor of Palestine and other Arab countries. Remember in the Bible, God says to to Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3) To be blessed by God, it is vitally important to stand with Abraham which are the Jews of today.

It’s not too late to turn back into the country that God wants to bless.
What can I do to make a difference today? Pray, pray, pray:

Pray today and every day that the leaders of this country will turn from their own ways and seek God’s guidance in every decision they make.
Pray that Godly men and women will step forward and run for public office and vote for them when you find them.
Pray that our leaders will stand with the land of Israel.

Happy birthday, USA, have a happy July 4th weekend and may God, once again, bless America.

by Bill Rozmiarek
bill@gatheredtogether.org

Should Christians Participate in Public Demonstrations Against the Civil Governmental Authorities?

seniorSOY — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:11:02 +0000

Almost everyday the broadcast and print media bombard the public with 24 hours of sensational, tabloid journalism which only heighten our sense of anxiety, pessimism, misery, and frustration. Many Americans are losing their jobs and are without health insurance, the high gas prices, the war in Afghanistan & Iraq, the exponential growth of the federal deficit, devaluation of the dollar, and not to mention the strain on the economy when the nearly 65 million to 100 million “Baby Boomers” reach retirement age within the next 10 years. Add to sad fact that ‘ENRON’ was just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to retirement and 401-K pension funds because 95% of retirees don’t have enough savings to live on, anyway.

Many families are facing the reality that they might have to care for aging parents and “elder care” might become a national issue as it has among the Japanese in recent decades. Also, the prosperity of America is challenged by economic powerhouses China and India, who have some of the fastest growing economies in the world and both countries combined account for roughly, one-third of the global population. In fact, India has now achieved a milestone in 20 years to have nearly 365 million middle-class families, which is more than the entire United States population. When a person feels helpless and as though they are unnoticed and invisible, it is easy to want to complain, criticize, denounce and voice outrage toward political leaders for our misfortunes, but is this the way for a Christian to behave? What would believing Christians do today if they were subjected to a few of the following examples?

Matthew 26: 57, 59, 67-68
And those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and elders were gathered together. Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, in order that they might put Him to death. Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, and said, “Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?”

Luke 23: 4, 13-16, 20-24
And Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, “I find no guilt in this man.” And Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you have made against Him. “No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving of death has been done by Him. “I will therefore punish Him and release Him.” And Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, but they kept on calling out, saying, “Crucify, crucify Him!” And he [Pilate] said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; I will therefore punish Him and release Him” But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that he be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand should be granted.

Acts 12: 1-3
Now about that time, Herod the king [Agrippa I??] laid hands on some belonging to the church in order to mistreat them, And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword. And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. . .

Acts 18: 12, 16-17
But while Gallio was pro-counsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, and he drove them away from the judgment seat. And they all took hold of Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him in front of the judgment seat. And Gallio was not concerned about any of these things.

Acts 23: 33; 24: 22, 26-27
And when these had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the “Way,” put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” At the same time too, he [Felix] was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he used to send for him quite often and converse with him. But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

NOTE: In the aforementioned, these men had perverted justice and abused their power as civil servants and representatives of the people, and so what are believers to do about the circumstances experienced in these times of today? How would you act if you were abused while in police custody, falsely imprisoned, or someone perjured themselves at your trial? How would you act if Federal or State Laws denied you Civil Rights, Due Process in the Courts, Military service, equal housing, or employment and promotional opportunities because of your race, gender, or lifestyle choice? What if a loved one spent years in ‘solitary confinement’ or was on “Death Row” and later given “LETHAL INJECTION,” but you knew they were innocent? The medicine for this remedy is a painful pill to swallow as referenced in the following:

Titus 3: 1
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed.

I Peter 2: 13-15, 17
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Honor all men, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the king.

Romans 13: 1-7
Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you not want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword of God in vain; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscious sake. For because of this we pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom is due; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

I Timothy 2: 1-3
First of all, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made in behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may live a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

by Robert Randle

pbks@hotmail.com
http://choirboy51.blogspot.com

Changing Demographics (part three)

seniorSOY — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:18:37 +0000

Changing Demographics (Part Three)
The report claimed that by 2050 the U.S. will no longer have a majority of people with European heritage and that in an interdependent world “this is a very positive thing.”
This is a frightening statement, to know that the United States will not be the land in which we all love and enjoy in just 40 years. What about our children and our grandchildren, who will they be serving at that time. The Muslims say they will have a caliphate world. Today there are about 7 million of them in America, they seem to be growing and the church seems to be declining. I am afraid that an interdependent world is not a good thing. It makes me think about the Crusades in the days of old and Armageddon in the near future. The statements former President Clinton made to this crowd of American-Arabs also seem to fit end time scenarios that will usher in the rein of Antichrist and his regime. It is wonderful and sad at the same time. We have placed in this country a President that wants universal peace and a universal religion. There are also leaders in major countries around the world who want the same thing. Now let’s look at some biblical truths in this remaining part. I remember the words of the Apostle Paul when he sent a letter to the church in Thessalonica. (For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they say peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape) 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3. These people are using words like interdependent, unity, peace, and wanting all religions to have a common goal so as not to be offensive or abrasive. A let it be attitude, if you will, so that we all can get along. It may sound good, but you and I as Christians know it is false. During the first half of the Tribulation the Antichrist will seem to have peace in the entire world. This is a false peace and soon chaos will take place and I pray that the church is out of here. Also remember the Church is declining today and we see it everywhere. It is looking very bleak for the Church, but it is prophetic. Paul made it clear to the church in Thessalonica not to be deceived; (Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;) 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Paul is talking about the great apostasy of the last days, if you look around it is happening as God said it would. We see all these things happening around us, but yet we do nothing to prevent the lost from being lost. Sitting in our Churches today across America are people who do not know Jesus, they come in and do repetitious motions and go home the same person. Their Salvation is of the mind and not from the heart. We need to do a mighty work for God in these last days, because the return of our Lord and Savior is near even at the door. He is coming and the church needs to be ready, busy do his will. God Bless.

Global Warming

seniorSOY — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:05:30 +0000

I have to confess that I am by no means an expert on this subject. I’ve read the articles, heard the news stories, and the varying and different opinions. Some feel like those claiming that our world is warming up don’t have the slightest idea of what they’re talking about, while others take the matter very seriously. I’ve expressed my opinion which, if you put with a dollar might get you a small cup of coffee these days.

The claim is that all the “green house” gases we’ve been spewing from our automobiles, and that have been filling the sky above our heads from all those gigantic smoke stacks have created a canopy in our atmosphere that intensifies the rays of the sun much like the glass or plastic coverings of a literal green house. In a way it makes sense. But again, I haven’t studied this effect. I don’t have all the answers and I frankly don’t know what I’m talking about concerning this subject. It’s just my opinion.

I have noticed that the rays of the sun feel hotter than I remember. When we were children we didn’t hibernate the summer away in an air conditioned house playing video games. We couldn’t wait to get outside in the heat of the day and play until we had exhausted ourselves. There were all kinds of things to stimulate our minds. We’d get with neighbors and friends and have gangs of kids, some being cowboys and some being Indians one day, while on another day we’d be soldiers, spies, or astronauts exploring “strange new worlds” to coin a phrase from the old “Star Trek” series. We didn’t even know what air conditioning was until our teenage years.
However, I can truly say that I wouldn’t take anything for those years. But back to the matter of the heat from the sun; I know that these days it certainly feels like it’s hotter outside. I step outdoors and I feel like I’m going to melt into nothing, and that’s before I lift a finger to do any work. When I mow the lawn or work on a project out in the garage the sweat drips off me like water going over Niagara Falls. When I stand in one place too long in the sun I can literally feel the heat burning my skin.

I was speaking to another man about this one day and he kind of put on a smirky grin and said, “I don’t reckon’ age has anything to do with it, does it?” He just might have something there. I’d say being overweight and out of shape doesn’t help the situation any either.

Whether we’re experiencing Global Warming or not, God gave us the sun. In the Book of Genesis we read that on the fourth day of creation God made the greater light to rule the day (Genesis 1:16) that’s the sun. All the scientific facts we read about the sun seem amazing. How could a big ball of gas burn for so long and affect so much? It does, and God made it to do all these things. We are told that if the earth moved only a few degrees closer to the sun that we’d all be consumed from its heat, and in an equally opposite effect, if our planet moved a few degrees farther away from the sun we’d all freeze to death. Isn’t it amazing how God put the earth and the sun at just the right distances from each other just for us?

He’s like that. Even in its fallen state, God has placed all of His creation in order to make life good for us, pleasant, enjoyable and comfortable. He did that because He loves us. Think for a moment; if He loves us enough to see to the minute details of things like how close or how far we are from the sun, doesn’t it stand to reason that He cares for the problems, situations, and messes we make for ourselves as well? He does you know. He cares about the pain you are going through. He knows our failures, our sins, and our problems, and He wants to be there for us. We’ve got to be willing to invite Him into them though. He’s a gentleman. He’s not just a gentleman but the model gentleman. He won’t interfere with our free will unless we ask Him. It’s not His fault, but He’s willing to help. Won’t you invite Him into your world today?

The problems and situations you are facing may feel like “Global Warming.” It may seem like that the world is quickly coming to an end. We may have a big job cleaning things up if “Global Warming” is a reality. But the “Global Warming” of your life can be cleaned up a whole lot quicker and in an entirely affective way if you’ll just invite God into your life. It will take work, and I’m not saying it will be a snap, but the solution is there with some obedience to the “Sun Maker” and some elbow grease on our part. Give it a try and you’ll find out what I’m talking about.

Jerry D. Ousley is the Author of three books, “Soul Challenge”, “Soul Journey” and “Ordeal.” Listen to our daily broadcast Spirit Bread. Find out more by visiting www.spiritbread.com
or email us at jousley@spiritbread.com

Changing Demographics (part two)

seniorSOY — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:13:20 +0000

Changing demographics (part two)
In a report from associated press; Clinton said that our changing demographics is what led to the election of Barack Obama. I would have to agree with that statement about our changing country. The world around us can see it too, and most laugh at what we have become. The people in other countries certainly see what happening and they see what our President is doing. I wonder why a tremendous amount of the American people can’t. So far Obama has failed in almost every area of Christianity, for some one who claims to be a born again Christian. What I am saying is don’t say you are something that you are not. The changing demographics are not Christian, and unfortunately the Christian population is on the decline here in America and around the world. That is how this once mighty nation could elect a president of his statue. (We the people) do not want truth anymore. There have been a lot of immigrants coming here with Muslim, Hindu and other religious backgrounds. Muslims, of course is the largest part of that population coming to America, and their belief system is based on works and fear. There motive is to have a caliphate world, which would do away with all other religions and cause you and me to either convert to Islam or die. I am reminded however of a story about a missionary who could not go into another country and witness for Christ. As bad as he wanted to, he couldn’t. Something always hindered him one way or another, whether it was finances or health reasons, he could not go. So he prayed to God that he would make a way for him to witness to this people. God answered his prayer in an ill-fated event; he brought the people to him by way of war. This man got his prayer answered in a way he did not expect, but God answered him and he began a ministry to reach out to those people. That is what I try and keep in my mind about all the other religions coming to America, we’ve been praying, God send someone to them, God answered, I’ll bring them to you. The United States has become the largest mission field in the world. Why, because we are a very diverse group of people from all walks of life, from almost every country and every belief. The world around us is changing, but that does not mean we change. In Malachi chapter 3: 6 God stated, (I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed). Remember that the next time someone comes to you and says, we need to compromise God’s word or we need to be tolerant of someone else’s religious beliefs. I thank not, we need to stand!

Changing Demographics (part one)

seniorSOY — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:09:36 +0000

“Changing demographics,” part one:
I was reading an article the other day from the associated press about a speech former President Bill Clinton gave at an American-Arab anti-discrimination Committee. The article was written on 06/14/2009. It said, in his speech (Clinton) to a 1000 people that the United States is no longer a black-white country, nor a country that is dominated by Christians and a powerful Jewish minority. The article stated Clinton as saying, given the growing number of Muslims, Hindus and other religious groups here, Americans should be mindful of the changing demographics which led to the election of Barack Obama as president. Later they claim he said, that by 2050 the U.S. will no longer have a majority of people with European heritage and that in an interdependent world “this is a very positive thing.” Now I want to take a closer look at what he said to this group of American-Arabs. First, he said we are not a black-white country anymore, and that is true because we seem to be letting everyone and his brother into our country, whether they are terrorist or not and giving them tax breaks and financial help so they can lead a productive life. So why not come to America. They apparently take what you and I have been providing the Government in the way of our tax money. When I was born into this country I did not receive Government assistance in any form, isn’t that discrimination. A lot of immigrants come and work here for a while sending monies back home to their families so they can come to the land of the free and the home of the brave. A place where mostly the black and white men and women born here have fought and some have died so we can be free and pay taxes so American and immigrants alike can live peaceably. I have no problem with immigrants coming to America, but give them the same opportunities as the one’s born here have. Don’t give them preferential treatment.

If they really want to be here, maybe we should set a cost to enter this country, we could certainly use the money to help pay off America’s tremendous debt. Maybe every male 18 and up should serve in our Military for two years as a price for coming here. Not to mention the fact, we have to learn a new language when we call customer service if we have a problem with anything. There has to be some kind of change. I know this seems harsh, but this country is falling fast and I am one proud American who doesn’t like it. Changing demographics is not a good thing and it is certainly not something we should be proud of.