An Appraisal of Economically Challenged Individuals Fulfilling The Great Commission (Pt. 1)

One would think there are few reasons, if any, the economically challenged individuals of the world are highly valued to God in their role of fulfilling the Great Commission. However if one were to think that it would indeed show their arrogance for there are at least three reasons an economically challenged individual fulfills valued roles as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, is simply this, a valued disciple, “make[s] disciples… and baptize[s] them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”[1] Yes, the command is to go to all nations, but all nations include this nation and the nations of those who are poor. Therefore the only detraction for those who are economically challenged in being a valued disciple of Jesus Christ would be that of unbelief. One cannot be a valued disciple of Jesus if one is not a Christian, that is, if one does not have the saving faith of Jesus being one’s only hope for redemption sent from God dying in their place for their crimes (sins) against God. Indeed the primary and most important requirement for being a valued disciple of Jesus is simply faith that he is one’s Savior and besides him there is no other. Truly, “without faith it is impossible to please God.”[2]

Thus, the reality in which God sees his disciples is as his beloved children in whom he is well pleased because of Jesus’ saving work; he is pleased in them and with them because they have faith. But what of seeming obvious detriments to being economically challenged and faithfully fulfilling the Great Commission?

Time would seem to be a deterrent for one to fulfill valued roles as a disciple. If one’s time is spent doing work necessary to make ends met and fend for one’s family then one is naturally bound by the same reality of time. They cannot work the required hours to make ends meet then use the leftover time, however brief, to fulfill the Great Commission well.

But the parable of the Widow’s Mite[3] would be applicable here in informing our understanding of the value God has placed on those with little. While the rich give it is from their abundance, but the poor give from their poverty giving the greater gift because it actually costs them something whether that something is a weekly meal, clean water, mosquito net or all of these. Therefore the value of the disciple would perhaps be more than those who give out of their abundance not thinking of the cost to them. 

Yet as we have learned in class people are the true wealth of economies. Thus, I would submit, the economy of God is shown to be truly wealthy by not merely the members it currently enraptures but the members who are yet to be enraptured by the saving grace of Jesus Christ proclaimed through current disciples. We are, if we are to take this idea of mankind being the wealth of economies literally, the wealth of God’s economy. Valued and made worthy by God himself. Thus in treasuring us he truly values himself for his redemption is complete in his love for us, which is his love for himself in us. But it still remains to be seen how do economically challenged individuals help the world around them?

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[1] The Holy Bible. NKJV. Matthew 28:19. Thomas Nelson 1991.

[2] The Holly Bible. ESV. Hebrews 11:6

[3] The Holy Bible. ESV. Mark 12:41-44.

Treatment of Religions (Pt. 5 - final post)

In comparison the writers, both of Christian backgrounds, offered their specific flavor to interpretations of other world religions. Corduan’s, “So you meet a…” sections at the end of every chapter were of great value and often times taught much more than one can experience on one’s own. Additionally Corduan’s premise of Original Monotheism, again, helps to bolster the whole book and therein provides the reader a more substantial understanding of the historical nature and progression of all religion while still providing the facts of specific religions. Dickson’s chapter, “What’s Wrong With Jesus” furnishes the reader information that they would not normally consider especially if they were of a Christian upbringing or background. Herein lies the power of Dickson’s book, attempting to show each of the five religions regarded in their own specific light and therefore letting the reader get to know the unadulterated state of a religion as best as a Christian writer can do given his preconceptions.

            If asked to recommend one of these two books as a resource of another believer to learn about other religions, Corduan’s work would best suit the believer. While it offers many more religions to learn about this is not the primary case for choosing this book (but it does not hurt). The main reason Corduan’s book is more helpful than Dickson’s is completely based on the Original Monotheism motif, which runs the course of the book. In so doing it gives the read a deeper and richer understanding of the historical sense as well as equips them for the, now seemingly, inevitable conversation they will have with an Atheist about their faith.

            What remains after this? That Christ is the Savior of his Church and the Church is the herald of that glorious news. As Christians it is part of their purpose to know, to the best of their abilities, how to speak the gospel into other people’s lives. Therefore Christians are the bearer of wonderful news with cunning minds, able to see the myths of other belief systems (and unbelief systems) for what they are and, by the grace of God for the glory of God, proclaim,

“O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny; from depths of Hell Thy people save, and give them victory o'er the grave… O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer; our spirits by Thine advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.”[1]

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[1] Emanuel Veni. translated by John M Neale. O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Mediaevel Hymns, 1851

Treatment of Religions (Pt. 4)

These two ideas, Evolutionary Approach and Original Monotheism are at odds and will be continually at odds in a Post-Christian society. For a fundamental assumption on the part of atheism is that of the evolutionary model for not simply biological creatures but also for culture. In so assuming the Atheist logically follows the outcome of what should happen in an ideal circumstance, namely that of progressively tighter organization, belief systems and reason. This would continue until there is no more need for religious institutions and doctrine, as reason would dictate. But against this idea stands Original Monotheism, which assumes that religion began as monotheistic and spiraled out of control in to polytheism, henotheism, animism and fetishism while a segment of that original monotheism was preserved by that original deity (the Christian God).[1]

The evidence for Monotheism is, it would seem, weightier than that of the Evolutionary Approach. For the Evolutionary Approach assumes that all culture and society are gradually evolving into more and more unity, but in many ways society and culture do not seem to be evolving in that direction at all. Therefore Original Monotheism’s approach of an almost devolution of religion and society makes a good case.

It is this portion of Corduan’s book and the way in which he interprets all religions discussed therein through the lens of Original Monotheism that makes his book unique and, presumably, more helpful to those aiming at living in, or already living in, an ever increasing Post-Christian culture. But John Dickson provides helpful insight into what is now being faced in American Culture at large, namely the issue of pluralism.

While quoting Chris McGillion from The Sydney Morning Herald Dickson writes of what sophisticated pluralism is,

“The very diversity of religions… speaks to a truth – that all people in every time and place have felt the need to respond to the infinite… The various religious traditions are the ‘how’ of that response… All religions are truthful in far more important ways than some of their propositions are false.”[2]

In reading this description of pluralism C.S. Lewis comes to mind, “We cannot tell it because it is a desire for something that has never actually appeared in our experience. We cannot hide it because our experience is constantly suggesting it, and we betray ourselves like lovers at the mention of a name…”[3] that there is indeed something more mankind is aiming for, reaching for, or grasping at attaining because within all humanity is a hardwired desire for, as McGillion would say it, “the infinite.” But Lewis does not leave off with the same conclusion McGillion’s does, nor does he assume, as so many pluralists do, all religions are the same but rather he continues with,

“These things – the beauty, the memory, of our own past – are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself, they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshippers. For they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited.”[4]

So it is that pluralism, while seeking to describe the paths of religions almost grasp hold of Blaise Pascal’s God shaped vacuum inside of us all.

            Thus in contrast Corduan’s book helps those of a Post-Christian culture become more aware of the arguments of those around them while Dickson would be of more help to one in a Post-Modern culture. Corduan writes of more about the basis behind religions and, from this position, discusses the belief systems of various religious systems. Dickson attempts to present a fair treatment of each religion based on their fundamental doctrinal beliefs.

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[1] However Original Monotheism assumes that God is real and God is at the center of all. This is the idea that Atheists will indeed argue against. But the question at hand is not to argue for or against the existence of God but rather to pose the question, “If Original Monotheism is true, then…”

[2] John Dickson in A Spectators’ Guide to World Religions An Introduction to the Big Five. P 218 Lion Hudson, 2008

[3] C.S. Lewis. The Weight of Glory p 30-31. Harper Collins, NY 1949

[4] Ibid

Treatment of Religion (Pt. 3)

The former part of contrasting and comparing the two assigned books of Winfried Corduan’s Neighboring Faiths A Christian Introduction to World Religions and John Dickson’s A Spectators’ Guide to World Religions An Introduction to the Big Five and their treatments of religions is to be accomplished in two main ways. First, that of the how a Christian in a Post-Christian society might be able to best use these resources and the information they contain; and second the Christian approach of both books in presenting other world religions.

The Post-Christian world is a steadily increasing mindset in America. A recent study by the Barna Group shows some ninety-six cities are listed as having higher than 10% post-Christian tendencies with the highest being 63% Post-Christian having been rated on a scale of fifteen factors of unbelief (from atheism to lack of local church attendance) . Therefore it is an ever-growing necessity to learn how to be an effective disciple of Christ in a land that is becoming increasingly ignorant and intolerant to the views of Christianity. Part of doing this is aiming at understanding the arguments, which stand as fundamental to the atheistic mindset. 

Corduan explains well the mindset, which demands our understanding, “The Evolutionary Approach,” which, “many scholars assume… rests on two assumptions. The first… is a general commitment to an evolutionary view of life and culture… The second assumption has to do with the anthropological method.” That culture and subsequently religion has moved from, “mana and magic,” to, “animism, polytheism, henotheism, and finally monotheism,” begging the question that atheism is the next move in mankind’s religious and cultural evolution.

Within this same chapter Corduan explains the merits of Original Monotheism over and above the Evolutionary Approach. In it’s most basic form, “Original monotheism locates the beginnings of religion in God.”  The first form of religion would looks something like: a God of personhood referred to in masculine terms; living in heaven; great in power and knowledge; creator; author of the standards for good and evil; causing mankind’s purpose as his creatures to be obedience to his laws; an alienation of mankind because of their disobedience; and the provider of a way of overcoming said alienation.  This is the idea of Original Monotheism Corduan sets forth at the beginning of his book. 

[1] Barna Group. The Most Post-Christian Cities. http://cities.barna.org/the-most-post-christian-cities-in-america/.

[2] Winfried Corduan. Neighboring Faiths A Christian Introduction to World Religions. P 24-32. InterVarsity Press IL, 1998.

[3] Ibid

[4] Ibid

Treatment of Religions (Pt. 2)

(Part 1 may be read by clicking here.)

Scripture makes clear the way God has set forth for his people to see those of other religions brought to faith in Jesus Christ.

“’Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” (Romans 10:11-15 ESV)

And,

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Christians are the spear’s end of evangelism. It is the part, portion and privilege of the believer to bring the good news of King Jesus to the darkened doorsteps of the lost. In so doing, through the power of the Holy Spirit, seeing converts from every tribe, tongue and religion this world has thought to be worthy distractions from the worship of the Father.

With this in mind it is evident the prospects of a person of another religious conviction becoming a faithful servant of Jesus are completely dependent on God’s moving and his people’s going. Thus it is the privilege of the Christian to be part of the mission of God in the redemption of his people across the globe and within varying religions both hostile and peaceful. Truly it will be said (and is said), “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” (Isaiah 9:2) So it stands that the prospects of belief in the gospel for those of various religions is that of God himself who is the director of the steps and plans of man (Proverbs 16:9 NKJV). It is he who ultimately saves (Romans 9:16) any soul creating for himself faithful servants who will share in the work of his mission for all believers and his ultimate worship at the consummation of all things.

Treatment of Religions (Pt. 1)

The list of world religions, both major and minor, is an extensive list wherein many billions of people’s hopes, ideals and aspirations are found. Truly a study of these religions is sobering and saddening whilst also being encouraging. For in the study of other religions it becomes clear the claims of Christianity must be considered valid and truthful for they are the only claims, which rise out of the dross as pure. But, however, the treatment of some of the major and minor world religions accomplished by Winfried Corduan in Neighboring Faiths A Christian Introduction to World Religions and John Dickson in A Spectators’ Guide to World Religions An Introduction to the Big Five ought to be compared and contrasted in so far as they are related; additionally it shall be noted as to the prospects of any persons from any religion outside of Christianity becoming a faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

Beginning with the latter and moving to the former what are the prospects of a person converting from another religion to Christianity? In this area arguments made by Richard Dawkins about the origin of a person as the determining factor of their beliefs must be examined in order to gain a fuller understanding of the prospects of faith in Christ for non-Christians. “If you had been born in India I daresay you’d be saying the same thing about lord Krishna and lord Shiva; if you had been born in Afghanistan I daresay you’d be saying the same thing about Allah…”[1] It is this idea, which must be confronted when considering the hope of one’s salvation from another religion.

At its heart this argument assumes that all religions are the same, with all their claims and pageantry, their attempts at saving man’s soul. In so doing it creates a straw man fallacy, rather than facing each religious claim on their own merit (or folly) it bundles them all into a neat scarecrow made of straw and proceeds to topple them over. But, however, this is stripping Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and all other religions of their religion-specific claims. For there are many something’s[2] which differentiate Christianity from the rest of religion, many doctrines that separate it from the straw man. “…While many of the religions are superficially alike, most of them are fundamentally different.”[3] To be sure karma and grace are at odds; mercy and enlightenment are at odds; Jesus the Messiah and the missing Messiah are at odds; the triune nature of God and the oneness of Allah are at odds.

Therefore, because these religions are not the same and because their fundamental claims, hopes, and aspirations are different, it becomes clear that to assume the birthplace of an individual is the final factor in their belief is rudimentary ignorance on the part of the arguer. It would be as one comparing Mozart and The Rolling Stones declaring them the same.  What is more is this argument discounts the power of God (True, it is made by an atheist and therefore is made in the sense of discrediting God).

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[1] Richard Dawkins. Richard Dawkins cruelly answers audience question.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKGtcVoBhBQ

[2] I use the word “something’s” intentionally for it is often the word used when describing the uniqueness or the under current of Christianity.

[3]John Dickson. A Spectator’s Guide to World Religions: An Introduction to the Big Five.  P. 209