Archive - Dec 2009 - Oct 2016 http://colleagueslist.blogspot.ca/

Friday 22 September 2017

Colleagues List, September 24th, 2017

Vol. XIII No. 15

GLOBAL AND ECUMENICAL IN SCOPE
CANADIAN IN PERSPECTIVE

Wayne A. Holst, Editor
My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telus.net

This e-mail is sent only to a voluntary subscriber list.
If you no longer wish to receive these weekly columns,
write to me personally, waholst@telus.net

*****

Dear Friends:

Colleague Philip Jenkins offers a pithy and provocative new book and I introduce it as my Special Item this week. "The New Map of the Global Church" is one you will enjoy; so savour what he has to say.

Please enjoy and savour the rest of Colleagues List as well!

Wayne

*****

SPECIAL ITEM
 
THE NEW MAP OF THE GLOBAL CHURCH
by Philip Jenkins
 
Crossroad Publishing Company, New York.
September 15th, 2017. 78 pages. $15.95 CAD.
ISBN 9-70824-520786
 
Publisher's Promo:
 
This book offers an inviting way to understand the facts and implications of the major demographic shifts happening within Christianity.

By 2025, 75 percent of Catholics in the world will be non-European; the new global church will have its center of gravity in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. This fascinating brief explores the metamorphosis taking place in the global community of believers: the church’s new life comes from what historically has been
labeled the periphery. The book also looks into the radical ramifications for all churches.


This book is part of the "Church at the Crossroad" series offering concise and candid words of analysis, and inquiry to help the reader develop personal opinions and actions within the framework of faith. It contains a reading guide for individual reflection, group conversation, and sharing.

Jenkins reveals the astounding growth of the church around the globe and how these developments will affect our faith. This is a must read for everyone interested in the Christian faith and the changing shape of the church.

--

Author's Words:

A century ago, the vast majority of the world's Christians - over 80% - lived in Europe and North America. In our lifetimes, that distinction has been changing very rapidly, so that  by 2050, the faith will find its largest concentrations in the Global South, in Africa, Asia and Latin America. By that date, Africa alone will be the largest Christian continent, containing a third of all believers.

We are presently living through one of the greatest revolutions in the story of the faith.

Of its nature, Christianity must be a world-wide faith, which carries its message to all cultures, all peoples and races: It must be global. It falls short of this ideal if it identifies itself with any one race or region, if it defines itself as European or American, or even African...

Christianity began in the Middle East, and developed its beliefs and structures in countries such as Syria, Palestine and Egypt... Only in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries were so many of these populations destroyed through war, persecution and forced conversions.

Christianity did indeed become "European" but about a millennium later than most people think (when the last regions of the continent were converted to Christianity.)

But culturally, Christianity has no heart (as does Islam in Arabia). Christianity's "homeland" is now overwhelmingly Muslim. But Christianity's centre of gravity has shifted over time. (It began in the Middle East, then shifted West. Now, it is shifting South.)

We are wrong, then, when we think of the faith as something that belongs naturally in one region of the world... Historically, all lands that became Christian were once on the periphery of the church, and in future years they might be so once again.

No earthly place can claim to be the heart of Christianity. We all stand on the periphery and must act accordingly... (we are now at a new stage of global mission and face a new set of missionary dynamics.)

--

Christianity, then, is linked to no one place, but rather to all places. It's only home is the church. As we read in the Epistle to the Hebrews, "here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come."

- from the Introduction

--
 
Author's Wikipedia Bio:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Jenkins

Note here an extensive listing of his writings

--
 
My Thoughts:

For those interested in the mission of the church, Philip Jenkins has, for the last two decades, become one of the most exciting missiologists to read. He writes in other fields of theology and history as well, but I believe that some of his best books focus on the proclamation of the Gospel across cultures.

The small volume under consideration here should be of particular value to those who may not have read any or all of Jenkins' books on mission during the past twenty years. In this case, he is more focused on the future than the past. But he offers significant lessons from history to inform what may lie ahead for the church.

The New Map of the Global Church contains eleven concise chapters to help the reader get a better handle on issues of the future. He discusses the importance of demography for mission; the phenomenal growth of the church in China and the special circumstances to be understood by Christians in that country; crypto-Christians and the large numbers of people around the world who are "potential" if not "actual" Christians due to the nature of their beliefs; the strange relationship between Christian faith and secularity in our time; the fear of Islam that pervades Christian communities in the Mid-East; Christianity in four emerging global powers - Brazil, Russia, India and China; nations at risk of cultural break-down and the sources of major global migration; memories of martyrdom and its continuing impact in some nations; the future of Latin America and of the prosperity gospel there and in other parts of the world.

This short book demands careful thought because the seeds of many ideas can be discovered on every page.

Because much could be gained by studying this book personally and in small groups, the volume concludes with a reading guide to assist you.

As usual, Jenkins does not fail to inspire and entice you into new realms of thought - even action.

-----
 
Buy the book from Amazon.ca:
http://tinyurl.com/ycwvlsns

*****

COLLEAGUE COMMUNICATIONS

I am happy to support colleagues who do spiritual/theological writing and related projects. Just write me to discuss your activity, and I will do what I can to help.

Wayne

--

Rob Fennell,
Halifax, NS

September 15th, 2017

Many thanks for Colleagues List, Wayne....

I have a new e-book out ... I wonder if you might consider listing it on Colleagues List?  

Here is a little blurb: Designed especially for creative writers, bloggers, and journal-keepers, but equally useful for students, professionals, and non-fiction authors (including preachers!):

WRITING PROMPTS: 99 KARATE CHOPS TO WRITERS BLOCK will get your pen (or keyboard) moving again. From superpowers to treasured memories, from the sublime to the ridiculous, from talking geese to contemplating your ideal workday, this collection is jam-packed with ideas to spark your writing. Write on!

The book is available from Chapters for just 99 cents:

https://tinyurl.com/ydaeq7w9


... as well as from Amazon, Kobo, Barnes&Noble, and other online retailers.

Rob Fennell, the author, is an editor, pastor, and educator from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He currently serves as Academic Dean at Atlantic School of Theology.

*****

COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS

Elfrieda Schroeder,
Winnipeg. MB

In Transit,
September 16th, 2017

"Try to Remember the Days of September"
  http://tinyurl.com/mkrsuut

--

Martin Marty,
Chicago, IL

Sightings,
September 18th, 2017

"The Pope, the Mafia, and the Rest of Us"
  http://tinyurl.com/ybknzwrc

--

Jim Taylor,
Okanagan. BC

Personal Web Log
September 20th, 2017

"Antidote to Seasonal Depression"
  https://tinyurl.com/ycbc3xtcwa

--

Mark Whittall,
Ottawa, ON

Markwhittall.com
September 16th, 2017

"Business as Usual?"
  http://tinyurl.com/y9dabcss

--

Ron Rolheiser,
San Antonio, TX

Personal Web Site
September 18th, 2017

"Our Struggle With Riches"
  http://tinyurl.com/ydemkyav

--

John Stackhouse Jr.
 Moncton. NB

Johnstackhouse.com
September 16th, 2017

"Christian Universities:
  Moving Ahead by Standing Still"
  https://tinyurl.com/yam3xfys

*****

NET NOTES

TWO PASTORS IN LOVE
And Only God Knows

New York Times,
September 15th, 2017

https://tinyurl.com/ycsa6g7x
 
"First Mennonite Church USA Lead Pastor
  Openly Declaring She is LGBTQ"
 
  Sojourners,
  September 18th, 2017
 
https://tinyurl.com/ycs7bnl9

--

CANADIAN VIEWS OF MUSLIMS
Fear, the Biggest Factor

CTV News
September 18th, 2017

https://tinyurl.com/ydyjvn2m

--

SCANDALS IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Bad News and Good News

Religion News Service
September 19th, 2017

http://tinyurl.com/ybpequzj

--

WHERE IS GOD IN NATURAL DISASTERS?
Found In Them, or Allowing Them?

Christian Week,
September 15th, 2017

https://tinyurl.com/y7zok92v

--

CATHOLIC SEMINARY CANCELS TALK BY PRIEST
Fr. James Martin's Book Urges Dialogue With Gays

Religion News Service
September 16th, 2017

https://tinyurl.com/y9uwf7d5

Fr Martin Comments on His Book:
https://tinyurl.com/y7bhhr6q


"Don't Cave Into Bullies, Fr. Martin"
http://tinyurl.com/y8q2s3wc

--

CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS
DISAPPEARING FROM IRELAND
Some Still See a Need for Them

La Croix International
September 20th, 2017

https://tinyurl.com/ydhxg7k6

--

 
LUTHERANS, CATHOLICS AND MENNONITES
FINALIZE REPORT ON BAPTISM
A Productive Ecumenical Development
 
Lutheran World Federation Website
September 20th, 2017
 

LDS CHURCH BUYS ORIGINAL PRINTER'S
MANUSCRSIPT OF THE BOOK OF MORMON
Payment of $35 Million Confirms Deal

Deseret News,
September 20th, 2017

https://tinyurl.com/y8qjoge4

--

BLEAK FUTURE FOR ROHINGYA
REFUGEES TRAPPED IN SITTWE CAMPS
120,000 in Destitution

UCA News,
September 21st, 2017

https://tinyurl.com/ycquusuj

--

EGYPT ISSUES DEATH SENTENCES TO ISIS KILLERS
OF 21 COPTIC CHRISTIANS IN LIBYA IN 2015
Government Seeks to Make an Example of Extremists

The Christian Post,
September 18th, 2017

https://tinyurl.com/ybdy2w8c
 
--
 
Globe and Mail,
September 22nd, 2017
 
LGBT tolerance, worlds of difference

“The third world met the first world in the back seat of a car somewhere in Toronto a few weeks ago, which should alarm us all. In that car, two men berated and threatened a gay refugee who had fled from Chechnya to Canada via a secret underground railroad operated by the Liberal government. The Globe learned about the incident and reported it.”
John Ibbitson

*****

MOMENT IN TIME

Globe and Mail,
September 19th, 2017

Women first granted right to vote

Sept. 19, 1893: Liverpudlian Kate Sheppard arrived in New Zealand in 1871, whenwhen it was commonly believed women should mind the kids and their husbands. Newly married, Sheppard bristled at the limitations placed upon her by men and she soon led a growing number of early suffragists who criss-crossed the country, campaigning tirelessly for Parliament to grant women the vote. In 1891,Sheppard and her recruits compiled 9,000 signatures. The next year, signatures reached almost 20,000. Two years later, the number of signatures totalled 32,000.

On Sept. 19, 1893, Governor Lord Glasgow signed the landmark legislation making it legal for New Zealand women to vote in parliamentary elections and inspiring other suffrage movements around the world. Still, most other democracies – including Britain and the United States – did not grant women the right to vote until after First World War. Canada was a bit ahead of the game. From 1916 to 1918, six Canadian provinces gave women the right to vote. Quebec was the laggard, joining the pack in 1940. –

- Gayle MacDonald

(end)

*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Let my heart be broken by the things
that break the heart of God.

- Bob Pierce

--

Doing justice includes not only the righting of wrongs,
but generosity and social concern, especially toward
the poor and vulnerable.

- Timothy Keller

--

Empathy is not simply a matter of trying to imagine what others are going through, but having the will to muster enough courage to do something about it. In a way, empathy is predicated upon hope.

- Cornel West

--
 
You know best of all that peace is not an accident. Peace is not a gift. Peace is something we must all work for, every day, in every country.
 
- Ban Ki-moon
 
--

Christ does not save all those who say to him: Lord, Lord. But he saves all those who out of a pure heart give a piece of bread to a starving man , without thinking about him the least little bit. And these, when he thanks them, reply: Lord, when did we feed thee?…An atheist and an “infidel,” capable of pure compassion, are as close to God as is a Christian, and consequently know him equally well, although their knowledge is expressed in different words, or remains unspoken. For “God is love.”
 
- Simone Weil

--

Don’t let yourself forget that God’s grace rewards not only those who never slip, but also those who bend and fall.

So sing! The song of rejoicing softens hard hearts. It makes tears of godly sorrow flow from them. Singing summons the Holy Spirit.


Happy praises offered in simplicity and love lead the faithful to complete harmony, without discord. Don’t stop singing.

- Hildegard of Bingen

--


In the face of the strain of tasks beyond our strength, we must turn inwards to the source of strength. If we measure our human strength against the work we see immediately ahead, we shall feel hopeless, and if we tackle it in that strength we shall be frustrated… and fall either into torpor or exasperation.

There is no healthier lesson we can learn than our own limitations, provided this is accompanied by the resignation of our own strength, and reliance on the strength of God. The wheel of community will fly apart unless it is spoked to the center, and we are placing ourselves in danger whenever we fail to recognize this, whenever we rush onward without taking time to turn inward.

- Philip Britts


*****
 


CLOSING THOUGHT - Cornel West

Empathy is not simply a matter of trying to imagine what others are going through, but having the will to muster enough courage to do something about it. In a way, empathy is predicated upon hope.

(end)


***** 

For Those Interested -

ST. DAVID'S ACTS MONDAY NIGHT FALL STUDY

A Ten Week Series September 18th - November 27th, 2017
Monday Evenings, TM Room 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

"CONVICTIONS - How I Learned What Matters Most"


http://tinyurl.com/ybyu3msx

Author: Marcus Borg
Registration/Hospitality and Book: $60.00.
Book only: $20.00

40 copies of the book have been sold.

Classes have now begun with strong attendences.
 Read my background information on the study book:

http://cep.anglican.ca/convictions/ 
_
 
Here is some course content from our
completed Monday Night Winter 2017 Study:

"How Jesus Became God: The Exaltation of a

Jewish Preacher from Galilee" by Bart D. Ehrman
https://tinyurl.com/j3nv7nd


Check our entire archives for all 49 books
studied since 2000: http://tinyurl.com/q3bw6dh 

--

During the 2016-2017 two session-term -
Total class registrations: 70
Total books sold: 75



Our best year ever, since 1998!

***


ST. DAVID'S ACTS THURSDAY MORNING STUDY

Ten Sessions September 21st - November 30th, 2017

Biblical book(s) to be studied this autumn were determined

by the class at the first session of the term, Thursday, Sept. 21st.
 
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN - THE LETTERS OF JOHN
A Study of Similarities and Differences

Ten sessions 10-11 AM
Gathering at 9:30 AM in the St. David's TM Room.

No charge

Study resource -

"The DK Complete Bible Handbook"
  Edited by John Bowker


http://tinyurl.com/odxlv7q

***

ST.DAVID'S SPIRITUAL TRAVELERS EVENT, 2017

South Africa has been chosen as our destination!
We plan a nineteen-day tour that combines a focus
on spirituality, social justice, culture, and nature,
and it will run October 21st thru November 8th.

A beautiful brochure with trip cost, itinerary, and
many helpful travel hints has been published.
http://tinyurl.com/hucsaf7

Twenty-five persons have registered and paid

in full to take the trip. This will be our tour group.
All together,  thirty-two persons made deposits
but some had to withdraw for health or other
reasons.
 
We have activated a South Africa Spiritual Travelers
discussion list group to begin building community
amongst the participants, and to share news and
resources.

We hope to name a tour reporter who will notify
back home each day's activities so everyone can
enjoy the experience, at least indirectly.

In about six weeks from now we leave for South Africa!

Contact Rostad Tours: http://tinyurl.com/hucsaf7

Follow these notices for weekly updates.

*****

 

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