I always have looked at denomination more as stacked from four root groups. The first is based on Catholicism: The Catholic Church, The Orthodox Church, the Coptics, and the Ethiopians. The second is the original church that formed from the reformers like Luther and Calvin. The third was the Anglicans and their derivatives and final the fourth is everyone else.
All of this have their roots in the simple teachings of Jesus of Nazareth before he was elevated to Christ. But that is how I have looked at it as it made it easier to handle everything Academically.
There is a study that shows that as of 2012 there are 43000 distinct Christain Denominations. Think about this, in 1900 there were only 1600 know denominations in Christianity, This exploded to 43000 in 112 years. It took from the time Christ walked this earth till 1600 derivatives of his teachings, approximately 1870 years. It took only 112 to add another 41400 derivatives. The question is why are we so arrogant as Christians that we believe we know better than the one who started it all that we have to twist to fit what we think or want?
Just my humble opinion and rant.
Monday, July 27, 2020
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Thoughts on being a Chaplain
Part of being a Chaplain something has nothing to do with faith or scriptures. In Western culture, especially here in the USA we tend to be more concerned with "witnessing" and with "testimony" of those of faith. As a Chaplain, it is more important for you to be there, being present than just "doing" what those wanting proof expect.
two scriptures I find are helpful in explaining both aspects of a chaplain
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 pIf a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 an one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good2 is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:14-17
This is the call that as a Chaplain, you need to provide action, not just stand and quote faith to those needing more than religious platitudes.
36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and qwatch4 with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on.5 See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
When I first read this, it occurred to me that this was when Jesus just ask for three of his disciples to just be there, nothing more. Something to think about in our daily interactions with others, Sometimes we can do more to help the person and to serve God, by just being there and nothing more. Think about that.
two scriptures I find are helpful in explaining both aspects of a chaplain
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 pIf a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 an one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good2 is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:14-17
This is the call that as a Chaplain, you need to provide action, not just stand and quote faith to those needing more than religious platitudes.
36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and qwatch4 with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on.5 See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
When I first read this, it occurred to me that this was when Jesus just ask for three of his disciples to just be there, nothing more. Something to think about in our daily interactions with others, Sometimes we can do more to help the person and to serve God, by just being there and nothing more. Think about that.
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Thought on our personal religion
I was sitting in my doctor’s office and picked up a trade magazine that was laying around her office. While waiting for her to show up with test results. Yes, in her actual office and not an exam room. There was this article about germs and being human. It got me thinking about religion.
In the article, the quote that hit me as religious applicable was from Louis Pasteur and a Noble Laureate in medicine recently that I don't remember his name at the time of writing this: The human body needs to be exposed to germs, viruses, and bacteria at some level for the body to be healthy. An example and information were provided in as simple terms as I can understand; for the immune system to work, it needs to be exposed to bad things so it can build its immunity to them. The recent Nobel Laureate explained as your body's immune system is built for war and to fight wars always, If it is always supplemented and never gets to fight, the immune systems are weakened. So, both scientists at different times recommend, fight out a cold now and then, suffer through the mild flu. Give your immune system something to fight, something to live for. This will make you healthier in the long run.
This got me thinking that religion is much the same. It is built around faith, belief, and salvation. But how do we know that we are on the right track unless we encounter sin and despair and other negative life events, temptations? So, does that mean we need to go out and seek sin, temptations, or the like, No, it doesn’t! We are exposed to it all the time in small doses. What I say is it means much like our immune system, our beliefs are a warrior that needs to resist what is thrown at us each day to stay strong and build itself up. We need to feed our warriors through our prayers, or recognition that we fight temptations every day. We need to celebrate those wins to help us build up our own immunity to issues of the world around us. We need to embrace our prayers daily, our faith and salvation need to be strengthened daily. Just my humble opinion and thoughts.
In the article, the quote that hit me as religious applicable was from Louis Pasteur and a Noble Laureate in medicine recently that I don't remember his name at the time of writing this: The human body needs to be exposed to germs, viruses, and bacteria at some level for the body to be healthy. An example and information were provided in as simple terms as I can understand; for the immune system to work, it needs to be exposed to bad things so it can build its immunity to them. The recent Nobel Laureate explained as your body's immune system is built for war and to fight wars always, If it is always supplemented and never gets to fight, the immune systems are weakened. So, both scientists at different times recommend, fight out a cold now and then, suffer through the mild flu. Give your immune system something to fight, something to live for. This will make you healthier in the long run.
This got me thinking that religion is much the same. It is built around faith, belief, and salvation. But how do we know that we are on the right track unless we encounter sin and despair and other negative life events, temptations? So, does that mean we need to go out and seek sin, temptations, or the like, No, it doesn’t! We are exposed to it all the time in small doses. What I say is it means much like our immune system, our beliefs are a warrior that needs to resist what is thrown at us each day to stay strong and build itself up. We need to feed our warriors through our prayers, or recognition that we fight temptations every day. We need to celebrate those wins to help us build up our own immunity to issues of the world around us. We need to embrace our prayers daily, our faith and salvation need to be strengthened daily. Just my humble opinion and thoughts.
What edition of the Bible.
While I was going through the various Bibles that I have that are King James Versions I came across a slip of paper I wish I could take credit for, but alas it was my mother's insights she had written and stuck in my baptismal gift Bible.
It goes like this
This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of Salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are Holy, its principles are binding, its histories are true and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be Holy.
It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is travelers map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's com[pass, the soldier's sword, and the Christians chart. In here, Paradise is restored, heaven opened and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the Glory to God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heard, guide the feet. Read it slowly, fervently, and prayerfully.
It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of health, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you in life, will be opened in judgment and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifles with its Holy content.
Give to you my son, December 1966.
It goes like this
This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of Salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are Holy, its principles are binding, its histories are true and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be Holy.
It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is travelers map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's com[pass, the soldier's sword, and the Christians chart. In here, Paradise is restored, heaven opened and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the Glory to God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heard, guide the feet. Read it slowly, fervently, and prayerfully.
It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of health, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you in life, will be opened in judgment and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifles with its Holy content.
Give to you my son, December 1966.
Sunday, July 5, 2020
A scribbling
If I said I am a
Christian, I am not saying I am a clean living person, I am whispering that I
am not, that I was lost, but have been found and forgiven. If I tell you I am a
Christian, I am not speaking it with pride, I am whispering it, as I know I have
to stumble and need Christ in my life as my guide. I am not trying
to be strong if I say I am a Christian, no I am admitting I am weak and need His
strength to carry on. If I told you I am a Christian I am not bragging,
no I am stating I have failed, and I have failed many times, and need God to
help me clean up my messes. If I tell you I am a Christian I am not
claiming I perfect, My flaws are far too many and way too visible for that
claim, by God believes I am worth his grace. When I say I do say I
am a Christian I am not saying it as holier than thou, no I am just a
simple everyday sinner who received God’s grace, somehow, and want to share.
Saturday, July 4, 2020
What is you chosen Bible version?
What version of the Bible do you use every day? What version would you recommend if asked to make a recommendation?
There are 7000 know languages of those 7000 the Bible has been translated into 2900 as of 2018.
There are 531 known versions of the Bible published. Of those 531 as of 2018, the NIV is the most sold and the KJV is still in the top five depending on where you are at. The survey in 2018 shows the KJV as number three overall. An interesting side note was the Evangelicals tend to use the KJV more than other major Christian denominations.
KJV is considered still to be the most eloquent translation. King James had wanted readability and eloquence over truth and accuracy.
Now to answer my own questions, I used the ESV the most daily. It was what the seminary I attended used in the main and I am comfortable with it. If I was buying or gifting someone a Bible it most likely would be giving them the NIV. The difference if they are a student entering into a religious study course I would recommend the Bible be the Oxford Bible with notes, commentaries, and the Apocrypha. This is by far the best Bible for academic use as it is denomination neutral in the notes.
There are 7000 know languages of those 7000 the Bible has been translated into 2900 as of 2018.
There are 531 known versions of the Bible published. Of those 531 as of 2018, the NIV is the most sold and the KJV is still in the top five depending on where you are at. The survey in 2018 shows the KJV as number three overall. An interesting side note was the Evangelicals tend to use the KJV more than other major Christian denominations.
KJV is considered still to be the most eloquent translation. King James had wanted readability and eloquence over truth and accuracy.
Now to answer my own questions, I used the ESV the most daily. It was what the seminary I attended used in the main and I am comfortable with it. If I was buying or gifting someone a Bible it most likely would be giving them the NIV. The difference if they are a student entering into a religious study course I would recommend the Bible be the Oxford Bible with notes, commentaries, and the Apocrypha. This is by far the best Bible for academic use as it is denomination neutral in the notes.
Something to think about
If all of us are honest as theologians, we must admit we are in the midst of a paradigm shift in the perception, acceptance, and view of the bible, the church, and the Christian religion. As more of the 20 and 30-year-olds move into leadership positions in religion, they bring a different view that is driving this shift.
I know many I speak with and when in seminary, spoke with, in that age bracket felt that Christian, as it has been present, is no longer in sync with their faith and belief. Yet in conversation it was obvious we are speaking about the same things and we have the same beliefs. It was apparent to me at least that it was in the execution and the understanding. This shift is forcing all Christian denominations from Catholics to evangelicals to review what they are doing and how they are doing it.
So is religion as we know it facing extinction in its present form, or as my son put it, committing suicide because of its rigid adherence to 500-year-old dogma? I think we are. We can present a more current message without sacrificing faith and belief as we believe Jesus was teaching us. To many of us have strayed from the root messages and teach to further a denominations agenda or a personal agenda that has little to do with faith and belief. THIS HAS TO CHANGE. If it does not we will be on the trash heap of history.
I know many I speak with and when in seminary, spoke with, in that age bracket felt that Christian, as it has been present, is no longer in sync with their faith and belief. Yet in conversation it was obvious we are speaking about the same things and we have the same beliefs. It was apparent to me at least that it was in the execution and the understanding. This shift is forcing all Christian denominations from Catholics to evangelicals to review what they are doing and how they are doing it.
So is religion as we know it facing extinction in its present form, or as my son put it, committing suicide because of its rigid adherence to 500-year-old dogma? I think we are. We can present a more current message without sacrificing faith and belief as we believe Jesus was teaching us. To many of us have strayed from the root messages and teach to further a denominations agenda or a personal agenda that has little to do with faith and belief. THIS HAS TO CHANGE. If it does not we will be on the trash heap of history.
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