tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.comments2010-12-13T14:46:05.649-08:00Critiqal ChristianityChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08544623089821942423noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-76902952599494406762010-12-13T14:46:05.649-08:002010-12-13T14:46:05.649-08:00Sorry for the late reply! I erm, kinda slept throu...Sorry for the late reply! I erm, kinda slept through the weekend :P Trying to catch up on my sleep debt that I've accumulated since many many months/years ago, and it takes a little more concentration to read and respond to posts that erm, use more 'cheem' English :P<br /><br />Black, white and grey. Don't we all have a relative standard for those? They might not be similar, but what governs or sets the standards for them? Is it religion? Or is it culture? Or is it simply our laws set by the country? But who set those laws to begin with, and why did they decide that those things were wrong? Why, for that matter, did Buddha or Mohammad decide that killing was wrong (especially since they were not God to begin with), and that their rules set were the ones that were right?<br /><br />But this post really isn't so much about the colour of it all, but more of what happens to 'good' people who do not know Christ. Is it fair that they go to hell? Aren't they, then, predestined to die? Especially if they had no logical reason whatsoever to even consider Christianity as a religion?Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08544623089821942423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-34856465434903294822010-12-13T14:37:47.969-08:002010-12-13T14:37:47.969-08:00@Nodis aka my Lord & Master :P
From just thi...@Nodis aka my Lord & Master :P <br /><br />From just this comment alone, i can't believe you learnt English just a few years ago! Your ability to master languages is really amazing!<br /><br />But yes, I do agree.. Don't you think, though, that geeks and Christians in particular are more guilty than most in this respect? I don't see my Buddhist or Muslim friends spouting lingo during normal day speech, or even during my Islamic classes that I took several months back. In fact, they're always very careful when they use religious terminology in front of us.<br /><br />Geeks and Christians, on the other hand, use it as a natural part of our daily language. But then, maybe this shows how much geekspeak and Christianese form a part of a person's everyday life? Since we all DO talk to ourselves in our head 24/7, and if we use lingo to the extent where we *think* in that particular lingo, then it must be rather influential, no? [btw if you're thinking 'no i don't talk to myself in my head', you *are* talking to yourself in your head right now :P]<br /><br />But I dunno. What I'm really wondering is, what if a person doesn't care for the lingo? Will he/she be ostracized, and proclaimed 'not a true Christian' because he/she doesn't 'talk the talk'? If someone decides to pray in a group prayer using plain and simple English, will he/she be looked at as a complete noob in Christianity?<br /><br />And wait. Since when were YOU Lord and Master?? I thought you were the milder one... :PChrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08544623089821942423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-55742392909613644582010-12-13T11:18:10.402-08:002010-12-13T11:18:10.402-08:00Wouldn't say so.
When you spend a considerably...Wouldn't say so.<br />When you spend a considerably large amount of time on a particular topic your use of vocabulary will adjust to it's lingua. It's a natural process and I tend to view it as in the brain can only have so & so much vocabulary at it's direct access at one time. The most used bits of vocabulary tend to be found quicker and therefore are reused more often. <br />This does obviously not only included the words that are uttered, but the ones that are thought [as we do so in language in most parts ... or is it just me that talks to myself in my head 24/7 ?], hence when a topic consumes a lot of your daily thought process it's vocabulary will show in your speech pattern.<br /><br />Everyone is guilty of overusing genre words, be it Christians, Artists, Musicians, Scientists, Geeks [had a hard time not using a RAM analogy up there ;p], Multilingualists, Farmers, .... you name it.<br /><br />It does often come across as snobby/arrogant or, in the case of religious lingua, preachy, so one should try and be aware of when one is doing it themselves and try to keep genre to genre and talk normal to the rest of the world .... if you can ;)<br /><br />ping timeout<br />Your Lord & MasterNodishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12935846766254084349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-27226594219633447202010-12-09T04:38:39.212-08:002010-12-09T04:38:39.212-08:00If one explores the discourse of what is moral and...If one explores the discourse of what is moral and what is not in terms of religious doctrine, then this discourse is already set in a skewed perspective. To a non-believer, God is merely yet another human construct to fill the spiritual void we otherwise suffer from, and not the "true God" as compared to their own religions (notwithstanding the Atheists). A perceived superiority as a Christian only exists within the confines of this construct (ie: people who believe in the integrity of this construct), and thus does not bear effect on non-Christians. Therefore, I believe it is unfair to even attempt to discern a dialectic discourse between extreme black and white areas, because there will always be subjectivity present in the proceedings - just look at how many different Gods, deities, and monsters we have dreamt up in our image.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-13005555162108943192010-10-15T07:57:34.740-07:002010-10-15T07:57:34.740-07:00@Andreas: Awww so sweet! I wish that were the case...@Andreas: Awww so sweet! I wish that were the case, but no, all the credit goes to Lennart, the students and my fantastic team! :DChrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08544623089821942423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-82475016298268572572010-10-15T07:48:50.916-07:002010-10-15T07:48:50.916-07:00You rock!!You rock!!Andreashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17569176747277615781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-24366508943620605112010-10-08T02:01:26.787-07:002010-10-08T02:01:26.787-07:00@Jessica
Yes - Definitely better late than never!...@Jessica<br /><br />Yes - Definitely better late than never! :D <br /><br />I guess that's why actions are so scary - They work in a ripple effect, and spread to people all around you (some of whom you might not even know). And negative actions always seem to make a much larger ripple than positive ones.....Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08544623089821942423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-50756096212244946152010-10-07T08:40:45.806-07:002010-10-07T08:40:45.806-07:00Chris,
I am also very inspired by this action tak...Chris,<br /><br />I am also very inspired by this action taken by Eric. In "real life" he is so humble that he probably has no idea how far and wide this story will spread. I am glad that you posted this, so that more people can see it! It makes me wonder why I didn't post it. Maybe today, better late than never, right?<br /><br />BethanyBethany W.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-63932123539890169552010-10-07T00:53:39.906-07:002010-10-07T00:53:39.906-07:00Bethany - So true!! Hmm.. maybe writing this post ...Bethany - So true!! Hmm.. maybe writing this post wasn't such a good idea after all :PChrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08544623089821942423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-40120579855248851092010-10-07T00:48:45.614-07:002010-10-07T00:48:45.614-07:00:D Thanks Bethany! Your blog's been really fun...:D Thanks Bethany! Your blog's been really fun to read! And since I grew up in a home church, I found this post particularly true :)Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08544623089821942423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-44328659333661048752010-10-06T18:47:06.522-07:002010-10-06T18:47:06.522-07:00Chris,
I can definitely relate to me-ology. I cou...Chris,<br /><br />I can definitely relate to me-ology. I could write this post myself, then wonder if I wrote the post for selfish reasons too. <br /><br />Thanks for your honesty,<br />BethanyBethany W.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-21937141195497757422010-10-06T18:43:52.221-07:002010-10-06T18:43:52.221-07:00Chris,
I am glad you enjoyed the post and that yo...Chris,<br /><br />I am glad you enjoyed the post and that you like the blog. <br /><br />BethanyBethany W.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05849311381535204559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-7609565692090596962010-09-30T08:22:47.297-07:002010-09-30T08:22:47.297-07:00haha.. good stuff okay, dun play play! :Phaha.. good stuff okay, dun play play! :PChrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08544623089821942423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-4352556054631764672010-09-30T07:59:02.960-07:002010-09-30T07:59:02.960-07:00how the HECK did i not see this post!!!
*salivat...how the HECK did i not see this post!!! <br /><br />*salivates*<br /><br />Josh :Dtokyodriftershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04748897706009530062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-35214371562582909962010-09-30T06:11:35.268-07:002010-09-30T06:11:35.268-07:00Hi Josh! Nice comments :P
I agree with your state...Hi Josh! Nice comments :P<br /><br />I agree with your statement that big doesn't mean insincerity, but I just feel that coordination and administration is much tougher, and you aren't as able to care for each individual in the same depth, from a macro perspective.<br /><br />I actually don't agree with resources for financial backing though. My birth church was really small, but the percentage amount which they dedicated to missions was huge, something that you don't see as much in a megachurch because a lot of these resources get poured into the flashy stuff. (Liken it to paying money for commercial advertising to go to a megachurch - something that a small church doesn't do.) Sometimes, I think the amount my very small birth church dedicates to missions (while scrimping on other comforts like a great sound system) exceeds that of medium sized churches. <br /><br />Pay attention in class! :P Who's your lecturer? David Lehman?Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08544623089821942423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-31901475431788060582010-09-30T01:25:04.500-07:002010-09-30T01:25:04.500-07:00Yo Hui Hui :DD i like the post! finally get to put...Yo Hui Hui :DD i like the post! finally get to put down my thoughts on it. there was a big article dedicated to the rise of mega churches in Singapore in the Straits Times recently, about 2 months back i think :D <br /><br />the underlying assumption here seems to be that big equals insincere, or superficial relationships towards one another and towards Christ. is that really true? being from gmc myself, I can understand and identify with you on the benefits of coming from a smaller church, where the size allows everybody to know one another. And I think there's always a problem as organisations in general grow bigger: it's harder to coordinate and control the organisation to move in the same direction, as it is with businesses. <br /><br />That aside, I'm not sure if a person who has grown up in a mega church would agree with all that we say. He might have the same emotional bond to his church (or at least, the people who make it up) as we do. Can we really say that the majority of the members don't feel closely knitted to the church?<br /><br />I don't think its all that bad. As you've said, mega-big or mega-small, we are all the same body of Christ, and have a mandate to shine the light of Christ to the rest of the world. With a mega-church, we can have access to greater resources to do so, not just from having a better sound system, but like having financial backing for missions outreach, etc. The collaboration of small churches together to achieve the same aim might not have the same economies of scale that a mega church has from its resources. With its influence and reach, mega churches are actually in the position to bless others greatly. Of course, that assumes the fact that the believers are truly walking in the light of Christ, otherwise all the money in the world won't help us.<br /><br />(typing this in my level 3 mno module class cuz its getting boring) <br /><br />can't wait to see you again! <br /><br />:D <br /><br />Joshtokyodriftershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04748897706009530062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-78315901253001648342010-09-28T18:16:48.740-07:002010-09-28T18:16:48.740-07:00Haha yes, but that would just be spammy!
If you&#...Haha yes, but that would just be spammy!<br /><br />If you'd like one, just drop me a mail at chris@loadimpact.com and I'll get you a value code :D (logistics logistics - sooo troublesome! :P)Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08544623089821942423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-3416454303358530552010-09-28T15:32:51.408-07:002010-09-28T15:32:51.408-07:00You can bring commerce into the temple and put com...You can bring commerce into the temple and put commercial messages all over the place. Hrrm if you do decide to give away a few, do give me a<br />Call and I may take one :)Andreashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17569176747277615781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-22154254790025498032010-09-17T01:15:34.342-07:002010-09-17T01:15:34.342-07:00Yes, it's surprising isn't it, how controv...Yes, it's surprising isn't it, how controversial parties can create so much buzz, and actually gain supporters for the cause no matter how scary the cause!<br /><br />But yes, Sweden really offers a lot of freedom to the people, and it gives them the opportunity to go out and express themselves. Hopefully we, too, will one day be as liberal and accepting towards new views!Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08544623089821942423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-24400525928515040842010-09-16T20:53:32.177-07:002010-09-16T20:53:32.177-07:00Brilliant! It's a shame to see that technology...Brilliant! It's a shame to see that technology and the concept of money bring people backwards. <br /><br />Nazi backgrounds aside, this controversial politician sure seems to have as many supporters as haters... And in a way I am envious of the liberty the Swedes have. Hopefully our countrymen can get the chance to make a difference too.wannihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00980820396182150447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-54160761326106471492010-08-10T21:37:05.073-07:002010-08-10T21:37:05.073-07:00Wanni! :D Haha, I'm honoured to have your as m...Wanni! :D Haha, I'm honoured to have your as my stalker :P Thanks for the compliments girl! :DChrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08544623089821942423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-17707600177836408832010-08-10T19:56:37.526-07:002010-08-10T19:56:37.526-07:00I have to say that I really enjoy reading your wri...I have to say that I really enjoy reading your writing! Yes I'm stalking your blog!<br /><br />Wanniwannihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00980820396182150447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-63217992680912471852010-07-21T15:45:19.756-07:002010-07-21T15:45:19.756-07:00Hi Julie!
I'm honoured to see you on my humbl...Hi Julie!<br /><br />I'm honoured to see you on my humble blog. I know I've posed a lot of questions very critically, and one of the reasons is because I want to provoke my readers to think deeper as well. But yes, I do agree with you that the eye (and many things in creation) has been made so intrinsically, that it's hard to believe that it just came about through evolution, or extensive adaptation.<br /><br />Read your blog post, and yes! I will continue to search. I think I've taken a 'rest stop' for way too long now, and it's time to pack my bags and get on the road again :)Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08544623089821942423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-75011041870676798332010-07-21T09:46:11.468-07:002010-07-21T09:46:11.468-07:00Actually, the human eye is more in favor of provin...Actually, the human eye is more in favor of proving Intelligent Design than not. There is no part of the eye that could work without another, therefore natural selection is pretty much exempt. Not saying that natural selection does not happen at a micro level for certain traits, but let's face it...an eye has to be intact for any of it to work correctly.<br /><br />I like your honest questions, Chris. May you keep searching for truth...it is an awesome journey! If you haven't seen it, check out this blog post:<br />http://www.julieferwerda.com/2009/12/30/are-you-following-the-pilot-car/Julie Ferwerdahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17684203869490374941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7413151608826389234.post-27803584914632820872010-07-21T02:14:32.777-07:002010-07-21T02:14:32.777-07:00See, I knew I was stepping into a minefield when I...See, I knew I was stepping into a minefield when I decided to speak about creationism vs evolution. When lawyers get involved, there’s no stopping the argument :P <br /><br />But, in any case, as L said, evolution doesn’t replace or explain creationism. I don’t agree with animals not developing intelligence because they ‘do not need it’, because we, too, can function purely by instinct. <br /><br />I think creationists have the shorter end of the stick when it comes to proving itself, because it has to work on the basis of disproving everything else (such as why humans have tailbones) - much of which cannot be proved due to our lack of knowledge in science and technology. Evolution, on the other hand, just has to come up with a theory that can’t be seen over a human’s lifespan (and thus ‘cannot’ be disproven). I still don’t buy into the theory of different species evolving from generation zero (adaptation I can buy into, but not the formation of a completely different species). But then this becomes personal belief, no?Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08544623089821942423noreply@blogger.com