Discussion Forum #2

We have learned from last week about the beginning of the so-called separation of church and state.  Donatus, not agreeing with how the Catholic church at that time was being run by the bishops, thought it wise to leave the church and start his own church.  He tried many times to convince the Catholic church to agree with his teachings but to no avail.  Since he couldn't get the support of the church, he then appealed to the government to decide in favor of his new group.  Unfortunately, the government under the leadership Emperor Constantine did not grant them such favor.  Donatus and his new church did not get the power that they wanted.  He then declared that the government should not have anything to do with the church.

So for this week's discussion forum, I want everyone to focus on at least two things:
1.  What do you think are the good implications of the separation of church and state?
     Do you see a clear and fair division of authority between the two in our current society       and time?

2.  Donatus declared separation from the government when he did not get the power he          wanted.  In other words, his decision wasn't based on clear and accepted principles,            rather, he based it on his self-gratifying motives.  What are the dangers of such kind of        decision-making process?

I'm looking forward to reading your smart and thoughtful comments.

Am I Really Busy?

Ooops is it 5:48pm?  Where did time go?   It's already dark outside my office window.  The students are having their dinner in the kitchen.  It's amazing how quick time flies.  The day ended really fast.  I don't even think I have accomplished enough. In fact the table still seems full with papers to check, records that need updating, readings that are long overdue...oh the list of things to do is just endless.

Am I really busy?  No, I don't think so.  I have enough time, just like everybody does, to accomplish much more.  Busy?  Nope.  Distracted, yes maybe.   I feel like a bug that has fallen belly up, all worked out but has gotten nowhere.  

Why am I like this?  Am I trying to drown myself so that I can escape reality.  Is this my way of grieving? I don't know.  But I am sure I need to focus and refocus at the same time.  I need to get my priorities right--to go beyond checking off items from my to do list and begin investing time in things that really matter like my relationships--with my Lord and with the people who are important to me. Oh how I want to savor the taste of my every meal and enjoy laughs and conversation more.  I want to linger listening to music and sermons.  I want to enjoy watching the bright colors of Christmas and the sweetness of its melody.  I want to slow down and feel every moment.

The words of the Psalmist is a reminder for me to "Be still and know that I am God" 

(Psalm 46:10).  

Discussion Forum #1

For this week's discussion forum, comment on the quote from Philip Schaff, a Swiss-born, German-educated Protestant theologian and a Church historian who spent most of his adult life living and teaching in the United States. .

"How shall we labor with any effect to build up the church, if we have no thorough knowldege of her history, or fail to apprehend it from the proper point of observation? History is, and must ever continue to be, next to God’s Word, the righest foundation of wisdom, and the surest guide to all successful practical activity."

—Philip Schaff

Grace for yet MORE New Beginnings!

I've been having mixed emotions about many things this past week.  I was excited for classes to begin.  I was especially excited about the courses that I'm going to teach this semester.  I was thrilled imagining how things would be like in the next four or five months.

After being in a week long class on spiritual formation, I was very ready for whatever is ahead of me.  Or at least I thought I was.  Early this week though, I realized how much I need more of God's sustaining grace.  The Nordines announced that they are already retiring as Converge Missionaries starting June of 2015.  But they are leaving the campus really soon--December 11 to be exact.  Everytime this fact comes to mind, it always brings a prick in my heart.  Oh how I need Your grace, my Lord.  Grace to accept.  Grace to let go.

Indeed, there are more new beginnings that I need to get used to.  But the ever so good news is--His grace is more than enough for you and me today.