Friday Frivolity: Maybe today just isn’t your day?
Month: October 2014
CS Lewis and Right & Wrong
As a bit of a follow-up to my post the other week about relativism, here is a really creative video:
This video is based on C.S. Lewis’ radio broadcast during World War II, which was later used as the foundational chapter of one of his famous books, “Mere Christianity”, one of the best basic presentations of Christianity.
There are lots of other videos on the CSLewisDoodle YouTube channel for other works of CS Lewis. They’re definitely worth seeing.
Wise Words on Wednesday: Walk the talk
Do my actions honour or forsake my words?
– Mark Hall, Lifestories
Halloween?
Halloween is coming up and about this time some Christians start getting a little crazy, typically claiming that Halloween is Pagan:
For something a little more serious, here’s an interview with Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio on the subject of Halloween:
Quick Apology: Losing Authority
Today’s “Quick Apology” comes from a conversation a friend of mine recently had with a Reformed Protestant. It’s actually a bit of a long response for a “Quick” apology, but oh well…
Objection
“I’ll concede that the case for the historical church being the Catholic church is very strong. However, the chosen people (the Israelites) were consistently disobeying God throughout history and eventually ended up crucifying Christ. Throughout history the chosen people abandoned God. What makes you think that the Catholic Church hasn’t done this or won’t do this?”
Response
Here, the Protestant is admitting to many of the claims of the Catholic Church, but appears to be challenging the Church’s continued status as Christ’s Church, as well as calling into question her continued authority.
It must first obviously be admitted that sinners are found in the Catholic Church. After all, why else do you think I’m allowed membership?!. However, a few points should be made…
Old Testament
Israel certainly sinned over the course of Salvation History. However, would it mean that because of this, it would be better for a Jew or Gentile to abandon God’s people and “go it alone”? Of course not! If one left Judaism, thinking that this couldn’t possibly be the true religion due to the hypocrisy of some of their rulers and many its followers, then one would be making a huge mistake!
As Saint Paul said, “…to them belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs“ (Romans 9:4-5). The Lord had given to Israel many wonderful gifts for the sake of salvation. It would be crazy to reject these gifts and walk away!
However, we actually have an example in the Old Testament of when some members of Israel did just that. After King Solomon’s death, his son ascended to the throne (1 Kings 12) who was a complete tyrant. The northern tribes refused to follow him and this resulted in the division of the Kingdom: the Kingdom of Israel in the north and the Kingdom of Judea in the south. This separatist movement received the condemnation of the prophets. Not only had they abandoned their rightful king, they had cut themselves off from the priesthood, the Temple and the sacrifices.
Music Monday: The Cherubic Hymn
Continuing our Byzantine theme, today is the Cherubikon (The Cherubic Hymn):
We, who mystically represent the cherubim, and sing to the life-giving Trinity the thrice-holy hymn:let us lay aside all earthly cares, that we may welcome the King of All, invisibly escorted by angelic hosts. Alleluia.
Rise Again
