Another Video Bites the Dust (On Dr Bruce Waltke's Resignation from RTS)

It begins as a video, stirs up controversies all around, which ultimately leads to one esteemed Professor resigning from his seminary. Dr Bruce Waltke, on the 6th April 2010, resigned from Reformed Theological Seminary after his views on Theistic Evolution put RTS in hot soup. On the surface, it seems to be that Dr Waltke is urging the Church to accept evolution. Yet, on closer examination, it is more a problem with technology rather than theology. Let me explain.

1) Beginning: The Background
Dr Bruce Waltke is a world renowned scholar Old Testament scholar. With a prestigious doctorate from Harvard, and a respected Old Testament expert, he consented to an interview with Biologos, to share about his ideas on creation, science and evolution from a biblical perspective. With thorough explanation through biblical exegesis and Old Testament theology, Waltke affirms that it is 'possible' for Christians to accept evolution without compromising the Christian faith. In trying to make sense of God's Word in the light of science and faith, Waltke attempts to engage science from the angle of faith. In doing so, a video was made and released on the website at BioLogos. No one was expecting this little video (technology) to boil over to multiple interpretations and reporting of the issue (blogging, Internet), which led to an 'embarrassment' to the institute that employs Dr Waltke.

2) The Controversy
On April 6th, 2010, Reformed Theological Seminary announces farewell to three faculty members, one of whom was Dr Bruce Waltke. The official word is that Waltke has resigned from the Orlando campus. With such a famous name at stake, the Internet rapidly picks up on this news and all kinds of viewpoints spread like wildfire. It caught the attention of theologians such as Dr John Stackhouse and Dr Ross Hastings, both colleagues of Dr Waltke at Regent-College. You can follow some rather passionate arguments from different parties at the comment section of Dr Stackhouse's blog. Christian media like ChristianityToday has also picked up on this, as well as public media such as USAToday. The blogmosphere is filled with all kinds of reporting and opinions, including my little blog here. Some notable ones are at Henry's Web, JDKirk, Brandon Withrow, and Dr Robert Cargill. There has been talk about whether Dr Waltke was forced to resign or does it on his own accord. Anyway, it seems like the bigger controversy is not the theology, but how the technology is being used to handle theological differences.

3) The Revelation 
From day one, the Internet has the potential to provide both information as well as misinformation. Given the spread and ease of information distribution electronically, it is important for us to be wise and discerning on the use of information. Right use leads to enlightened minds and grateful hearts. Abuse leads to unhealthy controversies and bitter arguments. If we can engage one another not with bigoted views but open minds, it will be very educational for all of us. I believe that when controversies occur, even though we cannot stop it, at least let us learn from it. Let the different groups try their best to articulate their ideas. Let them have the benefit of the doubt that they are honestly and earnestly trying to be faithful to the Word of God, according to their gifts. The one with the final say is not them. Neither is it us. It is God. For lack of a direct access to the actual circumstances surrounding the Waltke Resignation from RTS, I think it is important for Internet users to stay with the official statements. With that, Justin Taylor has helpfully given us the open letters from Dr Waltke and the Reformed Theological Seminary to try to clarify what actually happened.

See Waltke's words:

"As noted, I did not have a chance to vet the video. How would I have edited it?"

Information is useful, but it can also lead to misuse. Like sugar, if we take too much of it, it can lead us dangerously toward diabetes. Same with information. With this note, I respectfully urge all Internet users and Christians online to respect Dr Waltke AND RTS for their positions taken and leave them as that. If there is any desire to debate theistic evolution, creationism or all kinds of theologies surrounding evolution or creation, let them continue at the level of ideas, not people, not institution, and especially not use arguments as ammunition to hurt and divide the Church. In other words, the technology, the video has caused in a major way lead to a prominent resignation, and has distracted RTS from their work. For those of us who are concerned about theology, let us also maintain a tight leash on the technology that is used to spread the theology. May God's wisdom and discernment prevail in a climate of peace and love.

conrade

Book: "Hearing Jesus Speak Into Your Sorrow"

Title: Hearing Jesus Speak Into Your Sorrow
Author: Nancy Guthrie
Published: Tyndale, 2009

"In times of deep sorrow and disappointment, everything we believe can be called into question." (xv-xvi)

How true this statement is. This book is written by a mother of two deceased young children, Hope and Gabriel, to a genetical disease. Written as part journal, part struggle, and part sharing of insights, it invites the readers to learn that Jesus is the Ultimate companion in our suffering. Using 11 phrases of Jesus, Guthrie honestly and earnestly lets her own struggles with these 11 difficult statements become statements that let Jesus comes into her life. Each chapter describes one insight, with brilliant juxtaposition of her questions and insights. Each chapter ends with a revealing perspective from Jesus. The book concludes with a helpful discussion for groups.

All in all, this book should provide a great comfort and companion to people going through pain and suffering.

My Comments
This is a deeply honest book. It does not mince emotions. It takes a suffering person, to understand a little more of the Suffering Christ. This is exactly what has happened as I read through the book. I find myself being moved from self toward Jesus; more willing to live with unanswered questions instead of hastily assembled answers; more able to appreciate the presence of Christ, over and above the availability of solutions. In a world filled with Do-It-Yourself manuals, technique driven stuff and solutions seeking problems, Guthrie's personal odyssey of pain and loss of her two children renders such solution-based literature shallow. As I reflect, after reading this book, I think of three things.

1. Jesus has suffered more than anyone on this earth. Our sufferings only give us a glimpse of what Jesus has gone through. 
2. When we seek God to find meaning about our pain and disappointment, we find next to us, not a solution but a Person. 
3. Some of the most profound truths in life, cannot be understood but felt and experienced. Then and only then, can we hear Jesus speak. 

This is an appropriate book to read and to pray with, for people undergoing pain at difficult points of their lives. Filled with prayers, with insights from Scriptures, and an authentic oscillation of faith and doubt, the author guides the reader through the journey of pain and suffering. It can be heavy going at times, but once you have ventured through it, you will come out stronger and more trusting of Jesus, our Friend and our Guide.

Rating: 4.5 Stars out of 5.

conrade

Book: Chaotics

Title: "Chaotics - the business of managing and marketing in the Age of Turbulence"
Authors: Philip Kotler and John A Caslione
Published: NY: Amacom, 2009, (208pp).

This is an updated business book for the new age of turbulence and uncertainty. Marketing guru, Philip Kotler, most famous for his marketing classic, "Marketing Management," has updated and applied marketing concepts for the new environment. Taking a leaf from Alan Greenspan's voluminous work (The Age of Turbulence), the authors assumed turbulence, rather than questioning it. Essentially, the authors seek to call businesses to recognize the age of turbulence as the 'new normal.' They urge businesses to exchange old paradigms for new ones. They propose a new system called the 'Chaotics Management System.' In this system, the authors teach the need for 3 Rs:

• Responsive to the 'new normal;'
• Robustness of their responses and strategies, designed toward tackling the challenges of a rapidly changing environment;
• Resilience of the business organizations.

A) The New Normal
In a passionate plea for companies to recognize that turbulence and uncertainty is going to be the 'new normal,' the authors argue convincingly that old strategies are unhelpful, even fatal. Economic cycles are no longer present. Booms and recessions are no longer predictable. Potential losses are high. More investors are becoming more cautious and risk averse. Customers are increasingly insecure and they prefer options that enable safety and security. The authors further comb the landscape and identify the factors that lead to chaotic situations. Factors like:

• Technological advances and Information Revolution;
• Disruptive technologies and innovations
• Impact from the small guys
• 'Hypercompetition' that makes competitive advantage unsustainable
• Sovereign wealth funds
• Social concernsand,
• customer empowerment.

B) The Chaotics Management System
This model is specifically geared toward managing vulnerability inside, and maximizing the use of opportunities outside. There will be chaos and companies must do more than simply recognizing it. They need to make decisive strategic plans and steer the company with focus and resilience. The authors put it very well:

"Today and into the future, it may not be as critical to ask what businesses own and produce as it is to ask about their ability to detect turbulence, anticipate chaos, and manage risjs. Identifying and managing risk is far from straightforward. Constructing scenarios and strategies to deal with anticipated risks, and conversely, exploiting opportunities, requires business leaders to instill new strategic behaviors and disciplines in the organization. . . . . And when these new and necessary behaviors are instilled in the daily decision-making processes, it creates a momentum and a culture that systematically overcomes turbulence's chaos and routinely beats the competition. Such companies will succeed in the Age of Turbulence, despite the turbulent gale-force winds blowing forcefully against them." (100)

In a nutshell, the CMS proposes the following

• When approaching turbulence, be prepared to change organizational behavior;
• In confronting turbulence, broaden one's strategic resources rather than blindly cutting resources across the board;
• When coming out of turbulence, maintain a steady stream of focus, to pick up speed when necessary.

My Comments
At one look, the reader may be tempted to dismiss Kotler and Caslione for adding fuel to the fire of panic. I will hesitate to do that. I think the book does exceptionally well to remind all that 'the new normal' has come. We must not behave like ostriches that stick our heads into the sand of old thinking and archaic paradigms, while the world screams for a wise response. If one does not embrace the opportunity, it could mean the end of one's business. I like the way the authors instill the idea of change that is broad-based throughout the organization. With attention to detail, the authors apply the strategy to all parts of the company, like Human Resources, Marketing, Sales, Technology, Management teams etc. This represents a desire to build resilience to all parts of the organization. The points brought up are easy to understand and should provide fodder to stimulate thinking rather than supplying ready made answers. Strategic management is never one that can be canned like processed food for consumption. It involves hard work and a clear recognition of the culture and identity of the company's mission and vision.

However, my main gripe is that it is still very North American focused. One can argue that it is primarily written for the American audience. Though there are some references to international matters, I think this American-centric presentation will limit the usefulness of the book at an international level. Moreover, this book will be less impactful due to the limited examples, compared to the classic 'Marketing Management' which contains frequent illustrations and anecdotes of real businesses.

I guess, this is because of the nature of the 'new normal,' we cannot rely too much on examples as they would have become irrelevant by the time the book is printed. Sigh. Welcome to the new normal.

conrade

Book Review: "There is a God" (Anthony Flew)

Title: There is a God (how the world's most notorious atheist changed his mind)
Author: Anthony Flew with Roy Abraham Varghese
Published: HarperOne, 2007, (222 pages).

This book has atheists all up in arms against one of their foremost champions of atheism. In a remarkable turnaround in 2004, the British philosopher, Anthony Flew, turned from atheism and embraced Christianity. This comes about simply because of his shift of assumptions. Instead of waiting for proofs of God as his primary stance before belief, he decides to adopt the evidence against God attitude to deter his belief. It is like taking the position that God exists until He is proven otherwise. Written in two parts, the first part of the book contains three summary chapters of why he was an atheist for so many years. In fact, it was his paper, 'Theology and Falsification' that first propelled Flew to worldwide fame. He was frequently cited as a top advocate for atheistic thinking. In a remarkable testimony of his conversion, he describes himself as a person who has progressed from 'Denial of the Divine' to 'Discovery of the Divine.' He attributes this conversion to 3 key points.

Main Ideas in the Book
Philosophically, Flew reasons that

1. The Universe came into being because of an Intelligent Creator;
2. The laws of the Universe reflects a Higher Mind, called the Mind of God;
3. Life and Reproduction is designed by a Divine Source.

Scientifically, Flew explains the three ways science points to the existence of God:

1. 'Nature obeys laws' 
2. The universe is intelligently organized and has 'purpose-driven beings.'
3. The very existence of nature explains the presence of God.

On the point of suffering and evil. He argues that this perennial sticking point against the existence of God is not exactly a proof against a Divine God. In itself, they cannot be used to deny the existence of God. They can only manifest the presence and man's awareness of the existence of evil.

Against his former group of atheist friends, he pleads with them to answer the simple central question:

"What would have to occur or to have occurred to constitute for you a reason to at least consider the existence of a Superior Mind?" (88)

He criticizes the 'New Atheism' and the antics of Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris for promoting another version of fundamentalism, that sinks in a 'denying God unless otherwise' as an illogical and bigoted assumption.

Part I - My Denial of the Divine
The son of a Methodist preacher, Anthony Flew was a reluctant religious person when he was young. As a result, he begins with a denial point of view, and uses that to see everything, especially Christianity. He believes in following the 'argument wherever it may lead me.' (56) He takes part in meetings organized by CS Lewis's Socratic Club. He admits that his journey into atheism begins with a 'presumption of atheism' which assumes the denial of God as the first premise (53). With his brilliant mind, Flew was able to strongly argue for atheism and gained a sizable following for his debates. He begins to soften his stand when he acknowledges that atheism cannot disprove or explain the existence of the intelligence happening in the world. In a criticism of Richard Dawkins' 'selfish gene' thesis, Flew writes:

"If any of this were true, it would be no use to go on, as Dawkins does, to preach: 'Let us try to teach generosity and altruism, because we are born selfish.'" (80)

Moreover, if the selfish gene is true, Dawkins' philosophy describes a process of natural selection as 'elimination' rather than 'production.' While Dawkins's process seeks to eliminate and deny, he allows such a philosophy to eliminate and deny the existence of God, without adequate proofs!

Part II -My Discovery of the Divine
Seven chapters of the book is allocated to outline Flew's conversion experience. When one is a philosopher, one ought to think as a philosopher. When one is a scientist, one thinks as a scientist. Of course, a philosopher can think scientifically, and a scientist can think philosophically. Both however, needs wisdom, and this wisdom has to be from Somewhere, or from Someone. The seven chapters seem to be a submission to the existence of God, instead of fighting against it.

My Comments
This book will certainly be an embarrassment to atheists. Some of them will predictably distance themselves from Anthony Flew, and accuse Flew of senile and unstable age. Some even accuses the co-author, Roy Abraham Varghese of using the name of Anthony Flew to disprove atheism.

Such accusations are incredulous. Will a well-known philosopher be easily manipulated? Will it also be possible that given time to reflect and a rich history to make sense of, that Anthony Flew has finally attained a level of wisdom that he has never before discovered? Didn't he suggest a posture of being willing to listen and be open to the existence of God?

This is a commendable book. It goes through the mind of an atheist, and diligently engages the questions and many legitimate puzzles of life from both fronts, a belief and an unbelief perspective. The Appendices provide a powerful re-statement of Flew's theistic arguments as well as a re-statement of the core tenets of the Christian faith. In particular, NT Wright's treatise on the Resurrection is in itself worth the price of the book.

I get a sense that Anthony Flew's conversion is still somewhat more deistic rather than theistic.  The former means that God is a distant clock-maker, uninterested in the happenings in this world. The latter reflects a personal God. Anyway, Flew's decision to embrace the existence of God is something that we can all learn from. It is a reasonable challenge not to let the atheists get away with everything they want to say. Scientists and philosophers alike need to let the evidence guide them. More importantly, they need to recognize that their faith and beliefs are the ones usually the key to helping them interpret these evidence.  For those of us who embraces God, we have something even better: Wisdom from above, through Jesus.

conrade

Book-"Free of Charge" (Miroslav Volf)

Title: Free of Charge
Author: Miroslav Volf
Published: Zondervan, 2005 (247pp).

We all like free things. However, many of us struggle with giving things away for free. Even more difficult is the willingness to practice ‘giving’ and ‘forgiving’ in a culture of ungrace. However, in God, this is possible. This is in essence the point of the book. We need to give and forgive. We need to sustain it with an environment, and we cannot do it on our own. We need one another and above all, we need God.

Beginning with a description of a personal encounter with an American traffic cop, Volf highlights the alarming culture that is ‘stripped of grace.’ His antidote: Giving and Forgiving to be given and received freely. I read this book not simply to see examples and acts of giving and forgiving. ‘Giving and forgiving can be done very quickly. Doing it consistently is not so, especially in a culture that is selfish and lack the grace everybody wants.

In part One of the book, Volf deals with the subject of giving, starting from God as the foundation of giving. Firstly, the idols of ungrace must be broken. Then we need to learn to adopt a disposition of recognizing the knowledge of God. Finally, we ‘look in the right places with a ready heart,’ with an attitude of readiness to receive the expected and unexpected. In a nutshell, this dependence on God is a theological statement that we cannot become givers on our own strength. We need God to give us ‘new birth’ first (120). True giving involves a ‘triangle’ of giver, receiver and God. It is only in God when we know when to give and when to receive. Without God, we fail to discern what, where, when, who and how to give or receive.

Volf lists four ways in which we can give:
1) Give according to our talents
2) Give according to the fruit of the Spirit in us
3) Give according to the hope we have;
4) Give according to the need to sustain a community of giving.

Before entering Part Two, Volf highlights the immense difficulty of moving toward a culture of forgiving. We live in a culture of assuming revenge as the norm. We easily blame others for the ills of society. We then endure helplessly the effects of retaliation and injustice. These are the ways of the world. There are the effects of a fallen world. Volf brings us back to God as the Forgiver. In ‘How Should We Forgive?’ he maps out the way toward true forgiveness:

“Revenge corresponds to illicit taking, the demand for justice corresponds to legitimate acquiring, and forgiving roughly corresponds to generous giving.” (158)

Instead of revenge, consider justice. Instead of dwelling in justice, think forgiveness. Forgiveness, restores, reconciles and gives all a chance to repent. I take delight in learning about one forgiving, that leads to two victories. The act of forgiving is the first victory. The fruit of forgiveness is the second victory. Ultimately, both go toward honouring God.

“For instance, in the United States, we live in an increasingly litigious culture. It hasn’t always been that way; we’ve become such a culture. There are many reasons for that, which I don’t need to explore here. But once a culture has become litigious, forgiveness starts making less and less sense. We can still hold onto forgiveness on our own, but we are then swimming against the stream. We start questioning our commitment to it and often give up. To forgive, we need an environment in which forgiveness is valued and nurtured.” (212)

My Comments
I will add that we all need to build an environment of ‘giving’ and ‘forgiving.’ Starting with outselves, let us contribute toward toward developing ourselves to become ‘givers’ and ‘forgivers.’ Do not simply pat ourselves on the back once we do one act of giving or two instances of forgiving. Do it often. Do it regularly. Do it.  We need to create an environment that encourages giving and forgiving. May I encourage the Church to begin one, wherever they are.

Book Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

Book: "Reconcilable Differences" - 7 tips to keep marriages together

TITLE: Reconcilable Differences - 7 essential tips to remaining together from a top matrimonial lawyer
AUTHOR: Robert Stephan Cohen
PUBLISHER: Simon & Schuster, 2002, (223 pages)

This is a strange book. Written by a 'top' divorce lawyer, who himself is a divorcee, it tries to suggest 7 ways in which couples can avoid walking the path of divorce. The book is arranged in terms of 7 'reconcilable differences.'  Below are some of my brief notes on his seven tips.

#1 PARALLEL LIVES
THE PROBLEM: Many couples live parallel lives that do not intersect. Thus, they grow further apart as they become caught up with their careers and their other pursuits. As a result, four things happen. Firstly, couples spend less time together. Secondly, they start taking each other for granted. Thirdly, they start talking less, having less things to talk about as well. Fourthly, there are lesser common ground.

THE WORSE WAY: The problems worsens as couples start blaming each other. Otherwise, they ignore the problem. They start to accept boredom in their marriages. They belittle each other. They compromise their personal identity.

THE BETTER WAY: Schedule time to work out differences. Start with little gestures that are subtle but important. Renew vows over and over again everyday. Do a role reversal in order to understand one another's perspective. Return back to the time when it was 'just the 2 of us.'

Book Review: "The Noticer"

Title: The Noticer
Author: Andy Andrews
Published: Thomas Nelson, 2009.

The subtitle of the book says it all: "sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective." This is a book about change. It is an easy read, but the lessons contained within them require time to take effect. Change is never immediate, though the decision to change is. Written in a narrative format, seen from the eyes of an observer, Andy sees how one person called Jones positively brings back into perspective the various people at difficult points of their lives.

In begins with Andy's personal encounter with this mysterious old man called Jones.  With a remarkable ability to observe the ordinary, Jones seem to know every person by name. He calls Andy by name, and teaches him the art of 'focus,' and to bring a new perspective to meaning in life. For whatever one focuses on, it will incidentally increase.

Then there is a troubling marriage between Barry and Jan. Jones not only played the role of the mediator, he guides them through the 'dialects of love,' much like the Five Love Languages first popularized by Dr Gary Chapman. Next Jones touches the life of Walker Miles, who was on the brink of ending his life. Jones gently guides him not to let history control his future. The next lesson (chapter 5) deals with another marriage issue. Using wisdom as a guide, Jones defines wisdom as:

"the ability to see, into the future, the consequences of your choices in the present." (65)

Three friends, Ritchie, Caroline and Amelia were pointed toward a new perspective of being able to see the future, through believing that true friends and family have been placed on one's life for a reason to gain perspective. One should pay attention to such personal treasures.

With many other stories of lives changed to a better perspective, finally Jones mysteriously disappears the same way as he appears. He leaves behind his familiar looking brown suitcase. After looking in vain for the old man, the grateful ones gathered one day in a coffee shop to ponder and see what is inside the suitcase. In it contains lessons for the people to share the good that they have received from Jones.

My Comments
This is a simple but fascinating book of stories. It is weaved together artfully, without being condescending. The central character, Jones looks like a type of Christ, who happens to know each and every name, and their problems and challenges faced. Through some insightful questioning and pointed comments, lives were changed for the better. Indeed, sometimes even in the darkest moments of life, we may not have all the money and resources in the world, nor the power to change the world. All we really need is a little perspective. Nothing else.

This ability to shine a little perspective into the difficult challenges of life makes this book a worthwhile read and a necessary purchase.

My Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade