Twenty-four years ago (1998), I attended a small Christian church in Kyongju, South Korea. It was only a temporary involvement because I was part of the church’s ministry of helping immigrant workers learn Korean. Although I occasionally sensed the theological eccentricity of the pastor, he was a nice man. The real shock came when he … Continue reading God Does Not Show Favoritism
Endo, Silence (沈黙) (1966)
遠藤周作 (Shusaku Endo, 1923–96) was a Japanese Catholic novelist. His occupation with Roman Catholic belief penetrates throughout this entire book. Endo published Silence in Japanese in 1966. Seventeenth century Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate (徳川幕府)—also known as the Edo shogunate (江戸幕府)—which was ended by the Meiji Restoration (明治維新) in 1868. While the Edo … Continue reading Endo, Silence (沈黙) (1966)
Reflecting on Death
Our neighbor has a dog. Her name is N—I will only use the initial for privacy—and she is a beautiful golden retriever. Yet she’s so old that her death is imminent. As her time rapidly draws near, I see our neighbor’s hearts sink. They are doing everything that they can do to extend N’s stay … Continue reading Reflecting on Death
Bates, Gospel Allegiance (2019)
With all due respect, I find Bates's Gospel Allegiance misleading. His so-called King Jesus gospel movement is a serious challenge to today's church. Please read my book review if you're interested in knowing why I must warn you about his work (Click the bibliographic information below). Matthew W. Bates. Gospel Allegiance: What Faith in Jesus … Continue reading Bates, Gospel Allegiance (2019)
Arrogant Sin of Rejecting Christ
Imagine traveling from Canada to, say, Japan by a paper plane. It is impossible. We need a passenger jet. Even with it, it will take more than ten hours. Imagine then you're flying from Toronto to Tokyo with your friends. One of them--let's call him Tom--however, shows up at the airport with a bag of … Continue reading Arrogant Sin of Rejecting Christ