International Youth day

Ecclesiastes 12:1 "Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, "I have no delight in them"

On 17 December 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998) that 12 August be declared International Youth Day. The theme of the 2016 International Youth Day is “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production”. This year’s Day is about achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It focuses on the leading role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development through sustainable consumption and production. Sustainable consumption entails the use of products and services that meet the basic needs of communities while safeguarding the needs of future generations. The development and promotion of individual choices and actions that increase the eco-efficiency of consumption of all and minimize waste and pollution is critical to achieving equitable socioeconomic development. See more on this year's International Youth Day.

Solomon advised, “Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth...”. God is concerned about the spiritual welfare of youth and so should everyone be, young and old. It is in the interest of and genuine concern for their welfare that this lesson is presented. Our lesson is primarily directed toward those who are in the days of their youth and addressed to them.

There are few facts we first must identify 

First, young people are incorporated among those for whom God has concern. 

Second, there are many complications youth must face in this world. 

Third, they will not be youth forever. 

Fourth, today’s youth is not the first to encounter problems. Fifth, youth is neither lesser nor superior to adulthood. They do not have the similar accountabilities, opportunities nor capabilities. 

Sixth, there are some issues which youths cannot yet tackle because they are not in the place to tackle them. There are issues of leadership, management, control and obligation that are related to adults that do not yet be relevant to youths. Even though youths may be affected by many things over which they have no control, this is life. Such is true even in adulthood. 

Seventh, there are many problems about which there is much that youths themselves can do. 

ISSUES OF READYING

Youth face the issue of readying. Many adults ignore this fact and look at adulthood as pompous. Youth is a phase for readying for future life. In reality, all of life is a time for getting ready for life after death. So many leave the years of youth and enter adulthood unprepared. They must become prepared socially, mentally, physically, and most important of all, spiritually. It is awful that weight in placed on lesser reparations to disregard Spirit. Our advice to the young is, “Don’t blow your chances.” Jesus prepared Himself before He began. 

ISSUE OF RUSHING  

Youth, if closely noticed, could be found rushing all the time all over. It may not sometimes be polite to even discuss this, but it is something young people must ascertain. Youths always desire to be older than what they actually are. It is slightly similar to adults, who desire to be younger than what they are. Youths are exasperated to “grow up.” Grass is always greener on the other side. This is not true btw. Each phase of life has its blessings. Many parents and other adults are guilty of forcing the young into maturity before they are ready for it. Today’s world encourage early dating, clothing that is immodest, adult activities and privileges, structured and controlled activities to the extent the child does not have time nor chances to ever be a child. Failing to get from life what God has envisioned in youth will make adulthood less delightful.

Youths are somewhat like green apples. If they are not allowed to ripen they will only be hard and bitter. Evolution is always time-taking and painstaking. Jesus acted on specific time, didn’t start His ministry until time/hour arrived.

ISSUE OF PEER-PRESSURISING

Every youths need to encounter the challenge called peer pressure. There is always a remarkable burden to do what those around you are doing, this could even be sinful activity. This is a difficult thing for Christians all the days of their life. Youths need to learn to be themselves, who God has made them to be and not replica of others. Youths must learn to think critically for themselves rather than carelessly following the way of the crowd. Because this is lifelong issue, young people need to learn to survive it as early as possible.

You are most privileged if you have someone who loves you and loves the Lord to train you in His ways. Let God be your controller. Permitting the crowd to set your standards is fatal to your soul. Jesus was also in this world but not of this world. He was able to live out of sin. He made crown follow Him and not vice versa. 

Today’s youth with today’s problem of sin. It comes through drugs, alcoholic beverages (Punjab is number one drug problem), temptations to immorality, dishonesty, lack of respect for authority and forsaking God. Many have testified that they got into addictions just staring as fun or being pressurized by friends. Face today, and tomorrow you will be able to face tomorrow. Unless you learn to tackle today, what will be the end of you tomorrow? “How shall the young protect their hearts, and guard their lives from sin?” It is by following the Word of God. Youths need not despair nor be discouraged after knowing the challenges and pressures of youth-life. Life in Christ is a magnificent life, full of purpose and meaning, blessings and benefits, with each day being valuable and fruitful. 

So your challenges today, if you wish, can become a stepping stones rather than stumbling-blocks. Remember Your Creator and what He says!!!!

1 Timothy 4:12

12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Deuteronomy 31:6

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Happy International Youth Day!!!





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THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST IN EPHESIANS

At some point you all have seen zoom in/out/ in google search engine. Until we zoom in we can’t see the big picture and it remains a mystery. So, let’s zoom in to see the mystery of Christ in Ephesians.  

TITLE: THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST IN EPHESIANS

1. Jesus is co-equal with God and addressed as “Lord”

In the OT Lord=YAWH=God. In NT Lord used for Jesus.

Eight times Lord is used (1:10, 15, 20-22a; 2:2; 5:8; 6:10, 21, 23)

V3- “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”

Lord in Gk. kuripos means (a) the one who is in charge by virtue of possession, owner. (b) One who is in a position of authority.

In Eph. God puts everything under Christ’s authority or possession.

Jesus acquired this designation by the virtue of His resurrection from the dead (1:20; 2:6).

2. Jesus is the Lord over the Church (1:22b-23; 4:15-16)

Ø  2.1 Body without a head is dead. So we were dead (2:1-3)

Ø  2.2 Jesus is also the foundation stone of the Church i.e. the New Creation/New Humanity (2:20-22)

3. Jesus is the Model of Love and Holiness (5:1-2)

“Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children 5:2 and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.”

Rom. 5:6, 8 says that God demonstrate His love on the cross.

Rom. 5:4 says that God’s love is being poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.

Ø  3.1 Love in the Church: - The Church should be flooded with this divine love (3:17-19).

Ø  3.1 Love in the family: - The family should be drenched with love (5:22-6:4).

Ø  3.3 Love in the work place:- The work place should be rained with love (6:5-9)

Ø  3.4 Holiness should be in our desires (5:3-7)

Ø  3.5 Holiness should be in our conduct (5:15-21)

4. Take Home

Ø  So let’s zoom in and see. Is Jesus the “Lord” of my life??? Or in which area of my life Jesus is not the “Lord.”

These are the sign of Spirit driven life and not purpose driven life

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CHRISTIANS AND THE IDEA OF FRIENDSHIP

The picture of the minion-friends on the left might appear quite funny because it is. In one of the pieces of writing by Aelred of Rievaulx, a 12th-century Cistercian abbot, On Spiritual Friendship. Aelred challenges that every christian that they must examine their opinion about friendship with Scripture. The discourse is a discussion in which three abbots join Aelred to scrutinize their notions about friendship from Bible. And I think that is very pertinent also, especially, in the time such as our's, where people have forgotten the meaning and art of friendship and just end up their life in misery just because of their erroneous understanding of friends and friendship. How can we find true friendship in this often phony and momentary world? Bible has something to inform us about. Below is a Biblical analysis about the concept of friendship.

CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP: TWO BIBLICAL MODELS

The biblical model of Friendship stands in contrast to what world might accept. Below are two models:

1. COUNSELLOR-FRIENDSHIP MODEL
    {JESUS TO DISCIPLES}

The first model of Christian friendship is counselor model. In this model one is responsible of counselling, guiding, mentoring, advising and discipling anyone he/she is in friendship with. This is more of a ministry based model. In the Bible we see many great leaders, prophets and man of God mentoring and guiding their fellow co-workers, in instances disciples.  And above all Jesus’ kind of friendly relationship also falls in this category. This is a relationship that has much to do with Christian ministry, similar to the kind Jesus' model which He had with his disciples. There are a number of people around us, could also be found in our touch, sometime we might like calling them friends. As a Christian friend, we have this responsibility towards them to counsel them to make their way towards Christ or if already saved, guide them to be Godly, in a larger scale.

2. COUNSELEE-FRIENDSHIP 
   {DISCIPLES TO JESUS}

In a counselee model of friendship, we are like the one who is being counseled, mentored, advised guided and discipled by our counsellor-friend. Anyone can come in this category. The one who needs someone to share his/her feeling, emotions, thoughts, burdens and get some encouragements in the times of need. Many people search someone, not necessarily more aged rather more experienced or wise, tempered, serene and spiritually mature to get guidance from for the crucial decisions of life. This is very pivotal when one is growing and in need of some necessary advises from right person in the right time. After God, everyone must have someone on this earth to always be there to assist in the times of need, a shoulder to lay head when the world come crashing down in highs and lows of life. In times God appoints individuals in our life to take His place and do His task in and through our lives. This is more of a type of friendship that disciples had with Jesus.

A Christians can, if wish to be, a counsellor or a counselee at the same time but to different people but with all cognizant of responsibility of a counsellor and an attitude of submission of a counselee.  

CHARACTERISTICS OF A TRUE CHRISTIAN FRIEND

So, what does a true Christian friendship look like? Let's break it down into traits that are easy to identify.

A. LOVES SACRIFICIALLY

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus has already gone the way. We are to follow Him in sacrificing our life for the one we love.

B. ACCEPTS UNCONDITIONALLY

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

We learn the best of friendships with brothers and sisters who know and accept our weaknesses and inadequacies. For notice, no one is perfect in this world but only GOD.

C. TRUSTS COMPLETELY

Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

D. OFFERS A BALANCED ADMONISHMENT

Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted ... (NIV) True Christian friends will shape each other up emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Friends like to be together simply because it feels good. And at times, even if our friends don’t like, we must wound our friends with sword of WORD of GOD, to cater their spiritual needs. And its ok!!! 

Let's become wise in making friends and be a good friend, as scriptures tell us to be.

“A blessed thing it is for any man or woman to have a friend; one human soul whom we can trust utterly; who knows the best and the worst of us, and who loves us in spite of all our faults; who will speak the honest truth to us, while the world flatters us to our face, and laughs at us behind our back; who will give us counsel and reproof in the day of prosperity and self-conceit; but who, again, will comfort and encourage us in the day of difficulty and sorrow, when the world leaves us alone to fight our own battle as we can.” 

                                                                                                        by Charles Kingsley

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY!!!!

further readings;

David and Jonathan

Elijah and Elisha 

Job’s friends

Jesus and disciples 

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Book Review: Philosophy for Understanding Theology

Authors: Diogenes Allen and Eric O. Springsted

Year: 2007, Pages: 267, ISBN: 9780664231804

The purpose of this book, as is stated quite regularly by the author, is “to give a person the philosophy needed to understand Christian theology better, for often the lack of knowledge of some key philosophic term or concept impedes significant understanding of a vital issue.” (Pg. 71, 78). Everyone needs to know some philosophy in order to understand the major doctrines of Christianity or to read a great theologian intelligently. This is how this classic guide to the philosophical concepts that undergird Christian theology originates. Some might contest the truth of this statement, however, once one has read this book, it would be tough to, at the same time, preserve scholarly honesty and contest the truth of this statement. I have read fairly a few primers to philosophy, but this book is exceptional.

What many theology students don’t recognize (possibly due to a gulf that was created between the fields of philosophy and theology, particularly obvious in protestant theology) is that all of the great theologians were influenced by the major philosophical views of their day. The drive of this book is to elucidate those major philosophical point of views so that the student of theology will be better able to comprehend the claims of the theologians that they are studying. The author clarifies that he selected the material that is used in this book founded on the philosophy for the use of theologians.

He then seeks to explain the philosophy in question. He concentrated primarily on three important domains of theology: Theology proper, Christology and Anthropology (Pg. 11).

As such, the author is undoubtedly justified in devoting the first five chapters of this book to giving an overview and explanation of the philosophical thoughts of Plato (and Platonism) and of Aristotle (and Aristotelianism). The truth is that these two schools of philosophical thought have been behind almost every single description of Christian theology, in some way, starting with the early church, and continuing through the many church divisions and up to modern Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox thought.

An Outline of the Book:

In chapter 1 the author elucidates Plato’s views regarding the existence, source and purpose of this world. In chapter 2 the author analyzes at Plato’s views regarding the nature and purpose of man, and the reality of an afterlife. In chapter 3 the author reflects on the many diverse Neoplatonic schools of thought that influenced early Christian thinkers (and, with almost no exceptions, every one of the early church fathers). In chapter 4 the author provides a synopsis of the key views of Aristotelian thought that were known to the early church fathers up to the start of the medieval age.

In chapter 5 he reflects on the impact of Aristotle on the formation of medieval theology and the growth of scholasticism. In each of these chapters the author takes time to note some of the major church theologians who were influenced by the thought of Plato and Aristotle, and how it impacted their theology. The author devotes one chapter, chapter 6, to the views of Thomas Aquinas (considering primarily his views concerning Natural Theology), and presents the reactions of Karl Barth and A. N. Whitehead to Aquinas.

In chapter 7 the author explains some of the main shifts in philosophy and science that influenced the shifts that occurred in theology around the same time. He concentrates primarily on the impact of nominalism, humanism and the scientific revolution. His comments on humanism are most interesting, and should temper some of the false ideas that many people have concerning what humanism is. John Calvin, for example, was technically a humanist. In chapter 8 the author considers the effect of the debate between Rationalism and Empiricism, stimulated primarily by the philosophical and theological musings of Rene Descartes, as well as the effect of the Enlightenment attitude on theology.

In chapter 9 the author gives an overview of the philosophy of Kant (as well as some of those who influenced his thought), and how Kant’s philosophy affected, and continues to affect, contemporary theology. Chapter 10 looks at Hegel, and chapter 11 considers the impact of Existentialism, phenomenology and Hermeneutical philosophy on Theology. In chapter 11 the author looks at the influence of Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger, and Husserl on theology, and biblical hermeneutics.

The final chapters consider the effect of Post-modern thought on Christian theology. These chapters emphasize the works of Foucault, Wittgenstein, Derrida, MacIntyre, and Charles Taylor, and consider how these great thinkers have been creating waves in Christian theology. The summary of this book, as stated before, is to offer an overview of the main philosophical views that have affected the works of Christian theologians. This book accomplishes this purpose wonderfully. A historical fact that changed the face of philosophy and theology forever and seriously influenced such thinkers as Hume, Kant, and the philosophers engaged in the rationalist-empiricist debate.

Finally, it would be great to see this book used as a textbook in a course on this subject in theology programs. And of course, this will be a great resource for theologians and students of theology, as well as Christian apologists.



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Book Review: The Lie: Evolution by Ken Ham

Pages: 168, Year: 1987, ISBN: 0890511586

Kenneth Alfred "Ken" Ham (born 20 October 1951) is an Australian-born young Earth creationist and Christian fundamentalist living in the United States. Ham advocates Biblical liberalism, taking the Book of Genesis as historical fact. His belief, based on a literal interpretation of the Bible that the universe is approximately 6,000 years old, is contradicted by the scientific consensus that the age of the universe and the age of the Earth are on the order of billions of years. Mr. Ham shows that Genesis is a reliable description of real events that are supported by concrete scientific proof. He shows how the questioning of this foundational book of the Bible, even by many Christians, has led to the deterioration of society so that the only moral norm it accepts are founded upon ‘survival of the fittest,’ “do your own thing,” and “if it feels good, do it.” There are no moral absolutes in this foundationless society. (Pg. 15)

Brief Outline of the book:

Chapter one; Christianity in under attack- (Christianity vs Humanism). Chapter two; Evolution is Religion- media and public educators tell us that creation can’t be taught in the schools. Chapter three; Creation is Religion- creation and evolution are equally scientific. Chapter four; The Root of the Problem- its because of creator people reject creationism. Chapter five; Crumbling Foundations- eliminating Genesis will collapse the structure of Christianity. Chapter six; Genesis does matter- events of Genesis are literal and significant for Christian doctrine. Chapter seven; Death a curse and a blessing-why death and suffering exist, evolution destroys the foundation of the message of the cross when it says death is millions of years old phenomena. Chapter eight; The Evils of Evolution-rejection of God, justifying abortion, communism, Nazism, Homosexuality etc. Chapter nine; Evangelism in Pagan World, Chapter ten; Wake up Shepherds, Chapter eleven; Creation, flood and coming fire. Christians who have faith in in any form of evolution such as the gap theory, day age, or just outright Darwinian evolution you should grasp this book and read it with an open mind, much prayer and seeking the Scriptures as well as seeking out Christian scientific studies. It's a good reference book and an overview to the evolution vs. creation argument. Dr. Ham makes it clear that confessing Christians cannot blend evolution with the creation description in Genesis. It's either one or the other. Christians can't subscribe to both because they are contrasting to each other. Ken Ham shows you how in eleven chapters. Then he has two sections in the appendix that go into even more detail! There is also a resource section that gives a few more titles from Master Books and Answers in Genesis.

I personally liked this book for more reasons than one. It is a thought stimulating and simple read making it easy for students to begin examining the theme, in-depth. It also has many other resources in its bibliography to develop the study to include the views of other authors, historians, and others writing on the other themes included such as abortion, biblical authority, and religion.

As a teacher, I teach the significance of coming to a deduction of your own and inspecting on your own, instead of blindly believing what you hear. This book lets you to do so as it presents all sides of the argument, making them bare to see and offers ample for you to think things through yourself. I have no uncertainty that if you are looking for a book discussing evolution vs. creation you will not be turned down.

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The national consultation for theology students (2015) organized by the Indian School of Ecumenical Theology on the subject, “Ecumenical perspective on Secular India: Implications in doing Theology in India,” : An Overview

The following are the outline/ draft of the proceedings.  

Day One

Moses P. Manohar presented the session on “Issues of Ecumenism and Secularism in India” under three primary questions: what is your produce / product as a theologian (as theological students)? What is theology? What is secularism? For him, theology is primarily concerned about/ of two things: sin and salvation. And the task of the theologians or theological students is to identity issues of sin and salvation. Sins in India are manifested in the forms of injustice, injustice in the form of corruption, violence, domestication of women, discrimination, oppression, marginalization, etc. According to Manohar, salvation is liberation; liberation from all social evils, oppression, injustice, etc. Then, he attempts to define secularism from the perspective of the Indian constitution i.e. secularism as separation of caste and religion. With that note, he suggests that secularism in India as mission; mission towards equality.

On the topic “Transgender issues/ (homophobia)”Akkai Padmashali attempts to define transgender or homophobia, gender, and sexuality. Padmashali defines transgender as reversal of female to male or male to female. And she sees homophobia as the perception or reaction of as perceived by the society at large, which may be in the form of prejudice, fear or dislike. She defines gender not just as a person born with male or female organ but what society expects of a male or female. For instance, like the social patriarchal projection of certain feminine or masculine quality on a person. Her definition of sexuality is seen from four different outlooks – orientation, choice, preference, and behavior.

The session on “Understanding rights and responsibilities of a citizen” by Moses P. Manohar can be underlined under three basic questions: “What is a nation? Who is a citizen? What is a right?” For him, the very concept of a nation is seen as an idea; an idea that which continues to grow. Citizen for him is a legal body or political body or unit of a nation. He then defines right is a legal entitlement which may be inclusive of the right to politics, right to religion, right to information, right to education, right to employment, right to food, and right to political economy. Attempt is also made to define the different types of nation in India: (i) Ganthian type which is a panchayat form of nation (ii) Nehru type which is a welfare or industrialized form of nation and (iii) Ambedkar type which is a right based form of nation. He concludes his session with the suggestion that politics in India is a saving acts; it has to give right, liberty, and prosperity.

In the topic “Critiquing Media” Manoj Samuel takes the task to critique media from a twofold perspective – news media (news paper) and entertainment media (movie). Samuel begins with the suggestion that media is the key to our social fabric. In other words, he sees media as possessing the potential to manipulate the social functioning or practices. On the first section, he argues that newspapers are written from a subjective journalist perspective or they flash the news according to target rate pointing (trp). They also have their subjective interest; it is highly a sociological issue; newspaper tells honest mistake news. With that concern, he probes on the issue of truth or what is/ are the news that is to be seen as truth. On the second section, argument is made that movies or cinemas takes stereotyping approach. It is also to be noted that public or movie views endorse movies or its ideologies for self gratification. With these said concerns, he suggests that media ought to report accurate news, promote understanding (not disharmony), and play proactive role in promoting communal harmony.

Day Two

The day began with “Devotion” by Chittranjan Polson from Genesis 1. The emphasis of this reflection is on how the earth itself is able or potentiated to sustain itself or other life forms. In implication, we are encouraged to take care of the creation.

On the session “Bible Study: Challenges of Secularism in India” David Joy attempts to read “John 10:1-21” from a postcolonial perspective with a specific emphasis on others or equality of humankind as suggested in “John 10:16.” He is of view that the forces of colonial powers are still strong in our present context (or among the colonized states). Not only the wealth and natural resources of the colonized states were plundered but their cultures or practices or beliefs were also imposed upon by the colonizers. In other words, the colonized sates were seen as the other. Hence, when we read the text from the postcolonial lens, we see the social reality at hand clearly. Then, he goes to suggest four aspects of doing theology in India: people oriented, identity of tolerant, responsible use of power, and vision for the cosmos.

In the topic “Environment Issues” Allan Palanna takes an effort to look at the concept of secularism in relation to ecology. He begins with the suggestion that there is false assumption that we (humans) are not affected by the environmental change. He is of view that the environmental crisis is not just about economic and technological concern, but it also deals with moral and spiritual issues. Concerning the relationship between Christianity and ecology, he brings out the accusation made by Lynn White that Christians are responsible for the present ecological crisis because of their prime concern for humanity alone. However, Palanna is of view that White takes a reductionist approach by ignoring the Christian history in relation to history. Now, concerning the issue on ecology and India, he suggests that both the secular and the nationalist mode of development have environmental implications. With that note, he suggests that the contemporary ecological reality is not just about environmental concerns but it is also about justice. With that view he suggests a few concerns: look at climate change to climate justice; move from sustainable development to sustainable life; move from stewardship to kinship (relational); move further from tree planting to recovering biodiversity; and approach from the subaltern communities and people at the margins.

The session on “Religious dialogue” was participated by Sreedhar (Hinduism), Reshma Parvez (Islam), and H.S. Bhatia (Sikhism) respectively.  

Sreedhar asserts that the traditional Hindu or Hinduism has always been secular i.e. they attempt for a heterogeneous empire or they encouraged a multi cultural society. But in the present contemporary context, through political influence or through such other different agendas there is a projection of a disharmonious social or religious outlook. Parvez suggest that the traditional Islam/ Islamic law (shyria) who rejects the Indian definition of secularism. However, among the present scholars of Islam, there are disputes or differing opinions of whether or not Islam needs to be blended with the secular state and its legislative. That said, she has an affirmative of the acceptance of other religions.

Bhatia began with the definition of secularism from the Sikh perspective. He approached the issue of secularism in India with the notion of respecting other religion, yet, not interfering within the boundary of their own. In general, they all saw humanity or the welfare of humankind as the common ground or mutuality for/ of the expression of their faith.

On the session “Migration Issues” Reji Samuel begins with an attempt to define migration. In a general sense, it is to be seen as crossing of a boundary or political unit for a certain period of time. Migration can be of four kinds: internal and external migration within the country or nation, emigration (migration from native country in order to settle in another), and immigration (migration to a country of which one is not a native in order to settle there). Migration is further categorized into three categories: migrants, settlers, and refugees. As part of the paper discussion, reasons are explored as to why one migrate from one place to another; they are – job opportunities, education, natural disaster, security, forced migration (social or religious disharmony, etc. Discussion is also done on the problems faced by the migrants, settlers, and refugees. The findings are – identity crisis, violence, security, conflict, education, justice issues, adjustment issues, emotional problems, marriage issues, citizen rights, landless (property righty), religious issues, unemployment, climate issues, language problem, human trafficking; gender violence, exploitation, health issues, racial issues, public toilet, exploitation, legal problems, class ceiling, etc. Exploration is also made on the theological paradigm of incarnation and the image of God to respond to the current issues of migration in India. That said, migration to be seen as an opportunity for the church, for ministry; meet the emotional need, holistic ministry, counseling, paternal support, and multi ethnic or multi denominational approach.

Day Three

The day began with devotion on/ of “Eco friendly worship” led by Sudhakar Joshua. The devotion was conducted in a liturgical format in an eco friendly setting. The emphasis of this reflection is to acknowledge the harm we (humans) has caused or tempered the harmonious functioning and productivity of the nature. And it concluded with the suggestion to better our dealings or behavior towards better harmonious existence of the created order.

Kiran Jeevan addresses the issues of “Understanding religious pluralism in India” under the category of personal experience, writings from others, caste, and religion, from the social worker perspective.

Challenges for doing theology in India today

Group One: Understand the context; relate scripture to the context; reflection of context towards oriented theology

Group Two: Holistic mission; understanding Indian politics; practical implementation; leading a pro-environment lifestyle; acceptance of diversity; right attitude towards ourselves and others

Group Three: inter religious-social-political dialogue; inclusiveness; relative distinctiveness of Christ; apotheosis (being divine); growing in the likeness of Christ; wider humanism; anthropocentric to cosmoscetric; pneumatic democracy;

Group Four: understand/ participate in the situation; examine the reason or cause; use of media; concern and care (counseling) for the affected; find the solution; consider the implications; understand the weakness of others;

Group Five: eco living; eco justice; return to ethnic mode of life; revision of God’s design; developing world and church responsibilities;

Group Six: rediscovering the doctrine of eschatology; reading the scripture from the context; redefine the meaning of pluralism; discerning the signs of the time  

Statement

Towards the other: rethinking how we practice theology

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