May 20, 2009
From Times:
A missing link in human evolution may have been filled by a remarkable fossil that could be the common ancestor of all apes and monkeys, including our own species.
Darwinius masillae, a small lemur-like creature that lived 47 million years ago, illuminates a critical chapter in the human story when the primate family tree split into two branches, one of which led ultimately to us. The fossil could even mark the point at which the evolutionary lineage of humans, apes and monkeys diverged from that of more distant primate cousins such as lemurs, lorises and bushbabies. Its anatomical features suggest that it lies close to the origin of the human branch and that the creature, or something like it, could be an ancient ancestor of humans.
Read it all here.
Too early to see any sane comment or response from the ID or Creationist camp yet (maybe this one?). But we most definitely see similar media hype in terms of presentation of this find and the earlier Jesus’ Tomb discovery. BioLogos (Theistic Evolution) has this small piece on beliefnet today.
May 19, 2009
When books on new-atheism, daVinci’s code inspried conspiracy theories and alike, filled the “religion” section in the public library,
I feel sad.
I am sad not because I can’t tolerate different voices (I have no problems with books on Buddhism, Islam, or even other new-age “bibles”). I just don’t understand the logic on how a library determines what books to get (or not). Some books, which are pure attracts on other religions, are based on speculations or ill-informed research. I can think of a thousand titles to get on the same topic instead that one they shelved. But yeah, what do I know…
Think about walking into the “Cook-book” section of a library, yet all you can find are books with titles like “The REAL reason Jamie Oliver wants you to follow his recipes”, “Can we all eat crap and be happy about it?”, or “Good cooking is the source of all evil”.
You know what I mean?
Is there a difference between serving our community, and pleasing our community?
Should there be one?
May 19, 2009
There you have it: John the Baptist explains why Christians should not twitter.
May 19, 2009
Mark Roberts, senior director of Laity Lodge, just completed his excellent series on “Thin Places”. What is a “Thin Place”, you asked? It is a phrase used to describe a particular place where “God is especially present”. And Mark starts by honestly telling you his nervousness on this whole notion of “Thin Place”:
… In certain Christian circles, Celtic Christianity has become wildly popular, and so has the use of “thin place” to describe places where people experience God (or “the divine,” if you prefer). I have tended to resist this language, partly because of its trendy overuse, and partly because of my nagging discomfort about its meaning.
Nonetheless, he traces its possible biblical root — from Eden, to Sinai, to the Tabernacle, to the Temple. I am glad to read his comment that Jesus was the ultimate thin place, and is challenged by his observation that thin places continue to exist despite the Word was made flesh — Jesus continued to pray in places free from the business/craziness of ordinary life. Yet interesting enough, “we do not find in Jesus the idea that certain particular places are necessarily and essentially thin. Rather, any place of quiet and distance from civilization can become a thin place if one goes there to spend an extended time with the Lord” (emphasis mine).
May 19, 2009
在Why Everything Must Change 的 conference 裡，第一次真正聽Baxter Kruger 分享，講的是他最精的三一神學。聽罷，有一種不能不讚嘆神的激動。所以，風聞種耔為他出小書 Parable of the Dancing God 的中文版，我則寫了個書介，期望更多華語信徒能經歷這種恩悅。
[link: seedxpress]
May 16, 2009
Come across this from ibelieveinadv.com. But I think this is just as good as depicting what it means to be Christians:
Aren’t we all, “little Christ” in-training?
[link: ibelieveinadv.com]
May 15, 2009
What am I reading these days for leisure?
What are you reading for leisure?
May 15, 2009
The Face of Poverty in Canada
World Vision Canada has just completed an extensive national study that lifts the veil on poverty in Canada. Join your colleagues to hear the latest national and local statistics on poverty, network with leaders who are addressing poverty locally and find ways for your church to be more engaged.
Dates & Locations:
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
June 3 – Toronto: Best Western Primrose Hotel, 111 Carlton Street
Cost:
1 person – $25
2 people – $20/person
3 or more – $15/person
Responding Church Leaders Network Members – $15
Includes continental breakfast and a copy of the study Living Below the Line.
Registration details here.
