Most Baptist State?

What's the most 'Baptist' state in the world? It must be in the American South, I thought. Nope. It's in India - Nagaland to be specific - where an estimated 75 % of the population are Baptists. Interesting!

Calvin at 500

John Calvin was born on July 10, 1509 - exactly 500 years ago today.

An excerpt from the Institutes of Christian Religion.

As a Mediator, free from all taint, He (Jesus) may by His own holiness procure the favour of God for us. But because a deserved curse obstructs the entrance, and God in His character of judge is hostile to us, expiation must necessarily intervene, that as a priest employed to appease the wrath of God, He must reinstate us in His favour. Wherefore, in order that Christ might fulfill this office, it behooved Him to appear with a sacrifice. For even under the law of the priesthood it was forbidden to enter the sanctuary without blood, to teach the worshiper that however the priest might interprose to deprecate, God could not be propitiated without the expiation of son. On this subject the apostole discourses at lengh in the Epistle to the Hebrews, from the seventh almost to the end of the tenth chapter. The sum comes to this, that the honour of the priesthood was competent to none but Christ, because, by the sacrifice of His death, He wiped away our guilt, and made satisfaction for sin. Of the great importance of this matter, we are reminded by that solemn oath which God uttered, and of which He declared He would not repent 'Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek' (Ps. 110:4). For, doubtless, His purpose was to ratify that point on which He knew that our salvation chiefly hinged. For, as has been said, there is no access to God for us or for our prayers until the priest, purging away our defilements, sanctify us, and obtain for us that favour of which the impurty of our lives and our hearts deprives us. Thus we see, that if the benefit and efficacy of Christ's priesthood is to reach us, the commencement must be with His death. Whence it follows, that He by whose aid we obtain favour, must be a perpetual intercessor. From this again arises not only confidence in prayer, but also the tranquility of pious minds, while they recline in safety on th epaternal indulgence of God, and feel assured, that whatever has been consecreated by the Mediator is pleasing to Him.

Source: John Calvin, The Institutes. Chapter 15, Section 6, (p.322).

The Shack

I just finished reading the Shack in an attempt to better understand its popularity. And popular it is. Published in 2007, it remains a best seller. I waited several months before my turn arrived in the queue despite the 113 copies circulating in the library system.

I still don’t get it. I don’t understand its appeal. The narrative is novel, but not especially engaging. Some of the dialogue is penetrating and thought-provoking, but much of the theology is questionable and even flippant. I’m aware of the high profile critiques of the book, and would agree with much of their concern.

Eugene Peterson claims (prominently on the cover) that “This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress did for his.”

I would turn around Mr. Peterson’s claim by suggesting that this book represents our generation (unfortunately) as well as John Bunyan represented his.

The book is a mix of standard Arminian evangelical theology that tries to hard to capture the ethos of Norman Peale’s positive thinking and the segment of the emerging church that emphases 'relationships over religion’.

I liked elements of the book; the value in admiring God’s beautiful creation; the hope of heaven; and forgiveness. But it’s unusual portrays of the Godhead, communion and the Body of Christ, among others, is unfortunate and damaging to God’s Kingdom.

I hope that people who read The Shack and love it will be drawn to Pilgrim’s Progress, and pick up a book much more spiritually satisfying and theological sound.

Quote of the Day - The Silent (and Sober) Majority

"'Worldwide, more people abstain than drink (alcohol)," principal researcher Jurgen Rehm, a senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, said Thursday."

Source: "1 in 25 deaths linked to alcohol, study finds" Toronto Star. 25 June 2009.
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/article/656893

Psalm 79:9

Help us O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliever us, ,and atone for our sins for your name's sake. - Psalm 79:9.

Psalm 73:21-28

When my soul was embittered when I was pricked in heart I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end fo everyone who is unfaithful to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

Psalm 73:21-28 (ESV)

English Reformation Myth

There is a myth about the English Reformation, and the myth is that it never happened. Many Anglicans would once have had you believe that it consistent of little more than a few moderate and sensible adjustments to a Church of England that had no need of the ructions happening on something The Continent and which was exceptionally conscious of its continuity with the past.

Source: Patrick Collinson, The Reformation A History. New York: A Modern Library Chronicles Book, 2003.