Malaysian Politics, Money and the Church

One of the many fallout from the Sibu by-election in Sawawak in which the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN) lost is the the money given to four Methodist churches in Sibu just before the polling day.

Haris Ibrahim a Muslim made some insightful comments in Desperately seeking Peter. The Methodist church is in need of your ‘rock-like’ foundation

While I share the sentiments of Goh Keat Peng in his blog ‘We don’t take such money’

I respectfully appeal to the churches directly involved in this episode:
If it isn’t true and it didn’t happen, then please say so.
If it is true, offered and received, give it all back.
WE DON’T WANT SUCH MONEY. Let the church be poor (as a church mouse) but
as the Book of Proverbs say, poor but happy keeping a clear conscience.

I also respectfully appeal to all Malaysian churches through the Christian Federation of Malaysia:
Please let us send a clear, unmistakeable and irrevocable message to the country and the world. As citizens and tax-payers we deserve to practise and observe our religious faith in peaceful and orderly fashion and we should get reasonable amounts of resources to enable us to do so. Any sitting government is welcome to sit down with us, discuss and understand in a timely and civil way our religion and our community’s needs and concerns regarding places of worship, burial grounds and our bibles in Bahasa Malaysia as well as how we will continue to serve all Malaysians in need through our social services. Provide the facilities and resources justly due to us but please don’t give us “special grants” only at the eve of by-elections. WE DON’T TAKE SUCH MONEY. No, thank you. Never under such circumstances.

However it must be noted that in Malaysia, Christians often only get a break before by-elections or the general elections - approval of building plans, conversion of land for religious use or permit for large Christian gatherings. Is that Malaysian politics or God answering prayers?

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Who is Jack Bauer?

24 is a eight seasons television series that is very exciting and addictive. Great for adrenaline junkies. Recently Chris Armstrong commented on the theology of Jack Bauer, the hero of the series 24. He based that on the blog entry of John Shore who wrote that 24: We do know Jack Bauer. We ARE Jack Buer.

I do have concern if Jack Bauer is every person’s hero as portrait by John Shore. That means that we all subscribe to relative moralism and that the ends always justifies the means; that violence always solve the problems and the best way to deal with bad guys is to shoot them.

The series is rivetting and addictive. It is also about a psychopath who wears a badge.

SFI Seminar on the Psalms

SFI Seminar 2010/3

PSALMS

What are the psalms? It is a question often asked by God’s people. Are they prayers? Are they songs? Are they praises? Well, the psalms are all these!

They are centuries-old prayers, songs and praises of the Hebrew people. The psalms emerged from a people who are in love with life and with God they worshipped. They desired to know how to live life to the fullest and enjoy every day of it. They want to know how to praise God in every part of their lives. They desired to know how to celebrate their relationship with God.

What other better way than to come up with the psalms. The psalms allowed the ancient Hebrew people to sing, pray and praise God in the way they understand. With each successive generation, the psalms are passed on but not passed over – such is the book called the Psalms.

In this course, we will look at three types of psalms (hymns, laments and thanksgivings) using Brueggemann’s model of Psalms of Orientation, Disorientation and Reorientation which correspond with the different periods we go through in our lives.

Speaker:

Rev Anthony Loke 陆彦辉牧师 Academic Dean 教 务主任 (2009-2012)
(English Department Faculty 英文部讲师) Qualifications
学历: BD (STM/SEAGST, 1984); MTheol (SEAGST, 1996); PhD Candidate (OCMS, Oxford). Denomination
宗 派: Methodist, Trinity Annual Conference
卫理公会英文 三一年议会 Area of Studies
研 究领域: Old Testament
旧约研究

Rev. Anthony Loke Yin-Fai B.D. (SEAGST); M. Theol (SEAGST); PhD candidate (OCMS; University of Wales) -Old Testament Lecturer in Seminari Theoloji Malaysia -Ordained Travelling Elder with Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC), Methodist Church in Malaysia

Date : 2.00pm- 9.00pm, Saturday 29 May 2010

Place : Berea, Holy Light Church, Johor Bahru

We had a great seminar with the "Rabbi" last Saturday. Using Walter Brueggemann's approach of orientation, disoritentation and reorientation, the "Rabbi" orientated , disorientated and reorientated the participants to the understanding and appreciating the Psalms.

Synthetic Biology and Artificial Life

The latest from Thinking Faith...


Considering Synthia: what is synthetic biology all about?
While scientists make headlines about recent advances in synthetic biology, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland will today consider a report on this novel area of research. Dr Murdo Macdonald considers the ethical and theological questions raised by the development of ‘artificial life’: are scientists really ‘playing God’? Read >>

Intelligent Design and Academic Credibility

Illustrations by Tim Baron

THE VILLAGE GREEN Origins and the Scientific Community How can the intelligent design movement gain academic credibility? Karl Giberson: Find a Fertile Idea Stephen C. Meyer: Redefine the Question Marcus Ross: Accept a Limited Role

Michale Hyatt on Why Traditional Books will Die

Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing predicts the future of traditional books

Why Traditional Books Will Eventually Die

The book, as we know it today, will eventually die. It won’t happen all at once. And it won’t happen immediately. But, in my opinion, it is inevitable. Why? One word: efficiency.

read more

Dr Phang's No Worry-lah

No WORRY-Lah, Be HAPPY !

A Medical Student's Motivational & Inspirational Guide

This is a compilation of stories, quotations, poems, similes, cartoons and articles that I used to motivate and inspire myself when I was a medical student. As a mental health professional now, I would like to share the treasures with the community as a way to promote mental health. May you be well, happy and peaceful after consuming the nutritious mental food found in this book. For FREE download, click on either HERE or THERE
A online sequel of the book is available NOW.

Another book gift

Received a book gift from a dear friend. Thanks. I look forward to reading it.

Snapshots from Japan (6)

The Edo Museum in Tokyo

life size replica of an entertainment centre

table top replica of Edo city (old Tokyo)

detailed miniatures

tabletop replica of a merchant house

detailed miniatures in merchant house

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Stem Cell Tourism

Stem cell therapy promises much hope to patients but there are very few proven and approved stem cell therapies at present. However, that do not stop some enterprising persons from setting up stem cells therapies centres and offering these treatments. I know of a few centres in Kuala Lumpur who offers such therapies. They have anecdotal evidence that they have 'cured' Down's syndome and cerebral palsy. My caution to parents who asked me about these stem cell therapies is that it is unproven and not acceptable as a therapy by modern medical care.

This is one of the articles from The American Journal of Bioethics. The May issue focus on stem cell therapy and stem cell tourism. It looks like transplant tourism now has a related sister.

Stem Cell Tourism and Doctors' Duties to Minors—A View From Canada
by Amy Zarzeczny, Timothy Caulfield
2010. The American Journal of Bioethics 10(5):3

Abstract/Extract
While the clinical promise of much stem cell research remains largely theoretical, patients are nonetheless pursuing unproven stem cell therapies in jurisdictions around the world—a phenomenon referred to as “stem cell tourism.” These treatments are generally advertised on a direct-to-consumer basis via the Internet. Research shows portrayals of stem cell medicine on such websites are overly optimistic and the claims made are unsubstantiated by published evidence. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that parents are pursing these “treatments” for their children, despite potential physical and financial risk. Physicians are in a unique position as they can be expected to be involved in, or privy to, such decisions. In this paper, we consider what duties physicians may have toward minor patients whose parents/guardians wish to engage in stem cell tourism on their behalf. We use the Canadian perspective to address the broadly relevant issues raised by this trend.

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Michael Hyatt in Defense of Books

An interesting article by Michael Hyatt the CEO of Thomas Nelson in his blog setting forth his defense of books.

But this doesn’t change my commitment to or belief in the value of books. However, in using this term, “books,” I mean something very specific. I am not referring exclusively to ink printed on paper and bound between two covers—that’s simply a delivery mechanism.

Instead, I am referring to long-form, text-based content, regardless of how it is delivered to its audience. A book might be a printed book, a digital book, or even an audio book. Regardless, it is still a book. And, I still believe in the power of books to transform individuals, communities, and, indeed, entire civilizations.

As much as I may enjoy magazine articles, blogs, television broadcasts, and movies, I can’t make the same claim about them. By and large, I don’t believe they have the same kind of transformative impact. Granted, there might be an exception here and there, but the kind of transformation I am talking about requires a more sustained argument—or story. This is precisely what books are designed to deliver.

That's an interesting definition of a 'book' that I have not thought of. A book to me is always the printed object that I can hold in my hands and read. Now I am told it is only a 'delivery system.' As Spock Prime will say, "Fascinating."

read more

Matteo Ricci"s Legacy

The latest from Thinking Faith...


Matteo Ricci’s legacy: a loving patience
400 years ago today, Jesuit priest Matteo Ricci died in Beijing. One of the pioneers of the Jesuit mission to China, he remains a greatly respected figure for the Church and for the Chinese people. As Thinking Faith marks his anniversary this month, Yves Camus SJ introduces us to the man who has been called ‘the most outstanding cultural mediator between China and the West of all time’.

Read >>

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Sister Helen Rosenthal continues to blog

Sister Helen Rosenthal is my spiritual mentor and prayer partner. Here is an article about her published in the Blanca Morales - Florida Catholic. I believe I am the one who influenced her to start blogging a few years ago when she was 78 years old ( I like to claim the credit). She has become been an avid and consistent blogger ever since.

She joined the convent, saw the world

Sister Helen Rosenthal plans to retire after 60 years in education and religious life

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Blanca Morales - Florida Catholic

MIAMI GARDENS — Since she found her vocation in both education and religious life, Sister Helen Rosenthal has seen much of the world: Europe, South America, North America. She has traveled so much that she often repeats the catchphrase, “Join the convent, see the world.”

Sister Rosenthal is making plans to retire this May after 60 years in religious life and nearly as many as an educator, the last 24 at St. Thomas University. But she plans to continue writing her blog, and perhaps even a book. She definitely has no plans to retire from her vocation.

As she wrote in her blog this February, on the occasion of her diamond jubilee as a religious: “I have felt the call more profoundly to attend to the quality of my relationships and to bear witness with great joy to the fidelity of God's love. I think this is touching on the vocation within a vocation that most of us discover at some point in our lives. Mine has been to pipe a song of joy to Jesus and I continue to find new ways of doing this.”

Anyone who meets Sister Rosenthal can affirm that she is goal-oriented and energetic. She has spent her religious lifetime joyfully serving as an educator, having taught at all ages and levels, from kindergarten to post-master’s degree.

Born in St. Louis, Mo., she grew up as the eldest of four siblings. At age 19, she left her home to join the Society of the Sacred Heart.

After teaching in various cities, she made her finals vows in Rome on the morning of February 8, 1960 along with 46 other sisters from several countries. From Rome, she was sent to Valparaiso, Chile where she worked as a teacher and missionary until 1980.

While working in Chile, she realized the importance of continuing higher education when her students’ parents came to her with questions on faith and the Church.

In 1973, she briefly returned to her native Missouri, where she stayed close to her ailing mother while attending the Institute for Religious Formation at St. Louis University.

Along with her bachelor’s in English from Maryville University in St. Louis, Sister Rosenthal obtained a master’s in religious studies from St. Louis University, a master’s in education and another in guidance and counseling from the Catholic University of Valparaiso, and a doctorate in historical theology from the University of St. Louis.

In 1986, she began working for St. Thomas University as part of the Institute for Pastoral Ministries. There she founded the Center for Spirituality, the training program for spiritual directors, and the post-master’s program in spirituality studies.

She also served as chair of the religious studies, history and philosophy department for five years, bringing along her talents in efficiency and organization.

“I think what makes Helen unique is her ability to combine a big dream with single-mindedness,” said Mercedes Iannone, professor of religious studies at the university.

She describes Sister Rosenthal as hard-working, determined, and talented.

All her talents come with “a real sense of simplicity which is charming in one so hard-driving,” Iannone added.

Sister Rosenthal also is a sought-after speaker in religious and educational institutions worldwide. She has been invited to serve at retreats and give lectures in the Americas and Europe.

Even her loss of hearing — due to a fever contracted during her missionary years in Chile — resulted in a new educational opportunity. Nine years ago, she created the international Online Certificate Program in Spirituality Studies, where she teaches students worldwide through the Internet.

This unique collaborative learning program allows students to form an online community, sharing their lives and experiences. Many of her former students keep in touch with her and each other long after they have received their certificate.

“The course has given me the impetus as well as the research tools to go on deepening my own life of faith and the joy of some worthwhile and lasting friendships,” said alumna Jane Ward of Scotland.

She said the program is ideal for people who are retired or working fulltime — or live halfway around the world.

As she contemplates retirement, Sister Rosenthal confessed that she is quite enthusiastic about having more time to do one other thing that she loves: “I’ll be able to play more Scrabble now!”

Sister Rosenthal’s blog, “Reflections of an RSCJ” can be found at www.reflectionsofanrscj.blogspot.com.

Snapshots from Japan (5)

A Visit to Mount Fuji

can you see Mt.Fuji over the treeline?

at the 5th station on the slope of Mt. Fuji

they told us the weather will be good

cool!

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Anthony Loke on the Psalms in Johor Bahru

SFI Seminar 2010/3

PSALMS

What are the psalms? It is a question often asked by God’s people. Are they prayers? Are they songs? Are they praises? Well, the psalms are all these!

They are centuries-old prayers, songs and praises of the Hebrew people. The psalms emerged from a people who are in love with life and with God they worshipped. They desired to know how to live life to the fullest and enjoy every day of it. They want to know how to praise God in every part of their lives. They desired to know how to celebrate their relationship with God.

What other better way than to come up with the psalms. The psalms allowed the ancient Hebrew people to sing, pray and praise God in the way they understand. With each successive generation, the psalms are passed on but not passed over – such is the book called the Psalms.

In this course, we will look at three types of psalms (hymns, laments and thanksgivings) using Brueggemann’s model of Psalms of Orientation, Disorientation and Reorientation which correspond with the different periods we go through in our lives.

Speaker:

	Rev Anthony Loke 陆彦辉牧师
	Academic Dean 教务主任 (2009-2012) (English Department Faculty 英文部讲师)
	Qualifications 学历:	BD (STM/SEAGST, 1984); MTheol (SEAGST, 1996); PhD Candidate (OCMS, Oxford).
	Denomination 宗派:	Methodist, Trinity Annual Conference 卫理公会英文三一年议会
	Area of Studies 研 究领域:	Old Testament 旧约研究

Rev. Anthony Loke Yin-Fai B.D. (SEAGST); M. Theol (SEAGST); PhD candidate (OCMS; University of Wales) -Old Testament Lecturer in Seminari Theoloji Malaysia -Ordained Travelling Elder with Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC), Methodist Church in Malaysia

Date : 2.00pm- 9.00pm, Saturday 29 May 2010

Place : Berea, Holy Light Church, Johor Bahru

(note: this is at the Holy Light Church grounds and not at Hillsville where we have our Sunday worship services)

Programme:

2:00-2:30pm Registration

2:30-4:00pm 1^st session Psalms of Orientation (hymns)

4:00-4:30pm Tea Break

4:30-6:00pm 2^nd session Psalms of Disorientation (Laments)

6:00-7:00pm Dinner Break

7:00-9:00pm 3^rd session Psalms of Reorientation (Thanksgivings)

Registration Form

Spiritual Formation Institute Seminar 2010/3

Psalms

Name: …………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………….. Church…………………………………………

Tel : …………………………………………………………………………………. Email:………………………………………………………………………………………..

Please register with Sister Grace Soon of HLCE (Tel:07-2243285)

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Seminar cost RM20.00 (includes refreshment,dinner and seminar notes).

Growing Sincere Faith

A Grandmother, a Mother and a Son: Growing Sincere Faith

Text: 2 Timothy 1:5

I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also (NIV).

Sermon statement

Timothy’s sincere faith was nurtured and developed by his grandmother, Lois and mother Eunice. The matrix of faith formation is by teaching about the faith, living out the faith, and growing one’s own faith.

read more

| transcript PDF | powerpoint PDF |

John Tay on the Scientific Evidence for Homosexuality

John Tay was the Professor and Head of Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore (1973-1995) and Head of the Division of Human Genetics in Singapore. He has two earned doctorates based on research in genetics from the National University of Singapore. In this 2010 book, Tay set out to look at the scientific evidence for homosexuality by reviewing all important papers on the roles of genes and environment on homosexuality published from 1991-2009. In his analysis of 50 selected papers, he infers,

The role of genes is far less important than the role of the environmental factors. No properly qualified geneticist will ever say or agree with the statement, "I am born Gay, and I cannot change." Indeed, no form of human behaviour is ever solely inherited. Gene produces proteins and not behaviour. Behaviour is much more complex than a single protein.

For a condition or trait to be inherited, without any influence of the environment, the heritability mus be 100%, for instance, colour blindness. The heritability of the human intelligence is about 75%, whereas the heritability of male homosexuality is only 26% (in the key paper based on the Australian Twin Registry, page xxvi in the [his] book; this figure of 26% was not even statistically significant).

This is a significant book written by a geneticist with impeccable reputation and scientific knowledge. This book is easy to read and does not have many technical terms. I strongly recommend all church leaders and lay members to read this book.

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You are my child

Reposting a poetry I posted on this blog on 17 August 2006

You are my child,
I give you a great palace to live in, nice tiled floors and sheltered courtyards,
yet you love to play in the mud and prefer a house built of sand.
I give you great gifts and talents to enrich the world,
yet you would rather use them to entertain yourself and impress your friends.
I give you a great Counsellor to guide you in a path straight and true,
yet you prefer the counsel of idolaters and mediocrity.
Yet you are my child.

You are my child,
I say to you, “I am your Father”, all that I have is yours,
yet you cling to your few copper coins with clenched fists.
I say to you, “Be like your Brother”, with whom you have lived with all these years,
yet you chose to be your own self-centred being.
I say to you, “Drink deep the waters of life”, for I have provided rain-bearing clouds for your arid soul,
yet you prefer to dig your own wells and find your own water.
Yet you are my child.

You are self-centred, stubborn, weak willed and proud,
yet you are capable of great acts of love, worship, thanksgiving and sacrifice.
You tried too hard, worked too hard, loved too hard and prayed too hard,
yet all that you need, you already have.
Yes, you are my child.

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Book Gift from Seminari Theologi Malaysia

I love book gifts. So this is a pleasant surprise when the mail brought this gift from Seminari Theologi Malaysia (STM). Thank you so very much. Really make my day.


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Dallas Willard on Assessing Spiritual Growth

DISCIPLESHIP
How Do We Assess Spiritual Growth?
It is possible, but often not very encouraging.
An interview with Dallas Willard

How can churches know if they are being effective at making disciples?

Many churches are measuring the wrong things. We measure things like attendance and giving, but we should be looking at more fundamental things like anger, contempt, honesty, and the degree to which people are under the thumb of their lusts. Those things can be counted, but not as easily as offerings.

| Finish this article |

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Snapshots from Japan (4)

Edo Wonderland and Ninja Village

can you spot the ninja?

children learning ninja craft

ninja on duty

loitering

new friends at ramen stall

ninja show

arrested for loitering by the local constable

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Virtual Mentor: The Ethics of Cosmetic Surgery

(For best results, view as HTML or request text version from virtualmentor@ama-assn.org)

Virtual Mentor. May 2010, Volume 12, Number 5: 357-433. Full Issue PDF

May 2010 Contents

Ethics in Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

From the Editor

The Contested Status of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Scott B. Grant
Full Text | PDF
Virtual Mentor. 2010; 12:359-362.

Educating for Professionalism

Clinical Cases

The “Mommy Makeover” Package
Commentary by Eric T. Carniol and Paul J. Carniol
Full Text | PDF
Virtual Mentor. 2010; 12:363-366.

Outer Ear Construction: Is Advocacy Part of Treatment?
Commentary by June K. Wu
Full Text | PDF
Virtual Mentor. 2010; 12:367-372.

An Argument for Patient Autonomy in Elective Surgery
Commentary by Michael Van Vliet and Joseph Rosen
Full Text | PDF
Virtual Mentor. 2010; 12:373-375.

The Code Says

AMA Code of Medical Ethics’ Opinion on Physician Advertising
Full Text | PDF
Virtual Mentor. 2010; 12:376-377.

Journal Discussion

Ethical Issues in Face Transplantation
Christian J. Vercler
Full Text | PDF
Virtual Mentor. 2010; 12:378-382.

Clinical Pearl

Diagnosing and Treating Microtia
Mitchell A. Stotland
Full Text | PDF
Virtual Mentor. 2010; 12:383-388.

Law, Policy, and Society

Health Law

Silicone Breast Implant Litigation
Kristin E. Schleiter
Full Text | PDF
Virtual Mentor. 2010; 12:389-394.

Policy Forum

An Argument Against the Feasibility of Taxing Cosmetic Surgery
Lauren Sydney Flicker and Rachel Zuraw
Full Text | PDF
Virtual Mentor. 2010; 12:395-400.

Medicine and Society

Are Cosmetic Surgeons Complicit in Promoting Suspect Norms of Beauty?
Jordan Amadio
Full Text | PDF
Virtual Mentor. 2010; 12:401-405.

Comic Strip: Mirror, Mirror
Khris Oak
PDF
Virtual Mentor. 2010; 12:406.

History, Art, and Narrative

History of Medicine

Advertising Cosmetic Surgery
Deborah A. Sullivan
Full Text | PDF
Virtual Mentor. 2010; 12:407-411.

Images of Healing and Learning

The Genetic Basis of Body Shape: Lessons from Mirror Twins and High-Definition Digital Photography
David Teplica
Full Text | PDF
Virtual Mentor. 2010; 12:412-417.

Op-Ed and Correspondence

Op-Ed

Character and the Plastic Surgeon
Robert T. Grant and Michael Sosin
Full Text | PDF
Virtual Mentor. 2010; 12:418-421.

Movie Review on Shutter Island

Martin Scorcese has a brilliant talent for creating tense movies with unexpected outcomes. This is another fascinating thriller with Leonardo DiCaprio as a federal marshal sent to investigate a disappearance in a mental institution.

Synopsis (from rottentomatoes.com):

Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio team up for a fourth time for this adaptation of SHUTTER ISLAND, a novel by Dennis LeHane (MYSTIC RIVER). The film opens in 1954 as World War II veteran and current federal marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner, Chuck (Mark Ruffalo), ferry to Shutter Island, a water-bound mental hospital housing the criminally insane. They have been asked to investigate the disappearance of Rachel Solando (Emily Mortimer), a patient admitted to the asylum after she murdered her three children. As Teddy quizzes Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley), the head of the institution, he begins to suspect that the authorities in charge might not be giving him the whole truth, and that a terrible fate may befall all the patients in spooky Ward C -- a unit devoted to the most heinous of the hospital's inmates. Complicating matters further, Teddy has a secret of his own -- the arsonist who murdered his wife is incarcerated on Shutter Island. Driven to confront his wife's killer, and stranded on the island because of a hurricane, Teddy must unravel the secrets of the eerie place before succumbing to his own madness. Max von Sydow, Emily Mortimer, Michelle Williams, Patricia Clarkson, and Jackie Earle Haley round out the supporting cast.

{contain spoilers}

The mind is a fascinating organ and a powerful media in creating realities. The riveting way in which the story slowly unfolds with adequate clues along the way (if you are looking carefully) makes for an interesting movie, on par with A Dangerous Mind staring Russel Crowe. What is reality and how our minds may distort it is scary if we stop to think about it. In some ways, reality is what we make of it. Reality is built up by how we perceive the information received by our senses. What if somethings goes wrong with the process of perceiving? What if some trauma or injury distorts our perceiving? What type of reality do we then live in? And if one is caught in this reality, how can this person be helped.

In the movie, psychiatrist Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley) enters the psychotic reality of ex-federal marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) in order to help him confront the truth and destroy the false reality he was caught in. Such delusional realities are very hard to break. By moving into Daniels' reality, Cawley reminds me of God who became man to move into our reality and break the bondage of sin. Only by his incarnation is our bondage to sin broken and we are able to perceive a new reality. Daniels' trauma is his murder of his wife and children and it is this that distort his perception of reality. His mind creates a reality for him to exist and escape from the pain that he feels.

I often wonder whether the reality that we exist in now is an illusion, created by our minds to escape the trauma of separation from God which is our sin. Now even when Jesus has come, we often, like Daniels in the movie, keep slipping back into his version of reality in order to escape the truth.

Another thought. Is it better to live and die pain-free in a reality which is an illusion or is it better to wake and face the pain of reality?

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Snapshots from Japan (3)

Osaka Castle

stone walls

view from the top of the castle
beautiful scene with sakura blossoms

museum in castle- miniatures in a battle

castle plan