So, its been a few weeks now and I've gotten a chance to really get a feel for Al-Jezeerah, so I thought I'd post my review.
First, the most important issue: trustworethiness. The style of journalism that Al-Jezeerah uses reminds me of the BBC reporters who-- rather mercilessly sometimes, but always to the benefit of the public-- tend to hound their interviewees and not let them avoid giving a real answer. They back up their information alot. I am impressed with the amount of references and the effort to get as many different opinions on an issue as possible. I also really appreciate how they report things and events in Europe and the Americas that other western news stations do not. Different things catch their reporter's attentions, than ours.
On the bias-factor they rate pretty average. I treasure them for their outside, sometimes overly critical view of Europe and the Americas. They don't cut us any slack, but to a person who is interested in international relations, the insight into the Middle Eastern view of us, is like the choicest green apple sucker in a candy shop full of pink and red. Honestly though, they only criticize us about as much as our leading parties criticize whatever other party is ruling for the moment, and a mite less than FOX criticizes everybody but itself.
Obviously their bias tends to lead them to showing the Middle East and North Africa in a slightly kinder light. They've been doing a running series where they talk about Media blind spots around the world-- places where the freedom of speech is limited. They've talked plenty about the Indian and North African regions, but at the end of one of their programs they did a very quick two minuete story on how Arabia is censoring the internet and tracking its citizens on it. It was very cursory but I would have thought, considering Arabia's importance in the Middle Eastern population, that it would have a much bigger story. I apprechiate the increased and in-depth coverage of North Africa on Al-Jezeerah but I don't find myself listening to it to find out events in the Middle East, so much as attitudes.
For example, they did a piece on how the International Criminal Court called for the arrest of the leader of Sudan, in responce to the crisis in Darfur. The Sudanese people went out on the streets in protest, claiming that they did not recognize the ICC, and why should their president be arrested when former President Bush roamed free? Basically the whole article was about how the Middle East saw this, not as a just law and mandate, but as evidence of the predjudice the europeans and americans have for muslims.
My responce to which, is this: ITS FREAKIN DARFUR GENOCIDE MAN! OF COURSE WE'RE GONNA ARREST HIM!
but it goes to show how very sensitive the Middle Eastern people are feeling right now.
Al-Jezeerah also seems to be preoccupied with the changing face of journalism these days, and they talk about the influence of facebook and twitter a lot. As a journalism student, I find these pieces very interesting and exciting, but to someone less interested I can easily see them wondering why Al-Jezeerah seems to do more reporting on reporting than doing actual reporting. It may just be because of their Media Blind Spots series that the subject comes up so often though, it may not be like this normally.
Between my 3 news stations, NPR, BBC, and Al-Jezeerah, I still find the BBC is best for the least biased content. Al-Jezeerah provides some of the most in-depth, well researched content, and NPR is good for local and national news.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Didache Untangled
So, here I was planning to describe what insights I gained about the early church from this Didache.
I'll skip over the 1st 6 chapters, which say really most of what I've read in the Bible
In Chapter 7 the Didache instructs its audience to recite the Our Father/Lord's Prayer 3 times a day.
There is no practise in Protestant sects I've run into, that takes this attitude towards prayer, worship and the like except the Catholic Church. This similarity disturbed me, and I wondered why, if the Church of Christ were supposed to be the revived early church, didn't its members follow the Didache's instructions.
I was further disturbed by Ch9, The Eucharist.
Apparently the early church worship was centered on the eucharist, and they were organized. They had perscibed prayers and a set order of worship. If scholars had read this Didache like I had, I wondered why the Church of Christ wasn't more centered on the Eucharist/Communion.
Also this spoke to early church theology as well. If their worship was centered on the Eucharist, it only follows that their theology was as well. You only do things if they have meaning.
Could it be that the early church held the belief of Transubstantiation?
(Transubstantiation- the belief that the bread and wine of the Eucharist are in fact the real and present body and blood of Jesus, not just a symbol of him)
While I had laughed at the idea of Transubstantiation before this document quieted me. What if the early church did believe in Transubstantiation, and the babtizing of babies? These things didn't make sense to me as is, but if the apostles did them, then maybe I was the one who was wrong, who misunderstood christianity. After all, christians are supposed to believe in miracles right? Why not these miracles?
Even if I was jumping the gun, the list of set prayers at least defeated the Protestant argument that stuff like that was listed amoug the burdensome rules of the old jewish law. I could see no basis for Prostestant critisism of the Mass anymore.
Ch11 bothered me for this verse:
"Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord."
Why the word apostle? Why not "one of the apostles"? The translator surely didnt' mean a generic prophet, because he uses the word elsewhere in the document. Here though, he uses the word "apostle." This made me nervous because it hinted at a possible doctrine of apostolic sucession, through which the Catholic church claim's the Pope's authority.
Ch13 : "Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have no prophet, give it to the poor."
A common criticism of Protestants towards the Catholic church is that the church has no need of priests, that a person does not have to go through another person to get to God. This is a very individualistic, american pattern of thinking. I can think of no other culture that has a problem with the idea of priests, including it seems, the early christian church. This is not to say that a person with no access to a priest cannot reach God. Communion with God is reached through Christ's Blood, and through Christ's Body on earth-- the Church-- i.e.- through other christians who can help you through their guidence and wisdom. Protestant's can't criticize Priests without gettting rid of thier own pastors, deacons, and elders. Other than sanctify the eucharist, which as a sacrefice usually calls for the roll of a priest, I have not seen Priests do anything that Pastors don't. Pastors even take confession after a fashion, just simply in a less organized way.
All these thoughts rattled me. I went to the WhiteStation/Grace Crossing summer camp shortly after reading this, and tried to ask the leaders there but I could get no answer. When I set up a meeting with a Harding Grad School Proffessor he could only say that he didn't want to discredit some of the things Ignatius said, because other stuff he said was vital to Protestant theology. In other words, Protestants only followed 1/2, and yet they still listed these sources as realiable accounts. It didn't make sense to me. It still doesn't.
I am just about to finish up Clement's letter the Corinthians, so I'll do him next time.
I'll skip over the 1st 6 chapters, which say really most of what I've read in the Bible
In Chapter 7 the Didache instructs its audience to recite the Our Father/Lord's Prayer 3 times a day.
There is no practise in Protestant sects I've run into, that takes this attitude towards prayer, worship and the like except the Catholic Church. This similarity disturbed me, and I wondered why, if the Church of Christ were supposed to be the revived early church, didn't its members follow the Didache's instructions.
I was further disturbed by Ch9, The Eucharist.
Apparently the early church worship was centered on the eucharist, and they were organized. They had perscibed prayers and a set order of worship. If scholars had read this Didache like I had, I wondered why the Church of Christ wasn't more centered on the Eucharist/Communion.
Also this spoke to early church theology as well. If their worship was centered on the Eucharist, it only follows that their theology was as well. You only do things if they have meaning.
Could it be that the early church held the belief of Transubstantiation?
(Transubstantiation- the belief that the bread and wine of the Eucharist are in fact the real and present body and blood of Jesus, not just a symbol of him)
While I had laughed at the idea of Transubstantiation before this document quieted me. What if the early church did believe in Transubstantiation, and the babtizing of babies? These things didn't make sense to me as is, but if the apostles did them, then maybe I was the one who was wrong, who misunderstood christianity. After all, christians are supposed to believe in miracles right? Why not these miracles?
Even if I was jumping the gun, the list of set prayers at least defeated the Protestant argument that stuff like that was listed amoug the burdensome rules of the old jewish law. I could see no basis for Prostestant critisism of the Mass anymore.
Ch11 bothered me for this verse:
"Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord."
Why the word apostle? Why not "one of the apostles"? The translator surely didnt' mean a generic prophet, because he uses the word elsewhere in the document. Here though, he uses the word "apostle." This made me nervous because it hinted at a possible doctrine of apostolic sucession, through which the Catholic church claim's the Pope's authority.
Ch13 : "Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have no prophet, give it to the poor."
A common criticism of Protestants towards the Catholic church is that the church has no need of priests, that a person does not have to go through another person to get to God. This is a very individualistic, american pattern of thinking. I can think of no other culture that has a problem with the idea of priests, including it seems, the early christian church. This is not to say that a person with no access to a priest cannot reach God. Communion with God is reached through Christ's Blood, and through Christ's Body on earth-- the Church-- i.e.- through other christians who can help you through their guidence and wisdom. Protestant's can't criticize Priests without gettting rid of thier own pastors, deacons, and elders. Other than sanctify the eucharist, which as a sacrefice usually calls for the roll of a priest, I have not seen Priests do anything that Pastors don't. Pastors even take confession after a fashion, just simply in a less organized way.
All these thoughts rattled me. I went to the WhiteStation/Grace Crossing summer camp shortly after reading this, and tried to ask the leaders there but I could get no answer. When I set up a meeting with a Harding Grad School Proffessor he could only say that he didn't want to discredit some of the things Ignatius said, because other stuff he said was vital to Protestant theology. In other words, Protestants only followed 1/2, and yet they still listed these sources as realiable accounts. It didn't make sense to me. It still doesn't.
I am just about to finish up Clement's letter the Corinthians, so I'll do him next time.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Podcast Invasion
So,
I am going to post all that stuff I got from reading the Didache,... when I get (off my lazy butt and) around to it.
I just wanted to drop a line about my first expierience listening to Aljezeera.
Wow! Top headlines from the first one I listened to: Foreign Journalists that the USA has locked Up/ Review of how American Journalism talks about torture / what Obama is releasing from the Bush-torture era, and what he's not/ an article on fake-Pentagon fabricated articles in America's leading Newspapers (some how Bush released enough people from Guantanamo to come up with the statistic that 1/7 detainees returned to Jihad)
And I thought the BBC was unbiased! Wow
My favorite line, "the so-called 'War on Terror'"
Its like listening to what all the other people say behind your back through a conviently placed hole in the air pipe that runs between the boy's and girl's bathroom.
Its called the Aljezeera Listening Post if anyone's interested, and its free subscription
I've also subscribed to (and these are all free of iTunes)
-BBC Radio Newspod
-NPR Books Podcast
-NPR Fresh Air Podcast
-NPR Religion Podcast
-NPR Talk of the Nation
-The Onion Radio News
-The show with zeFrank (mmmduckies!)
I am going to post all that stuff I got from reading the Didache,... when I get (off my lazy butt and) around to it.
I just wanted to drop a line about my first expierience listening to Aljezeera.
Wow! Top headlines from the first one I listened to: Foreign Journalists that the USA has locked Up/ Review of how American Journalism talks about torture / what Obama is releasing from the Bush-torture era, and what he's not/ an article on fake-Pentagon fabricated articles in America's leading Newspapers (some how Bush released enough people from Guantanamo to come up with the statistic that 1/7 detainees returned to Jihad)
And I thought the BBC was unbiased! Wow
My favorite line, "the so-called 'War on Terror'"
Its like listening to what all the other people say behind your back through a conviently placed hole in the air pipe that runs between the boy's and girl's bathroom.
Its called the Aljezeera Listening Post if anyone's interested, and its free subscription
I've also subscribed to (and these are all free of iTunes)
-BBC Radio Newspod
-NPR Books Podcast
-NPR Fresh Air Podcast
-NPR Religion Podcast
-NPR Talk of the Nation
-The Onion Radio News
-The show with zeFrank (mmmduckies!)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The Didache
This was the first early christian document i read. Since it is so short (1pg) I'm going to just copy and paste it here so everyone can read it. But first, a little backstory.
The Didache is proportedly written by the apostles, though nobody is really sure about that. Most scholars seem to date it around the end of the first century. That is important because according to the general popular protestant consensus (or my gauge of it, correct me if I'm wrong alota protestants disagree on what date the early church died but this date is at least in keeping with the protestant circles I've run in) the early church was good up till the 2nd century during which it weakened and by the 3rd century it was the unreliable mush pot of the catholic church. Also other copies of the earliest didache match up even though they're 100 plus years apart. so this is a fairly reliable document so far as I understand. Enough bio, here's the real thing:In my net blog I'll disect what I learned and understand from it, but for now I think its good for you to be given a chance to draw you're own conclusions.
The DidacheThe Lord's Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations.
Chapter 1. The Two Ways and the First Commandment. There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want done to you. And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there for loving those who love you? Do not the Gentiles do the same? But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy. Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone strikes your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect. If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two. If someone takes your cloak, give him also your coat. If someone takes from you what is yours, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able. Give to every one who asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts). Happy is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is guiltless. Woe to him who receives; for if one receives who has need, he is guiltless; but he who receives not having need shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what. And coming into confinement, he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape from there until he pays back the last penny. And also concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.Chapter 2. The Second Commandment: Grave Sin Forbidden. And the second commandment of the Teaching; You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not commit pederasty, you shall not commit fornication, you shall not steal, you shall not practice magic, you shall not practice witchcraft, you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is born. You shall not covet the things of your neighbor, you shall not swear, you shall not bear false witness, you shall not speak evil, you shall bear no grudge. You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued, for to be double-tongued is a snare of death. Your speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed. You shall not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. You shall not take evil counsel against your neighbor. You shall not hate any man; but some you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life.Chapter 3. Other Sins Forbidden. My child, flee from every evil thing, and from every likeness of it. Be not prone to anger, for anger leads to murder. Be neither jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper, for out of all these murders are engendered. My child, be not a lustful one. for lust leads to fornication. Be neither a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye, for out of all these adulteries are engendered. My child, be not an observer of omens, since it leads to idolatry. Be neither an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to took at these things, for out of all these idolatry is engendered. My child, be not a liar, since a lie leads to theft. Be neither money-loving, nor vainglorious, for out of all these thefts are engendered. My child, be not a murmurer, since it leads the way to blasphemy. Be neither self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are engendered.Rather, be meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth. Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and gentle and good and always trembling at the words which you have heard. You shall not exalt yourself, nor give over-confidence to your soul. Your soul shall not be joined with lofty ones, but with just and lowly ones shall it have its intercourse. Accept whatever happens to you as good, knowing that apart from God nothing comes to pass.Chapter 4. Various Precepts. My child, remember night and day him who speaks the word of God to you, and honor him as you do the Lord. For wherever the lordly rule is uttered, there is the Lord. And seek out day by day the faces of the saints, in order that you may rest upon their words. Do not long for division, but rather bring those who contend to peace. Judge righteously, and do not respect persons in reproving for transgressions. You shall not be undecided whether or not it shall be. Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of them back to give. If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins. Do not hesitate to give, nor complain when you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire. Do not turn away from him who is in want; rather, share all things with your brother, and do not say that they are your own. For if you are partakers in that which is immortal, how much more in things which are mortal? Do not remove your hand from your son or daughter; rather, teach them the fear of God from their youth. Do not enjoin anything in your bitterness upon your bondman or maidservant, who hope in the same God, lest ever they shall fear not God who is over both; for he comes not to call according to the outward appearance, but to them whom the Spirit has prepared. And you bondmen shall be subject to your masters as to a type of God, in modesty and fear. You shall hate all hypocrisy and everything which is not pleasing to the Lord. Do not in any way forsake the commandments of the Lord; but keep what you have received, neither adding thereto nor taking away therefrom. In the church you shall acknowledge your transgressions, and you shall not come near for your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.Chapter 5. The Way of Death. And the way of death is this: First of all it is evil and accursed: murders, adultery, lust, fornication, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcrafts, rape, false witness, hypocrisy, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness; persecutors of the good, hating truth, loving a lie, not knowing a reward for righteousness, not cleaving to good nor to righteous judgment, watching not for that which is good, but for that which is evil; from whom meekness and endurance are far, loving vanities, pursuing revenge, not pitying a poor man, not laboring for the afflicted, not knowing Him Who made them, murderers of children, destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him who is in want, afflicting him who is distressed, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners. Be delivered, children, from all these.Chapter 6. Against False Teachers, and Food Offered to Idols. See that no one causes you to err from this way of the Teaching, since apart from God it teaches you. For if you are able to bear the entire yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able to do this, do what you are able. And concerning food, bear what you are able; but against that which is sacrificed to idols be exceedingly careful; for it is the service of dead gods.Chapter 7. Concerning Baptism. And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.Chapter 8. Fasting and Prayer (the Lord's Prayer). But let not your fasts be with the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week. Rather, fast on the fourth day and the Preparation (Friday). Do not pray like the hypocrites, but rather as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, like this:Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Thine is the power and the glory for ever..Pray this three times each day.Chapter 9. The Eucharist. Now concerning the Eucharist, give thanks this way. First, concerning the cup:We thank thee, our Father, for the holy vine of David Thy servant, which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever..And concerning the broken bread:We thank Thee, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Thy kingdom; for Thine is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever..But let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, unless they have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, "Give not that which is holy to the dogs."Chapter 10. Prayer after Communion. But after you are filled, give thanks this way:We thank Thee, holy Father, for Thy holy name which You didst cause to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You modest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Thou, Master almighty, didst create all things for Thy name's sake; You gavest food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to Thee; but to us You didst freely give spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Thy Servant. Before all things we thank Thee that You are mighty; to Thee be the glory for ever. Remember, Lord, Thy Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Thy love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Thy kingdom which Thou have prepared for it; for Thine is the power and the glory for ever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God (Son) of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.But permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as much as they desire.Chapter 11. Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets. Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not. But if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel. Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain more than one day; or two days, if there's a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him.Chapter 12. Reception of Christians. But receive everyone who comes in the name of the Lord, and prove and know him afterward; for you shall have understanding right and left. If he who comes is a wayfarer, assist him as far as you are able; but he shall not remain with you more than two or three days, if need be. But if he wants to stay with you, and is an artisan, let him work and eat. But if he has no trade, according to your understanding, see to it that, as a Christian, he shall not live with you idle. But if he wills not to do, he is a Christ-monger. Watch that you keep away from such.Chapter 13. Support of Prophets. But every true prophet who wants to live among you is worthy of his support. So also a true teacher is himself worthy, as the workman, of his support. Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have no prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first-fruit and give according to the commandment. So also when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the prophets; and of money (silver) and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to you, and give according to the commandment.Chapter 14. Christian Assembly on the Lord's Day. But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one who is at odds with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: "In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations."Chapter 15. Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof. Appoint, therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, and truthful and proved; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Therefore do not despise them, for they are your honored ones, together with the prophets and teachers. And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as you have it in the Gospel. But to anyone that acts amiss against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear anything from you until he repents. But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do, as you have it in the Gospel of our Lord.Chapter 16. Watchfulness; the Coming of the Lord. Watch for your life's sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ready, for you know not the hour in which our Lord will come. But come together often, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if you are not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increases, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver as Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but those who endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth: first, the sign of an outspreading in heaven, then the sign of the sound of the trumpet. And third, the resurrection of the dead -- yet not of all, but as it is said: "The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him." Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.
The Didache is proportedly written by the apostles, though nobody is really sure about that. Most scholars seem to date it around the end of the first century. That is important because according to the general popular protestant consensus (or my gauge of it, correct me if I'm wrong alota protestants disagree on what date the early church died but this date is at least in keeping with the protestant circles I've run in) the early church was good up till the 2nd century during which it weakened and by the 3rd century it was the unreliable mush pot of the catholic church. Also other copies of the earliest didache match up even though they're 100 plus years apart. so this is a fairly reliable document so far as I understand. Enough bio, here's the real thing:In my net blog I'll disect what I learned and understand from it, but for now I think its good for you to be given a chance to draw you're own conclusions.
The DidacheThe Lord's Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations.
Chapter 1. The Two Ways and the First Commandment. There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want done to you. And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there for loving those who love you? Do not the Gentiles do the same? But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy. Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone strikes your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect. If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two. If someone takes your cloak, give him also your coat. If someone takes from you what is yours, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able. Give to every one who asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts). Happy is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is guiltless. Woe to him who receives; for if one receives who has need, he is guiltless; but he who receives not having need shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what. And coming into confinement, he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape from there until he pays back the last penny. And also concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.Chapter 2. The Second Commandment: Grave Sin Forbidden. And the second commandment of the Teaching; You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not commit pederasty, you shall not commit fornication, you shall not steal, you shall not practice magic, you shall not practice witchcraft, you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is born. You shall not covet the things of your neighbor, you shall not swear, you shall not bear false witness, you shall not speak evil, you shall bear no grudge. You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued, for to be double-tongued is a snare of death. Your speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed. You shall not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. You shall not take evil counsel against your neighbor. You shall not hate any man; but some you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life.Chapter 3. Other Sins Forbidden. My child, flee from every evil thing, and from every likeness of it. Be not prone to anger, for anger leads to murder. Be neither jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper, for out of all these murders are engendered. My child, be not a lustful one. for lust leads to fornication. Be neither a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye, for out of all these adulteries are engendered. My child, be not an observer of omens, since it leads to idolatry. Be neither an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to took at these things, for out of all these idolatry is engendered. My child, be not a liar, since a lie leads to theft. Be neither money-loving, nor vainglorious, for out of all these thefts are engendered. My child, be not a murmurer, since it leads the way to blasphemy. Be neither self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are engendered.Rather, be meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth. Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and gentle and good and always trembling at the words which you have heard. You shall not exalt yourself, nor give over-confidence to your soul. Your soul shall not be joined with lofty ones, but with just and lowly ones shall it have its intercourse. Accept whatever happens to you as good, knowing that apart from God nothing comes to pass.Chapter 4. Various Precepts. My child, remember night and day him who speaks the word of God to you, and honor him as you do the Lord. For wherever the lordly rule is uttered, there is the Lord. And seek out day by day the faces of the saints, in order that you may rest upon their words. Do not long for division, but rather bring those who contend to peace. Judge righteously, and do not respect persons in reproving for transgressions. You shall not be undecided whether or not it shall be. Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of them back to give. If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins. Do not hesitate to give, nor complain when you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire. Do not turn away from him who is in want; rather, share all things with your brother, and do not say that they are your own. For if you are partakers in that which is immortal, how much more in things which are mortal? Do not remove your hand from your son or daughter; rather, teach them the fear of God from their youth. Do not enjoin anything in your bitterness upon your bondman or maidservant, who hope in the same God, lest ever they shall fear not God who is over both; for he comes not to call according to the outward appearance, but to them whom the Spirit has prepared. And you bondmen shall be subject to your masters as to a type of God, in modesty and fear. You shall hate all hypocrisy and everything which is not pleasing to the Lord. Do not in any way forsake the commandments of the Lord; but keep what you have received, neither adding thereto nor taking away therefrom. In the church you shall acknowledge your transgressions, and you shall not come near for your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.Chapter 5. The Way of Death. And the way of death is this: First of all it is evil and accursed: murders, adultery, lust, fornication, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcrafts, rape, false witness, hypocrisy, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness; persecutors of the good, hating truth, loving a lie, not knowing a reward for righteousness, not cleaving to good nor to righteous judgment, watching not for that which is good, but for that which is evil; from whom meekness and endurance are far, loving vanities, pursuing revenge, not pitying a poor man, not laboring for the afflicted, not knowing Him Who made them, murderers of children, destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him who is in want, afflicting him who is distressed, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners. Be delivered, children, from all these.Chapter 6. Against False Teachers, and Food Offered to Idols. See that no one causes you to err from this way of the Teaching, since apart from God it teaches you. For if you are able to bear the entire yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able to do this, do what you are able. And concerning food, bear what you are able; but against that which is sacrificed to idols be exceedingly careful; for it is the service of dead gods.Chapter 7. Concerning Baptism. And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.Chapter 8. Fasting and Prayer (the Lord's Prayer). But let not your fasts be with the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week. Rather, fast on the fourth day and the Preparation (Friday). Do not pray like the hypocrites, but rather as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, like this:Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Thine is the power and the glory for ever..Pray this three times each day.Chapter 9. The Eucharist. Now concerning the Eucharist, give thanks this way. First, concerning the cup:We thank thee, our Father, for the holy vine of David Thy servant, which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever..And concerning the broken bread:We thank Thee, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Thy kingdom; for Thine is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever..But let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, unless they have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, "Give not that which is holy to the dogs."Chapter 10. Prayer after Communion. But after you are filled, give thanks this way:We thank Thee, holy Father, for Thy holy name which You didst cause to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You modest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Thou, Master almighty, didst create all things for Thy name's sake; You gavest food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to Thee; but to us You didst freely give spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Thy Servant. Before all things we thank Thee that You are mighty; to Thee be the glory for ever. Remember, Lord, Thy Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Thy love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Thy kingdom which Thou have prepared for it; for Thine is the power and the glory for ever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God (Son) of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.But permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as much as they desire.Chapter 11. Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets. Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not. But if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel. Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain more than one day; or two days, if there's a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him.Chapter 12. Reception of Christians. But receive everyone who comes in the name of the Lord, and prove and know him afterward; for you shall have understanding right and left. If he who comes is a wayfarer, assist him as far as you are able; but he shall not remain with you more than two or three days, if need be. But if he wants to stay with you, and is an artisan, let him work and eat. But if he has no trade, according to your understanding, see to it that, as a Christian, he shall not live with you idle. But if he wills not to do, he is a Christ-monger. Watch that you keep away from such.Chapter 13. Support of Prophets. But every true prophet who wants to live among you is worthy of his support. So also a true teacher is himself worthy, as the workman, of his support. Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have no prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first-fruit and give according to the commandment. So also when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the prophets; and of money (silver) and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to you, and give according to the commandment.Chapter 14. Christian Assembly on the Lord's Day. But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one who is at odds with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: "In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations."Chapter 15. Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof. Appoint, therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, and truthful and proved; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Therefore do not despise them, for they are your honored ones, together with the prophets and teachers. And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as you have it in the Gospel. But to anyone that acts amiss against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear anything from you until he repents. But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do, as you have it in the Gospel of our Lord.Chapter 16. Watchfulness; the Coming of the Lord. Watch for your life's sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ready, for you know not the hour in which our Lord will come. But come together often, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if you are not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increases, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver as Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but those who endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth: first, the sign of an outspreading in heaven, then the sign of the sound of the trumpet. And third, the resurrection of the dead -- yet not of all, but as it is said: "The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him." Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Enemy
Imagine, if our planet, our species was destroyed in civil war, and only a few remnants of our race were left, if these remnants found out a way to revive our planet and species, if this power was located on another planet and all it would cost was some minor disturbance to go to the planet, get the power-source thingy and return home with it.
Now imagine if,after this revelation, one portion of the remnant decided that the life of our planet and race wasn't worth the possible lives lost on the other planet if we interferred; f this portion believed in this so strongly they even revived the civil war that destroyed us in the first place in order to stop us accidently killing a few lives on an alien planet. Which side do you think would be considered the bad guys?
It would be one thing to be careful, if perhaps you thought the other side would wreck havoc on the alien planet. You could go there yourself, and carefully get this power source, take it safely back home and revive your planet's and species' lives without harming the alien life, but to go so far as to destroy the source for man's redemption in order to save a small percentage of alien life?
I'd call you the enemy.
If you haven't guessed by now I am talking about the baseline plot for Transformers
Go Decepticons!! (even if you have a crummy name)
Tune in next week for a literary analysis of Spiderman's gym shorts! (The eternal question: red on blue or blue on red?)
Now imagine if,after this revelation, one portion of the remnant decided that the life of our planet and race wasn't worth the possible lives lost on the other planet if we interferred; f this portion believed in this so strongly they even revived the civil war that destroyed us in the first place in order to stop us accidently killing a few lives on an alien planet. Which side do you think would be considered the bad guys?
It would be one thing to be careful, if perhaps you thought the other side would wreck havoc on the alien planet. You could go there yourself, and carefully get this power source, take it safely back home and revive your planet's and species' lives without harming the alien life, but to go so far as to destroy the source for man's redemption in order to save a small percentage of alien life?
I'd call you the enemy.
If you haven't guessed by now I am talking about the baseline plot for Transformers
Go Decepticons!! (even if you have a crummy name)
Tune in next week for a literary analysis of Spiderman's gym shorts! (The eternal question: red on blue or blue on red?)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
