I understand the discussion between Peter Rollins, Alfie and Eliot to be about viewing psychoanalysis from the perspective of christian theology and religion, where Pete proposes both theoretical and liturgical approaches to Christianity by creating a space for community to experience our lack or self-divided version of ourselves. I learnt that Pete spoke about retroactive…
Prayer for perpetrators of death penalty and state-sanctioned violence
Two thousand years ago, a man was hung on the cross by the cruel authorities, and he prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Yesterday morning, a man was hung by Singapore authorities who insisted that he knew what he was doing. All he knew back then was that he…
Significance of animals in the Bible
What the Bible can teach us about nature conservation I remember some years ago, I was reading an anthology about ecology, in which an article opined about how Christianity seems to focus only on the salvation of humankind, without really advocating nature conservation or environmental consciousness. That view didn’t really sit well with me. After…
The narrow way: knowing thy true self and living a self-sustainable lifestyle
It has been a long time since I last read the mainstream newspaper, but I decided to buy today’s paper in order to access some news articles on the latest nature conservation issues. As I read the first few pages, I get a sense that the news seem to be catering mainly to the privileged…
Notes on Jewish Vaccines Against Mimetic Desire: René Girard and Jewish Ritual
According to a thesis, Rene Girard’s theory of mimetic desire, rivalry and scapegoating offers a viable alternative to the still-dominant sacrificial theology of the cross of Jesus Christ. The thesis examines three Jewish “vaccines” to the mimetic disease as follows: the Birkhat ha-Banim (“The Blessing of the Children”); the reading of the Book of Esther…
Me, We and Everybody (Notes from Robcast)
The topic of Rob Bell’s podcast message is about how humans grow, develop, mature and evolve. In this episode, the speakers are starting with a very simple and elementary framework or model, before they seek to add more detail and colour in subsequent episodes. I learnt from Rob Bell that his message is ultimately about…
Our death drive: Oppression, exploitation and deforestation
Has the Bible ever mentioned anything about Nature conservation? I have been wondering about it for some time. There seem to be few references on how to treat our natural environment well. Genesis 1 mentions about humans being stewards of the Earth (taking care of it rather than dominating and destroying it). Proverbs 12:10 talks…
Rightly dividing the word of truth: interpreting sin and righteousness in the light of the new covenant
In view of the new covenant, good and evil is defined in terms of faith and unbelief respectively. Before the cross, man defined good and evil in terms of good deeds and bad deeds respectively. After the cross, the gospel of grace proclaims that the man shall live by faith, not by works. If we…
One faith, many expressions: A case for interfaith dialogue
Mention Christianity or Catholicism, and some people will be turned off because of its violent history and baggage. No doubt Christianity or Roman Catholicism has its ignoble past, arising out of ignorance or blindness in the merciless pursuit of power and control over others. The same phenomenon has afflicted most other major religions or belief…
The Mystery of Christ 