With Due Respect: Should we use gender-neutral pronouns for God?

 

To summarise, no. Let me elaborate:

God is revealed in Jesus Christ
He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross - Colossians 1: 15-20

For Christians, the best evidence for God is the personhood and Godhood of Jesus Christ. And Jesus was a man.

In ancient Hebrew, God is referred as male in the Bible
The Lord is my strength and my song,
    and he has become my salvation;
this is my God, and I will praise him,
    my father's God, and I will exalt him.
 The Lord is a man of war;
    the Lord is his name. - Exodus 15: 2-3

In the Bible, God chose to communicate using male pronouns, and is also exclusively described with male pronouns. In the instances where God uses female imagery, He uses them as an analogy rather than a description.

For a long time I have held my peace;
    I have kept still and restrained myself;
now I will cry out like a woman in labor;
    I will gasp and pant. - Isaiah 42:14

Jesus was OK with God's pronouns
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,

 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
    and recovering of sight to the blind,
    to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” -- Luke 4:16-21

Jesus could have taken opportunities to correct the Scriptures, but he did not.

Conclusion
Despite our modern politics and cultural influences, we must be wary of conflating who God is, and what we desire Him to be. For instance, there could be a genuine intellectual desire to describe God as beyond gender (and thus want to use gender-neutral pronouns) but that is not how God has chosen to reveal Himself in ancient Hebrew.

If God is really the most important being in our lives, then we should seek to conform to what has been revealed about Him, rather than relying on our fickle thoughts, feelings and culture.

For more information:

Torah

Interpreting Scripture

Theology 1.0: Who is Saint Andrew Kim Taegon?

 

St Andrew Kim Taegon, depicted in the 2022 Korean film, A Birth

Ask about South Korea, and certain things may come to mind. My wargaming friends may talk about the Korean War which divided the country into two. My parents might talk about food, while my students may chat about the latest K-pop or K-drama trend.

Little people know that South Korea actually has the highest Christian population by percentage (28% as of 2022) in East Asia, and dispatches the 2nd most Christian missionaries across the world (United States is the first).

Christianity was introduced to Korea in the 18th century, when Korean scholars (returning from China) translated western books. At that time, Korea was heavily Confucious and banned Christianity.

Yet it was during this time, that a young Andrew Kim decided to become a priest.

The first Korean-born priest
Born to a ruling-class family in 1821, Kim's parents were Roman Catholic. Despite his father being martyred for his faith, Kim decided to go to seminary after his baptism at age 15.

After spending time in seminary in Portuguese-controlled Macau and the Philippines, Andrew Kim was finally ordained as a priest in Shanghai in 1844 the French bishop Jean-Joseph-Jean-Baptiste Ferreol. He then returned to Korea to evangelise.

After being arrested by the authorities, he was executed by beheading near Seoul in 1846. His last words were,

"This is my last hour of life, listen to me attentively: if I have held communication with foreigners, it has been for my religion and my God. It is for Him that I die. My immortal life is on the point of beginning. Become Christians if you wish to be happy after death, because God has eternal chastisements in store for those who have refused to know Him."

Bishop Ferreol lamented his death, and made a request to be buried next to Kim when he died.

In 1984, Andrew Kim was canonised (along with other Korean martyrs) as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. Birth, a film about his life was released in 2022.

Alternative Culture: John Wesley The World, My Parish Theological Review

[Author's note: I received a free copy of this comic as the writer (Favian) is a personal friend. This no way influences the review.]

An illustrated history of John Wesley

Commissioned by the Methodist Church of Singapore, local artist Favian wrote and illustrated a graphic novel on John Wesley's life. To the uninformed, John Wesley is the founder of the Methodist Church, which is one of the largest Protestant denomination in the world.

So is this book worth reading?

What was good about the book?

Off the bat, I would like to say that the art style is superb. Several of my friends noted that the art reminded them of The Adventures of Tin Tin (with the small eyes and points noses), and the font was a breeze to read.

I would also like to commend Favian for getting little historical details right, such as the design of muskets used during the American Revolution and the historic maps of the United States, even though these were not the main point of the John Wesley's biography.

Favian also should be credited by not shying away from the more controversial aspects of John Wesley's life, such as John's refusal to give communion in the United States, the conflict with his brother Charles Wesley and John's marriage issues. Favian also cleverly hints towards the relationship between Calvinism and early Methodism.

Being a Singaporean publication, the book eventually concludes with the legacy of Methodism in Singapore in the form of churches, shops and schools.

What could have been
Generally, I am impressed by the research and the ease of reading. Jargons like "enthusiasts" and "Moravians" were aptly explained in the footnotes, and the famed Aldersgate experience was passionately described.

If I were to nitpick, I had hoped Favian would add the Methodist campaign against alcohol as the denomination is famed for. Even though John Wesley himself did not directly addressed alcoholism, it would have been informative to elaborate why his successors took such a stance.

Where can I get a copy?

I recommend the book, and you can purchase a copy at this link.

 

Alternative Culture: Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Theological Review

 

Mantis and Drax search Hollywood for Kevin Bacon

After the debacle that is Marvel Phase 4, I finally mustered the courage to catch Guardians of Galaxy Holiday Special. I am glad (and relieved) to say that it is one of the better shows of the Marvel Phase 4 (other than Spider-Man: No Way Home). 

In this post, I want to focus on the theological aspect of the movie, rather than just a review. There might be spoilers, so this is your spoiler-warning.

Values are not universal or self-evident
Right of the bat, the movie goes on to show that the values of the aliens (even within the Guardians) differ from each other. For instance, Drax howled with laughter when Peter's sad Christmas memory was shared, much to Mantis's disgust.

Another example is clearly shown later in the movie when the aliens were obviously fine with human trafficking while Peter (who is a half-human) was morally outraged.

This values dissonance is actually draws in attention how much of our modern day morals are drawn from the experiences of our ancestors. In other words, moral values are neither self-evident or empirical. Atheist philosopher John Gray rightly pointed out in his book Straw Dogs (2003) that our values of human rights and individualism come from Christianity, or specifically that we humans all are equal and valuable before the divine.

For instance, modern slavery is not seen with the same outrage in countries which experienced more levels of Western influence (and hence Christianity). In another example, the historic movement to disband slavery globally (within the British Empire) was also Christian-led (by William Wilberforce).

The distortion of Santa Claus and the Christmas message

Another interesting thing that the movie shows is how easily Christmas lore can be distorted. Near the start of the movie, an alien band sang about how Santa Claus "shoots missiles at your toes" and is a "burglar". To us, it is an obvious misunderstanding of "mistletoe" and Santa entering houses at night.

This is should serve as a warning to Christians on how easily the Christian message can be changed. Even within the first century of Jesus's death, the Gnostics rose up to claim that secret knowledge is required for salvation. After the legalisation of Christianity in the Roman Empire, Arianism arose to claim that the members of the Trinity were not equal. In medieval times, the Cathars advocated against reproduction. Even today, there is a promotion of the prosperity gospel which encourages the pursuit of wealth and health at as evidence of spirituality.

Thus Christians must always be discerning about ideas that are presented to them.

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God -- 1 John 4:1-2

An alien band plays a Christmas song to Peter, without understanding what Christmas is

Uniting as family is important
The major thing I think the film does well is the secular presentation of the Christmas message. Christmas is not about gifts or Santa Claus, but rather uniting as one family.

This film parallels the Christian message, which emphasises that the birth of Jesus paved a way for the people to be adopted into the family of God.  

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—  to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. -- Ephesians 1: 4-6

Of course I am not saying Peter's father represents God in any way, but the fact that the movie focuses on the importance of the intangible ties between the Guardians (specially two of them).

The Guardians exchange gifts with each other

Conclusion
I am pleasantly surprised but how a short and simple Marvel film can bring a warm message. I recommend it.

My Confession: Reflections on Job 8

 

I continue my reflections on Job.

Synopsis
Job's reply in Job 6-7 did not sit well with Bildad. It was now Bildad turn to speak,

“How long will you say such things?
    Your words are a blustering wind.
Does God pervert justice?
    Does the Almighty pervert what is right?" (Job 8:2-3)

According to Bildad, Job's children got what they deserved for their sin. He explained,

"When your children sinned against him,
    he gave them over to the penalty of their sin." (Job 8:4)

He continued,

"Such is the destiny of all who forget God;
    so perishes the hope of the godless.
 What they trust in is fragile;
    what they rely on is a spider’s web." (Job 8: 13-14)

He then concludes by a simple view of God's justice,

“Surely God does not reject one who is blameless
    or strengthen the hands of evildoers.
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter
    and your lips with shouts of joy.
Your enemies will be clothed in shame,
    and the tents of the wicked will be no more.” (Job 8:20 -23)

My reflections
Despite his attempt to comfort Job, Bildad is wrong in relegating God to a simplistic view of justice. In his view, only the good are rewarded while the wicked are punished. In other words, physical health and material wealth is one way to know if a person is right with God.

But we definitely know that this is not true. In our lifetime, we definitely have witness injustice. There are healthy and rich people who are corrupt; while there are sickly and poor people who are honest. Bildad seems to be promoting a form of prosperity gospel.

I myself must not follow in Bildad's theology and promote such binary thinking.

Theology 1.0: How did Christianity first appear in Mongolia?

A rock formation in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. Taken 2017

In 2010, it is estimated that there are about 41,000 Christians (about 2.1%) in Mongolia. While Central Asia has generally been unfriendly to Christians (as Christians were persecuted under Islamic and Communist rule), Christianity has a long history there.

First appearance

The earliest known appearance of Christianity in Mongolia was in the 600s. The White Huns (who were west of Mongolia) requested for a Nestorian Christian bishop in 549, and by 650 there were 20 Nestorian diocese east of the White Huns.

Some Mongol tribes like the Naimans and Keraites accepted Nestorian Christianity as their tribal religion.

Rise of the Mongols
The presence of Nestorian tribes meant that there were Nestorian Christians in key roles during the rise of the Mongols (under Genghis Khan). While Genghis himself was a beliver in Tengri, his empire had a policy of religious tolerance.

Examples of Nestorian Christians under his adminstration included Sorghaghtani Beki (his daughter-in-law) and Sartaq Khan (Khan of the Golden Horde).

Such a policy allowed the Roman Catholics to send missions into the Mongol Empire. In 1289, John of Montecorvino translated Psalms and the New Testament in the Mongol language and built a church in Mongol-controlled China.

Decline of Christianity
After the Black Death, the Mongols were driven out of their territories in China. The now Ming Dynasty expelled the Christians.

In addition, 3 of the 4 Mongol successor empires embraced Islam, which meant that it was difficult to send more missions to Mongolia or Central Asia.

Although there were missions sent much later (like one led by James Gilmour in the 1800s), there were little growth in Christianity there. When Mongolia became communist in 1924, Christianity was discouraged.

A new beginning?

With the fall of the communist government in 1990, Christianity was again allowed in the country.

With Due Respect: Does Numbers 5:27 support abortion?

 

Hector and his daughter Liliana from Fire Emblem Cipher 

Often Christians use the Bible to justify their moral or political stance. In this way, we all fall temptation to misquoting the Bible. One example I want to examine today is the Book of Numbers and abortion.

Numbers and abortion
One of the popular Bible quotes for pro-abortion Christians is from Numbers 5:27:

If she has made herself impure and been unfaithful to her husband, this will be the result: When she is made to drink the water that brings a curse and causes bitter suffering, it will enter her, her abdomen will swell and her womb will miscarry, and she will become a curse. (Numbers 5:27; NIV)

In other words, the author of the passage was describing how to cause a miscarriage, which implied that abortion was acceptable during the Old Testament times.

Immediately you should see the fallacies in such an argument.

Fallacy 1: Describing is not the same as endorsing
One giant mistake that such pro-abortionists make is that just because the Bible describes something, it does not mean the Bible supports it.

For instance, in my history blog I often describe horrors of the Japanese Occupation of Singapore. This does not mean that I support such terrors.

Describing the expansion of Imperial Japan is not the same as supporting it.

Fallacy 2: The context is a test for unfaithfulness, not procedure for an abortion.

Even a simple look at the verse in context reveals that the passage is not about abortion, but about punishment for unfaithfulness.

But if you have gone astray while married to your husband and you have made yourself impure by having sexual relations with a man other than your husband”— here the priest is to put the woman under this curse—“may the Lord cause you to become a curse among your people when he makes your womb miscarry and your abdomen swell. (Numbers 5: 20-21; NIV)

Fallacy 3: The verse is not deliberately causing a miscarriage
While the NIV translators used the term "miscarry", it is not a unanimous translation. The same passage is translated slightly differently even within the English versions.

And when he has made her drink the water, then, if she has defiled herself and has broken faith with her husband, the water that brings the curse shall enter into her and cause bitter pain, and her womb shall swell, and her thigh shall fall away, and the woman shall become a curse among her people. (Numbers 5:27; ESV)

When he has made her drink the water, then, if she has defiled herself and has been unfaithful to her husband, the water that brings the curse shall enter into her and cause bitter pain, and her womb shall discharge, her uterus drop, and the woman shall become an execration among her people. (Numbers 5:27; NRSVUE)

If she has defiled herself by being unfaithful to her husband, the water that brings on the curse will cause bitter suffering. Her abdomen will swell and her womb will shrink, and her name will become a curse among her people. (Numbers 5:27; NLT)

Comparing the translations, the idea of miscarriage is admittedly unclear. Nevertheless, it is clear that Numbers 5:27 refers to a punishment for the unfaithful wife.

Children are a gift from God

Fallacy 4: The Bible overwhelmingly supports procreation
Lastly it is a mistake to take a single verse and make a stance out of it. The Bible is very clear in its support for childbearing.

For you created my inmost being;
 you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful, (Psalms 139: 13- 14; NIV)

Children are a heritage from the Lord,
   offspring a reward from him. (Psalms 127:3; NIV)

Did you not pour me out like milk
    and curdle me like cheese,
 clothe me with skin and flesh
    and knit me together with bones and sinews?
 You gave me life and showed me kindness,
    and in your providence watched over my spirit. (Job 10: 10 -12; NIV)

Conclusion
It is dangerous to twist the Bible for our purposes. We instead, should mediate on the Bible and be inline with God's purposes.

For a summary video: