Volume 43/4 May 2016

The battle for the :

Contents Editorial

The Creation battlefront (1) Six Day Creation 3 The Creation battlefront (2) You may be thinking that the theme for this month seems overly dramatic. Yet Looking for loopholes: the attempt to within the Reformed and Presbyterian world and even beyond, the Scriptures reinterpret Genesis 1 in the are under attack. There is a trend among leading theologians and churchmen “Framework Hypothesis” 5 towards blending Scripture with science. There seems to be the view that the Holy Scriptures are not scientific and therefore have nothing to say about our The Creation battlefront (3) origins. Through which glasses? 9 Some very notable individuals in Reformed circles claim that the first two The Creation battlefront (4) chapters of Genesis are poetical-type literature and not historical narrative, so Let’s be careful … 10 should be read metaphorically. The implications of this view are huge. Why the Outward focus shift in this view of the biblical historical narrative? Put not your trust in Princes 12 Some are saying that Genesis Chapters 1 and 2 are a stumbling block to people accepting the Gospel. Because science is king in our secular society, Feminine focus some avoid being dogmatic about the origins of life and everything that it Being courageous 14 entails. It seems many would rather make the Scriptures more palatable to Missions in focus those who are openly hostile to the Word of God. It also seems that if the God Guest lectureship at Reformed Churches of the Bible, the God of creation, can fit within the framework of King Science, Bible College, Papau New Guinea 17 then and only then could some possibly believe in Him, or, only then would Christianity seem more acceptable. The secularization of the West and And so the litany of errors continues. Some want to put our Creator in a box, the rise of a New Morality (Part 2) 19 so that He is only capable of creating everything in six long periods of time, World in focus 20 rather than in the literal and biblical period of six twenty-four- hour days. Both ideas are quite absurd. He is either the Creator, or He is not. Theologians and Books in focus 22 churchmen are resorting to syncretism (amalgamation of schools of thought) Time for a walkthrough 23 and wickedly leading people astray. I would suggest that the church needs be faithful to the Word as it has been handed down, and needs once again to preach an uncompromising gospel and proclaim our God and Saviour as Lord of Lords and King of kings over all All correspondence regarding editorial content and that has been created in six days. advertising should be sent to: Our contributors, Messrs David Waldron and Paul Archbald, who have The Editor: degrees in science – physics, geophysics and geology (respectively), open up Walter Walraven the Bible on this topic and reveal what it has to say to us. Email: [email protected] Reformed Churches Home Page Mr David Waldron investigates what the Scripture reveals about the six, http://www.rcnz.org.nz twenty-four hour days in Genesis. Editorial Assistant: Mr Paul Archbald refutes the Framework Hypothesis. Mrs Sally Davey Mr Joel Beeke looks through corrective lenses. Production Staff: Mrs Sally Davey reflects on the discussion surrounding the “Trump Distribution: M. & D. van der Zwaag phenomenon”. Design & Layout: Matrix Typography Mrs Jenny Waldron considers what it is to be courageous. Printed by: Flying Colours Mr Hans Vaatstra reports on his guest lectureship at the Reformed Bible Copy Deadline: College, PNG. Six weeks preceding the month of publication. Mr Albert Mohler analyses our cultural crisis in his second instalment. Church and family notices are free, subject to Mr Reuben Posthum reviews Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books, by sufficient space and editorial acceptance. Tony Reinke. Mr David Waldron provides a photographic progress report of the Cornwall All correspondence regarding distribution and Street rebuild. payment of subscriptions to:

The Secretary: Mrs Nicola Wharekawa 79 McLeod Street The opinions expressed in this magazine are not to be considered the official position of the Upper Hutt Reformed Churches of NZ unless they expound the Biblical system of doctrine contained in the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dordt, or the Westminster Email: [email protected] Confession of Faith, or reflect the successive Acts of Synod of the Reformed Churches of NZ. On the other hand, care is taken to ensure that articles and opinions do not directly contradict Subscription per volume: the official position of the Reformed Churches as contained in the above sources without $40.00 (eleven issues) attention being called to that fact. Bulk Rate: $35.00 NB: In line with common publishing practice Faith in Focus reserves the right to publish the Overseas: $60.00 names of all contributors with their articles, unless compelling reasons are given to the editor Electronically Mailed (overseas only): $40 for not doing so. This applies to both print and online versions.

2 Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 Battle for the Bible: The Creation battlefront (1)

Six Day Creation

I was a scientist before I became a / how we live on planet earth. However, is dependent upon reliable testimony preacher; my physics and geophysics I also understand that the empirical sci- of someone who was there at the time degrees being conferred on me prior to entific method is limited to the analysis to see what took place. An authentic, my theology degree. As a scientist I am of observable, repeatable and measur- corroborated, eyewitness account is excited by the intricacy and orderliness able processes and natural phenomena. foundational for confidently determining of the universe, as a Christian I am in the truth of what has taken place in awe of the might, intelligence and cre- The supernatural excluded past history3. Therefore, as God was ativity of the God whose eternal power Therefore, any theory of the origin of the only sentient witness to the events and divine nature are clearly perceived the universe derived from this scientific preceding the creation of the first man, in the things that have been made. method will be, necessarily, based on his testimony must be the only basis As a theologian I am convinced that assumptions of formation by natural upon which we can confidently know the Bible is what Francis Schaeffer termed causes and ongoing change through the origin of all things. ‘true truth’. This means that when God regular mechanisms which are observable speaks in the Scripture, from Genesis 1:1 today. The scope of the scientific method Not scientific through to Revelation 22:21, his words excludes any supernatural intervention in As a pastor, one of the phrases which (which have been conveyed through the physical world. I hear from time to time in our Re- human authors, who were ‘carried along It follows logically, then, that if the formed churches is the statement that by the Holy Spirit’1) are absolutely trust- creation of the universe did take place “The Bible is not a scientific textbook”. worthy and reliable. by supernatural means (with initial This phrase may sound satisfyingly suc- As a user of 21st century technology, changes occurring through extraordinary, cinct, but is it correct? I know that carefully conducted and non-regular, intervention by a personal The answer depends, as is so often wisely applied empirical science2 has re- Creator) then the empirical scientific the case, on what exactly is meant! It sulted in many insightful, useful discover- method will, if applied to this topic, is certainly true that the Scriptures do ies which have hugely changed the way result in highly misleading results. not contain diagrams, mathematical we think about the universe and altered Accurate reconstruction of a past event formulae and references to academic

Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 3 that this is ‘not a salvation issue’; but is that any analysis of Scripture must include The this correct? both the language in which the original ❝ As a preacher, I know that the Chris- text was written, the type of literature strongest tian faith is based upon a foundation of (genre) and the cultural and historical historical fact. Regarding the resurrection context that gave rise to the text. evidence, of Christ, the Apostle Paul writes “if Christ This article focuses on the Hebrew has not been raised, our preaching is language in which the text of most of from the useless and so is your faith8. The histori- the Old Testament (OT) was first written. cal reality of the resurrection is absolutely The following six points summarise the original essential to the gospel message. The Bible grammatical support in Scripture for explains the reason why this created the 6x24-hour-literal-day interpretation language in world, which God Himself described of the creation account in the book of as being ‘very good’9, has become so Genesis. which the troubled. At one time in history there 1. The primary meaning of the Hebrew were only two human beings on the word day, ‘yom’, in the OT is of a Scriptures earth and they both rebelled against normal day as experienced regularly God. The historical reality of the fall of by mankind. Of its 1704 occurrences were written, our first parents is essential to the gospel in the OT, the overwhelming majority message. Adam and Eve had both been relate to daily earth time. Whilst the points to perfectly created by God as described in word ‘day’ (in both the Hebrew and Genesis 1 and 2. The historical reality of Greek Scriptures) can mean epoch or solar days of the creation of the universe and of our season, the general principle of Bibli- first parents Adam and Eve is essential cal exegesis is to take the plain, literal 24 hours … to the gospel message, explaining our meaning unless the context demands ❞ need for a saviour. otherwise. The creation, the fall of mankind, and 2. Each of the six creative days is literature; features which we would the redemption of a people chosen by qualified with the phrase ‘evening expect to find in a modern-day scien- God in Christ are all historical events and morning’. Outside of Genesis 1 tific textbook or research paper. Some which form the integrated story of sal- the words ‘evening’ and ‘morning’ have suggested that the purposes of vation in Scripture. Therefore the his- occur together in 37 verses. In each the book of Genesis and science are torical reliability of the accounts of the instance of this construction, the Bible fundamentally different. Eminent Bible creation, the fall, and the redemptive speaks of a normal day11. scholar , for example, sees work of God is critical. In this sense, the 3. In the 119 cases where the Hebrew a clear distinction, arguing that Genesis historical interpretation of the creation word ‘yom’ stands in conjunction with is ‘prescriptive’, answering the ‘who?’, account in Genesis 1 and 2 is a ‘salva- a numerical adjective (first, second, ‘why?’ and ‘what ought to be?’ ques- tion’ or ‘gospel’ issue. third, etc.) in the first five books of tions, whereas the purpose of science The Bible begins at the beginning of the Bible (the ‘Pentateuch’), ‘yom’ is to be ‘descriptive’, answering the space and time with the opening verse never means anything other than a ‘what?’ and ‘how?’ questions4. setting the scene for all that follows: “In literal day. The same is true of the However, surely such an absolute dis- the beginning, God created the heavens 357 instances outside the Pentateuch, tinction goes too far because Scripture, and the earth”. In the first chapter of where numerical adjectives occur12. including the book of Genesis, provides the Bible we learn that the initial crea- 4. The fourth commandment in Exodus us with answers to all five questions to tive work of God took place over six 20:9-1113 is based upon the stated the degree that God, has chosen to reveal time periods called the ‘first’ through timeframe for God’s creative activity them to us. For example, in response to to the ‘sixth’ day. The second chapter being six days. There is absolutely no the question: ‘What was there in exist- of Genesis reveals that on the seventh indication in the commandment that ence before Genesis 1:1?’, the Scriptures day, God rested from all his work. the work of God in creation should inform us that only God existed5 and that be understood in any other way than there was no created universe6. We may Salvation issue as six ordinary days. also ask, ‘How did God create the first The Bible is very clear that God’s crea- 5. In Exodus 20:11, God’s creation week man Adam?’ and know that the answer tive activity was completed in six days. is spoken of as involving ‘six days’ is “by forming the man of dust from the However, down through history, some (‘yammim’), using the plural form of ground and breathing into his nostrils the have asked: ‘what exactly were these the word ‘yom’. In the 608 instances breath of life, so that the man became days?’, ‘how long were they?’ These are of the plural “days” in the OT, we a living creature7”. These two examples worthwhile questions to pose because never find any meaning other than demonstrate that the Bible is descriptive. the doctrine of creation, as we have normal days. Extended periods of The statements I have made above seen, is a ‘gospel/salvation issue’. time are never expressed as yammim. depend on the understanding, and firm An accurate understanding of Scripture 6. The Hebrew language used in the conviction, that the Bible contains a requires what is termed by Bible scholars OT has a limited vocabulary. There- reliable historical account of past events. ‘grammatico-historical exegesis’. The fore some words are used which have Sometimes Christians speak about the term ‘exegesis’ has been described as ‘a different meanings, depending on interpretation of creation account in fancy way of referring to interpretation’10. context. For example, the word ‘seed’ the early chapters of Genesis and state ‘Grammatico-historical’ points to the truth (‘zera’), refers to a plant seed, but also

4 Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 to the offspring of people. However, the seventh. This truth is reflected in the absolutely reliable witness who was whilst Hebrew vocabulary is limited, the Westminster Confession: “It pleased there at the time. there is a word (‘olam’) meaning ‘era’ God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, or ‘long period of time’. God could for the manifestation of the glory of His Notes have caused the word ‘olam’, to be eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, 1 1 Peter 1:21 enscripturated, but chose to use ‘yom’ in the beginning, to create, or make of 2 The word ‘empirical’ refers to the use of a working hypothesis that can be tested by instead. The first hearers/readers of nothing, the world, and all things therein, measuring observable and repeatable processes Genesis 1 could have been told that whether visible or invisible, in the space 3 Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corin- God had created in long periods of of six days, and all very good”16. thians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19; Hebrews 10:28 time, but instead God said that He As a pastor, I know and respect that 4 Genesis, a Commentary, Bruce K. Waltke had taken just six days. Bible-believing Christians do hold dif- (Zondervan, 2001), p75 5 e.g. Psalm 90:2 The 6x24-hour-literal-day interpre- ferent interpretations of the nature 6 Hebrews 11:3 tation of the biblical creation account and length of the six days of creation. 7 Genesis 2:7 maintains that Genesis chapter 1 has However, the strongest evidence, from 8 1 Corinthians 15:14 a plain meaning which the initial au- the original language in which the Scrip- 9 Genesis 1.31 dience would have clearly understood. tures were written, points to solar days 10 Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics, by Walter Kaiser Jr. and Moises Silva (Zonder- This view best reflects the ‘perspicuity’ of 24 hours; the same length of day van, 2007), p21 14 (clarity) of Scripture . that you and I experience seven times 11 e.g. Exodus 18:13, also Exodus 27:21; Ezra Both Old Testament and New Tes- each week of our lives on this earth. 3:3,4 tament Scriptures consistently view The burden of proof therefore firmly 12 e.g. Lev 12:3; Exo 12:15; 26:14 creation as occurring by the power of lies with those who suggest that the six 13 This is also referenced in Exodus 31:15-17 14 e.g. Psalm 119:130 God’s command out of no pre-existing days of creation were anything other 15 e.g. Hebrews 11:3 15 material . Genesis 1-2:3 and Exodus than 24 hours in length. To have cred- 16 WCF 4.1; also WLC#15 and WSC #9 20:11 affirm in God’s own Word that ibility as ‘true truth’, any such proof must he created the entire universe in the be derived from the Creator’s account Mr David Waldron is the in space of six days and then rested on of what took place, because He was the Reformed Church of Christchurch.

Battle for the Bible: The Creation battlefront (2)

Looking for loopholes: the attempt to reinterpret Genesis 1 in the “Framework Hypothesis”

Paul Archbald by prominent theologians, telling us “It in the manner of finding loopholes is really not so simple. There is another regarding these issues. Often, speculation way of reading the text – one that does about the broader historical context of Introduction justice to the authority of Scripture, a passage is made determinative for its I have often been amazed at how small without destroying Christian credibility interpretation. Another popular method a hole a mouse can squeeze into, when in the eyes of the world.” is to assume an uncommon meaning for it is being chased. But I am even more We are seeing this kind of thing a key word. In this way, just about any amazed at the ability of Christians to find happen, also in the “Reformed” world, doctrine, no matter how clearly it may loopholes (at least in their own imagina- in a number of areas: women in office; be taught in the Bible, can be opened tion) when they feel under pressure from homosexuality; and the doctrine of crea- up for debate. the world. Teachings that were formerly tion. It is no coincidence that these are considered unassailable suddenly seem all areas where there is great pressure Definitions to have these loopholes, and come up from the world. In this article, I wish to show how such for debate. Academic articles are written There are some common threads an approach has opened up for debate

Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 5 The Framework Hypothesis is often not address questions that also inter- There is credited to A. Noordzij, who wrote est science- such as some details of the ❝ in the 1920’s – though there may be “how” of our origins. In fact, the Bible plenty of earlier foreshadowings. Other proponents gives us sufficient information about the include N. H. Ridderbos, Henri Blocher, Who, the Why, the How, and the How evidence that , Gordon Wenham, Bruce Then Shall We Live, that we can develop Waltke, Michael Horton and Tim Keller. a true science based on Biblical presup- [Genesis 1] it There are also many other well-known positions. That is the true “framework” theologians who seem reluctant to be provided by Genesis 1. is essentially drawn on the matter. Many of these have made it clear The main arguments historical, that they are driven by the belief that a We look next at the main arguments straightforward interpretation of Genesis used by proponents of the Framework sequential 1 is incompatible with the great weight Hypothesis – along with some counter- of scientific evidence for an old age of arguments. narrative. the earth. They feel that the historic view ❞ makes Christianity less credible. They Purpose, genre and style want to solve this problem by having In the ancient world, a number of differ- the historic Christian doctrine of crea- science and the Bible operate in two ent kinds of literature have been iden- tion. According to the Framework Hy- different spheres that complement one tified. Applying this to the Bible can pothesis, Genesis 1 is not giving us a another, rather than competing against be helpful. For there are differences literal, chronological account of God’s one another. In this connection, Bruce between the various kinds (genres) of successive creative acts. It is not “straight- Waltke cites the Belgic Confession, writing in the various books of the Bible. forward history.” It is more like poetry, Article 2, which tells us that God has How you interpret things in a vision or a kind of metaphor, a literary device, made Himself known by two books: on a parable, for example, may differ from providing a framework that tells us the the one hand, creation and providence; historical narrative, poetry etc. truth about God’s sovereign control of and on the other, His Word – what we The problem is that sometimes theo- all aspects of Creation, and His orderly, sometimes call general revelation and logians make assumptions about genre, logical way of doing things. But we special revelation. then make that determinative for the should not think in terms of 6 literal, The big mistake in this argument is interpretation of a passage in the Bible. 24-hour days, in which God succes- the failure to recognize that the view In the case of Genesis 1, it is sometimes sively made, from nothing, each of the of scientists is NOT general revelation. assumed that its purpose is to refute the kinds described in the “days” of Genesis For that matter, the view of theologians pagan mythologies of the ancient world. 1. What God actually did – the “how” is not special revelation either! But the God therefore arranged the “days” so that and the “when” – are not addressed. only infallible interpreter we have of all these false deities (heavenly bodies, Genesis 1 is arranging things for theo- general revelation is special revelation, nature gods etc) were knocked off their logical reasons, to tell us merely about the Bible. True, the Bible is not given as perches, one-by-one. That purpose then the “who” and the “why” – it is about an exhaustive text-book of every science. replaces the purpose of giving us an God and salvation, not science. But it is wrong to assume that it does historical sequence of events, involving

6 Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 literal days of creation. However, there is have doors, bolts, and storehouses, and schemes – equally plausible and equally not any evidence that that was a purpose, the earth does not literally have founda- speculative – could be, and have been let alone that it was the only purpose! tions. But that does not mean that these drawn up. It seems that many theologians today poems are not speaking of God’s crea- are going through a genre identity crisis! tive acts as per the straightforward-history Alleged contradictions The other main way that genre is understanding of Genesis 1. Proponents of the Framework Hypothe- used to reinterpret Genesis 1 is by the For that matter, most Biblical narrative sis insist that the traditional understand- claim that it is more like poetry than contains some poetic elements. Similarly, ing of Genesis 1 is untenable because it literal history. Evidence for this is found some narratives place information into leads to contradictions. This, they main- in the presence of alleged parallelism – a parallel groups, perhaps to help memo- tain, proves that the passage is a liter- common feature in Hebrew poetry, such rization. For instance, Matthew 1 arrang- ary device, rather than straightforward as the Psalms – in unusually poetic or fig- es the genealogy of Jesus into 3 groups history. The main allegation of contradic- urative language (the sun as the “greater of around the same size. That does not tion presumes the impossibility of having light” and the moon as the “lesser”) and make the genealogy less literally true. light created (Day 1) before light-bearers repeated refrains (“evening and morning” When we look at Genesis 1 itself, (Day 4). Some also object to the diffi- etc). The parallelism allegedly ties togeth- there is plenty of evidence that it is culty of having vegetation made on Day er Day 1 with Day 4, Day 2 with Day essentially historical, sequential narra- 3, before the sun was created on Day 4. 5, and Day 3 with Day 6: tive. It employs the normal elements In answer to this, it is often pointed of a narrative style, with some poetic out that the Lord is surely able to create Day 1 light light- elements that suit the epic event, the some kind of ambient light, or tempo- bearers great miracle being described. You can rary source, or otherwise provide light see the difference between it and poetic in some supernatural manner – before Day 2 sky and water birds and accounts of Creation by comparing with the creation of the sun, moon and fish the creation-poems cited above. Genesis stars. Rev. 21:5 is cited, to show that Day 3 land and vegetation beasts 1 uses a form of the Hebrew verb that God is able to provide sufficient light and man is normally used in such narrative. It in Himself. Meredith Kline replies that numbers the days in the usual way that God could not do so in the beginning, It is argued that the first 3 days tell sequences are indicated. It is also linked because His glory has to be seen even of the environments or “kingdoms,” and to a repeated term that tells us this is more in the New Jerusalem. However, the last 3 fill those environments with genealogical history: “This is the account there is no Biblical ground for Kline’s their appropriate dwellers – or “kings.” of the heavens and the earth when they objection. The real “contradiction” here Each pair deals with the same “creative” were created” (2:4). The same terminol- is between the claims of the unbeliev- event, but from a different perspective. ogy is found throughout Genesis (5:1, ing scientific world and the Bible. The At first sight, this looks plausible. Let 6:9, 10:1, 11:10, 27, 25:12, 19, 36:1, former voice appears to be exercising us assume, for the sake of argument, 9 and 37:2). In these passages, the gene- far too much influence on many who that it is true. Does it then prove that alogy tells what or who came forth from favour the Framework Hypothesis. Genesis 1 has little or no bearing on the person or event already introduced. the “how” of creation? No, even if we Genesis 1 introduces the event of crea- The eternal Sabbath assume that Genesis 1 is highly poetic, tion, including that of Adam and Eve, It is often argued that the 6 “days” of we still need to ascertain what reality it in overview. Genesis 2 begins to show creation all lead up to, and serve, the is teaching. Let us say I write a poem, what came forth from them as man was establishing of the 7th day, the eternal a limerick: placed in the Garden of Eden. If there Sabbath. This is thought to prove that were clear evidence that this was a genre the other 6 days must also, then, be There once was a man of good faith, that uses symbols extensively – such as non-literal days. The lack of the refrain, Who worried about what God saith the Lord provides with John’s visions in “evening and morning,” in the case of In Genesis One – the Book of Revelation, things might be the 7th day, is seen to support this view. By science undone – different. But the Lord places indicators Hebrews 4 is also cited to back it up. “Let it pass as a poem,” he prayeth. in Genesis 1 that we are dealing with However, as has been pointed out genealogical history. by many, the eternal Sabbath is not There is a point to my poem. I am In any case, the alleged parallelism quite the same thing as the day on poking fun at the Framework Hypothesis. of the creation days is not as strong as which God ceased creating new kinds But perhaps someone will retort that I might first appear. Strictly speaking, water of things. They are related, but distinct. am not actually making fun of this view, is not made on Day 2, but on Day 1 The “rest” is ongoing, but the 7th Day, as because it is poetry. It might therefore (Genesis 1:2). Day 1 would then be such, is not. That day needs no “evening have a completely different meaning (you parallel to Day 5 at that point. In fact, and morning” marker, simply because it know what poetry is like!). My point, water comes up in Days 1, 2 and 3 – does not need to be distinguished from however, is that one cannot escape the meaning that you can squeeze so-called a further day of creation. force of a statement simply by claiming parallels pretty well any which way you If anything, the pattern of 6 days work that it is poetry. want, where water and its inhabitants and 1 day rest shows the opposite of Consider some genuine Hebrew are involved! Similarly, the light-bearers what the Framework proponents want poetry about creation: Job 38:8-11, of Day 4 are placed in the “expanse” it to. For if they are correct, the weekly Psalms 33:6-9 and 104:5-9. There are created on Day 2, weakening the par- pattern of work and rest is based upon metaphors here: the sea doesn’t literally allel to Day 1. For this reason, other a metaphor, not upon a real pattern in

Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 7 special, supernatural intervention), is in utterances in the creation week, “Let The operation in the creation week. God there be ...” Genesis 2 in no way un- ❝ could not yet put in the shrubs and dermines this view. creationist plants, because there was not enough water to sustain them, and no man to A dangerous approach allows irrigate them. If the days were literal, How serious, then, is this error? On the says Kline, why would God worry about one hand, it is possible to hold to the for both a short delay before these things were Framework Hypothesis, but still accept an in place? Surely the plants could survive otherwise orthodox view of creation. It supernatural for a few hours by themselves! Accord- depends on how it is used. Some want ing to Kline, if we take the standard to use it simply to allow a longer age acts of view of Genesis 1, this would create a for the universe. The problem is that it contradiction between supernatural crea- tends to be driven by a fear of losing creation, tion (Genesis 1) and ordinary providence credibility in the eyes of the world. But (Genesis 2). Genesis 1 must therefore unbelieving scientists will not be satisfied and the be figurative. until Christians accept a full-blown view This view misunderstands what is of evolution. The Framework Hypothesis, operation of going on in Genesis 2. It is not a “second as such, really isn’t going to return cred- creation account.” It focuses in on a ibility to Christians who aren’t prepared providence in certain aspect of creation, the prepara- to accept the whole hog with evolution. tion of Eden and the placement of man Worse, this approach removes some the creation in that Garden Paradise. The Garden of the barriers to that full-blown view was a place for Adam to cultivate. The of evolution. If Genesis 1 is not about a week. words used for “shrub” and “plant” in literal sequence of supernatural, creative ❞ verse 5 suggest cultivated plants. That acts, in 6 literal days, then how did God is why extra water and the presence of make the world? The question becomes God’s acts. Kline may argue that the man were needed. open, and easy enough to fill in with all week of Genesis 1 reflects in a figurative Interestingly, Kline admits that acts of the theories of modern science. way, a set of heavenly creative acts by supernatural origin did occur – though This approach also teaches Chris- God, but we never learn what they are, he does not tell us what they are or how tians a faulty hermeneutic: speculation how many there are, or in what order many, or when, or in what order. Yet about genre, used to remove supernatu- they actually occurred. Were there any he insists that ordinary providence dis- ral elements from the Bible. E. J. Young acts beyond the one that created a Big allows the view that Genesis 1 is about comments, “If the fundamental hy- Bang, after which ordinary providence supernatural creation. In effect, he swal- pothesis were applied to the narratives took over, with a gradual evolutionary lows up creation in providence. That is of the Virgin birth, or the resurrection, process? Or is there no creative act, just essentially what liberalism does when it or Romans 5:12, it could as effective- a theological truth behind the week of swallows up the other miracles of the ly serve to minimize the importance of Genesis 1 – the truth that God rules Bible in ordinary providence. the content of those passages as it now everything? The Framework Hypothesis The creationist allows for both super- does the content of the first chapter of removes any solid ground from beneath natural acts of creation, and the opera- Genesis.” That makes it a very danger- the pattern of 6 days work, one day rest. tion of providence in the creation week. ous mouse-hole to try to squeeze into. The best proof of the supernatural acts The second creation account of creation is Hebrews 11:3, which tells Mr Paul Archbald is the minister in the It has become common among Frame- us that what is seen was not made out Reformed Church of Silverstream. He work proponents to utilize Meredith of things that are visible, but by the also has a B.Sc. (Hons) from Flinders Kline’s argument from Genesis 2:4ff. Word of God. The word for “word” here Uni SA; and M.Sc. from ANU, both in Kline has argued that Genesis 2 assumes means specifically the spoken Word. It geology. that ordinary providence (rather than is referring to God’s spoken, creative

While putting this issue together, I came across a brilliant website, which I think would be a good resource for the members and office-bearers of our federation.

About Creation Without Compromise: They are Reformed Christians concerned about the issue of origins in our midst. Through this resource site and blog, they and believe that a failure to maintain the aim to provide support to those who share orthodox position not only attacks biblical Check it out! their concerns. They are committed to the truth in general, but the gospel of Jesus historic Reformed understanding of Genesis Christ in particular. creationwithoutcompromise.com

8 Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 Battle for the Bible: The Creation battlefront (3)

Through which glasses?

Joel Beeke

John Calvin said that the Scriptures are given to us as eyeglasses by which we can properly see and understand God's general revelation of himself and his ways. Without these corrective lenses, our sin-clouded eyes distort what we see in the world. It appears that those who deny Adam have reversed this order. They deny that the Bible says anything Calvin compares authoritative about scientific matters. On the contrary, they treat modern science as Scripture to being like a the eyeglasses by which we should read pair of “spectacles”, that the Scriptures, so that through our sci- entific knowledge we can sift out God's enable us to properly message from the erroneous beliefs of interpret what we see the ancient community of faith. The result is a view of Scripture that says that in creation. God did not breathe his truth into the details of the text, but only inspired its core theological message. Thus they say, Those who take this route perhaps know that He created man, not through ‘The sacred author was not as concerned may not realize that they are departing any natural process, but by a supernat- about factual details as he was about from the path of biblical orthodoxy and ural act of creation? Yes, the account clearly presenting theological concepts following the same road as unbiblical of the historical Adam’s creation greatly understandable by his intended audi- neo-orthodoxy … . It is not necessary for honours God as Creator and Lord. ence.’ This is a far cry from the position us to go in this direction. Why couldn’t Furthermore, this is a dangerous di- taken by the Lord Jesus: ‘The scripture the ancient Hebrews have understood it rection to go. If the Bible is a mixture cannot be broken’ (John 10:35). if God had told them that he created of cultural dressing wrapped around Those who deny the existence of by a long, slow process of evolutionary divine truth, then how can we be sure Adam may affirm that ‘the Bible is the change? Every day, as they planted and which part is the husk and which is the inspired and authoritative Word of God.’ harvested crops or worked with sheep kernel? What one generation embraces However, they do not mean what evan- and cattle, they could see change and as the kernel of divine truth could very gelical and Reformed Christians have improvement in the various seeds they well be rejected by another generation meant by this statement. They do not planted or the animals they bred. as merely more human culture and tra- hold to the Bible’s inerrancy, but instead Why couldn’t God effectively com- dition. We see this happening around us believe that it contains many errors and municate to them that he had conferred even now with respect to the definition false teachings derived from the culture a human soul upon an existing animal of marriage and homosexuality. and time in which it was written. They rather than breathed life into a body This excerpt is from Joel Beeke's also do not affirm the Bible’s supreme formed directly out of the earth? Why contribution to the book God, Adam, authority in resolving religious contro- not reveal in Genesis that God made and You edited by Richard Phillips versies. Instead, the Bible must bow to many human beings at first, instead of (ISBN 978-1-62995-066-2). Beeke’s the changing theories of human science. just one? Why would these things have article was titled “The Case for Ironically, they reject some teachings of been harder for them to accept than the Adam” and this excerpt is used with the Bible as simply the notions of ancient idea that there is only one true and living permission from P&R Publishing Co., culture, while they impose other ideas God, given that all their neighbours wor- PO Box 817, Phillipsburg, N.J. 08865 upon the Bible from modern culture. shipped many gods? And why must we www.prpbooks.com. Instead of absolute divine authority gov- separate the way in which God created erning our faith, we have only the relative from the fact that he is the Creator? First appeared in Reformed Perspective authority of human culture and opinion. Does it not glorify God as Lord to in June 2015.

Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 9 Battle for the Bible: The Creation battlefront (4)

Let’s be careful …

Brian O’Neill under the microscope and examine the Keller’s description of hell sounds like Dunedin implications of his teachings. heaven to our narcissistic culture – an Tim Keller has gained great popular- eternity separated from the presence of I was greatly encouraged by the recent ity within sectors of the New Zealand the Christian God they hate, punished article (February 2016) and follow-up Reformed churches. His teachings, are with enjoying their own company, which letter (April 2016) published in Faith in finding their way into sermons preached they love. There will be no offended Focus warning of the dangers of Pastor from the pulpit, and his books are used angry mobs when that message is Tim Keller. I discovered Tim Keller last in church Bible studies. This effectively preached. year and was immediately taken in by gives Keller the Reformed Church seal On the subject of the sufficiency of his persuasive style, and standing within of approval, lulling church attendees into Scripture, search via Google “What Role the evangelical community, so I recom- a false sense of security in regard to his Should the Bible Have in Society?” to mended him to others. However, on be- teachings. There appears to be little or see Keller at a panel discussion alongside no concern among Keller’s followers re- emergent, Anglican and Roman Catholic coming aware of some of Keller’s core garding the unscriptural nature of many church leaders. When asked about in- beliefs a quick change of heart followed. of his core beliefs. errancy, the panellists, including Keller, I now warn people, most of which falls To those unfamiliar with Tim Keller, all say they find the Bible reliable, trust- on deaf ears, to put Keller’s teachings one can taste the flavour of his beliefs worthy and authoritative, but not in- by searching on Google, “Do you believe errant. there’s only one way to God? Tim Keller To quote Keller: ❝ Once at Veritas [3 of 11]”. In this video, Keller equivocates on whether Christ is the only “Just for the record: I have no Genesis 1-3 way to heaven, and raises the possibility problem at all talking about iner- that God may have a secret trapdoor for rancy. As a pastor if I actually say is dismissed the unsaved millions. Ultimately, Keller to someone, or any layperson – if I does not know what will happen to those believe in the authority of the Bible as historic millions who die without knowing Christ. but not the inerrancy of the Bible, In the same interview, Keller in an they’re going to say, “what’s the dif- narrative, effort to save Jesus from Himself, refutes ference?” And as soon as I begin the idea that Hell is a place that Jesus to explain it, their eyes glaze over.” then the throws sinners into, as plainly stated in verses such as:– This should raise an eyebrow when whole Bible uttered by someone who calls them- Matt 13:41-42 “The Son of Man selves Reformed, and whose teachings collapses will send his angels, and they will have been given admission to the pulpit. gather out of his kingdom all causes If the Bible is not inerrant, then this in on itself, of sin and all law-breakers, and would falsify the statement “All Scripture throw them into the fiery furnace”. is God-breathed”. If it is claimed that a taking document contains errors, but the loca- Keller has given the Jesus of Matthew tion of the errors cannot be determined, creation, the 13 a makeover, so that He is less then by logical deduction, it means the offensive to an inclusivist audience. whole document is untrustworthy. This fall, sin, the Keller’s hipster-friendly gospel relieves position is highlighted in the previous Jesus of the odious task of consigning interview when Keller repeats over and need for sinners to hell, and has the sinner put over ‘If Jesus is who he says he is’. If themselves into the fiery furnace. The the Bible is not inerrant, then it raises salvation, and fiery furnace has also been remodelled, the very real possibility that Jesus is not and now the unsaved soul will ‘eternally who the Bible says he is. Such a posi- the Saviour shrivel’ and be ‘miserable’, from having tion breeds doubt, not faith. to endure their own self-centred nature A key to Pastor Keller’s world-view with it. ❞ for billions of years. The problem is that is his beliefs about creation. To Keller,

10 Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 Genesis 1 is Gods poem about the Big very old, and there was some kind Genesis 1-3 a chronologically confused Bang. of process of natural selection that poem about the Big Bang, alongside a God guided and used, and maybe story about how Adam Ape meets Eve “To account for evolution we must intervened in. And that’s just the Ape, and then they wander about some see at least Genesis 1 as non-lit- messy part. I’m not a scientist. I’m Jurassic garden encountering some evolv- eral.” not going to go beyond that.” ing lizard-snake whose legs are lost by a genetic mutation. “I personally take the view that So Keller’s Adam and Eve would The reality is, that once Genesis 1-3 Genesis 1 and 2 relate to each be the first naturally-selected, evolved is dismissed as historic narrative, then other the way Judges 4 and 5 creature away from an ape that can the whole Bible collapses in on itself, and Exodus 14 and 15. In each be described as human. I am not sure taking creation, the fall, sin, the need for couple one chapter describes a which genetic mutation would have had salvation, and the Saviour with it. Athe- historical event and the other is to occur for Keller to say that the ape ist’s know this, hence it forms the target a song or poem about the theo- had crossed the line and evolved into of their most virulent attacks. It’s just logical meaning of the event … . I the human. I also cannot see how a the logically impaired that have trouble think Genesis 1 has the earmarks mutated ape can be described as being understanding this concept. Defenders of poetry and is therefore a “song” made in the image of God. Whatever of Keller will say, “that even if he has about the wonder and meaning this mutation was, it was sufficient for some doubtful doctrines, most of what of God’s creation. Genesis 2 is an the whole of the moral law of God to he teaches is pure”. One could take the account of how it happened … . suddenly come thundering down on same approach, with drinking a glass of For the record I think God guided that first human’s head, in a way that mostly pure water, mixed with a little some kind of process of natural did not apply to his ape parents and poison to experience a similar effect. selection” siblings. While Adam’s ape-dad could This has been but a brief introduc- literally get away with murder (along with tion to some of Keller’s dodgy doctrines. If Genesis 1 is not historical narra- the ape equivalent of incest, adultery, Teachers like Keller are trojan horses, in- tive, then Moses deceptively uses it as cannibalism, and any other thing that troducing corrosive evolutionary, emer- a basis for the 4th commandment in instinctively took his fancy) poor old gent and inclusivist doctrines to the Exodus 20:11. There is at least one re- Adam was barred from following in his Reformed Church. Unfortunately, Keller’s corded case in the Bible (if the Bible ape father’s footsteps on pain of death. teachings are currently being promoted, is to be trusted as a source of truth) As to Keller’s view of how the Fall rather than being refuted by the appli- of someone being stoned to death, at of Man pans out in Africa’s Rift Valley, cation of sound doctrine. God’s behest, for breaking the Sabbath. the evolutionary home of humans, that’s If the basis of the sabbath law is a fab- anyone’s guess. Suffice to say, in Keller’s rication, and in reality is nothing more version of The Fall, death could not have than a poem about the Big Bang, then been the punishment for sin, because Justification is “the master it means this execution was performed death and disease and suffering would and prince, the lord, the without any moral foundation. Also, if have been around for billions of years. ruler, and the judge of Keller’s Moses is not to be trusted, then I do not know how an evolved ape can all kinds of doctrines.” neither is Keller’s Jesus, for Jesus in John be held accountable for an action such 5:46 links His own trustworthiness with as committing adultery, when it’s just a “There are few of us who that of Moses. sexual ‘thing’ that evolved animals in- know and understand As to Adam and Eve and the Fall of stinctively do. Todays culture has worked this article, and I treat it Man, Keller says he believes they were out the logical implications of evolution, again and again because I literal, but what he means by ‘literal’ is but these implications appear to have completely divorced from how literal was escaped Keller’s notice. greatly fear that after we defined by historic Christianity. Again I One of the reasons Keller cannot have laid our head to rest, will let Keller speak for himself: view Genesis 1 and 2 as historic narra- it will soon be forgotten tive, as Christianity historically has done, and again disappear.... And “Belief in evolution can be com- is that this would make his Bible self- patible with a belief in a historical contradictory: indeed we cannot grasp or fall and a literal Adam and Eve.” exhaust Christ, the Eternal “The fact is, the one that most Righteousness, with one “You’ve got some problems with the people consider the most conserv- sermon or thought; for to theistic evolution, because then you ative, which is the young-earth, have to ask yourself, ‘Was there no six-day creation, has all kinds of learn to appreciate him is Adam and Eve? Was there no Fall?’ problems with the text, as we know. an everlasting lesson which So here’s what I like – the messy If it’s really true, then you have we shall not be able to approach, which is I think there was problems of contradictions between finish either in this or in an Adam and Eve. I think there was Genesis 1 and 2”. a real Fall. I think that happened. yonder life.” I also think that there also was a So in addition to saving Jesus from very long process probably, you Himself, Keller is also saving the Bible know, that the earth probably is from itself. In doing so Keller has made

Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 11 Outward focus Sally Davey

www.scmp.com Put not your trust in Princes

Years ago when I was at secondary with us”); and, with millions of others, didates claim Christian faith lest they al- school, we sang psalms every morning in been enthralled by the beauty and pomp ienate evangelical voters. What is strange chapel. Through the constant repetition, of British royal ceremonies and been re- this presidential election, though, is the I got to memorise large parts of many minded of the weight of centuries behind man many Christians are clearly support- psalms, and that has been a blessing to the spectacle. Yet none of it ultimately ing: Donald S. Trump. Because this is so me ever since. One phrase that stuck satisfies, because we know it won’t fix unexpected, it has prompted consider- particularly was Psalm 146:2, which goes our broken world. able online comment; and I thought it (in the Coverdale version): “O put not Christians are usually aware of this, would be interesting to review some of your trust in princes, nor in any child and look for a “better country”. We’re the points made. There is relevance in of man: for there is no help in them.” not like the people who treat politi- the discussion for us, too. I was left musing on the fact that no cians as the answer to the mess in the Peter Wehner, a senior fellow at the one president, prime minister or states- world – are we? We’re pretty sceptical Ethics and Public Policy Center who man of any kind is big enough to bear about politicians and their ability to do served in the last three Republican ad- the weight of human expectation. We things, given their moral qualities. And ministrations, asked, in the Opinion are all going to be disappointed by the yet, these days we’re observing a very Section in on inability of the people at the top of the strange phenomenon in the United March 1, “What Wouldn’t Jesus Do?” He heap to change the world in the ways States, a country with many evangelical counts evangelicals’ support for Trump we hope for. Over the years on TV I’ve Christians. It is not unusual for American as “Among the most inexplicable devel- watched presidential motorcades com- evangelical Christians to take an interest opments in this bizarre political year”. plete with sirens and flashing lights; seen in politics: in fact, they are considered an Wehner notes the plurality of evangelical displays of military hardware in Red important component of the electorate, votes won by Trump in New Hampshire, Square (the message being “don’t mess so much so that most presidential can- South Carolina and Nevada, then goes

12 Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 on to quote the glowing endorsements tians are doing incalculable damage to of prominent evangelical leaders Jerry their witness.”1 We need Falwell Jr. (who called Trump “vision- Taking a different angle, Michael ❝ ary”) and Pat Robertson (who used the Horton, a well-known Reformed voice, to help those adjective “inspiring”). [Trump has since, makes some observations about Donald of course, been endorsed by Ben Carson Trump’s theology – which are really ob- Christians as well.] Wehner then observes: servations about the theology of his sup- “If this embrace strikes you as discord- porters. According to Horton’s research, demoralised ant, it should. This visionary and in- “the slender thread connecting Trump to spiring man humiliated his first wife by the church is his occasional holiday ap- by the conducting a very public affair, chroni- pearances at Marble Collegiate Church”, cally bullies and demeans people, and known for its pastor of 52 years, Norman hostility says he has never asked God for for- Vincent Peale [of The Power of Positive giveness. His name is emblazoned on Thinking fame]. Horton suggests that of the a casino that features a strip club … Trump’s persona owes more to Peale he once supported partial-birth abor- and “a more recent exponent of a feel- culture, and tion and to this day praises Planned good gospel, Joel Osteen”: Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion “Vague on doctrine, infiltrated by con- encourage provider. He is a narcissist appealing to sumerism and a sentimental moralism people whose faith declares that pride intent on helping us all ‘become a better them that goes before a fall. you,’ and sort of interested in ‘family Mr Trump’s character is antithetical values’ as long as they don’t interfere Jesus knows to many of the qualities evangelicals with our own family breakdowns, many should prize in a political leader: integri- cultural evangelicals are tired of losing it all; that ty, compassion and reasoned convictions, the culture wars. They want a winner wisdom and prudence, trustworthiness, a – ‘a strong leader.’ I’m hardly the first he’s told us it commitment to the moral good.” to point out that it’s the stuff of which Wehner notes that evangelical Chris- demagogues are made.” would be like tians were strong on moral probity during Horton goes on to demonstrate how the Clinton administration [the years of Trump’s popularity among evangelicals that. the Monica Lewinsky affair]. “Why a sig- reveals shifts concerning central Chris- ❞ nificant number of evangelicals are ral- tian tenets: Creation [basic rights are lying round a man who exposes them accorded by the state rather than stem- he does not communicate like them: as hypocrites is difficult to fathom,” he ming from our dignity as image-bearers of rather, he communicates as a business- laments. God]; sin [“mistakes good people make man in simple, emotionally-powerful lan- Looking for answers, Wehner con- that fail to contribute to ‘our best life guage – but with a calculated vagueness. cludes what others have as well: “many now’”]; our identity in Christ [replaced He aggressively turns questions against evangelicals feel increasingly powerless, by an “ultimate loyalty in preserving or askers, and avoids looking weak or slip- beaten down, aggrieved and under regaining a lost socio-cultural and cultur- pery. He practices “dominance politics”, attack. A sense of ressentiment, or a ‘nar- al, perhaps even racial, hegemony in an using insults like “low-energy” (against rrative of injury,’ is leading them to look increasingly diverse society”]; leadership Jeb Bush) and “nice” (to put down Ben for scapegoats to explain their growing [revealed by Trump as “the celebration Carson) and makes himself look like the impotence. People filled with anger are of narcissism, greed and deceitfulness in kind of president who would deal more easily exploited … . Enter Donald Trump, the pursuit of power”]. strongly [than Obama] with, say, China, alpha male. Above all, Horton observes, modern Iran or Russia. Mr Trump’s supporters don’t care evangelicals have become pragmatists in Many people claim Trump is “honest” about his agenda; they are captured addition to being the “moralistic, ther- – by which they mean that he says what by his persona. They view him as the apeutic deists” their theology suggests. he thinks – and not necessarily that he strongest, most dominant, most asser- Trump looks like the only hope of re- is accurate or truthful. He isn’t “limited tive political figure they have ever seen. storing what they feel they are losing, by political correctness” – and many In an odd bow to Nietzschean ethics, and so they admire and support him.2 like that. they respect and applaud his Will to Back in February Alistair Roberts, who Roberts gets to the heart of the matter Power. And so the man who openly writes on biblical theology and ethics, in the following comments: admires tyrants like Vladimir V. Putin contributed a sympathetic and extend- “The American white working class – and praised the Chinese crackdown in ed analysis of the reasons for evangelical to which a disproportionate number of Tiananmen Square because it showed support of Donald Trump on the “Mere evangelicals belong – are well aware ‘strength’ has become the repository of Orthodoxy” website. While Roberts that they are hated and pathologized by their hopes.” takes the same line as the two writers upper middle class coastal liberals, who Wehner can only conclude that “For I’ve quoted above, he digs more deeply dominate key institutions in American some evangelicals, Christianity is no into the reasons Christians back Trump, life. They are branded with the stigma longer shaping their politics; with Mr and asks a few questions of their critics. of racism, xenophobia, backwardness, Trump in view, their faith lies subordi- First, Trump has all kinds of appeal and unprogressive attitudes. Liberals and nate.” And ultimately, “evangelical Chris- to those fed up with politicians because progressives try to enforce enlightened

Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 13 thought upon them in a patronizing, of- quite a long time. We have a tenden- tendency to trust strong voices who will ficious, or censorious manner, and often cy to look for a leader who will speak put down the “enemy”. I’m old enough despise, ridicule, and want to freeze for us; someone who will fight back to remember the way many seized on their voices out of public life. For such at those who despise and exclude us. a certain Robert Muldoon in the late people, Trump represents resistance to What really matters, though, is how we 1970s. His famous put-downs of po- their pathologization and marginalization. respond when we’re in that situation. litical opponents appealed to many of Trump is prepared to stand with them in Do we fight back with the weapons us who disliked “trendy lefties”, union being despised, hated and pathologized of the world, become pragmatists and troublemakers and their like. I also recall by the establishment, speaking on their choose politicians who are completely the relish with which some Christians behalf. As people rush to write think- of the world? Or do we accept that the quoted Douglas Wilson’s harsh words pieces demonizing Trump and his sup- world is regularly going to be against and sarcastic remarks about feminists in porters … it only makes the scapegoat the church, and soldier cheerfully on, Credenda Agenda 15 or 20 years ago. status of the American white working knowing full well that Jesus has over- Here was someone who would have a class more apparent.”3 come the world? It seems to me we slash at them – good for him, etc. And there are many Christians, of need to help those Christians demoral- I think we should be careful about course, who are horrified by Trump – ised by the hostility of the culture, and who we hitch our wagons to: only Roberts included. What Roberts wants encourage them that Jesus knows it all; men and women of good character us to ask, though, is whether we too that he’s told us it would be like that. are worthy of honour, and of our trust. are some of the (well, let’s say it how There is no need to fight back in the Perhaps we should focus our efforts on it is) snobs who despise uneducated world’s way; and we should never put praying that God would provide us with white working class Christians. Do we our trust in princes. Have we forgotten, more of them. look down our noses at people who like Asaph, who was troubled by the feel beaten down and want some kind dominance of the arrogant and whose Notes of leader who will stick up for them foot “had nearly slipped”, until he went 1 Peter Wehner, “What Wouldn’t Jesus Do?” New and their interests? Do we regard them into the sanctuary and “discerned their York Times, March 1 2016. 2 Michael Horton, “The Theology of Donald as “those people” who are nothing like end”? (See Psalm 73). Trump”, , March 2016 (web us, and maybe we even roll our eyes It also seems to me that we should only). and groan that this kind of thing would also try to avoid a roll-your-eyes, a groan- 3 Alistair Roberts, “Trumped Up? Is the Donald’s happen “only in America”? ing “only in America” sort of response Support Really Driven by Racist Xenophobia?” The thing is, all of us have times to the Donald Trump phenomenon. It http://mereorthodoxy.com/donald-trump-evan- gelicals-working-class/ when we feel beaten down by the is self-righteous; and we Christians in world; perhaps today more so than for New Zealand are not immune from the

Feminine focus Jenny Waldron

Being courageous

What makes you fearful? Snakes? Middle Eastern refugees are pouring New Zealand and murders and assaults Spiders? Flying in a plane? Speaking into Europe at unprecedented rates, are happening daily. The occurrence of publicly? Let’s get this straight from the completely changing the face of Europe. sexual and violent abuse is rising ex- beginning: we all get scared. We all fear Islamic State is sweeping across the ponentially and affecting many in our “stuff”. We worry about trivial things like world, terrorising people whilst endeav- society.1 “is my hair going grey?” to more weighty ouring to further their religion of hatred, Another aspect of our changing world matters like “how would I cope if my control and violence. Islam is spreading is the proliferation of electronic means husband died?” across Asia, Africa and Europe. of communication which is very difficult The world we live is changing rapidly Closer to home, here in New Zealand, for parents to monitor. With this comes in so many ways. Who doesn’t worry our way of life is changing too.We an unprecedented access to porno- about the world our children and grand- now have beggars on the street, mili- graphy, many undesirable games, web- children are growing up in? tant Maori are wanting sovereignty over sites, chatrooms and videos. Are we

14 Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 anxious about finances, jobs, an unfaith- model for us because He was determined ful spouse, death of a loved one, injus- to do His Father’s will in the face of Be strong, tice, our children’s future, or cancer? seemingly insurmountable anguish. He ❝ If we are honest with ourselves, there showed tremendous courage because He and let your are many circumstances and matters that trusted His Father, implicitly and obeyed can, and do, make us fearful. him fully. It is only through Him, our heart take risen Saviour Jesus Christ, and because But what does God say? of what he suffered on the cross for us, courage, all Psalm 31:24 “Be strong and let your that we too can have the courage and heart take courage, all you who hope strength to follow Christ’s pattern. you who in the LORD.” So, what can we do to be equipped Bethany Hamilton is an example of to be courageous as Jesus’ disciples? hope in the a Christian woman who shows courage. Read God’s Word: Get into God’s She was an up-and-coming professional Word! So often we rely on preaching LORD. surfer when her left arm was bitten off and weekly Bible studies for our “fix” ❞ by a shark. Bethany continues to trust of God’s Word. However, we need to the Lord and still surfs, but also now dive into his Word so that we really to the sermons preached. Use times shares her faith and experiences with know the Bible. God speaks to us that you are on your own to listen to people around the world. She says, through His Word, and the Scriptures sermons. Sermon Audio (sermonaudio. “Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get are full of encouragement and comfort, com) is an excellent resource and many afraid. Courage means you don’t let especially in periods of our lives when of our own ministers have their sermons fear stop you.” we are fearful, discouraged and scared. uploaded onto their serving church’s web Nayara Goncalves,2 20, was held at The Psalms are particularly helpful during page, that can be downloaded. gunpoint by a robber demanding money. these times. Not only that, but in Eph Meditate on God’s Word: In the She doesn’t know why she started talking 6:17 the Apostle Paul calls the Word middle of God telling Joshua to be strong to him about Jesus but felt prompted of God, the Sword of the Spirit! This is and (very) courageous, (Josh 1:5-9), He to do so and eventually the man left THE weapon we are given to fight the commands him to “meditate on the Book without taking any money. adversary of this age. We will be able of the Law … that you may be careful The ultimate example of courage to use this sword, as Jesus did when He to do according to all that is written in for us is Jesus as He resisted the Devil was being tempted by Satan. One of the it… then you will have good success.” and stood firm in the faith many times devil’s arrows he fires at us, to defeat us, We, too, need to meditate deeply on throughout His ministry here on earth. In is fear. However, we will have courage God’s living Word, so that it dwells richly the Garden of Gethsemane, just before and strength to counter the enemy’s within us. It is very helpful to memo- He was about to be betrayed, He was attacks on us, when we are grounded rise passages about courage, and “do praying to His Father: “My Father, if it in God’s Word. not fear!” Meditate on a passage of the be possible, let this cup pass from me; Listen to God’s Word preached: Bible, and dwell on each phrase, praying NEVERTHELESS, not as I will, but as you Listen what God has to say to us by that God would open up His Word to will!” (Matt 26:39) Jesus is the perfect attending church and actively listening your heart and mind.

Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 15 Pray: God sent His Son to do all the “might-have-beens” but, we know, those who believe in Christ have been the work to bring sinners like you and for those who love God, all things work saved from eternal death and separation me into relationship with Him. We are together for good. (Rom 8:28) from God. Compared to eternity, our commanded not to be anxious about time here on earth is so short. We are anything (Phil 4:6) but to bring every- Stand firm sojourners on this earth - our mission: thing to Him in prayer. God desires an 1 Corinthians 16:13 says “Be watchful, to become more and more like Jesus intimate and close relationship with us stand firm in the faith. Be courageous, Be Christ, our Saviour. We are not to be that goes beyond a shallow, repetitive strong.” Putting on the whole armour of like Peter walking on the water towards kind of prayer life. We need to spend God, (Eph 6:10-20) helps us to defend Jesus, who takes his eyes off Jesus and time before our loving God and make the faith, to stand up for what is right starts looking at the waves around him. our deepest thoughts, fears and desires in the sight of the Lord. This may mean We are to keep our eyes on Christ and known to Him. Sometimes, in times of having the courage to protect a child on the eternal life He has promised us. deep distress and trouble, we do not from abuse, to confront a friend who He has done all the work so that we do always know how to express ourselves is committing a sin, to work on saving not need to be fearful nor be anxious. adequately. We can apply the Psalms our marriage, to defend the fatherless and other Scriptures as prayers, using and the widows from wrongdoers or to GOD will never leave us nor forsake them to help express our reliance on stand up to someone belittling our faith us our heavenly Father as well as airing and our Saviour. He calls us to be strong and courageous our fear, anger, and frustration. Pray for and He will be with us4 wherever we go. wisdom (James 1:5) and for love for your Stand together enemies. (Rom 12:20-21) Carry each other’s burdens and care for GOD will judge the world! one another. If your burden is making Keeping eternity in mind, there is coming Trust God you emotionally, physically or spiritual- a time when this world will end, and Trust God! (Ps 56:3-4) This is the simple ly ill, seek help. God has given us the Jesus returns. He will judge everyone answer to all fear and anxiety, but some- church family, to love and care for us. for what they have done. We do not times our trust waivers. What if our worst Maybe you are the one doing the carry- have to worry, be anxious, be angry or fears are realised? Our child dies, our ing at this time. There are seasons in life fear that justice isn’t/hasn’t been done husband is unfaithful and/or leaves us, where we are the carri-ers, and others as yet. God will judge the living and our child is molested, ISIS takes over where we are the ones being carried. the dead5, “Vengence is mine, says the New Zealand, the church splits, our Lord, I will repay.” (Rom 12:19) We can child or spouse shows no saving faith Choose to act godly at all times trust Him to deal with all injustices fully, etc… God is there in the midst of all We can pray for the Holy Spirit to change completely and justly. the trouble, working His good purpos- our sinful ways and attitudes and to fill In conclusion, God will protect our es! said “Occasionally weep us with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, hearts and minds from all kinds of fear deeply over the life you hoped would peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and terror with His peace that surpass- be. Grieve the losses. Then wash your faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. es all understanding! We can follow face. Trust God. And embrace the life you (Gal 5:22-23) We are to capture every Jesus’ example because He determined have.” There is a place for grieving over thought and not be conformed to this to follow His Fathers’ will and calls us world, but be transformed by the renewal to be sons (and daughters) of the Living of our minds. (Rom 12:2) Put off3 the God. We can trust our heavenly Father, old self and put on the new, walking in even when it feels like the odds are a manner worthy of the calling to which stacked against us, and as we live in “To know that nothing you have been called. this ever-changing world, because Jesus hurts the godly, is a showed us the way to be strong and matter of comfort; but to GOD is Sovereign courageous. Remember, this is what God Do we forget this when we are in the says to us: Be strong, and let your heart be assured that all things dark trap of terror and fearfulness? Do take courage, all you who hope in the which fall out shall co- we trust God in certain circumstances LORD.” Psalm 31:24 operate for their good, but not in others or doubt His ability to work His good purposes out in this Recommended reading that their crosses shall be particular situation? Although we may Running Scared – Fear, Worry, and the turned into blessings, that say God is in control of everything and God of Rest by Edward T. Welch (New showers of affliction water that it is providential (from the hand Growth Press) of God) some situations seem so dark, Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda the withering root of their we are overwhelmed by fear. However, Dillow, (Nav Press) grace and make it flourish we can take comfort in the God who more; this may fill their created the heavens and the earth. Notes (1 Peter 4:19) 1 https://nzfvc.org.nz/sites/nzfvc.org.nz/files/data- hearts with joy till they run summaries-snapshot-2015_0.pdf 2 http://abcnews.go.com/US/faith-stops-florida- over.” GOD is OUR Lord and Saviour robbery/story?id=11288067 Thomas Watson We have been bought with a price to 3 Col 3, Gal 5, Eph 4 have a relationship with God so that 4 Deut 31:6, Josh 1:5, Ps 94:14, Heb 13:5 we have the hope of eternal life. For 5 2 Cor 5:6-10, 2 Tim 4:1, 2 Peter 2:9

16 Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 Missions in focus Hans Vaatstra

Guest lectureship at Reformed Churches Bible College, Papau New Guinea

Hans Vaatstra Who does what? regularly, teaches Catechism; and leads The Rev. Henry Versteeg is the college fellowship evenings weekly in the East The Reformed Churches’ Bible College Principal and administrator, with more Boroko settlement, and Profession of in Papua New Guinea is in a good than two decades of mission experience Faith Classes in Veifa’a. Both Alan and location on about 8 acres of gently amongst the West Papuan people Henry often have students, security undulating land in the 14 Mile district, on behalf of the Canadian Reformed personal and other people coming to some 18 km from the Port Moresby Churches. He and His wife Rita have their doors with practical, academic Town centre. The College is about worked at the RCBC since 2009. His and pastoral concerns. Because of an 25 minutes’ drive from Port Moresby tasks include preaching in the churches, extended drought this year a large tank city centre. The Nine Mile church is lecturing, oversight of all aspects of and pump was installed to draw water about half way towards the city, with the curriculum, the academic progress out of the river for the gardens and the East Boroko church nearer the city of the students and pastoral care. The bathrooms. Drinking water needed to centre at 4 Mile. The Beretete and Rev. Alan Douma, along with his share be trucked in from a spring at 17 Mile Beregoro churches are further out into of teaching, preaching and marriage every second day in order to reduce the the Sogeri hills. The Reformed Church counselling work, is vice-principal at the demand on the bores as the water table of Veifa’a lies about three hours’ drive college and takes care of the ongoing had dropped. Both Rita Versteeg and west along the coast from Moresby. development and maintenance of the Odette Douma teach health and English The RCBC campus is ideal in that it college compound. Alan also preaches to certificate level students and assist provides students used to an agrarian lifestyle with a campus which has enough arable land for them to grow food (to supplement the College rations) for themselves and their families, as well as attend lectures during allotted times. A live chicken-raising project and areas to grow cash crops provide further income towards school rations and to provide for personal student needs. (Each student family is allotted a 20 metre by 20 metre plot for their personal use) Several large mango trees and banana palms provide fruit. There is also some unused land which may cater for future growth at the College. The entire property is enclosed in a 2.4 meter high perimeter fence topped with barbed wire, making the compound a relatively secure home for students and teachers alike. The RCBC campus is well laid out with student accommodation at one end, the class room blocks and library in the middle and teacher Alan Douma on his way to teach catechism at Boroko and transporting a student cash crop for accommodation at the other end. market on the way.

Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 17 students and their families with health- related matters. The Rev. Cornelius Kleyn has served three years as lecturer at the college. He also administers campus security and the stores and rations for the college student body and their families. Cornelius also preaches, teaches catechism, conducts market preaching and shares in fellowship evenings with Aisi Kosa at Nine Mile. Writing and reviewing courses is an ongoing task all the missionaries are involved in. As guest lecturer I commenced my four week block of lectures on Tuesday 20th October with two Diploma students and 10 certificate-level students. This was during Cornelius Kleyn’s furlough. My task was to teach Church History in North America and PNG and Old Testament history 800-400BC. This in- volved seven one-hour teaching sessions Certificate level students 2015 last semester. per week, plus preparation and assess- ment. I also took turns in leading devo- to Veifa’a said there is a great need for old church and led by untrained, self- tions and helped out with the preaching the RCBC. In his home district the sects appointed . The RCBC is meeting roster on Sundays. are predominant and exclusive. They a great need in PNG for well-trained say that salvation can only be found in pastors and teachers. RCBC graduates and students their denomination. Another student said Currently the Reformed churches in the people in PNG are easily drawn into Teaching programme Port Moresby area are served by three sects and cults because most have very Presently candidates for ministry have 5 men who have completed their studies little knowledge of the Bible and lack years’ training at the RCBC, including a 2 at the RCBC. Joel Sine is elder/ evan- sound theology. He is convinced that year certificate course followed by the 3 gelist at Beregoro, while Nawai and Aisi what the RCBC is doing, training men year diploma course. Practicum courses are candidate ministers at Beretete and over five years (two years certificate and are run for 2nd and 3rd year diploma stu- Nine Mile. Two more RCBC graduates three years diploma), is vital. Spiritual- dents in the local churches – for example, are serving churches in the Lae area. It ism of the demonic kind also lives in a four to six week practicum was organ- is a great blessing to begin to see the the land. Only the truth of God’s Word ised for final year student John Puke- fruit of Reformed Ministries in PNG. The and true faith in Christ can drive the Ame in Veifa’a for the Christmas period. vision is to train national pastors, and in demons away. Another student I spoke This experience was very encouraging time establish the Reformed Churches to during church history class said that for both the sponsoring church and the of PNG as a Melanesian sister church. there are many break-away churches set student. Graduates are eligible to work One student I spoke to during a visit up by disgruntled members leaving their as candidate pastors prior to for a year or more under the supervi- sion of the church consistory and one of the missionaries. The missionaries do acknowledge that more in-village training for candidate ministers would be beneficial. However, at this stage, because the Reformed Churches in PNG are young and do not have their own experienced national ministers, more one-to-one discipleship of budding ministers will require extra missionary manpower for some time to come. Having a compound manager at RCBC to free up Alan from the mainte- nance and supervisory work and take on some of Henry’s administrative work will help. But even then there is sufficient work for yet another ordained missionary to take over some of the church-relat- ed discipleship and church order work Church Council meeting with Henry Versteeg and Alan present and Nawai chairing (Nawai is which the RCBC lecturers presently have candidate pastor at Beretete Reformed Church. to handle themselves.

18 Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 The secularization of the West and the rise of a New Morality (Part 2)

Albert Mohler it need not be announced, and often is not noticed. Those born into the cultures The claim The new sexual morality did not emerge of late modernity simply breathe these ❝ from a vacuum. Massive intellectual assumptions as they breathe the atmos- that humanity changes at the worldview level over phere, and their worldviews are radically the last 200 years set the stage for the realigned, even if their language retains can only revolution in which we currently find elements of the old worldview. ourselves. We are living in times rightly, The background to this great intellec- come into if rather awkwardly, described as the tual shift is the secularization of Western Late Modern Age. Just a decade ago, societies. Modernity has brought many its own and we spoke of the Postmodern Age, as if cultural goods, but it has also, as predict- modernity had given way to something ed, brought a radical change in the way overcome fundamentally new. Like every new and citizens of Western societies think, feel, self-declared epoch, the Postmodern Age relate, and reason. The Enlightenment’s various was declared to be a form of liberation. liberation of reason at the expense of Whereas the Modern Age announced revelation was followed by a radical anti- invidious itself as a secular liberation from a Chris- supernaturalism that can scarcely be ex- tian authority that operated on claims aggerated. Looking at Europe and Great forms of of divine revelation, the Postmodern Britain, it is clear that the Modern Age Age was proposed as a liberation from has alienated an entire civilization from discrimination the great secular authorities of reason its Christian roots, along with Christian and rationality. The Postmodern Age, it moral and intellectual commitments. This by secular was claimed, would liberate humanity did not happen all at once, of course, by operating with an official “incredu- though the change came very quickly liberation is lity toward all metanarratives.” In other in nations such as France and Germany. words, postmodernity denied all of the Scandinavian nations now register almost not new, but big narratives that had previously shaped imperceptible levels of Christian belief. the culture and specifically put an end Increasingly, the same is also true of it is now to the Christian narrative. Great Britain. Sociologists now speak And yet, postmodern thought eventu- openly of the death of Christian Britain mainstream. ated, as all intellectual movements must, – and the evidence of Christian decline ❞ in its own metanarrative. Then it just is abundant. passed away. We still speak of postmod- Some prophetic voices recognized cultural impression. These two world- ern thinking, even as we speak rightly of the scale and scope of the intellectual views, one generally Christian and the postmodern architecture and postmodern changes taking place in the West. Just other barely deistic stood in complete art, but we are speaking, for the most over thirty years ago, Francis Schaeffer antithesis to each other in content and part, of a movement that has given way wrote of a shift in worldview away from also in moral results. These contrary ways and given up. In retrospect, the Postmod- one that was at least vaguely Christian in of seeing the world would lead to very ern Age was not a new age at all; it was the memory of society towards a com- different sociological and governmental only the alarm that announced the end pletely different way of looking at the results, including the conception and of Modernity and the beginning of the world. This new worldview was based on implementation of law. Late Modern Age. Modernity has not the idea that final reality was impersonal In 1983, writing just a few years after disappeared. It has only grown stronger, matter or energy shaped into its present Francis Schaeffer made that contribution, if also more complex. form by impersonal chance. Significantly, Carl F. H. Henry described the situation The claim that humanity can only Schaeffer observed that Christians in his and future possibilities in terms of a come into its own and overcome various time did not see this new worldview as strict dichotomy: “If modern culture is invidious forms of discrimination by taking the place of the Christian world- to escape the oblivion that has engulfed secular liberation is not new, but it is view that had previously dominated the earlier civilizations of man, the re- now mainstream. It is now so common northern European and American cul- covery of the will of the self-revealed to the cultures of Western societies that tures, either by personal conviction or God in the realm of justice and law is

Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 19 crucially imperative. Return to pagan Writing even earlier, Carl Henry had sion of God’s revealed authority. Leaving misconceptions of divinized rulers, or a already identified the single greatest in- a Christian worldview leads to a distrust divinized cosmos, or a quasi-Christian tellectual obstacle to a cultural return of final truth and a rejection of universal conception of natural law or natural to the God of the Bible. Released in authority, which then blockades the way justice will bring inevitable disillusion- 1976, Henry’s first volume of his six- back to the God of the Bible. ment. Not all pleas for transcendent au- volume magnum opus, God, Revelation, thority will truly serve God or man. By and Authority, began with this first line: Article citations aggrandizing law and human rights and “No fact of contemporary Western life is 1. Carl F H. Henry, God, Revelation, and Author- welfare to their sovereignty, all manner more evident than the growing distrust ity, vol. 6, God Who Stands and Says Part 2 (Wheaton: Crossway, 1999), 454. of earthly leaders eagerly preempt the of final truth and its implacable ques- 2 Carl F. H. Henry, God, Revelation, and Authority, 2 role of the divine and obscure the living tioning of any sure word.” This obsta- vol. 1, God Who Speaks and Shows, Preliminary God of Scriptural revelation. The alter- cle to the return to the authority of a Considerations (Wheaton: Crossway, 1999), 1. natives are clear: we return to the God Christian worldview is really part of a of the Bible or we perish in the pit of vicious circle that begins with the de- www.albertmohler.com lawlessness.”1 parture from at least a cultural impres-

World in focus

Christianity and the Chinese government, ous narratives about Islam, the Muslim China’s efforts to mold however, is more complex. leaders called on the entire Muslim world Christianity in its own to reaffirm the principles of the Charter A Chinese version of Christianity of Medina, a constitutional contract image draw resistance In August 2014, a top-ranking official between the Prophet Muhammad and in the Chinese government informed the people of Medina, “which guaran- In the Chinese capital, it’s not uncom- the world that China was planning on teed the religious liberty of all, regard- mon for church services to be held in nationalizing Christianity. less of faith” 1,400 years ago. Soviet-era office buildings. But the poorly Wang Zuoan, director of the State To counter extremism and promote lit, cracked-concrete dankness of this par- Administration for Religious Affairs, told freedom, the declaration calls for a ticular location cannot dampen the en- a forum in Shanghai that the “construc- “broad movement for the just treat- thusiasm of this evangelical congregation. tion of Chinese Christian theology should ment of religious minorities in Muslim Several hundred Chinese Christians adapt to China’s condition and integrate countries and to raise awareness as to pack the cavernous, L-shaped suite, clap- with Chinese culture.” their rights.” ping their hands and stomping their feet The announcement, unsurprisingly, Morocco, the host country for the while a quartet at the front of the room triggered significant consternation among conference, is often cited as an example lustily belts out songs praising “Yesu” Christian groups in China and around of an Islamic state that protects the rights (“Jesus” in Mandarin). the globe. of Christians, Jews and other religious The men and women in attendance Religion News Service minorities. Some of the other Muslim at the government-sanctioned Yizhuang majority nations, however, are badly in Church are young, under 40, though At Morocco Summit, need of the reforms called for in the dec- several elderly Chinese women with their laration: Citizenship that is “inclusive of grandchildren in tow pack the venue. Muslim leaders stand up for religious freedom diverse groups” and initiatives, including When the band is finished, the be- education, that promote understanding spectacled pastor, Du Jian Jun, takes Posted on February 3, 2016 by Charles C. Haynes across religions. the podium to deliver his sermon and By sending a message to government the crowd settles into row upon row of At an historic gathering in Marrakesh, leaders who ignore the true teachings blue, folding chairs. Morocco on January 27, more than 300 of Islam as well as to terrorist groups Du, who speaks in Mandarin only – Muslim leaders – including many of the that pervert the meaning of the faith, the only English heard in the service is world’s most eminent Islamic scholars the Marrakesh Declaration stakes out an a smattering of worshippers’ “amens” – and clerics – declared that the religious authentically Muslim position in support delivers his message with the soothing freedom of minority faiths must be pro- of religious freedom. cadence of a polished orator. tected in Muslim majority nations. “Enough bloodshed,” said Shaykh His sermon is simple: The lives we The Marrakesh Declaration comes at Abdallah bin Bayyah, a key organizer lead can be difficult, but with the guid- a time of unprecedented persecution of of the conference and president of the ance of Yesu we have the tools to carry Christians and other minority groups by Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim on. extremists acting in the name of Islam in Societies. “There is a sickness right now The pastor’s message is concise and the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. in the world but we have treatments for straightforward; the relationship between Pushing back against false and danger- it within Islam.”

20 Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 In other words, Islam is not the cause larly difficult time talking to those outside ‘Behold, I might be accused’ of extremism; Islam offers an answer their group,” the Barna Group reported But it may be time to get a new term to it. Now the challenge facing Muslim in a March 9 study titled “Americans to define those Christians, others say. scholars and religious leaders will be to Struggle to Talk Across Divides.” “I just noticed a few weeks ago that I translate the declaration into societal But Imam Imad Enchassi, spiritual had stopped describing myself to people reforms and peace efforts that effectively leader of the Islamic Society of Greater as an ‘evangelical,’ ” Russell Moore, presi- counter extremist movements, especially Oklahoma City, said he has found many dent of the Southern Baptist Convention’s among the young. evangelicals to be very open to talking. Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, The Marrakesh Declaration has re- “I have encountered them right said in a Washington Post column titled ceived scant media attention in the outside our mosque – with signs,” En- “Why this election makes me hate the United States. Positive news about Islam chassi said. word ‘evangelical.’ ” – including the many earlier statements Signs like “turn or burn” and “Mu- Moore laments the way the word is and actions of Islamic leaders to fight hammad is a pedophile” are common, used by both Christians and non-Chris- extremism – rarely makes headlines. he said. tians in the current election season, in- But Americans should take heed of the One Christian wore a hot dog costume cluding reports that so-called evangelicals message coming out of Morocco. to a protest, implying that standing close are supporting Donald Trump in large At a time when Islam is coopted by to Muslims is like being cooked over an numbers. terrorists and demonized by anti-Muslim open fire. Jeff Brumley | Baptist News groups, Americans need to hear the true “I said ‘this is your best pick-up line voice of Islam. To understand why this for Jesus, really?” JP sacked for saying mum matters, consider that hate crimes against Enchassi said he is optimistic, some- and dad best to adopt kids Muslim Americans and mosques across times, during these encounters. the U.S. have tripled since the terrorist “I try to dialogue with them, but it’s A Christian magistrate has been sacked attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, basically a one-way street,” he said. for opposing adoption by same-sex California last fall, according to a study couples. conducted by researchers at California Difficult friendships Richard Page was removed from his State University. But Enchassi and other Muslims needn’t office by the Lord Chancellor following Ignorance and fear of Islam breed feel alone in that experience. The Barna a media interview last year, during which anger, hate and violence. In recent data shows that while 87 percent of he shared his conviction that children months, a young girl wearing an hijab evangelicals avoid Muslims, the same do best when they are brought up by was attacked by classmates, a Muslim percentage avoid members of the LGBT a man and a woman. cab driver was shot by a passenger who community and 85 percent won’t speak Mr Page, who served as a magistrate was angry about ISIS, a Muslim woman with an atheist. Nearly 70 percent avoid for 15 years, described the move as at a carwash was threatened by a man conversations with Mormons. “illiberal and intolerant”. at knifepoint – and the list goes on. Other groups – including American In March 2015 the magistrate was Just as the KKK and White Suprema- adults as a whole, Christians, atheists interviewed by BBC reporter Caroline cist groups – which claim to be based on and agnostics – also struggle with con- Wyatt as part of a debate about the mar- ”Christian principles” – are not labeled versing with others, though not to the ginalisation of Christians in public life. “Christian extremists” by most Americans, degree that evangelicals do, the Barna During the interview, he explained so ISIS and other terrorist groups who study reported. how he was disciplined the previous year act in the name of Islam should not be A consequence is that few people can after a court hearing where he could not given the label “Islamic.” healthily engage with others unless they agree with his colleagues that placing a If we can tell the difference between are in total agreement, Barna President child into the care of a same-sex couple authentic Christianity and perverted ver- David Kinnaman said in the report. would be in the child’s “best interests”. sions of the Gospel, so we should learn “Try to talk about things like gay He told the BBC: “My responsibility to tell the difference when it comes marriage – or anything remotely con- as a magistrate, as I saw it, was to do to Islam. Our ability to work with one troversial – with someone you disagree what I considered best for the child, and another, defeat our common enemy, with and the temperature rises a few my feeling was therefore that it would and uphold religious freedom hangs in degrees,” he said. be better if it was a man and woman the balance. “But being friends across differences who were the adopted parents.” Charles C. Haynes is vice president of the is hard, and cultivating good conversa- The Judicial Conduct Investigations Newseum Institute and founding director of the Religious Freedom Center. tions is the rocky, up-hill climb that leads Office (JCIO) confirmed that Mr Page http://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org to peace in a conflict-ridden culture,” has been removed from the magistracy. he said. A statement from the JCIO said: “The Not all evangelicals afraid But that seems to be an extremely Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice of dialogue, Muslims and up-hill struggle for evangelicals, which found that Mr Page’s comments on Christians say Barna defines as those who, among national television would have caused a other things: have made personal com- reasonable person to conclude he was A new study illustrates in numbers what mitments to Jesus Christ; believe the biased and prejudiced against single-sex many already know intuitively: evangeli- Bible to be accurate in all its teachings; adopters”. cals aren’t big on dialoguing with anyone feel compelled to share their faith with It added that the Lord Chancellor and but themselves. non-Christians; and believe salvation is the Lord Chief Justice “considered this “Evangelicals seem to have a particu- possible only through grace, not works. to be serious misconduct which brought

Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 21 the magistracy into disrepute”. me for expressing a dissenting view is Executive Andrea Williams said: “This Reacting to the news, Mr Page said: deeply shocking. unmasks the face of the new politi- “I am surprised that the Lord Chancellor “I shall challenge this decision as it cal orthodoxy; it is unkind. It tries to should seemingly pander to the new po- is illiberal and intolerant. It is vital the silence opposing views and if it fails it litical orthodoxy when what it amounts family law courts always have in mind crushes and punishes the person who to is social experimentation on the lives the best interests of the children.” holds those views.” of the most vulnerable children in our The magistrate is being represented The Christian Institutes, March 2016 communities. by the Christian Legal Centre. “To punish me and to seek to silence Responding to the decision, Chief

Books in focus

Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading ture” and “lit up” (as in, “in your light Reinke clearly loves books, and he Books Paperback – September 9, we see light”)) wants us to love them too. He gives 2011 Reinke starts off by outlining a theol- insightful chapters on different genres – by Tony Reinke ogy of reading. God is a God of Words. like novels and fantasy – and why we Reviewed by Reuben Posthuma Since creation, the giving of the law at should love and appreciate them, espe- Sinai, and His continual promises to His cially as Christians. saints, God has revealed himself, his will I have seen how fruitful loaning to for his creation, and his way of salvation friends that “just-right”* book at the “just- by words. This has two implications for right” time can be, and Reinke addresses Christian reading. First, reading is im- a whole chapter on leading those in our portant. By reading God’s Word, and sphere of influence towards books and reading books which help us to un- reading. The chapter is primarily aimed derstand God’s Word, we begin to see at parents and pastors, but it’s a good the spiritual realities that we wouldn’t reminder for us all. In that same vein, see any other way: the truth of God as he suggests that we start reading books creator, the way of salvation, the new with others by starting informal reading identity we have in Christ. Christians groups. crave God’s words. Finally, Reinke presents “5 marks of Secondly this has implications for mature readers”. These are helpful, both “profane” literature – literature which as a diagnostic, and as a goal. Mature doesn’t set out to tell us about God. readers, he says, 1) Prize wisdom, 2) Since God has revealed himself in His Cherish old books, 3) Keep literature in Word, and since His Word is authori- its place, 4) Avoid idolizing books, and tative and perfect, everything we read 5) Cling to the Savior. needs to be measured in the light of That last point (“cling to the Savior”) God’s revelation. is a theme throughout the book. This is Reinke also rightly points out that shown in two ways. First, he nudges us reading in itself will not enlighten us toward which books we should read. – sin blinds us, so that until we are in Are a significant portion of our books Books are important. As Tony Reinke, Christ, our reading will not see the glories chosen explicitly so that we can know in Lit: A Christian Guide to Reading of God either in words about Him, or Christ and delight in Him more fully? Books, puts it: in the most beautiful profane literature Second, clinging to Jesus changes our that we read. perspective regardless of what kinds of “I have seen wisely chosen The second 2/3 of the book is prac- books we read. Some books are easy. books transform marriages, free tical advice on how to read a book. Some are challenging. Some challenge sinners, and gladden grumblers. Since, even at a rate of a book a week, our sin by calling us to holiness, but some I have seen poorly chosen books in our lifetime we’ll only get through a challenge our pride just by being too dif- feed a person’s doubt, entrench a few books (in the low thousands) out of ficult for us to understand. As we cling soul in legalism, and ignite a heart the millions to choose from, priorities for to the Saviour, and remind ourselves of with self-righteousness.” reading are crucial. Reinke offers some the old old story, we are freed to delight Books – how to read them, which of these, gives strategies for tackling dif- in Christ and in the glories He’s scat- ones to read, and why we read them ferent types of books, gives advice for tered around creation, knowing that our in the first place – are the subject of Lit filling books with marginalia, and calls standing before God is not determined (punnily enough, short for both “litera- us to fight distractions and read deeply. by what we know or can understand of

22 Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 Him. It’s not a novel observation, but I give up on reading entirely – I can see me to read joyfully to the glory of God. forget this quickly. all those traits in my life even just in the If you love books, this book is helpful Reinke challenged me in my priori- past year. By presenting a wise model for for you. If you hate books, this book ties and reasons for reading. It is easy a Christian reader through the theology is probably still helpful for you. Let it to read for the sake of reading, or to of reading, handy tips, and exhorting challenge you in your reading, and let read to feel knowledgeable, or to just us to cling to the Saviour, Reinke helps it help you to see the Saviour.

Time for a walkthrough

It was a 35 degree day in Christchurch sizzle. Young and old could see the Street and a number came to check out on 27th February and the new building design taking shape; a spacious foyer the building progress and to talk with at Cornwall Street looked and felt a little with windows above, an octagonal audi- us. We pray that these types of interac- like the church structures in PNG with torium, a sizeable fellowship area adja- tions will help make it less intimidating supporting walls and a roof, but no clad- cent to a large kitchen, rooms for cat- for neighbours to come to some of our ding or windows. It was an ideal oppor- echism teaching and Sunday school, a worship services once the new building tunity for people to come and see what crèche area, offices and a meeting room. is completed. the Lord has been doing in furthering The covenant community of the We don’t have a firm completion the building plans. church were not alone, invitations to date as yet, but rapid progress is being The Christchurch congregation gath- the walkthrough had been extended to made. It looks like we are now only a ered for a walkthrough and a sausage the neighbours in the area of Cornwall few months away from being able to

Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016 23 move in. At the time of writing, closing in the walls has begun, some windows are in place and the major- ity of the wiring and plumbing has been completed. A PNG style structure worked well on an especially hot Christ-church summer day, but come winter we’ll ap- preciate the walls, windows and a good heating system! The Christchurch Session are very grateful for the financial generosity of congregational members, which, together with gifts from other churches, have enabled us to proceed towards completion. The Lord has blessed us incredibly. Praise His Holy Name.

24 Faith in Focus Volume 43/4 May 2016