Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Princewill Njong: Happy New year
Princewill Njong: Happy New year: "Hey Jupiter Family, thanks for your New Year wishes. I love the fireworks; light up more!"
Happy New year
Hey Jupiter Family, thanks for your New Year wishes. I love the fireworks; light up more!
Princewill Njong: Which do you feel more comfortable doing: what is ...
Princewill Njong: Which do you feel more comfortable doing: what is ...: "Is it safer to always try to do what is right or what is correct? Doing what is correct may always get the admiration of the society and may..."
Which do you feel more comfortable doing: what is right or what is correct?
Is it safer to always try to do what is right or what is correct? Doing what is correct may always get the admiration of the society and may leave you paranoid and mostly uncomfortable. However, ignoring societal norms for correctness and doing what you believe is prompted by the need or situation at hand (what is right) may earn you societal scorn and self satisfaction that you're doing what is necessary. Would you, or do you feel more comfortable doing what society requires rather than what you think is necessary?
Princewill Njong: Jesus' death atoned for our sins and Jesus is GOD
Princewill Njong: Jesus' death atoned for our sins and Jesus is GOD: "Thank you TJ for such a swift and interesting post. I should say at the end of your comments I find myself confused as to your standpoint. M..."
Jesus' death atoned for our sins and Jesus is GOD
Thank you TJ for such a swift and interesting post. I should say at the end of your comments I find myself confused as to your standpoint. Maybe I need some clarification whether you are saying that the death of Jesus was a valid and appropriate sacrifice for our sins or otherwise. However, I have a few worries with a couple of thinks you said, starting with your quoting of Psalms 49:7&8 which you interpret to mean Jesus was a normal human being. I sincerely think your interpretation of that bible verse is, should I say, misplaced. I do not think Jesus was just a normal human being; he was God. In Phillipians 2:5-11, the bible says:
5"Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ: 6Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the mention of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father"
Furthermore, Romans 14:9&10 says:
"9For every reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10...'As surely as I live', says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; and every tongue will confess to God"
and 1Corinthians 1:18 says "for the message of the cross is foolishness for those who are perishing..." The whole chapter and chapter 2 are also informative.
If you and I believe in the above biblical messages, is the magnitude of Jesus' death to mankind still questionable or is his status as God? I think not. The bible says God is a merciful and just God. He loves man so much but his justice also provided that he punished man for his sins and Jesus was the only rightful propitiation because he was pure and sinless.
The second thing I differ in opinion in is your idea of God's standard for justice. Of course the standard you portray here was in the Old Testament, in the time of Moses. The coming of Jesus brought a new dawn, a new order and a new beginning. This is not to say the Old Testament is invalid today though, it simply means some of the practices of the Old Testament, e.g. burnt offerings, teeth for tat, an eye for an eye rules become obsolete and unchristian with the coming and death of Jesus Christ. The shattering of the temple alter blind when Jesus died and resurrected clearly indicated a break from the past and the break of a new dawn where there were no longer any barriers between man and God; the link between man and God was reestablished and all those who were willing to live a Godly live could now make heaven.
I hope I did understand your comments well; else, would you mind clarifications if necessary? Thanks a million TJ. I am actually writing this post at 2:15 am because I just find reading your comments and posting an immediate reply irresistible. I was reading. Thanks a million.
5"Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ: 6Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the mention of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father"
Furthermore, Romans 14:9&10 says:
"9For every reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10...'As surely as I live', says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; and every tongue will confess to God"
and 1Corinthians 1:18 says "for the message of the cross is foolishness for those who are perishing..." The whole chapter and chapter 2 are also informative.
If you and I believe in the above biblical messages, is the magnitude of Jesus' death to mankind still questionable or is his status as God? I think not. The bible says God is a merciful and just God. He loves man so much but his justice also provided that he punished man for his sins and Jesus was the only rightful propitiation because he was pure and sinless.
The second thing I differ in opinion in is your idea of God's standard for justice. Of course the standard you portray here was in the Old Testament, in the time of Moses. The coming of Jesus brought a new dawn, a new order and a new beginning. This is not to say the Old Testament is invalid today though, it simply means some of the practices of the Old Testament, e.g. burnt offerings, teeth for tat, an eye for an eye rules become obsolete and unchristian with the coming and death of Jesus Christ. The shattering of the temple alter blind when Jesus died and resurrected clearly indicated a break from the past and the break of a new dawn where there were no longer any barriers between man and God; the link between man and God was reestablished and all those who were willing to live a Godly live could now make heaven.
I hope I did understand your comments well; else, would you mind clarifications if necessary? Thanks a million TJ. I am actually writing this post at 2:15 am because I just find reading your comments and posting an immediate reply irresistible. I was reading. Thanks a million.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Princewill Njong: Reasons Jesus came and died
Princewill Njong: Reasons Jesus came and died: "Hey TJ, when I read your comments at times I feel obliged to give up my position: your logic on the status of the Magi, the notion of the ma..."
Reasons Jesus came and died
Hey TJ, when I read your comments at times I feel obliged to give up my position: your logic on the status of the Magi, the notion of the magi itself and the way you relate it to magic is just amazing. As somebody studying language, I really find your sense relation between magi and magic interesting.
That said, the argument over the birth of Jesus has been interesting and informing; I would have loved to leave the subject feeling more convinced that I won; if only I knew the bible as much as you do, or was more comfortable discussing biblical issues: this does not mean I've changed my view and position on Christmas though, it means you've given me something to think about in relation to that and I've sincerely learned some useful things. I hope for same there; thank you.
Now to the issue of scriptural evidence as to how Jesus' death saved man from sin and condemnation; I think I may need the help of a bible savvy here. However, I'll love to share a few things I found which I believe express my belief and thinking on the issue of Jesus' life and death. Below are first scriptural evidence that the shedding of Jesus' blood actually saved us from eternal condemnation and gave every man, who truly believes in God a chance to reconnect with Him, through Christ, and avoid eternal condemnation.
Why did Jesus shed his blood?
Matthew 26:28 ...this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
The Lord Jesus Christ shed his blood for the remission of sins. As we examine scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments, we can gain a better understanding of the significance of the blood of Jesus.
When we turn back to the Old Testament of the Bible, we see that after sin entered into the world, God required the blood sacrifice of animals for the atonement of sins.
In addition, John Piper also provides the following reasons, from the bible of course, Jesus came to die.
Why did Jesus Christ suffer and die? I believe that is the most important question of the twenty-first century. Here are ten answers from the Bible.
It is impossible to build lasting unity among races by saying that all religions can come together as equally valid. God sent his Son into the world as the only means of saving sinners and reconciling races. Only as the races find this reconciliation will they love and enjoy each other.
God’s design for marriage is for a husband to love his wife the way Christ loves his people, and for the wife to respond the way Christ’s people should. This kind of love is possible because Christ died for both husband and wife.
The seriousness of an insult rises with the dignity of the one insulted. Since our sin is against the Ruler of the Universe, “the wages of [our] sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Not to punish it would be unjust. So God sent his own Son, Jesus, to divert sin’s punishment from us to himself. God “loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation”—the wrath-absorbing substitute—“for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
Then God publicly endorsed Christ’s accomplishment by raising him from the dead, proving the success of his suffering and death.
The law’s demands have been fulfilled by Christ’s perfect law-keeping, its penalty fully paid by his death. This is why the Bible teaches that getting right with God is not based on law-keeping: “A person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 2:16). Our only hope is having the blood and righteousness of Christ credited to our account.
The measure of his love increases still more when we consider the degree of our unworthiness. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Our debt is so great, only a divine sacrifice could pay it.
I see Christ suffering and dying “to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). And I ask, am I among the “many”? And I hear the answer, “Whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus paid the highest price possible to give me—personally—the greatest gift possible.
The death of Christ secures freedom from condemnation for those who believe that Christ has served their death sentence. It is as sure that they cannot be condemned as it is sure that Christ died!
But for those who trust Christ, the best is yet to come. “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). We will see the all-satisfying glory of God. “This is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3).
For all these reasons and more, Christ suffered and died
TJ, I hope you find this scribbling informative in some way. I should be anxious to read what you have to say. Thanks a million
That said, the argument over the birth of Jesus has been interesting and informing; I would have loved to leave the subject feeling more convinced that I won; if only I knew the bible as much as you do, or was more comfortable discussing biblical issues: this does not mean I've changed my view and position on Christmas though, it means you've given me something to think about in relation to that and I've sincerely learned some useful things. I hope for same there; thank you.
Now to the issue of scriptural evidence as to how Jesus' death saved man from sin and condemnation; I think I may need the help of a bible savvy here. However, I'll love to share a few things I found which I believe express my belief and thinking on the issue of Jesus' life and death. Below are first scriptural evidence that the shedding of Jesus' blood actually saved us from eternal condemnation and gave every man, who truly believes in God a chance to reconnect with Him, through Christ, and avoid eternal condemnation.
Matthew 26:28 ...this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
The Lord Jesus Christ shed his blood for the remission of sins. As we examine scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments, we can gain a better understanding of the significance of the blood of Jesus.
Leviticus 17:11, For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. Leviticus 4:3-5 If the priest that is anointed do sin...then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering....he shall... lay his hand upon the bullock's head, and kill the bullock before the LORD. And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock's blood, and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation...But the blood of the animals still couldn't do the trick. The Israelites were still unfaithful to their God as evidenced by their awhoring after other gods. A better sacrifice was needed.
Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.God promised His people, the Jewish people, a new covenant about 600 years before the coming of Christ. We will see that this covenant would also require blood.
Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:In the Bible, we have the Old Testament (or Hebrew Scriptures) and the New Testament. Both were ushered in by blood. The Old Testament came by the blood of animals. The New Testament by the blood of Jesus Christ.
31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Old Testament Exodus 24:8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.
Hebrews 9:18-20 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
The animal sacrifices of the Old Testament were only a picture of the ultimate sacrifice. When Jesus Christ went to the cross almost 2,000 years ago, He was the ULTIMATE sacrifice.New TestamentMatthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
- His skin was whipped off by scourging,
- His beard was torn out of his cheeks,
- His head pierced with thorns,
- His face marred more than any man. He was unrecognizable. The Bible says he was more marred than ANY man.
- His hands and feet were nailed through with thick spikes,
- His side pierced with a spear after he died.
Hebrews 9:9 ...a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience... 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;The blood of animals had to be shed over and over but the blood of Jesus was shed only one time. The Catholic religion does not understand this and contends that the blood is shed over and over again in the mass, but the Bible says something different:
9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Hebrews 10:12, ...after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. Hebrews 7:27 ...this he did once, when he offered up himself.The blood of Jesus is powerful. It is a saving, healing blood. Look at what the blood has done:
Hebrews 9:28 ...Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many...
Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
| What the blood of Jesus does | Bible Reference |
|---|---|
| The blood pays for our sins so we don't go to hell. | Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. |
| The blood bought us. [3] | Acts 20:28 ...feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23 ...ye are bought with a price... |
| The blood justifies us before a holy God. | 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.. |
| The blood redeems us. | Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. |
| The blood brought us Gentiles into a relationship with God that we didn't have before. | Ephesians 2:11-16 ... ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh ...without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus...are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby. |
| The blood brought Jew and Gentile (regardless of race or nationality) into a right relationship with God. | Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. |
| The blood brought peace. | 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. |
| The blood purges our consciences from dead works. | Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? |
| The blood lets us enter into the holiest place before the throne of God. | 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. |
| The blood forges an everlasting covenant between the believer and God. | Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, |
| The blood sanctifies us. | Hebrews 10:29...the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified... |
| The blood cleanses us from all sin. | 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. |
| The blood washes away our sins. | Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, |
| The blood causes us to overcome this old wicked world. | Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. |
In addition, John Piper also provides the following reasons, from the bible of course, Jesus came to die.
Why did Jesus Christ suffer and die? I believe that is the most important question of the twenty-first century. Here are ten answers from the Bible.
Jesus came to die…
#10) To destroy hostility between races
The suspicion, prejudice, and demeaning attitudes between Jews and non-Jews in Bible times were as serious as the racial, ethnic, and national hostilities today. Jesus died to create a whole new way for races to be reconciled: he “has broken down…the dividing wall of hostility…making peace…through the cross” (Ephesians 2:14-16).It is impossible to build lasting unity among races by saying that all religions can come together as equally valid. God sent his Son into the world as the only means of saving sinners and reconciling races. Only as the races find this reconciliation will they love and enjoy each other.
#9) To give marriage its deepest meaning
God’s design was never for marriages to be miserable, yet many are. That’s what sin does…it makes us treat each other badly. Jesus died to change that. He knew that his suffering would make the deepest meaning of marriage plain. That’s why the Bible says, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).God’s design for marriage is for a husband to love his wife the way Christ loves his people, and for the wife to respond the way Christ’s people should. This kind of love is possible because Christ died for both husband and wife.
#8) To absorb the wrath of God
God’s law demanded, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). But we have all loved other things more. This is what sin is—dishonoring God by preferring other things over him, and acting on those preferences.The seriousness of an insult rises with the dignity of the one insulted. Since our sin is against the Ruler of the Universe, “the wages of [our] sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Not to punish it would be unjust. So God sent his own Son, Jesus, to divert sin’s punishment from us to himself. God “loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation”—the wrath-absorbing substitute—“for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
Then God publicly endorsed Christ’s accomplishment by raising him from the dead, proving the success of his suffering and death.
#7) So that we would escape the curse of the law
There was no escape from the curse of God’s law. It was just; we were guilty. There was only one way to be free: someone must pay the penalty. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13).The law’s demands have been fulfilled by Christ’s perfect law-keeping, its penalty fully paid by his death. This is why the Bible teaches that getting right with God is not based on law-keeping: “A person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 2:16). Our only hope is having the blood and righteousness of Christ credited to our account.
#6) To reconcile us to God
The reconciliation that needs to happen between man and God goes both ways. God’s first act in reconciling us to himself was to remove the obstacle that separated him from us—the guilt of our sin. He took the steps we could not take to remove his own judgment by sending Jesus to suffer in our place: “While we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10). Reconciliation from our side is simply to receive what God has already done, the way we receive an infinitely valuable gift.#5) To show God’s love for sinners
The measure of God’s love is shown by the degree of his sacrifice in saving us from the penalty of our sins: “he gave his only Son” (John 3:16). When we add the horrific crucifixion that Christ endured, it becomes clear that the sacrifice the Father and the Son made to save us was indescribably great!The measure of his love increases still more when we consider the degree of our unworthiness. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Our debt is so great, only a divine sacrifice could pay it.
#4) To show Jesus’ own love for us
The death of Christ is also the supreme expression that he “loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). It is my sin that cuts me off from God. All I can do is plead for mercy.I see Christ suffering and dying “to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). And I ask, am I among the “many”? And I hear the answer, “Whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus paid the highest price possible to give me—personally—the greatest gift possible.
#3) To take away our condemnation
The great conclusion to the suffering and death of Christ is this: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). To be “in Christ” means to be in relationship to him by faith. Christ becomes our punishment (which we don’t have to bear) and our worth before God (which we cannot earn).The death of Christ secures freedom from condemnation for those who believe that Christ has served their death sentence. It is as sure that they cannot be condemned as it is sure that Christ died!
#2) To bring us to God
“Gospel” means “good news,” and it all ends in one thing: God himself. The gospel is the good news that at the cost of his Son’s life, God has done everything necessary to captivate us with what will make us eternally and ever-increasingly happy—namely, himself. “Christ…suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18).#1) To give eternal life to all who believe on Him
Jesus made it plain that rejecting the eternal life he offered would result in the misery of eternity in hell: “Whoever does not believe is condemned already....the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:18, 36).But for those who trust Christ, the best is yet to come. “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). We will see the all-satisfying glory of God. “This is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3).
For all these reasons and more, Christ suffered and died
TJ, I hope you find this scribbling informative in some way. I should be anxious to read what you have to say. Thanks a million
Monday, December 27, 2010
Princewill Njong: The measure of a man's character
Princewill Njong: The measure of a man's character: "I came across the following inspirational quotes by some of the world's greatest minds which reminded me of events in Ivory Coast and the ..."
The measure of a man's character
I came across the following inspirational quotes by some of the world's greatest minds which reminded me of events in Ivory Coast and the way African statesmen view power and thought I should share with you guys:
1.
Norman Vincent Peale:
The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.
I wish I could deliver this great quote to Laurent Gbagbo and other dictators and statesmen in Africa. Just maybe somebody is given Mr Gbagbo the wrong advice; why he's still hanging on.
2.
Martin Luther King, Jr.:
The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where the stand in times of challenge and controversy.
If Laurent Gbagbo wants to lead again, he must show maturity, responsibility and restraint; that's what makes a good leader, not just the desire to hang on to power even when one blatantly loses an election.
3.
G. K. Chesterton:
The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.
In any democratic system where there are rules, laws and the rule of law, leaders are elected by subjects and only those who win stay in power. Those who lose should be brave enough to acknowledge defeat and cede power; this is the only way they can save a positive legacy for their tenure in office.
thanks and happy holiday.
1.
Norman Vincent Peale:
The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.
I wish I could deliver this great quote to Laurent Gbagbo and other dictators and statesmen in Africa. Just maybe somebody is given Mr Gbagbo the wrong advice; why he's still hanging on.
2.
Martin Luther King, Jr.:
The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where the stand in times of challenge and controversy.
If Laurent Gbagbo wants to lead again, he must show maturity, responsibility and restraint; that's what makes a good leader, not just the desire to hang on to power even when one blatantly loses an election.
3.
G. K. Chesterton:
The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.
In any democratic system where there are rules, laws and the rule of law, leaders are elected by subjects and only those who win stay in power. Those who lose should be brave enough to acknowledge defeat and cede power; this is the only way they can save a positive legacy for their tenure in office.
thanks and happy holiday.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Princewill Njong: An alternative to pagan practices
Princewill Njong: An alternative to pagan practices: "TJ, many others argue like you that the birth of Jesus occurred in some other season, such as in Autumn. Followers of this theory claim tha..."
An alternative to pagan practices
TJ, many others argue like you that the birth of Jesus occurred in some other season, such as in Autumn. Followers of this theory claim that the Judean winters were too cold for shepherds to be watching their flocks by night, as you point out. However, history proves otherwise, and there is historical and literary evidence that unblemished lambs for the Temple sacrifice were in fact kept in the fields near Bethlehem during the winter months. Maybe you should read the poem by T.S. Eliot titled "Journey of the Magi" for some literary insights. Hope you won't say it's worldly. Yes, the winters were very cold, but the shepherds braved the cold to mind the sheep.
The term Christmas appeared in Old English as early as 1038 AD as Cristes Maesse, and later as Cristes-messe in 1131 AD. It means "the Mass of Christ." This name was established by the Christian church to disconnect the holiday and its customs from its pagan origins. As one fourth century theologian penned, "We hold this day holy, not like the pagans because of the birth of the sun, but because of Him who made it."
Although it is true that many traditional Christmas customs find their origins in pagan practices, these ancient and forgotten associations are far removed from the hearts of Christian worshipers today at Christmastime. So much so, it seems a pointless concern. If the focus of Christmas is Jesus Christ and his gift of eternal life, then what harm can come from such a celebration? Moreover, Christian churches see Christmas as an occasion to spread the good news of the gospel at a time when many unbelievers pause to consider Christ.So the church did not "christianize" the feast of the winter soltice and the god of the sun, it offered christians an alternative to the pagan practices that were imposed on all by the Roman leaders at that time.
Secondly, the Magi did not dabble in witchcraft or magic, they were led by God to a spiritual encounter, a journey of rebirth and redemption. If you believe in the baptism of Jesus Christ, would you say that the dove that descended during His baptism was pagan or magic? God is a miraculous God who acts in ways that are foreign to human intelligence. The star that led the Magi to baby Jesus was God's way to lead them to the new-born-King.
TJ, I admire the passion in your argument, however, as much as I believe in Christmas, I want you to know that I'm not a religious apologist, neither do I align myself to any particular congregation; I'm quite liberal and free thinking. I believe that Jesus was conceived by the Virgin Mary after Angel Gabriel had descended on her, that He was born at some unknown time, that there is no event in the world as important as the birth of Christ and that I will always observe Christmas to remember God's greatest gift to mankind: the birth and eventual suffering and death for our sins of His son Jesus Christ.
Once more, many thanks and think about commemorating Christmas.
The term Christmas appeared in Old English as early as 1038 AD as Cristes Maesse, and later as Cristes-messe in 1131 AD. It means "the Mass of Christ." This name was established by the Christian church to disconnect the holiday and its customs from its pagan origins. As one fourth century theologian penned, "We hold this day holy, not like the pagans because of the birth of the sun, but because of Him who made it."
Although it is true that many traditional Christmas customs find their origins in pagan practices, these ancient and forgotten associations are far removed from the hearts of Christian worshipers today at Christmastime. So much so, it seems a pointless concern. If the focus of Christmas is Jesus Christ and his gift of eternal life, then what harm can come from such a celebration? Moreover, Christian churches see Christmas as an occasion to spread the good news of the gospel at a time when many unbelievers pause to consider Christ.So the church did not "christianize" the feast of the winter soltice and the god of the sun, it offered christians an alternative to the pagan practices that were imposed on all by the Roman leaders at that time.
Secondly, the Magi did not dabble in witchcraft or magic, they were led by God to a spiritual encounter, a journey of rebirth and redemption. If you believe in the baptism of Jesus Christ, would you say that the dove that descended during His baptism was pagan or magic? God is a miraculous God who acts in ways that are foreign to human intelligence. The star that led the Magi to baby Jesus was God's way to lead them to the new-born-King.
TJ, I admire the passion in your argument, however, as much as I believe in Christmas, I want you to know that I'm not a religious apologist, neither do I align myself to any particular congregation; I'm quite liberal and free thinking. I believe that Jesus was conceived by the Virgin Mary after Angel Gabriel had descended on her, that He was born at some unknown time, that there is no event in the world as important as the birth of Christ and that I will always observe Christmas to remember God's greatest gift to mankind: the birth and eventual suffering and death for our sins of His son Jesus Christ.
Once more, many thanks and think about commemorating Christmas.
Princewill Njong: Princewill Njong: Still I believe Christmas should...
Princewill Njong: Princewill Njong: Still I believe Christmas should...: "Princewill Njong: Still I believe Christmas should be celebrated: 'Hey TJ, thanks for taking out time to comment on my blog. Let me start ..."
Princewill Njong: Princewill Njong: Still I believe Christmas should...
Princewill Njong: Princewill Njong: Still I believe Christmas should...: "Princewill Njong: Still I believe Christmas should be celebrated: 'Hey TJ, thanks for taking out time to comment on my blog. Let me start ..."
Princewill Njong: Still I believe Christmas should be celebrated
Princewill Njong: Still I believe Christmas should be celebrated: "Hey TJ, thanks for taking out time to comment on my blog. Let me start by inviting you you to read an interesting book by an investigati..."
Princewill Njong: Still I believe Christmas should be celebrated
Princewill Njong: Still I believe Christmas should be celebrated: "Hey TJ, thanks for taking out time to comment on my blog. I must say I'm incredibly overwhelmed by the civility with which you defend y..."
Still I believe Christmas should be celebrated
Hey TJ, thanks for taking out time to comment on my blog. Let me start by inviting you you to read an interesting book by an investigative journalist following this link. I must say I'm incredibly overwhelmed by the civility with which you defend your faith, considering the sensitive nature of religious issues and the violent emotions with which people often react to contrary religious ideas. Your argument is completely valid and logical; I'm aware of the pagan origin of the the 25th of December as Christmas as well as some Christmas traditions, but I'm also aware of the logic in choosing this day and in carrying out these traditions. For the records, December 25 was not mentioned in the biblical narrative as the day Jesus was born, and, as such, we cannot be dogmatic about it one way or the other. However, I still believe Christmas should be celebrated. Firstly, the birth of Jesus was a victory over evil; represented by King Herod. Secondly, the birth of Jesus was the beginning of the end of his mission to earth: to save mankind and reestablish that broken link between man and the Father; he could not have died on Calvary for us without being born! Therefore his birth is as important as his works and ultimate sacrifice: death on the cross. We cannot therefore celebrate only what he did and forget how He came to the world: His birth was the single greatest hope to man's salvation and so should be commemorated in some way. Speculation as to the time of Jesus’ birth dates back to the 3rd century, when Hyppolytus (ca. 170-236) claimed that Jesus was born on December 25. The earliest mention of some sort of observance on that date is in the Philoclian Calendar, representing Roman practice, of the year 336. Later, John Chrysostom favored the same date of birth. The date eventually became the officially recognized date for Christmas in part because it coincided with the pagan festivals celebrating Saturnalia and the winter solstice. The church thereby offered people a Christian alternative to the pagan festivities and eventually reinterpreted many of their symbols and actions in ways acceptable to Christian faith and practice. What is important is not the origins of traditions, but their significance to us today as believers in the Son of God The fact is that He was born, that He came into the world to atone for our sins, that He was resurrected to eternal life, and that He’s alive today. This is what we should celebrate, as we are told in the Old Testament in such passages as Zechariah 2:10: “'Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,' declares the LORD.” Further, the angel that announced the birth to the shepherds brought “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Surely here is the cause for celebration every day, not just once a year. As for magical Santa Claus, he's just a symbol of the giving and sharing inspired by Jesus' birth and life. Is it really likely that when I give gifts to my loved ones at Christmas, the gifts will have less significance to either of us because some Druid somewhere in time offered a gift to his goat as part of some pagan ritual? No, we remember, as we should, the gifts given to the Christ-child by the Magi (Matthew 2:11). Jesus was the greatest gift ever given, and therefore His birth is worthy of celebration. Many thanks |
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Princewill Njong: Princewill Njong: The Logic of Christmas
Princewill Njong: Princewill Njong: The Logic of Christmas: "Princewill Njong: The Logic of Christmas: 'Yesterday, December 24th 2010, a Jehovah Witness lady knocked on my door and I went out to chat w..."
Princewill Njong: Farcical panafricanism
Princewill Njong: Farcical panafricanism: "Laurent Gbagbo's desperate cling to power is so pathetic that I can't help but feel tempted to sympathize with him. Pan-Africanism was not f..."
Princewill Njong: The Logic of Christmas
Princewill Njong: The Logic of Christmas: "Yesterday, December 24th 2010, a Jehovah Witness lady knocked on my door and I went out to chat with her. She gave me a book titled: 'The Gr..."
Princewill Njong: Princewill Njong: The last African Despot?
Princewill Njong: Princewill Njong: The last African Despot?: "Princewill Njong: The last African Despot?: 'If there is anything we've learned from African leaders since independence, it is that once the..."
Princewill Njong: Farcical panafricanism
Princewill Njong: Farcical panafricanism: "Laurent Gbagbo's desperate cling to power is so pathetic that I can't help but feel tempted to sympathize with him. Pan-Africanism was not f..."
Princewill Njong: The Logic of Christmas
Princewill Njong: The Logic of Christmas: "Yesterday, December 24th 2010, a Jehovah Witness lady knocked on my door and I went out to chat with her. She gave me a book titled: 'The Gr..."
Princewill Njong: Farcical panafricanism
Princewill Njong: Farcical panafricanism: "Laurent Gbagbo's desperate cling to power is so pathetic that I can't help but feel tempted to sympathize with him. Pan-Africanism was not f..."
The Logic of Christmas
Yesterday, December 24th 2010, a Jehovah Witness lady knocked on my door and I went out to chat with her. She gave me a book titled: "The Greatest Man who ever lived" and asked me to read the fourth paragraph of the first section bearing the title of the book. The paragraph read
By his dynamic teachings and by the way he lived in harmony with them, Jesus has powerfully affected the lives of people for nearly two thousand years. As one writer aptly expressed it: "All the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully".
These qualities definitely amount to the divine or supernatural which undermines Jehovah Witnesses' attempt to portray Jesus as not God as seen in their propaganda and representation of Him in the above excerpt in lower case letters.
Secondly, assuming Jesus were not God (if this makes Jehovah Witnesses feel any better), is it still not normal that humanity sets aside a day to commemorate the birth and life of this great Human Being who sacrificed so much for mankind as the above excerpt clearly shows. If Jehovah Witnesses truly believe Jesus did for mankind what armies, navies, parliaments or kings ever did or would ever do, is it too much to gratefully acknowledge this by setting aside a special day to say "thank you". Are Jehovah Witnesses this ungrateful? Hello!!! What is their point or logic?
When we loose a loved one, we often pause sometimes to remember them, even if we don't express this openly or physically, it does happen in our consciousness and subconsciousness; even the Jehovah Witnesses. Do they celebrate birthdays, marriage anniversaries, childbirths, etc? So what is their point? Is it just a matter of church principle just to show them as "different" or as not part of the "grand narrative"? For heaven's sake religion is not fiction! I wish I could understand this manic hypocrisy and prosaic behavior! They do not celebrate the birth of Jesus whom they acknowledge did what no man would ever do, but celebrate the New Year...this is as ungrateful as it gets! I do celebrate Christmas, even in my little room, by pausing momentarily to tell this extraordinary MAN who's done all to me "THANK YOU LORD".
By his dynamic teachings and by the way he lived in harmony with them, Jesus has powerfully affected the lives of people for nearly two thousand years. As one writer aptly expressed it: "All the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully".
These qualities definitely amount to the divine or supernatural which undermines Jehovah Witnesses' attempt to portray Jesus as not God as seen in their propaganda and representation of Him in the above excerpt in lower case letters.
Secondly, assuming Jesus were not God (if this makes Jehovah Witnesses feel any better), is it still not normal that humanity sets aside a day to commemorate the birth and life of this great Human Being who sacrificed so much for mankind as the above excerpt clearly shows. If Jehovah Witnesses truly believe Jesus did for mankind what armies, navies, parliaments or kings ever did or would ever do, is it too much to gratefully acknowledge this by setting aside a special day to say "thank you". Are Jehovah Witnesses this ungrateful? Hello!!! What is their point or logic?
When we loose a loved one, we often pause sometimes to remember them, even if we don't express this openly or physically, it does happen in our consciousness and subconsciousness; even the Jehovah Witnesses. Do they celebrate birthdays, marriage anniversaries, childbirths, etc? So what is their point? Is it just a matter of church principle just to show them as "different" or as not part of the "grand narrative"? For heaven's sake religion is not fiction! I wish I could understand this manic hypocrisy and prosaic behavior! They do not celebrate the birth of Jesus whom they acknowledge did what no man would ever do, but celebrate the New Year...this is as ungrateful as it gets! I do celebrate Christmas, even in my little room, by pausing momentarily to tell this extraordinary MAN who's done all to me "THANK YOU LORD".
Friday, December 24, 2010
Farcical panafricanism
Laurent Gbagbo's desperate cling to power is so pathetic that I can't help but feel tempted to sympathize with him. Pan-Africanism was not found on dictatorship or despotism-if that's Gbagbo's idea of pan-Africanism, then he's gravely mistaken. Trying to play the Ivory Coast-for-Ivorians' card will not work. Sorry Gbagbo, a true nationalist, a true Pan-Africanist respects and adheres to democratic, intellectual and moral ideals-either of which Mr Gbagbo lacks. Gbagbo can leave now, and preserve some honour and the benefit of doubt of history's sympathy rather than stay on and face the disgrace of being the first African leader to be forced out of office for stealing an election by a fellow African military and/or financial force.
Princewill Njong: The last African Despot?
Princewill Njong: The last African Despot?: "If there is anything we've learned from African leaders since independence, it is that once they get to power, they never want to leave; and..."
Princewill Njong: The last African Despot?
Princewill Njong: The last African Despot?: "If there is anything we've learned from African leaders since independence, it is that once they get to power, they never want to leave; and..."
The last African Despot?
If there is anything we've learned from African leaders since independence, it is that once they get to power, they never want to leave; and always do everything, however mean and shameful to hang on to power. We've also seen, since independence, a consistent pattern of mutual support and tolerance of electoral fraud and violence amongst African leaders. However, what we've never seen post election in Africa, is such a coordinated and prompt response and resolute call by the African Union and ECOWAS on an African leader who's clearly shown to have stolen an election to step down .
Though individual Heads of State have generally remained silent (maybe because they know how they still find themselves in power) and preferred to speak though the AU and other regional organizations, the fact that Africa is acting in unison(so it seems), for the first time, to isolate a despot who's lost moral, spiritual and intellectual judgment because of greed is something to celebrate. For once there's a glimmer of hope that Africa may just be going back to its basics of civilization; that the days of anarchy, impudence and arrogant dictatorship may be numbered; that Africa may finally be maturing and therefore getting more responsible; that dictators and election riggers may finally be held accountable; that the impunity that has characterized African politics since independence may just be terminally ill...
Whether the African and the international community finally prevails over Laurent Gbagbo and his cohorts, the single fact that Africa has acted resolutely responsible for almost the first time is quite comforting. If I could advise Gbagbo, I'd tell him that some African countries may still just be friendly enough to host him and his criminal gang; it's not yet late to get out! Laurent Gbagbo has a rare chance to do the right thing and be on the right side of history; else history will remember him cruelly. The African and international community's response to Laurent Gbagbo is probably the clearest message ever echoed to African leaders and others who still live in despotic fantasies: if Africa and the international community does not relent in its response, Laurent Gbagbo may as well be the last African leader to lose elections and attempt to stay on to power.
Though individual Heads of State have generally remained silent (maybe because they know how they still find themselves in power) and preferred to speak though the AU and other regional organizations, the fact that Africa is acting in unison(so it seems), for the first time, to isolate a despot who's lost moral, spiritual and intellectual judgment because of greed is something to celebrate. For once there's a glimmer of hope that Africa may just be going back to its basics of civilization; that the days of anarchy, impudence and arrogant dictatorship may be numbered; that Africa may finally be maturing and therefore getting more responsible; that dictators and election riggers may finally be held accountable; that the impunity that has characterized African politics since independence may just be terminally ill...
Whether the African and the international community finally prevails over Laurent Gbagbo and his cohorts, the single fact that Africa has acted resolutely responsible for almost the first time is quite comforting. If I could advise Gbagbo, I'd tell him that some African countries may still just be friendly enough to host him and his criminal gang; it's not yet late to get out! Laurent Gbagbo has a rare chance to do the right thing and be on the right side of history; else history will remember him cruelly. The African and international community's response to Laurent Gbagbo is probably the clearest message ever echoed to African leaders and others who still live in despotic fantasies: if Africa and the international community does not relent in its response, Laurent Gbagbo may as well be the last African leader to lose elections and attempt to stay on to power.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Press Censorshipand freedom of speech in Cameroon
RWB just published a report on press freedoms in Cameroon between 2009 and 2010. It is true the report exaggerated a number of things; especially its picture and ranking of Cameroon. But does this mean that there's no press censorship in Cameroon? Is every Cameroonian journalist or journalist in Cameroon really free to express his/her mind without risk of being arrested and detained, or having his press card suspended or the license of his/her press house suspended? How much access does the Press in Cameroon have to appropriate sources of information? Can we really talk about press freedoms independent of freedom of speech? Cameroon is gradually slipping backwards in terms of press freedoms and freedom of speech...this is partly because most Cameroonians are complacent with the conditioned freedoms we have...press freedoms is not the fight for the Private Press only; it is that of every freedom-loving Cameroonian who cares about the future of our fatherland. However, Freedom of speech and Press freedoms do not mean anarchy; hopefully, the private press conducts its business scientifically, methodically and professionally so we won't have the jokes we read everyday on most P.P in the name of newspaper news.We are Cameroonians, we are good and we can do better...These ramblings, as discordantly as they are arranged, hopefully make a point...
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