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..."
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