Issues About Christianity

Ferie Charis C. Villanueva WEG Professor Aragon July 24, 2013

Issues about Christianity in the Modern World
There are lots of denominations in Christianity as compared to other religions. A Muslim girl once complained about the rights of women. She looked down on herself as if her rank was that of an animal’s. In the mosque during prayer time, if there were no men aside from a 5 year old boy, that boy would lead the prayer. Imagine being a woman so full of shame as that juvenile boy reads holy words deeming that he is much more worthy. Wouldn’t it be better to have different denominations? Perhaps there could a Muslim-women’s-rights denomination. Unfortunately, Muslims hold true to the words of the Al Qur’an (Guillaume, 1956). There were lots of controversies in the founding of the Christian religion. This was the reason of having numerous denominations starting from the time of Apostle Thomas, however there is still one belief that prevails- God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit exists.
There are lots of issues about Christianity nowadays- from sexual morality and productivity control, the ways of worship, and persecution. This religion is perhaps one of the most ‘problematic’ in adopting to change. As mentioned before, denominations happened because of disagreements and particular beliefs. Because Christianity is ‘less strict’ and believes more on the ‘freedom of worship’ since what matters most is God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, these tenets simply collaborated as tools. Unfortunately, this certain freedom can be abused as to forget the ‘oneness’ that is so substantial and implicit in the Christian religion. This mainly constitutes the fact that Jesus Christ Himself portrayed oneness by dying for our sins so as we could be ‘one’ with the Father. As time travels, technology becomes more and more complicated that humans may even get ‘heart chips’ as admonitions. Perhaps one day, we may cease to exist as robots will take our place. Parallelism is evident herein. As days and nights wore on, Christianity becomes more and more complex. Perhaps a more vivid explanation would be to say that as the human mind becomes more complex and ‘closer’ to the truth, more and more ‘denominations’ or ‘doubts’ would procure. How do Christians deal with these prevailing issues in our society of never ending change I wonder?
Overpopulation
“Thou shalt not commit adultery”. This is written in the Old Testament and yet these solid words which ring with truth are being questioned in the ‘side-way style’. Or in layman’s terms, in a burger, we are suspicious as to why burgers have to have sesame seeds to become burgers. “And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein” -Genesis 9:7. RH Bill, RH Bill, RH Bill, oh how sick and tired most Filipinos are with this Law. Yes, yes, this is a law controversial to the verse directly above, but as written in the book of Proverbs, “I am Wisdom, Common Sense is my closest friend”. Sometimes, the bible uses a play of words as not to be in the literal sense, but figurative. The population of the Philippines is approximately 95 million. In the recent rally this month, a teenager held a banner of protest saying, “Panganay ako ng 14 na kapatid”. Yes, having lots of children would help the family with finances, but before that lots of toil would happen between the parent and the child, years and years of hardwork. Common sense, common sense please Mr. Wisdom. The Tragedy of the Commons is a well known masterpiece by Garrett Hardin- “The population problem has no technical solution; it requires a fundamental extension in morality”. Because of the profundity of the bible, misunderstandings arise. This is why contextual meanings are of the utmost importance. In the Tragedy of the Commons, there was a story about a farmer and his cows. If a farmer is the only farmer in the hemisphere, there would absolutely be no problem. However, if competition arises, the farmer is left with the question, “Should I add more cows to my herd or not?”. In the ‘real world’ of course the answer would be to add. On the downside effect, there would be overgrazing and soon the grass would be gone, because the other farmers followed in pursuit. That is the tragedy of the commons. (Hardin, 1968). The same would happen in our population once selfishness rules. (Zeaman, 2002).
Divorce Law
Children are most of the time side-tracked when divorce happens. Psychologically speaking, their gender, age and temperament will also influence on how the child will adjust. (Howell, 2009). Thankfully in the Philippines there is a law against the divorce bill. Therefore it shall hopefully never be approved-House Bill No. 37 or “An Act providing for the Protection of Marriage as an Inviolable Social Institution and the Family as the Foundation of the Nation.” What is the difference with annulment and divorce? Divorce dissolves, terminates and ends a legally valid marriage. While annulment erases a marriage by declaring the marriage null and void and that the union was never legally valid. However, although the marriage is erased, the marriage records remain on file. (Joyce, 1985). The Philippines already allows annulment, why want divorce if annulment is already as harsh and painful as divorce? Isn’t separation painful enough? “Children with divorced parents are at an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, with boys especially vulnerable to the effects of marital breakups.” (Tiemann, Danto, & Gullo, 1992)
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
In Sun Star News:
“We 're not yet ready for that (same-sex marriage). It took a long time before they were by the society in the same way that same-sex marriage will not be easily accepted by the public," Guiao said referring to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.” (Alvarez, 2013).
According to the CIA Factbook, the Philippines is the 3rd country in the world with the largest number of Catholics. (United States & Central Intelligence Agency, 2009). Surely, this would be enough to counter LGBT. Divorce may be somewhat acceptable if the couple is practicing violence beyond limits, however the bible clearly has much say in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender phenomena: * Leviticus 18:22 -You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. * 1 Corinthians 6:9-10- Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. * 1 Timothy 1:9-10 -Understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, * Matthew 19:4-6 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” * Mark 10:6-9 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” * Deuteronomy 22:5 -“A woman shall not wear a man 's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman 's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God. * Leviticus 20:13 -If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. * Romans 1:26-27 -For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. * John 13:34 -A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. * Matthew 7:1 -“Judge not, that you be not judged.
(Crossway Bibles, 2007)

There are actually a lot more verses that were not mentioned above. ‘Gayness’ may stem from genes, upbringing or even CGN- childhood gender nonconformity. The name speaks for itself. This is a case when boys exhibit some degree of femininity and girls exhibit some degree of masculinity. (Rottnek, 1999). Whatever the delicate reasons may be, clearly our nation strongly disapproves of same-sex marriage.
Prostitution
Recently, Christian groups opposed America’s Anti-Prostitution Stance: Some fear that the antiprostitution policy could inspire the government to attach loyalty oaths to other federal benefits. It could require an organization like Heartbeat to tell clients about abortion, or a religious nonprofit to affirm the government 's views on gay marriage or contraception, to retain tax-exempt status. Many believe such oaths violate the First Amendment and its promise of freedom of speech. (Steffan, 2013).

Proponents of legalizing prostitution believe it would reduce crime, improve public health, increase tax revenue, help people out of poverty, get prostitutes off the streets, and allow consenting adults to make their own choices. They contend that prostitution is a victimless crime, especially in the 11 Nevada counties where it remains legal.
Opponents believe that legalizing prostitution would lead to increases in sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, global human trafficking, and violent crime including rape and homicide. They contend that prostitution is inherently immoral, commercially exploitative, empowers the criminal underworld, and promotes the repression of women by men. (Lankford, 2008). There is no reason for this paper once more to be bombarded with lists of verses because prostitution is clearly over the palate. What is so troublesome is that Christians are even looking at these small ‘sesame seeds’ as if the whole ‘burger picture’ would be easily forgotten. This totally wrecks the foundation of Christianity and is far and well out of bounds. Christians agreeing on prostitution? Unheard of! Ridiculous! Sadly, this is the reality once freedom or rather ‘free will’ is abused. Why are Christians making the world so complicated simply just to fit their beliefs? Were the denominations really necessary? Is the bible too deep that this would cause the divergence of Christianity? “Don’t be stupid and believe all you hear. Be smart and know where you are headed”- proverbs 14:15. The sad fact of all is that the free will is the sole reason for the destruction of the iridescent oneness that God wonderfully laid for Christians.

Ways of Worship through Music
In Christianity Today, Owen Strachan writes, “After turning Theological, Christian Hip-Hop turns Critical”. He mentions Jim Crow singing a Christian song with the word nigga. (Strachan, 2013). This of course goes against Ephesians 4:29: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. There are different ways of worshiping through music: * Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs: "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:19 NKJV). * Rehearsed Music: "Those who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night." (I Chronicles 9:33 NIV) * Spontaneous Music: "Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises."(Psalm 98:4 NASB). * New Songs: "Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of the saints." (Psalm 149:1 NIV). * Singing with Understanding and Singing in the Spirit: "I will sing with the spirit and I will also sing with the understanding." (I Corinthians 14:15 NKJV). * Solos: "I will sing praises to Your name." (II Samuel 22:50 NKJV). * Choirs: "The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God." (Nehemiah 12:40 NIV) * Instruments: "The Levites were appointed as singers, with instruments of music, harps, lyres, loud-sounding cymbal, to raise sounds of joy." (I Chronicles 15:16 NASB)

Admittedly, hip-hop with great approval fits in this long list. However, there is not a peep-hole for corrupted words. Perhaps Jim Crow was not careful enough and sang with too much euphoria that he got lost and came crashing down to reality. Protestants are well-known for their ‘ups and downs worship songs’- the jumping and shouting and stricken kind. Likewise, they deem fit. The free will of Christianity revolves around change in modernity. Nowadays, raps and rocks are fashioned into society while way back in the time of Jesus, such things were unheard of. Even mentioning such notions would return blank stares or even glares. Madness, is the title. In those times, choirs with ornate laden robes would best materialize handsome worship. Perhaps there would even be a harp strummed by a handsome David. Cacophony was strictly unheard of. We are now in the Generation Y, also termed as the Me, Me, Me Generation- which became a popular article in The Times Magazine. In Philippine media, there is now the coined term ‘selfie’ which pertains to youngsters drooling over their endless pictures of themselves poised like gods and goddesses as if the world cared so much about them. They believe too much in themselves, and media even boosts this confidence as nearly everyone could be heard in the World Wide Web. Using Twitter and Facebook and making blogs, they could be a pop star in no time, in no time at all. Selfishness is the downside, on the good side is that since they have so much confidence that they could play gods and accomplish their wildest dreams. This is because of their great power of will. (Myers, 2013). On the dangerous side, this so called ‘selfie-ness’ will greatly affect Christianity, which has already been tremendously scattered. What becomes of this religion now?

Persecution The Heavenly Man is a prolific book about the persecutions of Christians in China especially during Communism. Brother Yun actually even exceeded Jesus Christ’s fasting of 40 days. Without food or water, he was able to live for 75 days in the prison of China. He was beaten up by an electrified baton, spitted at, and drowned in the toilet bowl. He was imprisoned because of His faith. (Hattaway & Kamyab, 2006). Has anyone ever wondered why if Christianity isn’t the right religion, then why are Christians the most persecuted? Here is a survey of the ten most persecuted countries in Asia: 1. North Korea- religion: atheism; government: totalitarianism 2. Saudi Arabia-religion: Islam; source of persecution: Islamic Extremism- pursuit of Islamic ideology 3. Afghanistan- religion: Islam; source of persecution: Islamic Extremism 4. Iraq- religion: Islam; source of persecution: Islamic Extremism 5. Maldives- religion: Islam; source of persecution: Islamic Extremism 6. Iran- religion: Islam; source of persecution: Islamic Extremism 7. Yemen- religion: Islam; source of persecution: Islamic Extremism 8. Pakistan- religion: Islam; source of persecution: Islamic Extremism 9. Laos- religion: Buddhism/Animism; source of persecution: communist oppression 10. Vietnam-religion: Buddhism; source of persecution: communist oppression
(Berger, 2010)
Persecution has always been prevalent. This normally occurs between the clashes of different religions, due to the imposing of laws and extremities. A few examples of the kinds of persecutions Christians face nowadays are: physical and verbal abuse, imprisonment, kidnappings, bribes, deportation, destruction of property, fines, torture, and murder.
In 2008 a Hindu leader in India was murdered. The Maoist militants killed him, but the Christians were blamed. 500 were killed. 4,500 houses and churches were destroyed. “And 50,000 people were rendered homeless as Hindu extremists slashed and burned through the Christian community, leaving mutilated corpses and charred human remains. In 2011 firestorms of violence enveloped Nigeria.” “Boko Haram extremists on Sept. 22 killed five Christians in Niger state, and other Muslim extremists killed three Christians the previous week in the north-central state of Kaduna, including a 13-year-old girl.” These are only some of the terrifying persecutions of Christians. (Tutu & Allen, 2011) Christianity is a dangerous religion, because the religion’s diversity makes unity bleak and pariah. The major denominations are Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, Methodist, and Baptist. God never intended for Christianity to be divided and to be lead into confusion. The fault was because of men’s wants. The truth is religion is flawed. This is why as Born-Again Christians repeatedly say, “Choose relationship over religion”. God never intended any of this to happen. In Ephesians 4:5, Paul tells us that there is "One Lord, one faith, one baptism," not many Lords, many faiths and many different forms of baptism. Sadly, this is what is happening. Catholics believe in purgatory, Protestants don’t. The Reformed say, "Our standards of belief are to be found in the Bible and in the Church 's historic Confession of Faith." On the other hand, Lutheran’s depend on the Bible alone. The Catholics, Lutherans and Reformed believe in angels, while other denominations lack in this tenet. As for their belief on Mary’s standing, Catholics say, “Mary had no original sin, remained free of sin throughout her life. She is "Mother of God" and the new Eve. (Catechism, 508-10 ). She had a bodily assumption into heaven instead of death. (Catechism, 966)”. The Orthodox state that Mary is Theotokos (God-Bearer). She is also honored highly, but does not have immaculate conception or bodily assumption into the heavens. The Reformed say, “Mary should not be regarded as a mediator between man and God, but she should be honored as "God-bearer" and a model for Christians.”
And Methodists, “Mary was the mother of Jesus and one of his disciples-virgin birth affirmed, immaculate conception denied.” Catholics say that people are free to do good and evil, while the Lutherans and Presbyterians (Reformed) believe that people are only free to do evil. The Methodists say that no one has the power to do good works. The Orthodox and the Baptist believe that our power to do good or bad lies on the hands of God. The Orthodox is the only one that says that salvation is attained through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The others ‘linger’ only on that belief. Most say that God destined people to go to heaven, only a few say the possibility of hell. In the end of time, all of them agreed in the coming of the Kingdom of God. Only Catholics believe in purgatory, the others deny this. "All who die in God 's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified. After death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven." All denominations believe in the eternal hell. (Livingstone & Oxford University Press, 2000) Two things were discussed- confusion due to the varying beliefs in religion and in society. In modern times, issues on sexual morality- prostitution, gay marriage, divorce, and over population, ways of worship- hip-hop, and persecution shook the foundations of Christianity. But what or who is to blame? Should it be religion or God? In the movie Angels and Demons, a priest of the Roman Catholic Church turned out to be an Illuminati who searched for the God-particle. There is such irony in this movie-novel of Da Vinci. Why do humans make religion so much more complicated when simplicity is the code of God? Even creation was somewhat simplified into seven days. However there is still a prevailing debate as to whether these days were human days or God days. Religion is a manmade word for ceremonial celebration of knowledge of a deity. GOD created Man to Worship HIM, not ceremony! With GOD it 's about a relationship not who can remember the next step in the ritual today! As Albert Einstein quoted, “True religion is real living; living with all one’s soul, with all one’s goodness and righteousness.” Yes, that is true religion without the onset manipulation of man. Religion was manipulated because man wanted to grasp more and more of God. They wanted a concrete God who they could reach and touch, not an abstract God whose holiness covers mysteries and wonders. What kind of a god is a god without mystery? Without wonder? Without beauty? “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious; It is the source of all true art and science.” And as those mysteries unfold day by day, let not dimwittedness shy thy heart of curiosity but let thy wings flutter on the endless horizon of the setting sun. “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.” (Krull & Kulikov, 2009).

References
Alvarez, K. (2013, June 29). Lawmakers: philippines not ready for same-sex marriage. The Sun Star. Retrieved from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/06/29/lawmakers-philippines-not-ready-same-sex-marriage-289853
Berger, D. (2010). Persecution, polemic, and dialogue: essays in Jewish-Christian relations. Boston: Academic Studies Press.
Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: study Bible : English standard version. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Bibles.
Guillaume, A. (1956). Islam. Harmondsworth, Middlesex; New York, N.Y.: Penguin Books.
Hardin, G. J. (1968). The Tragedy of the Commons. [Washington, D.C.]: American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Hattaway, P., & Kamyab, N. (2006). Heavenly Man. Elam Ministries.
Howell, M. L. (2009). Divorce and children. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press.
Joyce, J. (1985). Marriage, divorce and annulment. London: Catholic Truth Society.
Krull, K., & Kulikov, B. (2009). Albert Einstein. New York, N.Y.: Viking.
Lankford, R. D. (2008). Prostitution. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press/Gale Cengage Learning.
Livingstone, E. A., & Oxford University Press. (2000). The concise Oxford dictionary of the Christian Church. [Oxford]: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/BOOK%5FSEARCH.html?book=t95&subject=s22
Rottnek, M. (1999). Sissies and tomboys: gender nonconformity and homosexual childhood. New York: New York University Press.
Tiemann, A. R., Danto, B. L., & Gullo, S. (1992). Divorce shock: perspectives on counseling and therapy. Philadelphia: Charles Press.
Tutu, D., & Allen, J. (2011). God is not a Christian: and other provocations. New York, NY: HarperOne.
United States, & Central Intelligence Agency. (2009). CIA world factbook. Washington, D.C.: Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/book/cia
Zeaman, J. (2002). Overpopulation. New York: Franklin Watts.

References: Alvarez, K. (2013, June 29). Lawmakers: philippines not ready for same-sex marriage. The Sun Star. Retrieved from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/06/29/lawmakers-philippines-not-ready-same-sex-marriage-289853 Berger, D Crossway Bibles. (2007). ESV: study Bible : English standard version. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Bibles. Guillaume, A. (1956). Islam. Harmondsworth, Middlesex; New York, N.Y.: Penguin Books. Hardin, G. J. (1968). The Tragedy of the Commons. [Washington, D.C.]: American Association for the Advancement of Science. Hattaway, P., & Kamyab, N. (2006). Heavenly Man. Elam Ministries. Howell, M. L. (2009). Divorce and children. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press. Joyce, J. (1985). Marriage, divorce and annulment. London: Catholic Truth Society. Krull, K., & Kulikov, B. (2009). Albert Einstein. New York, N.Y.: Viking. Lankford, R. D. (2008). Prostitution. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press/Gale Cengage Learning. Livingstone, E. A., & Oxford University Press. (2000). The concise Oxford dictionary of the Christian Church. [Oxford]: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/BOOK%5FSEARCH.html?book=t95&subject=s22 Rottnek, M Tiemann, A. R., Danto, B. L., & Gullo, S. (1992). Divorce shock: perspectives on counseling and therapy. Philadelphia: Charles Press. Tutu, D., & Allen, J. (2011). God is not a Christian: and other provocations. New York, NY: HarperOne. United States, & Central Intelligence Agency. (2009). CIA world factbook. Washington, D.C.: Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com/book/cia Zeaman, J