From Apostolicity to Apostacy

Tiny Muskens, a Roman Catholic bishop in the Netherlands, is calling for his flock to start referring to God as "Allah," as a way to relieve tensions between Christians and Muslims. According to the bishop, God is above the names we give Him, so it shouldn't be a problem. Someone should point out to this priest that we do not give names to God, we receive the ones He has revealed to us. God has not revealed Himself as Allah. Of course, in order for this argument to make sense, you have to believe that God has revealed Himself, something that may not be true for this apostate bishop. Incidentally, the head of the protestant church in the Netherlands opposes such a move, but on the grounds that it "does no justice to western identity."

Vacation Bible School

This week we had Vacation Bible School. I led the music and instead of using the songs sent out with the program, we taught the children hymns. Some of the hymns they learned were 'Christ Be My Leader,' 'Salvation Unto Us Has Come,' 'Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands,' and 'Come, O Almighty King.' Needless to say it took some work explaining what these hymns meant and explaining the language, but I think it was well worth it. Did they get it all? Probably not, but how many adults get it all. They were exposed to Gospel truth in those hymns, which is the rich heritage of Lutheran hymnody. Some had no idea at all how to even negotiate the hymnals. That was OK too. We turned the pages for them even if they couldn't read and they stared at the pages. Everyone learned something. The hymns were on their lips and in their ears, and that was a start.