During some down time, I decided pitch him this new theory I'm working on. I would share it with you, but upon bouncing the idea off Mr. Ravi, I promised to let him use the material. He asked if he could include this new, amazing teaching in some speeches he is working on.While I told him I have a book deal in the wings to expound on this amazing idea, I figured we're all playing for the same team, and agreed to letting him use my material. Its pretty earth shattering stuff guys, as you can tell from the look on his face.
Okay, so here is the real story. While others were content to ask for the usual side-by-side, arm-over-shoulder shot, I wanted something different. Figuring the worst Mr. Ravi could say is no, I asked if we could pose a role-reversal shot: he would pose being amazed by the words leaving my mouth. As you can see, he most cordially agreed.
Speaking Opportunity
Through a strange twist of events and happenstance, I have been invited to share with a Muslim group at a London university. It all came about after volunteering at an event put on by the local Christian organization on this university campus. The event was designed to be a place where one could come and ask tough questions of the Christian faith. A group of Muslim girls came and asked why God had to punish Christ to be able to forgive.
I explained the exclusivity of mercy and justice, how at the practice of one you sacrifice the other. These mutually exclusive terms place God in a difficult situation. If he wants to execute justice, he sacrifices mercy. However, if he chooses to demonstrate mercy, he sacrifices justice. The question must then be asked, how can God be both merciful and just? The Christian answer is found in the cross. The Christian God is the only god that provides for his mercy through the execution of his justice, and fully satisfies both terms without sacrificing either. If that sounds like an intelligible answer, you can thank my professor, I ripped it straight from his play-book.
They want me to return and speak to their group on this issue. Now I've landed myself in trouble.
British Winters
Yup, its upon us. The other day, as I finished my final term paper, I looked outside my window to see the full moon rising above the tree line. It was 4 o'clock in the afternoon. The weather has been a running joke between the classmates. When asked if she had accustomed herself to the early setting sun, our disillusioned South African friend stared into the darkness and informed us that "You never get use to it, never." Well, the good thing is the shortest day is a mere week off, then it stars to get longer and longer. I will appreciate the change!
You´re so funny. I´m jealous! Hmmm... I don´t think mercy and justice are mutually exclusive. I know we have in mind different concepts of "justice." I think justice is not so much brought about when the wrongdoer is punished, but mostly when equality, well-being, and wholeness exist. For example, what´s more just? A robber in jell or a robber returning what he stole? The latter. And for that to happen, a little bit of mercy is needed. True justice is by definition merciful. No crees? :p In any case, it´s great you landed yourself in trouble! Hehe. Let us know how it went!
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