Going On Retreat (2014) by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Audiobook

For the past two months, I've been Catholicised (I made up that word) myself with a few good Catholic books and podcasts especially by Brant J. Pitre. Along the way, I stumbled upon recorded sermons and talks by the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (recommended by Bishop Robert E. Barron). I'm immediately hooked by this man. He was known for his TV and radio broadcasts. Bishop Sheen was someone who was not only rock-solid theologically (obviously, I still have beef with some of the Roman Catholic major doctrines) but also a master communicator and could relate concepts with great insight, wisdom, humor, and seriousness that appealed even to the non-Catholics like me. When I hear the man, I hear a deep spiritual giant.

So, I searched for his other recorded materials and found Going On Retreat a live sermon series in the form of an audiobook (6 hours+). Here Bishop Sheen teaches the priests and seminarians during a retreat (1973?) on such topics as the Nature of Christ, The Holy Spirit, Sin and Guilt, The Blessed Mother, the Apostle Peter, etc. Two concepts that stuck with me are: 1) 'Priest-Victim' - where he discusses the nature of sacrifice, the difference between priesthood and victimhood, and the need for priests to be both; and 2) 'The Daily Hour' - the need for priests to pray and fast as spiritual habits that nurture the soul and those who they serve. He once said, "Prayer begins by talking to God, but it ends by listening to Him. In the face of Absolute Truth, silence is the soul's language. Fasting detaches you from this world. Prayer re-attaches you to the next world." His Bible expositions - style and substance - on the Cross of Christ and the lives of the apostles Peter and Judas are superb! Go listen!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #ArchbishopFultonSheen #Retreat #Priesthood #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah (2018) by Brant Pitre, Audiobook

Photo taken from the internet

When I was considering Roman Catholicism many years ago, I had a few essential obstacles that hindered me from being one. But after I read books, listen to podcasts, examine the Scripture and Church history, and watch videos about Catholicism from both Catholics and Protestants (I don't take from atheists or agnostics for this important subject), I understand more and more of what I still disagree with, realizing the misunderstandings that I once believed, and observing straight-out anti-Catholic lies that people spread about the church.

For example, Mary of Nazareth, the wife of Joseph, and the mother of Jesus Messiah, My Lord and Savior. I still disagree with the claim of the prominence of Mary in the Scripture. It is definitely hinted at (as the author shows in this book) but it is not obvious (like the divinity of Jesus or the apostleship of Peter). I do, however, agree based on Scripture, traditions, and logic that Mary is the "Mother of God" (theotokos). It's NOT that she is the originator of the being of God (creator) or part of the Godhead (trinity) BUT because she gave birth to the eternal Son of God who became human (incarnation). If Jesus is God (He was/is), then, Mary is the mother or bearer of Jesus, who is God. I have no issue if Mary's perpetual virginity is true, I understand why there is a need to believe in the immaculate conception of Mary even though I think it is more philosophical concept rather than theology, and I'm still skeptical about the assumption of Mary to heaven (there is no internal evidence nor external refutation). But let's be objective: no true Bible-believing Catholics and the Church's Catechism teach people to worship Mary as/like/equal to God or goddess. Ignorance of this fact is a sign of gullibility. Veneration is not adoration (but of course, individuals' beliefs and practices might differ or even error and idolatry).

I thought about all of these - and more - when I listened to Dr. Pitre's book. Here he shows readers how deeply rooted Catholic views about Mary are in the Scripture by taking them step-by-step from Genesis to Revelation. He decodes how the Scripture itself, especially the Old Testament and ancient Judaism, claimed to teach that Mary is indeed the new Eve, the Mother of God, the Queen of Heaven, and the new Ark of the Covenant (the last part about she is also the last Rachel is very interesting). After I finished with this book and listened to his interviews, I'm still not a Catholic but I've become more appreciative and admire the blessed Mary as the servant of God and the mother of God. Because of His immeasurable grace: "Blessed are you [Mary] among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! ...the mother of my Lord... blessed is [Mary] who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord... For behold, henceforth all generations will call [Mary] blessed" (Luke 1:42-42, 45, 48).

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #Catholicism #MaryOfNazareth #JewishRoots #JesustheMessiah #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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Read To Understand Other People's Beliefs #LeadersAreReaders August 2023

When I was talking to an Anglican church lay leader about the Roman Catholic understanding of the Lord's Supper or Eucharist, he thought I was a Catholic. When I said no, he was surprised because it seemed to him that I was defending the Catholics' position, but in actuality, I was just explaining to him what they believe and how they interpret the Scripture and traditions on this matter.

Another time, I was having a casual-turned-serious conversation with a colleague about Calvinism and the five solas. He sounded very convicted, so I challenged him with some questions, thoughts, and Bible quotes. A few months after that, I heard him say to another colleague of mine that I was a Calvinist. I'm not. Perhaps he heard me say, "If I agree with this and that point, does it mean that I'm a (number) point Calvinist?" To the non-Calvinist, I talk like a Calvinist. To the Calvinists, I defended the Arminian. I'm neither (who says there are only two choices? Who says I have to choose?). Likewise, I argue like an atheist when I talk to a Jehovah's Witness and other cults, for example, when they approach me or my students.

Why do I do this? I do this to those who are confident with their positions (friends) and to those who think they have figured it all out (acquaintances and strangers), not to the weak believers in faith. First, for fun and intellectual joy (some may find it intimidating. Well, I'm sort of). Secondly, to challenge other people's assumptions. Thirdly, examine mine. Fourthly, to apply what I've read. And finally, with the previous one, to understand why they believe what they believe. Sometimes you're wrong or in error, and sometimes you make enemies and/or make them think, but you will always learn new things. One of the ways to equip yourself for this kind of conversation is to read widely in the narrow areas of your interests. Read books that you're curious about, books that you don't agree with, and books that enrich your mind and foster empathy.

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #ReadWidely #NarrowInterests #NonConformist #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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How To Read the Bible for All Its Worth (3rd Edition, 2003) by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart

I read this book last month (August) when I was getting ready for a camp. I had already read it in previous years, but after reading the chapter on the Gospel for references, I became completely engaged. I therefore began at the beginning and completed it on the flights, off days, and days in between during the camp. One of the passages that speaks to me is this: "Whether one likes it or not, every reader is at the same time an interpreter. That is, most of us assume as we read that we also understand what we read. We also tend to think that our understanding is the same thing as the Holy Spirit’s or human author’s intent. However, we invariably bring to the text all that we are, with all of our experiences, culture, and prior understandings of words and ideas. Sometimes what we bring to the text, unintentionally to be sure, leads us astray, or else causes us to read all kinds of foreign ideas into the text."

The question is, therefore, not whether we should interpret the Bible or not, but is our interpretation is faithful or not. The goal of the late Gordon D. Fee (1934-2022) and Stuart in this book is to arm us with the awareness, tools, and skills needed to properly interpret the Bible in light of its original intent, audience, and context. The writers urge us to consider the various literary genres (such as poetry, narrative, epistle, etc.) and how those subtle differences influence our understanding. They also teach us to do the works of interpretation based on the conviction that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, while still being honest enough to acknowledge that inspiration may have varied ramifications for the various books of the Bible. Dear students of the Word, buy and read this book!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #HowToReadTheBibleForAllItsWorth #GordonEFee #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper (2018) by Brant Pitre, Audiobook

I believe in "the holy catholic Church" as the Apostle's Creed puts it. Thus, I'm part of the catholic, universal Church but not a Roman Catholic. I'm not pro-Catholic but not anti-Catholic either. I believe they are among the most committed and sincere Christians I ever met. There are many strengths and weaknesses in each true Christian denomination but the beauty of Catholicism, to me, is their rich traditions and reverence for the Eucharist or the Holy Communion.

Basically, there are four (4) views about the Eucharist (Greek: eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving): 1) Consubstantiation. According to this view, the bread and wine maintain their physical identities and the real presence of Christ’s body and blood co-exist with these elements during communion; 2) Memorialism. This view suggested that the bread and wine are merely symbols of the body and blood, designed to commemorate His death and resurrection; 3) Reformed. This view - hybrid from the first two - recognized the spiritual presence of Christ in the elements as well as the commemorative purpose of the sacrament.

But the fourth view, offered by the Roman Catholic, is 4) Transubstantiation. It simply means that the bread and wine during communion literally transform into the body and blood of Christ. The appearances of bread and wine remain the same but Christ is present as substance. In this regard, I think the Catholics read the Scripture more literally than many others (not necessarily the correct way, depending on the context). And this is what Dr. Brant Pitre labor to explain in this wonderful book. He examines the Old Testament and ancient Judaism on the words and deeds of Jesus to reveal the amazingly Jewish roots of the Eucharist. He explains skillfully the New Exodus, the Eucharist as the New Passover, the New Manna from Heaven, and the mysterious New ‘Bread of the Presence' in the Tabernacle and Temple of God. To me, this book is the most convicting argument for the transubstantiation view so far. Love it!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #RomanCatholic #TheEucharist #JewishRoot #BrantPitre #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

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Try Reading Nonfiction Books #LeadersAreReaders June-July 2023

Obviously, based on my monthly reading lists, I love to read nonfiction books. The reasons are many. For one, I always have the urge to learn something new. That urge is definitely sparked by my reading choices. Second, I like to challenge myself. Not all books are well written, and that goes for nonfiction too. However, I believe that a well-written piece of nonfiction can read like a novel (Robert Greene's books are excellent examples of what I'm talking about here). I love learning about human nature, psychology, philosophy, theology, a bit of history, and fascinating ideas — cliche, I know.

Third, it’s a never-ending rabbit hole of topics. For example, I might read a book about miracles, signs, and wonders. Then pick a Bible commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, then a book on Charismatic and Pentecostal movements, then a book on church history and early fathers, then... you see where I’m going with this. Every book provides a gateway into the next. Reading nonfiction has introduced me to all walks of life, great ideas and discoveries in the world’s history, people who make a difference in the world, stories of faith and inspiration, and new perspectives on seeing things around me.

Some people might argue that you can learn all these things from fiction, and you can; I’m not arguing with that. I guess what I’m trying to say is, don’t be afraid to try something new. Challenge yourself to read one nonfiction book and go into it with your eyes wide open. You might be surprised at how satisfying it can be.

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #NonfictionBooks #TryNewThings #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

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Why I Am So Wise (1888) by Friedrich Nietzsche, Not-A-Review

Friedrich Nietzsche is one of the most misunderstood philosophers. Those who quoted Nietzsche quoted those who quoted him. Thus, they are almost always out of context because they haven't read any of Nietzsche's books. And those who read his books (me!) also misunderstood him because, generally, his language is foreign to modern readers (unless there are paraphrased translations available). Other philosophers may understand him rightly, but then they explain him complexly. So Friedrich Nietzsche remains misunderstood.

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #Philosophy #FriedrichNietzsche

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Signs of The Apostles: Observations on Pentecostalism Old and New (1973, 1976) by Walter J. Chantry

After I read the first four (of eleven) chapters, I realized that Mr. Chantry is a Reformed cessationist. This explains a lot about how he interprets the Scripture. I first heard about 'cessationism' when I listened to Grace To You's Strange Fire Conference 2013. What is cessationism? It is a view that early on in the history of the Church, the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit - such as healing, prophecy, word of knowledge, and tongues - ceased to be practiced. Cessationists typically hold that the miraculous gifts were only given for the Church's founding, between the arrival of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost in Acts 2 and the accomplishment of God's purposes in history, which is typically referred to as either the conclusion of the final book of the New Testament or the death of the last apostle. I understand the main arguments for cessationism but I just can't see it clearly from the plain reading of the Scripture, records from Church history, stories from missiology, and personal experiences. I believe the Scripture - the written word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit - is final and sufficient but this doesn't mean that the saints cannot be used by God to be equipped with the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit for His glory. Misuse of these gifts (which are many today!) cannot invalidate them.

To be fair, most cessationists like this author, believe that while God can and still does perform miracles today, the Holy Spirit no longer uses individuals to perform miraculous signs. Mr. Chantry writes: "The question of our inquiry is not, 'Should God be working miracles today?' It is rather, 'Should men be doing miracles on behalf of God?'" From here he explores the primary purpose of miraculous gifts in the Scripture, namely, to attest to the commission of the spokesman of God. In the New Testament, they are signs of the apostleship. He also argues that since the canon of Scripture is complete, the pursuit of all the charismatic gifts of the apostolic age can only proceed upon the basis of failure to recognize the sufficiency and finality of the Scripture. "The lack of complete confidence in the Bible on the part of neo-pentecostal is to be greatly deplored," he wrote. He then expands his arguments through biblical exposition such as on 1 Corinthians 13, 2 Corinthians 10-13, Psalm 85, and selected quotes from preachers and authors that 'prove' his points. I learned so much from this book and I agree with most of what he said about the misuse and abuse of God's words and gifts among the Pentecostals today. His high view of the Scripture is also recommendable. But at the end of my reading, I was not convinced by his exegesis leaning on this subject and of his cessationist case. God will never cease to show signs and wonders, He is the supernatural God!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #SignsOfTheApostles #Pentecostalism #Cessationism #SpiritualGifts #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

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Enjoy the Simple Things In Life - Read Books #LeadersAreReaders May 2023

I always bring a book or two with me. I might forget to bring my money or office keys, but a book I will never forget. Rarely do I leave the house without a book. If you steal my bag pack or string bag, I can't promise you a fortune, but you'll be educated if you read the book inside it (pray for a wise thief!). I don't mind the extra weight. It's like carrying a friend with me; books offer companionship. I'm okay when I'm with people, and I always enjoy the presence of my loved ones. But most of the time, I like to be alone. Solitude, not loneliness. I've mastered the art of I-don’t-care if I’m surrounded by people who won’t talk to me and/or who I don't find interesting as long as I can read my book. I don't mind flight delays sometimes (AirAsia!) or long queues at the government office (not that I'm always in a queue) as long as I have my book with me. I happily lose myself in pages of words.

If reading is not part of your daily habit yet, I highly recommend slowly incorporating it into your life. There are many articles you can find on the Internet about the value of reading, but let me just highlight one of the main reasons for me: If you can enjoy a simple and inexpensive thing in life, you can enjoy life! New, hardcover, and popular books are expensive, but they are not always good. Buy them only if you think this is a worthwhile investment. But as a starter, buy secondhand books, borrow from friends or church libraries* or go to the local libraries. If you're in Kuching, go to the state library, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, sign up for membership (just RM10), and you can borrow up to ten books! Ask for a suggestion from me or leaders who are readers around you.

If you can find joy, satisfaction, and love in a simple thing such as reading a book, you can almost find them all in other things too. In this age of smartphones and screen time, we tend to think of distraction as a negative word. What if you choose positive distractions, such as reading? What if one book (or more) could change your life? What if you decide to do it today?

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #ReadingBooks #LittleThingsInLife #Joy #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.