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WHEN THE DAYS AHEAD LOOK MURKY

2012-01-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

A Reflection at the Beginning of 2012

Dear Friends,

We have sailed into the New Year on the threatening waves of 2011.

The global economic and monetary crisis will deepen further. The poor of the world will get poorer, more exploited, more restless. The tsunami of international conflicts, unrests and uprisings may turn into more daring and deadly waves of conflict. The international powerbrokers will work harder to consolidate their grip on power. Big international media will further blur the line that distinguishes the truth from the lie. The world in 2012 has all ingredients it needs to become a more radicalized, polarized, and dangerous place.

One does not need to consult various conspiracy theorists to recognize that ours are very uncertain times, with more and more people overcome by apathy, powerlessness and thoughts that they are too insignificant to make any meaningful difference in their immediate and extended environment. I have to confess that there are times when I too have to fighting the emotions that suggest that working for peace, reconciliation and better human relationships, as well as encouraging people to follow Jesus, is a futile mission. However, such are the times when I remind myself that apparently small beam of light has more penetrating power than the darkest night.

For several years I’ve loved a personal motto that is coming back to me now with added urgency – “Serving God’s Purpose in Our Generation”. It has been shaped out of the conviction that Jesus’ invitation to follow Him is a call to a relationship and lifestyle that is something else than following a mediocre religiosity consisting of a drive-through, minimalist, non-engaging spirituality. I believe that the more the world is becoming a fragile place the more are the followers of Jesus called to be the people on a mission.

What is the mission of the followers of Jesus when the times are shaking?

I love the way Paul calls Jesus’ followers “the ambassadors of Christ” in 2. Cor. 2:17-20. His reasoning begins with a reassuring statement that “God reconciled us to himself through Christ”, followed by a missional invitation to all his reconciled children to become His ambassadors of reconciliation in our human environment. Paul would actually say: “He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. God is making his appeal through us. ‘We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.’” Chris Seay states the same in his book ‘The Gospel According to Jesus’: “Lord, we long to be the kind of people who, when pulled out of the rubble, come out grateful and thankful, ready to be a part of your rescue mission in this world”.

The main point is this. Only reconciled people are truly able to lead other to reconciliation. Within the challenges our world is facing today, Paul’s charge to us may sound something like this: “Now that you have been reconciled with God through Jesus Christ and that you know it, above everything else you will want to become His ambassador of reconciliation in your family, town, country, community. You are equipped to demonstrate what Christ has done to you. Use passionately all the gifts, skills and calling that God has given you to bring healing to your community. Give yourself to others with whatever you have - whether preaching, teaching or mentoring; whether protecting the sanctity of human life in all its facets (and not one or two politically correct issues only), or protecting human dignity, human rights or religious freedom; whether it is advocacy of justice, peace building, reconciliation, or protection of minorities; whether defeating poverty and various forms of social and political injustice – do it all passionately and vigorously from the perspective of reconciliation, assurance and acceptance you have experienced with God in Jesus Christ.

At this time when the days ahead of us look murky, it is the vision of Christ on the cross and his hands stretched out to embrace the world in confusion that gives a perspective to my faith, courage to my heart, and a direction to my mission. It was the same vision that gave the meaning to the missions of William Wilberforce, Mother Teresa and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. They are all teaching us that when the rumors of wars become louder, economic crises more threatening, when human life is treated as a disposable commodity, freedoms are threatened in the name of our own protection, the indifference of people becomes more prevailing, and when darkness seems to become ever thicker – such are the times when the followers of Jesus realize that they have more and not less work to do.

May the love of Christ motivate us all in 2012 to serve God’s purpose in our generation by loving our neighbors across political, religious, national, racial and international divides more than ever before.
Love, blessings and Happy New Year.

Tihomir Kukolja

Leaders Worth Following

2011-12-31T15:26:00.000-08:00

Most of the media today feeds our imagination with stories of celebrity-type leaders associated with dubious morality, scandalous relationships, questionable prosperity and irresponsible leadership.

It is important today to have our minds focused on the memories of a different brand of leaders, such as William Wilberforce (1759-1833), an English parliamentarian who dedicated his entire life to abolishing of the slave trade on the British Isles. Dietrich Bonheoffer (1906-1945), German theologian and clergyman, paid with his own life for daring to stand up to the National Socialism of Adolf Hitler at a time when most German Christians were applauding the Fuehrer. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), US Civil Rights leader led a movement that brought closer the American society across its racial divides. Mother Teresa (1910-1997), an ethnic Albanian nun with a global impact, brought hope and love to millions of the outcast in India and the world. Desmond Tutu (1931), a South African bishop, stood up against apartheid long before it was abolished in 1994. They were leaders of substance and character who brought hope, inspiration and healing to broken relationships, a taste of undiluted justice and a vision of a better world. They were the true "salt and the light of the world -- Matt. 5:13-16.

What set them apart from the celebrities of the moment was that they resolved to stand up, not for their own convenience, or social and material advancement, but for human dignity and the rights of others. They were the true heroes, armed with the attitude of service and sacrifice. By the power of example and action they gained the right to be the leaders worth following. Their vision and passion came from a higher source of authority than themselves. In the words of C.S. Lewis, they were the people who "did most for the present world precisely because they thought most of the next." Their leadership was a prophetic, and often a costly one.

Tragically the concept of what constitutes good leadership today has largely lost its prophetic focus and transformative power. For too many being a leader today means an entitlement to undeserving empowerment: a position they gain by walking shamelessly and ruthlessly over their political and ideological opponents. Destroying anyone at whatever cost who stands in the way of getting to the throne of power has become a standard way of advancing to the top. Lying, demonizing, defamation, character assassination, fact manipulation, gossip designed to ruin another's reputation, and shameless blame-shifting seem to be a blueprint followed by many rushing to the attractive summits of power.

Unfortunately, in the US much of ruthless power grabbing is pursued by leaders who take public pride in their faith and commitment to the public restoration of Christian values; often buttressed by expressions of hypocritical humility and concerns for the spiritual and moral wellness of the soul of the American nation. For example, while some leaders are selectively targeted for political euthanasia with merciless allegations about their sexual misconduct or "ungodliness", the "godly" leaders are yet to be seen dropping out of the presidential race for lying, scheming, intriguing, or deliberate facts twisting. And yet if the 21st century is not to sink deeper into moral hypocrisy, the world needs leaders who are more than religiously correct. It needs leaders whose minds, hearts and characters are thoroughly transformed in the way the characters of William Wilberforce, Dietrich Bonheoffer, Mother Teresa and Desmond Tutu were transformed.

One certainly does not come into possession of a good character and transformed mind through political maneuvering or correct public utterances. The Old Testament account of Jacob's wrestling with God features an amazing insight into the importance of letting a divine influence sharpen the character of any aspiring leader (Genesis 32:22-33). Jacob, whose name meant "one who deceives," reached the point in his life one night when he was not willing to let God go until God changed him. The wrestling encounter with God became a defining moment in Jacob's life because that night Jacob wrestled with himself too. This was Jacob's statement that he wanted God to take away from him all deformities of his character -- dishonesty, hypocrisy, deception and the lying spirit.

For anyone who aspires to be a leader called to make a difference, or if one simply wants to be a person whose life counts, wrestling with God and oneself will become one's unavoidable and ongoing character pruning experience. This kind of character maturing starts with small things, such as -- Are you faithful to your spouse, children and family? Do you lie about other people for business or political gain? How do you treat the less fortunate than you? What do you do when no one sees you? In other words, do you find the Jesus' command to "love your neighbor as yourself" to be a guiding principle in your life?

Let's decide today to become leaders and people of integrity, decency and truth in all matters, whatever the cost. Do not be afraid to wrestle with yourself and God and you will become a leader your family, community, country and the world desperately need -- a leader worth following. For only the transformed leaders are equipped to transform the world. Others are in most cases mere careerists, opportunists or even parasites.

Published by The Huffington Post Dec 28, 2012.

Ten Years Ago: A Letter to My American Friends

2011-09-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, only three weeks after the unprecedented September 11 terrorist attack on the US, that took more than 3000 innocent lives, I shared the following letter with a group of my American friends:

Dear American Friends,

Like you I too am overwhelmed with the recent tragedy that struck the United States in the form of a vicious terrorist attack. Even now, I cannot help but continue to reflect upon the consequences that are emerging from this incomprehensible tragedy.

I am still shocked by its extent. The pain of the thousands of relatives and friends who have lost their loved ones moves me deeply. I condemn the barbarian act of cruelty that had inspired a group of suicidal murderers to kill the thousands of innocent people. There is no human or divine justification for such an act of cruelty whatever the motives. I pray that those responsible will be called to account.

But I am concerned, too. When I see the multitudes of Afghani refugees, hungry and homeless, surviving under humiliating living conditions - men, women, and children suffering circumstances beyond their control, seeking some safety in an unsafe neighborhood, I wonder if our global conscience will be pacified solely with the tones of humanitarian aid. And when I hear about incidents that involve some people quick to categorize others on the bases of their race, skin, and religion, I pray that God may grant us all minds renewed by the Spirit of Christ, who has embraced everyone regardless of our ethnic, racial, cultural, and religious differences. The very character of Jesus speaks powerfully against any jihad or holy war, including those with the Christian overtones.

Only yesterday, I received an email from a good friend of mine, an educator who has worked for the past five years as the principal of a Christian educational institution in Pakistan. Last week, he and his family, like many other Western professionals, had to leave Pakistan abruptly. I believe he would understand my need to share a few lines form the email he sent to a group of his friends:

We have left Pakistan with mixed feelings. Yes, we had to get out due to the unfortunate circumstances precipitated by the events in the USA. Yet we feel so deeply for the people we left behind. In the process of departing once again the truth about humanity has been confirmed. There are wonderful people, everywhere Christians and Muslims, male and female. We were not prepared for the outpouring of the genuine love and affection (mixed with fears and feelings of insecurity) from the people we have served for the past four years. Many tears have been shed. Written, verbal, and all sorts of other, culturally peculiar, expressions of affections have been given to us. In such a short period of time and in such measure, it is difficult to accept it all and process it though our hearts. Our Muslim friends have demonstrated that there are people who are able to show respect and acceptance no matter what. We said goodbye like brothers. We should never "box-in people" into predetermined categories.

The events of September 11 will leave long-lasting scars in many ways; not only on global politics, but also on how many understand civil, human, religious, and other individual rights and freedoms. I cannot help but think of a question posted at CNN.com last week, which (from memory) went something like this: "Would you be willing to have your personal freedoms limited if doing so would bring an end to terrorism?" Is this the only alternative we are about to face in the coming days and years?

Ever since September 11, I’ve been asking myself: What have I learned from the many different facets of this until-now unthinkable tragedy? Have I, as someone who had witnessed much of what happened in the former Yugoslavia since 1991, learned enough from our Balkan tragedy so that now I could offer some meaningful insights to our American friends who are going through the stages of shock, pain, mourning, anger, and a strong urge to see justice done? How does a vision of Christ who has embraced all, including Muslims, influence the way I relate to other people today? Will I succumb to pressures that are urging me to embrace a tribal mentality, or should I stand firm in retaining a sober and discerning judgment?

I have been meditating lately about the zealous biblical prophet Elijah. Hurt by injustice and indifference of people, overwhelmed by loneliness, anger and lack of direction, he ran into a cave expecting to see God unleashing the full extent of his vengeance against the source of the prophet’s frustration. While he was in the cave, a powerful wind tore the mountains apart, a strong earthquake shattered the land, and a devastating fire hit the ground, but God was not in any of them. Instead, God appeared in a form of a gentle, calming, sobering, serene, inviting whisper. The ancient prophet learned that even in the midst of the most alarming circumstance the quiet, gentle, and sobering voice has more power than violence, aggression, and vengeance.

In the days to come may God help us all to embrace each other more than ever before with an open heart.

Originally released on October 5, 2001 from Zagreb, Croatia.

Untold Sories

2011-06-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

UNTOLD STORIES, a documentary featuring the stories and accounts of people in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina – Croats, Serbs and Muslims – who risked their own lives as they were helping and saving the lives of their “enemies” during the years of war conflict between 1991 and 1995. Production: Nansen Dialogue Center Osijek, Croatia. Director: Brankica Draskovic. Producer Srdjan Antic. Shared with permission of the producer. Webcast and Recorded on Wednesday, June 6, 2011.

Note about the producer. Srdjan Antic is a good friend and one of the most prominent peace building and reconciliation activists in Croatia today. He frequently and proudly states that the vision for his current reconciliation mission and activism was born in the summer of 2000, when he attend the Renewing Our Minds 2000 Gathering in Fuzine, Croatia.

Called to a Larger View of Life

2011-05-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

Imagine what a transforming impact an army of Christian pro-lifers would have in the U.S. and elsewhere, if we would all as vigorously defend the rights and dignity of the poor, jobless and homeless among us; a health care reform that would take care of everyone regardless of their socio-economic status or age, even if this meant giving less for the military; legal and illegal immigrants who are often treated as the scum of the world; overworked and poorly paid workers in third-world countries whose slavery to the greedy international corporations makes the extravagant lifestyle of the world's rich possible; or young men and women sent to distant lands to sacrifice their lives in often dubious war conflicts. Those and more are the issues that echo our understanding of what it means to support life in its totality; from the mother's womb to the time of death….

Read the entire article here published by The Huffington Post.

Gorski kotar može biti ponosan

2011-05-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Photo:

Franjo Starčević govori na međunarodnom susretu "Renewing Our Minds" u Fužinama, ljeto 2006. godine.

Prije četiri dana, uoči 88. rođendana, tiho je preminuo Franjo Starčević, samoprijegorni goranski heroj mirotvorstva, koji je tijekom ratnih devedesetih neumorno radio na približavanju hrvatskih i srpskih sela i obitelji.

Franjo Starčević pripada skupini heroja, uvijek u manjini, čija imena i čiji rad rijetko pristižu na naslovnice vodećih glasila, iako to zaslužuju daleko više od onih čije životno djelo obilježavaju pobjede na ratištima i biralištima.

U vrijeme kada je u Hrvatskoj mirotvorstvo bilo nepoželjno, čak po život opasan poziv, Franjo se odano predao pozivu zbilažavanja goranskih Hrvata i Srba. Nije dovoljno poznato da je tijekom ratnih devedesetih, od svih regija u Hrvatskoj nasljenim Srbima I Hrvatima, jedino Gorski kotar bio pošteđen ratnih sukoba i nasilja.

To se nije dogodlio slučajno. Niti se to dogodilo zahvaljujući službenoj politici Hrvatske u to vrijeme. Da je tijekom svih tih ratnih godina Gorski kotar jedini ustrajao kao oaza mira u Hrvatskoj ponajprije možemo zahvaliti samoprijegornosti i upornosti Franje Stračevića i utjecaju skupine Gorana (među inima Josipa Horvata i Nade Glad) koji nisu dozvolili da ih vodi diktat vremena nabijen strahom, predrasudama, podjelama i nacionalnom mržnjom, te su svoje živote posvetili stvaranju ozračja mira, povjerenja i smirivanja strasti u odnosima Hrvata i Srba Gorskog kotara.

Zahvaljujući mirotvorstvu grad Mrkopalj, dom Franje Starčevića, danas je upisan u kartu svjetskog mirotvorstva. U službi veleposlanika mira pješačeći Franjo je iz Mrkoplja obilazio srpska sela, a učinak njegove upornosti i odvažnosti bio je uklanjanje mentalnih i inih barikada koje su djelile srpska od hrvatskih sela u Gorskom kotaru. Uskoro, još za ratnih godina, njegovim upornim radom u Mrkoplju je ponikla, i danas u svijetu poznata, Škola mira – snažan svjetionik mira iz vremena kada je bilo opasno graditi mir.

Upravo zbog toga što Franjo Starčević pripada onoj velikoj manjini pojedinaca koji sebi ne mogu dozvoliti da ih nosi bujica većine, ostavština njegova života od presudnog je značaja za sve one koji žele Hrvatsku graditi na vrijednostima pravednosti i mira poniklih na zdravim i plemenitim međuljudskim odnosima. Jer istinski iskoraci prema boljem i ljepšem svijetu događaju se zahvaljujući svijesti manjine kojoj pripada Franjo Starcevic, a ne većine koju vode generali, ratnici i krvlju natopljene revolucije.

Ako u malenoj Hrvatskoj želimo prepoznati velikane, koji su svojim životom nasljeđivali Isusov primjer ljubavi spram bližnjih, a koji ponajprije uključuju one kojima se nameće stigma naših neprijatelja, onda takva heroja imamo u samozatajnom Franji Starčeviću. Zbog toga Gorski kotar može biti ponosan da je tijekom ratnih devedesetih uspio u onome u čemu nije uspjela niti jedna druga regija u Hrvatskoj, od Slavonije do Dalmacije.

Danas, u vrijeme kada je svijet udaljen tek korak od mogućih zastrašujućih sukoba globalnih dosega, i kada mnogi neumorno rade na tome kako bi vratili svijest Hrvatske u emotivno stanje uzavrelih devedesetih, ne smijemo zaboraviti ostavštinu Franje Starčevića.

Kamo idu prosvjedi?

2011-03-05T05:15:00.000-08:00

Kada sam prije dva tjedna prvi putao procitao da nekakva grupa fejsbukovaca planira pokrenuti prosvjede u Zagrebu s ciljem rusenja Vlade Hrvatske pomislio sam : “Neki nadobudnici zele glumiti revoluciju. Skupit ce im se tek nebitna grupica ljudi.”

U petak se - nakon subote, ponedjeljka i srijede - ulicama Zagreba prosetala “grupica” od desetak tisuca nezadovoljnika. Od prvih nasiljem obiljezenih prosvjeda prije tjedan dana, do danas se dogadjanje naroda u glavnom gradu Hrvatske preobrazilo, uvjetno receno, u mirne prosvjede – cak ponesto duhovite, ali verbalno bogate izvikivanim parolama i turbo folk pjesnistvom. U potonjem Hrvatska niti malo ne zaostaje za svojim ostalim susjedima na Balkanu.

Da postoje i vise nego opravdani razlozi za nagomilano nezadovoljstvo, nije sporno. Od kriminalnih pretvorbi koje su pocele jos davnih ranih devedesetih, a za koje do danas nitko nije odgovarao, iako se mnogi pocinioci i danas mirno setaju Hrvatskom u odijelima usjesnih poslovnih ljudi, pa sve do gusenja srednjeg staleza i sve izrazitijeg siromastva zahvaljujuci tomu sto je Hrvatska prigrlila najgrublji oblik kapitalizma – sve je ovo, i vise od ovoga, nakon dvadeset godina dovelo dogadjanja u Hrvatskoj do kriticne tocke. A ohrabrenja i uzora kako krenuti u akciju i vise je nego dovoljno – Tunizija, Egipat, Bahrain, Libija, Grcka.

Ali za razliku od Egipta prije nesto vise od mjesec dana I Libije ovih dana, Hrvatska je ustavom zajamcena demokratksa drzava, u kojoj je slobodno okupljanje I mirno prosvjedovanje. No izazov prosvjeda u Hrvatskoj, koji ovih dana zacudo rastu iako ih predvodi revolucionar djecjeg lika, jest u tomu sto prosvjednici nude samo jednu tocku dnevnog reda – srusiti Vladu. No nikako im nije jasno kakvu Hrvatsku zele nakon rusenja, ako u tome uspiju.

I to je Ahilejeve peta sadasnjeg pokreta mladih prosvjednika; odnosno zamka koja sirom otvara vrata – neovisno o namjerama organizatora - manipulacijama, parazitiranju, huliganstvu, otmici prosvjeda, te kojekakvim radikalnim desnicarenjima i ljevicarenjima. A da bi i nasilje ponovno moglo progovoriti bilo je vidljivo u petak pred kraj nocne ophodnje najupornijih ulicama Zagreba, kad je manja skupina alkoholiziranih prosvjednika pocela pogrdama provocirati policiju.

Znam da je Hrvatska opterecena mnogobrojnim problemima, i da je mnogima dosta svega. No pitanje je da li se bolja Hrvatska moze graditi na ulicnim dogadjanjima naroda? Organizatori govore o mirnim i dostojanstvenim prosvjedima. No pitanje je takodjer mogu li se oni takvima nazivati ako zvucnom kulisom domiraju uglavnom prostacke parole; ako se pljuje po predstavnicima drzave; I ako se dozvoljava malim ali glasnim alkoholiziranim skupinama da se pijani unose u lica policajaca sa svim mogucim verbalnim pogrdama?

Tesko mi je povjerovati da su ovi potonji sposobni pokazati Hrvatskoj bolji put u buducnost. Mora postojati bolji nacin.

The Danger of Dispensationalism in the Middle East

2011-03-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

The Huffington Post, The Danger of Dispensationalism in the Middle East

"Not surprisingly millions of believers across denominational lines, watching the spreading of revolts in the neighborhood of the Middle East, are interpreting every new development guided by the questions: What will happen to Israel? Are the current events playing into the hands of emerging Antichrist? Should America, as a leading Christian nation, be a guardian of the fulfillment of last-days prophecies at the international level, especially in regard to Israel? Should the Church be ready for the rapture any moment now? A positive outcome of the current crisis would not go well with the expectations of the dispensational teachers and followers..."

Read the entire article here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tihomir-kukolja/the-world-put-to-the-test_b_828433.html

The World Put to the Test

2011-02-24T20:01:00.000-08:00

As I was reading my Bible in a local Starbucks one week ago an elderly man approached me with a question: “What do you think about the situation in Egypt?”

I invited him to take a seat and in no time we were discussing if the recent events in Egypt had a prophetic, eschatological role. Soon he was talking about the rapture, mark of the beast, ID chip implants, New World Order, and the time of tribulation. He was convinced that the current events in Egypt are signs of the end. He encouraged me not to worry as he quoted the words of Jesus in the Book of Revelation - “I will keep you from the hour of the trial that is coming upon the whole world.” (Revelation 3:10.)

One morning earlier a retired local minister greeted me with the exclamation: “Jesus is coming soon!” He said that Jesus could come any moment now. The recent events are perfectly fitting the Biblical end-time timeline. It is only a matter of time when the Antichrist is going to take control over the affairs of the world. Soon Jesus would come to Jerusalem and his thousand-year reign will begin. “These are exciting times to be living in”, he concluded.

A few hours later the same day I was running some errands and listening to an AM radio talk show as I drove around. The radio host was not lacking in defamatory comments about the US Government, and especially about the US President. He questioned if the government was genuinely sloppy in responding to the developing crisis in Egypt, or if the incompetence was only a cover-up for a more sinister conspiracy designed to hasten the arrival of the world government. “They are all leftists and communists” – he said. I tried to change the station, but it seemed that all talk shows along the AM dial were of the same brand; as if produced by the same angry man.

At this moment, when the Internet and the growing associated social media are ahead of CNN, it seems that only a few remain indifferent to the developing crisis in the Middle East and North Africa. For example, Al Jazeera, an international news network broadcasting from Qatar, whose English language TV service is scarcely available on the US TV cable networks, has over the past weeks radically multiplied its American viewing audience thanks to its live webcasting via YouTube. Even the traditionally introvert American TV news channels have lately increased their international reporting, while some most vocal religious TV channels are not lacking in providing the latest prophetic commentaries on the developments in the countries so close to Israel.

The churches in my neighborhood are not immune either. Some offer Bible study classes on the current events, others are moving forward with a renewed evangelistic fever preaching on the subject of the last-days Bible prophecies. Others still are declaring the central role of Israel in the final moments of human history with renewed conviction.

Among all the voices I am hearing two distinct groups of assessments of the events that have started in Tunisia and Egypt a few weeks ago, and have by now spread to Iran, Yemen, Bahrain, Algeria, Morocco - with the most tragic twist in Libya to date. One argues optimistically that we are witnessing the dawn of a new era for the Middle East and North Africa, as significant as the one marked by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The other group warns that the unveiling events represent a serious threat to the aspirations and values of the free world, its stability, interests and security. Both have one thing in common: a conviction that once the revolutionary tsunami completes its circle, neither the Middle East and North Africa, nor the world will be the same place any more. A lingering question in the minds and hearts of many believers at this time though is - to what extent these events have a prophetic significance?

Neither could I stay indifferent. I was repeatedly shocked after seeing several video reports that graphically showed the scenes of unarmed people killed in Egypt, Bahrain and Libya. Many of those have since mushroomed on YouTube, twitter and other social media. It is shocking how the sanctity of human life means nothing to the regimes desperate to keep themselves in power. No argument can justify the government’s use of violence against its citizens simply because the people have dared to challenge its governance in the public square. As I am writing this column disturbing information, pictures, videos and audio reports are finding their way out of Libya, graphically depicting the extreme atrocities committed by the Gaddafi’s regime towards the people in the Libyan cities.

I find offensive the manipulative morality of the powerful governments of a potentially explosive international crisis. Their condemnations of the use of brutality and murder against the protesters have repeatedly come too late. It seems more often than not that their strategic interests are behind the procrastinating paradigm. The world has changed already in the past couple of weeks, and one wonders what it is going to look like in a month or two, while the international diplomatic bureaucracies are struggling to put the human concerns ahead of the strategic interests. This is the time when the world leadership of the big and the rich, USA including, are being put to the moral test, with a guiding question: What will prevail at the end – our empathy and respect for the sanctity and dignity of human life and freedom, or our self-centered interests measured by the barrels of oil.

Then, I was moved by the scenes of solidarity shared between Muslims and Christians in Egypt who stood for and with each other at the time of crisis. Also, I resonate with the voices of those in Tunisia, Egypt, Iran, Bahrain, Yemen, Libya who are calling for democratic reformation of their countries, which should not be ruled by clerics and religious fanatics. The promising sign in the uprisings and demonstrations in all the countries involved until now has been the absence of the fanatics with explosives strapped to their bodies. The unifying voice of protest in all the countries involved has been calling for reforms, freedom, democracy and more dignifying life, and not for less of any of those.

However, it would be premature to celebrate a new day for North Africa and Middle East. At this moment the unrest in Libya has all the features of a major bloodbath induced by the Gaddafi’s loyalists. A likely and overdue downfall of Gaddafi could encourage new protests in other countries in the region, as well as outside the region. The multiplications of uprisings, vacuum in leadership, and the slowness of the world to go beyond carefully phrased concerns, while the lives of the innocent are being cut short, could play into the hands of the ideological hijackers waiting for their moment. Also, should the flames of unrest seriously threaten international oil supplies, this could easily provoke an international military response. Although one would wish otherwise, the current events in the Middle East and North Africa have a potential of becoming a nightmare, not only for the region but for the rest of the world as well. The flow of refugees and defectors from Libya to Egypt, Tunisia, Malta and Italy already in place, and the troubles with the oil production in Libya, may only be a beginning of a major international crisis. With a wrong turn of events in the coming weeks we might easily and quickly find ourselves in a conflict of global proportions.

I do not want to be dismissive of the possible prophetic implications of the events in Middle East and North Africa either. The Scriptures speaks enough about the moral, political and global conditions preceding the Coming of the Lord. A very descriptive warning of Jesus about the beginning of the end in Matthew 24 resonates very much with the character of the world we are living in today. The words of Paul that “our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11.) make more sense today than ever before.

However, I do not follow the prophetic charts, timelines and calculations of the popular Left Behind books, films and firing TV preachers. The dispensational theology that is feeding the imagination of millions of sincere believers – this is something I could not subscribe to. Although the recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa might appear to support this popular belief system, the dispensationalism so widely embraced by many Christians in the US today is built upon a faulty theological structure. It is a religious fiction that misses to understand, in the words of St. Paul, the “mystery of Christ”, namely that “Gentiles and Israel are members together of one body, and sharers together in the promises of Christ”. (Eph. 3:3-12. NIV). It sees the Church of Christ as a separate entity from Israel in God’s economy of salvation, and gives Israel, rather than the Church, the central role in the final days of human history.

Not surprisingly millions of believers across denominational lines, watching at this time the uprisings, demonstrations and revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa, are interpreting every new development guided by the questions: What will happen to Israel? Are the current events playing into the hands of emerging Antichrist? Should America, as a leading Christian nation, be a guardian of the fulfillment of last-days prophecies at the international level, especially in regard to Israel? Should the Church be ready for the rapture any moment now? A positive outcome of the current crisis would not go well with the expectations of the dispensational teachers and followers.

One can only imagine a damage done to the cause of the Gospel when preached with the dispensational flavor in the countries of the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. Imagine the potential damage to the international affairs if the formation and implementation of the US foreign policies were to be in the hands of the leaders, sincere believers in the dispensational theology; not an impossible scenario at all. What a tragic prospect for misguided actions or no actions at all, depending on whether they fit in the premade box of questionable prophetic interpretations? What a prospect for great disappointment and further twisting of the prophecies, should the expectations of dispensationalist not come true soon?

As for me I intend to have my eyes open. I pray for discernment as I read my Bible. I am looking forward to the appearing of the Lord and the fruition of his Kingdom with no limits and boundaries set by human agendas. Meanwhile, I empathize with the suffering, tortured, abused and killed people at the hands of criminal leaders, and pray for the peace in the Middle East, North Africa, and the world. I share the hope of those who are looking forward to the Middle East and North Africa that are flourishing in democracy, civil society that is built on the rule of the law, respect for human rights and equality – religious freedom including – for all their citizens. But, should anything go wrong, I want to keep remembering that God is in control anyway, and that ultimately His purposes will prevail.

Tihomir Kukolja, Houston TX, USA

Egypt at the Junction

2011-02-12T06:57:00.000-08:00

Egypt is free of Mubarak. He resigned today. Egypt celebrates.

Let us freeze the moment and remember it for future reference. The eighteen-day peaceful revolution in Egypt was not run by religious fanatics, but by ordinary young people seeking democracy in their country.

No doubt Egypt and the Middle East are ushering in a new era, with major implications for the rest of the world. But the outburst of freedom today does not guarantee in itself if Egypt will become free indeed in a month or a year.

What happens next may work for the best of Egypt and the region, or for the worst. The options are amazing and frightening at the same time. All depends on who will in the coming weeks and moths emerge as the key players on the political scene.

Each revolution attracts or begets its own parasites. Often they take over. Let’s pray that the revolution in Egypt would remain faithful to the democratic vision, enthusiasm and innocence of the young people who started it, and does not become hijacked by the crafty.

Written on Friday Feb 11, 2011.

Called to a Larger View of Life and a Bolder Mission

2011-01-27T09:14:00.000-08:00

In many church calendars last Sunday was marked as the Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. I was intrigued to google for more information, only to discover that the abundance of releases posted on the topic, as well as most of the religious radio and TV broadcasts, featured one issue only – the fight for the unborn.

Saving the unborn lives is indeed more than a concerning issue today. I too am pro-life. I believe that there is nothing moral, legitimately private or protected by the boundaries of personal freedom about treating the unborn as our commodities, to be discarded at will for socio-economic or convenience reasons - well above 90% of all abortions today. The older I get the more objectionable I find the genocidal proportions of aborted babies in the world. More than 40 million abortions are carried out in the world annually, at least 1.2 million in the US (information for 2006).

However, I wish Christians living in the affluent countries, who fiercely oppose the legalization and socialization of abortion on moral and spiritual grounds, would dare go much further. The defense of the unborn, important as it is, covers only a tiny segment in the spectrum of many interlocking concerns that are just as much rooted in the affirmation or negation of the sanctity of human life.

Imagine what a moral, spiritual and socio-political impact would an army of Christian pro-lifers have, beginning with the US, if we all would as vigorously raise our voices in support of the poor and homeless among us; legal and illegal immigrants who are often treated as the scum of the world; millions of jobless and homeless people; abused and poorly paid workers in third-world countries whose poverty is perpetuated by design to make the extravagant lifestyle of the world’s rich possible; the millions of enslaved children, women and men in the world through sex trafficking, enslavement of children soldiers and worse; many young men who are sent to distant battlefields to sacrifice their lives in questionable war conflicts; men and women killed or imprisoned by religious fanatics; the elderly who cannot afford to age with dignity; and the sick unable to afford adequate medical care. All of those and more are the issues that in one or another way echo our understanding of the sacredness of human life, and as such they are the issues that cannot be dodged by the socially concerned followers of Jesus.

Many Christians in my circle of friendship see the engaging link between the saving Gospel of Jesus and its appeal to love our neighbors radically, near and far, believers and non-believers alike. The churches in the US my wife and I are affiliated with appreciate that the Gospel of Christ has the far-reaching social applications too. They are all actively involved in helping, healing and upholding the socially neglected and outcast. I know firsthand of the Christian ministries, organizations and movements too, whose social activism is well grounded in a broader affirmation of the sanctity and uniqueness of human life. Nevertheless, there are still so many vocal Christians around who fail to see a bigger picture: one that embraces a holistic understanding of the sacredness of human life. If one is to judge the quality and intensity of social awareness among Christians in the US on the basis of what issues the most vocal pro-life advocates are pursuing through public discourse, one can easily come to a conclusion that there are only one or two issues Christians are upset about - relaxing abortion laws and legalization of gay marriages.

I believe that the reason why so many still remain so selective in their choices of moral concern is in that, while they are professing Jesus Christ, at the same time they are continuing to operate under the Old Testament paradigm. Many speak the jargon of the Gospel, but reason as the people under the law, carefully choosing their fights according to its letter, or rather according to the loopholes in the letter of the law. Following such paradigms regularly results in the cognitive dissonance of conflicting beliefs and attitudes, and the pious pursuit of a religious minimum. For example, it is not unusual at all to witness the situations like the one in which a believer would, in one breath, oppose abortion while passionately keep on justifying the unwelcoming treatment of the illegal immigrants - although both are equally an attack on the sanctity of human life.

May I vulnerably say that all believers, including myself, to a larger or lesser degree suffer from such cognitive dissonance. However, we are not without excuse. Thanks to the manifestation of the fullest revelation of God in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3.), we are now graced with a more coherent understanding of the character of God and His will for his followers. The followers of Jesus today are equipped with a larger view of life too. Likewise, we are called to a bolder mission in the world, than any believer living and operating under the Old Testament paradigm.

And the larger view of life addressing the question of the sacredness of human life, as seen with the eyes of Jesus, tells us that the life of an easily dismissed homeless person begging on the street corner is just as sacred as the life of a president of the state; the life of an elderly person in his or her final hour is just as precious as the life of a new born baby; the life of a prisoner on a death row is just as holy as the life of the most reputable person; the life of a medically uninsured person is just as valuable as the life of a patient fully covered; the life of a wanderer who apparently does not contribute much to the community is just as important as the life of the executive director of a respected corporation; or the lives of a Muslim, Hindu, Mormon or an atheist are just as loved by God as the life of a mainstream Christian.

Looking at it from another angle, we may say too that any abuse, degradation, enslavement, character assassination, oppression, humiliation, demonization, dehumanization or any other condition by which a fellow human being is being stripped of dignity and value, or taken advantage of either by another person, groups of individuals, government or any political, military or ideological system, represents a form of killing. None of us is completely innocent of many subtle ways by which we have become accomplices in gradually murdering our close and distant neighbors, often by omission, sometimes by deliberate action, as we condone the circumstances that perpetuate the unjust social conditions – all of which are the means of direct attack on the sanctity of human life when seen in its totality.

Maybe the most enlightening New Testament reference that leads us towards a better understanding of how God is inviting us to value human life from a holistic and more inclusive perspective is found in the appeal of Jesus: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, You did for me… For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:40.35.36. NIV

By all means let us preach, lobby, publish and broadcast about the sanctity of human life. Followers of Jesus should be the leading voices of the voiceless, unborn and living alike. Moreover, let us by all means become restless about the dehumanizing conditions surrounding the poor, homeless, hungry, jobless, exploited through unjust working condition, elderly, sick, enslaved, politically and economically oppressed, ill treated for the conscience sake, and otherwise abused. Their lives too are sacred in God’s eyes. They should be in ours as well. Finally, let us go beyond moralizing and be the first ones to do something concrete about eliminating their suffering and disgrace, and helping them to live the lives worthy of the sons and daughters of God.

A Good Movie that Could Have Said More

2010-12-14T17:47:00.000-08:00

Illustration:
Tamara Kukolja, Welcome to Narnia

I’ve loved C.S. Lewis’ books for a long time, and over the years, next to the Bible, I’ve been repeatedly reading his children books - The Chronicles of Narnia. Likewise, over the past few years I’ve looked forward to the release of each new movie featuring the Narnia stories.

Three nights ago I watched the latest one in 3D – The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I liked what I saw, but somehow a big wow was missing. Was I, having read all seven Narnia books at least five times, expecting more?

It was not the slightly manipulated plot due to the changed order of events, nor were the added story elements and characters that do not exist in the book, which left me somewhat puzzled. The story, featured in the latest Narnia movie produced by Walden Media, was still very much a Narnian one. It portrayed well the life as a journey where the sojourners are called to stand up to temptations, and keep on moving forward with patience, endurance and continuing trust in Aslan, even at the times when reaching the final destination seemed out of reach. I loved very much the final scene in which Aslan, a mighty and good lion king that represented Jesus Christ, was sending Lucy, Edmund and Eustace back to their world. There Aslan comforts the children, sad due to having to leave his presence: “In your world I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name.” The finish was a very much a moving one.

However, I was eagerly waiting to see how would the movie, produced with all the sophistication that today’s movie industry could offer, portray the most powerful moment in the book: the redemptive undragoning of a spiteful, spoiled and cynical boy Eustace, turned into a dragon. In the book C.S. Lewis painted a beautiful picture of how Eustace was unable to rid himself of the numerous layers of the dragon’s scales however hard he tried. Despite the painful procedure Eustace still remained a dragon. It was only when Aslan intervened that all scales fell off and the boy was back to himself, and much more than that. He became a better person. However, this moment of redemption and transformation, powerfully portrayed in the book, which came about only as the result of the boy’s encounter with Aslan, was downplayed and downsized in the move. A person unfamiliar with the book and the deeper intentions of the writer would have a hard time understanding of the meaning of Eustace’s undragoning.

Still, I love the movie and would recommend it to anyone. Plus, the three children - Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes and Will Pulter have offered mature casting of the main characters; especially Will who provided an excellent interpretation of a brute Eustace. I am looking forward to getting the third Narnia movie as soon as it becomes available on DVD. I am not sure though if I like the movie due to its own merits, or simply because I love C.S. Lewis and his books. To be sure, I’ll have to see it again soon.

Baytown TX, USA, December 14, 2010

Kristina Kukolja wins Walkley Award 2010

2010-12-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

Kristina Kukolja (my daughter) won the 2010 Walkley Award, category “Radio Feature, Documentary or Broadcast Special”, for her radio feature “Echoes of Srebrenica”. The annual Walkley Awards, under the administration of Walkley Foundation in Journalism, are presented in Australia to recognize and reward excellence in journalism. Judges commented that “Kukolja’s work uncovered new information, brought a story of global significance up to date and managed to personalize the trauma of a people through the voices of a few. “Echoes of Srebrenica” displayed detailed research, effective interviewing techniques and subdued production values to reflect the harrowing stories of loss, separation and despair. A powerful and evocative piece of radio journalism.” Kristina Kukolja lives in Melbourne, Australia, and works as a radio producer for SBS Radio. Listen to “Echoes of Srebrenica”.

Renewing Our Minds 2010 Video Postcard

2010-12-03T13:14:00.000-08:00

Renewing Our Minds 2010 from Tihomir Kukolja on Vimeo.

Renewing Our Minds (ROM) 2010 Video Postcard. Over forty young adults from fourteen countries gathered in Fuzine, Croatia this summer for a two-and-a-half-week journey of growing in friendship, forgiveness, reconciliation, compassion, and learning what it means to be the leaders of integrity and ready to serve. ROM is about investing in a new generation of leaders with characters transformed by Jesus of Nazareth, committed to leadership of service, reconciliation, healing social action, and building of benevolent communities.

Why ROM After All?

2010-12-03T09:29:00.000-08:00

I have written a heartfelt and personal reflection on ROM and circumstances surrounding ROM and our future commitment to its ministry at this time, and I would appreciate if those friends who love ROM would take time to read it. Thank you. Love you.

Two weeks ago, as we were driving back home from the church, my wife Christine asked me suddenly: “Why do you think the Renewing Our Minds project should go on? We know what a blessing ROM has been for many young people in the Balkans, but what if after twelve years God has something else in mind - for the region, for you, for us?”

Although my immediate response could have suggested otherwise, Christine’s question was not intended as an intimidation. Leading one of the most exciting international leadership and reconciliation movements for over eight years, with the impact reaching far beyond the boundaries of Southeast Europe, has been to both of us a source of great joy, blessing and learning; as well as of uncertainties, frustrations and times of loneliness despite being surrounded by many loving and carrying friends worldwide. Often we would feel like quitting and moving on into something safer and more reassuring; especially as people who, at our place in life, ought to be thinking more strategically about where we will be in ten to fifteen years from now, should the Lord grant us this period of time.

At this time the questions about the ROM’s future and our return to Croatia are closely related. The past eight years of my life have been graced by the presence and support of my loving, hard working and patient wife. At the time when many in the US are loosing their source of income and homes, she has a secure job as a physiotherapist, with frequent and tempting offers of a better-paid place of work. Planning of our comeback to the Balkans does not come to us out of necessity or as a choice made in desperate circumstances. As one of our Croatian neighbors in Fuzine commented last summer on hearing that we were planning to live in Croatia again: “I don’t know why on earth would anyone want to come back?” From a purely rational point of view building our family future in the US would be a responsible way to go. Besides, Australia would not be a bad choice either, and we could easily go there should this become necessary. But, there is something much more that ties me with Croatia and Southeast Europe. It comes out of my inner conviction, passion and sense of mission - in which over the years I’ve enjoyed Christine’s support, as well as of her family. In short, should ROM continue with its mission, we too I believe should be based in Croatia, at least for some time.

This inner conviction, however, gets shaken at times. There are moments when I feel that my passions, commitments and plans need revisiting. I owe it to my wife and my family to think accountably about where I am taking them in the future. Lately, as I take my daily walks, have my devotional times and when I am in bed, I would reflect, debate and pray along the questions: Is my commitment presumptuous or grounded in the genuine sense of calling? Am I dragging my family in a direction that is irresponsible or unnecessarily hazardous? What if I am not discerning enough to see that after almost nine years of leading ROM in the Balkans the Lord is now guiding me elsewhere? Should I take a break by pursuing additional studies for a while, or to find a place in another ministry that advances His Kingdom here in the US, or both? These questions would lead to other. Maybe the Lord’s planned mission for ROM has been completed by now? After all shouldn’t ROM be about Jesus of Nazareth and not about becoming a respectable self-serving brand? Isn’t being removed ten to fifteen years from the Balkan wars that brought ROM into existence weakening the reasons for its further continuation? And then comes probably the most probing question – Are we true to our claims that Jesus of Nazareth is in the center of ROM?

Over the past couple of weeks I had to think hard about the reasons that not only defend, but voice a clear call for the continuation of ROM? For someone who has been routinely promoting ROM for years I had to think beyond clichés that so easily accompany the promotion of a cherished project. I had to talk to myself intentionally and honestly as if upon the emerging answers depends all its future. And this is what has emerged out of my thinking.

From 1999 until now ROM has been a highly effective, motivational and life-defining ministry. Spending up to three weeks in an intentional learning community of people at a time, ethnically and religiously diverse, would always lead to the shaking of paradigms and assumptions; then to embracing of each other in our differences; and, finally to the transformation of characters and outlooks. The final outcome for many taking part in the journey would be arriving at a clearer sense of calling, purpose and direction for their lives, as well as to a commitment to become the agents of positive changes in their communities. It is not a coincidence that many, having experienced ROM, would soon be found there where their lives would become a witness of service to others - either through their choices of further education or profession, or active involvement in various political, governmental, social, humanitarian and religious services. “It is evident that people who attend ROM have gone to establish projects which bring about reconciliation in their communities, serve the poor, work with orphans, teach the disabled, and provide encouragement to those suffering from illness.” – recently wrote Brett McMichael, a psychologist, ROM participant and facilitator since 2004, in tune with the witness of many who have experienced ROM in the past years. The continuing strength of ROM has been - impacting people who would in turn impact others.

Moreover, embracing forgiveness, reconciliation, and empathy for those on the other side, have become attested and demonstrated realities for those who have experienced ROM. Whoever has tasted ROM gatherings in action will remember being moved to tears by the profound moments of love when forgiveness, empathy and reconciliation would burst between Croats, Serbs, Bosniaks and Kosovars; Macedonians and Albanians; Cypriot Turks and Armenians; Christians and Muslims. A moving testimony of Sanaa Rizek, Arab young lady from Israel, made soon after she returned home from attending ROM Gathering 2009, speaks for many who have experienced forgiveness at ROM gatherings: “Two days after I returned from ROM, I went with a Jewish friend to have a breakfast. I told her about ROM, and then out of the blue I had tears in my eyes and I told her – ‘You know, now I can say I sincerely love you’".

The experience of Mark Casey, Common Path Alliance Executive Director from USA and a speaker at ROM Gathering 2009 speaks powerfully too: “Here were three different ladies from three different parts of the world who were as different as they could be (Muslim, Christian and a Muslim who became a follower of Jesus), but at this moment in time as they shared their heartfelt stories they were relating to each other around the person of Jesus Christ. They did not all share the same views, but they were talking and loving each other despite their differences. What amazing Kingdom work God allowed me to be a part of in the beautiful country of Croatia.”

I am convinced that today more than ever before, when many are working hard to intensify the tensions between religious, racial and ethnic groups across the world, as well as to abuse every possible difference among the peoples to enhance fear and control, the world needs leaders who have themselves embraced forgiveness and reconciliation, in order to become the ambassadors of reconciliation in our divided communities and the world. A cause such as ROM, that nurtures leaders who would demonstrate forgiveness and reconciliation, has hardly reached its expiry date.

Furthermore, in the still divided Balkans and no less divided world, ROM has emphasized the importance of building benevolent and loving communities. Despite its own limitations ROM has been offering a model community where relationships matter, trivialities are discarded, dividing issues are dialogued, the truth is handled lovingly, and Jesus of Nazareth is upheld constantly and unashamedly. It was not a coincidence that the key ROM event – Renewing Our Minds Gathering, was designed as a three-week learning community on a journey, rather than a weekend or a weeklong conference, seminar or a workshop that provides only a brief academic and theoretical guidance. Only recently, having faced financial challenges, have we shorten it unwillingly to two, or two and a half weeks, and are now under the threat to reduce it even further – to a week long event.

From its very beginning the intention of ROM visionaries has been to see that a genuine family atmosphere, born afresh at each ROM Gathering , would continue to grow beyond events and across the entire Balkan region through lasting and resourceful friendships, and formation of small locally rooted groups of friends – networking, worshiping and serving in character. Although I believe that more ought to be done in the future, in the past years we have witnessed a development of both: a sense of bonding into a worldwide family of friends between those who have once tasted ROM, and the birth of a number of service and action focused groups of friends across the Balkans, and further.

Finally, encouraging everyone who attends ROM gatherings to consider following Jesus has always been the guiding objective of ROM. This has been achieved through: providing a receptive and loving environment and serving team of leaders and facilitators; offering the New Testament and the witness of Jesus’ followers throughout the centuries who have changed their environments through their service, to witness about Jesus; being opened to the moving of the Holy Spirit who often overrides the planned schedule with genuine highlighting moments; and, by assuring that the entire spectrum of learning at ROM gatherings is informed by the teachings of Jesus Christ and the values of His Kingdom.

Our desire has always been that the three weeks of this amazing journey would equip and empower all involved to serve the world in distress, after one had tasted a vision of a better world at ROM through the eyes of Jesus. “ROM Gathering represents a mountaintop experience, where Jesus’ presence is felt the love is all around you, but then Jesus call us to leave the mountain and share that love with others” – my wife Christine explained in one of her reports about ROM.

It would not be realistic to expect that everyone attending ROM events would accept the lordship of Jesus Christ. But some have. A young Muslim lady from Bosnia does not hesitate to testify that she could not ignore the claims of Jesus. Another young woman having attended ROM Gathering 2010 shared her experience with friends of having seen Jesus in a dream who told her to follow Him. There is no doubt however that at ROM gatherings many fall in love with the non-tribal Jesus of Nazareth, whose appeal goes beyond anyone’s religious claims or agenda. Consequently, Muslims attending ROM have grown to understand that Jesus has never been their enemy, even if Christians have. Nominal Christians and those not previously seeing beyond the claims of their religious traditions, often mixed with the appeals of ethnic identity, have encountered Jesus who cannot be bound by any tradition or owned by any ethno-religious system. Likewise, Christians of evangelical and protestant persuasions have learned that the Kingdom of God is not fenced by the boundaries of their many and often tiny self-absorbed denominations in the Balkans.

I believe that everyone who has ever witnessed ROM in action could testify that we have always aimed at lifting up the name of Jesus as the One who transcends everything and everyone – our history, culture, religion, worldview, spiritual founders and gurus of any making. And to keep us on the right track we would often remind ourselves that ROM is not about ROM, but about Jesus. I firmly believe that if ROM is to continue serving with a difference, its legitimacy will be in its future leaders continuing to focus on the centrality of Jesus Christ and clarity of his message in the pursuit of the ROM mission.

In short, there are four areas of a continuing strength and vibrancy of the Renewing Our Minds ministry. ROM is foremost a mission that challenges paradigms and assumptions, and through which God refines the characters of young leaders and motivates a change, at personal and collective levels. Then, it is a place where forgiveness and reconciliation are demonstrated realities. Moreover, ROM is a community in progress where loving one’s neighbor and leadership of serving are taught and practiced. Furthermore, it is the environment where all teaching ingredients are anchored in the teachings, example and following of Jesus of Nazareth. All of those together have formed the life defining identity of the ROM mission. Although one is far from boasting that it is ROM that has turned so many of its past participants into great leaders and civil servants, it cannot be overlooked that at ROM gatherings a precious seed is sown repeatedly into the lives of young people, who – having taken the ownership of what they have experienced at ROM would nurture it into examples of inspiring and mature leaderships across the Balkans and beyond.

I have been reassured that the past years have not been wasted, and have regained a conviction that not only the Balkans, but the world too, are continuing to be very much in need of causes such as Renewing Our Minds. Likewise, I have been reminded that every time a ROM gathering is in progress, the Holy Spirit is in motion too - challenging, impacting and changing lives of everyone involved, including us who have repeatedly served in its leadership. Should ROM continue, after all? We believe that this is the only way to go.

Consequently, should Christine, Matthew and I continue to plan our comeback to Croatia in 2011 with a renewed commitment to four years, as our current plan stands? There is still much to be done to build a regional core group of leaders, who would at one point take the button and lead this amazing, but fragile, movement forward. There is yet much to be done to set a stage for further growth of ROM in the region, focusing decisively on the development of the characters of leaders in the image of Jesus of Nazareth, and on building an intentional and actively serving community of leaders, followers of Jesus. Likewise, there is still much to be done to add new contents that would enhance follow-up and continuing spiritual formation for those who desire to grow spiritually further. And for those who cannot be directly reached on a regular basis there is a need to develop strategic partnerships with organizations and entities in the region which could provide extended mentoring beyond ROM events. Twelve years later ROM ought to be delivered to a new level of service, and refreshed with new people in its leadership structure, and this work cannot be efficiently done from the US, despite all the blessings of virtual communication, such as Internet, Facebook, twitter or Skype. No doubt that despite its fragility the past twelve years we have witnessed ROM developing into a good educational and transformational tool – tested, proven, effective, and blessed by a sizable and resourceful international community of leaders and friends. These are some of the reasons for our renewed four-year commitment to serving in Southeast Europe.

The message seems to be clear – ROM should move on. But how?

My reflection would be incomplete if I would fail to mention that there are serious challenges that are facing the whole prospect of bringing ROM to a new level of service, chiefly manifest in the weakening of financial support. At the time of continuing global economical and financial crisis many leaders in the faith-based non-profit circles are only too familiar with the problem. I hear it in the forms of urgent appeals broadcast every day by many Christian radio and TV ministries, and received daily through a number of newsletters sent or mailed by many faith based ministries and action groups. ROM’s situation is not different, and this is why almost everyone on our mailing list has been repeatedly receiving our appeal letters over the past month – to the point of my personal embarrassment. I often remember a summer in Sweden many years ago when as a student I was earning my scholarship by selling books door to door. Although the reason was noble I felt like a beggar. In today’s situation the comfort comes from knowing that many ROM-like ministries share in the same fate. Only a few days ago I had a dinner with a friend, successful minister and manager, who is currently fundraising for a worthy cause, who said - “You won’t believe how hard I find it to convince myself to ask for money. “

For a movement that has until now always and entirely depended on donations and grants, and which continues to provide its services almost free of charge to all participants from the Balkans and other economically disadvantaged regions, decreasing financial support represents a serious threat to the nature of its future ministry. The hard times produce new questions that some of us, although reluctantly, have to consider now. Due to shrinking budgets should we shrink the length of the three-week ROM gathering to a few days only? If so, will the radically shortened ROM gatherings provide the climate leading to the same transformational and relational outcome? Should we keep its length but provide the ROM service only to those who can afford? Would the elitist nature of the future ROM change its originally intended nature as a movement seeking to recognize and serve prospective leaders irrespective of their socio-economic status? After all, to what extent would ROM have to change in the light of weakening of financial support?

What makes a difference in the levels of support generated by some affluent and noble service orientated organizations in the world, whose struggle with the current global financial crisis has been less painful, and ROM is in that ROM does not have a huge logistical structure able to invest into an ongoing and persuasive marketing, promotion, advertising, and soliciting strategies. Moreover, many donors of the day are responsive to the appeals that produce dramatic, and immediately visible and enumerated results only, mostly in the third-world countries. A photo of an undernourished parentless child in a distant country would attract a much more quicker response that the one of a future leader in Albania or Sudan. May I say that I love the work of the faith-based agencies, big and small, that are feeding the hungry, building shelters, vaccinating the sick, saving children. What I am saying though is that as a movement bent on the long term character formation of leaders, with results that are continually in progress and visible only later, and success that cannot be rightly recognized through enumerations, ROM does not have a popular appeal in the circles where immediacy and quantities are taken as the defining criteria for giving.

The bottom line is this. If the future of ROM depends solely on the skills of advertising, promotion and marketing, and the gamble of whether we can make enough for ROM to transit to a new level, we are in for a soon foreclosure. From a purely human point of view ROM at this moment does not have a chance to move beyond its twelfth year. We in the leadership team are reconciling ourselves with the thoughts that this might be so, and have made a decision that we will allow only another three months to make the final decision as to what is the right thing to do. Although I am not into a prosperity gospel and do not believe that a legitimacy of a God given vision and mission should be assessed through the quantities of material blessings, I am providing a space for a thought that the Lord might be saying something through the current crisis. Moreover, I am convinced that money should be a servant to a good vision and mission, and not the other way round. I would not like to see ROM developing into an organization with the vision dictated by money. And this is why I have been praying lately – “Lord, let your will be done, whatever it is.”

There is another voice that I am hearing lately too, however. It calls me to be patient, trusting and persistent. A song I love says – “He didn’t lead us so far to let us die”. From time to time I would hear the reassuring voices of friends - “Keep on moving, ROM is the Lord’s work. “ Deep in my heart I know, despite the times that are challenging, that there are funds around meant for ROM. Often I think of a sizable international family of friends, hundreds in number, that has been encircling ROM over the years. These are the people who love ROM. Many of them have witnessed ROM in action, or have been themselves blessed through its ministry. Others have seen its results in the lives of those who have shared enthusiastically with them what the Lord had done in their lives through ROM. The extraordinary commitment of a committed few – individuals, churches and organizations, who would often go an extra mile despite their own challenging circumstances, strengthens my faith that there must be more in the extended ROM family of friends willing to commit to sacrificial giving. If only they could awaken somehow to the urgency of the moment and realization what a difference their giving could make to the Renewing Our Minds ministry at this time. Also I am being reassured that there must be others too, willing to give and yet to be discovered, and I am in search for them too.

And so we march on across a desert of questions and uncertainties, planning and dreaming big dreams through prayer, hope and occasional despair; wrestling with the Lord occasionally, and waiting on God and people to surprise us; looking forward to crossing of the Jordan and committed to make it to the other side; eager to see the Kingdom of God advanced in the Balkans, and knowing that we cannot do it alone; believing that God is bigger than any challenge, and learning that sacrifice is not a sacrifice if it costs you nothing.

Devouring Midterm Elections

2010-11-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

What to say about all the fuss, negative political campaign, demonization and dehumanization of political opponents through offensive political advertising on TV, and all religious euphoria pursued by too many militant Christians who believe that the 2010 Midterm Elections are a God given opportunity to reclaim America for God? What to say as an outsider who has lived in the US long enough to see what is going on, but enjoys still a luxury of not getting passionately engaged in all the hustle?

Foremost, I want to look at those questions as a follower of Jesus who believes that Jesus of Nazareth was not joking when he called us to love our neighbors and enemies as we love ourselves. And as someone who continues to believe that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”. (Galatians 5:22). I would like to place those defining criteria of anyone who claims to follow Jesus against the fact that most of Americans still claim that they are Christians, living in a country built upon the Judeo-Christian values, and praying that God would this time replace the “ungodly” leaders with the those who are pro-life; for the display of Ten Commandments in the courtrooms; and against the current Government Healthcare Reform. Sadly, some of those issues might seem godly, but I’ve seen nothing godly in the ways the current midterm campaign has been pursued across the American nation.

Let me give you an example of a Christian FM radio station that I occasionally tune to here in Houston TX. This is a radio station that is at one moment able to deliver a wonderful sermon, church service, feature on how to love our neighbors, or how to receive Jesus as “our personal Savior”; or talk passionately about the need to love our neighbors, the poor and needy (especially those in distant countries and missions); while at the very next moment it produces a negative and character defaming, completely disrespectful advertising against the current US President, in order to advance a certain political candidate. It also features a daily talk-show produced by a “born again” producer who brags that the purpose of his life and radio broadcast are to “bring one soul to Jesus at the time” while at the same time he passionately demonizes anyone in the political arena he does not approve of - believing that by doing both he advances the Kingdom of God.

What concerns me more than the outcome of the Midterm Elections today is the jihadist wrath of so many Christian zealots in the US who are in their angry hearts and minds only one degree of separation away from their religiously fanatical counterparts in some other parts of the world. Often I feel that they would fight for the Lord with fists, clubs and worse, given a chance.

At this moment I do not know who will win the Midterm Elections. The next day or so will unveil the outcome. But I strongly suspect that it won’t be God. The devouring nature of the current campaign reflects more of the character of someone described in the Bible as “going around seeking who to devour”. (1. Peter 5:8.)

Leaders Tuned to the Character of Jesus of Nazareth

2010-10-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

Interview with Tihomir Kukolja translated and adapted from Croatian and Serbian, published first by the Serbian web portal Vas zavicaj (Your Homeland) on October 18, 2010

What Motivates You in Your Life?

Over the years I have increasingly become aware of the significance and power of the radical love of God embedded in the sacrificial life and suffering death of Jesus Christ. It is gradually shaping my understanding that as a follower of Jesus I am called to take a stand against all divisions that have tragically shaped the history of the Balkans; namely, against the paradigm that values people in Southeast Europe on the basis of their religion, ethnicity and national identity. Especially tragic are the consequences of such divisions in the hearts and minds of the generations of young people in the countries that have emerged after the breakup of former Yugoslavia. My desire is to be an active contributor to the processes that are developing reconciliation, forgiveness, friendship and cooperation between the divided groups. Unfortunately the years following the war conflicts in the nineties have been marked by a return to the age of ethnic, national and religious tribalism. I am rejecting such a paradigm by cherishing friendships and cooperation with people not only in Croatia, but in Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Bulgaria, Romania too, and across the entire region as well. Moreover, via the Renewing Our Minds (ROM) initiative, I am trying to encourage the growth of cross regional activities and projects that are actively advancing forgiveness and reconciliation between the young people, future leaders in the Balkan countries. I believe that a key mission among the followers of Jesus in the region today is to be ambassadors of Jesus of Nazareth in peacemaking, and in becoming an example of how to raise above all racial, national, ethnic, religious and other similar tribal divides.

Why have you decided to bring faith, leadership, reconciliation and journalism closer together?

In 2002 I accepted the invitation to assume the key leadership role over the Renewing Our Minds initiative, a ministry of Life Center International in Croatia. Since then I’ve not had as much time for active journalism. I am intending to do much more in the future. However, since the early nineties I have firmly believed that the people of faith, who are engaged in social and public service, ought to be active witnesses of the values and principles of their faith across all segments of society – social, cultural, as well as political. For example, I believed that Christians, involved in journalism and media ought to speak publicly on the issues of the church and state separation, freedom of conscience, human rights and social justice. Even then I believed that their public mission ought to be informed by their understanding of the teachings of Jesus. At the time I personally touched vigorously some of those issues in my articles and in chairing a number of public forums, especially those related to freedom of religion and separation of church and state. Moreover, I loved leading seminars and classes for Christian journalists in which we tried to encourage them to go beyond writing for the church and denominational papers only. Today I believe that leaders who profess faith in Jesus Christ, a category that includes all people of influence in society including journalists and other media professionals, should go even further in their social activism by taking a lead in defending and standing up for the poor, minorities, economically exploited, and all other categories of people abused and oppressed along racial, ethnic, national, religious, political and economical lines. I do not believe in the social gospel, but I do firmly believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ has very serious social connotations.

How did the Renewing our Minds (ROM) Initiative start, and what are its objectives?

Renewing Our Minds (ROM) initiative originated in 1999. It was the fruit of a thorough planning and preparation process initiated by Life Center International (LCI), located in Rijeka and Fuzine, Croatia, under the leadership of Stevo Dereta, the LCI President. Its first and pioneering leaders were Vesna Tift (Vuletic) and Drazen Glavas. They were surrounded by a caring and committed group of international supporters, helpers and advisers. In 2002 I was invited by the LCI Board and the ROM's Advisory Group to take up the role of the ROM Director. From its early days ROM impressed me with its vision of a new generation of leaders, reconciled and committed to serve.

Originally ROM was designed as a three week gathering to which young leaders of the divided Balkans were invited to learn to embrace each other and develop lasting friendships despite their religious, national and ethnic differences. This was indeed very much a revolutionary concept at the time: more like a journey than a conference or a seminar, and very much relational in nature. For the past twelve years ROM has been encouraging young Balkan leaders to adopt a new paradigm – one of forgiveness, reconciliation, peacemaking, humanity created in the image of God, loving one’s neighbor as oneself, and leadership of integrity and service rather than one based on greed and self-serving interests.

Moreover, ROM was founded on the platform of the teachings and character of Jesus of Nazareth. A community of close to 500 young leaders from Southeast Europe (Balkans) and many other regions of the world have directly experienced ROM gatherings in Fuzine, Croatia. Former participants would often say that a three-week journey in a community of diverse people, often previously considered as enemies, was a life defining experience for them. Moreover, thanks to projects such as Economic Diplomacy Seminar, Wave and other, that have grown out of ROM, the number of people exposed to the teachings about a leadership of character, reconciliation and following of Jesus – has doubled or tripled at least. ROM has become a meeting place loved by Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, agnostics and atheists. To date we have had participants attending ROM gatherings from over 40 countries – all Southeast European countries, many EU countries, USA, Australia, as well as from Armenia, Cyprus, Israel, Moldova, Turkey, Iraq, Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe and more. ROM is also well known in international leadership circles. It seems that Croatia, the home of ROM, knows the least about it. How appropriate are the words of Jesus who said that «no one is the prophet in its own land».

How much are the religious differences to blame for the war conflicts in former Yugoslavia?

The differences in religion were not the cause of the bitter war conflicts in the former Yugoslavian countries. Those were used to inflame the hate and passions that led to wars. We did not fight for the purity of faith. Our wars originated in a deliberate resurrection of and manipulation with the old ethnic and tribal fears, and for the economical and territorial gains. The so-called defense of “our spiritual heritage” was only an excuse needed to sanctify the unholy passions of war with a higher purpose. In any war it becomes easier to kill and be killed for some transcendental purpose, than in the name of territorial and economical greed, and thirst for power. It is sad that in our region, which continues to declare itself to be majority Christian, many of us became intoxicated by the atmosphere of nationalism and justification of the wars at the time. Djordje Balasevic, a well known musician and artist, loved by millions in all the countries of former Yugoslavia, was right when he sung almost twenty years ago: «We are to blame because we kept quiet». In the early nineties he was a rare prophetic voice who dared to defy the wars and question the integrity of the millions who allowed themselves to be morally paralyzed by the wars. We in Croatia and Serbia, where up to 90% people claim to be Christians, did not want to hear the voice of Jesus of Nazareth, who - had we paid more attention to His gospel – never justified our wars; even less the way they were carried out. God was not on our side. He was with those who were persecuted, whose houses were burned to the ground, refugees forced out of their homes on all sides of the conflict, and those tortured and murdered in the most horrifying circumstances just because they were Croats, Serbs, Albanians, Muslims.

I believe, however, that the number of people, who believe that the time has come for forgiveness and development of new neighborly relationships is growing today across the region. Foremost the process of reconciliation should be led by the people who profess to be the followers of Jesus Christ, because reconciliation and forgiveness are in the very heart of the Gospel. As He was embracing the whole world on the cross, Jesus Christ pronounced the most radical mission statement of anyone who declares to be his follower: «Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing». It is in this statement that Christians in Croatia and Serbia, and across the rest of the Balkans, should find the invitation, motivation and power to embrace each other. Religious circles that continue to excite divisions, or religious leaders who continue to preach hatred, are shaming the gospel of Christ.

How does ROM help raising the awareness about human rights in the region?

ROM's mission statement talks about the investment in a «new generation of leaders with characters transformed by Jesus of Nazareth, committed to reconciliation, peacemaking, friendship, leadership of service, healing social action, and building of benevolent communities.” The advancement of this vision would not be possible without a high respect for human rights, especially of those who are socially rejected and oppressed in various ways. Number of our friends, from Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro to Kosovo, Macedonia and Romania, who have experienced ROM, are actively involved in organizations and movements that stand for the protection and advancement of human rights. They passionately labor to protect the rights, and increase the quality of ethnic and other minorities, as well as to integrate them into society as its equal members.

Let me emphasize, however, that ROM is not foremost a movement for the protection of human rights. Our focus is on the development of the characters of leaders in tune with the character and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. We believe that only the leaders with transformed characters are able to get into the public arena with integrity and credibility. Our region and the world as a whole do not need leaders who brag about human rights only when it is politically fashionable. Only leaders of character and virtue have moral courage to stand shoulder to shoulder with the oppressed, abused and marginalized, with a commitment to serve them. This is the paradigm of leadership that is in the service to people and community, modeled after Jesus of Nazareth and taught at ROM gatherings.

What are the differences between the political and social scene of USA and the Balkans, and what are the similarities?

Occasionally, as a joke I would say that the entire world, including the USA, is an extended Balkan. USA suffers from some of the same diseases known to us living in the Balkans. Some of them are political divisions, demonization of enemies, use of negative political advertising, self-righteous attitude of religious circles that desire to dominate over the political and social space in the US, very much present class divisions that do not favor the poor, and increasing nostalgia for the past with mythological overtones. Moreover, as it continues to be the case in the regions of former Yugoslavia, where national, ethnic and religious differences continue to be the sources of fear and prejudice, America too has its own share of fears and prejudices. The US has not been as divided for a very long time as it is today. Fear and lack of trust continues to divide, even ghettoize, the American society along groups such as those who are of Islamic background, white, black, Hispanic immigrants, Republicans, Democrats, Evangelicals. All human right watch groups have witnessed the worrying increase in the number of hate and racially motivated groups in the past two years. However, as the hate groups increase in number so do the groups, organizations and movements, including churches and faith based groups, that are very successfully building bridges of friendship and reconciliation across political, social and religious divides. I know personally several that are very successfully bringing closer together Christians and Muslims.

Although the Renewing Our Minds Initiative targets predominantly the Balkan region, over the years ROM has also given its modest contribution to the building of bridges of understanding applicable to the American society. In the twelve years of ROM’s current history many Americans have taken a part in ROM events in Croatia and surrounding countries, either as speakers, mentors, volunteers or participants. Initially many would come to experience ROM from a case study perspective, only to realize that the problems defining the Balkans define the American society too. Good things have come out of this. For example, there exists a peacemaking organization in the US today inspired by the vision of ROM that addresses the issues of reconciliation, peacemaking and leadership development with the American challenges in mind. The Institute for Sustainable Peace was founded by Randall Butler, a Houston based lawyer and a regular ROM speaker and mentor since 2002, whose inspiration to develop a home based peacemaking organization grew out of his commitment to ROM.

Having said all of this, the US still remains a country that inspires the world with its commitment to democracy and stable democratic institutions that will guide America sucessfuly through its current crisis.

What are your plans for the future?

For the past three years my wife Christine and I have lived in Houston TX. Every summer we would spend three months in Croatia focusing on leading ROM gatherings in a picturesque mountain town of Fuzine, close to the Adriatic Sea. My wife is actually from Houston. A few years ago we decided to adopt a child, and this is what brought us to USA at the end of 2007. Today we are blessed by a two and a half year old son Matthew, who is a true joy and inspiration to us. I also have three wonderful grown-up children from my first marriage – Kristina, Tamara and Andrew, all of them living in Australia. At this time Christine, Matthew and I are planning our to return to Croatia in order to further the development of the Renewing Our Minds initiative. God willing, over the next four years our plan is to develop in the Balkans a team of young leaders of good quality, character and comittment to service, who will provide the future leadership of ROM. Leading of the Renewing Our Minds initiative has significantly shaped my life over the past nine years. It radicalized my understanding of the Gospel of Jesus. Looking back I can trace my own journey from a follower of a religion to becoming a follower of the Person – Jesus of Nazareth. There is the whole world of difference between the two, and I am still on the journey learning to love my God with all my heart and my neighbors as myself, whether they are Croats, Serbs, Albanians, Bosniaks, Americans, Australians, Protestants, Catholics, Orthodox, Jews, Muslims, agnostics or atheists.

Djordje Balasevic je bio u pravu ...

2010-10-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

Photo:
Fuzine, Hrvatska, sjediste i dom inicijative Renewing Our Minds - ROM

Objavljujemo ulomak iz intervjua kojega je Gorici Nikolic dao Tihomir Kukolja za web portal Vas zavicaj. Intervju u cjelosti mozete procitati na portalu Vas zavicaj:

Osobno vjerujem da religijska različitost na prostorima bivše Jugoslavije nije bila uzrok sukoba, već da su različitosti bile vrlo dobro iskorištene u svrhu poticanja ratničkih strasti. Tijekom devedesetih mi se nismo borili za obranu čistoće vjere. Naši su ratni sukobi ponikli na namjernom uskrišavanju drevnih etničkih i plemenskih strahova, a zbog ekonomske i teritorijalne pohlepe. Takozvana obrana religijskih baština i vrednota samo je bila izgovor kako bi se što više nadražile ratničke strasti uime posvećenih ciljeva, te kako bi naše sukobe mogli proglastiti pravednima i svetima s moralnog polazišta. Naime, u svijesti ratnika lakše se gine u ime obrane takozvanih transcendentalnih i moralnih vrijednosti, nego zbog teritorijalne i ekonomske pohlepe, i želje za vlašću. Žalosno je da su se na ovim prostorima, koje se još uvijek deklariraju većinski kršćanskima, mnogi od nas dali u to vrijeme zavesti pijanstvom nacionalizma i opravdavanjem ratova. Đorđe Balašević je bio u pravu kad je kao jedan od rijetkih proročkih glasova u to vrijeme pjevao: „Krivi smo mi jer smo ćutali“. U zemljama kao što su Hrvatska i Srbija, gdje se ogromna većina izjašnjava za kršćane, nismo imali sluha za Isusov glas koji nikada ne bi opravdao ratove, a još manje načine na koji su ti ratovi vođeni. Bog nije bio ni na čijoj strani u tim ratovima. On je bio uz sve one koji su bili proganjani, pobijeni, zlostavljani na sve moguće načine bez obzira na nacionalnu ili vjersku pripadnost. No želim vjerovati da danas – od Hrvatske do Srbije, pa preko Bosne i Hercegovine, Crne Gore, Kosova i Makedonije – raste broj ljudi dobre volje koji preopoznaju da je potrebno izgrađivati međunacionalno prijateljstvo i dobrosusjedske odnose. Ponajprije ovaj proces trebaju predvoditi oni koji se smatraju sljebenicima Isusa Krista, jer su oprost i pomirba središnje poruke Evanđelja. Naime, Isus Krist koji je na križu prigrlio cijeli svijet i u smrtnom zagrljaju izgovorio najsnažnije riječi oprosta: „Oprosti im, Oče, jer ne znaju što čine“, poziva nas koji se nazivamno kršćanima da pružimo ruke oprosta i pomirbe jedni prema drugima, preko svih granica podjela koje nas još uvijek nepotrebno otuđuju na krvlju natopljenim zemljama Balkana. Religijski krugovi iz kojih se još uvijek čuju pozivi na produbljivanje podjela, ili propovijedi koje još uvijek odišu govorom mržnje i ratničkim poklicima, sramote Kristovo Evanđelje.

Saving Witch Children in Nigeria

2010-10-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

Saving Witch Children in Nigeria from Tihomir Kukolja on Vimeo.

To raise the awareness among our friends about Dare to Make a Difference On-line TV broadcast we are sharing this 13 min highlight from the latest broadcast, that featured a 60 min interview with Leonardo Rocha dos Santos from UK/Brazil, a volunteer with CRARN and Stepping Stones Nigeria, a co-founder of the Brazilian NGO Ways to the Nations. Leo talks about his work and the work of his friends in Nigeria involved in saving children falsely accused of witchcraft. Photos are provided by Leonardo Lepsch. In Nigeria innocent and beautiful children, as young as two years of age, are being abused, tortured, abandoned and killed - all of it in the name of Jesus. Self-styled evangelical pastors, prophets and prophetesses, thirsty for cash in a land stricken by poverty and superstition have over the past several years denounced thousands of children as witches and wizards. Denounced children are subjected to brainwashing and costly deliverance séances, with the outcomes that require more cash, and which most of the time lead to physical and emotional crippling of the children, their abandonment, and frequent violent death induced by parents, relatives or neighbors. These children, stigmatized as witches and wizards, are blamed for all troubles visiting their families, villages and country - from sickness, death, joblessness, financial misfortunes and poverty in the family, to bad harvests and disastrous fishing seasons due to pollution and merciless exploitation of natural resources. For the entire interview visit ustream.tv/ recorded/ 10187414. Also read my earlier blog Saving Africa’s Witch Children. Dare to Make a Difference live programs are broadcast every Wednesday, and regular information is easily accessed at our Dare to Make a Difference Facebook page.

Getting Rid of the Veil

2010-10-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

Photo: The Island of Brac, Croatia

We do not arrive at TRUTH by carefully aligning Biblical proof texts into systematically organized saving themes, topics, doctrines, or systems of beliefs – however important that might be. By doing so many have arrived at diverse teachings and truths, all supported by some kind of inner logic and reasoning, yet more often than not at odds with each other. We arrive at TRUTH by beholding Jesus as revealed in the Gospels, and letting Him interpret everything else - be that the Old Testament, my church tradition or denominational beliefs, my cherished beliefs, or fashionable beliefs of the day. The only problem is in that only a few dare to do so. To the most of us it is still offensive and too radical to accept that Jesus of Nazareth is the cornerstone upon which all our cherished notions of God, life, religion and the world, stand or fall. To look for the Truth elsewhere means to remain under the veil of ignorance, confusion and without direction. “Whenever anyone turns to the Lord the veil is taken away…” 2. Cor. 3:16.

We Should not Embrace a Tribal Mentality

2010-09-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

Nine years ago, immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attack in 2001, I published and distributed the following reflection. I am now taking this reflection out of the archives with a desire to see if we have learned much in the years following the 9/11 attack, especially now when some radical evangelicals in Florida are threatening to burn copies of Qur'an on September 11.

First Published October 5, 2001.

Like you and most other people in the world, I am overwhelmed with the recent tragedy that struck the United States in the form of a vicious terrorist attack. Even now, I cannot help but continue to reflect upon the consequences that are emerging from this incomprehensible tragedy.

I am still shocked by its extent. The pain of the thousands of relatives and friends who have lost their loved ones moves me deeply. I condemn the barbarian act of cruelty that had inspired a group of suicidal murderers to kill the thousands of innocent people. There is no human or "divine" justification for such an act of cruelty whatever the motives. I pray that those responsible will be called to account.

But I am concerned, too. When I see the multitudes of Afghani refugees, hungry and homeless, surviving under humiliating living conditions--men, women, and children with lost and absent expressions on their faces suffering circumstances beyond their control--desperately seeking some safety in an equally unsafe neighborhood, I wonder if our global conscience will be pacified solely with the tones of humanitarian aid. And when I hear about incidents that involve some people quick to categorize others on the bases of their race, skin, and religion, I pray that God may grant us all minds renewed by the Spirit of Christ, who has embraced everyone regardless of ethnic, racial, cultural, and religious differences. The very nature of Jesus speaks powerfully against any jihad or holy war, including those with the Christian overtones.

Only yesterday, I received an e-mail from a good friend of mine, an educator who has worked for the past five years as principal of a Christian educational institution in Pakistan. Last week, he and his family, like many other Western professionals, had to leave Pakistan abruptly. I believe he would understand my need to share a few lines form the e-mail he sent to several of his friends:

We have left Pakistan with mixed feelings. Yes, we had to get out due to the unfortunate circumstances precipitated by the events in the USA. Yet we feel so deeply for the people we left behind. In the process of departing once again the truth about humanity has been confirmed. There are wonderful people, everywhere Christians and Moslems, male and female. We were not prepared for the outpouring of the genuine love and affection (mixed with fears and feelings of insecurity) from the people we have served for the past four years. Many tears have been shed. Written, verbal, and all sorts of other, culturally peculiar, expressions of affections have been given to us. In such a short period of time and in such measure, it is difficult to accept it all and process it though our hearts. Our Muslim friends have demonstrated that there are people who are able to show respect and acceptance no matter what. We said goodbye like brothers. We should never "box-in people" into predetermined categories.

The events of September 11 will leave long-lasting scars in many ways, not only on the global politics, but also on how many understand civil, human, religious, and other individual rights and freedoms. I cannot help but think of a question posed by CNN.com last week, which (from memory) went something like this: "Would you be willing to have your personal freedoms limited if doing so brought an end to terrorism?" Is this the only alternative.

Ever since September 11, I’ve been asking myself questions. What have I learned from the many different facets of this until-now unthinkable tragedy? Have I, as someone who had witnessed much of what happened in the former

Yugoslavia

since 1991, learned enough from our Balkan tragedy so that now I could offer meaningful insights to our American friends who are going through the stages of shock, pain, mourning, anger, and a strong urge to see justice done? How does a vision of Christ who has embraced all, including Muslims, influence the way I relate to other people today? Will I succumb to pressures to embrace a tribal mentality, or should I stand firmly, retaining a sober and discerning judgment?

For the last two weeks, I have meditated a lot about the zealous biblical prophet Elijah, hurt at one point with injustice and the indifference of people and overwhelmed with sense of loneliness and lack of purpose. In a moment of despair, he ran into a cave expecting to see God demonstrate the full extent of his vengeance against the source of the prophet’s frustration. While he was in the cave, a powerful wind tore the mountains apart, a strong earthquake shattered the land, and a devastating fire hit the ground, but God was not in any of them. Instead, according to the account, God appeared in a form of a gentle, calming, sobering, serene, inviting whisper. The ancient prophet learned that even in the midst of the most alarming circumstance the quiet, gentle, and sober voice has more power than violence, aggression, and vengeance.

In the days to come may God help us all to embrace each other more than ever before with an open heart.

Keeping or Beholding

2010-03-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

In His Footsteps

Evangelicals agree that one of the roles of the law is to lead us to Christ. Then comes the point of departure. I dare say many across denominational lines believe that having been accepted, saved, redeemed by His grace, Christ delivers us back to the law empowered and equipped to keep it as the rule of life. They are easily detected when they say: "Jesus helps me now to keep the law", or "Now keep the law by the power of the Holy Spirit", or "We are saved by Grace and live by the law".

But this is not what I am reading in the writings of Paul. He never uses the law as the reference point for our living, but the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who always points to Christ as the ultimate compass pointing to what it means to live like a real human being restored to the image of the living God. And Paul is descriptively concrete what it does and does not mean to live according to the Spirit. Read Romans 8.

If Jesus Christ is the Law Incarnate, the Real Thing, everything and more than what the law ever managed to convey, why would a born again follower of Jesus still need the Law to police him or her? And yet many believe so and act accordingly. Rather than to fight should the Ten Commandments hang in our courts, schools, other public places (in America) and our homes, why not fight to have Christ and his character clearly portrayed in and around us. For it follows naturally that Jesus, who is our Savior, is just as well our Lord - the only true moral reference point whose witness we cannot counterfeit, or manipulate and bargain with.

Many would argue that this line of reasoning leads to disobedience, licentiousness and antinomianism. Is that really so? Do you really believe that the dead letter of the law can do a better job in pruning, correcting, maturing our characters than the Living Lord speaking into our lives through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit?

Following Jesus is not about keeping anything, but about being changed by beholding Jesus. In our life time this is never a completed, but always necessary, process of refinement and growing into the image of Christ. If we continue to use the law as our compass rather than Jesus, we will always be occupied with the petty issues of our performance. But it we keep on beholding Jesus, the Holy Spirit will gradually make us responsive to the real and relational issues of life, with the leading, legitimate and motivating question behind: "How do I love my neighbor?"

To Fly or to Fry?

2010-03-14T18:02:00.000-07:00

"I became a Christian because I did not want to burn in hell..." - I heard it on a Christian radio two days ago.

In the circles of American evangelicalism this is a common approach to evangelism of "the unsaved". It frequently comes packaged in a question: "When you die where do you want to spend you eternity: in heaven or in hell?"... or, as another radio evangelist put it forward in even more cynical terms: "What would you prefer - to fly or to fry?"

One wonders if there exists a statistics of how effective and true to the Gospel such evangelism is? How many are actually attracted to follow Jesus by being scared into the Kingdom? And what quality of relationship with Jesus is there where fear is a motivating factor? After all, where in the accounts of the early evangelists such as Peter, Paul, John and others, do we find that the hell fires constituted the joyful proclamation of the Good News?

In my years of spiritual journey there were times when I faced doubts and uncertainty. I would worry if my standing with God was in order. Occasional anxiety about being left outside the embrace of Christ was enough to terrify me. But I do not recall that fear of eternal barbecuing was ever the issue. For a long time now I have understood that the pictures featuring the hell fires licking agonizing human bodies belonged sooner to a medieval imagery than to the pages of the Bible. They are certainly out of character with the New Testament revelation of Jesus. Even at the most unsettling moments for my soul I knew that God's justice and mercy blended together in a redeeming fabric so that His wrath could never outdo his grace.

What attracts me to follow Jesus is the appeal of his radical, embracing and unconditional love. Even his judgments, I believe, are an expression of his love. Consequently my following of Jesus is becoming more like longing of a lover who desires to be with Him always, forever and wherever He desires to take me.

I am not a Christian Universalist. I do believe in the necessity, reality and finality of God's judgment. However "His strange work and alien task" (Is. 28:21.) of judgment was never intended to be a bargaining currency to scare people to Christ. This is my point: when I care to behold Jesus without a prejudice and free from the trappings and manipulations of my own spirit, I can't help but fall in love with the unmatched beauty of his character and person. And the relationship built on such premise does not need to be buttressed by the high temperatures of hell.

Hijacking the Gospel of Grace

2010-02-26T18:52:00.000-08:00

Another text pulled out of my old archives. This one was originally written in Melbourne, Australia, in 1999...

Without a practical application the gospel is reduced to a mouthwash of meaningless cliches. There is the whole world of difference between "salvation apart from works" (Romans 3:21.), which is the liberating and saving truth, and salvation without a moral response, which is an antinomian heresy. In fact a gospel without appropriate human ethical response very soon becomes an excellent excuse for a variety of deviated lifestyles. The New Testament firmly condemned the practices of those who hijacked the gospel of grace by turning it licentiousness.

Likewise, the problem with a growing segment of the Christian Church today is in that it has surrendered its moral integrity to the pressures of our morally and spiritually alienated societies, homes, schools and media; which are in turn slaves to aggressive materialism, secularism and indifference. Consequently Christians are loosing a sight of Christian ethics. They still speak a Christian jargon, but think secularly. As a result, one is witnessing today the emergence of ethically illiterate Christians, adhering only to a handful of shallow concepts, but who are in every other sense insulted by any concept of discipline. We have actually reached the age of a serious absence of Christian mind, or as Charles W. Colson and Nancy R. Pearcey stated: "We have lost the language of moral discourse." (Charles Colson and Nancy R. Pearcay, A Dance With Deception, Revealing the Truth Behind the Headlines, Word Publishing 1993.)

Harry Blamires, a Christian social critic, described thirty years ago the climate of confusion of values that have by now engulfed a large proportion of current Christian milieu too. He said: "The Christian concept of freedom, rooted as it is in the notion of total self-surrender within the family of God, and accompanied as it is by a code of disciplines rigorous in their check upon self-indulgence or self-assertive individualism, is a virtually contradictory concept to that humanist notion of freedom as residing in an unfettered autonomous individualism, which plagues current thinking today. We sense deeply the chasm between the Church and the secular world when those secularists who speak idealistically of freedom reveal that they have in mind, not just the renunciation of dictatorships and other repressive agencies, but also the rejection of bonds and obligations such as those constituted by marriage, the family, and all social hierarchies." (Harry Blamires, The Christian Mind, London 1963).

Charles Colson sounds even more urgent: "Debates over issues like family structures and sexual conduct have become so politicized that we have lost nearly all shared definitions of such terms as family and values. A loss that renders us incapable of reasoned moral discourse." (Charles Colson and Nancy R. Pearcay, A Dance With Deception, Revealing the Truth Behind the Headlines, Word Publishing 1993.)

It is not surprising then that there prevails today a strong current of apathy among many Christians whose life philosophy may be summarized as: "Let everyone mind his own business!" Neither surprises the amount of pressure various agenda-driven militants use against the Church, who have decided, under the pretext of human rights and freedom defense, to seduce the Church with whatever deviated agenda they might have...

You Have Heard but I Tell You

2010-02-10T17:49:00.000-08:00

Photo: Zrinjevac Park, Zagreb, Croatia

This is how I have written over ten years ago...

The reason for the ethical superiority of the New over the Old Covenant is not in that they are in disagreement with each other, but that the Gospel works by opening the eyes of Jesus' followers to the eternal principles, purposes and spirit behind any moral choice.

The Old Testament provides rules and regulations, the New Testament develops a mind motivated by the Redemption and character of Jesus as exhibited in his life on Earth, and anointed by the Holy Spirit for appropriate application.

The Lord Jesus himself defined his superior and final authority in all ethical matters and expected more refined and honest perception in the case of the New Covenant believers as he stated: "You have heard that it was said to people long ago..., but I tell you that..." (Matthew 5:21-48.) In other words the Gospel that liberates, through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, also motivates an ongoing process of moral and ethical renewal in the lives of believers by bringing them beyond the letter of the Law into its very heart, the ethical heart of Jesus Christ.

Thus, whether one speaks today of one's attitude towards the issues concerning corporate morality or individual moral choices such as death penalty, euthanasia, genetic engineering, war, global poverty, environmental issues, international debts or various human right issues; or the issues of sexual conduct, gender, feminism, child abuse, domestic violence, marital unfaithfulness, various forms of abuse - a follower of Jesus is not left in the dark although a number of today's moral and ethical issues are not listed in the Bible. Actually, he needs no lists because in Christ, through the Gospel and empowering of the Holy Spirit, he learns to understand the guiding principles behind any moral choice. In other words he has begun to think Christ-likely. He has - said Harry Blamires, a Christian social critic, even as long as twenty years ago - begun "to accept all things with the mind as related, directly or indirectly, to man's eternal destiny as the redeemed and chosen child of God" (Harry Blamires, The Christian Mind, SPCM London 1978).

Written in Melbourne VIC, Australia in 1999.

As We Leave 2009 Behind

2009-12-29T11:11:00.000-08:00

Best New Year Wishes from Houston TX, USA

Dear Friends,

I love meaningful mottos such as "Investing in a New Generation of Leaders", "The Change Begins with Me" and alike. Probably due to the current stage in my life's journey, having been spoiled by ROM for the past several years, one that I like and reflect on very much lately is - "Pursuing God's Purpose in Our Generation".

Somehow, it matters to me more and more to strive to live a life that is directional, focused, and purposed by the giving example of Jesus of Nazareth. I am one of those who believes in the finished work of salvation in Jesus on behalf of everyone of us. But I know also that His finished work for us is only a beginning of a life long process of Him working within and through us to "love our neighbors as ourselves." (Mark 12:28-31.) The logic behind is very simple and effective: God who has unconditionally embraced us in Jesus has become such a force of motivation, inspiration and empowerment that leads us to embrace each other without hesitation.

This means that followers of Jesus, moved by the compassion and empathy of Jesus, will be the first to unmask and stand up against any form of injustice, dehumanization, abuse, violence, enslavement, exploitation, terrorism, racism, human rights abuse, ethnic and religious nationalism, and poverty - all of them increasingly giving a tragic direction to the 21st century. At the beginning of the year 2010 I would like to invite myself and each one of you to pray the prayer suggested by Richard Stearns, the World Vision US President, in his recent book The Hole in Our Gospel - "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, to see the world as You see it. Let my heart be broken by the things that break Your heart. Give me the ability to see through our culture and to lead with Your vision, instead of the world's." There are worthy examples in our and recent times to in spire us along the way, such as Bono, Desmond Tutu, Martin Luther King Jr, Mother Teresa.

In essence this is what the following of Jesus is all about - to love Jesus by loving each other. He said - Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40.) I hope that each one of us will strive in the coming year to serve God's purpose in our generation by becoming more of a leader who is an ambassador of compassion, love, justice, peacemaking, reconciliation.., and advocate for the poor. Let us help each other in the pursuit of God's purpose in the months and years to come.

We think of you, love you and pray for you often, and desire to see you all again soon.
May the Lord give you a New Year filled with hope, many blessings and determination to serve Him and love people well.

Tihomir and Christine Kukolja
http://2009rom.blogspot.com/, http://2009rom.blogspot.com/, http://twitter.com/romchallenge

Watch our Christmas and New Year Video Card

Dangerous Legislation in Uganda

2009-12-16T18:30:00.000-08:00

They are playing God. This was my immediate response to the recent move in Uganda to institute death penalty for practicing homosexuals.

Some Ugandan leaders, reportedly under the influence of some right wing Evangelical leaders in USA, are pushing forward the Anti-Gay Law. If passed practicing homosexuals, especially the HIV positive, will be sentenced to death, and long term imprisonments will be awaiting those who protect, hide or fail to report them. The later could apply to their parents, friends, neighbors, landlords, pastors - anyone who could have the information about practicing homosexuals but fail to inform the Ugandan law enforcement agencies.

I am not a pro-gay movement sympathizer. Nor am I sure that their agenda represents a legitimate human rights cause. I believe that the issues such as poverty, widespread forms of injustice and modern slavery, abuse of children, lack of healthcare for all, environment pollution, increase of wars and violence speak with greater urgency. However, when in the 21st century a government desires to Christianize the country by introducing a sharia-type law, then I have no choice but join a few who have already taken a stand against it. For how much difference is there between a Christian nation that kills homosexuals and a radical Islamic country that religiously executes women supposedly caught in adultery?

Christians may disagree about the legality of gay rights, but no follower of Jesus could agree, privately or publically, with any harassment or persecution of homosexuals, let alone with the introduction of death sentence, for the reason that those are totally out of the character with Jesus and against anything He taught and practiced. Even if the designers of the questionable legislation want to excuse its roughness on the account of the Old Testament laws and practices, the One who is the Law Incarnate defies any such excuse by broadcasting the true intent of the Law which is to "love your neighbor as yourself", whoever he or she is.

I do believe that the political and religious leaders in Uganda behind the anti-gay bill, who claim to be born-again Christians, together with their born-again mentors in the US, are familiar with the Gospels' accounts in which Jesus, while not condoning their lifestyles, embraced a woman caught in adultery, dined with a hated tax collector, and spoke gently to a woman of questionable character at the well. Jesus often mixed with the outcasts and the ones labeled as sinners. If the Gospel accounts were written today they would no doubt include instances of Jesus meeting with homosexuals too.

This week more than sixty Christian leaders in the US released a statement against the anti-gay legislation in Uganda. "Our Christian faith recognizes violence, harassment and unjust treatment of any human beings as a betrayal of Jesus' command to love our neighbors as ourselves. As followers of the teachings of Christ, we must express profound dismay at a bill currently before the Parliament of Uganda. We appeal to all Christian leaders in our own country to speak out against this unjust legislation. Regardless of the diverse theological views of our religious traditions regarding the morality of homosexuality, in our churches, communities and families, we seek to embrace our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters as God's children worthy of respect and love..." - says the statement.

Likewise an internationally acclaimed US pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in California, the author of a well known book "The Purpose Driven Life", released an encyclical video statement in which he vigorously opposed the discriminatory bill. He urged the Ugandan pastors to "make a positive difference" and "speak out" against the bill. While disproving of the homosexual lifestyle he said that the proposed law is "unjust, extreme and unchristian". He also stated that - "Church must protect the dignity of all individuals. Since Jesus Christ died for all we need to treat all with respect."

However, most of the acclaimed US Evangelical leaders and most of the churches remain silent as if the Ugandan extreme legislation is not their concern at all. They act in the way a priest and a Levite acted in Jesus' parable of Good Samaritan towards a traveler who fell into the hands of robbers. Yet isn't this the time for the Christian leaders and communities in the US and the world to stand up and urge Christian and other leaders in Uganda to see the wrongness of the unjust legislation. Indeed, all of us who have friends in Uganda should urge them to oppose the bill. There must be a better way indeed to advocate Christian values, standards and ethics than playing God or quietly approving of the dangerous law.

Saving Africa’s Witch Children

2009-12-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

Photo:
Leo Santos, a volunteer from UK in the mission of saving "witch children" in Nigeria

In Nigeria innocent and beautiful children, as young as two years of age, are being abused, tortured, abandoned and killed - all of it in the name of Jesus.

Self-styled evangelical pastors, prophets and prophetesses, thirsty for cash in a land stricken by poverty and superstition have over the past several years denounced thousands of children as witches and wizards. Denounced children are subjected to brainwashing and costly deliverance seances, with the outcomes that require more cash, and which most of the time lead to physical and emotional crippling of the children, their abandonment, and frequent violent death induced by parents, relatives or neighbors. These children, stigmatized as witches and wizards, are blamed for all troubles visiting their families, villages and country - from sickness, death, joblessness, financial misfortunes and poverty in the family, to bad harvests and disastrous fishing seasons due to pollution and merciless exploitation of natural resources.

This is tragically possible in the part of the world where, on the one hand, perverted forms of evangelicalism, preaching of a prosperity gospel, and wild deliverance and prophetic cults, go hand in hand with animistic superstition, spiritism, lack of essential education, spiritual illiteracy and prevailing poverty. On the other hand, this is happening in the country where the government institutions do not seem to have authority in the areas that require justice and protection of people. It seems that none in Nigeria dare bring the heartless spiritual gurus, directly responsible for the deaths and abuse of thousands of children of their parishioners, to justice. None has been called to accountability, including the infamous prophetess Helen Ukpabio whose film "End of the Wicked" has excited the latest wave of children witch hunting.

Moreover, it concerns and shocks me profoundly that a huge Christian community in Nigeria, that remains to act within the boundaries of normalcy, is turning a blind eye to the hideous crimes, perversions and abuses of power of the fringe Evangelical leaders that cost lives and dignity of so many children in their country. None of the Christian Churches in Nigeria, or their leaders, have stood up against the criminal activities of perverted self-declared ministers and prophets, or called them to account, or provided protection to the suffering of abandoned and physically, and emotionally traumatized children.

Well, not quite none. A few brave and sane souls around CRARN, the only center of refuge for abandoned and abused children led by Sam Itauma, and Stepping Stones Nigeria, a British charity that focuses on assisting CRARN in its noble work, led by Gary Foxcroft and a group of their friends have dared to make a difference. Those people, motivated by the love of Christ for the suffering children in Nigeria, are building shelters for the abandoned 'witches and wizards' and are creating the awareness actions directed towards the Nigerian Government and international community. I met one of them, on his way to serve in Nigeria, at the European Gathering in England last weekend. He shared with a group of us attending the gathering the TV documentary "Saving Africa's Witch Children", produced by the British Channel 4 Dispatches Production. His request was that we should help making the suffering of thousands of innocent Nigerian children known around the world, as well as to pray for the few who have dared to stand up for the abused children of Nigeria.

I am very sensitive for the suffering of children. Seeing the frightened innocent eyes; severely bitten, burned and otherwise tortured tiny bodies; and the naked bodies of the children abandoned dead next to the dusty roads of Nigeria, was enough to make me more than upset. But my dismay has been enhanced by the fact that all this wickedness is being done in the name of the One who said - "Let the little children come to me!" (Matthew 19:14.) Such criminal prostitution and perversion of the pure and loving name of Jesus Christ leads me to believe that it is those self-made, greedy and arrogant ministers, prophets and prophetesses who are the real witches possessed by the Evil One in the truest sense of the word.

It is the time for action. At least what we can do is to unite in prayer that the country of Nigeria may be delivered from the clutches of the wicked religious gurus by being called to account, tried and adequately punished. But we can do more too. Let us stand with those who are already doing a good work in saving the lives of children in Nigeria. Let us also help create awareness about this vicious crime against the innocent - in our churches, political circles, and humanitarian, social and other circles of influence. Let us do everything we can to help stop the abuse of children by the spiritual charlatans in Nigeria.

Are We Following the Same God?

2009-11-27T18:57:00.000-08:00

Tell me what your God is like and I'll tell you if we follow the same God.

My God demonstrated, by his own example, that He would rather give his life for others than take a life. On the cross, as he was innocent dying a criminal's death, he pleaded for his enemies - "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing!" (Luke 23:43.) The message to his followers was clear - Give yourself to others as I've given myself to you, even if they do not appreciate it. A loving God births loving followers.

What is your God like? Does he love totally, radically and unconditionally? Can it be said about him that "while we were still God's enemies, we were reconciled to him" (Romans 5:10.)? Right now I am reading a religious book which at every single page portrays a god full of rage, spite and determination to torment everyone who does not agree with the message of the book author. There are many books like this around. If this is what god is like, can we expect anything better from his followers? An angry and hateful god nurtures angry followers.

Today I am reflecting on the lives of men and women like Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Gandhi, Desmond Tutu, William Wilberforce, Maximilian Kolbe, Desmond Doss and many more of the kind. They have shared the plight of the poor, stood for justice, fought against slavery, proclaimed peace and reconciliation, unmasked oppressive regimes, saved lives. Not all died a violent death, but they all gave themselves up in a honorable, dedicated and consuming service to their fellow men and women. They were the true martyrs who walked in the shoes of Jesus of Nazareth. Wherever and whenever this world became a better and happier place, this happened thanks to the heroes who radiated the image of the loving God in their characters.

Friends, if your God is not a loving God and if he is more concerned with punishment than restoration of life, than we are not following the same God, even if we might call them by the same name.

As for me I'm sticking with Jesus of Nazareth - the One revealed in the New Testament and foretold in the Old Testament. I have not found another one, more loving, more appealing and more reassuring. "Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" - he said (Matthew 11:28.). I agree with E. Stanley Jones, the author of the book The Unshakable Kingdom and the Unchanging Person - "I can't go very wrong if I stick close to him. If I fail I fail in the right direction. I would rather fail with him than succeed with anyone else".

Jesus Transcends Them All

2009-11-02T19:28:00.000-08:00

The Book of Hebrews, one of the most ignored and seldom studied New Testament books, powerfully argues that Jesus is the final destination and retirement place of every religion, including yours and mine.

The book progressively displays that the entire Old Testament's religious spectrum, with its beliefs, practices and institutions served only one purpose - to direct history, community and people to Jesus Christ. Known also as the Old Covenant, with its prophetic mission, laws, tabernacle, priestly duties, sacrifices and festivals, observances and rituals, it was only a shadow destined to vanish once the shadow-maker was revealed.

The author of the Book of Hebrews illustrates the supremacy of Jesus over religion with precision. A careful reader will notice that Jesus stands for - a better Moses (3:2.), a better Sabbath (4:9.), a better priesthood (7:12.24.), a better law (7:12.), a better high priest (7:15.16.26.27.), a better sacrifice (7:27., 9:26., 10:12.), a better ministry (8:6.), a better hope (7:18.), a better promise (8:6.7.), a better covenant (7:22., 8:13., 9:13.), a better order (9:10.11.), a better tabernacle (chapter 9), a better access to the Father (6:19., 10:19-22.), a better mediator (9:18.). No element of the Old Covenant religion is left untouched. Finally only Jesus remains, seated at the right hand of the Father, as the ultimate authority, object and focus of our adoration; and us - his followers - purified from the dead works of religion, serving the real and living God, and not one of his many marketed fictions (Hebrews 9:14.).

The wider context of the New Testament supports the picture of a temporary and limited use of religion. It speaks of the Old Covenant as something that is fading away, disappearing and becoming obsolete in Jesus. It is a "veil taken away whenever anyone turns to the Lord', and a 'guardian put in charge to lead us to Christ' (2. Corinthians 3:7-18, Hebrews 8:13, Galatians 3:24.). The implication is that Jesus himself is everything any religion can offer, and much more.

Following His life, death and resurrection Jesus Christ did not upgrade the old religion. He was not a 'new patch placed on the old garment', or 'a new wine poured into old wineskins' (Mark 2:21.22.) Nowhere does he suggest that he was a founder of a new religion either. The Four Gospels and New Testament are uncomfortably quiet about Jesus leaving behind any instruction about how to turn his legacy into a religious system. Instead he called people to follow and trust Him, suggesting that out of his following a worshiping, caring and serving community will emerge. It is made of people who, having been embraced in Jesus by the Holy Spirit, are embracing each other in love. The community of his followers are also to be the light and the salt to the world (Matthew 5:13-16.). The New Testament calls this community His church or His body, and defines it relationally rather than institutionally.

I suspect that not much of what most of us today define as Christian religion was ever intended by Jesus or his immediate followers. I fear that much of our colorful religious heritage, spiritual folklore, even some cherished teachings and beliefs, are nothing more than ancient or more recent accumulation of superstition that is continuously pushing us back into the shadow-land of religion outgrown in Jesus?

Here is the punch line. The Old Testament religion, or the Old Covenant, with all its religious decor, had only one legitimate purpose - to surrender people, communities and history to Jesus Christ. This is no less true for any other religion. They are only as useful as they eventually capitulate to the One who transcends them all. And Jesus' intention was never to return his followers back to religion, but to keep them in his embrace.

Richard C. Halver summarizes it all well: "Jesus Christ transcends all religions! Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism. He is greater than all these, including Christianity... Religions are the inventions of men. They may begin with a great leader in mind, but human tradition soon reduces the original to a mere set of ethical standards and a dead letter of the law which no one can follow. Jesus transcends religion because He is the incarnation of all that is true, good, loving, gentle, tender, thoughtful, caring, courteous and selfless. Jesus does not want you to become Christian. He wants you to become a new creation! There is a great difference between the two."

Leaders Worth Following

2009-10-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

Most media today feed the imagination of multitudes with success stories of celebrities whose names are associated with scandalous relations, perverse morality, obscene prosperity, and arrogant leadership. Their success is often a misery for many, and their major contribution to the human family is measured by the prevailing emotional, intellectual and spiritual drought they leave behind. Mistakenly they are often called heroes and leaders too. If they are the best the world can offer, we are indeed living in hazardous times.

It is becoming urgent that we draw our attention to the achievements of another kind of leaders: those who have, oblivious to public attention, brought inspiration, healing, restoration of broken relationships, a glimpse of justice, and a vision of a better world to their fellow men and women. William Wilberforce (1759-1833), an English politician and social activist dedicated his entire professional life to ensuring that the practice of slavery was abolished once for all from British society. German theologian and clergyman, Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), paid with his own life for standing up to the Hitler's National Socialism, at a time when most German Christians succumbed to veneration of the Fuhrer. Martin Luther King Jr (1929-1968), American Civil Rights leader had a dream about a human family united across racial divides. In India and around the world, Mother Teresa (1910-1997), an Albanian nun with a global mission, brought hope and love to millions of poor and outcast. Desmond Tutu (1931), a South-African bishop, spoke and wrote boldly about the evils of the Apartheid long before it was abolished in 1994. These, and many more, in the words of Jesus, were the "salt and the light of the world". (Matt. 5:13-16.) By their courage and firmness of character they made this world a better place.

What distinguishes these leaders from the celebrities of the moment is that at some point in their life journeys they decided to stand up, not so much for their own rights, but for what they knew was right for the human family. They were true heroes armed with the attitude of service. By the power of example and action, more often than words, they gained the authority to become leaders worth following. Their inspiration, vision and values came from a higher authority than themselves. In the words of C.S. Lewis, they were the people who "did most for the present world precisely because they thought most of the next". Such people deserve to be called prophets of our times.

Today, more than ever before, we need to see the rise of prophets like Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., William Wilberforce, and others like Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965), a German theologian, musician and medical missionary in Africa; Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), an Indian anti-violence resistance leader with global impact; or Boris Trajkovski (1956-2004), the late Macedonian president with a heart for reconciliation. If the 21st century is not to sink deeper into moral anarchy and apathy, the world needs leaders who will not treat their fellow men and women as a disposable commodity. It needs leaders who will dare to make a difference not under the intoxication of ethnic, racial and religious nationalisms, but inspired by the compassionate character of Jesus of Nazareth. Moreover, the world needs leaders who will not live for the applause of the masses, but will understand that in order to change the world one needs to have his/her life changed first.

Many are familiar with the story of the man who wanted to change the world, only to realize that unless he changed his country first he would not be able to change the world. Soon he realized that unless he changed his town first he would never be able to change his country. Not long after he became aware that before he could change his town he had to change his family. "Alas", he exclaimed, "I will never change my family lest I change myself first!" Finally, he realized that he was not able to change himself at all unless he let God do it.

There is an account in the Bible about a leader who understood that his character needed urgent attention before he was to face the challenges that surrounded him. An Old Testament account presents a graphic picture of the patriarch Jacob wrestling with God one night. Determined that he would not let God go till He blessed him, Jacob wrestled with God the whole night (Genesis 32:22-30.). This wrestling encounter became a defining moment in Jacob's life; his personal point of reference in the challenging times that followed in later years. That night he wrestled with himself too, making a statement that he wanted God to take away from him all double standards, dishonesty, manipulation, tendencies to corruption, lies and twisted conscience that marked his life up to that moment. As a consequence of the encounter Bible account lists Jacob among the three most honored patriarchs of the Old Testament times, together with Abraham and Isaac.

The history of humankind is full of leaders who desperately desired to become immortalized as messianic characters. Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong and many others with less prominent names and crime record, sacrificed millions of human lives to that end. They fought with many, but never did they fight their own vices, nor did they wrestle with the One to whom everyone will one day have to give an account. Leaders of integrity, on the other hand, learn to understand that the criteria for success is not in how far one climbs the top charts of popularity, or how much controlling power one has gained over others, but how much - in a daily struggle with oneself and God - a leader has matured in developing his or her own character.

If you aspire to be a leader, or if you simply want to be a person who counts, wrestling with God and yourself that sharpens your character will become an ongoing educational tool in your life. Only charlatans and careerists might claim otherwise. And it will start with seemingly small and very personal things, such as: do you treat your girlfriend or boyfriend with dignity or as an exchangeable commodity; are you faithful to your wife, children and family; do you give in to alcohol, drugs, pornography, or gambling; do you easily use disrespectful language and inappropriate jokes; what do you do when no one sees you? Tomorrow's leaders of integrity are those who are now, by God's grace, wrestling out of their lives, one by one, things that are polluting their characters.

What I am saying is this: decide today to become a person of integrity, decency and truth in small matters whatever the cost, whatever the circumstances, and whatever your past. Wrestle with yourself and God to make your decision a permanent reality and you will become the leader your town, country and the world urgently needs: a leader worth following.

Published first in December 2006.

Trusting the Vulnerable God

2009-10-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things. Romans 8:31.32. (NIV)

On the market of religious goodies today the most vocal salesmen are often the ones selling macho gods; or gods of warfare, force and unquestionable submission. Those deities resemble pseudo-gods of distant galaxies of the Star Trek or Star Wars movies, always eager to conquer, crush, subdue and assimilate.

I guess one, caught up in the aggressive appeal of bullying deities, has no other choice but to follow them driven by fear. Actually you never know where you stand with them: will they eventually save you, or assimilate or trash you, or barbecue you forever? Deep down in your heart you know that you can never trust or love them. At the end of the day they might just as well be demons in disguise. How would you know? Rough claims about them can hardly be reassuring.

I love the account of a vulnerable God. And to my knowledge there is and there has always been only one of the kind ever offered. Those who know him say that we humans mattered to him so much that He risked everything - His own kingdom, his reign, even his own life by merging his fate with ours, and all of it to draw us somehow back to his embrace. He acted like a true lover wanting to demonstrate his love for his estranged wife, as if He wanted to say - "I would rather die than be without you!"

There is much more to this story than meets the eye, indeed. But I do wonder why is a vulnerable God so offensive to many, while macho gods have a large following? What is wrong with us that we find bullying gods more attractive than the One who comes to us with an embrace of a true lover?

The late Irish TV comedian Dave Allen finished each of his shows by a farewell - "May your god go with you!" As for me I dare go with none of them. Instead I'd rather trust the vulnerable One, in this life and the future one.

More than Principles

2009-10-12T15:35:00.000-07:00

At what place in one’s journey with Jesus of Nazareth does one become his follower?

Let us imagine two young people deeply in love with each other and at that place in their relationship when they are seriously planning their marriage. We would expect that by then they have both embraced each other completely and unconditionally. However, imagine the bridegroom telling his bride a week before their wedding: “Honey, I love you with all my heart. I am excited about spending the rest of my life with you. But there are certain conditions that should apply to our marriage: I would like you to promise that from now on we would never talk about certain things, such as your parents, your passions, your beliefs!”

How much genuine commitment is there in the heart of the husband-to-be towards his fiancé? How much is he sincerely in love with his wife-to-be if he dares to be involved in her life only to a certain point? Who would, in his or her right mind, want to be in a relationship with a calculating partner?

For awhile I have been focusing on reading the Gospel of John, with the intention to discover afresh the person of Jesus. I have been following the advice of a good friend who challenged a group of young leaders to read the Gospel of John with one sole purpose: to discover what the writer, Jesus himself, his followers and contemporaries at the time really said and implied about Jesus of Nazareth. Let me share what I have discovered.

From the very first paragraph of John’s Gospel and throughout the book, accounts implying that Jesus of Nazareth was something else, a unique gift of God, multiply in intensity and progression. In one instance after another his contemporaries, including his enemies too, declared that he was “the true light” (1:9), “the lamb of God” (1:35.), “a teacher who has come from God” (3:2.), “a prophet promised to come into the world” (6:16.), “the Savior of the world” (4:42.), “the Holy One of God” (6:68.)

Besides, the Gospel of John reports that Jesus acted and taught with authority never witnessed before (7:46.). He healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, raised the dead, and miraculously fed thousands. Over a short period of his active life of service he impacted many in such a way that they followed him wherever he went, always expecting a new exciting experience or a miraculous surprise. The extent of the potential use of Jesus, for political and social advancement of the nation or personal gain, was immediately recognized by his followers who even conspired to make him a king, whether he agreed with it or not. Who would not have desired a king who could provide an immediate emergency medical service for anyone who was seriously sick, free meals for thousands and a supernatural defense system for the nation? In short, for a while and up to a certain point, following Jesus represented a very attractive, promising and rewarding option for the people to whom Jesus was the man of the hour.

But a turning point would come as soon as and whenever Jesus made sure that his followers understood the true nature of his identity and intention of his mission. He stated repeatedly and in many ways that his miracles, parables, and social and humanitarian engagements went far beyond the visible, immediately attainable and socially desirable. He told them that he was “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (4:13.), “the bread of life” (6:35.), “the true vine” (15:1.), “the light of the world” (8:12.), “the gate (10:7.9.), “the good shepherd (10:11.14.), “the resurrection and life” (11:25.), “the way, the truth and the life (9:5.)”. Moreover, he repeatedly stated that he was “before Abraham” (8:58.), even before the world begun (17:15.), giver of eternal life (17:2.), that “he and the Father are one (10:30)”, and that “he who looks at him, sees the one who sent him” (12:45.) According to John it was at such times that many of his followers would turn back and would no longer follow him (6:66). Finding his claims offensive, despite the evidence of his outstanding miracles, many of them would eventually join the crowd that shouted his death sentence - “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

Why were so many impressed with Jesus only as long as none dared go beyond the appeal of his humanism, philanthropy, peacemaking, humanitarian concern and common ethical principles? Why was it then, and why does it still remain equally hard today, for so many who have initially embraced a precious gift, to take courage to unwrap the whole package? Could it be that honest ignorance about his true identity blinded some of his followers from seeing the full picture? Or, did a creeping conviction, supported by the ever growing evidence that God indeed dwelled in Jesus, scared them from taking the final step because it called his followers to a new level of commitment and accountability? As if they were saying: “Please, don’t tell us more. The less we know the better for us!”

John’s account about Jesus’ healing of a man born blind (John chapter 9) provides interesting insight into the attitudes of people preferring denial to a full commitment. Many have just seen an amazing miracle. They could not ignore the fact that they witnessed the same divine agency in action that created the universe and the very life itself: for to heal a man born blind from birth called for more than an act of cheap magic. It called for a creative intervention equaling to giving a leg to a person who had never had one, or both arms to someone who had only had one up to a moment ago. But instead of letting their hearts be changed by this extraordinary encounter with Jesus, most of the witnesses preferred denial. Some of his neighbors who knew the blind man well from his childhood decided to doubt that the healed man was the same man they used know as a beginning blind neighbor (9:9.). His own parents pretended that they did not know who healed their son, almost wishing that he had never had his sight restored at all (9:21.22.). Leaders of a prestigious religious establishment of the day fiercely dismissed the whole miracle on the account of a petty religious detail (9:16.).

But the response of the man whose eyes were open was entirely different. His journey from darkness to seeing turned into an enlightening spiritual journey too. At first the healed man, not knowing better, acknowledged Jesus as a good man (9:11.). Then he realized that the one who healed him must have been much more than an unusual man. He called him a prophet (9:17.). Soon he concluded that the one who opened his eyes must have been much more than a prophet. When, finally Jesus revealed himself to him as the Son of Man, without any hesitation the healed man acknowledged and worshiped him as the Lord (9:35-39.). By the end of the day not only his physical eyes were open. What is even more important, his spiritual sight was restored too.

This account tells the story of faith of every follower of Jesus who dares go with Him the full journey. Or a story of a lover who does not brag about being in love, while at the same time setting limits to how much he or she would really want to commit himself/herself to the relationship. This is a journey of everyone who would not let his or her family, piers, culture, tradition, social standing, or other internal and external inconveniences stand in the way of embracing Jesus entirely, in his human and divine totality, wherever this may lead. This is a story confirming that the way one responds to Jesus’ question “Who do you say I am?” (Matt. 16:15.), will sooner or later determine if one is his follower indeed.

I like the honest testimony of a young believer at the Renewing Our Minds Gathering in Fuzine, Croatia couple of years ago, who shared her reasons for deciding to embrace the total package. She said: “Jesus really didn’t give me a choice. Either I would believe the whole story or not. I couldn’t believe just a part of the story. I thought to myself, if this man was not what he said he was, then everything else he ever said or did was a lie. It troubled me and I needed the answer. After reflecting and praying for awhile I said to myself: ‘I do not believe Jesus was a liar. I believe him.’ Even today, several years later, I am not sorry I made a decision to follow this person. It literally turned my life around.”

It is important to be inspired by the humanism, social awareness, humanitarian concerns and unifying ethical principles of Jesus of Nazareth. People who follow them are changing the world one step and place at the time. But those principles mark only the beginning of a journey that would soon call for more honesty and courage, till one is able without a hesitation and embarrassment to join the confession of doubting Thomas: “My Lord and my God!” (20:28.)

On the other hand fragmented, trimmed, reduced, beheaded and cosmetically branded Jesus’ will never do. They are only the placebos with limited, even misleading impact. He never intended, nor is he intending today, to give us the luxury of reducing him into anything less than what he really is: “the supreme Agent of the unimaginable Power on whom the whole universe depends” (C.S. Lewis). Such a Jesus indeed “transcends all religion because he is the incarnation of all that is true, good, loving, gentle, tender, thoughtful, caring, courteous and selfless” (Richard C. Halver). Such a Jesus is worth following to the end.

Who Controls the Moon?

2009-10-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

NASA crushed today a rocket into the Moon's surface, as it claims, for scientific purposes: to see if there is water beneath Moon's surface.

Although the experiment did not produce a spectacle, it raises some serious questions.

Who decides if the space action that treats Moon as if it were one's own backyard is a legitimate one, and upon what criteria? What will happen one day when more daring experiments are pursued on the Moon's surface, not only by Americans but by Russians, Chinese, Europeans or anyone else who might afford the adventure? Should there be a treaty or some kind of legal agreement among the nations to regulate the exploration of Moon? Or, should we leave its conquest to the simple rule of natural selection - let the strongest decide, even if this might lead us one day to wars over who controls what in the space in our cosmic neighborhood?

The NASA's space experiment of today is not an innocent affair at all, however naive it might appear at this moment; and however premature my questions might look to some at this time.

Serving God's Purpose in Our Generation

2009-10-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40. (NIV)

I love the slogan "Serving God's purpose in our Generation", but what are its possible implications? Competing offers from all sides and sources can easily confuse the heart and mind of a seeker, and one can find oneself all over the place in attempt to serve or eventually give up trying.

Some years ago such a theme would urge me to mostly doctrinal and black-and-white theological conclusions. Nowadays it leads me to a different place: one where a follower of Jesus is called to be a catalyst for change in his/her community. And where a fellowship of believers, rather than being an exclusive club for the self-righteous, is making a difference by serving their communities as God's ambassadors of healing and restoration.

Here are a few tips that reflect my perspective about the place of a fellowship that seeks to serve God's purpose in this generation. It builds a community of friends that is not fenced by political, ethnic, national, racial and religious agendas. It nurtures a culture of empathy, forgiveness, reconciliation, peacemaking and serving one another. It pursues justice with love and compassion. It cares about the poor, neglected and oppressed. It pursues the truth and values that are not shaped or driven by celebrities, entertainment and media industry, or pop-science. Finally, such fellowship seeks to follow Jesus plus nothing in all matters of life.

The tips are not conclusive, but in my view they feature a fair bit of what ought to be the mission of us who dare be the salt and the light to the world today.