Dialogue is Two-sided, Right?

This week, a change occured in the Adventist Church’s Council for Inter-Faith Relations. Yes, we have one of those. And apparently, now they want to extend the reach to non-christians as well, thus exchanging the word faith with religion. Read the story at ANN. I’m not sure I get the point of the semantic change, but that’s not really important.

What caught my attention was Director John Graz’ statement: “If you don’t talk, they don’t know what you may believe and may even think you’re dangerous or are pushing a threatening political agenda.” This is, of course, true – and as a matter of communications, he’s playing for his home audience and the focus is expected. But nothing is said about the other side of the road: What about us thinking or believing they’re dangerous?

Graz goes on to say that “engaging in dialogue does not mean we are pursuing an ecumenical agenda.” Ok. Fine. I probably wouldn’t want you to either. And inter-faith relations are a positive step. But think of this: if other denominations’ views of Adventism are tainted, maybe it’s because our view of them is the same. Think of the Catholics. And to be blunt, if you’re tired of people not wanting to play with you, maybe it’s because you don’t want to play with them.

Fortunately, there are good examples of meaningful dialogue. The Re-Inventing the Adventist Wheel blog had a link today to the website Dies Domini which features well-informed Catholic views on Adventism. And if you haven’t heard about it already, Faith House Manhattan is definitely worth checking out. A very interesting project with an aim to promote coexistence between religions – and best of all, with a strong Adventist endorsement.

Another Chance for Stem-Cell Research

The House of Representatives is flying its new colours. Yesterday, a new bill was passed to grant federal funding for stem-cell research by 253-174. Last year, the then-republican House passed a similar bill, only to have it overruled by George W. Bush’s only veto during his presidency. As he will most likely do again, since the margin is still not wide enough to prevent a veto.

So why bother? Politics. Polls show that the public is largely in favour of stem-cell research, and the Democrats are obviously looking to cash in on that. With this bill, they’re trying to establish themselves as the forward-looking party in touch with the people’s wishes. The President, meanwhile, faces the tough call of either reverting on his former position or going against public opinion. He will opt for the latter.

Even so, it’s a step in the right direction. Keep on trying, dems.

How to Spend a Day in Hong Kong

Next Tuesday, the 16th, I’ll be in transit in Hong Kong for the better part of a day. I’ve been there a couple of times before, so I’m thinking I’ll go into the city and just wander around, maybe take the tram up to the Peak and enjoy the view. But that will probably leave me with still some hours to spend. Any other suggestions?

UPDATE: Well, in case anyone’s interested, I had a great half day.  I came in very early while it was still dark, and a little rainy, but it turned out to be a quite nice and sunny day. I have posted some pictures on flickr.

Highlights of 2006

Last New Year’s positive reminiscing proved a good exercise, so I thought I’d make it a tradition and look back at the good parts of the year. I could probably think of many things that would make 2006 seem sub-par, but focusing on the positive does actually yield a substantial output.

As for New Year’s resolutions, I usually don’t really do that. But if I should name a goal for 2007, it would be learning to trust God more. The necessity of this has been my most important lesson of 2006, and I long to live more and more according to His will.

Travel-wise, 2006 was a year of doubles. Twice in Norway, twice in London, twice in Riga (Latvia being this year’s new country), and twice in Australia. The only thing remaining single was… well, me

In stead of the list, I could opt for compressing it into just one point, and at least one of my readers will know what I’m talking about. But this is not the time or place. So, voilá – the highlights of 2006 (in alphabetical order):

• Attending guest lectures by Philip Jenkins and Brian McLaren
• Australian Open – witnessing Venus Williams lose in the first round @ the Vodafone Arena
• Getting to know I, J, K, and probably others that I’ve forgotten
• Graduating as BA
• Hanging out in Berkshire
• Mathilde & Thomas’ wedding
• Monty Python’s Spamalot @ Palace Theatre, London
• Mum and Dad in Europe on furlough
• Prosess, Norway
• Socceroos making it to the 1/4-finals
• Studies – yes, going back to school has actually been fun
• Summer – one of the hottest in Denmark in years
• Sydney New Year’s fireworks 2007
• TED Camporee in Denmark – great to be part of such a professional team
• X-Change in Riga
• Århus Café Church – still going strong

Once again, a big thanks to all who were a part – big or small – of my life this year. Happy New Year!