It's not often (I don't think ever) that I'm really eager to get my hands on a government publication promoting this or that. However, over the last week I read much about Canada's new citizenship guidebook. After reading this I'm wondering how to get my hands on one! It sounds like the Government has finally prepared a booklet about Canada that's not about "healthcare" and "sharing" but about our constitutional history and our record of sound (relatively) representative (relatively) responsible government and our place in the World. I'm sick and tired of the mantra that "healthcare" defines us as a nation. Thank's to Mr. Warren for his column!
I found an ecopy here.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Big Pharma and HPV
I am thankful that I live in a time and place when many of the diseases of the past have been conquered by good vaccination programs. However, the recent hysterical hype over H1N1 just turns me off. More people die of seasonal flus than of H1N1.
But this story is over the top. Manufacturers of vaccines to protect girls from HPV are pushing hard to have all school age girls vaccinated, without, it seems, to have run adequate clinical trials! Shame! Shame!
But this story is over the top. Manufacturers of vaccines to protect girls from HPV are pushing hard to have all school age girls vaccinated, without, it seems, to have run adequate clinical trials! Shame! Shame!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A Sea Change in American Life
A new poll has been published in the USA about abortion. This shows that the determination of the Pro-life movement has effect. I think of the young folks on university campuses who press on with their presentations even though they are shouted down and pushed around. May they continue to be protected by the Lord of Heaven and the law of the land.
Monday, October 5, 2009
With a Little Help from His Friends
The other night our Prime Minister Stephen Harper joined Yo Yo Ma on stage at the NAC in Ottawa in a Beatles cover "With a Little Help From My Friends". This video has gone viral and is being seen by hundreds of thousands on YouTube and the Globe and Mail flash version. The most complete including his introduction and the surprised laughter of the audience can only be seen on the PMO's own YouTube Channel. Only several thousand have seen it there so I thought I'd share it here. I have to smile at all the layers of irony of the song. Who does he need to love? Dion? Who are his friends? Jack and Gilles? After all these minority governments, where is love at first sight? Who is he going to get high with? Rahim Jaffer? It's just all too funny.
** I was hoping to keep it secret, but my sister caught me sitting in the orchestra! You can see me (or maybe its that proverbial double we all have). I've got a look-a-like at 3:52- 3:55 at the bottom right. He appears again at 4:13-4:15 on the bottom left. I'd love to know if he's a long lost relative. Even I think he looks like me!!!
** I was hoping to keep it secret, but my sister caught me sitting in the orchestra! You can see me (or maybe its that proverbial double we all have). I've got a look-a-like at 3:52- 3:55 at the bottom right. He appears again at 4:13-4:15 on the bottom left. I'd love to know if he's a long lost relative. Even I think he looks like me!!!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Toronto Star
Remarkably, even the Toronto Star is calling for the repeal of the infamous "Section 13." Let's see if our politicians will dare to make this an election issue. "Where do you stand on 'Section 13'?" should be a question asked at every all candidates meeting if there is an election this fall!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The New Economy
During the colonial period, the World's Empires, led by Britain and Spain, used their far flung empires as sources for raw materials. Places like India and China were merely producers of goods for further processing in the homelands. Think only of Gandhi's protest about cotton grown in India, shipped to England, where it was made into cloth, only to be shipped back to India.
This CBC News item strikes me as ironic. As does this one. Canada is no longer sending raw material to England but to other former colonies!
This CBC News item strikes me as ironic. As does this one. Canada is no longer sending raw material to England but to other former colonies!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Freedom of Religion
Two decisions in the news today show how incrementally the courts, legislatures and HRCs in Canada are eroding freedom of religion.
Hutterites who believe that voluntarily allowing their photos to be taken for a driver's license is against the 2nd commandment, lost on appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. The states desire to reduce identity theft trumps an individual's right to uphold (what he perceives to be) the law of God.
A marriage commissioner has lost his battle not to marry a homosexual couple. He too argued that it went against his moral and religious principles to marry the couple.
When Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus murder their family members in honour killings we can argue that "freedom of religion" cannot be used as a valid exculpatory reason to escape justice.
But when, for religious reasons, a person requests exemption from certain actions or duties, and the courts and the legislatures and the HRCs demand that religous freedom does not apply but that actions must be taken, then we see that Canada is not really the "True North, strong and free" we claim it to be.
~
Hutterites who believe that voluntarily allowing their photos to be taken for a driver's license is against the 2nd commandment, lost on appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. The states desire to reduce identity theft trumps an individual's right to uphold (what he perceives to be) the law of God.
A marriage commissioner has lost his battle not to marry a homosexual couple. He too argued that it went against his moral and religious principles to marry the couple.
When Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus murder their family members in honour killings we can argue that "freedom of religion" cannot be used as a valid exculpatory reason to escape justice.
But when, for religious reasons, a person requests exemption from certain actions or duties, and the courts and the legislatures and the HRCs demand that religous freedom does not apply but that actions must be taken, then we see that Canada is not really the "True North, strong and free" we claim it to be.
~
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Prince of Peace
I've resisted writing anything about Michael Jackson up until now. On Sunday I bemoaned the fact that it was "all Michael Jackson: Michael Jackson all the time." But when I read a piece on CNN.com, I needed to weigh in.
The mayor of Gary, Indiana (Jackson's home town) wants to have a memorial service there, and have Jackson "lie in state." He called Jackson, "the prince of peace."
CNN reports
Moreover, lying in state usually only applies when the bodies of government officials or royalty are displayed in the principal government building of a country or city. I suppose the Mayor of Gary wants to cash in on some tourism dollars!
~
The mayor of Gary, Indiana (Jackson's home town) wants to have a memorial service there, and have Jackson "lie in state." He called Jackson, "the prince of peace."
CNN reports
Gary Mayor Rudy Clay has been in contact with the Jackson family, hoping to make that happen, spokeswoman Lalosa Burns said Tuesday.
Clay told Chicago radio station WGN that he expects that Jackson's body will, at the least, be taken to Gary for a memorial service he is planning next week.
"I believe that his body will lie in state in Gary, Indiana," Clay said Tuesday. "Now, it may not happen, but I believe it will."
The Jackson memorial service is set for July 10 at U.S. Steel Works ballpark in Gary, Burns said.
It would be "a memorial that's fit for the prince of peace and a memorial that's fit for Gary, Indiana's favorite son, the greatest entertainer that ever lived," Clay said.
Much has been said about Michael Jackson. Some call him "Prince Michael"; others "Wacko Jacko." But this is the first time I've heard him called, "The Prince of Peace"! It is not often that popular culture so clearly displays its idolatry but when a burned out performer is given names reserved for Jesus Christ, it really makes one wonder!Moreover, lying in state usually only applies when the bodies of government officials or royalty are displayed in the principal government building of a country or city. I suppose the Mayor of Gary wants to cash in on some tourism dollars!
~
Adam and Eve: Primitive Parents?
Over at Reformed Academic there is a discussion about origins. Dr. J. Vandermeer of Redeemer University College is suggesting that Adam and Eve had primitive parents and are in some way common offspring from a forebear who also was ancestor to contemporary chimpanzees.
Pastor George van Popta responds to this succinctly on his blog. He presents three cogent arguments why Dr. Vandermeer's ideas should be soundly rejected by Reformed confessors.
Pastor George writes in his introduction:
This response makes three points: Dr. Van der Meer concludes more than he should; his conclusions call for a new way of reading scripture; his conclusions are beyond the pale of the Reformed confessions.
Point your browser over here to read the rest of Pastor George's response.
~
Pastor George van Popta responds to this succinctly on his blog. He presents three cogent arguments why Dr. Vandermeer's ideas should be soundly rejected by Reformed confessors.
Pastor George writes in his introduction:
This response makes three points: Dr. Van der Meer concludes more than he should; his conclusions call for a new way of reading scripture; his conclusions are beyond the pale of the Reformed confessions.
Point your browser over here to read the rest of Pastor George's response.
~
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Demographic Winter
I watched an interesting documentary this weekend. It's an hour long discussion about the decline of the "human family". Because of declining birth rates around the world, population numbers are dropping all over. Russia, for one, has a decline in population of 700,000 people per year. Most of Europe and the Americas have below replacement birth rates. Latvia, for example is headed for extinction. Only immigration is increasing the populations of the Americas. However, even cities like Detroit have imploding population numbers. One of the most startling declines, however, is Japan. Their failing economy is directly related to its aging population and its policy of "no immigration."
You can visit this website to view some of the info. One of the remarkable conclusions that the documentary came to was that "people of faith" especially those "of the book", Jews, Christians and Muslims have higher than replacement birth rates.
The documentary explores family policy, economics, and tax policy issues. It concludes that affluence, the rise of the middle class and the entrance of women into the workforce creates conditions in which birth rates will decline. Add to that, the breakdown of traditional family structures and easy access birth control and the stage is set for demographic winter. One startling omission in the data was any mention of abortion of unwanted babies and of gender selection (by abortion or in vitro).
This documentary would be an interesting addition to church libraries or high school social study curricula.
You can visit this website to view some of the info. One of the remarkable conclusions that the documentary came to was that "people of faith" especially those "of the book", Jews, Christians and Muslims have higher than replacement birth rates.
The documentary explores family policy, economics, and tax policy issues. It concludes that affluence, the rise of the middle class and the entrance of women into the workforce creates conditions in which birth rates will decline. Add to that, the breakdown of traditional family structures and easy access birth control and the stage is set for demographic winter. One startling omission in the data was any mention of abortion of unwanted babies and of gender selection (by abortion or in vitro).
This documentary would be an interesting addition to church libraries or high school social study curricula.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Senate Reform
Here is an interesting article on a proposal to reform the Canadian Senate. The suggestion is that the Senators all renounce party affiliation and form regional caucuses instead. I wonder how good that would be. The House of Commans is already becoming balkanized because of regional voting. Would there be a benefit if the Senate became a body of regional representation? What do you think?
(The link is to a google translated article from Devoir and is a bit "bumpy" in places, but still very readable. Google translator and Babelfish at Yahoo do amazing translations.)
(The link is to a google translated article from Devoir and is a bit "bumpy" in places, but still very readable. Google translator and Babelfish at Yahoo do amazing translations.)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Post Modern Collaboration
For years I've had an affinity to some types of Jazz and and to what some call techno-music. Here is a very interesting piece of music done collaboratively via YouTube. The coordinator asked for slow music in Bb for about two minutes. He has compiled sixteen files. Start any or all or some at the same time; use the volume controls as a mixer board. Enjoy your very own post modern mix. It's brilliant.
www.inbflat.net
You can search YouTube for inbflat and find scores of scores. Just start playing them concurrently in separate tabs and create your own song!
h/t to my son, Chris.
You can search YouTube for inbflat and find scores of scores. Just start playing them concurrently in separate tabs and create your own song!
h/t to my son, Chris.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
A Most Unusual Gathering
Through the means of breakthrough technology, all 6 previous ministers were present in Ottawa at the celebratory gathering for Jubilee Church's 50th anniversary. Left to right: Gerhard Visscher 83-86; Marc Jagt 99 - 07; Hendrick Krabbendam 60-64; John van Popta 93-98; George van Popta 87-92; George van Popta 08- present.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Romans 4 and the New Perspective on Paul: Faith Embraces the Promise
My good friend and colleague Dr. G.H. (Jerry) Visscher has published an
important book entitled "Romans 4 and the New Perspective on Paul: Faith
Embraces the Promise." (Dr. Visscher is the NT Prof at the CanRC Seminary in
Hamilton.)
It has been published by Peter Lang, in the influential series "Studies in
Biblical Literature."
The editor of the series writes in a general preface:
"This series seeks to make available to scholars and institutions, scholarship
of a high order, which will make a significant contribution to the ongoing
biblical discourse."
This book definitely makes a significant contribution to the discussion on the
so called "New Perspective on Paul" (NPP).
Dr. Visscher surveys 5 scholars favoring the "NPP". Then he surveys 5 opposing
the "NPP."
He then extensively investigates the context of Romans 4, and follows that with
a careful exegetical analysis of Romans 4, whereby he shows that the "NPP"
cannot be maintained without substantial revision.
Anybody who is remotely connected to the discussion in our churches about the
"NPP" and interested in understanding what exactly the proponents of the "NPP"
are promoting, needs to read this book.
The concise and thoughtful analysis of the "NPP" scholars and their opponents is
worth the cost of the book itself. The careful analysis of Romans 4 is a
masterful work of Reformed exegesis.
One of the proponents of the "NPP" surveyed in the book, Terence Donaldson,
writes (on the back cover!) "In this thorough and perceptive investigation,
Gerhard H. Visscher draws attention to the weaknesses in various New Perspective
readings of [Romans 4:4] and thus adds his voice to those that call for a new
appreciation of old perspectives."
Dr. Visscher is to be commended for this important and helpful book whereby he
makes a significant contribution to the scholarly discussion taking place in the
theological academies of the world. But this book is doubly important in that it
makes the discussion accessible to pastors, preachers, elders, and to the member
in the pew.
Congratulations to you Jerry. May the Lord bless this work in the studies and
pulpits of many Reformed pastors and churches around the world.
For our American friends this book can be found at
amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Romans-New-Perspective-Paul-Literature/dp/1433105373/ref=s\
r_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242164216&sr=8-1
or
in Canada at
amazon.ca
http://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords\
=Gerhard+Visscher&x=0&y=0
important book entitled "Romans 4 and the New Perspective on Paul: Faith
Embraces the Promise." (Dr. Visscher is the NT Prof at the CanRC Seminary in
Hamilton.)
It has been published by Peter Lang, in the influential series "Studies in
Biblical Literature."
The editor of the series writes in a general preface:
"This series seeks to make available to scholars and institutions, scholarship
of a high order, which will make a significant contribution to the ongoing
biblical discourse."
This book definitely makes a significant contribution to the discussion on the
so called "New Perspective on Paul" (NPP).
Dr. Visscher surveys 5 scholars favoring the "NPP". Then he surveys 5 opposing
the "NPP."
He then extensively investigates the context of Romans 4, and follows that with
a careful exegetical analysis of Romans 4, whereby he shows that the "NPP"
cannot be maintained without substantial revision.
Anybody who is remotely connected to the discussion in our churches about the
"NPP" and interested in understanding what exactly the proponents of the "NPP"
are promoting, needs to read this book.
The concise and thoughtful analysis of the "NPP" scholars and their opponents is
worth the cost of the book itself. The careful analysis of Romans 4 is a
masterful work of Reformed exegesis.
One of the proponents of the "NPP" surveyed in the book, Terence Donaldson,
writes (on the back cover!) "In this thorough and perceptive investigation,
Gerhard H. Visscher draws attention to the weaknesses in various New Perspective
readings of [Romans 4:4] and thus adds his voice to those that call for a new
appreciation of old perspectives."
Dr. Visscher is to be commended for this important and helpful book whereby he
makes a significant contribution to the scholarly discussion taking place in the
theological academies of the world. But this book is doubly important in that it
makes the discussion accessible to pastors, preachers, elders, and to the member
in the pew.
Congratulations to you Jerry. May the Lord bless this work in the studies and
pulpits of many Reformed pastors and churches around the world.
For our American friends this book can be found at
amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Romans-New-Perspective-Paul-Literature/dp/1433105373/ref=s\
r_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242164216&sr=8-1
or
in Canada at
amazon.ca
http://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords\
=Gerhard+Visscher&x=0&y=0
Monday, May 4, 2009
Who Would Have Thought?
A new study links the kind of sexually explicit movies and television programming young children watch to the age at which they engage in sexual activity. Who would have thought?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
ECP and Ezra Levant
The ECP Center has recruited Ezra Levant to speak at fundraiser dinners in Alberta.
Check it out.
Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary.
If you live in Alberta, make this an important event on your calendar.
Check it out.
Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary.
If you live in Alberta, make this an important event on your calendar.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
This is why we sing Genevan Tunes!
Browsing through Youtube I came across this kind of singing of the Psalms.
Though this music and singing has a wonder and a beauty of its own, it was because the church choirs (only) sang thus, that Calvin contracted out the writing of singable tunes for Congregational singing.
Some of his criteria
- all tunes within one octave range
- only 1/2 and 1/4 notes.
- manageable intervals
- rhythm (Elizabeth one scorned them as the "Genevan Jigs". Apparently she preferred the other style!)
- one syllable -- one note (only broken once or twice in the Genevan Psalter)
This makes the Genevans eminently singable in congregational worship!
The first from Westminster Cathedral (Roman): the second from Westminster Abbey (Anglican)
.
Though this music and singing has a wonder and a beauty of its own, it was because the church choirs (only) sang thus, that Calvin contracted out the writing of singable tunes for Congregational singing.
Some of his criteria
- all tunes within one octave range
- only 1/2 and 1/4 notes.
- manageable intervals
- rhythm (Elizabeth one scorned them as the "Genevan Jigs". Apparently she preferred the other style!)
- one syllable -- one note (only broken once or twice in the Genevan Psalter)
This makes the Genevans eminently singable in congregational worship!
The first from Westminster Cathedral (Roman): the second from Westminster Abbey (Anglican)
.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Shack -- Again
Tim Challies has a comprehensive review of the best seller, The Shack. Sometime ago I posted a video review by Mark Driscol, now here is a link to Tim's review. Tim takes a thorough and careful look at the book's teaching on revelation, redemption and the Trinity. All who have read (or plan to read) this book owe it to themselves to read Tim's insightful commentary.
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