Blue Monday? (82/11/01)
Blue is the color of the clear sky or the deep sea. However, blue blood refers to a person of noble or royal birth. A blue nose refers to a puritanical person and blue laws are laws limiting or prohibiting certain entertainments. Blue may also refer to a gloomy or depressing mood and the term blue Monday, originally a term used by ministers following their busy activities on Sunday, is now used by people going back to work after an enjoyable weekend. I hope today is not a blue Monday for you. Yesterday was an enjoyable time of fellowship, refreshment and conversation for those who attended the 8th "Daily Word" Listeners' Meeting. The 16 page, 2nd issue of "Daily Word" Echoes was distributed there. It includes 36 essays contributed by a number of different listeners on subjects suggested in the telephone messages. If you would like a copy, please send ¥270 in stamps to "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, 463. You may also receive weekly copies of these daily messages by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥100 in stamps for each week of messages desired. The Psalmist wrote: "This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
Pets (82/11/02)
The American humorist, cartoonist and writer, James Thurber, died on this day in 1961. Thurber's drawings of sad, wise hounds and frustrated, wide-mouthed humans have become well-known along with some of his witty sayings. He has written that "the dog has seldom been successful in pulling Man up to its level of sagacity, but Man has frequently dragged the dog down to his." A dog is one of man's favorite pets. The word "pet", which may come from petty, meaning small, originally referred to a domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility. A pet is treated with affection, so a person who is a favorite and given special treatment may also be considered a pet. Dogs, cats, birds and fish are the most popular pets of people. What do you think of pets? Do you have one? "Pets" is the subject for this week's essay. If you write a short composition about pets (or some other subject of your choice ), I will correct the manuscript and have it printed in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes to be published on the 5th Sunday of January, 1983. In the Bible, the special object of one's attention is called "the apple of the eye" (Psalm 17:8). We are the apple of God's eye, the object of his love.
Culture (82/11/03)
In Japan, today is a national holiday known as Culture Day. During the Meiji Era, this day was celebrated as the Emperor Meiji's birthday and in the early Showa Era it continued to be observed in honor of that great emperor. Although prewar holidays were abolished during the American Occupation, since it was on this day in 1946 that the new Japanese Constitution, which renounced war and invested the people with sovereign power, was promulgated, November 3rd has been designated a day to foster love and respect for culture. The English word "culture" refers primarily to cultivating soil in preparation for growing crops. It was then expanded to refer to the training or refining of people. Former Indian Prime Minister Nehru referred to culture as "the widening of the mind and of the spirit". Cultural and spiritual development and refinement is gained through various kinds of experiences--some of them unpleasant ones. The New Testament book of James teaches us to meet life's trials with joy, because we know that it is through such trials that our character is perfected. According to English novelist Somerset Maugham, "the aim of culture is not beauty but goodness".
Will Rogers (82/11/04)
Today is the birthday of the famous American humorist, Will Rogers. He was born on November 4, 1879 in Indian territory that later became a part of the state of Oklahoma. He began his public career as a cowboy rope-twirler, but later became a "cowboy philosopher", well known for his humorous and satirical remarks. He gained a wide audience through movies, radio, a newspaper column and books that he wrote. One of his sayings is relevant to the election which has just been completed in the U.S. and which is still in process among members of the LDP in Japan. He said, "One of the evils of democracy is, you have to put up with the man you elect whether you want him or not." Another of his witticisms was, The best doctor in the world is the veterinarian. He can't ask his patients what is the matter--he's got to just know." In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 2, verse 17, Jesus compared himself to a doctor who came to heal the spiritual sickness of mankind. He is more perceptive than a veterinarian or the wisest doctor, for he knows our hearts and will heal the hurts and forgive the sins of those who call upon him and humbly trust him.
Beginning a Bible Class (82/11/05)
In order to genuinely understand Western thought, it is important, in fact it is indispensible, to become well acquainted with the Bible, which is the wellspring of Western literature, religion, philosophy and art. President John Quincy Adams wrote: "In what light soever we regard the Bible, whether with reference to revelation, to history or to morality, it is an invaluable and inexhaustible mine of knowledge and virtue." And the American educator, William Lyon Phelps, has written, "I thoroughly believe in a university education for both men and women, but I believe a knowledge of the Bible without a college course is more valuable than a college course without the Bible." Beginning this month, I plan to teach a Bible Class in Japanese for anyone who is interested in studying this important book. The first meeting of the class will be held next Tuesday evening at 6:30 in the Nagoya City Kyōikukan, directly west across Central Park from the Aichi Bunka Kōdō at Sakae. Although I hope to have these meetings twice a month, the days and times of meeting will be decided considering the convenience of those who attend that first meeting. I plan to begin with a study of the Gospel according to John. Please feel free to attend if you are interested.
A dead man elected (82/11/06)
The mid-term elections which took place this week proved once again that strange things can happen in American elections. It was not so strange that the Republicans retained their majority in the Senate, nor was it strange that the Democrats increased their majority in the House of Representatives. However, it was a bit peculiar that a dead man was elected to the Texas State Senate. John Wilson, the Democratic candidate died the morning after the deadline date for making any changes on the ballot. In order to keep the Senate seat away from the Republican candidate, the Democratic Party of Texas continued to campaign for Mr. Wilson, even though he was dead. 66% of those voting voted for a dead man and he won the election. Now, the state must schedule a special election to choose his replacement. This is a peculiar example of one man's continued influence even after his death. Nevertheless, all of us will leave some influence in our family, community and society at large after our deaths. The New Testament letter to Hebrews chapter 11 verse 4, refers to Adam's son Abel who, because of his faith, continued to speak after his death. While we are alive we should consider what kind of influence we will exert following our death. Will we continue to speak because of our faith and good example?
The Soviet Union (82/11/07)
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, commonly known as the U.S.S.R. or the Soviet Union, is nominally a federation of 15 union republics. In Russian, the word "soviet" means council and refers to the various governing assemblies in the republics, whether on the local, intermediate, or national level. The Soviet Union is the largest country in the world, covering 1/6 of the earth's land area and is more than twice the size of China, the world's 2nd largest country. Today, celebrations are being held throughout the Soviet Union in commemoration of the Great Socialist Revolution which occurred in 1917 at the close of the First World War. However, the decline of the former Tsarist rule may be seen as beginning with Russia's defeat by Japan in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905. In my visit to the Soviet Union, I was impressed with the aloof attitude of most of the people and the cool attitude of officials, although we were warmly welcomed at the Baptist Church in Leningrad. I believe that a genuinely warm, friendly and joyful attitude is rooted in a healthy faith in a loving God, for the Bible teaches that love and joy are gifts from God.
The state of Montana (82/11/08)
Four of the 50 United States have land areas that are greater than that of Japan. They are Alaska, Texas, California and Montana. The state of Montana is just a little larger than Japan, but it has less than 1% of Japan's population. Montana was admitted to the United States as the 41st state on November 8, 1889, 93 years ago today. The present U.S. ambassador to Japan, Mike Mansfield, was previously a senator from this mountainous state. Mining is one of its principal industries and the state motto is Oro y Plata, which means "gold and silver" in Spanish. The name of the state itself corms from the Spanish word for mountainous. In the Bible, mountains are symbols of stability and permanence, but in Isaiah 54:10, God says to his people: "Though the mountains may crumble, my love for you will never end." God's love for us is more sure and more permanent than the mountains. Tomorrow evening at 6:30, I will hold the first meeting of a new Bible Class in Japanese in the city kyōikukan, across Central Park west of the Aichi Bunka Kōdō. We will be studying the Gospel according to John at this class which will meet twice a month. You are invited to attend if you are interested.
The solar calendar declared (82/11/09)
Are you enjoying the weather these days? According to the traditional lunar calendar, yesterday was ritto, the first day of winter and today is the Anniversary Day of the Adoption of the Solar Calendar. (Of course, lunar refers to the moon and solar refers to the sun.) On November 9th in the 5th year of the Meiji Era, or 1872, an imperial decree officially declared that December 5th of that year would become January 1st of 1873. Thus those with birthdays after December 5th didn't have birthdays that year. This calendar change has complicated the work of historians and of people like me who refer to particular anniversary dates, for the problem is whether to use the date of the time when the event occurred or to use the present calendar date. What are your thoughts regarding the old and new calendar systems and the continuing Japanese custom of dating years by the reign of the emperor? Do you ever refer to the lunar calendar? Essays you write on this subject and send to me will be corrected and included in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. The Bible teaches that despite time changes, God's purpose remains eternally the same.
"Dr. Livingstone, I presume" (82/11/10)
One of the most famous greetings in Western history was uttered 111 years ago today in a village in Central Africa. A New York newspaper had sent a journalist, Henry Stanley, to find the Scottish missionary and explorer, David Livingstone, who had not been heard from for some years. Dr. Livingstone, a medical missionary, enjoyed exploring areas where no white man had travelled before. It was he who discovered and named the Victoria Falls in honor of Queen Victoria. While searching for the source of the Nile River, however, he became ill and lost contact with the outer world. Stanley led an expedition of almost 200 Africans through some 1500 kilometers of jungle trails to find him. On the 236th day of his trek, he came face to face with a white-haired white man who greeted him with the words, "Good morning, Sir" and his reply was, "Dr. Livingstone, I presume." Obviously, his presumption was correct. He had found his man. In Luke 19:10, Jesus said that his mission was to seek and to save the lost. The Bible teaches that people who live self-centered lives apart from God are lost and the joy of salvation and new life is found by returning to fellowship with him. Jesus came to find us and bring us back to God our Father.
Armistice Day (82/11/11)
Technically there are no national holidays in the United States because the individual states have jurisdiction over their holidays. The president and Congress can legally designate holidays only for the District of Columbia and for federal employees. Actually, however, most states observe the nine holidays for federal employees and today is one of them. It was on November 11, 1918 at 11 AM that hostilities ceased in western Europe, bringing World War I to a close. On November 11th of the next year, President Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day to remind Americans of the tragedies of that war. Armistice Day continued to be observed by presidential proclamations until 1938 when a law was adopted making it a federal holiday. In 1954, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to honor all veterans, including those of the Second World War and the Korean War. In Canada, this day is known as Remembrance Day and in Japan it is called World Peace Memorial Day. It is a good day to remember the horrors of war and to rededicate ourselves to making peace-- between people and nations. True peace is a gift of God that comes through a healthy faith.
Meteorite dropped (82/11/12)
A meteor is a solid body travelling through space that has entered the earth's atmosphere. Because of its great speed, it becomes white hot due to friction with the air and thus leaves a trail of light behind it. Meteors are also referred to as shooting stars or falling stars and scientists say that billions of meteoroids enter the earth's atmosphere every year. Most of them burn up and disintegrate in the atmosphere, but about 150 of them, called meteorites, fall to the earth every year. Last Monday night, a meteorite about the size of a softball surprised the Robert Donahue family in Wethersfield, Connecticut, U.S.A. by crashing through the roof and ceiling of their home and landing on a chair in their living room. Fortunately, no one was injured, but they were reminded that even ones' home is not always safe for it may also be the site of a freak accident. In Isaiah, chapter 14, the king of Babylon is referred to as a star fallen from heaven because he sought to be as great as God himself. The Bible teaches that those who are proud and who seek selfish greatness will be humbled, but those who are humble will be exalted.
Robert Louis Stevenson (82/11/13)
Today, November 13th, is the birthday of the British novelist, poet and essayist, Robert Louis Stevenson, who was born in Edinburgh on this day in 1850. He was troubled with ill health from childhood and struggled against tuberculosis all his life, which ended when he was 44 years old. Although he first studied engineering and then changed to law, he spent his life writing with great enthusiasm, despite his poor health. He travelled widely, both in search of a healthful climate and because of his natural adventuresome spirit. He wrote both for children and adults. Among his famous works are: the adventure story, Treasure Island, the pseudo-scientific mystery, Kidnapped, the short-novel parable, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and his poems in A Child's Garden of Verses. He died on the Pacific island of Samoa and his grave is on a mountain peak overlooking the ocean as he requested in his poem, Requiem, which means "rest". "Under the wide and starry sky, Dig the grave and let me lie. Glad did I live and gladly die, And I laid me down with a will. This be the verse you grave for me: Here he lies where he longed to be; home is the sailor, home from the sea, And the hunter home from the hill." Home! That's where we all should be heading.
The Christian worship service on Sunday (82/11/14)
Today is Sunday. On this day every week, Christians gather together in churches to worship God and commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who arose from the dead on the first day of the week. The Christian worship service includes the singing of hymns, offering of prayers, reading the Scripture and listening to a sermon. Praise and thanksgiving, confession of sin, being assured of forgiveness, rededicating ourselves and presenting an offering to God are also a part of our weekly worship. Non-Christians are also welcome at the Sunday worship services. Every Sunday afternoon at 4:00 o'clock, a worship service in English is held at the Kinjō Kyōkai in Daikanchō, Higashiku, just north of Tokiwa Jogakuin, for English speaking residents of Nagoya. You are invited to attend if you are interested. Rev. Robert Anderson, a Canadian, is the pastor of this Nagoya Union Church which also holds weekday Bible Classes for those who wish to study the Bible in English. Although there are still comparatively few formal Christians in Japan, the fact that Sunday is a weekly holiday (or holy day) is the result of Christian influence. Many people observe this day without knowing its significance, but the proper way to celebrate the Lord's Day is by sincerely worshiping the living Lord.
Odd numbers liked in Japan (82/11/15)
In English, numbers that cannot be divided by two are called odd numbers. In Japanese also, the term kisu literally means a strange, mysterious or odd number. Numbers divisible by two are called even numbers in English and, in Japanese, the term gusu refers to a pair number. Personally, I favor even numbers, but according to the teaching of traditional Chinese thought, introduced into Japan many centuries ago, odd numbers are considered lucky. So it is that the traditional seasonal festivals are celebrated during the odd numbered months on the day of the month that corresponds to the number of that month. For example: the 3rd day of the 3rd month, the 5th day of the 5th month and the 7th day of the 7th month. 7, 5 and 3 are considered particularly significant numbers in Japanese tradition. There are 7 deities of good luck, 5 seasonal festivals and 3 imperial symbols, treasures or regalia. The shimenawa sacred rope of Shinto may also be written with characters for these 3 numbers. November 15th is called 7-5-3 in Japan when children of these ages are feted. In the Bible, both 7 and 3 are considered sacred numbers with reference to divine perfection reflected in the 7 day week and the Holy Trinity.
Democracy (82/11/16)
The Greek word kratos means power. It is the word used in Ephesians 1:19, where it is written that the same power of God which was seen in the resurrection of Christ from the dead is also at work in the life of the believer. Various English words relating to forms of government are derived from this root meaning power. When power is in the hands of a privileged minority, who are considered the best (aristos), that is an aristocracy. Plutocracy refers to government by the wealthy (ploutos). Democracy is government by the people (demos) themselves through their elected representatives. And bureaucracy refers to government by administrative officials of government departments known as bureaucrats who follow a very inflexible routine. Japan's Constitution clearly states that sovereign power resides with the people, so it is a democracy. The Liberal Democratic Party is now holding an election to choose its president who will also become Japan's Prime Minister. What are your views regarding democracy in present-day Japan? Do you think democratic principles are being followed? Has genuine democratic thought taken root in this country? Send your essays on this subject for correction and printing in "Daily Word" Echoes to: Daily Word, Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office 463.
The Suez Canal (82/11/17)
The Red Sea is a body of water that lies between Saudi Arabia, in Asia, and the African continent. At the north end of the Red Sea is a long, narrow gulf called the Gulf of Suez. At the north end of this gulf is also an Egyptian city called Suez. The Gulf of Suez is now linked to the Mediterranean Sea by the Suez Canal. This 166 kilometer waterway was first opened to traffic 113 years ago today, on November 17, 1869. It was the world's first inter-ocean canal and was under construction for ten years. An estimated half of the commerce between Europe and the Orient was passing through this busiest of international waterways when Egypt nationalized the canal in 1956. When this important link between Europe and the Far East was cut after the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, it caused great inconvenience to many countries. It is important to keep the avenues of communication open between countries and individuals--even when there are disagreements between them. It is also important for us to keep in spiritual communication with the living God, our Creator and heavenly Father. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the link of communication between man and God.
How Oman's wealth is spent (82/11/18)
Today, November 18th, is the birthday of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Have you ever heard of him? He was born on this day in 1942 and is now the absolute monarch of the Sultanate of Oman. "Sultan" comes from an Arabic word meaning victorious and refers to a ruler. Just as a king rules over a kingdom and an emperor rules over an empire, so a sultan rules over a sultanate. The Sultanate of Oman, with an area a little less than that of Honshu, lies in the southeastern part of the Arabian peninsula. About 90% of its 934,000 population are Arabs and the main religion is Islam. The present sultan gained his position by overthrowing his own father in 1970. Since oil was discovered in 1964, it has been the major source of income. Oman has used much of its oil wealth to educate its children, to provide free outdoor television sets for each community, to build a lavish palace for the sultan and to equip its army. Airports, highways and sewage systems have been constructed. Whatever the source of a nation's income, the priorities of the nation are evident in how the money is spent. The Old Testament prophet asked, "Why do you spend your money for that which does not satisfy?" (Isaiah 55:2)
The 9th Asian Games (82/11/19)
Today is the opening day of the 9th Asian Games, which are being held in the Indian capital of New Delhi. The number of participants and countries represented increase each time the games are held. This year there are 4,635 contestants from 33 countries competing in 21 different events. When the Asian Games were inaugurated in New Delhi in 1951, there were about 600 participants from 11 countries. This year, Japan has the 2nd largest contingent with 463 athletes, which is next to that of India's with 524 members. Japan is hoping to maintain the first place position it achieved at the last meet in Bangkok in 1978, although it is expecting tough competition from the Chinese team. The games are scheduled to end on December 4th, but Japanese athletes have been impressed with the unrushed pace of Indian life and the loose attitude toward time. The motto for this year's games is "Ever Onward". This is a good motto for us all-- whether in a physical or spiritual sense. We should continually be pressing onward toward a higher goal. In Philippians 3:14, the Apostle Paul wrote: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus"
Bob Hope (82/11/20)
As we grow older, our definition of an old person continues to change. The age at which we consider old age to begin continues to rise--always keeping a few years ahead of our own age. Somerset Maugham, the English novelist, has defined old age as "the time when you are ready to undertake tasks that youth shirked because they would take too long." Bob Hope, the American comedian, has referred to middle age as "when your age starts to show around the middle". Bob Hope himself is beyond middle age, but, having passed his 78th birthday, he is still going strong. He may be called the Takamiyama of the entertainment world, for he is well into his 45th year of broadcasting. His first 12 years were as a radio comedian and for the past 33 years he has been on television. He has starred on more than 500 radio shows and 350 TV specials as well as in many movies. He continues to race around golf courses besides writing, casting and producing the TV shows in which he performs. He has spent his adult life making people laugh. The Bible teaches that there is "a time to weep and a time to laugh" (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Certainly, a sense of humor makes life more pleasant and eases the trials that we all must face.
Two significant events last Thursday (82/11/21)
Two significant events took place in the United States last Thursday. One was the Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The aim of this "smokeout" is to encourage smokers to stop smoking for 24 hours. It is hoped that this would start some of them on the road to quit smoking permanently. An estimated 19,000,000 smokers participated in this event, while another 37,000,000 kept puffing away. The other event was called a "brunchless brunch". "Brunch" is a colloquial term referring to a combination of breakfast and lunch. This event, sponsored by the Interfaith Hunger Appeal, took place in a church in the wealthy Park Avenue district of New York City. There, Protestant, Catholic and Jewish religious leaders sat down at dining tables with empty plates, symbolizing the fact that millions of the world's people face an empty plate every day. This group is suggesting that "brunchless brunches", that is, brunches without food, be held in communities throughout the country on Thanksgiving, Christmas and other religious holidays, with the money that would have been spent on food donated to agencies that provide food to the world's hungry. The Bible teaches that we should take good care of our bodies and that we who have should share with those who have not.
News of Kennedy's assassination (82/11/22)
19 years ago today, on Friday, November 22nd, 1963, I was on the campus of the University of Chicago. I was enrolled in certain courses there during a year's furlough from my missionary work in Japan. That afternoon, I planned to do some research in the Oriental Institute, but I was surprised to find that it was closed. It was then that I first heard of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy during the motorcade in Dallas, Texas early that afternoon. Although I had already prepared a sermon for the following Sunday's worship service, I spent the next day preparing an entirely new sermon which took account of that world-shocking event. President Kennedy was the 4th among America's 39 presidents to be assassinated. Two relevant statements he made are: "Life is unfair" and "All men are mortal". At the Japanese Bible Class I began 2 weeks ago, it was decided that we will meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at the City Kyōikukan for our study of the Gospel according to John. For those who were unable to attend that first session, however, I will repeat it tomorrow evening at 6:30. Please come if you are interested. The next class will meet on December 7.
History of Thanksgiving Day (82/11/23)
Today is one of the 12 legal holidays celebrated in Japan. Until the end of the Pacific War, it was called Niinamesai and centered in the traditional ceremony of the emperor offering newly harvested rice to the deities of heaven and earth and then partaking of that rice with them in a sacred meal. This day has now been democratized so that the entire country may share in the expression of thanksgiving for the fruit of their labor and is called Labor Thanksgiving Day. In American tradition, we give thanks to God, our Creator and heavenly Father for his blessings. Many churches hold services of thanksgiving on Thanksgiving Day and offerings are made for those in need. What are your thoughts and impressions regarding Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan? To whom is thanksgiving expressed? For what are you thankful? What do you think is the best way to show your thankfulness? If you wish to write an essay regarding Labor Thanksgiving Day or thanksgiving in general, please send it to me. I will correct it before having it printed in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes, to be published in January. The Psalmist wrote: "Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good; his love is eternal." (Palm 136:1 )
Republic of Zaire (82/11/24)
The largest country in central Africa and the 11th largest country in the world is Zaire. This name was adopted for the country, which was formerly known as the (Belgian) Congo, in 1971. It is the native name given to the river, formerly called the Congo, which runs through the country. The basin of this river makes up nearly half of the entire country, Following the granting of independence to the Congo in 1960, the country was swept by disorders. During that time, Caucasians fled that land for their own safety. Those who fled included one of my sisters, who is a missionary, along with her family. On November 24, 1965, General Mobutu proclaimed himself president and assumed total power. Thus today is a national day in the Republic of Zaire, known as New Regime Day. A new regime did begin 17 years ago today, but it has not been a very beneficial one for the Zairian people and unrest continues in the country today. A new regime does not necessarily refer to a better or improved political and social order. People in Jesus' day were also looking for a new regime which he called the kingdom of God, but he taught that true newness must be generated from within a person's heart rather than being imposed from without.
Thanksgiving Day (82/11/25)
Today, the 4th Thursday of November, is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in all 50 of the United States. The origin of the holiday is traced to the experience of the Pilgrim Fathers who arrived in the new world on the Mayflower in December of 1620. They experienced a severe winter during which many died. The next year, following the harvest, General William Bradford decreed a day of thanksgiving and the feast was shared by the colonists and the native Indians together. Similar thanksgiving days were held irregularly in various localities after that, but it was President George Washington who proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day in 1789. President Abraham Lincoln revived the custom and designated the last Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day. On this day in the U.S.A., it is customary to enjoy a turkey dinner with one's family. Churches hold Thanksgiving Day services, so both in church and at home, gratitude is expressed to God our Creator and Provider for his many blessings. In the 100th Psalm, it is written to "enter the temple gates with thanksgiving". A thankful spirit is a characteristic of a person with a healthy faith.
Sikhs (82/11/26)
While the Asian Games are being held in the Indian capital of New Delhi, hundreds of Indians are being arrested every day, both in the capital city and in the northern state of Punjab. A particular faction of the Sikh religion are demonstrating for autonomy for the Punjab, which is the homeland of the majority of Sikhs. The Sikhs are a religious community founded in the 16th century by their first guru, or teacher, Nanak, who was influenced both by Hinduism and Islam. Nanak taught that there was only one God and he rejected both the idolatry and the cast system of Hinduism. Later, his followers became warriors and today Sikh men are distinguished by their turbans, long hair and daggers. The word "Sikh" comes from the Hindustani word for disciple. As a Christian, I find it difficult to think of a disciple of Christ to be characterized by the dagger he carried. When Jesus' disciple, Peter, took out a sword to defend his master from his enemies, Jesus' response was, "Put your sword back in its place. All who take the sword will die by the sword." (Matthew 26:52) However, during the Crusades, Christians also used the sword, but that is the subject of tomorrow's message.
Crusaders (82/11/27)
887 years ago today in the French city of Cleremont, Pope Urban II called on the lords, knights and foot soldiers of western Europe to stop fighting one another and turn their attention to the Holy Land which was then under the control of the Muslim Turks. It was in the 7th century that Jerusalem was taken by Omar, who had been an adviser to Mohammed. Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land were permitted, however, until the 11th century when Christians were persecuted under the Turkish authorities. When the people responded to Pope Urban's call with the cry "God wills it!" the First Crusade got under way. The crusades were a series of wars undertaken by European Christians between the 11th and 14th centuries to recover the Holy Land from Islamic rule. The word "crusade" comes from a Latin word meaning to mark with a cross. To my way of thinking, the crusades manifested a spirit which was quite contrary to that of the One who died upon the cross, voluntarily giving up his life for others and even praying for the forgiveness of his enemies as he hung there. Nowadays, crusade may refer to any vigorous, concerted action for some cause or idea or against some abuse. Crusaders may be considered "cross people" and some of them are cross indeed.
Overnight trip to Hōraiji (82/11/28)
Throughout the United States, the 4th Thursday of November is a legal holiday called Thanksgiving Day. A number of the states also have a legal holiday on the day after Thanksgiving. The Nagoya International School observes some American holidays and some Japanese holidays, but the American Thanksgiving Day and the day following have always been vacation days at that school. Following the American custom, Saturdays along with Sundays are school holidays every week. Thus, my wife, who teaches a nursery school class at N.I.S., had a couple of extra vacation days last week. To enjoy a short rest before the busy days of December, we took an overnight trip to Hōraiji in the eastern part of Aichi Prefecture. We enjoyed the mineral spring at Yuya and went climbing in the mountains. Today, our legs are very stiff and we are physically tired, but mentally refreshed. In the Gospel according to Mark, chapter 6, Jesus led his disciples away from their busy lives to a lonely place to rest awhile. The Sabbath Day each week was a day of rest for the Jews and Sunday is a day of rest and worship for Christians. Both our bodies and our minds need to have rest periods to keep healthy.
Pets (82/11/02)
Culture (82/11/03)
Will Rogers (82/11/04)
Beginning a Bible Class (82/11/05)
A dead man elected (82/11/06)
The Soviet Union (82/11/07)
The state of Montana (82/11/08)
The solar calendar declared (82/11/09)
"Dr. Livingstone, I presume" (82/11/10)
Armistice Day (82/11/11)
Meteorite dropped (82/11/12)
Robert Louis Stevenson (82/11/13)
The Christian worship service on Sunday (82/11/14)
Odd numbers liked in Japan (82/11/15)
Democracy (82/11/16)
The Suez Canal (82/11/17)
How Oman's wealth is spent (82/11/18)
The 9th Asian Games (82/11/19)
Bob Hope (82/11/20)
Two significant events last Thursday (82/11/21)
News of Kennedy's assassination (82/11/22)
History of Thanksgiving Day (82/11/23)
Republic of Zaire (82/11/24)
Thanksgiving Day (82/11/25)
Sikhs (82/11/26)
Crusaders (82/11/27)
Overnight trip to Hōraiji (82/11/28)
Little Women (82/11/29)
St. Andrew (82/11/30)
Blue Monday? (82/11/01)