Theological News On-Line

Issue 18 June 2003	'Promoting Biblical Truth by Networking Theologians'

Published by Theological Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance

Editor: David Parker dparker@pacific.net.au
email distribution: Dr.Paul C. Murdoch Murdoch@ead.de

Welcome to WEA Theological News On-Line - this is the on-line version of our printed quarterly, WEA Theological News (ISSN 0260-3705). WEA TN On-Line is issued approximately monthly. The content of the printed and on-line versions overlap but are not identical. We also publish Evangelical Review of Theology. For more information, visit our website www.worldevangelical.org/tcpubs.html#ert

We welcome news reports on theological matters for both versions - they can cover theological institutions, conferences, publications, faculty, trends and developments, etc. of interest to evangelical theologians around the world.

For more information on the work of the Theological Commission, contact the Executive Chair, Dr Rolf Hille on r.hille@bengelhaus.de

In this issue:

•  WEA Theological Resources CD on sale again
•  Important Message for leaders of National Evangelical Fellowships and Theological Commissions
•  Special Report - A reflection on Christian life and witness in the Solomon Islands
•  Theological interest in Brazil revived
•  Wanted - early copies of Theological News wanted

WEA Theological Resources CD on sale again

The Theological Resource Library CD-ROM is again available for sale. This CD contains the full text of Evangelical Review of Theology (ERT) up to Oct 2000, books and monographs from the TC, several other WEA publications and a number of Bibles and other resources. After a period when it was sold out, it is now available again at a cost of US$45 including shipping. In addition a supplementary CD is also available containing ERT for 2001 and 2002 in PDF format for US$10 including shipping. Ordering details for both CDs may be obtained by contacting WEA TC Publications on email dparker@pacific.net.au Thanks is expressed to those who responded to earlier notices in TN On-line about an updating and expansion of the content of this CD. However, it has been decided not to proceed with this, and instead to offer the initial version of the CD again.

Full details of the CD are available on the WEA website - www.worldevangelical.org/cdresourcelib.html

Important Message for leaders of National Evangelical Fellowships and Theological Commissions

The printed version of this publication, WEA Theological News for July, we have a special message for leaders of National Evangelical Fellowships and their Theological Commissions written by the Dr Rolf Hille, Executive Chair of the WEA Theological Commission. This article invites leaders of NEFs and TCs to respond with news of their activities and to discuss ways in which the WEA and the National TC's can work together to further our aim of 'promoting biblical truth by networking theologians.'

We hope we have included all NEFs in our new updated mailing list, but if there are NEFs which do not receive this printed copy by mid-late July, please contact us.

Special Report - Solomon Islands Today

An extremely difficult situation has arisen in the Solomon Islands following violence in 1998 and a coup in 2000 which has resulted in widespread break down of law and order, government and society. This is disappointing for many reasons, and it raises profound questions given that this nation, like many others in similar situations, has had a very strong history of missionary and church life, and noted revivals. Even today, Solomon Islanders are known well beyond their local area for their vital and dynamic faith.

The following remarks are an edited version of reflections of Pastor Mesach and his wife Miriam from the Solomon Islands who are currently studying in New Zealand. We present this article as a means of helping to explain a distressing current situation, but also more generally, to provide insights and stimulate thought which may be helpful in other comparable situations. It reflects the need for careful analysis and the application of mature theology in the church's mission. Responses are welcome from our readers, but especially prayer is sought for our fellow-Christians in S.I.

Background:

The background to the present situation is complex, focusing especially on tensions between the peoples of Guadalcanal where the capital is located and those from Malaita. It includes disruptions to the work force due to one previously prominent section of the community withdrawing its labour. In these circumstances, foreign aid was necessary but the massive amount which poured into the country has been swallowed up, and now runs at over US$300 million, with no exports to balance it. There has also been wholesale mismanagement of displacement, rehabilitation and compensation funds, so that many who were owed help did not receive it, and others received more than their share. Corruption has been endemic, exacerbated by the vicious cycles created by the failing economy. Lawlessness is an inevitable result, with stealing, bribery, murder, and break-ins high on the list. All this is aggravated by the widespread presence of fire-arms, especially in the hands of ex-militants, criminals and even out-of-control police. (see Operation World for more background details and statistics of the S.I.)

The Role of the Church

It is not an exaggeration that almost all the individuals in groups involved in the tension belonged to some church, the main ones being Catholic, Anglican and SSEC (South Seas Evangelical Church).

SICA - Solomon Islands Christian Association

Apart from speaking against the uprising and initiating many Reconciliation Services between the different factions, the SICA did set up a Peace Mission Office to facilitate reconciliation services, trauma counselling, and to support the disaster areas and displaced people. In fact much of the help to the people both on Guadalcanal and Malaita who were affected by the war was done through SICA. Sadly the Peace Mission Office facilitated the Civil Society Organization, deserting its work in assisting to the needy and turning into a pressure group on the Government - a noble task indeed but at the expense of its peace, rehabilitation and welfare mission to the people.

Today, the whole situation is mainly economic and political. So the Church has often been told to stay out of it. But for some of us, we believe the key to any economic, political and social recovery rests on these truths: 'righteousness exalts a nation' (Prov.14:34) and 'When the righteous thrive the people rejoice; when the wicked rule the people groan' (Prov.29:2).

The Gospel

The people have been good church goers, affiliated through the church schools where they were educated, but they have never committed themselves to the transforming work of Christ on the cross. We have been preaching a 'church affiliation' gospel, but not a 'Christ transforming' gospel. People's hearts are desperately wicked, so if any change is going to come about for healing the unity of the nation, the church must take the lead and be God's agents of heart transplants not building church empires.

Governments address the nation as if it were a Christian nation, but while it is a grand thing to say it, (nearly 90 % of the population say they are Christians), what goes on in the land does not support the claim.

If God were to turn his face from Solomon Islands, it would be on account of immorality (Lev 18:24-25), bloodshed which is rife (Numb 35:33) and even idolatry (Jer 16:18).

The Churches have called the nation to pray according to 2 Chronicles 7:13- 15 for forgiveness and renewal, but there has been no signs of any national repentance. Instead people tolerate ungodliness in the nation, which is pushing the nation further away from repentance and desire for God's forgiveness and cleansing

So the Church needs to reassess the Gospel it has been preaching. The high rate of church affiliation is due in large part to the fact that the majority of the schools belong to the churches. So Church and Christianity is more where we gained education rather than a matter being changed into the likeness of Christ.

Furthermore, the tension between islands and ethnic groups also appears in the church. Factors which separate the churches are strong than what unites them. There are so many churches for such a small population (around 500,000). If Churches cannot find unity in their diversity, we cannot expect the ethnic groups to do be united.

Way Forward

There have been attempts by the Churches to attend to the situation in Solomon Islands. Some prayed, while some gave practical help, and other express their opinions to the government, but a majority mind their own business, as if their business is not 'people'.

It is my personal belief that the solution of Solomon Islands is not in the hand of the Government - not because of corruption only, but because politics (including candidates and elections) in Solomon Islands has never put the nation before personal interests and motives. The answer lies in God and the Church.

Church leaders are very influential in their communities. If the Government and the Church could work together, we could bring the nation on its knees before God and repent, and God could heal the land. Right now the Government does not see the Church as a factor in building the nation. The Church is only there to hold services of reconciliation. Solomon Islands has been built on the foundation of missionaries and the Church, not the British Protectorate. It was the missionaries that brought the message to pacify the cannibals, headhunters and the tribal wars. It was the missionaries that built the schools and brought up the present leaders through education and the Scripture. It is only recently that politicians started to run the country without the Church. If the Church could come together and make the call for unity and peace and in particular 'righteousness', the nation could start seeing a future.

We have the answer to the economic, industrial and social problems, but we are too proud to admit that we need God.

Theological interest in Brazil revived

The WEA Theological Commission was represented at a conference at Louveira, Brazil, March 19-22, 2003 to reestablish the Fraternidade Teologica Latino Americana (FTLA - Brazilian Evangelical Theological Society) in the country. On behalf the TC, Dr. Claus Schwambach of Brazil participated in this national meeting which was organized by staff of the Faculdade Teologica Sulamericana (FTSA) of Londrina, Brazil. There were lectures given by Ricardo Barbosa, then chairman of the Brazilian FTLA, Antonio Carlos Barro (FTSA), Alexandre Brasil (FTSA), Julio Zabatiero (FTSA), and Dr Rene Padilla. During the conference, Julio Zabatiero, principal of the FTSA, was elected a new chairman of the FTSA. One main aim of the FTSA in the next few months is to reactivate the local issue groups and revitalize the organization in the process.

Dr Rolf Hille, Executive Chair of the TC who was unable to attend the conference personally, expressed his thanks for Dr Schwambach's willingness to attend. Dr Hille said, "We have had difficulties in finding a continuing representative for our work from Latin America, so I am pleased that we have been able to be involved in this important conference. We hope that we may be able to explore further representation through our participation in the Lausanne Forum 2004."

Wanted - Copies of early issues of Theological News and Theological Education Today

We are looking for copies of early issues of the printed version of WEA Theological News, and its original companion Theological Education Today to complete our official files. If any readers have spare copies (dating from 1969 onwards to 1990) that they would be prepared to donate to us, please contact Dr David Parker dparker@pacific.net.au

WEA Theological News On-line

This is an electronic edition of WEA Theological News (ISSN 0260-3705) published by World Evangelical Fellowship Theological Commission; Chair: Dr Rolf Hille www.worldevangelical.org/theology.html

To receive your electronic copy free of charge, send an empty email to listmgr@ead.de with the following character string in the "Subject" line of the email header: subscribe wef-tc-tn

WEA Theological News

The printed version of WEA TN is published quarterly. To subscribe send your name and address to the editor, Editor, WEA TN, 17 Disraeli St, Indooroopilly Qld, Australia, 4068 Enquiries Parker_david@compuserve.com Fax (+61 7) 3878 3108. For private subscribers, a voluntary donation equivalent to approx US$10 for 2 years is invited to assist with production costs. Donations can be sent to the editor in US $$, Euros, Sterling or Australian $$ (payable to Theological Commission) Institutions using a subscription service - details on application.

WEA Theological Commission On-Line Forum

This is an opportunity for theologians around the world to discuss matters of common interest electronically. The WEA TC On-line Forum is now open for your contributions and views. We want you to share matters of concern and interest - either respond to on-going conversations or initiate topics from your own perspective.

•  To join, send an email to Murdoch@ead.de requesting your email address to be added.
•  To unsubscribe, please follow this instruction carefully. Send an empty email message from the address at which you receive the Forum mail to listmgr@ead.de with the following character string in the "Subject" line of the email header: unsubscribe wef-tc-forum
•  To contribute, send your contribution/material in an email to wef-tc-forum@ead.de and it will be automatically and instantly forwarded to all addresses on the list.