Draft Statement of Principles of the Abraham Kuyper Society
I posted a chapter of the "Draft Statement of Principles of the Abraham Kuyper Society" on my Kuyperblog.
Comments are more than welcome!
Amsterdam, christian worldview, abraham kuyper, neo-calvinism, vrije universiteit, science, truth, abraham kuyper society
Comments are more than welcome!
Amsterdam, christian worldview, abraham kuyper, neo-calvinism, vrije universiteit, science, truth, abraham kuyper society
Short Thoughts on Hamas in Power
Hamas in power is perhaps the best of evils. Government responsibility could have a moderating effect on the group as a whole. Furthermore, It will be in the Palestinian interests that moderate powers within Hamas come to the forefront. If Hamas fails in government, they could expect a massive loss of support in the next elections.
Overall, one must also consider the positive side of the January 2006 legislative council elections: the Palestine territories enjoy democracy (even if in a mere electoral sense).
hamas, politics, Palestine, Israel
Filing Archives, Mobile Phones and Lowland Gorillas
It has been a long week. I was not very productive at work... too many meetings. But I arranged my office a bit. After weeks of reading, I could not see my desk through the piles of articles, journals and books. One of this week's dilemmas was whether to file my archives by theme or by alphabetical order.Furthermore, my cell phone was not working well and needs replacement, which caused a second dilemma. Should I get a new one or a second-hand? And how sustainable would my choice be? I decided to get a new one (Nokia N70), because it has an integrated camera, which is more sustainable than getting a mobile phone AND a camera. But I am not really convinced of my own reasoning.
The problem with mobile phones is that the power-storing parts of cell phones use coltan (columbite-tantalite). This very rare mineral is found in the eastern part of Congo. The conflict in Eastern Congo is partly about the control of these resources. Rebels try to gain control over them to make huge profits by which they finance the war.
So buyers of mobile phones, notebooks and Play Stations are helping to sustain the conflict in Eastern Congo. This conflict has forced local people into mining, it has polluted the natural environment and threatened wildlife with destruction (e.g. the lowland gorillas have become very rare and may be on the brink of extinction). Even worse, in Congo an estimated 1000 people die per day as a result of violence, hunger and disease caused by the war.
So I managed to make a huge problem out of a small dillemma. What to do next? I will send my old mobile phones to recyclers, so that the parts can be reused for new devices. It does not make up for my wrongs,... I know...
coltan, social justice, daily life, environment, work, Nokia N70, PlayStation, Congo
Super Hero Test
Stolen from Marco's and Naomi's blogs: the Super Hero Test.
These results are reliable, peer reviewed by my room mate Marco.
Your results:
You are Superman
Click here to take the "Which Superhero are you?" quiz...
These results are reliable, peer reviewed by my room mate Marco.
Your results:
You are Superman
| You are mild-mannered, good, strong and you love to help others.  |
Click here to take the "Which Superhero are you?" quiz...
Draft Mission Statement Abraham Kuyper Society
This is a draft mission statement of the Abraham Kuyper Society. We are in the process of founding this society. Please leave your comment or contact me if you have any suggestions for the mission statement.
DRAFT MISSION STATEMENT
The Abraham Kuyper Society (AKSoc) , based in Amsterdam (Netherlands), is named after Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920), a Dutch Neo-calvinist theologian, news paper editor, prime minister of the Netherlands (1901-1905) and founder of the Vrije Universiteit (Free University) in Amsterdam (1880).
Kuyper meant the Vrije Universiteit to be a protestant university, ‘Free’ signified freedom from government and church. However, present-day Vrije Universiteit has evolved into a primarily secular institution, where Christian scientific truth is frequently denied.
The Abraham Kuyper Society seeks to reintroduce Christian truth at the Vrije Universiteit and in the academic world.
We firmly believe we must love the Lord our God with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds. However, in contemporary scientific communities, the love for God has been opposed and put aside as being ‘irrational’. Worship and religion are referred to the realm of the private (family, church, etc.), while ‘science’ must be ‘value-free’, ‘neutral’ and ‘objective’.
The Abraham Kuyper Society (AKSoc) believes that religion and science are not separate realms. Every science reflects a foundational worldview. Therefore, science cannot be ‘value-free’, ‘neutral’ or ‘objective’.
It is AKSoc’s purpose to love God with all our minds by promoting the application and development of Christian worldview in all scientific disciplines.
AKSoc advocates Christian worldview by studying of the works of Abraham Kuyper, disseminating materials, organizing conferences, lectures and seminars, and, discussing Christian views from various academic disciplines.
This is a Draft Mission Statement. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Sander Chan (sander@alexandria.cc) or leave a comment.
Amsterdam, christian worldview, abraham kuyper, neo-calvinism, vrije universiteit, science, truth, abraham kuyper society
DRAFT MISSION STATEMENT
The Abraham Kuyper Society (AKSoc) , based in Amsterdam (Netherlands), is named after Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920), a Dutch Neo-calvinist theologian, news paper editor, prime minister of the Netherlands (1901-1905) and founder of the Vrije Universiteit (Free University) in Amsterdam (1880).
Kuyper meant the Vrije Universiteit to be a protestant university, ‘Free’ signified freedom from government and church. However, present-day Vrije Universiteit has evolved into a primarily secular institution, where Christian scientific truth is frequently denied.
The Abraham Kuyper Society seeks to reintroduce Christian truth at the Vrije Universiteit and in the academic world.
We firmly believe we must love the Lord our God with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds. However, in contemporary scientific communities, the love for God has been opposed and put aside as being ‘irrational’. Worship and religion are referred to the realm of the private (family, church, etc.), while ‘science’ must be ‘value-free’, ‘neutral’ and ‘objective’.
The Abraham Kuyper Society (AKSoc) believes that religion and science are not separate realms. Every science reflects a foundational worldview. Therefore, science cannot be ‘value-free’, ‘neutral’ or ‘objective’.
It is AKSoc’s purpose to love God with all our minds by promoting the application and development of Christian worldview in all scientific disciplines.
AKSoc advocates Christian worldview by studying of the works of Abraham Kuyper, disseminating materials, organizing conferences, lectures and seminars, and, discussing Christian views from various academic disciplines.
This is a Draft Mission Statement. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Sander Chan (sander@alexandria.cc) or leave a comment.
Amsterdam, christian worldview, abraham kuyper, neo-calvinism, vrije universiteit, science, truth, abraham kuyper society
9 to 5, A Day At Work
Today I was going to find what was hidden from mankind until this day, that grand theory which reveals God's purpose for man and his environment. This was going to be the day of enlightenment, not only for all scholars of environmental studies, but for all God's subjects, all creatures; the day that the earth became sustained and developed.Alas, today things did not turn out the way I liked. And as I came to realise that I would have to work hard, just like everyone else, boredom took over.
I find out how hard it is to be disciplined at work, especially with permanent internet access, without supervisors (at least not nearby), and with sociable colleagues.
My situation might sound ideal to some readers, and perhaps it is. But I'm really a little bit down; my research at this moment is quite directionless, and, more reading does not seem to make much sense. (Really, I read so slowly now that I barely read an article a day.)
I trust God that I will find direction, and purpose. But I also need his peace, the peace of not having to become that esteemed Nobel laureate, the peace of knowing that God loves me the way I am. No matter whether my work today is ground breaking or routine, God loves to see me doing the things he asks me to do.
So at the end of the day, in spite of all my disappointment, I rejoice again. Indeed, some very good things happened over the last two days.
Yesterday, I got my first paycheck, so I could buy a bike. Since my bike got stolen in November I was not half the Amsterdammer I used to be. Really, an Amsterdammer without a bike, is like hm... a fisherman without a line...
Any way, my second hand bike has four acceleration gears and (best of all) a leather saddle. I am satisfied for today.
work, daily life, amsterdam, bikes
What's your eschatology?
http://quizfarm.com/test.php?q_id=44107
You scored as Amillenialist.
Amillenialism believes that the 1000 year reign is not literal but figurative, and that Christ began to reign at his ascension. People take some prophetic scripture far too literally in your view.
Amillenialist 80%
Moltmannian Eschatology 65%
Postmillenialist 55%
Premillenialist 55%
Preterist 50%
Dispensationalist 40%
Left Behind 30%
Sometimes I wonder whether I am just too unbelieving, to understand Biblical prophecies. But I have to admit that I never became a Christian because I was so attracted by the idea of spending an eternity in heaven. In fact, I do not have many after-life visions. The only thing is, I want to be with Jesus Christ, my Lord who loves me.
You scored as Amillenialist.
Amillenialism believes that the 1000 year reign is not literal but figurative, and that Christ began to reign at his ascension. People take some prophetic scripture far too literally in your view.
Amillenialist 80%
Moltmannian Eschatology 65%
Postmillenialist 55%
Premillenialist 55%
Preterist 50%
Dispensationalist 40%
Left Behind 30%
Sometimes I wonder whether I am just too unbelieving, to understand Biblical prophecies. But I have to admit that I never became a Christian because I was so attracted by the idea of spending an eternity in heaven. In fact, I do not have many after-life visions. The only thing is, I want to be with Jesus Christ, my Lord who loves me.
2-day Course for Men
Only for men! Note: because of the complexity and the difficulty of the course, we can only accept up to 8 students. The course is held over two days and covers the following subjects.
DAG 1
HOW DO I WATER PLANTS?
Planning and a slideshow.
TOILET ROLLS - DO THEY GROW THEMSELVES?
A group discussion.
TELLING THE DIFFRERENCES BETWEEN THE LAUNDRY BASKET AND THE BATHROOM FLOOR?
Practice with diffent kinds of laundry storage systems. A visualization training.
IS IT GENETICALLY POSSIBLE TO SIT STILL WHEN SHE IS DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD?
Practice with a driving simulator.
THE REMOTE CONTROL: HOW TO LET GO?
Telephone helpline, and, discussion groups.
HOW CAN I FIND THINGS?
Training to search the right places, in stead of screaming and turning the whole house upside down. Open forum.
DAY 2
EMPTY MILK BOTTLES: BACK IN THE FRIDGE OR DISPOSE THEM?
Group discussion and roll play.
BRINGING FLOWERS FOR HER, IS IT HARMFUL FOR YOUR HEALTH?
A PowerPoint show.
DO REAL MEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS WHEN THE ARE LOST?
A true story of a man who once tried.
DIRTY DISHES: DO THE SELF-TRANSPORT TO THE DISHWASHER/SINK?
A debate with experts.
WHAT ARE THE BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR PARTNER?
Experimental role play.
BECOME THE IDEAL MAN TO SHOP WITH?
Relaxation assignments, meditation and, breathing techniques.
REMEMBERING IMPORTANT DATES AND NOT FORGETTING TO CALL HOME WHEN YOU ARE LATE?
Don't forget to take your agenda/PDA with you!
TO LET GO: ACCEPTING THE FACT THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS WRONG?
We provide personal training.
DAG 1
HOW DO I WATER PLANTS?
Planning and a slideshow.
TOILET ROLLS - DO THEY GROW THEMSELVES?
A group discussion.
TELLING THE DIFFRERENCES BETWEEN THE LAUNDRY BASKET AND THE BATHROOM FLOOR?
Practice with diffent kinds of laundry storage systems. A visualization training.
IS IT GENETICALLY POSSIBLE TO SIT STILL WHEN SHE IS DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD?
Practice with a driving simulator.
THE REMOTE CONTROL: HOW TO LET GO?
Telephone helpline, and, discussion groups.
HOW CAN I FIND THINGS?
Training to search the right places, in stead of screaming and turning the whole house upside down. Open forum.
DAY 2
EMPTY MILK BOTTLES: BACK IN THE FRIDGE OR DISPOSE THEM?
Group discussion and roll play.
BRINGING FLOWERS FOR HER, IS IT HARMFUL FOR YOUR HEALTH?
A PowerPoint show.
DO REAL MEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS WHEN THE ARE LOST?
A true story of a man who once tried.
DIRTY DISHES: DO THE SELF-TRANSPORT TO THE DISHWASHER/SINK?
A debate with experts.
WHAT ARE THE BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR PARTNER?
Experimental role play.
BECOME THE IDEAL MAN TO SHOP WITH?
Relaxation assignments, meditation and, breathing techniques.
REMEMBERING IMPORTANT DATES AND NOT FORGETTING TO CALL HOME WHEN YOU ARE LATE?
Don't forget to take your agenda/PDA with you!
TO LET GO: ACCEPTING THE FACT THAT YOU ARE ALWAYS WRONG?
We provide personal training.
AVONDCURSUS VOOR MANNEN
Alleen toegankelijk voor mannen! Let op: vanwege de complexiteit en moeilijkheidsgraad van de lessen, zal elke cursus maximaal 8 cursisten accepteren. De cursus is verdeeld over 2 dagen en zal de volgende onderwerpen omvatten:
DAG 1
HOE GEEF IK DE PLANTEN WATER?
Stappenplan en diavoorstelling.
TOILETROLLEN - GROEIEN ZE ZELF WEER AAN?
Groepsdiscussie.
VERSCHILLEN TUSSEN DE WASMAND EN DE VLOER?
Oefenen met verschillende soorten wasmanden (visualisatietraining)
IS HET GENETISCH GEZIEN MOGELIJK STIL TE ZITTEN ALS ZIJ FILEPARKEERT?Rijsimulator.
DE AFSTANDSBEDIENING?
De afstandsbediening loslaten: telefonische hulplijn en diversepraatgroepen.
HOE KAN JE DINGEN VINDEN?
Training in het zoeken op de goede plek in plaats van schreeuwend het hele huis overhoop te halen. Open forum.
DAG 2
LEGE MELKPAKKEN: KOELKAST OF PRULLENBAK?
Groepsdiscussie en rollenspel.
BLOEMEN MEEBRENGEN VOOR HAAR IS NIET SCHADELIJK VOOR JE?
PowerPoint presentatie.
ECHTE MANNEN VRAGEN DE WEG ALS ZE VERDWAALD ZIJN?
Waar gebeurd verhaal van de man die het eens probeerde.
DE VAAT-/SERVIESGOED: VLIEGEN ZE ZELF NAAR HET AANRECHT/ AFWASMACHINE?Debat met enkele experts.
BASISVERSCHILLEN TUSSEN JE MOEDER EN JE PARTNER?
Praktijkles en rollenspel.
HET IDEALE WINKELMAATJE ZIJN?
Ontspanningsoefeningen, meditatie en ademhalingstechnieken.
BELANGRIJKE DATA ONTHOUDEN & BELLEN ALS JE LATER THUIS KOMT?
Neem agenda/PDA mee naar de cursus.
LOSLATEN: ERMEE LEREN LEVEN DAT JE TOCH NOOIT GELIJK HEBT?
Persoonlijke begeleiding mogelijk.
DAG 1
HOE GEEF IK DE PLANTEN WATER?
Stappenplan en diavoorstelling.
TOILETROLLEN - GROEIEN ZE ZELF WEER AAN?
Groepsdiscussie.
VERSCHILLEN TUSSEN DE WASMAND EN DE VLOER?
Oefenen met verschillende soorten wasmanden (visualisatietraining)
IS HET GENETISCH GEZIEN MOGELIJK STIL TE ZITTEN ALS ZIJ FILEPARKEERT?Rijsimulator.
DE AFSTANDSBEDIENING?
De afstandsbediening loslaten: telefonische hulplijn en diversepraatgroepen.
HOE KAN JE DINGEN VINDEN?
Training in het zoeken op de goede plek in plaats van schreeuwend het hele huis overhoop te halen. Open forum.
DAG 2
LEGE MELKPAKKEN: KOELKAST OF PRULLENBAK?
Groepsdiscussie en rollenspel.
BLOEMEN MEEBRENGEN VOOR HAAR IS NIET SCHADELIJK VOOR JE?
PowerPoint presentatie.
ECHTE MANNEN VRAGEN DE WEG ALS ZE VERDWAALD ZIJN?
Waar gebeurd verhaal van de man die het eens probeerde.
DE VAAT-/SERVIESGOED: VLIEGEN ZE ZELF NAAR HET AANRECHT/ AFWASMACHINE?Debat met enkele experts.
BASISVERSCHILLEN TUSSEN JE MOEDER EN JE PARTNER?
Praktijkles en rollenspel.
HET IDEALE WINKELMAATJE ZIJN?
Ontspanningsoefeningen, meditatie en ademhalingstechnieken.
BELANGRIJKE DATA ONTHOUDEN & BELLEN ALS JE LATER THUIS KOMT?
Neem agenda/PDA mee naar de cursus.
LOSLATEN: ERMEE LEREN LEVEN DAT JE TOCH NOOIT GELIJK HEBT?
Persoonlijke begeleiding mogelijk.
A Permanent State of Amazement
The first weeks of 2006 have been very promising. I think of 2006 as a year of yielding. I met new friends, I started a new job, I am starting up the Abraham Kuyper Society and I am campaigning for the municipal elections. Yesterday, my dear friend Helena, from Prague, visited me. We stayed up late, we caught up on the latest news and we talked about when we studied together in Finland.
Everything is going good. Yet, I have to admit, that it is hard to be concentrated at work. I feel like I know so little about the research subject, that I am in a permanent state of amazement. Amazement, I guess, is a good state to be in. But I also feel intimidated by the fact that so many people know so much more than I do. Moreover, I read so much, that I cannot really process the flow of contents. I think that partly explains the fact that I tired now. I feel it is the time for reflection, rather than a time for reading. I am glad it will be weekend, my extended Sabbath. It is amazing how God forsees in a day of rest and reflection.
I wish you a very good weekend!
Everything is going good. Yet, I have to admit, that it is hard to be concentrated at work. I feel like I know so little about the research subject, that I am in a permanent state of amazement. Amazement, I guess, is a good state to be in. But I also feel intimidated by the fact that so many people know so much more than I do. Moreover, I read so much, that I cannot really process the flow of contents. I think that partly explains the fact that I tired now. I feel it is the time for reflection, rather than a time for reading. I am glad it will be weekend, my extended Sabbath. It is amazing how God forsees in a day of rest and reflection.
I wish you a very good weekend!
Engrish
Engrish can be simply defined as humorous English mistakes. It can be found all over the world, but the vast majority of the really funny and creative Engrish is from Japan.
Here I have two (Chinese) examples.
Visit Engrish.com!
engrish, humour
Here I have two (Chinese) examples.
Visit Engrish.com!
engrish, humour
Getting Started - The Abraham Kuyper Society
Yesterday, Karel, Gregory and I met up to talk about the founding of the Abraham Kuyper Society. We were both very enthousiastic and made some important decisions. We trust God to work through our efforts.
Karel and Gregory are soon going to join the Abraham Kuyper Society blog. I am really glad that they want to join. They also know much more about neo-calvism.
Karel and Gregory are soon going to join the Abraham Kuyper Society blog. I am really glad that they want to join. They also know much more about neo-calvism.
ChristianUnion Interview
I was interviewed by a magazine (from the ChristianUnion). I told them what motivates me to be a candidate for the Amsterdam City Council in the next elections. Here is the English translation, the original you will find on the PerspectieF website :
Sander M. Chan, 26 years, Amsterdam
Who are you and what is your occupation?
I am…? Everything I am I have become. God is the great 'I am'. But... Ok... I work as a PhD research fellow at the Institute for Environmental Studies (Vrije Universiteit). I do research on the emergence, the effectiveness and legitimacy of public-private and private-private governance arrangements in global sustainable policies.
At work and in my private life I try to be a witness of Jesus Christ. This I do by i.e. volunteering at my Church, Zolder 50 and keeping a blog.
You are helping out with the ChristianUnion's campaign in Amsterdam. What are your plans?
I organized an evening at my Church with Yvette Lont (the number two on our list). This is an excellent opportunity to reach many young Christians.
During the actual campaign I will put posters on billboards. But I will also try to get people to vote for ChristianUnion on my blog. I will keep informing on activities and events on my blog.
You organised an evening with Yvette Lont. What will she be sharing about? What is your own opinion?
Yvette will share about Christian engagement with the city. She serves Amsterdam in a great way by making a better future for drug addicted prostitutes. She helps them quitting drugs and getting an other profession (Stichting de Rots). Moreover, she is a member of the South-East District Council.
Personally, I think engaging with the city of Amsterdam, as a Christian resident, is not a choice but a Christian duty. A Ukranian church leader once told be about his first Amsterdam visit. He cried over what he saw, drug abuse, prostitution, agression,...
My initial reaction was: 'don't exaggerate, this happens everywhere in the world'. However, I often had to think back of our conversation. I realized: it is NOT normal that Amsterdam is worldfamous for its drugs and prostitution; it is NOT normal that our economy has become so dependent on abuse. And it is NOT normal that Amsterdam is a center of drug trafficking, trade in weaponry and trade in women. The more I think about this, the more I realize I cannot remain unaffected by all the injustice.
One of the easier but - I believe - also more effective ways of showing that you care for Amsterdam, is to vote ChristianUnion in these elections!
You hope to serve the ChristianUnion in the long run, by serving in the fields of the environment, sustainable development and stewardship. What should the ChristianUnion do more about these issues?
I think the ChristianUnion is already one of the greenest parties in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, the ChristianUnion could raise awareness of the environment with Christians. I have to say that often Christians are somewhat uncaring about the environment. One of the greatest challenges of our time is being claimed by other social groups than the Christian community.
I do not encourage us to become tree huggers. However, I think an active stance on a better environment is necessary, furthermore it will make a good impression on non-Chrisians as well. This way we show that Christianity has answers for contemporary problems and that Christianity is an excellent alternative to political philosophies.
Maybe the ChristianUnion could start by changing the discours in the fields of economics and society. Usually people talk about the growth of the Gross National Product (GNP), but if you begin to understand what God produces through nature: clean air, food, energy, wood,... So many blessings need to be treated with gratitude.
I believe that when we start pursuing a better environmental policy, we will soon find out that God really made us to be good stewards of His creation.
Recently you founded PerspectieF Amsterdam (the local ChristianUnion youth organisation), what are your plans?
We want young people to be involved with this city. In February we will organise 'a night without a roof'. We want to spend one night outside to sympathize with the many homeless in Amsterdam. It will be a great opportunity to pray and to think about how we can serve the city.
Personally, I also hope we can serve the ChristianUnion in Amsterdam, by consulting and facilitating.
You are the number 11 on the Amsterdam list, what do you expect from the coming elections?
Although I am a political scientist, I have no practical political experience. However, I expect an interesting and even spectacular campaign. Whether we will get a seat in the City Council ... I don't know... that's at God's grace. However, it is good to hear a Christian voice during the coming election campaigns. Deo volente, we WILL get a chair!
www.amsterdam.christenunie.nl
Amsterdam, social justice, politics
Sander M. Chan, 26 years, Amsterdam
Who are you and what is your occupation?
I am…? Everything I am I have become. God is the great 'I am'. But... Ok... I work as a PhD research fellow at the Institute for Environmental Studies (Vrije Universiteit). I do research on the emergence, the effectiveness and legitimacy of public-private and private-private governance arrangements in global sustainable policies.
At work and in my private life I try to be a witness of Jesus Christ. This I do by i.e. volunteering at my Church, Zolder 50 and keeping a blog.
You are helping out with the ChristianUnion's campaign in Amsterdam. What are your plans?
I organized an evening at my Church with Yvette Lont (the number two on our list). This is an excellent opportunity to reach many young Christians.
During the actual campaign I will put posters on billboards. But I will also try to get people to vote for ChristianUnion on my blog. I will keep informing on activities and events on my blog.
You organised an evening with Yvette Lont. What will she be sharing about? What is your own opinion?
Yvette will share about Christian engagement with the city. She serves Amsterdam in a great way by making a better future for drug addicted prostitutes. She helps them quitting drugs and getting an other profession (Stichting de Rots). Moreover, she is a member of the South-East District Council.
Personally, I think engaging with the city of Amsterdam, as a Christian resident, is not a choice but a Christian duty. A Ukranian church leader once told be about his first Amsterdam visit. He cried over what he saw, drug abuse, prostitution, agression,...
My initial reaction was: 'don't exaggerate, this happens everywhere in the world'. However, I often had to think back of our conversation. I realized: it is NOT normal that Amsterdam is worldfamous for its drugs and prostitution; it is NOT normal that our economy has become so dependent on abuse. And it is NOT normal that Amsterdam is a center of drug trafficking, trade in weaponry and trade in women. The more I think about this, the more I realize I cannot remain unaffected by all the injustice.
One of the easier but - I believe - also more effective ways of showing that you care for Amsterdam, is to vote ChristianUnion in these elections!
You hope to serve the ChristianUnion in the long run, by serving in the fields of the environment, sustainable development and stewardship. What should the ChristianUnion do more about these issues?
I think the ChristianUnion is already one of the greenest parties in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, the ChristianUnion could raise awareness of the environment with Christians. I have to say that often Christians are somewhat uncaring about the environment. One of the greatest challenges of our time is being claimed by other social groups than the Christian community.
I do not encourage us to become tree huggers. However, I think an active stance on a better environment is necessary, furthermore it will make a good impression on non-Chrisians as well. This way we show that Christianity has answers for contemporary problems and that Christianity is an excellent alternative to political philosophies.
Maybe the ChristianUnion could start by changing the discours in the fields of economics and society. Usually people talk about the growth of the Gross National Product (GNP), but if you begin to understand what God produces through nature: clean air, food, energy, wood,... So many blessings need to be treated with gratitude.
I believe that when we start pursuing a better environmental policy, we will soon find out that God really made us to be good stewards of His creation.
Recently you founded PerspectieF Amsterdam (the local ChristianUnion youth organisation), what are your plans?
We want young people to be involved with this city. In February we will organise 'a night without a roof'. We want to spend one night outside to sympathize with the many homeless in Amsterdam. It will be a great opportunity to pray and to think about how we can serve the city.
Personally, I also hope we can serve the ChristianUnion in Amsterdam, by consulting and facilitating.
You are the number 11 on the Amsterdam list, what do you expect from the coming elections?
Although I am a political scientist, I have no practical political experience. However, I expect an interesting and even spectacular campaign. Whether we will get a seat in the City Council ... I don't know... that's at God's grace. However, it is good to hear a Christian voice during the coming election campaigns. Deo volente, we WILL get a chair!
www.amsterdam.christenunie.nl
Amsterdam, social justice, politics
Dear reader,
I have an important message for you and the Vrije Universiteit. Go to The Abraham Kuyper Society.
abraham kuyper, neocalvinism, kuyper, science, christianity, vrije universiteit, vu, truth, Jesus, worldview, prayer, amsterdam
abraham kuyper, neocalvinism, kuyper, science, christianity, vrije universiteit, vu, truth, Jesus, worldview, prayer, amsterdam
Ross in Myanmar / photo-ethic
"I have returned from the fine country of Myanmar, and now sit in the comforts of my small apartment. Myanmar is a country that will leave a lasting impression in my mind. I will always recall the blinding orange sun just as it set below the mountains, the crowded streets of Yangon and Mandalay, incredibly friendly people, delicious foods, and prices cheap enough to make one feel guilty..."
My friend Ross has been travelling in Myanmar. He started posting his travel diary with beautiful photos. In the first Myanmar posting, Ross shares some interesting ideas on taking photos on travels in poor countries:
"Myanmar was a wonderful place to make photographs. At some points, it became almost overwhelming because at every corner you came across perfectly composed scenes of people, brightly painted doors, and crumbling architecture. People live outside, so the street front is always crowded with different things happening. I found that I was often torn between being a tourist and being a photographer. Sometimes those two things are hard to combine. For if you want to make compelling images, often times you must stay in one area. I need to learn the neighborhood, get a feel for the people, and let the people get used to me. I like to see the shot before it appears, and wait for things to fall in place. So in many instances, I did not have time for this kind of shooting. I wanted to see all the interesting sites in the country, and that meant moving at a quick pace. But there were times when everything came together, and I did make photograph by chance. I learned more about who I am as a photographer.
Sometimes I was shooting purely to document the culture, regardless of the composition. Sometimes I shot purely for the composition, whether it said anything about the culture. When those two ideals come together, I make the best photos. It only happened a few times. I also discovered I am more timid than I thought I would be. I had trouble walking up to people and taking their picture just because they looked interesting. I decided I do not want to be that type of photographer. I tried to talk with people to justify taking their photo. I did not take photos where there were other people running around with their cameras. I thought the subjects were overwhelmed by cameras. Our cameras cost more than what they earn in 8 years. How can I stick that in their face and walk away. Is there a level of respect, or a limit to taking someone’s portrait? I found it hard to identify with my style. I don’t think I have realized what it is yet. But it is growing with my photographic and editing process. "
I will definitely remember this photo-ethic on my travels.
friends,travel,photography
My friend Ross has been travelling in Myanmar. He started posting his travel diary with beautiful photos. In the first Myanmar posting, Ross shares some interesting ideas on taking photos on travels in poor countries:
"Myanmar was a wonderful place to make photographs. At some points, it became almost overwhelming because at every corner you came across perfectly composed scenes of people, brightly painted doors, and crumbling architecture. People live outside, so the street front is always crowded with different things happening. I found that I was often torn between being a tourist and being a photographer. Sometimes those two things are hard to combine. For if you want to make compelling images, often times you must stay in one area. I need to learn the neighborhood, get a feel for the people, and let the people get used to me. I like to see the shot before it appears, and wait for things to fall in place. So in many instances, I did not have time for this kind of shooting. I wanted to see all the interesting sites in the country, and that meant moving at a quick pace. But there were times when everything came together, and I did make photograph by chance. I learned more about who I am as a photographer.
Sometimes I was shooting purely to document the culture, regardless of the composition. Sometimes I shot purely for the composition, whether it said anything about the culture. When those two ideals come together, I make the best photos. It only happened a few times. I also discovered I am more timid than I thought I would be. I had trouble walking up to people and taking their picture just because they looked interesting. I decided I do not want to be that type of photographer. I tried to talk with people to justify taking their photo. I did not take photos where there were other people running around with their cameras. I thought the subjects were overwhelmed by cameras. Our cameras cost more than what they earn in 8 years. How can I stick that in their face and walk away. Is there a level of respect, or a limit to taking someone’s portrait? I found it hard to identify with my style. I don’t think I have realized what it is yet. But it is growing with my photographic and editing process. "
I will definitely remember this photo-ethic on my travels.
friends,travel,photography
2 degrees Celsius, 35.6 Fahrenheit
Today I learnt that the EU Commission (the 'EU government') decided that the average global warming should not exceed 2 degrees Celsius, 35.6 F, compared to pre-industrial average temperatures.
It's awkward to see how humanity tries to control, what is kind of out of control. If you would have said that we should control the weather twenty years ago, probably you would have been laughed at.
environment
politics
A Little Bit Disoriented
Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
My child, I warn you to stay away from any teachings except these.
There is no end to books,
and too much study
will wear you out.
Although I am very happy to have a job, this job particular, I felt a little bit disoriented after one week. I did not know where to start. I read as much as I could. But since I remember little,... So today I finally thought: what's the use?
In the hallway one of my professors asked me what I was doing. I felt a little bit stupid, for I was lost in reading, doing nothing really. She suggested me to get hold of the research proposal and use that as a guide. (How could I not have thought about that myself!) Later on, I decided to contact the senior researcher in London (who tutors me). He asked me to compose a list of relevant literature.
So tomorrow I will know what to do. I wonder whether I will get a minus for my lack of creativity...
Vote for me! Stem mij!
Ik heb een verkiezingsbanner toegevoegd aan deze weblog. Ik sta zelf op de ChristenUnie kieslijst (nummer 11). Dus, als jij in Amsterdam staat ingeschreven: STEM MIJ! Nou ja, stem in ieder geval ChristenUnie, Amsterdam heeft een Christelijke stem nodig in de Gemeenteraad.
***
I added an election banner on this blog. I am on the ChristenUnie party list. So if you are from Amsterdam: Vote for me! Amsterdam needs a Christian voice in the City Council (although, not necessarily mine).
amsterdam
politics
***
I added an election banner on this blog. I am on the ChristenUnie party list. So if you are from Amsterdam: Vote for me! Amsterdam needs a Christian voice in the City Council (although, not necessarily mine).
amsterdam
politics
This week's reading Campolo - How to Rescue the Earth Without Worshipping Nature
This is my second week at the Intitute of Environmental Studies, where I hope to do research on international environmental relations for the next 4 years. I have done a lot a reading. My political science/international relations background is helpful, but insufficient, so I read like mad.My friend Marco (my roommate) got me this book. And I am very happy about it. (I honestly doubt whether most of my colleagues would be so enthousiastic about it, but I love it.) Because I want to worship God in my work and see things from Jesus' perspective. I believe that when Jesus said: I am the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6), he meant total truth.
I personally do not see contradictions between faith and science. In fact, as far as science aims at truth finding, it cannot be an other truth than the one truth that Christ represented. It is sad that today many people keep faith in a private realm while making room for science in the public realm. There is no real science without the Maker of all! And I refuse to live a schizophrenic lifestyle; professing Christ in Church, at home and with friends, while keeping Christ out of my working place.
I admit that it will not always be easy to live out Christ at work. But I pray that I will be a witness of the ultimate truth. That is why I want to start a study group/society, to discuss the compatibility of a holistic Christian worldview and science. This group should meet at the Vrije Universiteit. The university where I work was founded by Abraham Kuyper, a famous Dutch theologian and statesman. He ardently advocated a holistic Christian worldview, in science, in religion, in politics, in all aspects of life. Later this year I will start a blog on this subject: The Abraham Kuyper Society.
I am excited to learn more about the relations between God and His creation, between people and the rest of creation and how to help bringing His creation to wholeness again.
environment
abraham kuyper
work
religion
'Granny' Deals Drugs Out of Compassion
Translated from Dutch: an article in de Volkskrant (Friday 6-1-2006)
A 73 year old dealer, not very typical, especially if she does it out of compassion for drug addicts. But the trade caused trouble, so 'granny' was arrested.
To deal out of 'goodness', out of compassion with drug addicts. "Nevertheless, you really must stop helping and dealing now", the police commended the 73 year old woman from Amsterdam-Slotervaart. She had to appear before court for selling cocaine and heroin.
"An 'atypical' case", says the lawyer of the suspect. His client is accused of dealing in drugs with heavily addicted people, not for personal financial profit, but merely as an act of compassion. 'Granny' (as addicted call her), was always ready to help out.
'Granny' was born in the Dutch Indies, she is mother of nine children, and, grandmother of many grand children.
Especially when her 45 year old addicted son asks her to help out, she does not know how to refuse. Her son has been in prison several times. But everytime he is released he goes back to his mother for shelter, and, he also asks her to contact the local drugs dealer.
Every time the 73 year old woman lets her son into her house, in spite of her daughters' protests, because she just cannot be too harsh on her son. More addicted people find their way to Granny throught her son. They buy drugs from her (actually Granny pays for them in advance, and usually she does not get her money back). Furthermore , she also provides them with a good meal.
That was until recently. Neighbours started to complain with the police, who started to watch her house. By the end of October, one of the addicts was arrested. He told the police that he bought his drugs with 'Granny'. So, while one of her grand children was staying over, granny was taken away from her house by the police .
Both the procecutor and the judge show understanding for the woman's situation. Nevertheless, what is wrong remains wrong and a violation of the law. "Is it not dreadful that you are here at your age", the judge asks. She answers that she will accept any verdict from "your highly esteemed judge".
In his words and in his facial expressions, the judge shows compassion. Nevertheless, he condemns the woman to three months of conditional sentence. "Consider it an encouragement to comply with the law", the judge says, then referring to her real punishment: "to close the door for your son. I know it is difficult, but you must".
drugs
amsterdam
social justice
news
A 73 year old dealer, not very typical, especially if she does it out of compassion for drug addicts. But the trade caused trouble, so 'granny' was arrested.
To deal out of 'goodness', out of compassion with drug addicts. "Nevertheless, you really must stop helping and dealing now", the police commended the 73 year old woman from Amsterdam-Slotervaart. She had to appear before court for selling cocaine and heroin.
"An 'atypical' case", says the lawyer of the suspect. His client is accused of dealing in drugs with heavily addicted people, not for personal financial profit, but merely as an act of compassion. 'Granny' (as addicted call her), was always ready to help out.
'Granny' was born in the Dutch Indies, she is mother of nine children, and, grandmother of many grand children.
Especially when her 45 year old addicted son asks her to help out, she does not know how to refuse. Her son has been in prison several times. But everytime he is released he goes back to his mother for shelter, and, he also asks her to contact the local drugs dealer.
Every time the 73 year old woman lets her son into her house, in spite of her daughters' protests, because she just cannot be too harsh on her son. More addicted people find their way to Granny throught her son. They buy drugs from her (actually Granny pays for them in advance, and usually she does not get her money back). Furthermore , she also provides them with a good meal.
That was until recently. Neighbours started to complain with the police, who started to watch her house. By the end of October, one of the addicts was arrested. He told the police that he bought his drugs with 'Granny'. So, while one of her grand children was staying over, granny was taken away from her house by the police .
Both the procecutor and the judge show understanding for the woman's situation. Nevertheless, what is wrong remains wrong and a violation of the law. "Is it not dreadful that you are here at your age", the judge asks. She answers that she will accept any verdict from "your highly esteemed judge".
In his words and in his facial expressions, the judge shows compassion. Nevertheless, he condemns the woman to three months of conditional sentence. "Consider it an encouragement to comply with the law", the judge says, then referring to her real punishment: "to close the door for your son. I know it is difficult, but you must".
drugs
amsterdam
social justice
news
'Oma' levert drugs uit compassie
Reportage uit de volkskrant (vrijdag 6-1-2006)
Een dealer van 73 jaar, dat gebeurt niet vaak. Zeker niet als het gebeurt uit medelijden voor de verslaafden. Maar de handel veroorzaakte overlast, dus werd 'omaatje' aangehouden.
Dealen uit 'goedheid', uit medelijden met verslaafden. 'Maar nu moet u toch echt eens stoppen met dat helpen hoor', adviseert de politierechter donderdag een 73-jarige vrouw uit Amsterdam-Slotervaart die zich voor de rechtbank moest verantwoorden voor het handelen in cocaïne en heroïne.
Een 'atypisch' geval noemt de advocate van de verdachte de strafzaak waarover de politierechter zich gisteren moest buigen. Haar cliënte wordt ervan beschuldigd vorig jaar als dealer te hebben opgetreden van een aantal zwaarverslaafden. Niet uit een oogpunt van geldelijk gewin, maar uit compassie. 'Oma', zoals de verdachte bij de verslaafden te boek staat, wil altijd graag helpen.
En 'oma', geboren in Nederlands-Indië, moeder van negen kinderen en een groot aantal (achter)kleinkinderen, kan al helemaal geen weerstand bieden aan de hulpvraag van haar eigen zwaarverslaafde 45-jarige zoon. Die zit nu weer vast in de Bijlmergevangenis, maar klopt tussen diverse detenties door altijd weer bij zijn moeder aan: om bij haar in te trekken en om van haar te vragenof ze contact legt met een plaatselijke dealer.
Dat doet de 73-jarige vrouw bij herhaling, want haar zoon de deur weigeren, zoals haar dochters adviseren, kan ze niet over haar hart verkrijgen. Via haar zoon weten zo meerdere verslaafden de weg naar de portiekwoning te vinden. Die kunnen bij oma 'bolletjes' kopen (het aanschaffen van de waar schiet ze vaak voor en haar geld ziet ze geregeld niet terug) en krijgen ook nog wat te eten.
Totdat buren klagen over de overlast door de junks en de politie gaat observeren. Eind oktober, bij het verlaten van de woning, wordt een van de verslaafden door de politie aangehouden en hij verklaart dat hij zijn waar bij 'oma' heeft gekocht. Onder de ogen van een logerend kleinkind wordt de vrouw geboeid afgevoerd.
Zowel de officier van justitie als de politierechter maakt de verdachte duidelijk dat ze enig begrip kunnen opbrengen voor haar handelen. Maar fout en in strijd met de wet blijft het wel. 'Het is toch afschuwelijk dat u hier op uw leeftijd zit', voegt de politierechter de verdachte toe. Die op haar beurt iedere straf van de 'hoogedelachtbare' zegt te accepteren.
In woord en mimiek geeft de rechter meerde malen blijk van compassie. Niettemin veroordeelt hij de vrouw tot drie maanden voorwaardelijke celstraf, conform de eis. 'Een stok achter de deur', vind de rechter, verwijzend naar de 'echte' straf: 'En nu moet u straks uw zoon de deur wijzen. Ik weet, het is moeilijk, maar het moet'.
***
Ben blij, mijn huisgenootje, Marco Pauws, is terug uit Texas.
drugs
amsterdam
social justice
news
What about 2006?
I’m afraid my ecological footprint will grow considerably this year (see my last posting: calculate your ecological footprint!). 2005 Was my year of unemployment which resulted in an exclusion from mass pop & consumer culture, which was a very positive thing for our good earth. However, this year I will have to travel a bit for my work (and admittedly for leisure as well).Apart from my expected footprint this year, there are also good reasons for a positive outlook for this year.
- I am excited about doing research on governance of global environmental change.
- I look forward to doing an in-depth study on (some of) the works of Abraham Kuyper, a famous Dutch theologian/politician/statesman and founder of the university where I work (Vrije Universiteit). I am also contemplating the founding of a Kuyper Society, to bring Christianity back to the Vrije Universiteit.
- I want to see more of the world and travel around.
- I want to put God’s heart for the poor and needy in practice and return God’s blessings in thankfulness.
I’ll evaluate in a year.
James 4:13-15
Now listen to me, you that say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to a certain city, where we will stay a year and go into business and make a lot of money.” You don't even know what your life tomorrow will be! You are like a puff of smoke, which appears for a moment and then disappears. What you should say is this: “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.”
environment
social justice
ecological footprint
personal
Calculate your Ecological Footprint!
IF EVERYONE LIVED LIKE ME, WE WOULD NEED 2.4 PLANETS!
Calculate your ecological footprint with the Ecological Footprint Quiz.
Ecological footprint analysis approximates the amount of arable and agriculturally or ecologically productive land area it takes to sustain one human or group of humans, say in a family or city, based on their use of energy, food, water, building material and other consumables. It is a way of determining relative consumption for the purpose of educating people about their resource use and, sometimes, triggering them to change how they consume. It can be combined with overpopulation concerns and stated as "the number of Earths it would take to support every human living exactly the way you do." Ecological footprints have been used to argue that current lifestyles are not sustainable. (Wikipedia)
My Ecological Footprint (Estimated results from the Ecological Footprint Quiz)
CATEGORY GLOBAL HECTARES
FOOD 1.1
MOBILITY 0.3
SHELTER 1.3
GOODS/SERVICES 1.7
TOTAL FOOTPRINT 4.4
IN COMPARISON, THE AVERAGE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT IN YOUR COUNTRY (NETHERLANDS) IS 4.8 GLOBAL HECTARES PER PERSON. WORLDWIDE, THERE EXIST 1.8 BIOLOGICALLY PRODUCTIVE GLOBAL HECTARES PER PERSON.
IF EVERYONE LIVED LIKE YOU, WE WOULD NEED 2.4 PLANETS.
environment
social justice
ecological footprint
Calculate your ecological footprint with the Ecological Footprint Quiz.
Ecological footprint analysis approximates the amount of arable and agriculturally or ecologically productive land area it takes to sustain one human or group of humans, say in a family or city, based on their use of energy, food, water, building material and other consumables. It is a way of determining relative consumption for the purpose of educating people about their resource use and, sometimes, triggering them to change how they consume. It can be combined with overpopulation concerns and stated as "the number of Earths it would take to support every human living exactly the way you do." Ecological footprints have been used to argue that current lifestyles are not sustainable. (Wikipedia)My Ecological Footprint (Estimated results from the Ecological Footprint Quiz)
CATEGORY GLOBAL HECTARES
FOOD 1.1
MOBILITY 0.3
SHELTER 1.3
GOODS/SERVICES 1.7
TOTAL FOOTPRINT 4.4
IN COMPARISON, THE AVERAGE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT IN YOUR COUNTRY (NETHERLANDS) IS 4.8 GLOBAL HECTARES PER PERSON. WORLDWIDE, THERE EXIST 1.8 BIOLOGICALLY PRODUCTIVE GLOBAL HECTARES PER PERSON.
IF EVERYONE LIVED LIKE YOU, WE WOULD NEED 2.4 PLANETS.
environment
social justice
ecological footprint
First Days at Work
My New Blogger Photo
It's not that I am so full of myself that I want to show my picture on my blog. I just need an internet location to refer to, so I can change the photo in my profile!
Awaken Conference Amsterdam 2005 - III
The last session of the Awaken Conference was two days ago (31 December). I was contemplating the fact that everytime global issues (like hunger and environmental change) are being discussed I can hear God speaking to me: true worship, true worship! However, after a couple of days I do not hear the calling anymore.
Because there always comes a time when I think the challenges are too big, that I am only but a weak man, that I am bound to fail. I become cynical and unbelieving. I feel I cannot take the load of the world on my weak shoulders.
The last sermon by Kolya Skopich (Almaz, Ukraine) tied in pretty well with this feeling. His message was: we will fail, we are not going to do it. This sounds somewhat different than the positivist messages we heard the days before. Yet, I believe more perspectives are possible and very helpful indeed.
When I realise that it is not me, who is to actually change the whole world, but Jesus, I only have to do what Jesus tells me to do. There would be no need to become cynical or unbelieving, because Jesus carried the the world on his shoulders, he caried our sins and sicknesses.
I really hope and that many of those who attended the conference will keep momentum and follow Jesus in the fight for social justice, with the knowledge that the poor will always be with us (as Jesus said) and without honouring people above our Lord.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Dam square (Amsterdam) at New Year's Eve. See: JR Woodward's Blog and NoelHeikkinen's for more postings on how we spent our New Year's Eve.
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