The similar phrase 'Worldly Christianity' is one used by Bonhoeffer. It's J Gresham Machen that I want to line up most closely with. See his Christianity and culture here. Having done commentaries on Proverbs (Heavenly Wisdom) and Song of Songs (Heavenly Love), a matching title for Ecclesiastes would be Heavenly Worldliness. For my stance on worldliness, see 3 posts here.

Romania 06


Oradea is, of course, in Transylvania, which (thanks to Vlad the Impaler and Bram Stoker) has a certain resonance for English ears. Because Oradea is so close to the Hungarian border it was easiest to come in via Budapest rather than via Bucharest. Oradea does have an airport but it is quite small.
On the way back shortly after the prompt border crossing we were stopped further into Hungary by border guards. This was essentially a non-event but it was a reminder of how different things were just a short while ago. One remembers the story of the sun and the wind trying to get the man's coat off. The winds of persecution largely failed. We pray that the sunshine of freedom will prove equally unable to the armour of God which many there are clearly seeking to wear.

2 comments:

Family Blogs said...

Hi Gary,
Good to read of some of your experiences in Romania, you were in my prayers during your ministry there. You didn't happen to bump into Dr Hamilton Moore from the Irish Baptist College during your travels by any chance? I think he has been teaching in Oradea over the past 14 days.

Gary Brady said...

Thanks for praying. I didn't come across Dr Moore but I get the impression that people are in and out of Oradea with great frequency.