Asian Spirituality of Christian Stewardship

The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. VergaraMissioner for Asiamerica Ministry

The Episcopal Church Center815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017

1212-922-5344wvergara@episcopalchurch.org

www.episcopalchurch.org/asian.htmBlog:http://travelinasian.blogspot.com

What is Spirituality?Ruach (Hebrew)

Pneuma (Greek)

Spiritus (Latin)

Spirit is a breath (wind or force)

that vitalizes and revitalizes

whatever it touches.

SPIRIT IS…

-A creative breath (Gen. 1:2)

-A mysterious breath (John 3:8) - A revival breath (Acts 2)

What is Asia?

“The destiny of (humankind) will be decided here in Asia.” – Economist Gunnar Myrdal, Asian Drama,1973

“Most important theological discourse is happening not across the Atlantic but across the Pacific.” –Fuller Seminary

“Cradle of World Religions”

“Ancient Civilizations”

“Pluralism and Diversity”

“The Lost (early) Christianity”

“The Asian Century”

The Asian Diaspora

Asian Spirituality: China & India

Anglican via Media: “Passionate-Coolness” – Archbishop Runcie, 1985

Asian Via Media: “Pragmatism-Mysticism” – Kosuke Koyama, 1975

Asian Spirituality nourished by a theology of suffering and hope

Philippines- Theology of Struggle (Colonialism)

Japan – Theology of Pain of God (Hiroshima/Nagasaki)

India – Dalit Theology (Caste vs. Untouchables)

Korea – Minjung Theology (the Korean underclass)

Thailand : Buddhist-Christian Dialogue (Wounding & Healing of Civilizations)

Basic Elements in Asian (Chinese) Culture

• The (5) Elements:

• Fire – 火 fo

• Water – 水 sui

• Earth – 地 tei

• Wood – 木 muk

• Metal - 鐵 thit

Interrelationships of 5 Elements

The Five Elements theory posits wood, fire, earth, metal, and water as the basic elements of the material world.

These elements are in constant movement and change.

The complex connections between material objects are explained through the relationship of interdependence and mutual restraint that governs the five elements.

5 Elements in Asian Culture

EARTH: the nurturing environment that enables seeds to germinate and grow.WATER: the flowing river that touches

and nourishes everything.WOOD: A walking stick that guides or a spear that kills.FIRE: Can bring light or warmth;

or it can explode or erupt.METAL: solid ability to contain objects.

Adapting the 5 Elements in Asian Christian Stewardship

MISSION

THEOLOGY MANAGEMENT

WORSHIP VISION

Stewardship 1: Fire Mission

Asiamerica Mission:Asiamerica Mission:The Great Commission The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)(Matthew 28:19-20)The Great Compassion The Great Compassion (Matthew 9:36)(Matthew 9:36)The Great Demographic Change (The Great Demographic Change (immigration & multiculturalism)immigration & multiculturalism)The Great Missionary MomentThe Great Missionary Moment (globalization and diaspora) (globalization and diaspora)

“The Mission of the church is to reconcile all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.” (BCP , p. 855)

Stewardship2 : Wood TheologyScriptures: “In the Bible, Prayer is mentioned 500 times but money 2,000 times.”

Tradition: Tithing, first fruits, widow’s mite.

Reason: “Money is the manure of the devil but it is good fertilizer.” (Cardinal Jaime Sin)

Money Giving & Receiving:

Money is also “currency.” Affluence (from Latin ‘afluere’) means “to flow to.” Therefore money is not to be hoarded but allowed to flow. Giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin. (Deepak Chopra)

Stewardship3: Metal Vision

Christ’s vision of the Kingdom of God is described in the Hebrew word “shalom.” Shalom is not only peace as the absence of war; it is the healing of all ruptured relationships. Shalom means life in all its fullness.

How do we envision our parish in light of this ultimate vision? How can our parish be a shalom in the community?

Stewardship4: Earth Management

Parish Management is like running a city: government must provide services but it needs revenues (taxes) to make it happen.

The parish does not have taxes but pledges (tithes and offerings) from its members. Its services (ministries) is beyond its members.

Stewardship 5: Water WorshipGrace: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

Gratitude: “Yours, Lord is the greatness, the power and the glory. All things come from you, O Lord; and from your own do we give you.”

Generosity: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Summary: Teaching Stewardship

1. Fire Mission that burns with compassion for the poor and reconciliation for the lost;

2. Wood Theology that balances scriptures, tradition and reason;

3. Metal Vision that holds shalom in community;

4. Earth Management that nurtures leadership and growth.

5. Water Worship that flows with life and creativity;

Stewardship Resources in the Episcopal Church

• The Rev. Laurel Johnston, Program Officer for Stewardship The Episcopal Church, www. episcopalchurch.org/stewardship

• The Episcopal Church Office of Stewardship• http://www.ecusa.anglican.org/109299_ENG_HTM.htm

• The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS)• http://www.tens.org/

• The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF)• http://www.ecfvp.org/

Note: Almost Every Diocesan Website has a section on Stewardship.