Insight

insight the newsletter of Solas Centre for Public Christianity

August 2012

On a hot Friday afternoon in July 1924 a twenty-two-year-old Scottish athlete won the 400 metre race at the Paris Olympics. He ran the race in 47.6 seconds – less than one minute – and yet the story of that athlete, Eric Liddell, continues to draw attention and respect almost nine decades later.

© 2012 Solas - Centre for Public Christianity, 4 St. Peter’s Street, Dundee DD1 4JJ. Phone: +44(0)1382 525021, Email: [email protected]

Chariots of Fire

Written byDavid J. Randall,Solas Trustee

What accounts for the success and continued popularity of Chariots of Fire? Is it our need for heroes – perhaps more admirable heroes than many of the feted ‘celebrities’ of our age who achieve fame and fortune for very little. Maybe we hanker after the notion that there are more important things in life than fame and fortune. Liddell certainly had the fame but he gave up any fortune that might have been his to spend the rest of his life serving others in Christ’s name in China. I remember hearing a famous preacher referring to people like Eric Liddell (plus C.T. Studd, Albert Schweitzer and others) and saying, “What daft things people do for Christ’s sake”! So it must seem to many viewers of Chariots of Fire today, yet that very title speaks of what motivated the man.

Also in this issue..

Report from David

Into Europe by Tom Courtney

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The re-mastered version of Chariots of Fire has been echoed by television programmes and press articles about this man who took a stand that would be very unpopular in today’s world. Having said that, it has been refreshing to witness a general acceptance of Euan Murray’s courageous decision not to don the jersey for Sunday rugby internationals. Nonetheless it is somewhat surprising that Eric Liddell’s story should be viewed as positively as it is in an age that has little time for the faith and commitment shown by Liddell.

In his own day, he was urged to forget his scruples; it was argued that he was showing an unpatriotic spirit by refusing to run in the 100 metres simply because the final was to be held on a Sunday (apparently he preached in the Scots Kirk in Paris that day). But Liddell famously stood by his decision – and became as famous for a race that he did not run as for one he did run. He achieved massive fame and adulation, and yet his fame is possibly greater now than it was in his lifetime, although it is hard to imagine such a send-off as he received when he left for missionary service in China (crowds in Waverley Station singing the hymn “Jesus Shall Reign”).

Portrait of Eric Liddell. ©Eric Liddell Centre (See note on p2)

Insight - Newsletter of Solas CPC August 2012

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It comes, we are told, from William Blake’s “Jerusalem”. Of course these feet did not walk upon England’s mountains green, but Blake wrote of the aspiration to build a better society among the dark satanic mills. The poem, set to Parry’s stirring music (as heard at the end of the Chariots film), includes the words: “Bring me my bow of burning gold! Bring me my arrows of desire! Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold! Bring me my chariot of fire!” But if we look further back, we find the phrase comes from the Second Book of Kings.

A chariot of fire lifted Elijah in a whirlwind, leaving Elisha to pick up his mantle. And then in chapter 6 we find Elisha featuring in the story of warfare between Israel and Aram. The Aramean king was told that Elisha was responsible for several leaks about the position of his troops, so he asked where this troublesome prophet could be found. Intelligence placed him in Dothan, so a detachment was sent, and next morning, Elisha’s servant went out and was alarmed to see a great army surrounding them.

It’s then that the phrase is found as we are allowed to overhear Elisha praying, “O Lord, open the young man’s eyes so that he may see”, and it says, “The Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all round Elisha” (2 Kings 6:17). It is a special text for me because the minister who ‘preached me in’ as I began my ministry, preached from that verse. He wanted my eyes to be open to the resources of strength and grace available through God’s unlimited power – what Paul would later describe as God’s “incomparably great power for us who believe”, like the power he exerted in raising Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19).

Eric Liddell realised that there is more to life than worldly success and fame. He famously said that he felt God’s pleasure when he ran, but he was also running another race, the one described in Hebrews 12, where we are encouraged to throw off everything that hinders and “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” with our “eyes fixed on Jesus”.

It may have seemed daft to many for a successful athlete to sacrifice much in order to serve for twenty years in China, before his early death in a Japanese POW camp, but it was said of him, “He is running another race and he will stay it even unto the end”.

People today tend to applaud Eric Liddell as a man of principle (conveniently overlooking what that principle was), but he was more than that. He was a man who persevered as seeing Him who is invisible (Hebrews 11:27), a man who could see the “chariots of fire” and who displayed faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. May his story continue to inspire people long after the Olympics are forgotten.

“run with perseverance the race marked out for us” with our “eyes fixed on Jesus”

The Eric Liddell Centre, a registered Scottish charity, was founded in memory of the 1924, 400m Olympic gold medallist who was portrayed in the Oscar award-winning film “Chariots of Fire”. Eric studied at the University of Edinburgh, lived locally, and had a strong belief in service to his local community. Eric’s beliefs in community service led local residents to set up the Centre dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and supporting people of all ages, cultures and abilities, as an expression of compassionate Christian values. They operate a range of caring projects including a specialist day care service for people with dementia, a project for carers that provides free educational, social and health based courses. They also provide low cost office space for small charities and rooms for other groups providing activities for the community. www.ericliddell.org

Insight - Newsletter of Solas CPC August 2012

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June was a significant month for Solas – Tom Courtney, recently appointed as our European Coordinator, organized a consultation which brought together several people from different European countries to look at the way ahead for reaching out with the Christian gospel. It seems as though there are doors opening in the culture and a new creativity in the church which bode well for the future.

I was intrigued to be invited as a guest to the visit of the Dalai Lama to Scotland when he came to the Caird Hall in Dundee. There is much that could be said about that (and I will) but let me restrict my comments to a couple – firstly who says there is no interest in religion? – 2,000 tickets at £25 each were sold within two hours of the announcement the Dalai Lama was coming. Secondly it is clear to me that the morality of our educational system is predominantly Buddhist. It is a pick ‘n’ mix ethic which tells people how wonderful they are. Ideally suited for our self-centred Disneyfied culture.

It was good to have a Solas debate in which I was not involved! I was very impressed with Richard Lucas and the Edinburgh Solas Pod’s organization of their debate.

On Friday 6th of July I did an interview with the BBC on the subject of Christian use of the internet.

Can I ask for prayer and support for the following events: In September I will be doing a Freshers’ week debate for Dundee University. Also, please pray especially about the Same-Sex Marriage debate at Charlotte Chapel on 17 September at which I am speaking. May the Lord grant wisdom and strength for all these events.

Many thanks for your prayers and support,

David

Solas is greatly disappointed and saddened to hear the Scottish Government’s announcement (25.7.12) that it intends to press ahead with legislation to allow so-called same-sex marriage. In particular, it is extremely regrettable that the Government has undemocratically chosen to reject the clear majority (64%) in its own Consultation who reject the concept. Solas submitted a full (and widely reported) statement on the issue some months ago and intends to respond again when the Government moves to the next stage and invites further submissions.

Report from David

Same-sex Marriage

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Insight - Newsletter of Solas CPC August 2012

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When I first arrived in Spain nearly 22 years ago I became convinced that if a reasonable presentation of the gospel is made, any Spaniard would at least listen. However, during this period I have been concerned that presentations of the gospel have sometimes seemed like a “confrontational engagement”, with insufficient effort to really understand and identify with the hearer’s personal context, situation or culture.

Often it isn’t enough simply to present a series of gospel points about the marvellous work of grace accomplished on the cross. In 21st century Europe usually more dialogue, contact and interaction is needed, including the attempt to deal with the sense that it is not “cool” to believe. Effective gospel presentation involves lovingly seeking to peel away the façade that human beings are so adept at building around their insecurities, fears and difficulties, and pointing to a forgiving, loving Saviour. This takes time – weeks, months or years; it is seldom accomplished after just one coffee together.

I have recently joined Solas-CPC because the ethos of Solas is to effectively communicate the gospel to 21st century Europeans, to enable pastors, leaders, workers, “people in the pews” to “make a reasonable presentation of the gospel”. To that end we held a Solas Consultation in Dundee in June. More than thirty leaders, seminary professors, missionaries, European mission leaders, pastors, key students and workers from various European countries were invited to discuss together the open doors in Europe for Solas’ ministry and how best to walk through those open doors. Twelve people participated from six different countries, the others being hindered because of prior commitments, finances or travel restrictions.

The Consultation ascertained five areas of concentration for Solas-CPC Europe:

1. Vision. One of the strongest areas of focus will be the communication of vision and the inspiration of pastors, leaders, workers and congregations to effectively communicate the gospel to people in their own local context/culture.

2. Training. Many needs and opportunities were identified where Solas can become involved in resourcing the church:

a. guidance in developing the right questions to ask b. development of principles that aid in discovering answers to the questions being asked c. preparation of resources for those encountering similar questions

Into Europe

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Tom Courtney, European Coordinator

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3. Networking. Solas must not work alone but instead create an international network of people to exchange ideas, create forums in which ideas and opportunities are shared and seek to stimulate and provoke others to develop effective initiatives.

4. Resources. Many ideas were expressed during the Consultation as to how Solas can become involved across Europe with training, developing and providing resources, modules, booklets, libraries, etc.

5. Follow up. Avoiding an “event syndrome”, Solas must establish an effective and sensitive protocol for how Solas involvement can benefit the church long term.

Our sessions were filled with solid biblical teaching, healthy discussion, at times lively disagreement, stimulating insights on the state of Christianity in the various countries represented, and, of course, some fun and banter! Our expectations were exceeded, as we had been concerned that participants might return to their respective countries, acknowledging that it had been fun to be together but feeling that not much

significant progress had occurred. While all indeed had a great time, the participants contributed invaluably to the Solas-CPC process of continuing in the UK, while expanding into the continent. Something significant has occurred. Solas Europe has been given an enthusiasm for a pan-European ministry. Over the weeks and months to come, the Solas team will continue working diligently on these initial five areas of focus, and we value your prayers for wisdom, insights and abilities for the task ahead.

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Thursday 15th November at 8:00pm

Merchiston Castle School, Colinton Road, Colinton, EH13 0PU Free admission, unticketed

Thursday 18 October at 7.30pm at The Newsroom 5-11 Leith Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3AT

Talk and Discussion by Professor Charles Munn

Other Dates for your Diary

The Reverend David Robertson to present his book The Dawkins Letters

Thursday 1st November at 7pm, an event at the FACLAN Hebridean Book Festival at An Lanntair: 31st October – 4th November•KennethStreet•StornowayIsleofLewis•HS12DS

See the event listing at www.faclan.org

Is there a God?

Alistair McBay versus Richard Lucas

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