http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0301.htm
The words from this apology is quite different than the other two I've read. It sounds more harsh and direct without any cover or better to say, fear.
For example, in chapter 1, "if in this case alone you are afraid or ashamed to exercise your authority in making public inquiry with the carefulness which becomes justice." It's more of a bold criticism.
Tertullan stated clearly their position and the gods of the pagans including the emperor's "no existence"as in Chapter 27. "Enough has been said in these remarks to confute the charge of treason against your religion: for we cannot be held to do harm to that which has no existence. When we are called therefore to sacrifice, we resolutely refuse, relying on the knowledge we possess, by which we are well assured of the real objects to whom these services are offered, under profaning of images and the deification of human names." It might looks like a serious humiliation for one who is empowered with all.
The chapter 50 is even more clear and sincere. "No one indeed suffers willingly, since suffering necessarily implies fear and danger." He stated boldly. I believe readers can read the sincerity and honesty of the author, and can read his character through the paper---maybe the embodiment of Christians' character, too.
For a wise emperor, this apology is sincere advise that he might think twice; a stupid one, a thread that would irritate him. I think I would like to be a wise one...but i am not sure how I would react if I was really put into that situation because I remember how I laughed at Christian God years ago. At least, to challenge something somebody firmly believes in is very difficult as well as dangerous, unless the Spirit of God works on the stubborn human hearts.
2011年4月30日星期六
On Athenagoras' "Plea for the Christians"
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0205.htm
The letter is started as voice from activists arguing for equal rights, with strong emotion---which is fit for the title "plea".
In chapter one, the author firstly gave examples of people sacrificing and worshiping their gods in different places and explained the necessity to have some gods to worship. Then he argued for the equal right of Christians to worship their God too.
"On the one hand, that to believe in no god at all is impious and wicked, and on the other, that it is necessary for each man to worship the gods he prefers, in order that through fear of the deity, men may be kept from wrong-doing. But why— for do not, like the multitude, be led astray by hearsay— why is a mere name odious to you? Names are not deserving of hatred: it is the unjust act that calls for penalty and punishment. "
When reading these part, I feel it is like a well-orginized persuasion speech which arouse people's sympathy, as he stated that "the whole empire, under your intelligent sway, enjoys profound peace. But for us who are called Christians you have not in like manner cared; but although we commit no wrong...." He euphemistically condemmed the unjustness by praising the peaceful and intelligent governing. This it something that may works.
The letter is started as voice from activists arguing for equal rights, with strong emotion---which is fit for the title "plea".
In chapter one, the author firstly gave examples of people sacrificing and worshiping their gods in different places and explained the necessity to have some gods to worship. Then he argued for the equal right of Christians to worship their God too.
"On the one hand, that to believe in no god at all is impious and wicked, and on the other, that it is necessary for each man to worship the gods he prefers, in order that through fear of the deity, men may be kept from wrong-doing. But why— for do not, like the multitude, be led astray by hearsay— why is a mere name odious to you? Names are not deserving of hatred: it is the unjust act that calls for penalty and punishment. "
When reading these part, I feel it is like a well-orginized persuasion speech which arouse people's sympathy, as he stated that "the whole empire, under your intelligent sway, enjoys profound peace. But for us who are called Christians you have not in like manner cared; but although we commit no wrong...." He euphemistically condemmed the unjustness by praising the peaceful and intelligent governing. This it something that may works.
On Justin Martyr First Apology
http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0126.htm
Reading the Apology is not that easy, especially in terms of the language; but I still find it interesting.
This great martyr, as a great philosopher, tried to explain Christian faith with the worldly knowledge in a logic way.
What I find extremely helpful is Chapter 20 "Heathen analogies to Christian doctrine". Justin, with his comprehensive knowledge, compared Christianity with other poets and philosophies people honored like the Stoic, Plato and yielded the conclusion that "If, therefore, on some points we teach the same things as the poets and philosophers whom you honour, and on other points are fuller and more divine in our teaching,and if we alone afford proof of what we assert, why are we unjustly hated more than all others?"
This kind of compare and contrast is commonly seen in other chapters too. In the chapter to follow, "Analogies to the history of Christ", Justin argued from the perspective of history other than philosophy. He compared Jesus Christ with the Roman gods---Jupiter, Æsculapius, Bacchus, Ariadne.... and argued for which one is more "holy and virtue". The sharp contrast is very convincing to people who would like to listen to his argument. Also in chapter 44 "Not nullified by prophecy", Justin compared Plato's teaching with that of Moses to explain.
Reading the Apology is not that easy, especially in terms of the language; but I still find it interesting.
This great martyr, as a great philosopher, tried to explain Christian faith with the worldly knowledge in a logic way.
What I find extremely helpful is Chapter 20 "Heathen analogies to Christian doctrine". Justin, with his comprehensive knowledge, compared Christianity with other poets and philosophies people honored like the Stoic, Plato and yielded the conclusion that "If, therefore, on some points we teach the same things as the poets and philosophers whom you honour, and on other points are fuller and more divine in our teaching,and if we alone afford proof of what we assert, why are we unjustly hated more than all others?"
This kind of compare and contrast is commonly seen in other chapters too. In the chapter to follow, "Analogies to the history of Christ", Justin argued from the perspective of history other than philosophy. He compared Jesus Christ with the Roman gods---Jupiter, Æsculapius, Bacchus, Ariadne.... and argued for which one is more "holy and virtue". The sharp contrast is very convincing to people who would like to listen to his argument. Also in chapter 44 "Not nullified by prophecy", Justin compared Plato's teaching with that of Moses to explain.
2011年4月28日星期四
Eusebius Book X
Eusebius' final pages are among the most optimistic in all of historical literature. Why is Eusebius so positive and so hopeful about the future? In particular, why is he so positive about Constantine? What is Constantine doing that makes Eusebius feel that the Roman world is exactly on the right track? Do you feel Eusebius is missing anything here?
Eusebius himself didn't live in an age of peace. After years witness of the torture and horror, it's reasonable for him to rejoice seeing somebody put an end to all these sufferings and thus the identity as a Christian would be eventurally affirmed.There are plenty good reasons for him to hope for the future.
Constantine firstly abandoned the practice of persecuting Christians, which assure the Christians of the "flawless ceremonies"(Book 10:3) and also show them grace from God. The emperors "further confirmed God's blessings to us through a succession of decree in favor of the Christians".(Book 10:2) Secondly, he offered physical support for Christians. "Bishops received many personal letters, honors, and gifts of money from the emperor."(Book 10:2) The execution of Edict of Milan has ensured Christians' rights and has marked the turning point of Christianity in Roman history. All these make Eusebius feel that Roman world is on the right track.
However, just reading the last book of Eusebius's, it makes me feel that the history book has fallen out of its genre---prayers and hymns fill up this book and even one addressing a single bishop. As the comment reads, "what follows is not history but panegyric, a literary form no longer used, though it was popular in the ancient world at this time."(Book 10:3) It's actually really subjective as a history book although it reads interesting and I can still feel his passion.
However Eusebius seems too positive that he missed something important ----the identity of Constantine and the stability and prosperity of the nation. Personally I am not sure a man with such a power can be as spiritual as Eusebius has describe, but as least it's kind of overtuned.This emperor is fulled described as a man of God in Eusebius's context. The address of Constantine in his book reveals Eusebius' biased attitude towards this historical figure. Book 10:8 "all gracious emperor that he was." "God became Constantine's friend, Protector and Guardian"; Constantine---"the godly objects", the mighty victor (Book10:9) Maier ends up this book with an interesting comment on that, which can explain Eusebius' writing to a certain extent.
Eusebius himself didn't live in an age of peace. After years witness of the torture and horror, it's reasonable for him to rejoice seeing somebody put an end to all these sufferings and thus the identity as a Christian would be eventurally affirmed.There are plenty good reasons for him to hope for the future.
Constantine firstly abandoned the practice of persecuting Christians, which assure the Christians of the "flawless ceremonies"(Book 10:3) and also show them grace from God. The emperors "further confirmed God's blessings to us through a succession of decree in favor of the Christians".(Book 10:2) Secondly, he offered physical support for Christians. "Bishops received many personal letters, honors, and gifts of money from the emperor."(Book 10:2) The execution of Edict of Milan has ensured Christians' rights and has marked the turning point of Christianity in Roman history. All these make Eusebius feel that Roman world is on the right track.
However, just reading the last book of Eusebius's, it makes me feel that the history book has fallen out of its genre---prayers and hymns fill up this book and even one addressing a single bishop. As the comment reads, "what follows is not history but panegyric, a literary form no longer used, though it was popular in the ancient world at this time."(Book 10:3) It's actually really subjective as a history book although it reads interesting and I can still feel his passion.
However Eusebius seems too positive that he missed something important ----the identity of Constantine and the stability and prosperity of the nation. Personally I am not sure a man with such a power can be as spiritual as Eusebius has describe, but as least it's kind of overtuned.This emperor is fulled described as a man of God in Eusebius's context. The address of Constantine in his book reveals Eusebius' biased attitude towards this historical figure. Book 10:8 "all gracious emperor that he was." "God became Constantine's friend, Protector and Guardian"; Constantine---"the godly objects", the mighty victor (Book10:9) Maier ends up this book with an interesting comment on that, which can explain Eusebius' writing to a certain extent.
2011年4月27日星期三
David Lanz
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2011年4月18日星期一
（FWD）笔译常用词汇（艺术<汉译英>）
恶搞 parody joke
浮云 fleeting cloud
房奴 mortgage slave
秒杀 seckill
法人 legal person
地王 top bidder
蜗居 snail dwelling; snail house
雷人 shocking; weird; wacky
给力 gelivable; thrilling; cool
山寨 copycat; Shanzhai; knock-off
桌游 board role-playing games
裸婚 simplistic marriage; bare-handed marriage
伪娘 drag queen
蚁族 city ants; antizen
零帕族 stress-free type; stress-proof type
考碗族 gold-rice-bowl seeker
代排族 hired queuer
隐婚族 pseudo-singles
富二代 the second-generation rich; silver-spoon kids
橡皮人 the jaded (indifferent to the world)
脑残体（火星文） leetspeak
潜规则 unspoken rule
地沟油 hogwash oil; recycled cooking oil
农家乐 rural inn; farm stay; agritainment
点钞费 (coin-)counting fee
国民性 national character
被就业 to be said/be declared/be alleged to have found jobs
打酱油 See no evil, hear no evil; none of my business; I am just passing by; no comment
转型跳槽 career shifting
两餐半人 meal skipper
换草运动 swap date
胶囊公寓 capsule apartment
游街示众 shame parade; public shaming
高雅艺术 high art
酒后代驾 designated driver; DD
阶梯计价 differential pricing; tiered pricing
小产权房 house/apartment with limited/incomplete property rights
教育公平 equal access to education
人文交流 cultural and people-to-people exchange
忧患意识 adversity consciousness
社会底层 low social strata
第一桶金 first pot of gold
民心工程 projects in the public interest; pro-people projects
错时上下班 staggered office hours
住房空置率 (housing) vacancy rate
新生代农民工 new generation of migrant workers
火车票实名制 real name ticket booking system
团购/团购优惠券 group-buying; team-buying/groupon; group coupon
笑点、泪点、痛点 bursting point
大型实景歌舞演出 real-scene musical extravaganza; musical extravaganza on the site
法人代表/法定代表人 legal representative
反三俗（低俗、庸俗和媚俗）fight against three forms of vulgarity
量化货币（定量宽松货币政策）quantitative easing monetary policy
三网融合（电讯、电话、互联三网）three network convergence; TCI convergence
2011年4月14日星期四
On Persecution of early Christians
After reading these two book, I think about the metaphor of the frog put into water----The frog in the lukewarm water is easier to die than the one thrown into hot water. The one thrown into hot water will jump out at once. This metaphor may be not that proper but at least has some connection.
The maytyrdom of Chrisitans and the reaction of crowds depicted by Eusebius has shown some of the reasons of Christians' perseverance in face of persecution.
For example, Book4: 14 (P147) At his glorious death, the whole crowd was so amazed at the bravery of the God-loving martyr and at the courage of Christians in general...
Christians under persecutions are in face of severe situation where their faith will burst out into power or be burnt to ashes. Like Peter mentioned:
The Christian maytrys are the ones to be praised and are assured of the favor of God. Is there any great blessing than the favor of God? So, the persecution is a test. Like Jesus who died for our sins on cross, we, the persecuted, are just being put to test in front of God and are just "participating in Lord's suffering" now. May the will of God be fulfilled. This is what they want to say, I think.
The maytyrdom of Chrisitans and the reaction of crowds depicted by Eusebius has shown some of the reasons of Christians' perseverance in face of persecution.
For example, Book4: 14 (P147) At his glorious death, the whole crowd was so amazed at the bravery of the God-loving martyr and at the courage of Christians in general...
Christians under persecutions are in face of severe situation where their faith will burst out into power or be burnt to ashes. Like Peter mentioned:
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.(1 Peter 1:5-6)
But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.(1 Peter 2:20)
The Christian maytrys are the ones to be praised and are assured of the favor of God. Is there any great blessing than the favor of God? So, the persecution is a test. Like Jesus who died for our sins on cross, we, the persecuted, are just being put to test in front of God and are just "participating in Lord's suffering" now. May the will of God be fulfilled. This is what they want to say, I think.
2011年4月11日星期一
My day, My week, My Year
How many days, how many weeks are there in my year here in the States, I didn't count.
"It is a far, far better thing that I do than I have ever done; it is a far, far better way that I go to than I have ever known."
This is the longest winter I've ever had in my life - from last November till March. This is also the longest spring I've I'd in my life - from last August I stepped on this amazing land till now while I am standing here.
The sun comes out after a brief drizzle. Birds whistles joyfully which announce the late coming of spring in Aberdeen. Every morning is a blessing and every season is spring.
The sunshine is warm, the same now as a year ago when I first came with two suitcases from that faraway land.
During my winter trip to Florida,He asked me: what
"I don't know." "Then what is ""I'm sorry I really don't know."
I didn't see so many stars at a time. That's not because stars do not exist but it's just simply covered.
What can you bring to that school as an ambassador of China? What can you bring back?
I still remember the question raised by the interviewer and the answer might have determined whether I was able to come to Northern or not.
It's awe-inspiring.
I am not here next year when you think of me if u will ever think of me. So
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad
And it will never be too late to counsel and pray. For I take my God with me and I leave my God to thee.
4/11/2011
Something I want to write by that time but stays incomplete, just leave it there, with time:
but I will remember how my pastor sacrificed her own to love us
I will forget how .......not now, but at least someday.
That year the war of ....broke out ...
But I will remember how
5/13/2022
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