Home昔日真理報2017年 真理報文章2017 年 8 月【事事關心】1517 年牽起對德國的關注

【事事關心】1517 年牽起對德國的關注

 

p20今年是馬丁路德 (Martin Luther)在威登堡(Wittenberg)一教堂大門釘上後來舉世知名 《95條論綱》的 500 週年,當年這事件引發了教會和歐洲歷史上劃時代的宗教改革運動 。他的《95條論綱》牽起了基督徒積極地爭取個人信仰表達權利的熱潮,有些歷史學家甚至認為他可以算是歐洲民主運動的先鋒,因為他帶領基督徒擺脫當時羅馬教廷操控整個歐洲大陸的局面,倡導後來更多教會領袖建立「獨立、自主」形式的教會體制,影響了後來避居瑞士日內瓦、原是法裔的約翰加爾文(Jean Calvin)﹐產生建基於「因信稱義」的「唯獨信心、唯獨聖經」的「反對派基督教」﹙Protestant Christianity)。

馬丁路德使德意志民族開始在世界歷史舞台上打造領袖級的角色,他和後世的政治家卑斯麥(Bismarck)、哲學家恩格斯(Friedrich Engels) 和馬克思 (Karl Marx,德籍猶太人) 都是十分顯赫,對後來世代影響極大的德國人,所以值得我們現今一同認識和留意現今德國的社會動態。

固然,現今居於德國的基督徒不再像 500 年前在社會上有那樣大的影響力:不再有勇氣「擇善固執」與世俗潮流抗衡,因為德國神學界早在 19 世紀初末已經趨向  "自由化",倡導 "新派神學",培養出來的傳道人大都喪失了以往「敬虔運動」時代的屬靈膽量和活力,以致 1950 年代開始,大部份德國教會已經只有美觀的教堂,屬靈氣息卻也迅速離開了當地的教會,普遍信徒只有外表的樣式卻虧欠了內在的屬靈氣質,肯接受門徒操練的可說是鳳毛麟角,結果是信徒人數直線下降 !

再者,基督徒在數量上失去影響社會的另外一個原因,是德國人普遍追求個人舒適的享受,寧願養貓狗也不肯生養兒女,忘記了上帝在《創世記》的「生養眾多」的要求,導致好像現今加拿大一樣的境況,須需要大量外來的移民來補充生產力,才可以維持國家的經濟,要硬推經濟蓬勃才有能力提供足夠的社會服務和福利。在德國,這樣的局面和趨勢早於 1970 年代已經顯現 !

德國人不願意生養兒女引致全國人口老化變成嚴重問題,其實是該國 2016 年大量收容從中東來的穆斯林 "難民" 之一個重要原因,也是基於配合本文上述的人口與經濟的考慮。這個論點可以從 2010 至 2015 年之間的統計死亡數字看到一點端倪。大約這 5 年間,德國人的死亡數字比較嬰兒出生的多了 140 萬!其實這「死亡比出生多」的趨勢不單是歐洲的境況,我們不可不知,加拿大也是同樣的情況 !

與加拿大同病相憐,德國需要大量外來的移民來維繫生產力,這是不爭的事實。根據她過往的公開言論,總理麥克爾 (Angela Merkel) 為人很有憐憫他人的心,筆者相信出於基督徒應有的憐恤 (她成長於父親是牧師的家庭) ,驅使她不怕收容接近 90 多萬從中東來的穆斯林,而非單純出於自己政治前途的計算,其政策也表達了她本身的人道觀念。

然而筆者認為,她接受這麼大量的、完全不懂德國文化的中東來的移民,勢將使德國社會更加分化,「排外」和「容外」兩方陣營的對壘愈加激烈,社會治安肯定越來越形成一個惡化的問題,族裔之間的關係使多數德國人對國家的前景不敢樂觀,若這些中東移民自己不願、也不引導他們的兒女要融入當地社會文化,不久將來這些移民和其下一代將會使當地政府和國民帶來很多棘手問題。從德國過往 50 多年的移民歷史裡,這是相當肯定可以預計到的。

固然,不少德國人民的擔憂也會直接影響到總理麥克爾於今年秋季 (9月27日)聯邦大選的支持力,雖然她的政黨「基督徒民主同盟」似乎仍然可以維持最大政黨地位,但極有可能她的政黨不能維持現有政府而一定要與另一政黨結盟去維持執政的資格。

明年德國還會看到經濟繼續穩步邁進、社會治安仍令人安心嗎?未來幾年的前景確實是令很多德國人不敢樂觀的。

期盼德國人能涯懸崖勒馬,在這時代認真反省,回歸敬畏上帝之路,緊抓基督恩典,從聖經中得到警惕,正如箴言28:5所說:"壞人不明白公義﹐惟有尋求耶和華的無不明白。"

 

      聖經金句 (Bible Verses)

喜樂 Joy

喜樂的心乃是良藥;憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。箴言 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

然而,我要因耶和華歡欣,因救我的 神喜樂。哈巴谷書 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

要常常喜樂,不住的禱告,凡事謝恩。帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

饒恕 Forgiveness

主啊,你本為良善,樂意饒恕人,有豐盛的慈愛賜給凡求告你的人。詩篇 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

你不要說:“我要以惡報惡”;要等候耶和華,他必拯救你。箴言 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 6:14

你們饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必饒恕你們的過犯;馬太福音 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

你們不饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必不饒恕你們的過犯。馬太福音 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15

你們各人若不從心裡饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。馬太福音 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

謙卑 Humility

敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨;尊榮以前,必有謙卑。箴言 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

敬畏耶和華心存謙卑,就得富有、尊榮、生命為賞賜。箴言 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

凡事不可結黨,不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀;只要存心謙卑,各人看別人比自己強。腓立比書 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

驕傲 Pride

驕傲來,羞恥也來;謙遜人卻有智慧。箴言 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

驕傲只啟爭競;聽勸言的,卻有智慧。箴言 13:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Proverbs 13:10

驕傲在敗壞以先;狂心在跌倒之前。箴言 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

忍耐 Patience

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

並且你們要為我的名,被眾人恨惡,惟有忍耐到底的,必然得救。馬可福音 13:13
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

不但如此,就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

我們行善,不可喪志;若不灰心,到了時候就要收成加拉太書 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

你們也當忍耐,堅固你們的心,因為主來的日子近了。雅各書 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

溫柔 Meekness

回答柔和,使怒消退;言語暴戾,觸動怒氣。箴言 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

溫柔的人有福了,因為他們必承受地土。馬太福音 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人;或者 神給他們悔改的心,可以明白真道。提摩太後書 2:25
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

只要以裡面存著長久溫柔、安靜的心為妝飾;這在 神面前是極寶貴的。彼得前書 3:4
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

嫉妒 Envy

不要為作惡的心懷不平,也不要向那行不義的生出嫉妒。詩篇 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1

心中安靜是肉體的生命;嫉妒是骨中的朽爛。箴言 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

在何處有嫉妒、紛爭,就在何處有擾亂和各樣的壞事。雅各書 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

生氣 Anger

當止住怒氣,離棄忿怒;不要心懷不平,以致作惡。詩篇 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

好生氣的人,不可與他結交;暴怒的人,不可與他來往。箴言 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered. Proverbs 22:24

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

生氣卻不要犯罪.不可含怒到日落。以弗所書 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

我親愛的弟兄們,這是你們所知道的,但你們各人要快快的聽,慢慢的說,慢慢的動怒,因為人的怒氣並不成就 神的義。雅各書 1:19,20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19,20

災難 Calamity

謹守口與舌的、就保守自己免受災難。箴言 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

民要攻打民、國要攻打國、多處必有地震、饑荒.這都是災難的起頭。馬可福音 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8

憂愁 Worry

你們不要憂愁、因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是你們的力量。尼希米記 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

主雖使人憂愁, 還要照他諸般的慈愛發憐憫。耶利米哀歌 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32

凡勞苦擔重擔的人,可以到我這裡來,我就使你們得安息。馬太福音 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

我留下平安給你們、我將我的平安賜給你們.我所賜的、不像世人所賜的.你們心裏不要憂愁、也不要膽怯。約翰福音 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶穌裡,保守你們的心懷意念。腓立比書 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

因此, 你們是大有喜樂, 但如今, 在百般的試煉中暫時憂愁。彼得前書 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

患難 Trouble, Suffering

義人多有苦難,但耶和華救他脫離這一切。詩篇 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

神是我們的避難所,是我們的力量,是我們在患難中隨時的幫助!詩篇 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

耶和華本為善,在患難的日子為人的保障,並且認得那些投靠他的人。那鴻書 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

為義受逼迫的人有福了,因為天國是他們的。馬太福音 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

不但如此,就是在患難中,也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

我想現在的苦楚,若比將來要顯於我們的榮耀,就不足介意了。羅馬書 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

因為你們蒙恩,不但得以信服基督,並要為他受苦。腓立比書 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

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