Thursday, August 27, 2009

Kartika in Malaysia



Now one of the world’s top ten most read topics on the internet is Kartika’s punishment for drinking beer in Malaysia. The Prime Minister realising the international impact this could have requested that Kartika appeal the judgment.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090824/ts_nm/us_malaysia_caning
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/36077-kartikas-legacy-to-malaysia

Quite a number thought Kartika’s refusal to appeal was about exhibitionism and wanting to make a statement. According to Nadia Jalil, “I think it’s one of the many examples in which Islam has been distorted and appropriated for selected interests in this country. I also think it’s the muftis-that-be in this case, who lack compassion and intellectual discernment (as always).”
Hazman B quipped, “I just think the back-n-forth decision-making process has made a mockery of Islam — laws are laws and it should be followed

When ones piety depends on the keeping of a set of religious laws, like in this case the Syariah laws it is so disheartening that there is so much uncertainty about the judgment and the punishment for that offense. In this case it is obvious that Kartika as a good muslim wants to be vindicated and as such is willing to be punished for her sin under Islam. Mr. Hazman, a reader is correct..."laws are laws and it should be followed."

However such is the nature of the law or any law, even the 10 commandments of Christianity. Someone has to adjudicate, to interpret and to pass judgment. Unfortunately the person who adjudicates is himself fallible. Often in religious law keeping there is a “self righteous” and over zealousness in keeping the law because his standard of piety becomes the benchmark for the guilty party. However we know even from our experience that there is no one who is righteous or clean completely. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

The law is not perfect but is necessary. It is necessary to tell us what is right and wrong. Where it hurts or affects my neighbor it becomes wrong. As such Isa AlMasih said when asked what is the greatest commandment; “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments".

The greatest motivation therefore in keeping the law is Love. Wait a minute but how do we love God when it is not in our nature. When we are all fallible and naturally tend to sin? We are able only to love God, because He first loved us. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent Isa Al Masih as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” “We love because He first loved us.” 1John 4

This is the motivation therefore to love God knowing in our hearts that God first loved us and still love us unconditionally by forgiving our sins and in fact took the punishment upon himself. By taking that punishment He fulfilled the requirements of the law on our behalf. We are vindicated and justified by His death.

Wait a minute does that mean I can go on sinning, now that Christ loves me unconditionally?

That’s for Prt 2..



4 comments:

Madeku367 said...

I wonder why a Buddhist happy to see another buddhist commits adultery?

If you keep commenting on my religion, I will do it to you.

You do not know anything about the case.

Kartika just want to get on with it.

Let her get it lah.

You racist soldier of hate!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
oakleyses said...

chanel handbags, tory burch outlet, longchamp outlet, longchamp outlet, longchamp outlet, oakley sunglasses wholesale, polo outlet, oakley sunglasses, tiffany and co, louboutin pas cher, nike air max, tiffany jewelry, christian louboutin uk, nike outlet, nike free run, kate spade outlet, jordan shoes, christian louboutin shoes, michael kors pas cher, nike air max, ugg boots, nike free, longchamp pas cher, air max, replica watches, uggs on sale, sac longchamp pas cher, christian louboutin outlet, louis vuitton outlet, polo ralph lauren, oakley sunglasses, jordan pas cher, polo ralph lauren outlet online, ray ban sunglasses, louis vuitton, burberry pas cher, prada outlet, louis vuitton outlet, cheap oakley sunglasses, ugg boots, nike roshe, ray ban sunglasses, christian louboutin, ray ban sunglasses, louis vuitton outlet, louis vuitton, prada handbags, gucci handbags, replica watches

oakleyses said...

ferragamo shoes, asics running shoes, giuseppe zanotti outlet, bottega veneta, lancel, timberland boots, chi flat iron, soccer jerseys, instyler, herve leger, insanity workout, nike huaraches, vans, hollister, nike air max, gucci, ray ban, oakley, lululemon, p90x workout, baseball bats, babyliss, hollister clothing, ghd hair, nike air max, mont blanc pens, valentino shoes, north face outlet, soccer shoes, ralph lauren, celine handbags, hollister, longchamp uk, nike roshe run, vans outlet, mcm handbags, abercrombie and fitch, nfl jerseys, jimmy choo outlet, wedding dresses, louboutin, beats by dre, new balance shoes, reebok outlet, north face outlet, hermes belt, converse outlet, nike trainers uk, mac cosmetics, iphone cases