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d friend of mine was sharing a copy of “Teologi Kucing dan Anjing” by Bob Sjogren and Gerald Robison, a few days ago. This book is quite provoking on questioning religious practices nowadays.
At first, the idea of using dogs and cats as analogy of human—God relationships is witty but clever.
Dogs say to their masters, “You feed me, you pet me, you shelter me, you love me…You must be God!”
Cats say almost the same thing, “You feed me, you pet me, you shelter me, you love me…I must be God!”
In many ways this joke characterizes practical theology today (I believe it’s applicable with most religions). While cats do not explicitly state that they are God, they do say that life is all about them. God exists to make their lives safe, soft, easy, and comfortable. In Christian context, cats think: “Jesus left the Father’s glory for me. He suffered for me. He died for me. He’s gone back to heaven to build a mansion for me. He’s up there interceding for me. And He’s coming back for me. I wonder who He lives for? Yes, He must live for me! And if I’m going to obey. In that case, when everyone living for themselves (centered on themselves), the author define this as MEOLOGY. Their prayers have a lot of “Me”, “My” and “I”. Their worship songs have a lot of “Me” “My” and “I”. Their problems take first priority in their prayer lives. They are basically using God to advance their kingdom. Cats want to get from cradle to grave in the safest, softest, easiest, most comfortable way possible. Again, they want the blessings more than they want God.
Dogs are different because they know one key thing about life: “For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created BY HIM and FOR HIM” All of life is for God! Therefore dogs always think “I exist to serve You”.
Using the differences between cats and dogs in a light-handed manner, the authors challenge this thinking in deep and profound ways. This life-changing book will provide a new perspective and vision for God as we delight in the God who delights in us.
So, what are you?
