Stuart Murray-Williams cont...
I realised that I had so much to write on tithing that I didn't mention anything else to do with his talks...I thought they were great, although aimed at a more traditional audience. Although he confessed that he didn't know the Vineyard all that well, I had hoped that he would provide a certain insight into where we as a movement had come from. That doesn't however mean that the christendom factors weren't relevant to us.
I would have loved to hear his thoughts on sex, for example - particularly when Jay had mentioned spending most of his time trying to get (unmarried) people to stop having sex with each other! The explaination that most things in the new testament were not directly applicable, but that all are indirectly applicable was certainly helpful, but I would have liked him to expand on his ideas a little. Perhaps some 'scholars' would have a better idea of how to apply that concept to a fresh reading of scripture but I'm afraid I don't (please comment if you have any tips!)
War
His reference to war was certainly an eye opener. I'd been long prodding this issue with a number of people to whom I had spoken. Some had mentioned the 'Just War' theory. SMW gave some insight to this idea, how it is a product of Christendom, and related it to our current situation - what is a 'just war'?
1. War must be for a just Cause
2. War must be with good intention
3. There must be reasonable expectation of success
4. War must be waged by proper means
5. War must be the only possible way of removing evil
6. War must be declared and fought by a legitimate Authority.
He pointed out that the current US-UK-Iraq situation does not fit cleanly into this criteria. The circumstances are in fact closer to those of the ("more Biblical") concept of a crusade. This thinking is a breath of fresh air. I couldn't get my head around the idea of Jesus waging war in a physical, or political domain and so the just war idea had never sat comfortably. Now I know why.
If I think of anything else I shall blog on this topic further...until then "roll on death of Christendom!" I pray that it will be the quickest thing I ever learn and unlearn!
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
I've noticed recently that there are two parties in our community (don't worry it's nothing "essential") - those who like the word church and who apply it to everything (i.e. I do church in a cafe with my mate, on a boat, in a moat (reminds me of Father of the Bride!)) and those who feel that the term is no longer useful to us, that it's so full of misconceptions that we'd be better to drop it altogether.
There are two ways of looking at it:
1. Firstly to use anything other than church can cause confusion, for example trying to explain to someone that you're part of a 'missional community' might get a bit tiring.
2. On the other hand there is the argument that when you speak of "church" they have images of the lifeless, the boring...
Should we redefine the term, or use something different?
There are two ways of looking at it:
1. Firstly to use anything other than church can cause confusion, for example trying to explain to someone that you're part of a 'missional community' might get a bit tiring.
2. On the other hand there is the argument that when you speak of "church" they have images of the lifeless, the boring...
Should we redefine the term, or use something different?
NLC cont...
Jay Pathak
Jay spoke on Acts 1 on the second night. It was the most I've laughed in a long time. The idea of the apostles sat around a camp fire with Jesus asking him "are you going to take over Israel this week?" then him saying "no, I'll go away and you do it" and then being "taken up into the sky."
He painted a picture of the disciples, on hearing that they were going to be involved being like "hey we're the dudes" and then when Jesus floats off them being like "who asked that question anyways - you scared him off!" I had never noticed that they stood looking up (:10) until these guys in white robes came and asked them why.
His message was basically that if we don't really believe that Jesus can change peoples' lives, we won't be able to draw people into him. If we as leaders don't have our own stories of peoples' lives being changed, then those who follow us won't believe they can be changed.
I got some prayer and God was really breaking my heart, his spirit was all over me, it was awesome. I saw those I know who don't yet know Jesus and could feel the love that God feels for them.
On the Thursday he spoke again on Thessalonians 2. On the things that Paul lent into in order that those he ministered to could do the same:
1. He leans into Perseverence
2. He leans into Tenderness (7-9)
3. He leans into Holiness (10-12)
4. He leans into Evangelism (13-16)
People need to see the kinds of change we want to see in our church in us. He challenged us that if it's not our story, we shouldn't use it and that we should only use stories that are 4 months old or less!
Jay Pathak
Jay spoke on Acts 1 on the second night. It was the most I've laughed in a long time. The idea of the apostles sat around a camp fire with Jesus asking him "are you going to take over Israel this week?" then him saying "no, I'll go away and you do it" and then being "taken up into the sky."
He painted a picture of the disciples, on hearing that they were going to be involved being like "hey we're the dudes" and then when Jesus floats off them being like "who asked that question anyways - you scared him off!" I had never noticed that they stood looking up (:10) until these guys in white robes came and asked them why.
His message was basically that if we don't really believe that Jesus can change peoples' lives, we won't be able to draw people into him. If we as leaders don't have our own stories of peoples' lives being changed, then those who follow us won't believe they can be changed.
I got some prayer and God was really breaking my heart, his spirit was all over me, it was awesome. I saw those I know who don't yet know Jesus and could feel the love that God feels for them.
On the Thursday he spoke again on Thessalonians 2. On the things that Paul lent into in order that those he ministered to could do the same:
1. He leans into Perseverence
2. He leans into Tenderness (7-9)
3. He leans into Holiness (10-12)
4. He leans into Evangelism (13-16)
People need to see the kinds of change we want to see in our church in us. He challenged us that if it's not our story, we shouldn't use it and that we should only use stories that are 4 months old or less!
Vineyard National Leaders' Conference (UK) 2003
I had a great week. It was great to hook up with some peeps in similar circumstances. I really met with God and was challenged on loads of things...
Stuart Murray Williams
Stuart talked on the "death of Christendom" which was interesting. He asked what this death means to those who are doing church here and now. It was very interesting, if mildly pessimistic. I didn't really feel that I had experienced a lot of what he talked about. I've never, ever contemplated Church being at the centre of society, having always been surrounded by those who don't know about Jesus.
His thesis on tithing is that we have lifted it from the Old Testament out of context. Originally it appeared at the time of Jubilee and was just one of the things that people gave away (out of 40%). He argued that when Constantine introduced tithing as a kind of 'tax', giving in the Church became about "charity" rather than redistribution of resources. His argument ran that we should 'call off' tithing for 6 months and then re-examine the Biblical references and see what we come up with. It's oppressive to those living in poverty and allows the wealthy to give little.
I spoke to a number of people with different reactions to the whole thing. Some were horrified with what he said, perhaps seeing it as a threat to their 'full time ministry,' while others were saying that they agreed with everything he said. I heard examples in the first group who said that people in their church had read SMW's book and had stopped giving altogether saying "we are actually supposed to be giving far more" and yet are not giving anything.
I'm somewhere in the middle, though undecided. I don't think that just dropping tithing would help us all that much...in fact I don't think we ever really took it up in any formal way. We've never expressed it in an oppressive manner and have always spoken about "giving" rather than "tithing." The key issue seems to be "are we making followers of Jesus" or just "Christians"?
If, by cancelling tithing, someone reacts "now I have more money for me," the problem clearly isn't that they are oppressed by tithing, but that they are so self-absorbed that they do not automatically try and give as much as they can. In a church full of disciples, the cancelling of tithing could only really lead to more giving (if there was any change at all) as the people who were once ‘confined’ by tithing are released to discover for themselves how much they should give.
I suppose my argument is that SMW's self-confessed bee in his bonnet is about a secondary issue. The question is not “is tithing wrong?” but “are we communities of disciples” or just religious theatre goers? If we are just theatre goers, why not pay a tenth of our incomes to sit back and enjoy the show!
Finally, for those who struggle with issues of generosity with finances, giving the first ten percent of their income can be a kind of spiritual discipline (i.e. learning to give) and can help a great deal with budgeting.
I had a great week. It was great to hook up with some peeps in similar circumstances. I really met with God and was challenged on loads of things...
Stuart Murray Williams
Stuart talked on the "death of Christendom" which was interesting. He asked what this death means to those who are doing church here and now. It was very interesting, if mildly pessimistic. I didn't really feel that I had experienced a lot of what he talked about. I've never, ever contemplated Church being at the centre of society, having always been surrounded by those who don't know about Jesus.
His thesis on tithing is that we have lifted it from the Old Testament out of context. Originally it appeared at the time of Jubilee and was just one of the things that people gave away (out of 40%). He argued that when Constantine introduced tithing as a kind of 'tax', giving in the Church became about "charity" rather than redistribution of resources. His argument ran that we should 'call off' tithing for 6 months and then re-examine the Biblical references and see what we come up with. It's oppressive to those living in poverty and allows the wealthy to give little.
I spoke to a number of people with different reactions to the whole thing. Some were horrified with what he said, perhaps seeing it as a threat to their 'full time ministry,' while others were saying that they agreed with everything he said. I heard examples in the first group who said that people in their church had read SMW's book and had stopped giving altogether saying "we are actually supposed to be giving far more" and yet are not giving anything.
I'm somewhere in the middle, though undecided. I don't think that just dropping tithing would help us all that much...in fact I don't think we ever really took it up in any formal way. We've never expressed it in an oppressive manner and have always spoken about "giving" rather than "tithing." The key issue seems to be "are we making followers of Jesus" or just "Christians"?
If, by cancelling tithing, someone reacts "now I have more money for me," the problem clearly isn't that they are oppressed by tithing, but that they are so self-absorbed that they do not automatically try and give as much as they can. In a church full of disciples, the cancelling of tithing could only really lead to more giving (if there was any change at all) as the people who were once ‘confined’ by tithing are released to discover for themselves how much they should give.
I suppose my argument is that SMW's self-confessed bee in his bonnet is about a secondary issue. The question is not “is tithing wrong?” but “are we communities of disciples” or just religious theatre goers? If we are just theatre goers, why not pay a tenth of our incomes to sit back and enjoy the show!
Finally, for those who struggle with issues of generosity with finances, giving the first ten percent of their income can be a kind of spiritual discipline (i.e. learning to give) and can help a great deal with budgeting.
I'm back blogging! I've been around since Friday but really haven't had the chance to sit down for long enough and process my thoughts. On Saturday I went to Viv's party after work which was cool. Happy Birthday for tomorrow Viv! It was cool to chill out and listen to some professional musicians sing Jazz and stuff. We then got roped in to doing a song - we actually rewrote the words to "Breakfast at Tiffanies" by Deep Blue Something in order that they were appropriate to Viv (cardboard table, scones etc.)
It was quite embarassing actually, I think PJ was the wiser for not joining in. I then crooned my way few Iris by the googoo dolls (once I remembered the words) and exited the stage (but not after singing a few bars of the "la" song). Sorry to those of you who were there...
On Sunday night Kirsten and I went to see Jackass the movie. I was surprised that I didn't laugh as much as I used to at it. My theory is that the bigger their budget, the less entertaining they are. It's the same thing that happened to Ali G. He was hilarious on the 11o'clock show, but by the time he got his own show it all started to go downhill. Perhaps people flourish in obscurity?
It was quite embarassing actually, I think PJ was the wiser for not joining in. I then crooned my way few Iris by the googoo dolls (once I remembered the words) and exited the stage (but not after singing a few bars of the "la" song). Sorry to those of you who were there...
On Sunday night Kirsten and I went to see Jackass the movie. I was surprised that I didn't laugh as much as I used to at it. My theory is that the bigger their budget, the less entertaining they are. It's the same thing that happened to Ali G. He was hilarious on the 11o'clock show, but by the time he got his own show it all started to go downhill. Perhaps people flourish in obscurity?
Monday, March 03, 2003
Sunday, March 02, 2003
I was introduced to being seriously misunderstood last night as I explained the way our church works. I think the biggest mistake was that I was sat in his church building telling him how we'll be unlikely to get tied to a building at any time in the future - we'd rather free our money up for the poor etc. Anyhow I think he interpretted what I said as an attack on the way he was used to doing things, rather than explaining how exciting it is that we get to do church in a different way.
In fact what I said was more of a reaction to his statement "so you're just starting out...I'm sure you'll grow and be able to afford a building at some point" as he named a number of other events based churches which grew and then bought a building (as any other respectable church would!) I suppose I was just taken aback - I'd read about such misunderstandings, but had never really experienced it.
In fact what I said was more of a reaction to his statement "so you're just starting out...I'm sure you'll grow and be able to afford a building at some point" as he named a number of other events based churches which grew and then bought a building (as any other respectable church would!) I suppose I was just taken aback - I'd read about such misunderstandings, but had never really experienced it.
Saturday, March 01, 2003
I just road home from work (M-Store) only to get completely soaked to the skin. I guess it's only to be expected in the British climate. It must be like some kind of social contract, Rousseau stylee - where at birth you contract to be soaked for the majority of your life...ok now I'm just rambling. I'm dry now anyhow and may even return with some serious thoughts in a bit...
Friday, February 28, 2003
I was sat in a lecture on postmodernism of all things. Foucalt was the subject and his ideas about Madness and how in the modern world we confine the mad to institutions. He referred back to a time when the insane were part of society and were respected and sometimes seen as gates of knowledge. Now we lock them away in 'more humane' conditions where they can't bother us.
I started to wonder what Jesus' approach to these people would be...I realised that some of the behaviour described in the scriptures (e.g. a man cutting himself with stones) is exactly the kind of thing we lock people up for. But Jesus didn't lock them up, he cast out their demons, he set them free.
In the modern world where we don't see madmen (apart from news forecasts about leaders of various seperatist groups (e.g. America! hee hee)) there's less of a call for those following Jesus to set people free - "the state handles that problem" is a phrase you might hear. So from there I began wondering if we should make time to visit those considered insane in those institutions to which our society confines them with the hope dishing out some Jesus-love? Who knows, we may even learn to cast out demons!
I started to wonder what Jesus' approach to these people would be...I realised that some of the behaviour described in the scriptures (e.g. a man cutting himself with stones) is exactly the kind of thing we lock people up for. But Jesus didn't lock them up, he cast out their demons, he set them free.
In the modern world where we don't see madmen (apart from news forecasts about leaders of various seperatist groups (e.g. America! hee hee)) there's less of a call for those following Jesus to set people free - "the state handles that problem" is a phrase you might hear. So from there I began wondering if we should make time to visit those considered insane in those institutions to which our society confines them with the hope dishing out some Jesus-love? Who knows, we may even learn to cast out demons!
It's funny how things happen. Tonight we had Elizabeth from the homeless project around to talk to our housechurch. We had a lovely time, she shared her story and then a bit about her vision and I really felt God saying how proud he is of her simple obedience. Anyhow she was saying "you have a lovely group here" and I suppose it really reminded me of the fact that God has changed us from being a random assortment of individuals to being a community that has actually started loving one another. Even though we go through stuff we know we're together...and now I'm rambling - it's late, I should sleep.
Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Links...
Blogs
Andreas Andersson
Angela Anstey
Barbara Harrison
Ben Cook
Beth Keck
Biz Stone
Bristol Vineyard
Carla Morgan
Chris Evans
Claire Lewis-Norman
Daniel Fritzon
Dave Henson
Elinor Dixon
Emelie Reimers
Eric Keck
Freelance Theology
Ian Wootten
Jason Evans
Keith Warrington
Kevin Rains
Lewis and Maria Parfitt
Lisa Whiteman
Mark Churchill
Mark Evans
Mark Garbers
Matt Turrigiano
Neil Morgan
Nic Hope
Reuben Whitehouse
Roger Harrison
Sarah Hine
Sharon Phipps
Sofia Carlbert
Tom Hope
Viv Nicholls
Photo Blogs
Daily Dose of Imagery
Emma Nordeborn
Mark Churchill
Mark Evans
Sofia Carlbert
Stina Carlbert
Stina Nordeborn
Artists
Beastie Boys
Ben Folds
Ben Harper
Coldplay
Counting Crows
Dashboard Confessional
Dave Matthews Band
Ani Difranco
Foo Fighters
Fugazi
The Getup Kids
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Incubus
Jack Johnson
The Mars Volta
Pedro The Lion
The Postal Service
Queens of the Stoneage
Rage Against The Machine
Reggie and the full effect
Thrice
Tool
The Weakerthans
Sites I designed
Human Technology
Business Intelegant
Skapa
Sofia Carlbert
Via
Malmö Vineyard
Keith Warrington
Misc.
Dallas Willard
Heart of Worship
Make Trade Fair
Soul Survivor
Relevant Magazine
Blogs
Andreas Andersson
Angela Anstey
Barbara Harrison
Ben Cook
Beth Keck
Biz Stone
Bristol Vineyard
Carla Morgan
Chris Evans
Claire Lewis-Norman
Daniel Fritzon
Dave Henson
Elinor Dixon
Emelie Reimers
Eric Keck
Freelance Theology
Ian Wootten
Jason Evans
Keith Warrington
Kevin Rains
Lewis and Maria Parfitt
Lisa Whiteman
Mark Churchill
Mark Evans
Mark Garbers
Matt Turrigiano
Neil Morgan
Nic Hope
Reuben Whitehouse
Roger Harrison
Sarah Hine
Sharon Phipps
Sofia Carlbert
Tom Hope
Viv Nicholls
Photo Blogs
Daily Dose of Imagery
Emma Nordeborn
Mark Churchill
Mark Evans
Sofia Carlbert
Stina Carlbert
Stina Nordeborn
Artists
Beastie Boys
Ben Folds
Ben Harper
Coldplay
Counting Crows
Dashboard Confessional
Dave Matthews Band
Ani Difranco
Foo Fighters
Fugazi
The Getup Kids
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Incubus
Jack Johnson
The Mars Volta
Pedro The Lion
The Postal Service
Queens of the Stoneage
Rage Against The Machine
Reggie and the full effect
Thrice
Tool
The Weakerthans
Sites I designed
Human Technology
Business Intelegant
Skapa
Sofia Carlbert
Via
Malmö Vineyard
Keith Warrington
Misc.
Dallas Willard
Heart of Worship
Make Trade Fair
Soul Survivor
Relevant Magazine
Tuesday, February 25, 2003
I've had a few days out from blogging. Have been chilling with some friends, watching movies, figuring out some new webdesign packages - wondering if we should make our own, softcore version of Jackass. You know the kind of stuff - going down the stairs on your butt - a kind of ironic take on the whole idea: where jackass involves danger ours won't and yet we'll get just as excited about it.
I think PJ will one day realise his desire to dangle Oscar, our Yorkshire Terrier with "little guy" syndrome, from his fingers. Just you wait...
I've had to face a few things - firstly I went against my feelings and shared with the guys that I was feeling lonely at the moment. I knew this was right because if I can't share how I really feel, why should I expect anyone else in the group that I'm leading to bare their souls? Anyhow I did it and while I felt stupid, it's made me realise how important it is to be yourself as a leader.
I had these preconceptions of the leader as this lone wolf. As this guy who ensures his people get fed and yet has to look else where to grow himself. I've changed my mind on that one. If we're a family we're all responsible for one another and each can build up all. No more lone wolf for me!
I think PJ will one day realise his desire to dangle Oscar, our Yorkshire Terrier with "little guy" syndrome, from his fingers. Just you wait...
I've had to face a few things - firstly I went against my feelings and shared with the guys that I was feeling lonely at the moment. I knew this was right because if I can't share how I really feel, why should I expect anyone else in the group that I'm leading to bare their souls? Anyhow I did it and while I felt stupid, it's made me realise how important it is to be yourself as a leader.
I had these preconceptions of the leader as this lone wolf. As this guy who ensures his people get fed and yet has to look else where to grow himself. I've changed my mind on that one. If we're a family we're all responsible for one another and each can build up all. No more lone wolf for me!
Saturday, February 22, 2003
About Me
Name: Jonathan Joel Morgan
Date of Birth: 19th December 1982
Height: 5’11½
Dietary requirements: Vegetarian
Myers Briggs type: ENFJ
Favourite things:
Taking photographs. A good book. Moral philosophy. Mountain biking. Fair trade. The Kingdom of God. Music. Friends. Candles. Good food. A nice, full-bodied acoustic guitar with a natural finish and Martin SP strings. Good coffee.
Up to…
Having completed my Law and Politics degree and an internship at Bristol Vineyard I'm living in Malmö, Sweden, designing websites and figuring out what it means to follow Jesus. In January I move to South Africa to learn some more about community development and serving the world poor. If you're interested in what becomes of me, keep an eye on this blog...
Films (in no particular order)
1. Fight Club
2. Lost in Translation
3. Kill Bill (I and II)
4. Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind
5. Crash
6. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
7. Garden State
8. Good Will Hunting
9. American Beauty
10. North by Northwest
Albums (in no particular order)
1. Rage Against the Machine – Self Titled
2. Tool – Aenima
3. The Postal Service – Give Up
4. Beastie Boys – Ill Communication
5. Ryan Adams – 29
6. Counting Crows – Recovering the Satellites
7. Fugazi – The Argument
8. Radiohead – Kid A
9. Queens of the Stoneage – Songs for the Deaf
10. Ben Folds Five – Whatever and Amen
11. The Getup Kids – Something to Write Home About
12. Foo Fighters – Self Titled
13. Ben Harper - Welcome to the Cruel World
14. The Dismemberment Plan - Change
Books (in no particular order)
1. Richard Foster – Celebration of Discipline
2. Dallas Willard – The Divine Conspiracy
3. Nick Hornby – About a Boy
4. Harper Lee – To Kill a Mockingbird
5. Carol Wimber – The Way It Was
6. George Eldon Ladd – The Gospel of the Kingdom
7. Henri Nouwen – The Way of The Heart
8. NT Wright – The Challenge of Jesus
9. Michel Foucault – Discipline and Punish
10. Douglas Coupland - Hey Nostradamus
Date of Birth: 19th December 1982
Height: 5’11½
Dietary requirements: Vegetarian
Myers Briggs type: ENFJ
Favourite things:
Taking photographs. A good book. Moral philosophy. Mountain biking. Fair trade. The Kingdom of God. Music. Friends. Candles. Good food. A nice, full-bodied acoustic guitar with a natural finish and Martin SP strings. Good coffee.
Up to…
Having completed my Law and Politics degree and an internship at Bristol Vineyard I'm living in Malmö, Sweden, designing websites and figuring out what it means to follow Jesus. In January I move to South Africa to learn some more about community development and serving the world poor. If you're interested in what becomes of me, keep an eye on this blog...
Films (in no particular order)
1. Fight Club
2. Lost in Translation
3. Kill Bill (I and II)
4. Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind
5. Crash
6. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
7. Garden State
8. Good Will Hunting
9. American Beauty
10. North by Northwest
Albums (in no particular order)
1. Rage Against the Machine – Self Titled
2. Tool – Aenima
3. The Postal Service – Give Up
4. Beastie Boys – Ill Communication
5. Ryan Adams – 29
6. Counting Crows – Recovering the Satellites
7. Fugazi – The Argument
8. Radiohead – Kid A
9. Queens of the Stoneage – Songs for the Deaf
10. Ben Folds Five – Whatever and Amen
11. The Getup Kids – Something to Write Home About
12. Foo Fighters – Self Titled
13. Ben Harper - Welcome to the Cruel World
14. The Dismemberment Plan - Change
Books (in no particular order)
1. Richard Foster – Celebration of Discipline
2. Dallas Willard – The Divine Conspiracy
3. Nick Hornby – About a Boy
4. Harper Lee – To Kill a Mockingbird
5. Carol Wimber – The Way It Was
6. George Eldon Ladd – The Gospel of the Kingdom
7. Henri Nouwen – The Way of The Heart
8. NT Wright – The Challenge of Jesus
9. Michel Foucault – Discipline and Punish
10. Douglas Coupland - Hey Nostradamus
Friday, February 21, 2003
Thursday, February 20, 2003
beginning of Luke (3ish)
I noticed something this morning that, while I've read it many times before, struck me in a way that it hasn't before...anyhow it was where John says "you can't just get baptised because it's the 'thing' to do" and they say "well, what should we do then?" and he says "if you've got two coats give one away, do the same with food, if you're a tax collector don't rip people off and if you're a soldier don't bully people - be content with what you get" (my paraphrase).
John was saying that there is a 'new world order' (reminds me of the lyrics of a rap song) which will change your life where you're at. Become a new person. Today I'm asking God what that means for me - how can I be me and at the same time let His new, fair, contented life take centre stage?
{Jesus change me as I take these steps that I become the person you intend me to be}
I noticed something this morning that, while I've read it many times before, struck me in a way that it hasn't before...anyhow it was where John says "you can't just get baptised because it's the 'thing' to do" and they say "well, what should we do then?" and he says "if you've got two coats give one away, do the same with food, if you're a tax collector don't rip people off and if you're a soldier don't bully people - be content with what you get" (my paraphrase).
John was saying that there is a 'new world order' (reminds me of the lyrics of a rap song) which will change your life where you're at. Become a new person. Today I'm asking God what that means for me - how can I be me and at the same time let His new, fair, contented life take centre stage?
{Jesus change me as I take these steps that I become the person you intend me to be}
Monday, February 17, 2003
Today I've been reading some Hayek. Talk of Laissez Faire economies and the state taking a less interventionist approach. The question came into my mind: "would the church be more effective in an environment where the government weren't expected to provide everything?" I hear so many people say "the homeless are the state's responsibility..." etc. I can't find a reference for that anywhere in my Bibe'. Do we spend so much time thinking about politics that we fail to take an active role in real life?
I had a hard few days early last week - I was turning questions over and over in my mind and wasn't coming across people to whom I could ask such questions...so I posted this blog and made the resolution that if I start getting like that again I will pray first, remember to ask someone and then leave it with them. You know sometimes I feel daunted arriving on the site of a 'post modern' blog wondering if what I'm going to say will be something that they've discussed long in advance. I guess my initial introduction to the dreaded P word has been through being a 20 year old. Then I chat with 50 year olds who are grappling with it on a far more intellectual level and I worry that I can't help them because I haven't had all the years to read all the books...
I had a hard few days early last week - I was turning questions over and over in my mind and wasn't coming across people to whom I could ask such questions...so I posted this blog and made the resolution that if I start getting like that again I will pray first, remember to ask someone and then leave it with them. You know sometimes I feel daunted arriving on the site of a 'post modern' blog wondering if what I'm going to say will be something that they've discussed long in advance. I guess my initial introduction to the dreaded P word has been through being a 20 year old. Then I chat with 50 year olds who are grappling with it on a far more intellectual level and I worry that I can't help them because I haven't had all the years to read all the books...
Sunday, February 16, 2003
Back to about a boy - I love the story of acceptance, of taking someone into your community not because they are nice, but because they need you. I mean how often in the real world would someone who had pretended he had a son to fit in with and pull single mums actually end up accepted into their community? It's interesting how he changed from being a user to being a giver in the context of healthy, loving relationships.
In fact when he became a giver, rather than just a taker, he was able to gain the very thing that he couldn't have before (in this context a relationship with 'Rachel').
In fact when he became a giver, rather than just a taker, he was able to gain the very thing that he couldn't have before (in this context a relationship with 'Rachel').
I just watched About A Boy...It's an interesting challenge to the individualist ideal and a cool pro-community movie.
We had our open house last night which went really well. It's good to chill out (and jam!) with friends. As I was doing the dishes earlier I was inspired with the thought that although we've talked about planting up into the valleys God may be bringing us into relationship with people who will one day to that very thing.
Goodnight*
We had our open house last night which went really well. It's good to chill out (and jam!) with friends. As I was doing the dishes earlier I was inspired with the thought that although we've talked about planting up into the valleys God may be bringing us into relationship with people who will one day to that very thing.
Goodnight*
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