Another era

One of the things which I like about nursing is conversations with the elderly. There is often a nostalgic touch to their conversation. A converstaion of what was; and an utter confussion at the way progress is taking us.

A conversation which I stated was about the recent Grace Kelly exhibition held in Bendigo. The posters of her around the city reveal a beautiful glamorous woman. The person who I was talking too agreeded and then lamented that modern movie stars had often a shadey smutty look... I couldn't help thinking they were right.

It is also interesting when they talk about the Church. Another nostalgic notion for most.

When Sunday was the pinnacle of community life. Which now has dissappeared. It is a conversation which seems to be avoided in our Church. (In which we are the youngest appart from our children.) I wonder if there is an ache when they do not see there own children and grandchildren picking up the roles which nobody can fill; such as been on the Church council, setting up for the church market, the prayers roster, the cuppa roster etc etc. Watching it all continue I often feel is a worthless stoicism. I often feel guilty for not putting up my hand and jumping on board, yet I feel like to volunteer would just delay the inevitable; which is in some ways worse.

I'm happy to lament the decline the Church with those who sit in the pews. Yet the reason; well you can't sit in the past; you need to engage with what is going on around you. A conversation which is almost imposible for those who see the golden age as long past.

 

Vegetarianism

 

I've been an on and off vegetarian since I was married. My wife Christina is a vegetarian. There are a number of reasons that I've been 'on'.

• Watching the movie 'food inc' and the whole disconnection with nature and unnaturalness of the food industry put me off.
• The last years footage of the abattoirs in Indonesia was anther reason I was put off meat. I was disturbed by the look of fear in the animals eyes.
• I think there is a health element, when you havnt eaten meat for a while at night my stomach feels light, not that heavy feeling you feel.
• I think there is a Spiritual element. Budists and Hindus are well known for been vegitarians. Christians well I think there maybe an argument that pre-fall.

The reason I crumbled is that meat tasted good, it smelt good. It was to hard to pass in a restauants when the only option was some limp vegitarian option.

The last 4-6 months things have changed. It is as if the carnivorous button has been turned off. The smell of cooking meat does not draw me; nor does the thought of some taste morsel in my mouth. Even the vegetarian options in restaurants look ok.

It is as if I have just passed some secrete barrier. Maybe it is similar to the addiction to nicotine disappearing...

 

Wiggles; the party's over

Alan Jeans, the Hawthorn premiership coach in the 80's made a statement on his retirement from football "Never leave a party to late". I'm pretty sure it is a reference to sportsmen that keep playing well past their used by date; they only really have their place in the team because of the glow from their past glories but really, it looks ugly. Mark Taylor the Australian captain comes to mind; the last two years when ever he came in to bat I winced. He was well past his peak.

The Wiggles; well I seems to me to be a similar story. They are changing the batten with a new batch of performers except for Anthony. It seems to me to be a shame that these guys couldn't have worked it out and gone out on a high when Sam left. It will be a slow slide for Wiggles with a rotating of red, yellow and green clothing over the next couple of years. (I doubt blue though).

For me now when I see the Wiggles and see that grin from Anthony I see a business man (Sam was 'just a hired hand"...) Just as well my kids have gone off them; Its like watching Mark Taylor all over again. Except I think Mark didn't know how to let go. The Wiggles well three of them know its time.

Gippsland Anglican bishops response to same sex couples...

Gipsland Times had an interesting article about the Gippsland Bishop John McIntyre regarding members of the anglican Church who are gay::

"In my president’s address last year I indicated my commitment to be inclusive and welcoming of same-sex attracted people in our diocese, “confident that God is at work in and through all those who are open to the call of God in their lives and wanting to offer ministry in the life of our churches”.

"I reiterate that commitment to you now. It comes from a long personal journey of life experience; reflection on Scripture in the context of that experience, and reflection on that experience in the light of Scripture.

"It is a simple Biblical truth that has caused me to move to a new place in my understanding of the place of same-sex attracted people in the life of the church. That truth is revealed in the words of Jesus, who says in the Sermon on the Mount, “a bad tree cannot bear good fruit” and “by their fruit you will know them” (Matthew 7.18,20). I have come to know and acknowledge that the fruit of their works makes clear that God has been and is at work in and through gay and lesbian people, who for years have been a part of our church, in both lay and ordained ministries.

It interesting that he has used the words of "inclusive" and "welcoming" of same-sex couples in his diocese. I wonder if this is just the begining of the cracks that are starting to appear in main stream churches?

I also wonder if he would have been brave enough to to have used the words "my commitment to be incluse welcoming and blessing of same-sex attracted people"? It is one thing to be inclusive it is another to support a same sex orientation.



 

Instagram

I've been enjoying instagram since I've joined up n my android phone. Here are a few snaps...




Coffee in Kew




The swirl of the Nobbies


The Nobbies with Cape Schank to the distant right




Taking Jemima and her sister for the ride to School. On the cargo bike.

The Help

 

Last night we watched the movie 'The Help'. A movie about the racial divide set in Jackson, in the US, during the 1960's. One of the themes resolved around children. How black maids were surrogate mothers who brought up many white children.

In one scene a maid changes a child's nappy as one of the first tasks in the morning. Only to find it is the same nappy which she had left the child in prior to leaving work. The child most probably was in its own excrement for hours.

It reminded me of a story of a friend of mine. Hers was a similar story working in child care facilities. Parents would drop their children off at 7am only to pick them up again at 7pm. It was not unusual for her to find the same nappy on the child as she had put on prior to pick up.

We have delibarately lived a bit leaner so that there would be always one of us around for our girls. Some people in our society don't have that option, both parents have to work. The cost of living and huge mortgages are the normal reasons, for others they are single parents. Childcare is the only option. Yet for many it is very much a consumeristic choice. Lifestyle is to important and to live leaner is to hard.

It makes me wonder how this generation of child care children will turn out? Will they suffer from some form of attachment disorders. I find it strange that governments subsides child care when the effects on children are relatively unknown. A policy where children have no real say. It makes me wonder why we have children if we are not prepared to parent them?

 

 

The dream is over

John Lennon in his first album after 'The Beatles' wrote the line in his song 'God'; "The dream is over".

In the book "Lennon remembers" by Jann Wenner, "The dream is over" represents Lennon's stance that the myth "the Beatles were God" had come to an end. "If there is a God," Lennon explained, "we're all it." According to the wikkipedia.

I like the line. I have a bit of a differnt interpretation; maybe he was trying to make a point to Paul McCartney.

"We had a dream when we were young men, we actually lived it; and guess what? We're no better off than when we began. "The dream is over". There is no going back Paul.

I suppose that might have been a difference between John and Paul. Paul kept of pushing out pop fodder; there was never to much thought behind what he wrote in his lyrics. The dream was still on for him.

I like the line because it scales our significance. Even John Lennon, one of the most influential people of a generation knew this. Even with his, not my interpretation. Great people and insignificant come to a realisation often 'the dream is over'.

Most people come to a point where 'The dream is over'; I came to that place 2-3 years ago; a pastor; I could have kept going, networking, doing the latest and greatest; but in my heart I knew. Others come to the point through a divorce, a deep friendship that goes cold; even ugly; lots of reasons....

",

 

Is it true

One night I had a dream or maybe it was a vision or simply it came to mind. I asked my mother is the Bible true. She said emphatically.

"Yes of course"

I've pondered this for a while now. Is this the reponse that set my course so forcefully early in life?

I've heard that often in life you set off with firm ideas and then in latter years you unlearn them.

It is interesting that I feel that I'm in that place now; unlearning. When I'm secure in my relationships for my answers to be my own not what I would think others would wish to hear.

So what will I tell my children when they ask me is the Bible true?

"Yes, but..." with the knowledge that Children, young adults often feel secure when there is certainty...

 

Same sex parenting and qanda.

Much is been made of the 'heart felt response' by Penny Wong and Joe Hockeys reply to the last question of same sex parenting on qanda on the ABC last night.

I sort of felt sorry for Joe Hockey. He sort of sounded honest but I'm not sure he had his heart in it. His response just reminded me someone who was towing the party line for the sake of the team. The Prime Minister is in the same situation, except she probably is in the minority for her party.

I'm pretty sure that if a conscious vote was given to the coalition on marriage equality, and put to the parliament it would get up.

 

You can watch the program here

Baptists coming out

Simon Holt who is a minister at Collins Street Baptist has come out in support of gay equality in marriage. He has also spoken up in defence of some of his colleagues who are in the minority on this view. Its brave supporting marriage equality and coming out.

My opinion is that it is just a matter of time before more ministers start been honest. I think that there are a number of baptist ministers who have the same opinion as Simon yet coming out would make there position untenable within there current congregation.

Marriage equality for gays will happen, the younger generation has a much higher tollerance on the issue. As this generation gets stonger within the Church, the issue will crumble. It will happen but when...we are starting to see the time.

Telstra, competitive?

Two years ago when I went for my first Android phone, Telstra were very competitive. Price they were spot on, network was excellent. They also wanted my money. There were phone calls prior to my phone expiring offering me deals. They were wanting my money.

Two years on Telstra gone off the boil. I'm looking now at a iphone 4s. A price at under $60 per month. My last contract was a Next G $49 which included the phone. The Next G plans with calls and data I hardly use. So I'm not looking at an increase in data and calls. (My greatest usage is with apps and the calander) Yet telstras new plans are larger in data and calls, and don't include a phone. So Telstra dosn't tickle me at all. There other main competors Vodaphone, Optus and Virgin mobile all have plans which are smaller what I would want, including the phoneunder the magic $60. Telstra is $69 Mmmm.

So telstra has a

::plan which dosn't suit.

::An exellent coverage (This is the only thing which makes me hesitant going to another comany).

::None of the consultants sound like they want to make a deal.

::Cost $10-$15 more than I want to pay.

Telstra what has happened? You were so accommodating 2 years ago. I've paid my bills. Looks like I will be leaving you...

 

Gary Bouma on Marriage equality

Christina's has told me one of most interesting lecturers when studying sociology was Gary Bouma; a social researcher and Anglican minister. He has written his support of marriage equality and a few statistics, which are unsurprising! Wow those pentecostals...

 

In 2007, an Australian Electoral Survey of trends in political opinion found that 43% opposed legal recognition of same-sex marriage, and that 66% of Australians declaring "no religion" favoured same-sex marriage, compared with 39% of Catholics and Anglicans, 44% of Uniting Church and 24% of Presbyterians. Meanwhile, the sustained attack on homosexuality by evangelical and Catholic Christians has resulted in high levels of opposition to marriage equality among Pentecostals and Evangelicals. Catholics, however, have the lowest rate of opposition (60% in 2009) compared with 100% of Pentecostals and 79% of Baptists.

 

Unsettling the ALP, Obama supports gay marriage::

Its fascinating that Obama has revealed his support for gay marriage. The ramifications for socially conservative America will be interesting to watch play out as the elections unfold.

Hot out of the blocks was Julia Gillard, from the left side of the ALP continuing her support for marriage as it stands.

It's interesting; I would have thought that this could have been a politically astute moment. Switch her position. It would take the heat off a number of things such as Slipper and Thompson. It would be a real differentiation between her and Abbott. As opposoed to an issue where the voters have to make up there own mind on who has the better health, ecconomic, social, etc etc policy. Gillard is loosing these battles as it is.

Gillard was to quick, this may have been an opportunity to increase Labors pathetic primary vote; alas I think she will miss the opportunity.

What if the Missional Church went Charismatic?

My old college friend Tim Hein wrote an interesting blog: "What if the Missional Church went Charismatic?" He starts the post with thoughts from Clark Pinnock, (One of my old favorite authors who started my affinity for open theism). Briefly Tim describes how the Holy Spirit within the church takes two modes sacramental and charismatic. Tim then goes on to describe this in practice within the Australian church historically. The renewal or the third wave movement in the 80's. I was involved in the vineyard Church, which was part of this movement. Then the 'missional' Church which I was also involved in refocused things on the Sacremental. It was good to read and have a language for somthing which I went through.

 

Tim asks the question: will the next large renewal within the Church be a merge of these two aspects of the Holy Spirit?

I though about this a lot yesterday. There is possibility, but like all renewels it will come from the mainstream of the Church. I don't think this would include the AOG, Vinyeard or any overtly Chrrismatic group/denomination. The gifts and how they are observed are so well ingrained. My own opinion is that the Charismatic movement has hit 'peak', similar to 'peak oil'; they wont pick up any greater percentage of converts with the Charismatic style and the rules of bagage that goes with it. Most people have already observed and felt similar experience to Charismatic Churches. The ecstasy and feeling of oneness which may happen in a close football match, or a rock concert. Other religions have the same outward expression as Charismatic, the Hindu kundalini for example. Australian now are more likely to weigh this up before making a commitment.

 

I think if the what Tim preposes did come about the movement would be from the Sacrmental side; those who are interested in the more active Charismatic, but hold most stongly to the sacremental. Maybe the renewal would come from the denomination which Tim is in, The Uniting Church. Which is more open to diffen't ideas, it has wide doors. (A wide variety of theology as well) Without neccesary kicking people or making people increadably uncomfortable, if they don't agree.

Politics, Federal and State

 

I haven't written about politics for a long time. Its rather depressing, for someone who sits on the center left. Federally Gillard wont last till Christmas. Damaged; beyond repair. Back stabbing Rudd, breaking promises through political necessary. Slippery Slipper and the stench of corrupt unions. Gone.

The alternative is worse. The only vision that I can see Abbott make is backwards to the Victorian era.The 2007 campaign it was full of vision; the NBN, a greener future, smarter education. It's that visioning, thinking big. There is no such thing federally anymore. Ahh those were the days.

The Victorian state scene is not much better. I sort of have a soft spot for Ted Bailliue. He seems to be like a startled rabbit caught in head lights and not knowing what to do. I sort of get the feeling that Ted wants to do the best by everyone but because of the side his on and colleagues around him can't do such a thing.

Thus anything green, or remotely associated with the left side of politics, it's been cut.

I have a feeling that Baillieu will only last a term, every cut he has made has affected everyone. Not good for a one seat majority.The cuts in the budget he has made will just increase the likely hood of a mini-depression in Victoria. A year from now we will know. If you have a job, hold on....

 

Solace

This weekend we went to Solace in Melbourne. For us it is Church that as a family we all participate in as we like the theology, and expression. The discussion was based around the Ted talk by Karen Armstrong.

A few things I liked about the discussion that followed::

• Belief as we know it and most Churches today practice it was only really a modern phenomena. (I'm pretty sure Marcus Borg has a chapter on in in his book, "The heart of Christianity")
• I liked Armstrongs idea that Orthodoxy should come out of practice. There was much discusion about this. My observation is that for most churches the practice of compassion comes from doctrine first.
• The major religions all have an underlying theme of treating the poor/outcast etc as we would ourselves. Interestingly Armstrong mentioned that Confusious spoke about this 500 years pior the Christ.

It was good to morning. Solace is particularly good at giving voice to which most Churches would not. Pluralism was well respected this morning.

One of the thing that constantly stikes me as I have gone is the acknoweldgment of the aboriginals who were the traditional custodians of the land. Its the right thing for a Church to do...

 

The Flock

In my time pastoring, a small amount of my time was spent wondering where members stood in our Church. If I had a new idea would they support it or not. If things went pear shaped would they still be there.

We were incredibly blessed at our time; The majority of people there were for us and the style of ministry we brought.

I think there are three types of people in a congregation.

:: Those who are stuck blind by the wisdom you ooze. They follow like blind robots. I didn't have any of these type of people. Though If you are in a cultish Church I'd expect this to be the norm.

::Those who trust you. Maybe not your judgement 100% of the time. But they are gracious enough to watch you fall and still be at your side. I think in our old Church the majority were like this.

:: People who are at your Church, but don't don't want you to be; they stir and agitate. They don't agree with you and let others know. I've had friends in ministry where this was the type of people they were up against constantly. It was a tireless battle.

We had people who came, stayed for a while, got to know us then moved on. Reflectively it was for the best. We weren't there flavor.

Flinders Ranges, and 4wd's (Part 3)

It seemed to me that on the trip the most numerous were those who owned whopping big four wheel drives. It was great listening to them, as you chatted around a camp kitchen or they set up camp next to yourself. The stories which they spoke about were often dirt tracks and magnificent views. Escaping a normal life for a few month or years.

What amused me was when I asked what sort of mileage they get. It was anything from 14 to 20 litres per 100km depending on what they towed. I'd say the benchmark for 4wd's was the toyota prada, then followed by the mitsubishi triton. Its pretty staggering when you think that fuel is a lot dearer away from capital cities. If you went around australia you would be up for thousands of dollars.

I felt very happy with our little set up. The volkswagen golf managed 5.7 litres per 100km towing our podtrailer. Very good. for our tip of about 3200km we only filled up three times.

I came to the conclusion that if I wanted anything a bit more rougher, I would do what a couple of New Zealanders were doing. Cycling with the paniers on the sides and trailer on the back. It looked a much kinder and respectful to the environment. It looked as you'd see more. That the type of camping involved would be closer to land you were exploring. As opposed to a lot of 4 and caravans which look as if they have as many creature comforts as they left behind with a permenant home.