Monday, March 30, 2015
Religion in public life
Not often would I link to a publication outside the church, but this just popped up on the Quadrant on line website. Religion in public life. I'm not endorsing or not, but noting that, following Oscar Wilde's quip, religious interest is at least being talked about, and that's better than not.
Friday, March 27, 2015
36: 25-36
25. Make three true “we” statements each. For instance, “We are both in this room feeling …”
Not for a blog.
26. Complete this sentence: “I wish I had someone with whom I could share …”
My debts.
27. If you were going to become a close friend with your partner, please share what would be important for him or her to know.
What I hold to be important.
28. Tell your partner [I think they mean 'companion'] what you like about them; be very honest this time, saying things that you might not say to someone you’ve just met.
Not for a blog.
29. Share with your partner an embarrassing moment in your life.
Only one? The time I reversed a fire truck into the car of one of my OIC’s friends. He parked right in behind me. But I should have checked.
30. When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself?
In front of another: can’t recall. By myself: recently with my son in hospital. At work I feel emotion from time to time when I read some harrowing case notes of people to whom we provide services, particularly when it involves young people with degenerative illness.
31. Tell your partner [companion -- if they are your 'partner', then you should have traveled far together and know much that you like about them, else they wouldn't be a 'partner'] something that you like about them already.
Not for blog.
32. What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?
Children’s future.
33. If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven’t you told them yet?
The trajectory of my life changed after two successive romantic shocks, oh so long ago; neither of which anything in my experience had prepared me for. The first only became bad after the second; the second amplifying it retrospectively.
In the second, I think I was more heavily invested than my girl-friend was, yet I read her behaviour as she being equally if not more invested then I was. When it ended nothing seemed to close the chasm of loss; the only way I could make sense of it was to jettison the way of life that had exposed me to such pain, in the hope that different experience would protect me in the future.
I suppose I’d have liked to have been able to communicate that; but the loss was total, and I was insufficiently experienced to bring a different outcome.
I lost touch with her many years ago and wish it to remain that way.
34. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?
My writings, because they are important to me. BTW, I wouldn’t bust a gut to save a pet.
35. Of all the people in your family, whose death would you find most disturbing? Why?
Brother’s: last link with my childhood; children's, because they're precious to me.
36. Share a personal problem and ask your partner’s advice on how he or she might handle it. Also, ask your partner to reflect back to you how you seem to be feeling about the problem you have chosen.
Not for blog.
But, let's pretend that I'm single and talking to another: its not a problem, but a puzzle: has my life been significant?
It's easy to think that it hasn't been because I'm not 'famous' (see answer to Q2), not even in a limited way; I don't even have many connections on LinkedIn! I don't have a huge nest of friends. But when I meet people, I talk to them easily, and often see a glimmer of the real them. That's good.
But there's more: a Christian doesn't limit themselves to the horizon of this life, in two ways: firstly, we are in the kingdom of God...forever in intimate fellowship with our creator, saviour and, as they said in the old days 'lover of my soul'; secondly, in this life we have unimpeded access to our creator in prayer. There is nothing better!
Not for a blog.
26. Complete this sentence: “I wish I had someone with whom I could share …”
My debts.
27. If you were going to become a close friend with your partner, please share what would be important for him or her to know.
What I hold to be important.
28. Tell your partner [I think they mean 'companion'] what you like about them; be very honest this time, saying things that you might not say to someone you’ve just met.
Not for a blog.
29. Share with your partner an embarrassing moment in your life.
Only one? The time I reversed a fire truck into the car of one of my OIC’s friends. He parked right in behind me. But I should have checked.
30. When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself?
In front of another: can’t recall. By myself: recently with my son in hospital. At work I feel emotion from time to time when I read some harrowing case notes of people to whom we provide services, particularly when it involves young people with degenerative illness.
31. Tell your partner [companion -- if they are your 'partner', then you should have traveled far together and know much that you like about them, else they wouldn't be a 'partner'] something that you like about them already.
Not for blog.
32. What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?
Children’s future.
33. If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven’t you told them yet?
The trajectory of my life changed after two successive romantic shocks, oh so long ago; neither of which anything in my experience had prepared me for. The first only became bad after the second; the second amplifying it retrospectively.
In the second, I think I was more heavily invested than my girl-friend was, yet I read her behaviour as she being equally if not more invested then I was. When it ended nothing seemed to close the chasm of loss; the only way I could make sense of it was to jettison the way of life that had exposed me to such pain, in the hope that different experience would protect me in the future.
I suppose I’d have liked to have been able to communicate that; but the loss was total, and I was insufficiently experienced to bring a different outcome.
I lost touch with her many years ago and wish it to remain that way.
34. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?
My writings, because they are important to me. BTW, I wouldn’t bust a gut to save a pet.
35. Of all the people in your family, whose death would you find most disturbing? Why?
Brother’s: last link with my childhood; children's, because they're precious to me.
36. Share a personal problem and ask your partner’s advice on how he or she might handle it. Also, ask your partner to reflect back to you how you seem to be feeling about the problem you have chosen.
Not for blog.
But, let's pretend that I'm single and talking to another: its not a problem, but a puzzle: has my life been significant?
It's easy to think that it hasn't been because I'm not 'famous' (see answer to Q2), not even in a limited way; I don't even have many connections on LinkedIn! I don't have a huge nest of friends. But when I meet people, I talk to them easily, and often see a glimmer of the real them. That's good.
But there's more: a Christian doesn't limit themselves to the horizon of this life, in two ways: firstly, we are in the kingdom of God...forever in intimate fellowship with our creator, saviour and, as they said in the old days 'lover of my soul'; secondly, in this life we have unimpeded access to our creator in prayer. There is nothing better!
Our buildings
Most people laud a wonderful looking building; similarly, most people are pleased to be in an elegant space. More so than in a disheveled space. It changes the atmosphere, it elicits a stronger and happier emotional response; it would be interesting to examine if there are also productive benefits from spaces that are enjoyable to be in as opposed to those that are not. When given a choice people tend to want to be in spaces that give them a good feeling and not those that do not.
Do I want to be in a church meeting (service) in a space that is mean, or that is impolite to its occupants (that is, someone has arranged it, or failed to arrange it with regard for the emotional meaning people will take from it). I’ve been in both!
At one stage I disparaged expenditure on church buildings as taking funds from ministry. But not so now; expenditure on church buildings, wisely done, is part of ministry. The creation is physical and living in the creation entails us arranging our physical environment. Let’s do it well, rather than poorly.
Church has always been a people priority for me, and for most people, I think, but that priority is honoured with a space that dignifies our purpose.
Consider the contrast between, for example, the interior of St James at Queen’s Square in Sydney (to the left)
and the interior of a community centre, school assembly hall or similar used for a church (to the right)
It also works in the detail: at Capenwray the lectern in the main lecture room was a very finely crafted piece of cabinetry reminiscent of Shaker work in its understated order. In fact, the principal at that time, Allan Catchpoole, made the point that excellence in our artefacts (within resources) is a valid contribution to ministry. His feel for aesthetics extended to the literary qualities of the Pauline letters that we were studying, incidentally, which dramatically increased their impact, to my mind.
I returned to Capernwray some years later when it was under a different principal: one of the staff then was quite tall, so the lectern had been given a height extension. It was done in a fabrication of unfinished particle board, roughly screwed together...ugly. Is that how we think of our faith?
Bringing these thoughts to my present church, I’ve suggested that when we do our big expansion, we re-consider the front wall of the main auditorium: an indifferent blank wall; not bad, but not good, but with instruments and odds and ends stored haphazardly to each side.
I wouldn’t want to aspire to the careful drama of an Aalto interior...but a better setting for our services would an encouragement, I think.
Do I want to be in a church meeting (service) in a space that is mean, or that is impolite to its occupants (that is, someone has arranged it, or failed to arrange it with regard for the emotional meaning people will take from it). I’ve been in both!
At one stage I disparaged expenditure on church buildings as taking funds from ministry. But not so now; expenditure on church buildings, wisely done, is part of ministry. The creation is physical and living in the creation entails us arranging our physical environment. Let’s do it well, rather than poorly.
Church has always been a people priority for me, and for most people, I think, but that priority is honoured with a space that dignifies our purpose.
Consider the contrast between, for example, the interior of St James at Queen’s Square in Sydney (to the left)
 |
| St James Sydney, interior |
and the interior of a community centre, school assembly hall or similar used for a church (to the right)
It also works in the detail: at Capenwray the lectern in the main lecture room was a very finely crafted piece of cabinetry reminiscent of Shaker work in its understated order. In fact, the principal at that time, Allan Catchpoole, made the point that excellence in our artefacts (within resources) is a valid contribution to ministry. His feel for aesthetics extended to the literary qualities of the Pauline letters that we were studying, incidentally, which dramatically increased their impact, to my mind.
 |
| Any old hall, interior |
I returned to Capernwray some years later when it was under a different principal: one of the staff then was quite tall, so the lectern had been given a height extension. It was done in a fabrication of unfinished particle board, roughly screwed together...ugly. Is that how we think of our faith?
Bringing these thoughts to my present church, I’ve suggested that when we do our big expansion, we re-consider the front wall of the main auditorium: an indifferent blank wall; not bad, but not good, but with instruments and odds and ends stored haphazardly to each side.
I wouldn’t want to aspire to the careful drama of an Aalto interior...but a better setting for our services would an encouragement, I think.
 |
| Alvar Aalto: Viikki church interior |
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Adventure in America
A couple of years after we were married, my wife and I took off to the US (again, for both of us). We spent time in Los Angeles, toured around New England which we both enjoyed immensely, and took the opportunity to spend time at L'Abri. Most of that was at Southboro in Mass., but we also caught up with the organiser in Rochester Minn. Larry Snyder, whom my wife knew. It was nice being in Garrison Keillor country!
Once out of the major centres in the US, I find it is a 'home town' kind of country; perhaps because of the diet of American TV in my youth.
At Southboro I read Pannenberg, which was really stimulating, and along with the Friday evening lectures and other students, had probably the best 'away' time of my Christian experience. Rochester was a lighter touch in my reading; I think I worked over the basic apologetic of God. Can't remember! I do remember trips into St Paul for theatre, and the airport, and it was nice to see O'Hare in Chicago again, where we changed planes. I know its not the biggest in the US, but it is nevertheless a mighty big airport.
It was fabulous to relax and talk with other Christians from such a wide range of backgrounds, and to be able to talk over one's reading with people who could not only assist, but lead one to reflect on one's response to the ideas that were discussed.
In Rochester we met Mrs Schaeffer and joined a celebration at her home for her birthday. As one does practical work when at L'Abri, I took the job of mowing Mrs Schaeffer's lawn! Nice to be involved. I found a brass key ring for the Rose Bowl that I keep. Oddly no one has asked why a non-sports follower such as I has such a sports fan memento!
The US experience differed from the local L'Abri branch (where incidentally, my wife and I met... because of a shared interest in opera), in that while there was a diversity of opinion on occasion, there tended to be a greater uniformity in the groups that assembled for weekend seminars. Reflective of a smaller catchment, I suppose. Still, Frank and Heather were always gracious hosts for our weekend stays.
Once out of the major centres in the US, I find it is a 'home town' kind of country; perhaps because of the diet of American TV in my youth.
It was fabulous to relax and talk with other Christians from such a wide range of backgrounds, and to be able to talk over one's reading with people who could not only assist, but lead one to reflect on one's response to the ideas that were discussed.
In Rochester we met Mrs Schaeffer and joined a celebration at her home for her birthday. As one does practical work when at L'Abri, I took the job of mowing Mrs Schaeffer's lawn! Nice to be involved. I found a brass key ring for the Rose Bowl that I keep. Oddly no one has asked why a non-sports follower such as I has such a sports fan memento!
The US experience differed from the local L'Abri branch (where incidentally, my wife and I met... because of a shared interest in opera), in that while there was a diversity of opinion on occasion, there tended to be a greater uniformity in the groups that assembled for weekend seminars. Reflective of a smaller catchment, I suppose. Still, Frank and Heather were always gracious hosts for our weekend stays.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Small Group
Last Sunday's sermon on Deuteronomy 11
was going normal until we got to the end: the question that will likely
ring with me for a long time: "when did you last repent?"
Repent? Haven't heard that for a long time...it doesn't mean feel sorry, or even say "sorry" it means turn from A to B. Live like you are in the KoG: where love is real.
At the small group we used the teacher's questions to prompt our discussion...we decided to not answer all 15 though! This isn't school, fellers.
One good question is all that one needs.
We took the first question:
That kept us going for about 20 minutes. Then we capped off with the final question:
Our discussion of the first question initially dealt with the statement "I Love you God" oddly capitalised for some reason. How odd to say this like God is your girlfriend...God is the almighty creator and sustainer of all that is. One doesn't say "I love you" to him, at least I don't think, one worships!
Repent? Haven't heard that for a long time...it doesn't mean feel sorry, or even say "sorry" it means turn from A to B. Live like you are in the KoG: where love is real.
At the small group we used the teacher's questions to prompt our discussion...we decided to not answer all 15 though! This isn't school, fellers.
One good question is all that one needs.
We took the first question:
1. Do you believe that you are as comfortable with saying “I Love you God”, as you are in saying “I will obey you God?”
[BTW, I don't know what "what does that look like" means...its cool people talk]If Yes – then what does that look like, what does that mean to you? How is that expressed? Was it always the case, or have you worked up to that?If No – what could some of the reasons be for that, what is the cause of that disparity, that gap? Both culturally and personally?
That kept us going for about 20 minutes. Then we capped off with the final question:
15. If we were to change our understanding of Loving God, so that we expressed it through obedience, how would our life look different? In what way?
["look different". Is it that in this day and age things only appear, but don't have substance? Don't know.]
To a person outside of Christian faith 'obedience' sounds oppressive. For a Christian it should be our aspiration to match the tempo and objectives of our life to the way of Christ: that is to live selflessly conditioned by love and outward looking.
To a person outside of Christian faith 'obedience' sounds oppressive. For a Christian it should be our aspiration to match the tempo and objectives of our life to the way of Christ: that is to live selflessly conditioned by love and outward looking.
Our discussion of the first question initially dealt with the statement "I Love you God" oddly capitalised for some reason. How odd to say this like God is your girlfriend...God is the almighty creator and sustainer of all that is. One doesn't say "I love you" to him, at least I don't think, one worships!
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Serving a small group
After many decades absence from it, I'm again involved in small group ministry. Our church, being modern, likes to call we small group ministers 'leaders'. As though the other group members are sheep, I suppose!
There is a pastoral function, but it is mutual. 'Leadership' conjurers up too many images and impressions of control, authority, and being boss. I eschew such connections.
I hope and pray that I serve diligently, but that's what I do: I serve (like the Prince of Wales' Ich Dien...although generally I don't put much store in princes). If you must sling a title at me, I convene the group, I serve it by preparing studies, and I keep in mind Brookfield's approach of learning by discussion. Which is darn hard. These types of discussions aren't just chats, but are well structured, and prepared to deal with the likely forks in the road that we take.
A group of us meet quarterly to discuss our experience in serving small groups. The woman who convenes this group calls it the 'leadership' group. I call it the ministry group. I much prefer Christian concepts to business ones.
There is a pastoral function, but it is mutual. 'Leadership' conjurers up too many images and impressions of control, authority, and being boss. I eschew such connections.
I hope and pray that I serve diligently, but that's what I do: I serve (like the Prince of Wales' Ich Dien...although generally I don't put much store in princes). If you must sling a title at me, I convene the group, I serve it by preparing studies, and I keep in mind Brookfield's approach of learning by discussion. Which is darn hard. These types of discussions aren't just chats, but are well structured, and prepared to deal with the likely forks in the road that we take.
A group of us meet quarterly to discuss our experience in serving small groups. The woman who convenes this group calls it the 'leadership' group. I call it the ministry group. I much prefer Christian concepts to business ones.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Ethics at school
We received a letter from children's school that ethics classes were about to start for children who didn't attend scripture lessons.
Not a bad idea; I hope they start with ethical epistemology and the naturalistic fallacy just to get things straight. That is, on what basis can ethical judgements be made in a materialist world that don't descend either to the convenience of the individual, or the will of the powerful. If you think that 'community agreement' is a valid basis, then you are voting for the will of the powerful, and that can change at a moment's notice.
The other problem with 'ethics' is I wonder where forgiveness is located. In a Christian ethical framework I know where to find it, but what if you make ethical mistakes, or cannot keep up with your own ethics? Does this leave a child with an unsolvable dilemma?
Not a bad idea; I hope they start with ethical epistemology and the naturalistic fallacy just to get things straight. That is, on what basis can ethical judgements be made in a materialist world that don't descend either to the convenience of the individual, or the will of the powerful. If you think that 'community agreement' is a valid basis, then you are voting for the will of the powerful, and that can change at a moment's notice.
The other problem with 'ethics' is I wonder where forgiveness is located. In a Christian ethical framework I know where to find it, but what if you make ethical mistakes, or cannot keep up with your own ethics? Does this leave a child with an unsolvable dilemma?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)