This morning is the first Sunday of not only the new church year but the new cycle of the lectionary. And I am in a kind of quarantine: I have been unwell and I do not want to share it with the congregation. So I am staying home, recovering. For some things are not meant … Continue reading The post modern social justice warriors will have to check their privilege.
Month: November 2014
Administrivia and Service issues.
I live in Dunedin, where we have just one a competition -- gigatown where we will be facing an increase in broadband speeds. But then I have to go travel. And good it is not. Firstly, the work machine is good for most things == apart from touch typing. secondly, Australian Hotel wifi is horrible … Continue reading Administrivia and Service issues.
Others first.
Most of the text for today are about Jerusalem and the city, and how the nations of this world will stand against Jerusalem, as prophesied by Zechariah and indeed our Lord, who described the circumvallation of Jerusalem accurately. But the application is not to be found in a big city, nor in power, but in … Continue reading Others first.
The quality of faith, not colour of the skin.
If Christ welcomed us, who come from tribes without any promise or covenant or hope of salvation, then we should also welcome strangers within the Church. The church is not national, nor regional, norshould it be based on race and ethnicity. The church is a family of faith. Now, we have ignored this -- separating, … Continue reading The quality of faith, not colour of the skin.
Love trumps power.
I am sitting in a hotel room, post academic meeting, somewhat jet lagged: it is 2 PM here had my body thinks it is time for dinner. And I am puzzled by the texts for today, and the way they differ. Now I consider dispensationalism a heresy. There is no fine division between one age … Continue reading Love trumps power.
Chosen from the beginning.
The apostles teach us to do good things, and that we will be held accountable. This has led many to think that what you does matters, and it does matter. But the balance to this, particularly as we think not of the good we have done but that which is not, is that Christ is … Continue reading Chosen from the beginning.
A prayer for White Ribbon Day.
I have had the people come around and ask me to wear a ribbon to stop male violence. I refused: I do every year. A voice for men has put up a series of posts, including an examination of white ribbon Australia's funding -- which does not go to battered women, but to keeping themselves … Continue reading A prayer for White Ribbon Day.
Preach discomfort, not contempt.
The Kirk requires reformation. People and Priest, Elders, Presbyters, the moderator, the Assemblies, and the Schools of Ministry. For we have become too clever by half: too subtle. We are careful with our interpretation of the word, bringing in context, and in doing so we have not merely the risk of subverting the plain teaching … Continue reading Preach discomfort, not contempt.
On stumbling.
Janet Bloomfield said something interesting which I quoted yesterday. That we are all at times ferally nasty: violent. (She was talking about the walking disaster which is our family violence laws and the Duluth model). To deny that we naturally are angry, violent, lustful, envious, jealous and will generally choose the past of least effort … Continue reading On stumbling.
No speech should have a trigger warning.
A couple of weeks ago I was asked about the hiring of a new medico, who has been as abrasive as I am politically, but bats for the other team: if I am heterosexual, conservative and religious: he is none of those things. My comment that was that it is immaterial. The question is can … Continue reading No speech should have a trigger warning.