Religulous

Last night I watch a documentary about religion in the world. It was actually very interesting. It challenged the fact that their is a God but in essence I think it challenged the way we read scripture and the way humans implement their understanding of God. I would definitely recommend that you watch it however just remember than editing and the agenda of the film maker will always leave a bias taste.

The person doesn't ask recognised scholars but rather goes to the bible belt in the USA. The Muslims from war affected areas and Jews from a conservative teachings.

This is I feel the challenge of the church. To question doctrines and the way we live. The church is in need of some good apologetics that are able to speak in a new language. The church might need to change or die or maybe it is already dead.

Have a look and tell me what you think

Smocking

What is it about a little piece of paper wrapped around a plant, that can stir fear into the heart of Christians? We start to see the effects of that fear through judgment, a sense that the church will fall apart or even that people will drive past and say "They call themselves Christians and now look at them smoking".

 

I am sure there are bigger issues than smoking. I mean off the top of my head I could think maybe God would care more about poverty. Abuse, drugs, war, than a person putting a piece of paper in their mouth, but yet we find many churches shunning people who smoke before they walk in the door. Young people refuse to come into the church grounds if they are smoking or recently I had a conversation with some smokers, smoking in a dark hidden place behind the church in fear that someone would spot them and give them the lecture. Why do we as a Church not encourage honesty  but rather force people into hiding. It’s sad.

 

Now don’t get me wrong, I have two parents who smoke and I cannot stand the habit. It is unhealthy and is not a good habit at all, but our job as Christians is not to change people but to love. LOVE!!!! God changes we love. But yet we find that we can’t do that we have to change them. Its weird Jesus accepted and loved people and challenged them later. I wish we could start getting people from judging which leads to hiding to loving which leads to liberation. Maybe this would lead people to come to church if they felt loved. Homosexuals, adulaters, and all who fall short of the glory of God.  I think the people who drive past and judge the smokers are probably Christians. Small fact the bible doesn't speak about smoking.

Last One And Moving On

Barry once told me that one of his favourite movies was Shawshank Redemption. So I watched on Saturday for the first time and it was good. Anyway one line struck me from the movie and it summed up who Barry was to me. In light of his memorial today I thought it was a nice line.

Red: "Sometimes it makes me sad though, Andy being gone. I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are far to bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty now they are gone. I guess I just miss my friend"

How I Feel

Today I am hurting.....Nothing more nothing less, Just sore

Barry Guy Marshall

You ever meet someone once and you know that this person has made a profound impact on your life? Well that was Barry Marshall for you. I don’t think anyone could say that when they came into contact with Barry they hadn’t gone into a wrestling match with God. Barry inspired, challenged, loved, taught and mostly gave himself to you.

Barry is the reason I am a Christian today. When others were giving me crap Christianity Barry had the space to push me to new and liberating places. I will never forget Barry talking to young people about being drunk and saying honestly how smashed he got at his engagement party and how he challenged me to ministry by saying "what is the greatest gift you can give you your children, the latest IPod or the gift of simplicity". He taught me that to go into a song in different key you go to 5th note and 7th it.

Barry was a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Unfortunately Barry passed away in the sea almost a week ago. Barry you will be missed, not only by your family but by a generation of young and old that you impacted in astounding ways. You liberated many and even though people got upset with your views, you liberated them to.

Barry you died in the same way you lived. Paddling out to sea alone while others stood on the shoreline watching. Barry may you always be apart of our thoughts and our actions. May we to carry the liberation torch that has touched your flame to others.

I Need To Listen More

Today Vashti my fiance came to speak to me. She is struggling with life. In the past I have been a Youth Pastor first and a person second. My identity was what I did and not who I was.

So for the past few weeks I have without noticing it been a Youth Pastor to her and not a person. I have been quick to give advice and be the hero and slow to be a person who listen and is just present. I have fallen in the trap of being spectacular and to be all things to all people (Dangerous thing this ego)

I really hate what I term "Porno" Christianity. What I hate more than the posters, bangles and the dvd's is "Porno" books but I was given 5 love languages by my brother as a present. Despite the "Porno" in it I have been able to see things that I could use to love Vashti more.

Maybe the Jesus in me is learning to start listening in weird places.

Spring Has Sprung

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams

I like winter, but eventually it gets old and dry and well really blaaah. Today in the Southern Hemisphere we sit in Spring :) and its awesome to see. Just outside my flat is a tree with the most beautiful buds growing. It's amazing what a day like spring can do. It seems in a way to lift the spirits. Offer new life and make the world seem life a happy place (unless you live in England)

I am excited for this spring in my life cause winters over and its time to party