Monday, October 15, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Today I've mostly been thinking about my upcoming interview for a youthwork post. What amazed me was that I am most worried about what I'm going to wear! Not in a vain, shallow kind of way (although obviously I want to look my best!), but in terms of whether that neckline is too low, or whether I can wear that skirt.
Churches tend to suggest a certain type of dress, certain standards as acceptable in their midsts. And the reason usually given for not wearing a mini-skirt or a vest top is that it might distract men in the congregation. Having recently read Hayley DiMarco's "Sexy Girls" she concurs with this view, and seems to be suggesting that before turning up to church all girls should consider whether what they are wearing will make the pastor think about sex!
Now, I think we should be teaching young girls to have respect for themselves and their bodies, but I am concerned that in setting these guidelines on clothing we are encouraging girls to think of themselves as sex objects, and we are telling them that that's how everybody else sees them too.
Do we really want to send them that message? Do we really want to hamper healthy relationships between all ages and sexes in the church in this way? And do we really, as I believe DiMarco's book does, want to legitimize men of all ages feeling and acting that way towards women?
I was reading an interview with the actress Jessica Alba recently. She's a Christian, but she stopped going to church when one of her church elders came and told her that her body was leading men in the church into sin. Not that she was wearing clothes that were too revealing, but that the way she was made by God was considered to be sinful!
Maybe the answer to problems between women and men in both church and society is not to wear burka-like gear, but to encourage young men and women (and old men and women) to stop viewing each other as sexual objects. To encourage them to view each other as people, and brothers and sisters in Christ. Maybe if Christian thinkers and leaders of churches stopped going on about how dressing in a certain way could lead your Christian brothers to sin, they should start thinking and talking about how we get away from sexual feelings and thoughts being in the forefront of how we see those around us.
Is it ok to think degrading sexual thoughts about a girl who is wearing clothes that cover up her body? Is it ok to think in that way of a girl who is wearing a mini-skirt? Is she asking for it? Is the onus on the girl to dress differently, or on the guy to develop a more healthy view of women?
Should girls and women have to be constantly worried whether they are 'too hot' for the men in the church to concentrate on the sermon? Should we also be focusing on encouraging the men in the church to see their fellow Christians in a different way?
I don't know, I'm just throwing it out there, but when people talk about dress codes and looking too sexy I hear an awful lot of negative thoughts toward the other sex in general.
I really don't think clothes are the real issue.
Churches tend to suggest a certain type of dress, certain standards as acceptable in their midsts. And the reason usually given for not wearing a mini-skirt or a vest top is that it might distract men in the congregation. Having recently read Hayley DiMarco's "Sexy Girls" she concurs with this view, and seems to be suggesting that before turning up to church all girls should consider whether what they are wearing will make the pastor think about sex!
Now, I think we should be teaching young girls to have respect for themselves and their bodies, but I am concerned that in setting these guidelines on clothing we are encouraging girls to think of themselves as sex objects, and we are telling them that that's how everybody else sees them too.
Do we really want to send them that message? Do we really want to hamper healthy relationships between all ages and sexes in the church in this way? And do we really, as I believe DiMarco's book does, want to legitimize men of all ages feeling and acting that way towards women?
I was reading an interview with the actress Jessica Alba recently. She's a Christian, but she stopped going to church when one of her church elders came and told her that her body was leading men in the church into sin. Not that she was wearing clothes that were too revealing, but that the way she was made by God was considered to be sinful!
Maybe the answer to problems between women and men in both church and society is not to wear burka-like gear, but to encourage young men and women (and old men and women) to stop viewing each other as sexual objects. To encourage them to view each other as people, and brothers and sisters in Christ. Maybe if Christian thinkers and leaders of churches stopped going on about how dressing in a certain way could lead your Christian brothers to sin, they should start thinking and talking about how we get away from sexual feelings and thoughts being in the forefront of how we see those around us.
Is it ok to think degrading sexual thoughts about a girl who is wearing clothes that cover up her body? Is it ok to think in that way of a girl who is wearing a mini-skirt? Is she asking for it? Is the onus on the girl to dress differently, or on the guy to develop a more healthy view of women?
Should girls and women have to be constantly worried whether they are 'too hot' for the men in the church to concentrate on the sermon? Should we also be focusing on encouraging the men in the church to see their fellow Christians in a different way?
I don't know, I'm just throwing it out there, but when people talk about dress codes and looking too sexy I hear an awful lot of negative thoughts toward the other sex in general.
I really don't think clothes are the real issue.
Monday, September 24, 2007
seems to be blogging day today!
Mark and I were talking the other day about how lots of Christians seem to get hooked on the emotional high that can sometimes come from a really good worship band or a festival. We were both a bit concerned that being a Christian isn't about that - its' about a relationship with God, an attempt to live your life the way it was meant to be lived, a constant learning experience, etc.
Believing that the only time you're close to God is when you 'feel his presence' through worship songs (not that that doesn't happen, I'd just argue that its more likely to be an emotional high), means that when the music somewhere isn't good you think God is far away.
Interestingly I was scrolling through the cartoons on ASBO Jesus and found this one. I thought it was pretty telling.
Mark and I were talking the other day about how lots of Christians seem to get hooked on the emotional high that can sometimes come from a really good worship band or a festival. We were both a bit concerned that being a Christian isn't about that - its' about a relationship with God, an attempt to live your life the way it was meant to be lived, a constant learning experience, etc.
Believing that the only time you're close to God is when you 'feel his presence' through worship songs (not that that doesn't happen, I'd just argue that its more likely to be an emotional high), means that when the music somewhere isn't good you think God is far away.
Interestingly I was scrolling through the cartoons on ASBO Jesus and found this one. I thought it was pretty telling.
I've had quite a few conversations over the last few weeks about young people getting bad press. First there was the FYT report "Labels are for jars not people", concluding that adults overestimate, amongst other things, the amount of crime committed by young people. And that their opinions of young people are formed by large not by direct contact with young people but by negative media coverage.
Then there has been the youth club I run for my placement churches. The young people who come along are rowdy, not from church backgrounds, noisy, and have put huge walls in place to protect them from hurt and disappointment. But the church congregations don't see this - they see the light that got broken by a football, or the locks that had to be taken off to stop the young people shutting themselves in the toilet block, or the mural that they planned and painted which was 'an eyesore'. All everyone hears is bad stuff, they don't seem to focus on the fact that these young people have made such leaps emotionally and socially that you'd barely recognize some of them by their behavior, they don't focus on the two who couldn't be in the same room as each other without fighting but last week offered to help set out the refreshments together.
And then there's Germaine Greer's comment today on the Guardian website about graffiti. She bemoans the zero tolerance policy that this government has towards graffiti, arguing that amongst the random and not very inspiring majority you can find not only real works of art but real emotion conveyed on the closest available blank canvas. Some of the comments to her article, however, are shocking in their narrow-mindedness and middle-England mentality - seeming to believe that young people are just trying to instill fear of crime or something.
What about the idea that young people are trying to find their identity in an increasingly unstable society, and that one way of doing this is through creativity and self-expression? Instead of spending thousands of pounds clearing up walls and houses, why not plough the same amount into programs that encourage creativity in young people, even through graffiti? Or develop graffiti walls and spaces in communities?
I don't have all the answers, but I do know that demonizing a large section of our society and their activities is not a constructive solution.
Then there has been the youth club I run for my placement churches. The young people who come along are rowdy, not from church backgrounds, noisy, and have put huge walls in place to protect them from hurt and disappointment. But the church congregations don't see this - they see the light that got broken by a football, or the locks that had to be taken off to stop the young people shutting themselves in the toilet block, or the mural that they planned and painted which was 'an eyesore'. All everyone hears is bad stuff, they don't seem to focus on the fact that these young people have made such leaps emotionally and socially that you'd barely recognize some of them by their behavior, they don't focus on the two who couldn't be in the same room as each other without fighting but last week offered to help set out the refreshments together.
And then there's Germaine Greer's comment today on the Guardian website about graffiti. She bemoans the zero tolerance policy that this government has towards graffiti, arguing that amongst the random and not very inspiring majority you can find not only real works of art but real emotion conveyed on the closest available blank canvas. Some of the comments to her article, however, are shocking in their narrow-mindedness and middle-England mentality - seeming to believe that young people are just trying to instill fear of crime or something.
What about the idea that young people are trying to find their identity in an increasingly unstable society, and that one way of doing this is through creativity and self-expression? Instead of spending thousands of pounds clearing up walls and houses, why not plough the same amount into programs that encourage creativity in young people, even through graffiti? Or develop graffiti walls and spaces in communities?
I don't have all the answers, but I do know that demonizing a large section of our society and their activities is not a constructive solution.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
So, I didn't catch the ITV programme "Ann Wddecombe vs. the hoodies, but I read on the Guardian website today that the young people featured in it (from the Andover estate in London) have posted a response on youtube, protesting at the way in which they were portrayed. It's a brilliant video, full of young people calmly presenting their views and sticking up for themselves and their community. It's well worth watching.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
The Vision by Pete Grieg
So this guy comes up to me and says, “What’s the vision? What’s the big idea?”
I open up my mouth and the words come out like this…
The vision?
The vision is Jesus:
obsessively, dangerously, undeniably Jesus.
The vision is of an army of young people.
You see bones?
I see an army.
And they are free from materialism—
They laugh at nine-to-five little prisons.
They could eat caviar on Monday and crusts on Tuesday.
They wouldn’t even notice.
They know the meaning of the Matrix, the way the West was won.
They are mobile like the wind.
They belong to the nations.
They need no passport.
People write their addresses in pencil and wonder at their strange existence.
They are free yet they are slaves of the hurting, dirty and dying.
What is the vision?
The vision is holiness that hurts the eyes.
It makes children laugh and adults angry.
It gave up the game of minimal integrity long ago to reach for the stars.
It scorns the good and strains for the best.
It is dangerously pure.
Light flickers from every secret motive, from every conversation.
It loves people away from their suicide leaps—their Satan games.
This is an army that would lay down its life for the cause.
A million times a day, its soldiers choose to lose that they might one day win the great “well done” of faithful sons and daughters.
Such heroes are as radical on Monday morning as Sunday night.
They don’t need fame from names.
Instead they grin quietly upwards and hear the crowds chanting again and again: “COME ON!”
And this is the sound of the underground, the whisper of history in the making, foundations shaking, revolutionaries dreaming once again.
Mystery is scheming in whispers, conspiracy is breathing…
This is the sound of the underground.
And the army is disciple(in)ed—
Young people who beat their bodies into submission.
Every soldier would take a bullet for his comrade at arms.
The tattoo on their back boasts “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Sacrifice fuels the fire of victory in their upward eyes.
Winners.
Martyrs.
Who can stop them?
Can hormones hold them back?
Can failure succeed?
Can fear scare them or death kill them?
And the generation prays like a dying man with groans beyond talking, with warrior cries, sulfuric tears and great barrow loads of laughter!
Waiting.
Watching.
24-7-365.
Whatever it takes they will give:
Breaking the rules,
Shaking mediocrity from its cozy little hide,
Laying down their rights and their precious little wrongs,
Laughing at labels,
Fasting essentials.
The advertisers cannot mold them.
Peer-pressure is powerless to shake their resolve at late-night parties before the cockerel cries.
They are incredibly cool, dangerously attractive on the inside.
On the outside?
They hardly care!
They wear clothes like costumes: to communicate and celebrate, but never to hide.
Would they surrender their image or their popularity?
They would lay down their lives, swap seats with the man on death row, guilty as hell: a throne of an electric chair.
With blood and sweat and many tears, with sleepless nights and fruitless days, they pray as if it all depends on God and live as though it all depends on them.
Their DNA chooses Jesus.
He breathes out.
They breathe in.
Their subconscious sings.
They had a blood transfusion with Jesus.
Their words make demons scream in shopping malls.
Don’t you hear them coming?
Herald the weirdoes!
Summon the losers and the freaks.
Here come the frightened and forgotten with fire in their eyes!
They walk tall and trees applaud.
Skyscrapers bow.
Mountains are dwarfed by these children of another dimension.
Their prayers summon the Hound of Heaven and evoke the dream of
And, this vision will be.
It will come to pass.
It will come easily.
It will come soon.
How do I know?
Because, this is the longing of creation itself, the groaning of the spirit, the very dream of God.
My tomorrow is His today.
My distant hope is His 3-D.
And, my feeble, whispered, faithless prayer invokes a thunderous, resounding, bone-shaking, great “AMEN!” from countless angels, from heroes of the faith, from Christ himself.
And He is the original dreamer, the ultimate winner.
Guaranteed.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Right - I promised that I'd post something about working with people of different faiths so that you guys from YPF could continue the debate we started on Tuesday. So this is it! You can say whatever you want, I'd just really like you to argue as much as possible (in a nice way obviously!) about your views!
In his book "What is Mission" Andrew Kirk argues that:
"By and large religions have evolved to meet the needs of the communities which practice them. Therefore, attempting to persuade people to change their religion does not make sense: it would be the equivalent of destroying their identity, making them into cultural and spiritual orphans."
I was talking to Oli about this the other week, and I wondered how you thought it fitted with us going out and telling people the Gospel.
That was the first question, the other was in response to something that was said on Tuesday about learning about other religions:
Take care all, and hope your exam goes well today!
Peta
xx
In his book "What is Mission" Andrew Kirk argues that:
"By and large religions have evolved to meet the needs of the communities which practice them. Therefore, attempting to persuade people to change their religion does not make sense: it would be the equivalent of destroying their identity, making them into cultural and spiritual orphans."
I was talking to Oli about this the other week, and I wondered how you thought it fitted with us going out and telling people the Gospel.
That was the first question, the other was in response to something that was said on Tuesday about learning about other religions:
- Do you think we should try and find out all we can about other people's beliefs?
- Do you think it's better if we don't know anything, so we don't get 'tempted away'?
- Do you think that other people's beliefs can help us understand our own better?
- Do you think that we can work with people who hold a different faith to us (or just different beliefs) or is that unbiblical?
Take care all, and hope your exam goes well today!
Peta
xx
Friday, March 30, 2007
I want to live in an easy world
Where mistakes can't be made
Where hurt can't be caused -
Where I can't cause it.
I want to live in a place
Where I can't get it wrong,
And where everything I'm meant to do
Is spelled out in words I understand -
With big signs, and names in lights, and paths with sides to walk down.
I want to live in an easy world
Where I'm not tempted
Where I know what people mean
When they're looking at me.
I want to live in a place
Where there's no possibility
That I'll disappoint the ones I love
By choosing the wrong direction
Or by slipping or snoozing or dropping what I'm juggling
If I was perfect
Then life would be simple.
Surely there'd be purpose
And a clear path to follow -
Outlined by morals and principles and all that stuff
That I'd never compromise.
But I'm not.
And it seems that there are occasions
When even love is not enough to hold me
On this straight and narrow.
And things are too hard.
I wish with all my confused head and heart
That I wasn't as stupid as I am.
Where mistakes can't be made
Where hurt can't be caused -
Where I can't cause it.
I want to live in a place
Where I can't get it wrong,
And where everything I'm meant to do
Is spelled out in words I understand -
With big signs, and names in lights, and paths with sides to walk down.
I want to live in an easy world
Where I'm not tempted
Where I know what people mean
When they're looking at me.
I want to live in a place
Where there's no possibility
That I'll disappoint the ones I love
By choosing the wrong direction
Or by slipping or snoozing or dropping what I'm juggling
If I was perfect
Then life would be simple.
Surely there'd be purpose
And a clear path to follow -
Outlined by morals and principles and all that stuff
That I'd never compromise.
But I'm not.
And it seems that there are occasions
When even love is not enough to hold me
On this straight and narrow.
And things are too hard.
I wish with all my confused head and heart
That I wasn't as stupid as I am.
I saw this in a lecture last term, and now Piet has it on his blog, so I'm stealing it. Because I think it's brilliant. And because I know he won't mind really...I hope...umm...please don't be cross :-(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGdXBo-ukCk
Peta
xx ;-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGdXBo-ukCk
Peta
xx ;-)
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Ok, so over the last couple of days I managed to start a debate about e-mail forwards and fake films (which probably wasn't helpful to those trying to finish essays, but it wasn't on purpose!). I thought, seeing as it brought up some interesting points, I'd put the results on my blog for others to think about.
It all began when Vanessa sent me an e-mail petition about a film in which Jesus was portrayed as being gay:
"Subject: Jesus Film
Shocking info about Jesus - PLEASE SIGN before hitting the send button!
Hello All,
I have seen a poster at the Monte Casino this week-end advertising the movie Jesus Superstar due to be released this June to Aug. I totally agree with the message below. Lets stand for what we believe in and stop the mockery of Jesus Christ our Saviour. If the Muslims do what they do, where do we stand as Christians? At the risk of a bit of inconvenience, I'm forwarding this to all I think would appreciate it too. Please help us prevent such offences against our Lord. It will take you 4 minutes! If you are not interested, and do not have the 4 Minutes it will take to do this, please don't complain when God does not have time for you, because He is far busier than we are.
A disgusting film set to appear in America later this year depicts Jesus and his disciples as homosexuals! As a play, this has already been in theatres for a while. It's called " Corpus Christi " which means "The Christ Body." It's a revolting mockery of our Lord. But we can make a difference. That's why I am sending this e-mail to you. Will you please add your name to the bottom of the list at the end of this e-mail? If you do, we will be able to prevent this film from showing in America and South Africa . Hey, it's worth a shot! Apparently, some regions in Europe have already banned the film. All we need is a lot of signatures! Remember, Jesus said "Deny Me on earth and I'll deny you before my Father". Hit forward, and when it comes up, delete any e-mail addresses, fill in whom you want to send it to, scroll down to the last name and add yours to the list. When it reaches 500 please send to homasg@softhome.net"
I was in a very contemplative mood when I received the e-mail, and so I decided to ask the guys at college what they thought, as they're all very intelligent and wise people. In the interests of not confusing people, here's the e-mail I sent:
"Hi guys,
one of my young people sent this to me yesterday. Not knowing anything about the film (and seeming to remember something similar going round a few years ago) I don't know what to think. Obviously Jesus wasn't homosexual, but is there really any point in getting everyone all hett up about it? Maybe that sounds very apathetic and un-Christian, I don't know. I just wondered what everyone else thought. People kicked up a fuss about "The last temptation of Christ", but now we look at it in lectures as a way of seeing a different perspective....damn this course - it's made me think about things far too much!! ;-)
Anyway, I'm forwarding the petition to you, but I am in no way obligating you to forward it on to anyone else, I'm just at a loss as to where I should stand (and feeling guilty about even asking - rubbish!)
Take care everyone, and I hope essays are going well - you'll all do fine!Lots of love
Peta
xxx"
I got quite a few replies, which really helped me sort out my thoughts on the matter (thanks guys!), and so I'm going to post them as 'comments' on this blog. Feel free to add comment, whether you agree or disagree, or just want to carry on the debate.
Take care all
Peta
xxx
It all began when Vanessa sent me an e-mail petition about a film in which Jesus was portrayed as being gay:
"Subject: Jesus Film
Shocking info about Jesus - PLEASE SIGN before hitting the send button!
Hello All,
I have seen a poster at the Monte Casino this week-end advertising the movie Jesus Superstar due to be released this June to Aug. I totally agree with the message below. Lets stand for what we believe in and stop the mockery of Jesus Christ our Saviour. If the Muslims do what they do, where do we stand as Christians? At the risk of a bit of inconvenience, I'm forwarding this to all I think would appreciate it too. Please help us prevent such offences against our Lord. It will take you 4 minutes! If you are not interested, and do not have the 4 Minutes it will take to do this, please don't complain when God does not have time for you, because He is far busier than we are.
A disgusting film set to appear in America later this year depicts Jesus and his disciples as homosexuals! As a play, this has already been in theatres for a while. It's called " Corpus Christi " which means "The Christ Body." It's a revolting mockery of our Lord. But we can make a difference. That's why I am sending this e-mail to you. Will you please add your name to the bottom of the list at the end of this e-mail? If you do, we will be able to prevent this film from showing in America and South Africa . Hey, it's worth a shot! Apparently, some regions in Europe have already banned the film. All we need is a lot of signatures! Remember, Jesus said "Deny Me on earth and I'll deny you before my Father". Hit forward, and when it comes up, delete any e-mail addresses, fill in whom you want to send it to, scroll down to the last name and add yours to the list. When it reaches 500 please send to homasg@softhome.net"
I was in a very contemplative mood when I received the e-mail, and so I decided to ask the guys at college what they thought, as they're all very intelligent and wise people. In the interests of not confusing people, here's the e-mail I sent:
"Hi guys,
one of my young people sent this to me yesterday. Not knowing anything about the film (and seeming to remember something similar going round a few years ago) I don't know what to think. Obviously Jesus wasn't homosexual, but is there really any point in getting everyone all hett up about it? Maybe that sounds very apathetic and un-Christian, I don't know. I just wondered what everyone else thought. People kicked up a fuss about "The last temptation of Christ", but now we look at it in lectures as a way of seeing a different perspective....damn this course - it's made me think about things far too much!! ;-)
Anyway, I'm forwarding the petition to you, but I am in no way obligating you to forward it on to anyone else, I'm just at a loss as to where I should stand (and feeling guilty about even asking - rubbish!)
Take care everyone, and I hope essays are going well - you'll all do fine!Lots of love
Peta
xxx"
I got quite a few replies, which really helped me sort out my thoughts on the matter (thanks guys!), and so I'm going to post them as 'comments' on this blog. Feel free to add comment, whether you agree or disagree, or just want to carry on the debate.
Take care all
Peta
xxx
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Following the post on war there was an article by Paddy Ashdown in The Observer today which I thought was quite interesting. The backlash from Iraq has tended to be the fear of getting involved in anything that is going on around the world. But Ashdown proposes that there are occasions and incidents where we have to intervene, what matters is how we do it (and how we treat those living in the country concerned). It's well worth reading, whether you agree or not.
Have a good Half Term people!
Peta
xx
Have a good Half Term people!
Peta
xx
Sunday, February 11, 2007
So, yesterday Susan and I watched 'An inconvenient truth', a documentary in which Al Gore discusses the environment and the dangers of global warming. It scared me stiff. It is the most incredible film, with Gore providing clear, interesting (and humorous) narration. For most of the film, in between being shocked, I was thinking what the world would have been like if this intelligent, driven and ethical man had actually taken his deserved place in the White House in 2000.
I would recommend, ask, beg, plead that everyone watch this film. I'm going to buy it this month, and so my youth groups should prepare themselves to have me going on about it for ages. It really was eye-opening, and not in a way that was scare-mongering, or that verged on propaganda. It was a measured, scientific and honest portrayal of the damage that we have been and are doing to our planet and the devastation our actions are causing today. I found the photos of the disappearing ice really affecting.
So, read the book, watch the film, visit the website, and talk about it with your friends, your parents, your teachers, everybody. And use this blog as a forum to talk about it with each other. I really think that Christians need to step up to the responsible stewardship of this earth that God called us to in Genesis 2v15. We need to head up movements which are calling for change in policies and attitudes, not to lag behind them or stay silent.
Along these lines, on Monday night on Channel 4 at 8pm there is a documentary called 'God is Green'. It's definitely worth checking out (or taping if you're out), and could help start a debate about where Christianity (and other religions) stand in terms of our fragile planet.
So - in summary - WATCH 'AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH'!!!!!! ;-)
Peta
xxxx
I would recommend, ask, beg, plead that everyone watch this film. I'm going to buy it this month, and so my youth groups should prepare themselves to have me going on about it for ages. It really was eye-opening, and not in a way that was scare-mongering, or that verged on propaganda. It was a measured, scientific and honest portrayal of the damage that we have been and are doing to our planet and the devastation our actions are causing today. I found the photos of the disappearing ice really affecting.
So, read the book, watch the film, visit the website, and talk about it with your friends, your parents, your teachers, everybody. And use this blog as a forum to talk about it with each other. I really think that Christians need to step up to the responsible stewardship of this earth that God called us to in Genesis 2v15. We need to head up movements which are calling for change in policies and attitudes, not to lag behind them or stay silent.
Along these lines, on Monday night on Channel 4 at 8pm there is a documentary called 'God is Green'. It's definitely worth checking out (or taping if you're out), and could help start a debate about where Christianity (and other religions) stand in terms of our fragile planet.
So - in summary - WATCH 'AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH'!!!!!! ;-)
Peta
xxxx
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Hi guys!
I know it's been a while, but January turned out to be the busiest month ever! Anyway, this is mainly for my YPF group, but others feel free to comment if you wish.
Leading on from looking at War the other day I was aware that some of you might have been nervous about expressing your views. And I'd love to know what you really think about the subject. So please let me know.
- Do you agree with the Iraq war?
- Do you think most of what we see and hear is propaganda?
- What do you think God has to say about all this?
Oh, and I found this passage in Isaiah which made me feel a little less hopeless about the whole thing: Isaiah 2v4-5
"They will beat their swords into ploughshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
Come, house of Jacob,
let us walk in the light of the Lord"
I await your insights with baited breath! ;-)
Monday, December 11, 2006
I know that this is possibly a controversial subject, but I wanted to comment a bit more on what I was talking about in my post on the 21st November. After going to college last Wednesday and talking to some of my fellow students I was struck by how many of them had been thinking about this subject recently. It seems that it's something God is putting on lots of people's hearts, I for one can't stop thinking about it. But I'm not sure what God wants me to do about it. Hopefully he'll clear that up soon.
It also seems that it's not just us trainee youth workers that are considering it either. I was reading Steve Chalke's new book "Intelligent Church" (which is well worth a read people - very challenging!), and I came across this paragraph on the subject of incarnational church, and I was wondering what other people were thinking - comments please!
"If God is incarnational, and the church's task is to be part of God's mission, this principle must be ours too. An inclusive church will be a congregation open to all - a community for those displaced. It will be an environment in which the unloved and the unlovely find refuge and belonging. It will be a refuge to the homeless, a family to the forgotten, a friend to the lonely and a place where the outcasts of society can enjoy life in all its fullness. An inclusive church will not be made up only of people who have life sorted. Instead it will almost certainly include drug-users, alcoholics, people with mental health problems, the homeless, the unemployed, single mothers, ex-convicts, prostitutes and so on. It will be a church where the imperfect are perfectly welcome. It will strive to ensure that it is accessible to those who can't walk, or hear, or see, or speak. In short, it will be a home for those who need one"
It also seems that it's not just us trainee youth workers that are considering it either. I was reading Steve Chalke's new book "Intelligent Church" (which is well worth a read people - very challenging!), and I came across this paragraph on the subject of incarnational church, and I was wondering what other people were thinking - comments please!
"If God is incarnational, and the church's task is to be part of God's mission, this principle must be ours too. An inclusive church will be a congregation open to all - a community for those displaced. It will be an environment in which the unloved and the unlovely find refuge and belonging. It will be a refuge to the homeless, a family to the forgotten, a friend to the lonely and a place where the outcasts of society can enjoy life in all its fullness. An inclusive church will not be made up only of people who have life sorted. Instead it will almost certainly include drug-users, alcoholics, people with mental health problems, the homeless, the unemployed, single mothers, ex-convicts, prostitutes and so on. It will be a church where the imperfect are perfectly welcome. It will strive to ensure that it is accessible to those who can't walk, or hear, or see, or speak. In short, it will be a home for those who need one"
Friday, December 01, 2006
Ok, so there have been no posts for a while, for which I apologise. I think all my creativity and brain power (the little that exists) has gone into my essays. I'm not sure that's a good thing - I may have gone crazy on my theological perspectives essay and argued that the second coming has already happened...hmm... That's what happens when you think about things too much and the marking criteria asks for original thought!
So there is only one essay left to do - my directed task for Competence 3 (which won't make any sense to those of you not on my course!). I am not looking forward to writing a work plan for the entire year - talk about forward planning! But once that's handed in on Friday I am home free for Christmas - yay!!
Youth Club last night was fantastic, just thought I'd mention it. In the de-brief at the end we were discussing how having an obvious presence of older staff (alongside the younger ones who are fantastic - obviously!) seems to have a noticeable effect on the young people and their mood/behaviour. Everyone seemed a lot calmer and better behaved last night. I'm not sure how that works - anyone got any ideas?!
It feels a bit weird that it's December already. I've bought most of my Christmas presents, but I'm not sure I'm in the right frame of mind for this holiday... Hopefully it'll come, I've got 3 Christmas parties to organise in 1 week for three different groups! If I don't get in the mood then that'll be torture! Ah well, I'm sure they'll be lots of fun!
Right - I have things to do now, and I don't seem to have anything interesting to say, so I'll stop boring you all with banality. Enjoy the weekend!
So there is only one essay left to do - my directed task for Competence 3 (which won't make any sense to those of you not on my course!). I am not looking forward to writing a work plan for the entire year - talk about forward planning! But once that's handed in on Friday I am home free for Christmas - yay!!
Youth Club last night was fantastic, just thought I'd mention it. In the de-brief at the end we were discussing how having an obvious presence of older staff (alongside the younger ones who are fantastic - obviously!) seems to have a noticeable effect on the young people and their mood/behaviour. Everyone seemed a lot calmer and better behaved last night. I'm not sure how that works - anyone got any ideas?!
It feels a bit weird that it's December already. I've bought most of my Christmas presents, but I'm not sure I'm in the right frame of mind for this holiday... Hopefully it'll come, I've got 3 Christmas parties to organise in 1 week for three different groups! If I don't get in the mood then that'll be torture! Ah well, I'm sure they'll be lots of fun!
Right - I have things to do now, and I don't seem to have anything interesting to say, so I'll stop boring you all with banality. Enjoy the weekend!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Why, as churches, are we not out in the community? Why are we travelling to our church services on sunday and bible studies during the week, sitting indoors for an hour or so, and then going home again? Where does it say Jesus did that? Why aren't we talking to people like he did? Why aren't we helping them in their need like he did? Why aren't we reaching out to them with God's love like he did?
It frustrates me that the church (generally, and mine) is quite happy to sit in their pews and take take take from the service and the experience (often going away feeling very good about themselves), without giving a thought to those in the houses around them who might be crying out for someone to show that they care for and about them.
Every week it seems people are praying for God to send us 'young professionals' with the pre-requisite young children, well-paid jobs, and ability to play the piano and/or run the Sunday School. And every week God sends us the drug addicts, the alcoholics, those with mental and emotional problems. And people turn them away, or are unwelcoming because they either don't know how to cope with them or think they'll upset things.
So what are we missing?
We're being Pharisees. They thought Jesus should be spending time with the 'pure and upstanding' members of the Jewish community. But he wanted to hang out with the outcasts - the prostitutes, the tax collectors (!), the exiles, the lepers, those shunned by those 'pure and upstanding' people. Those are the people Jesus wanted to spend his time with, those are the people he ministered to. So why aren't we? How can we read our Bible and claim to live by it and not see that we've got the wrong idea?
Church is there to meet people's needs (and to worship God through this - "Whatever you do for one of these you do for me"). So why aren't we?
It frustrates me that the church (generally, and mine) is quite happy to sit in their pews and take take take from the service and the experience (often going away feeling very good about themselves), without giving a thought to those in the houses around them who might be crying out for someone to show that they care for and about them.
Every week it seems people are praying for God to send us 'young professionals' with the pre-requisite young children, well-paid jobs, and ability to play the piano and/or run the Sunday School. And every week God sends us the drug addicts, the alcoholics, those with mental and emotional problems. And people turn them away, or are unwelcoming because they either don't know how to cope with them or think they'll upset things.
So what are we missing?
We're being Pharisees. They thought Jesus should be spending time with the 'pure and upstanding' members of the Jewish community. But he wanted to hang out with the outcasts - the prostitutes, the tax collectors (!), the exiles, the lepers, those shunned by those 'pure and upstanding' people. Those are the people Jesus wanted to spend his time with, those are the people he ministered to. So why aren't we? How can we read our Bible and claim to live by it and not see that we've got the wrong idea?
Church is there to meet people's needs (and to worship God through this - "Whatever you do for one of these you do for me"). So why aren't we?
Monday, November 20, 2006
Back again! In the spirit of empowerment, equality of opportunity and caring about young people check this out - http://www.guardian.co.uk/slideshow/page/0,,1946775,00.html
It's a bit worrying the stereotypes people have of young people, and makes you wonder whether it's worth young people trying to push against them, and wether they'd get anywhere if they tried.....
It's a bit worrying the stereotypes people have of young people, and makes you wonder whether it's worth young people trying to push against them, and wether they'd get anywhere if they tried.....
Never knowing what's around the corner -
But you do.
Never understanding what the point is -
But you do.
Never seeing past my own confusion -
But you do.
Never grasping the direction we're heading -
But you do.
The past is spread out behind me
Its snakes and ladders and swirling labyrinths available for contemplation,
But I can't make head nor tail of even this.
I know me less than when we began this journey,
But I trust you more.
Because you understand my past, my future, and the confusion and mess that is my present.
Untravelled paths lay ahead for miles and years,
I could go anywhere.
But planned from the moment time began is the road you laid out for me,
And I can see the one step ahead of me through bleary eyes,
But no more.
The days when I feel your push are the good ones
Though they seem few and far between.
I yearn to know your mind more and where I'm headed.
I hate to feel as lost as I am now.
And I'd give almost anything to inject some clarity into the murky paintwater my life appears to be,
To place some peace into the darkest part of the jar,
And to enjoy the brighter without regret.
29th July 2006
But you do.
Never understanding what the point is -
But you do.
Never seeing past my own confusion -
But you do.
Never grasping the direction we're heading -
But you do.
The past is spread out behind me
Its snakes and ladders and swirling labyrinths available for contemplation,
But I can't make head nor tail of even this.
I know me less than when we began this journey,
But I trust you more.
Because you understand my past, my future, and the confusion and mess that is my present.
Untravelled paths lay ahead for miles and years,
I could go anywhere.
But planned from the moment time began is the road you laid out for me,
And I can see the one step ahead of me through bleary eyes,
But no more.
The days when I feel your push are the good ones
Though they seem few and far between.
I yearn to know your mind more and where I'm headed.
I hate to feel as lost as I am now.
And I'd give almost anything to inject some clarity into the murky paintwater my life appears to be,
To place some peace into the darkest part of the jar,
And to enjoy the brighter without regret.
29th July 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
So, it's been a while hasn't it?
After a conversation with a college friend I've decided that, in the name of communication and moving with the times, it was about time I grasped modern technology properly and got back to blogging! Not that I promise there will be much coherent communication in this blog, but I'll have fun writing it, and those who know me will have fun laughing at what I write in it.
I can't believe it's been over 2 years since my last entry! I guess things have been a bit crazy since then - what with my final year at university, starting my new course in youth work, moving back to Weston (into my nan's spare room), meeting Mark and falling in love, leaving Bath (my favourite city in the world, and a place I really grew to love), dealing with my parents' divorce and the aftermath, coping with running the youth work in two churches, and other more mundane things like learning how to cope without my partner in crime Becky being in the country. Wow - there has been a lot of stuff going on hasn't there?! I'm never going to be able to catch you all up with everything, but most of you who'll be reading this have had to put up with me moaning in their ears about it all anyway!
But I shouldn't complain as I've learnt a lot. As a very wise person said to me recently:
"This is how I look at it; there are two choices basically, do something easy or do something hard. Easy routes are everywhere, you don't get challenged, you run less risk of making mistakes, and you get mediocre payback with little satisfaction. The hard route involves pushing your abilities, stretching your capabilities to find the boundaries of what is possible, then push a bit more! If something is difficult for you, then it is generally worth doing. overcoming obstacles and exploring our skills to the full is what defines us. There is no such thing as 'I can't', it is more like 'I can't be bothered'".
I know i'm easily inspired - show me a advert for persil and I can find some way to make it speak into the situation I'm in - but that really got me thinking. It made me think of all the times in the past I've put something off because it was just too hard. I'll never know what I could have learnt through that experience because I missed the chance through fear and indecision. It's all too easy, and all too common, for us to go with the route of least resistance because we're too busy, or too scared, or we've had a bad day already and why make it worse. But we're not missing out on effort, we're missing out on broadening our horizons, stepping out of the boat, and going somewhere we've not been before. No matter how hard a situation is, there is always something we can learn from it, there is always something we can take away for our future, and for the future of others that we know. We should never waste what we've been given, and we should make the most of what we have now. I just wanted to put that in, because some things are worth sharing with others in order that they can benefit from the wisdom of an individual.
Ok, so in summary tonight - things haven't gone the way I expected them to in the past two years. I've made decisions that have taken me down roads where I never thought I'd go. And it's hard being where I am now (I'm sure I'll mention how hard from time to time). But I wouldn't be anywhere else for the world. I have ahead of me so much opportunity and so many experiences that will continue to shape me into the person I'm meant to be. And I welcome them, with all their joy and all their pain, because I know that there are many things to learn, and that there are those around me who love me and who watch over me.
Sleep tight all
Peta
xxxx
After a conversation with a college friend I've decided that, in the name of communication and moving with the times, it was about time I grasped modern technology properly and got back to blogging! Not that I promise there will be much coherent communication in this blog, but I'll have fun writing it, and those who know me will have fun laughing at what I write in it.
I can't believe it's been over 2 years since my last entry! I guess things have been a bit crazy since then - what with my final year at university, starting my new course in youth work, moving back to Weston (into my nan's spare room), meeting Mark and falling in love, leaving Bath (my favourite city in the world, and a place I really grew to love), dealing with my parents' divorce and the aftermath, coping with running the youth work in two churches, and other more mundane things like learning how to cope without my partner in crime Becky being in the country. Wow - there has been a lot of stuff going on hasn't there?! I'm never going to be able to catch you all up with everything, but most of you who'll be reading this have had to put up with me moaning in their ears about it all anyway!
But I shouldn't complain as I've learnt a lot. As a very wise person said to me recently:
"This is how I look at it; there are two choices basically, do something easy or do something hard. Easy routes are everywhere, you don't get challenged, you run less risk of making mistakes, and you get mediocre payback with little satisfaction. The hard route involves pushing your abilities, stretching your capabilities to find the boundaries of what is possible, then push a bit more! If something is difficult for you, then it is generally worth doing. overcoming obstacles and exploring our skills to the full is what defines us. There is no such thing as 'I can't', it is more like 'I can't be bothered'".
I know i'm easily inspired - show me a advert for persil and I can find some way to make it speak into the situation I'm in - but that really got me thinking. It made me think of all the times in the past I've put something off because it was just too hard. I'll never know what I could have learnt through that experience because I missed the chance through fear and indecision. It's all too easy, and all too common, for us to go with the route of least resistance because we're too busy, or too scared, or we've had a bad day already and why make it worse. But we're not missing out on effort, we're missing out on broadening our horizons, stepping out of the boat, and going somewhere we've not been before. No matter how hard a situation is, there is always something we can learn from it, there is always something we can take away for our future, and for the future of others that we know. We should never waste what we've been given, and we should make the most of what we have now. I just wanted to put that in, because some things are worth sharing with others in order that they can benefit from the wisdom of an individual.
Ok, so in summary tonight - things haven't gone the way I expected them to in the past two years. I've made decisions that have taken me down roads where I never thought I'd go. And it's hard being where I am now (I'm sure I'll mention how hard from time to time). But I wouldn't be anywhere else for the world. I have ahead of me so much opportunity and so many experiences that will continue to shape me into the person I'm meant to be. And I welcome them, with all their joy and all their pain, because I know that there are many things to learn, and that there are those around me who love me and who watch over me.
Sleep tight all
Peta
xxxx
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