Ok, so in reality i'm probably not the best person to talk to if you want to start re-evaluating how you think about all things environmental. However we do need to start thinking about how we can have a positive influence on the good earth that God has given us. The truth is we are doing a pretty good job at wrecking it, and many just dont really care, or if we do care we do very little (other than re-cycling our used milk cartons from time to time) about it. So i asked my very good friend and sustainable genius John Martin (pictured to the right, checking out Ulster Bride) to write something for the blog every few weeks to get us thinking positively towards the environment. Himself and some other pals also write for ajustlife.org, so check that out, this is actually a little extract John has adapted from one of the posts......
I know it's Thursday but please come back every other Wednesday for musings on the environment and other such things...
As I sit here leafing through the Guardian, eating fair-trade organic handcrafted-by-Buddhist-monks-in-Tibet chocolate, in my Moses sandals, with the whirr of a wind turbine in the background, I’m also thinking about when I will next get my chance to embrace my nearest tree and tell it how much I love it. Ok, this is maybe slightly tongue in cheek. However, this stereotype is often generated when we hear the word sustainable.
I’ll tell you no lie, there is nothing quite like embracing the nearest Quercus robur (Oak), but besides this guilty pleasure what does sustainable living mean for followers of Jesus and why should we bother?
“In the beginning, when God created the universe”, are the first words uttered in Genesis. As we read on we discover what God had made (the earth) “was good” and he placed humans on it to have “Dominion” over it. This word Dominion, I think, has been misunderstood, leading to a human centred view of the earth. The essence of this anthropocentric approach is often related to a domination theory found in religion (fundamentalist Judeo-Christian). Such views are entwined with the secular: the scientific-rationalist concept, grounded in the ideas of Bacon, Newton and Descartes, that planet Earth exists for the benefit of, and exploitation by, the human race. The human race is seen as something separate from the rest of life- and superior to it (Richardson 1997).
This has, in part, lead to a situation where we are destroying the natural systems on which our lives depend. Many believe the attempt,through materialism, to eliminate personal insecurity has failed; while a higher standard of living is worth striving for, frustration has resulted because the pursuit of material wealth has been pursued for its own sake, often not for the good of others. Further, because everything else has been relegated to a position of secondary importance, severe environmental problems have arisen which may threaten to force us back to a lower standard of living. The issue of Global Climate Change for example has shown us that we can and do effect others by how we live, and it is the poorest who suffer most.
However, this does not have to mean things have to stay this way. If we believe we are living on Gods earth, something in all his divine wisdom he seen as “good”, then it is our responsibility to treat it in a manner that is fitting with this remark. When it comes to analysing the concrete problems of society, contrary to western know how, Biblical faith suggests that ways of justice, solidarity, love of one’s neighbour, reconciliation, peace and care for the earth are not human ideas. Rather, their origin lies in a loving Creator and the Creators own design for life in all its fullness. Therefore the function of the physical world is not just to provide the environment in which men can live; it is also to declare Gods glory (Psalm 8:1, 19:1; Jeremiah 5:22; Romans 1:19-20). Any time a species goes extinct, a habitat is destroyed or a person dies from malnutrition, are we losing the opportunity to learn of the glory of God through his creation?
It is too easy to get over whelmed and do nothing as the problems seem insurmountable. However, we all must start where we are. A good place is the Tearfund 'for tomorrow too' hand book which gives neat handy tips on how to reduce your impact. We can also calculate our carbon footprint to see how many planets are needed to sustain our affluent western lifestyles:http://www.carbonfootprint.com/. We can all do things individually, however collective action will have the greatest impact. A good example of this is the UK Climate Change Bill (first of its kind in the world) that was advocated by Stop Climate Chaos through the work of concerned citizens like you! Find out the environmental pressures that are effecting your local area and ask your local politician what he/she is doing about it… Better still, go outside and find out what they are for yourself and start being part of the change!
"Charity is no substitute for justice withheld." St Augustine
John
Thursday, 16 April 2009
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Mark 10:32-45 Part 1 - Just taking some time and space to listen
Jesus and the disciples are on their journey to Jerusalem. They have come down from Galilee and have drawn together for a while around the flatlands of the Jordan River, around Jericho. They have taught those that they came in contact with, they have met with other pilgrims and they are about to begin what is approximately an 18 mile uphill walk to the city of Jerusalem.
The way in which Mark pens the beginning of this ‘journey narrative’ is that ‘Jesus is leading the way’ or ‘Jesus was walking ahead of them’, Luke tends to use even stronger language saying ‘he set his face to go to Jerusalem’, not drawing or holding back, but either way Jesus knows what is ahead, he is in full awareness of the bigger picture and he is leading the way. Verses 33 and 34 reveal the third occasion when Jesus predicts his death (after Peters announcement and in chapter 9) to the disciples in Luke’s gospel, yet even with this repeated passion narrative the disciples still haven’t quite obtained the picture that Jesus is trying to paint; astonished at this stunning moment the twelve still show signs of refusing to believe their Messiah was going to Jerusalem to die.
Now as I began to mull over the disciples apparent blindness to Jesus message, it made me aware that in attempting to
• follow Jesus voice,
• and in trying to serve Jesus,
it's often easy to be SO concerned with our own agendas that we might just miss out on hearing the master’s voice, just as was the case with the disciples in this passage. Jesus still wants to communicate with us today! This is not a concern that we should have. Our biggest concern is something that each of us and that definitely includes me, has the power to monitor and adjust, our biggest concern should be - listening to and then discerning what it is that Jesus is saying to us as disciples.
Listening in a culture that moves with increasing noise and haste, a culture where paying attention to Jesus voice can be such a challenge. It’s true though, sometimes we want lightning bolts, ostentatious dreams and visions when all Jesus wants US to do is set aside some time to be quiet and listen to what it is that He wants to say.
In concept it’s not difficult, and it shouldn’t have been difficult for the disciples to listen to what Jesus was saying to them face to face in the passage we have just read, yet they still choose to hear what they wanted to hear and we as his followers today are often guilty of making the exact same mistakes. From the beginning of time God has communicated with His creation and he won’t stop trying to communicate with us, but we have to train ourselves to be better listeners.
Jim Elliot the American missionary (of Scottish heritage) to Ecuador, who was killed with four others while attempting to evangelize the Waodani people, said this,
‘I think the devil has made it his business to monopolize on three elements: noise, hurry and crowds….Satan is quite aware of the power of silence.’
• We aren’t used with silence, but silence gives us space and time to think and very importantly listen.
• Take some time today and attempt to hear Gods voice.
• Silence gives God the opportunity to communicate with us, his people.
For although God is present and can be known in the tumult and chaos, he is known best in the silence, offer Him your ears and your heart from time to time in the midst of your business, and he will reveal Himself to you.
The way in which Mark pens the beginning of this ‘journey narrative’ is that ‘Jesus is leading the way’ or ‘Jesus was walking ahead of them’, Luke tends to use even stronger language saying ‘he set his face to go to Jerusalem’, not drawing or holding back, but either way Jesus knows what is ahead, he is in full awareness of the bigger picture and he is leading the way. Verses 33 and 34 reveal the third occasion when Jesus predicts his death (after Peters announcement and in chapter 9) to the disciples in Luke’s gospel, yet even with this repeated passion narrative the disciples still haven’t quite obtained the picture that Jesus is trying to paint; astonished at this stunning moment the twelve still show signs of refusing to believe their Messiah was going to Jerusalem to die.
Now as I began to mull over the disciples apparent blindness to Jesus message, it made me aware that in attempting to
• follow Jesus voice,
• and in trying to serve Jesus,
it's often easy to be SO concerned with our own agendas that we might just miss out on hearing the master’s voice, just as was the case with the disciples in this passage. Jesus still wants to communicate with us today! This is not a concern that we should have. Our biggest concern is something that each of us and that definitely includes me, has the power to monitor and adjust, our biggest concern should be - listening to and then discerning what it is that Jesus is saying to us as disciples.
Listening in a culture that moves with increasing noise and haste, a culture where paying attention to Jesus voice can be such a challenge. It’s true though, sometimes we want lightning bolts, ostentatious dreams and visions when all Jesus wants US to do is set aside some time to be quiet and listen to what it is that He wants to say.
In concept it’s not difficult, and it shouldn’t have been difficult for the disciples to listen to what Jesus was saying to them face to face in the passage we have just read, yet they still choose to hear what they wanted to hear and we as his followers today are often guilty of making the exact same mistakes. From the beginning of time God has communicated with His creation and he won’t stop trying to communicate with us, but we have to train ourselves to be better listeners.
Jim Elliot the American missionary (of Scottish heritage) to Ecuador, who was killed with four others while attempting to evangelize the Waodani people, said this,
‘I think the devil has made it his business to monopolize on three elements: noise, hurry and crowds….Satan is quite aware of the power of silence.’
• We aren’t used with silence, but silence gives us space and time to think and very importantly listen.
• Take some time today and attempt to hear Gods voice.
• Silence gives God the opportunity to communicate with us, his people.
For although God is present and can be known in the tumult and chaos, he is known best in the silence, offer Him your ears and your heart from time to time in the midst of your business, and he will reveal Himself to you.
Monday, 13 April 2009
www.invisiblechildren.com
Have a look at the website, here is a lillte bit to introduce you to what it is all about....
In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a filmmaking adventure transformed into much more when these boys from Southern California discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims.
After returning to the States, they created the documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut," a film that exposes the tragic realities of northern Uganda.s night commuters and child soldiers.
The film was originally shown to friends and family, but has now been seen by millions of people. The overwhelming response has been, "How can I help?" To answer this question, the non-profit Invisible Children, Inc. was created, giving compassionate individuals an effective way to respond to the situation.
Who We Are
We are storytellers. We are visionaries, humanitarians, artists, and entrepreneurs. We are individuals part of a generation eager for change and willing to pursue it.
As a non-profit we work to transform apathy into activism. By documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice, we hope to educate and inspire individuals in the Western world to use their unique voice for change. Our media creates an opportunity for people to become part of a grassroots movement that intelligently responds to what.s happening in the world.
But our work extends beyond our borders. In war-affected regions we focus on long-term development, working directly with individuals and institutions that are eager to realize their full potential. Through education and innovative economic opportunities, we partner with affected communities and strive to improve the quality of life for individuals living in conflict and post-conflict regions.
How We Make a Difference
Our approach to humanitarian work is founded in the strength and intelligence of the Ugandan community. We learned early on it was not only important but essential to heed the wisdom of people that had not only lived in the war, but were surviving it. People who would know better than anyone what the greatest needs were and the best ways to meet them. What we came to find is that while there have been many efforts to address the issues that stem from living and fighting in such a long-lasting war, the people of Uganda are asking for a future beyond the conflict.
Their pleas have become our development strategy.
All of our programming is a partnership between those of us at Invisible Children and those in the Ugandan community. We focus on long-term goals that enable children to take responsibility for their future and the future of their country. Our programs are carefully researched and developed initiatives that address the need for quality education, mentorships, the redevelopment of schools, resettlement from the camps, and financial stability.
go to www.invisiblechildren.com
In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a filmmaking adventure transformed into much more when these boys from Southern California discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims.
After returning to the States, they created the documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut," a film that exposes the tragic realities of northern Uganda.s night commuters and child soldiers.
The film was originally shown to friends and family, but has now been seen by millions of people. The overwhelming response has been, "How can I help?" To answer this question, the non-profit Invisible Children, Inc. was created, giving compassionate individuals an effective way to respond to the situation.
Who We Are
We are storytellers. We are visionaries, humanitarians, artists, and entrepreneurs. We are individuals part of a generation eager for change and willing to pursue it.
As a non-profit we work to transform apathy into activism. By documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice, we hope to educate and inspire individuals in the Western world to use their unique voice for change. Our media creates an opportunity for people to become part of a grassroots movement that intelligently responds to what.s happening in the world.
But our work extends beyond our borders. In war-affected regions we focus on long-term development, working directly with individuals and institutions that are eager to realize their full potential. Through education and innovative economic opportunities, we partner with affected communities and strive to improve the quality of life for individuals living in conflict and post-conflict regions.
How We Make a Difference
Our approach to humanitarian work is founded in the strength and intelligence of the Ugandan community. We learned early on it was not only important but essential to heed the wisdom of people that had not only lived in the war, but were surviving it. People who would know better than anyone what the greatest needs were and the best ways to meet them. What we came to find is that while there have been many efforts to address the issues that stem from living and fighting in such a long-lasting war, the people of Uganda are asking for a future beyond the conflict.
Their pleas have become our development strategy.
All of our programming is a partnership between those of us at Invisible Children and those in the Ugandan community. We focus on long-term goals that enable children to take responsibility for their future and the future of their country. Our programs are carefully researched and developed initiatives that address the need for quality education, mentorships, the redevelopment of schools, resettlement from the camps, and financial stability.
go to www.invisiblechildren.com
Thursday, 2 April 2009
White Water Rafting Madness
White water rafting last weekend on the river Tay, I couldn't actually feel my feet, it was freezing. Im the stupid person that had swapped seats to the front of the raft......wasn't my smartest move ever.
Hide and Seek
Last night was Wednesday and Wednesday night is Time Out night! Two groups last night meant it was a little chaotic especially with some of the S2’s more concerned with painting each other rather than the wallpaper which was provided!
We started however with the 10-12’s, who after being amazingly gifted at ‘Schebang Schebang’ and the ‘The Gargle guessing game’ (which should incidentally be renamed ‘Gargle, giggle and Spit’), retired for some serious thoughts on worship, what it means, and who deserves it.
Now I am not usually the biggest lover of paraphrases in the world, but last night I took a little exception. When reading The Message, Acts 17 has a great bit in it which talks about how good God is,
‘Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. We live and move in him, can't get away from him!’
When we started talking about who or what really, deserves our worship, we realised that God being perfect, being the creator of each of us, and being the creator of the earth in all its goodness (even though humanity has done its best to mess it up), pretty much deserves our worship more than anything else that’s out there.
Sometimes however we might find this a little difficult, as even though God doesn’t play hide and seek with us, for some it’s hard to think of having faith or worshipping a God who we cant physically see in front of us. Although at times this is a beautiful part of the mystery of our faith, it can often hold others back. One of our group, lets just call her Miss Em for now, came out with a magnificent illustration that I think helped us all immensely. She reminded us that when you happen to be on MSN talking to someone, all you can really see is the text of what that person is writing coming up on your computer screen, and although you can’t see them you have to trust that its them that you are speaking to. As a Christian we have to do a lot of trusting, in-fact that is what our faith is based on, trust! We need to trust in God and his word, remembering that he doesn’t want to play hide and seek with us, he is near, and wants to have a close and personal relationship with us all.
To finish our time off together and to reiterate the point, we played a massive game of sardines on all fours in the church. If you have never played sardines its like hide and seek but when you find the person hiding you hang about with them until everyone else finds you….much fun was had.
We started however with the 10-12’s, who after being amazingly gifted at ‘Schebang Schebang’ and the ‘The Gargle guessing game’ (which should incidentally be renamed ‘Gargle, giggle and Spit’), retired for some serious thoughts on worship, what it means, and who deserves it.
Now I am not usually the biggest lover of paraphrases in the world, but last night I took a little exception. When reading The Message, Acts 17 has a great bit in it which talks about how good God is,
‘Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. We live and move in him, can't get away from him!’
When we started talking about who or what really, deserves our worship, we realised that God being perfect, being the creator of each of us, and being the creator of the earth in all its goodness (even though humanity has done its best to mess it up), pretty much deserves our worship more than anything else that’s out there.
Sometimes however we might find this a little difficult, as even though God doesn’t play hide and seek with us, for some it’s hard to think of having faith or worshipping a God who we cant physically see in front of us. Although at times this is a beautiful part of the mystery of our faith, it can often hold others back. One of our group, lets just call her Miss Em for now, came out with a magnificent illustration that I think helped us all immensely. She reminded us that when you happen to be on MSN talking to someone, all you can really see is the text of what that person is writing coming up on your computer screen, and although you can’t see them you have to trust that its them that you are speaking to. As a Christian we have to do a lot of trusting, in-fact that is what our faith is based on, trust! We need to trust in God and his word, remembering that he doesn’t want to play hide and seek with us, he is near, and wants to have a close and personal relationship with us all.
To finish our time off together and to reiterate the point, we played a massive game of sardines on all fours in the church. If you have never played sardines its like hide and seek but when you find the person hiding you hang about with them until everyone else finds you….much fun was had.
My lesser known but you should definately have a listen artist of the week - Pawnshop Kings - Thursday April 2nd
These boys are awfully good, and its music like this that gives me a desire to live in Orange County. Born in Texas, raised in SoCal, it’s not a great surprise that their music vacillates between a hint of ‘melodic American Southern gospel brooding’ and pleasing guitar flavoured rock. I suppose it’s what happens when cowboy hats collide with surfboards. Have a listen to their songs on their MySpace, all of which are particularly diverse and fantastic, I especially love their live version of ‘There’s no other’, and the bluesy feel to ‘Make Me Whole’.
www.pawnshopkings.com
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