Category Archives: Haphazard
calling all heretic dogs: disagreement and respect
Have you ever experienced the ugliness of Christians savaging each other over theological disagreements?
Why do we do it to each other?
Yes that’s right, we. I use the word “we” for two reasons; the first is that I am as guilty as anyone, the second is to emphasise the inclusiveness of Christ and that we all Christians are brothers and sisters in him.
Today I was asked if I would write more posts on the topic of violence in the Old Testament (see my last post). My response was that though I am sure my views about the Old Testament and biblical interpretation will be given a respectful hearing by most people, there are those who will respond with an ugly disrespect that I am not, at this particular point in time, willing to incite.
Maybe you have felt the same. Read the rest of this entry
confessions of a failing radical: challenges of walking the way
This post was inspired by an amicable challenge set forth by my friend Simon Moyle, a peace activist and worthy Twitter followee, in the comments section of a recent post of mine.
But even prior to this challenge I have struggled with listening to Christian activists speak about their journeys and their perspectives. This is not because they are wrong, or uninspiring, or bad people. On the contrary the vast majority are beautiful, compelling, godly people.
But at a few points this year I have found myself secretly wanting them to share a specific kind of message. They will often speak about their theology, their most impressive stories of activism, living radically and following Jesus, or their well-articulated views on particular issues of the day…
…These things are important and valuable!…
… but I am often left feeling that these people are superhuman, and as a result I feel like I could never do what they do.
The truth is that what I really want to hear from these people is a message about failure, and losing hope. I want to hear a message entitled “The things that have gone wrong”, or “The things I have messed up”, or even “When I don’t feel like giving a shit anymore.” Read the rest of this entry
rest in peace john stott
John Stott, one of the most read evangelical authors of the 20th century, has died at age 90.
Stott wrote over 50 books, and is widely believed to have played an instrumental role in the resurgence of evangelicalism in England. His book Basic Christianity was published over 50 years ago, and has been translated into more than 60 languages.
Stott was a key contributor to the 1974 Lausanne Covenant, and is also believed to have been a major part of the renewed interest in social justice among evangelicals.
His book The Cross of Christ, now over 20 years old, continues to be a classic on the subject of the atonement and the centrality of the cross fo Christian faith.
One does not have to agree with everything Stott ever said or wrote to acknowledge his impact of evangelicalism, and his godly character. He has deeply affected many for the better, and he will be missed by many.
MCA
100th post: 10 lessons from the blogrimage so far
This post marks my blog clicking over to its 100th post since September 2009. It certainly doesn’t feel like that many, but my blog says so…
I thought I would share 10 reflections and lessons learned on my blogrimage so far. Read the rest of this entry
maher: if you rejoice in revenge, torture and war… you’re not a christian
Sometimes Christians need to pay attention to the prophetic voices outside the Church…
Bill Maher: If You Celebrated Bin Laden’s Death, You’re Not Really a Christian
Make sure to watch the clip at the end of the post, which should confront the Western Church’s collusion with empire.
MCA
the parable of the neighbours and the fruit trees
Warning: this is a foray into the strange world of creative writing; this could be good, or really bad…
A rich man observed his garden and said to himself, “I must secure more fruit, for my fruit trees are old and can no longer produce enough to sell at the market.”
So the rich man quietly crossed his fence and entered the very small garden of his poor neighbour. Read the rest of this entry
refu-jeez…
On Saturday I went along to a protest looking to the end of mandatory detention for asylum seekers coming to Australia. While I am completely committed to the cause, I thought the protest was not well executed.
My friend Josh, who also came along, wrote about the issues with the protest over at his blog, Incoherent Ramblings (…of a Mad Man?) under the title “Idiots with Megaphones“.
I think he really nailed it with his article, and thus I won’t worry about doing something similar (do yourself a favour and read his post).
What I will leave you with though is the genius of Clarke and Dawe on the subject of immigration.
MCA
go and get fact!
I was in a discussion the other day about politics. My friend and part-time opponent utilised no actual policy criticisms, but rather simply referred to the leader of said party with a set of unflattering names.
Such name-calling was additionally supported by false accusations and misunderstandings about complex issues and historical trends.
Now, I’m quite aware that this story is ambiguous at best, and a straw man at worst. It would, of course, be quite rude and untrustworthy for me to divulge any more details.
Most of us have, I suspect, been in such a discussion though at some point. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be a personal conversation, politicians blatantly lie all the time, like the Liberal Party here in NSW, Australia, who are claiming that the government’s proposed carbon tax will cost households $500 dollars annually – this figure is completely made up! (The tax, after all, has not even been formulated yet.)
I don’t really have a point here (I just want to get this off my chest), though perhaps it is a lesson for all that people should really stop lying when they argue politics, religion, science, or anything else.
Please give me, to the best of your ability and understanding, real facts and not rumours you heard off your friend the other day.
Please give me well thought out opinions, and not some drivel with words you don’t actually know the meaning of.
And please do not give me plain lies just to try and win an argument; you just look silly!
Rant complete.
MCA
commie talk… sort of
My friend Josh, over at his blog Incoherent Ramblings (…of a Mad Man?), has posted a piece entitled ‘Continuing with the Commie Talk’. In it he outlines some biblical reflections on our economic system, similar to what I did in my post ‘Is There a Third Way in Economics?’, except Josh reflects on some different biblical texts. Well worth a read!
http://joshdowton.wordpress.com/2011/02/27/continuing-with-the-commie-talk/#comment-88
MCA
back soon!
Won’t be writing for a while, as I’m currently in South-East Asia. Will be here until late January. See you soon!
MCA
