Blair and Jennifer Hancox are engaged to be married. Blair popped the question on Monday 1st March during a celebration dinner at Luna restaurant in Dunedin. And Jen said yes ! What a great night !
Friday, March 05, 2010
Blair and Jen engaged
Blair and Jennifer Hancox are engaged to be married. Blair popped the question on Monday 1st March during a celebration dinner at Luna restaurant in Dunedin. And Jen said yes ! What a great night !
Book Review - Beyond contempt
Book Review for Touchstone
Beyond Contempt by Tony Stroobant
This book has already received considerable publicity, and justifiably so. It deals with the crucial issue of Christian attitudes towards the Jewish community , spanning almost 2,000 years. It is tragic that throughout the entire history of the Christian Church, “anti-Jewishness” has been evident in both implicit and explicit ways. This very important and easy to read 103 page book represents a concise summary of many years of academic study and respectful interfaith activity. Tony is someone who is “walking the talk”, serving as co-President of the NZ Council of Christians and Jews. Early on in the book he explores the Jewishness of Jesus and the relationship of Jesus with “the Jews” of his day. The role of “the Jews” in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus is carefully explored, and traditional interpretations critiqued. Many common assumptions and attitudes are challenged , including the idea of “supersessionism” - the belief that Christianity has superceded Judaism and that members of the Jewish community are thereby to be regarded as in some way spiritually deficient. Tony goes on to explain the many ways in which Christians continue to perpetuate anti-Jewishness and anti-semitism, often unintentionally via our presuppositions, actions, and worship practices. The source lies within our subconscious, planted deep within us since our childhood, inherited from hundreds of years of oppressive attitudes. We are reminded that the tragic fruit of such conditioning over hundreds of years was the holocaust.
Church history, world history, biblical studies, psychology and psychoanalytic theory are drawn upon to help us become more aware of what we need to change. A comparison is made with the dynamics of changes in our attitude to inclusive language, changes which took place over many years and are still in progress. Insights into the richness of Judaism are provided and we are all encouraged to grow in respect and understanding. One thing that could have been suggested was that we be more intentional in making friends with members of the Jewish community, perhaps by joining (or forming) a local interfaith group.
The book is presented in seven easy to read sections with study questions and a psalm after each chapter - an excellent resource for a Church study group. Further reading and helpful websites are provided to assist us to explore the topics in greater depth.
“Beyond Contempt” is a vitally important work endorsed by Wendy Ross, co-President of the Auckland Council of Christians and Jews. It should be made available far and wide, within both Church and Synagogue. I suggest each Parish purchase copies of this book and also give copies to their local Jewish community. This will enable our Jewish friends to be more aware of attempts being made within the Church to move “beyond contempt” of Judaism to greater understanding and respect. The next step would be to use the book as a study guide (over seven weeks) for a Christian-Jewish dialogue group in your area. Shalom.
Beyond Contempt by Tony Stroobant
This book has already received considerable publicity, and justifiably so. It deals with the crucial issue of Christian attitudes towards the Jewish community , spanning almost 2,000 years. It is tragic that throughout the entire history of the Christian Church, “anti-Jewishness” has been evident in both implicit and explicit ways. This very important and easy to read 103 page book represents a concise summary of many years of academic study and respectful interfaith activity. Tony is someone who is “walking the talk”, serving as co-President of the NZ Council of Christians and Jews. Early on in the book he explores the Jewishness of Jesus and the relationship of Jesus with “the Jews” of his day. The role of “the Jews” in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus is carefully explored, and traditional interpretations critiqued. Many common assumptions and attitudes are challenged , including the idea of “supersessionism” - the belief that Christianity has superceded Judaism and that members of the Jewish community are thereby to be regarded as in some way spiritually deficient. Tony goes on to explain the many ways in which Christians continue to perpetuate anti-Jewishness and anti-semitism, often unintentionally via our presuppositions, actions, and worship practices. The source lies within our subconscious, planted deep within us since our childhood, inherited from hundreds of years of oppressive attitudes. We are reminded that the tragic fruit of such conditioning over hundreds of years was the holocaust.
Church history, world history, biblical studies, psychology and psychoanalytic theory are drawn upon to help us become more aware of what we need to change. A comparison is made with the dynamics of changes in our attitude to inclusive language, changes which took place over many years and are still in progress. Insights into the richness of Judaism are provided and we are all encouraged to grow in respect and understanding. One thing that could have been suggested was that we be more intentional in making friends with members of the Jewish community, perhaps by joining (or forming) a local interfaith group.
The book is presented in seven easy to read sections with study questions and a psalm after each chapter - an excellent resource for a Church study group. Further reading and helpful websites are provided to assist us to explore the topics in greater depth.
“Beyond Contempt” is a vitally important work endorsed by Wendy Ross, co-President of the Auckland Council of Christians and Jews. It should be made available far and wide, within both Church and Synagogue. I suggest each Parish purchase copies of this book and also give copies to their local Jewish community. This will enable our Jewish friends to be more aware of attempts being made within the Church to move “beyond contempt” of Judaism to greater understanding and respect. The next step would be to use the book as a study guide (over seven weeks) for a Christian-Jewish dialogue group in your area. Shalom.
Book Review - This is your time
BOOK REVIEW
MICHAEL W. SMITH, THIS IS YOUR TIME
In common with John Wesley, Michael W. Smith believes that we should make every moment count. We never know when our lives may end.
Inspired by the shootings at Columbine High School, Colorado USA in 1999, Michael presents a powerful testimony to the faith of Cassie Bernall and Rachel Scott, two students who confessed their faith in God immediately prior to their being martyred. Michael W. Smith, a famous contemporary American musician, was privileged to sing at their memorial service a few days later. He skillfully interweaves his own biography and his own faith into the story, which once begun, is very hard to put down. Michael, a father of five, presents a convincing case for the relevance of Christian faith today. Reading this book helped me to meet the man behind the music, and to encounter a father who has a sincere pastoral message to share.
Although there are some "Americanisms" in the text, this does not detract from the power and the relevance of this small, well-presented and easily read book. I believe This is your time would make a spiritually valuable gift for parents to give their teenagers, and for teenagers to give their parents. The discussion elicited within families, will be profound. This book will also be of value for ministers, pastors, youth leaders and school chaplains who have already, or who might one day be called upon to offer pastoral care in the context of tragedy. Michael W. Smith's testimony is a witness to the vital importance of music at times of bereavement, and the distinctive ministry-role musicians play within and beyond the Christian community.
This book rings true to human experience and is a courageous attempt to make sense out of disaster. Written from an evangelical perspective, portions of This is your time will be appreciated by people of all theological emphases. Michael calls us all to live our lives with a greater passion for God. Whether we are facing times of death, mourning, laughter or dancing we are challenged to make every moment count. Every moment of every day and every night is precious.
The first chapter is available on the internet at www.ThisIsYourTime.com
Greg Hughson (father of four)
MICHAEL W. SMITH, THIS IS YOUR TIME
In common with John Wesley, Michael W. Smith believes that we should make every moment count. We never know when our lives may end.
Inspired by the shootings at Columbine High School, Colorado USA in 1999, Michael presents a powerful testimony to the faith of Cassie Bernall and Rachel Scott, two students who confessed their faith in God immediately prior to their being martyred. Michael W. Smith, a famous contemporary American musician, was privileged to sing at their memorial service a few days later. He skillfully interweaves his own biography and his own faith into the story, which once begun, is very hard to put down. Michael, a father of five, presents a convincing case for the relevance of Christian faith today. Reading this book helped me to meet the man behind the music, and to encounter a father who has a sincere pastoral message to share.
Although there are some "Americanisms" in the text, this does not detract from the power and the relevance of this small, well-presented and easily read book. I believe This is your time would make a spiritually valuable gift for parents to give their teenagers, and for teenagers to give their parents. The discussion elicited within families, will be profound. This book will also be of value for ministers, pastors, youth leaders and school chaplains who have already, or who might one day be called upon to offer pastoral care in the context of tragedy. Michael W. Smith's testimony is a witness to the vital importance of music at times of bereavement, and the distinctive ministry-role musicians play within and beyond the Christian community.
This book rings true to human experience and is a courageous attempt to make sense out of disaster. Written from an evangelical perspective, portions of This is your time will be appreciated by people of all theological emphases. Michael calls us all to live our lives with a greater passion for God. Whether we are facing times of death, mourning, laughter or dancing we are challenged to make every moment count. Every moment of every day and every night is precious.
The first chapter is available on the internet at www.ThisIsYourTime.com
Greg Hughson (father of four)
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Mark's story of Jesus
Mark's story of Jesus
Touchstone article. October 2009
The gospel readings set down for October in the lectionary invite us enter into Mark’s story of Jesus. Mark’s gospel is the earliest gospel, written around AD 65-70. I suggest you sit down and read it all as one integrated story. This will enable you to put what you hear read in Church this month, in context.
An ancient tradition recounts that Mark was an associate of Jesus’ chief pupil Simon Peter. Around AD 140, Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis wrote that “Mark, being Peter’s interpreter, wrote down correctly all that he remembered of the things said and done by the Lord”. So, if we are to believe Papias, Mark is a reliable witness (via Peter) to the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. Mark’s story of Jesus is full of action. Jesus is always on the move. We see this in Mark 10. Jesus enters into the region of Judea. Immediately he encounters conflict in discussing the issue of divorce. This issue is still controversial. Jesus declares “what God has joined together let man not separate” , a phrase often still heard at wedding services.
A little later on Jesus takes children in his arms and blesses them. Soon afterwards he challenges a rich young man to sell all he has and give it to the poor. His disciples are amazed when Jesus declares that all things are possible with God and that the first will be last and the last shall be first . Then Jesus is on the move again. He leads his astonished disciples on the road up to Jerusalem, informing them what will happen next. He paints a frightening scenario. The shadow of the cross falls across the Markan narrative from Mark 8:27 onwards. On leaving Jericho Jesus enables Blind Bartimaeus to receive his sight. Bartimaeus joins the crowd and follows Jesus.
The story world of Mark is full of conflict and suspense. What will happen next ? It is a difficult story to put down. Mark portrays a Jesus intent on moving towards the goal God has set for him. It is made clear that Jesus is prepared to die as a consequence of proclaiming God’s loving reign. Jesus goes ahead of his disciples on “the way”. His disciples dare to follow, captivated by the uniqueness of this intriguing character from Nazareth. Following Jesus is not boring. Mark, throughout his gospel emphasises the humanity of Jesus, the importance of faith and the cost of discipleship.
As the disciples follow Jesus they are urged to take up their crosses, in a sense “losing” their lives in order to receive a great deal more (10:29-31) . As readers and hearers of Mark’s gospel story we are invited to do the same.
Mark is consistent in emphasising the faults and failings of Jesus’ disciples. Perhaps this was Mark’s way of reassuring his early Church readers that if there was hope for these very inadequate first disciples of Jesus, there was still hope for them. When we, many years later read or hear Mark’s gospel and identify with the disciples, we are graciously reassured that there is still hope for us also.
Jesus offers his disciples ongoing pardon and restoration in spite of their failures. This is good news indeed. Through Mark’s portrayal of Jesus we encounter a God - at work through Jesus - who never gives up on people (including us !) and we are encouraged to never give up on each other.
Rev Greg Hughson
Otago University, Dunedin
Touchstone article. October 2009
The gospel readings set down for October in the lectionary invite us enter into Mark’s story of Jesus. Mark’s gospel is the earliest gospel, written around AD 65-70. I suggest you sit down and read it all as one integrated story. This will enable you to put what you hear read in Church this month, in context.
An ancient tradition recounts that Mark was an associate of Jesus’ chief pupil Simon Peter. Around AD 140, Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis wrote that “Mark, being Peter’s interpreter, wrote down correctly all that he remembered of the things said and done by the Lord”. So, if we are to believe Papias, Mark is a reliable witness (via Peter) to the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. Mark’s story of Jesus is full of action. Jesus is always on the move. We see this in Mark 10. Jesus enters into the region of Judea. Immediately he encounters conflict in discussing the issue of divorce. This issue is still controversial. Jesus declares “what God has joined together let man not separate” , a phrase often still heard at wedding services.
A little later on Jesus takes children in his arms and blesses them. Soon afterwards he challenges a rich young man to sell all he has and give it to the poor. His disciples are amazed when Jesus declares that all things are possible with God and that the first will be last and the last shall be first . Then Jesus is on the move again. He leads his astonished disciples on the road up to Jerusalem, informing them what will happen next. He paints a frightening scenario. The shadow of the cross falls across the Markan narrative from Mark 8:27 onwards. On leaving Jericho Jesus enables Blind Bartimaeus to receive his sight. Bartimaeus joins the crowd and follows Jesus.
The story world of Mark is full of conflict and suspense. What will happen next ? It is a difficult story to put down. Mark portrays a Jesus intent on moving towards the goal God has set for him. It is made clear that Jesus is prepared to die as a consequence of proclaiming God’s loving reign. Jesus goes ahead of his disciples on “the way”. His disciples dare to follow, captivated by the uniqueness of this intriguing character from Nazareth. Following Jesus is not boring. Mark, throughout his gospel emphasises the humanity of Jesus, the importance of faith and the cost of discipleship.
As the disciples follow Jesus they are urged to take up their crosses, in a sense “losing” their lives in order to receive a great deal more (10:29-31) . As readers and hearers of Mark’s gospel story we are invited to do the same.
Mark is consistent in emphasising the faults and failings of Jesus’ disciples. Perhaps this was Mark’s way of reassuring his early Church readers that if there was hope for these very inadequate first disciples of Jesus, there was still hope for them. When we, many years later read or hear Mark’s gospel and identify with the disciples, we are graciously reassured that there is still hope for us also.
Jesus offers his disciples ongoing pardon and restoration in spite of their failures. This is good news indeed. Through Mark’s portrayal of Jesus we encounter a God - at work through Jesus - who never gives up on people (including us !) and we are encouraged to never give up on each other.
Rev Greg Hughson
Otago University, Dunedin
Sunday, January 03, 2010
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