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Graeme CodringtonJul 06,2009
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Use and abuse of the Old Testament

A theme on this blog is how we intepret Scripture, and how our interpretations have shaped some really bad practice by the church. Well, more for fun than for serious comment, here is satirical newsman, Jon Stewart commenting on Governor Mark Sanford's selective use of the Old Testament to hold onto his position - as Governor and in the Republican party.

Although satirical, Stewart's comments about how selectively Christians use the Bible are well made - and should be listened to by the church!

See the video below - or at the Daily Show website here.

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Graeme CodringtonJun 07,2009
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Rich Stearn's Speech at Mobilisation to end Poverty in Washington DC

This is the text of a speech given by Rich Stearn at the Mobilisation to End Poverty held in Washington DC in April 2009.  Although the speech is addressed at an American audience the principles are true for all of us.

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Graeme CodringtonMay 20,2009
Graeme CodringtonJan 09,2009
Graeme CodringtonJan 05,2009
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An atheist, God and African solutions

The Times (UK) published a thought-provoking article last week, by an avowed atheist who is often critical of organised religion and Christianity. Yet, his thoughts on what is needed in Africa are refreshing and exciting for those of us who believe there is a different way of being and doing Christian in the world today.

This is worth a read. The original is online here.

 

As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God


Missionaries, not aid money, are the solution to Africa's biggest problem - the crushing passivity of the people's mindset
by Matthew Parris

Before Christmas I returned, after 45 years, to the country that as a boy I knew as Nyasaland. Today it's Malawi, and The Times Christmas Appeal includes a small British charity working there. Pump Aid helps rural communities to install a simple pump, letting people keep their village wells sealed and clean. I went to see this work.

It inspired me, renewing my flagging faith in development charities. But travelling in Malawi refreshed another belief, too: one I've been trying to banish all my life, but an observation I've been unable to avoid since my African childhood. It confounds my ideological beliefs, stubbornly refuses to fit my world view, and has embarrassed my growing belief that there is no God.

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Graeme CodringtonNov 05,2008
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Changing of the guards

I was up way too late last night, watching the American election results circus fuelled by the 24 hour news channels and their really self-absorbed analysis and so-called "technical wizardry". In between flicking through news channels, I flipped across to some of the Christian satellite channels, such as Daystar, TBN and God TV. Most of these were showing live broadcasts tracking the elections.

It struck me that the religious right (fundamentalists and evangelicals in "red states" of the USA) has put their entire might and energy behind McCain (not so much McCain, as behind the Republican party and the conservative agenda). And they have lost. Not just lost - the American people have spoken with a loud voice and delivered a crushing blow to Christians who think the biggest issues in the world are abortion, gay marriage and gun ownership!

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