Parachute

Idle query...
Is anyone planning on attending Parachute 06?

Biking

Biking is the good. There is something about biking that puts things in perspective. You are exercising but at the same time going somewhere. You can feel the wind in your face. You don't have to stop and can slip through gaps that cars can't. You rule the road sliding between cars and weaving between pedestrians. You realise that getting there is half the fun of going there. Time becomes an irrelvancy because you can't go any faster. There's no point in worrying about what you're missing by not being able to get there sooner because you are already going at top speed. Road rage flies out the window.

I like biking.

ps when I went into town today there was a head wind. However, I managed to catch another cyclists slipstream the whole way into town. It was so cruisy. He thought I was trying to race him because I was sitting on his tail. However, I was perfectly happy staying behind him and keeping pace with him.

What the bleep do we know?

Wow I feel very blessed to have gone to see to great movies within the space of a week with two very cool people.

Last night instead of going to church I went to see What the bleep do we know? After watching it I felt like I had had a ton of bricks dropped on my head. It was definately worth the cost of going to see it. To use a word that Mike coined last night What the bleep do we know? is a drama-mentry, ie, this movie interviews multiple people throughout the movie but through it all is a storyline about this woman dealing with the issues that they present.

The movie is about science and spirituality. They interview multiple people with varying degrees of expertise in the subject matter from very knowledgeable to a woman who seemed to be using it to be supporting her own New Age Eastern mysticism (we are all god if we just unlock our potential). The science is all about quantum science and how everything exists in potentia in multiple places at once until it is observed or experienced and then all the possiblities collapse down to one. They go on to say that no where in the physical human body is there anything that is capable of being the Observer, as they put it. These scientists therefore conclude that the Observer is in fact the human soul. This Observer if it truly unlocked its potential then could shape reality as it saw fit.

They also discussed god, the views differed quite radically. The person I was most impressed with throughout the whole movie declared that he believed that god is he just did not know what or who god is. The woman declared that we are all god. It was interesting that the god that they reasoned exists must be so much bigger than all our human conceptions, they had an awe of god that Christians sometimes lose from His intimacy with us. However, they could not believe that such an awesomely powerful god could actually be affected by humans, us being such an insignificant tiny part of the universe, and that we could actually hurt this god. But this is where the Christian message differs hugely from their message because this is the amazing thing about God that even though we are such a small insignificant part of His universe He still loves and cares about us.

I think a lot of Christians would get very offended by this movie with its religio-scientific pretensions. The god this movie rails against is the god of the gaps and the scientists claimed to have filled all of the gaps. Since many Christians use god of the gaps to avoid having to marry science and god this means that this god is written out of existence. However, I aren't convinced that this is completely a bad thing. The God that I believe in is not a God of the gaps but a sovereign God who governs all things. He is not disproved by science as if He were below science or alongside it. Rather He is above science. He is big, wise, and powerful enough to accept any scienctific explanations of how He acts. One question that did get raised in my mind is why we are the observers that determine reality. Why could not the observer be someone who is external to us who keeps my reality the same as your reality. In this case God is the ultimate observer who makes sure that tomorrow follows today or indeed happens at all. This is a God who truly holds the world in the palm of His hand.

But in fact I was thoroughly impressed by this movie. The fact that members of the scientific community are claiming to be able to show that the soul exists is a telling indictment against an atheistic view that science disproves the existence of God. I would therefore recommend it to all Christians who are secure in their faith but are willing to question it and are able to accept answers that aren't necessarily what traditional Christianity teaches. I would also recommend going to see it a second time with atheist/agnostic friends since I see it as a great evangelistic tool, insomuchas it provides a great starting point for a discussion.

Communion

I was just having a random thought during communion today.

The act of communion is an act that transcends time and space. When we come to the Communion table we approach it with a multitude of Christians throughout 2000 years and across the globe. Race, creed, and denomination fade into insignificance as we come together. While there might be disputes about what it means to be a Christian they are not important as we gather together, break the bread and drink the wine. We come together in one spirit to remember the Crucified Christ. This is why the sacrements are important and still have relevance to the church.

Hebrews 12:1
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us"

Luke 22:17
"After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, 'Take this and divide it among you.'"

Lifeguarding

For those of you interested in making a few bucks over the summer the CCC is looking for people who want to do lifeguarding this summer. Apparently there are 100 positions going. Anyway they are offering free training for anyone interested. If can swim 25 m and have a relatively balanced personality then they'd be interested in talking to you.

400 m!!!!!

I just swam 400 m non-stop as part of my set :D. I'm so stoked this would probably the first time in 10 years that I have managed it. I was just planning on swimming 200 m but when I got towards the end of the 200 I found that I had got my second wind and justdecided to keep going. :D :D :D

In other news I am now on holiday (sorry, lecture break) for the first time this semester. Apart from an extra 18 hours at the pool and 3 2000+ word assignments I am on holiday :).

Crash

I went to see Crash this evening. This is a must see movie of uberity. It follows 48 hours of the lives multiple people of different races living in LA. Each of these people suffer from some kind of racism either implicitly or explicitly. Each of these people feel justified in their feelings until something happens to shake their worldview. It is about salvation and redemption. About being human and love. I rate it most highly.

In addition to this I think one of the main problems with the West is the dehumanising individualism that has its claws hooked into our culture. We live our lives in our circles and view with distrust everyone who is not in our circle. We fear those who are different and view with suspiscion anyone who is not from it. Anytime something goes wrong we revert to this bigotry. Anytime someone fulfills a racial stereotype we take it to be justification for our view of this race. Rather than being an aberation from the norm it is taken to be the norm. This is not being human this is dehumanising.

I see this all as kinda relating back to this post.

Red or Blue

This latest election brought this to the fore for me. I found that my upbringing dictated Blue that everything within the core of my being is Blue. However, I found pressing in on me from the outside is the Red. Like sticking a white marshmallow in some red food colouring. It turns red on the outside yet the inside remains white. This is how I feel. My mind is beginning to think that Red has got it more right/Christian than the Blue but my heart says no. Blue is the traditional individualistic fundamental Christianity, Red is the community Christianity and I think this is closer to what I believe the bible to be about.

Anyway this is just a way of illustrating the conflict going on within me. Being brought up a 'mature' Christian teaches certain preconceived ideas about what Christianity is all about. However, as I grow up, go to Bridal, hang out with fellow Christians I find myself changing the way that I view certain problems/ideas. I see the stock standard answer and my heart says yes. My mind on the other hand says wait a minute this looks closer to the truth/Jesus' teachings. Its really irritating because when I hear a new idea my instant response is one of revulsion and hiding behind my upbringing then when I step out from behind my fundamentalism I think 'wait a minute this looks good and has good practical implications'.

Anyway, life you old dog

Me like Snow

Snow is glorious. To wake up and see the snow drifting to the ground is such a beautiful sight. It creates a pure weight upon the world. It turns the world into a phantastical fairy land where dreams and mystical beliefs seem possible.







I knew that the weather was too good to last. Murphey's law is never thwarted.

We live behind these fences all of our lives. We ignore each other and go about our business. We do not seek to know, we do not wish to know what is going on in a strangers life. We do not wish to intrude upon anothers life for fear of their response. We live alone surrounded by people. We surround ourselves with a wall of sound so that we cannot hear anything. We walk past each other avoiding each others gaze. This is the result of the secularisation of the West that we do not need anyone else. While it is said that the securalisation of the West is the natural fruition of the christianisation of the West it has not been successful. The secularistion was meant to be the final culmination of humanity living with each other in harmony. Yet we do not live in harmony rather we live separately.

This is not what God intended for us. We are not meant to be alone we are designed for relationship. God does not desire us to relate to him individually the alone to the alone. Rather as community to Trinity.

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return." - Luke 6:32-35 (NRSV)

Jared = Very Happy

Now by that I mean that I feel at peace.

Do you ever get the need to just get away from it all? Just to flee the trappings of this life. Just to strip away all of the stuff that engages our attention. Just to go for a good long walk. So good when it can be achieved that the path you tread bears little resemblance to the footpaths we normally tread. Where darkness obscures the path.

I sat in prayer above the city asking God to guide, comfort and to let me feel his presence for that is what I felt I needed because of various issues (now that's a provocative ambiguous statement :D - sorry enough of my self commentary). I was sitting there wondering God what's the deal where are you? Then the wise words of Don Carleone came to me: "You come to me asking for a favour and you do not even offer me your friendship..." I started to pray and thank God for all the blessings that he has poured out over my life. I got inclinations to pray for various people in various situations. I came down from my seat feeling refreshed and reenergised. Though I don't have an answer for the issues yet I don't care life is bigger and so much more important than just some issues.

I don't think I have any points to conclude on. Just this God is. God cares. God listens. Peace out.

Plans

It is most irritating when carefully laid plans are thwarted

Yahoo

Handed in my essay this morning. Now its clear sailing until holidays.

Also got an essay back for Apologetics. I got an A. I am stoked.

As night progresses, sanity decreases, and truth becomes obvious

You may have guessed from the title I am in the midst of another assignment. Define 5 theological terms (some of which I am not entirely certain I believe in anymore) in 120-150 words each. Whoop-diddly.

In other news coffee is God's greatest creation. A sip of this truth serum and alertness, focus, and clarity return.

Time to stop procrastinating...

Christ is not a religious figure in fact if anything he is an anti-religious figure

This is just my thought after watching Saved, a must see movie. At least for those with a strong, cynical belief in God. Especially good if you either are a 'mature' Christian or know many 'mature' Christians, else have been to many Pentie services/events.

Ah confusion of confusions. I stand upon the shifting sands of my mind.

There is something immensely satisfying about seeing an essay take shape underneath your fingertips. It is so cool to watch the words flow together trying to mimic the thoughts that are being chased around your head. Much as I hate writing essays for their lack of clearly defined structure (give me an engineering report to write any day) I love watching them take shape.

As you may have guessed I'm slightly procrastinating and have an essay that is in the process of being written up for the morrow. Good old all nighters my faithful companion through 5 years of academic toil.

BTW

I think now is the time to clarify my position.

Firstly, thanks to all who communicated to me their encouragement.

Secondly, I am sorry for messing with your minds and emotions just slightly. Its my dark understanding asserting itself.

Finally, what I wrote in my last post is what I believe and have believed for the longest time. But it is only part of the truth. It is my revolt against an atheist worldview.

"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." - Ecc 1:2

"Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth" - Ecc 11:9-12:1

If God does not exist then I believe that what I said is ultimately true. There is no point in existence if all we have to look forward to is death, if everything will come to naught. There is no point in propagting the species. Joy is meaningless. And morality is a construct. Suicide is just as valid as anything.

Yet even an atheist worldview sees suicide as a bad thing. We should not let people do it. But why? There is no inherent value to their lives, to any of our lives.

However, God does exist. Life has meaning. A purpose. A goal. Raising children becomes a joy and there is a point to the species. For we believe that while this world will pass away that there is a new heaven and new earth awaiting us. To raise children with the hope of this place becomes a joy. Joy is no longer outweighed by pain but rather as Hannah pointed out "Joy is what makes bad times bearable!" Joy is our hope in things to come. Suicide becomes a bad thing for each human life has value beyond compare to our Creator. Morality has an ultimate foundation.

In conclusion the reason why I wanted no one to see my expression when I wrote the last post was that I had a large wry grin across it.

ps. The last post is not my personal worldview but rather my view of the world. It is incoherent to be held next to the belief in God for reasons outlined above. In light of points 4 and 5 of this post what I wrote is not sustainable.

Hoobastank, The Reason
I've found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you

I am...

I am a Nihilist. I cannot see the point in existence. I cannot see the point in reproduction. If the world will one day end and all humanity destroyed then what point is there procreating? To bring a child into this meaningless existence only to die is cruel. Life is hurt and then you die. Joy is just a transitory illusion. There is no hope.

There is no source of morality. There is no point in not killing someone just for the sake of it. Our lives have no point and their life is meaningless. We are all going to die anyway.

Why prolong our existence? Joy is passing and cannot outweigh the pain. I should just slash my wrists and be done with this life. I am done

I hope no one can see my expression at the moment.

I am a child of Canterbury. I am reborn on the North West wind. It reaches into my heart. It pulls up my head. Glory fills at its breath. Energy abounds. I feel as if I wish to run forever. I wish to climb a mountain. I wish to wrestle a bear. I am a child of Canterbury.

I am a child of God. I see the sunset and know my Creator. Only a Creator God would have a pallette large enough to paint a sunset. With broad brush strokes of indescribeable hue he paints the evening sky. Each moment is a new masterpiece as the sun departs for other realms. I am a child of God.

I take a step outside
and I open my eyes
and find
that I can't take a breath
without you being on my mind
there's nothing that I can do
there's nothing that I can say
I've fallen flat on my face
and I've been blown away