If we don't tell them, how will they know?

Interesting article here from Frank Skinner about being a Catholic and aspects of living in a secular society.
I personally find The Great Commission difficult and growing up as a Catholic, it never featured. We were quite happy in our little club and didn't expect anyone else to sign up to it. Becoming a born again Christian in an evangelical tradition changed all that. It is now my duty to 'spread the Word' and I have been through a mission called 'Who Cares?' and now "Passion for Life'.
I am very happy to share my story. I am very happy to talk about a spiritual journey. I am very happy to offer practical help at a mission but I think relationship and living a life that honours God is the most important thing.
I neither feel like an evangelist or like I evangelise. I'm hoping that what I do is enough for God.

Spring Harvest

Today we go to Spring Harvest- I'm assuming everyone who reads this blog knows what that is.
But don't fear, I will endeavour to report back on what happens when I get back.
In the meantime, a prayer:

Lord, I pray that as people set out with expectant hearts today, you will grant them a smooth journey to Skegness.
I ask Lord that you will anoint the speakers and those who you have charged with leading us.
Grant them peace in their hearts I pray.
I ask that you will meet each person of our church group and tell the things they need to hear.
I pray that strong friendships will be formed and current friendships strengthened.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Essential 100- Your Way into the Heart of the Bible

This has been the book chosen to be followed by our church and housegroups for the lead up to Easter. I started it last night and was surprised.
1. It's a very poor quality book. The paper quality is close to that of Izal
2. In my head it was a book of the "top 100" bible quotes. Something you could dip into and learn off by heart. It's not that. It's a book telling you to read certain parts of the bible and then analysing very basically what you've just read.
3. It's in chronological order. I'm starting with what seems like a lot of Genesis. This is fine but I don't have the attention span to be methodical. And if I did, I'd read the bible in a year in preference.
4. It reminds me very much of daily reading notes.
It'll be interesting to see how it instigates sermons and housegroup debate.

Ramadan

The month of Ramadan started yesterday which is the period of fasting for Muslims. During the daylight hours they deny themselves food and drink, including water. They are allowed a small meal before daybreak and after sunset but over indulgence in order to compensate for the lack of sustenance during the day isn't considered entering the spirit of Ramadan.

Ramadan is on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which is based on the phases of the moon, so some times the days will be shorter and I guess fasting slightly easier. With longer daylight as we have currently, I would have thought that fasting will be even more difficult so spare a thought for your Islamic colleagues.

More details here and here

One to watch

Remember to watch Panorama tonight at 8.30 on Scientology. Well publicised and creepy. Maybe we could have a blog debate on What Makes a Cult soon too?

Dissertation thoughts

I have been thinking loosely about what I could do my dissertation on in the coming months and I have had various idea, most of which I've forgotten now. While reading this article, I thought maybe there would be novelty and interest in me pursuing research into the socialisation of teenagers who are home schooled.
I certainly found the article interesting and would be interested in a debate around the advantages of home schooling especially for religious reasons. Do you think it would be of benefit?

"Being religious"

In the world I notice that people whisper about their dislike of "religious people" before saying something that they feel may be offensive. This is true of comedians: "If you're religious, you'd better leave now [because what is to follow will offend you...]"
I went to see a comedian called Tim Minchin last night who obviously has atheistic tendencies. He was really talented and funny and I really enjoyed the show. He of course had religiously offensive material and used the leave now line. I didn't leave and it didn't offend me.

I hate the term "religious" and if people say "You're not religious are you?" I say "No, I have a faith and a deep spirituality". Am I in denial?

It made me think whether "being religious" is the spiritual equivalent of being a traffic warden?