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Weblog Archives: August 2003
Sunday, August 31, 2003
I'd intended to leave economics alone for a bit, but Josh Claybourn drew my attention to this article: Why Do Intellectuals Oppose Capitalism?.
The claim that's being made, I think, is that essentially "intellectuals" --people of intelligence or of a certain level of education, but those who, in their vocation, deal with ideas as expressed in words, shaping the word flow others receive-- oppose capitalism out of envy and resentment. They are not rewarded as highly as they believe they should be, whilst people of lesser intellect receive big rewards. Hence their opposition.
First of all, I need convincing that the majority of intellectuals do oppose capitalism. It at least is a testable proposition. But supposing it is true, what about the conclusion that's drawn? I suggest one alternative that springs immediately to mind. If "intellectuals" are not so motivated by financial reward as others -- and let's face it, entering a lifetime of study in an academic institution (for example) is not the mark of someone attracted by the salary -- it could just be that their criticism of capitalism arises from their different perception of the world. I'd draw a sporting analogy. Players and fans of football (what some of you call soccer) often look at rugby and are entirely turned off by it. Likewise, the rugby follower may feel no appreciation for football. In fact, my experience of die-hard rugby fans is that they are extremely likely to say uncharitable words about the Association code. So the intellectual, motivated by the power of words and the pursuit of ideas, just doesn't "connect" with the world of capitalism.But not being one, I wouldn't really know.
Posted by Richard @ 08:09 PM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
The Passion
I've been following some of the hype in secular and religious media over the upcoming release of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion."
Gibson is nobody's fool. He started out in Australia's film industry before entering the meat-grinder of Hollywood. He knows the more 'bad' or 'anti' press this movie gets, the more people are going to want to see it. His production company has hedged it's bets. His marketing stragedy has been brilliant.
This movie has been touted as his pet project, his passion. It is something he has worked all his life to do.I predict this film will get wide distribution and will make a lot of money.
Way more than if Fox had picked it up.
And the official advertising has barely started.
The buzz is still building momentum.Even the use of orginal languages is a good marketing tool.
The use of sub-titles means that everyone who watches the film will hear the dialogue in 'their own voice.' That can have a powerful impact.So, while debate, buzz and hype builds, I have a question.
Just like The Exorcist hit viewers on a spiritual 'core' level, so will The Passion. People that expect to be entertained will leave the theatre spiritually shaken.
If you are a person who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, how are you prepared to meet your movie going friends, who may for the first time in their lives be confronted with the reality of who He is?Posted by Bene Diction @ 06:46 PM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
Saturday, August 30, 2003
One reason the Fair Trade movement exists...
Thanks to Bene Diction for this one.
Posted by Richard @ 03:41 PM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
Been there...still there responds to an offer to celebrate her faith by credit card. Nice one.
Thanks to the Gutless Pacifist for pointing this one out.
Posted by Richard @ 01:40 PM BST [Link] [1 Comment]
Can anyone explain to me (in the simplest possible terms, please!) why it is that I keep reading commentators who say, "The United States is not a democracy, it is a republic." And, while we're at it can anyone let me know when this change in thinking happened? I was brought up on talk of America being "the greatest democracy in the world" and I am genuinely puzzled by those who want to disassociate themselves from the title.
Can't a country be both a democracy and a republic? If a republic is "a state in which supreme power is hel by the people or their elected representatives ... not by a monarch etc" and a democracy is "a system of government by the whole population usually through elected representatives", how are these two incompatible? What is the issue that's at stake?Posted by Richard @ 01:19 PM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
Our good friend Ian is getting married today. Congratulations!
Posted by Richard @ 12:25 PM BST [Link]
I'm gratified that Mark Byron has responded to my blatherings about capitalism. He makes a number of good points and his piece is well worth reading. Just in case there's any misunderstanding though, I've never (despite my appropriation of the "horrid socialist" label!) advocated state ownership and control of everything. The market has a value, but it does not have the god-like status to which some have elevated it. It isn't surprising that "the Market" is often personified, but it is really nothing more than a tool governed by a set of conventions which are constructed (and may be modified) by human beings. It is not a motivated, self-aware person in the way it is often presented. My very modest proposal (or so it seems to me) is that there is a place in the economy for a measure of state ownership (I think that even in the US there's a consensus about the ownership of roads, for example) and plenty of scope for the expansion of the co-operative sector.
I'm not at all happy that we should accept that greed just "is". I mean, of course we need to recognise its presence in all of us, but that doesn't mean it should be accepted unchallenged. Laziness and violence are also present in human nature, but it would surely be a mistake to ecourage them!Greed and self-interest are not the only motivators, and they needn't be the most powerful. Contentment, service to others, personal satisfaction are just some of the things which may motivate us. But if those things are not encouraged and valued, it is not surprising that greed gets the upper hand. And I don't think that there is any denying that it has got the upper hand in our culture.
Finally, I won't argue that at one level "greed works". But there are many areas where it does not. It seems to me self-evident that, for example, schools, hospitals, defence and (to an extent) transport are areas for which we should take collective responsibility. If these things are left to "the market" we know from experience that some will "fall through the net" completely.
And, finally finally. Whether it works or not, greed is a sin. Something to be repented of.
Posted by Richard @ 12:03 PM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
Friday, August 29, 2003
The Gutless Pacifist reports some work on tax reform by the United Methodist Church of Northern Alabama. Here's a snippet from their introduction:
Throughout the scriptures there is a mandate to God's faithful people to ensure the welfare of the poor. This call to action on behalf of the poor is articulated nowhere better than this passage from James (James 2: 1-17), which happens to be the common lectionary epistle reading for the Sunday preceding Alabama's vote on tax reform on September 9. We invite Sunday School classes and faith communities to study this significant passage and to answer its call to action on behalf of the poor, elderly and children of our state. We call on Christian women and men to consider what is good for all of us.Sounds reasonable to me, and the Bible Study material looks good. Well worth a look I'd say.The American Prospect has also picked up this story.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- For the first time since black ministers and some of their white brethren marched arm in arm in the civil-rights era, a group of Christians in the South are championing social and economic justice for the dispossessed as a matter of spiritual imperative. Curiously, or perhaps inevitably, the spawning grounds of this progressive movement are Montgomery and Birmingham, Ala., those fiery stations of the civil-rights cross. But as if determined to defy the most cherished stereotypes and bedrock prejudices of enlightened liberals everywhere, the primary actors in this campaign are the kind of white, conservative, Billy Graham evangelicals to whom Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed his Letter from Birmingham Jail -- a missive that, in its day, achieved a resounding absence of effect.
Update: there's a robust coversation about this over at Josh Claybourn's blog.Posted by Richard @ 05:56 PM BST [Link] [4 comments]
Posted by Richard @ 05:07 PM BST [Link] [2 comments]
There's some very good stuff over at InSide Out. It's thoughtful, well-written and will repay any visits you make there. Here's a sample from 12th August:
Years ago, when my religion was threatened, or I felt like I had to defend it, I got angry. That anger was probably just a product of immaturity, of personality. As I went through school, I was introduced to liberals who were all a bunch of idiots. They were idiots because they didn't believe in Christianity, a tragedy, but obviously they didn't see the logic. I equated non-Christian with unintelligent. How could one be a liberal, I thought, they have no basis of reason? Perhaps that was true to some degree because they were peers of mine who were just as immature and unskilled as myself. Perhaps I was not fair in my thinking. And of course, there were a few who were just idiots.Definitely one for the blogroll as soon as I have a minute.
As I have undergone an extensive reevaluation of my personal faith, more specifically, the way my faith exists in my life and what my key tenants are, I have simultaneously (without conscious effort) turned to review fundamental conservative thinking. Just like I lumped non-Christian with liberal, I have grouped Christian and conservative into the same camp. And in one shot, I seem to let anger rip through the ranks of church congregations and massive Republican movements and ideology. But why?Posted by Richard @ 12:28 PM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
IreneQ ponders the hazards of being a doctor's kid and concludes -- wisely, imho -- that she'll only live once. I'm particularly taken by her worries concerning blowing her nose too hard. Maybe there's a market for device that can measure "blow strength" based on a modified Beaufort Scale. It's the sort of thing you find in those catalogues full of gadgets-you-nevr-knew-you-needed -- maybe someone makes one already?
Posted by Richard @ 12:14 PM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
This is another one of my favourite hymns by Charles Wesley. It was written in the early days of the Methodist movement, and expresses the joy that comes through fellowship in Christ. The line that always "does it for me" is the first line of the second verse: He bids us build each other up. That's the line that I most want to find its way into so much of the online Christian "conversation", much of which seems determined to tear down rather than build up. Or maybe I'm just feeling sensitive this morning.
ALL praise to our redeeming Lord,
Who joins us by his grace,
And bids us, each to each restored,
Together seek his face.He bids us build each other up;
And, gathered into one,
To our high calling's glorious hope
We hand in hand go on.The gift which he on one bestows,
We all delight to prove;
The grace through every vessel flows,
In purest streams of love.Even now we think and speak the same,
And cordially agree;
Concentred all, through Jesu's name,
In perfect harmony.We all partake the joy of one,
The common peace we feel,
A peace to sensual minds unknown,
A joy unspeakable.And if our fellowship below
In Jesus be so sweet,
What heights of rapture shall we know,
When round his throne we meet!Posted by Richard @ 08:37 AM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Elsewhere I have found myself being called a blasphemer for linking to a piece of humour. I plead not guilty your honour. Furthermore, I think the finger of blame should be pointing where real blasphemy is being spoken. Deep, incomprehensible, foul-mouthed blasphemy.
It is that vile reprobate the Gutless Pacifist who has penned the horrid line: "I think Margaret is wrong."
You think there's any chance of us ending up in the same re-education facility Pen?
Posted by Richard @ 11:31 PM BST [Link] [3 comments]
Speaking of fair trade, if you're in the USA, join Sojourners' Campaign for Fair Trade coffee.
Go on. You know you want to.
Posted by Richard @ 03:55 PM BST [Link] [1 Comment]
A recipe for disaster from Christian Aid
Foul, tasteless and past its sell-by date
Ingredients
23,105 tonnes of European or US chicken parts
222,560 tonnes of American long-grain white rice
1,357,919 tonnes of soya oil mostly from the US
52,041 tonnes of onions, preferably Dutch
69,400 tonnes of European tinned tomato paste.Method
1. Using subsidies, prepare the ingredients in rich countries.2. Take a bunch of international organisations and use them to force open the markets of poor countries, ensuring the ingredients can enter with little or no duty.
3. Thoroughly tenderise markets by forcing governments in poor countries to cut any subsidies, cheap credit or technical advice they give to their farmers.
4. Freeze the chicken and ship it to Ghana where it will be sold more cheaply than Ghanaian chicken.
5. Dump the rice liberally on Honduras until it puts local rice farmers, who have no alternative source of income, out of business.
6. Fry the chances of Indian soya bean farmers in the soya oil.
7. Peel away the livelihoods of Senegalese onion farmers with European onions.
8. Smear the tomato paste over west Africa's markets until locally grown tomatoes have turned rotten.
Serves
The interests of rich countries and their big companies.
Posted by Richard @ 02:40 PM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
Mike Todd reluctantly linked to this article about the questioning of "Chemical Ali".
What, you mean they're not just asking him nicely?!
Posted by Richard @ 12:55 PM BST [Link] [1 Comment]
Martin Roth ponders the dispute between Jews and Christians:
One of us is probably wrong. But with the information we have right now, we can’t really prove anything one way or the other. So why don’t we wait together?Amen!
Once our Messiah arrives we’ll quickly be put right. We’ll learn which of us was right, and which wrong. Indeed, our Messiah may show us we were both wrong. He (or She) could really surprise us.
And then we can all have a giant celebration together and laugh about how so many could have gotten it so wrong for thousands of years.
Wishful thinking? Yes, for sure. And heresy as well. But better than fighting.I'd only want to add that much the same could be said for many of the arguments that have gone on between Christians.
Posted by Richard @ 11:33 AM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
I'm grateful to Signposts for pointing to this article on "The Politics of Social Capital".
Our age is marked by a diminishing circle of trust. Corporations, trade unions, churches and politicians all find themselves on the outside of this circle. Our stocks of social capital (our capacity to trust others and to act on this trust in expectation that it will be reciprocated) are indeed diminishing. The results are everywhere to see: disengagement, insecurity, downwards envy, and the shrinking of our social networks to people like ourselves.Plenty of "food for thought" there.
The traditional politics of Left and Right cannot help us in understanding this new world. The flow of trust and reciprocity in the community cannot be adjusted by pulling levers in government or adjusting economic management devices. It cannot be legislated for. Trust and reciprocity are generated primarily in civil society, in the relationships and institutions of civil life – families, neighbourhoods, churches, clubs, and voluntary associations. From there they shape the effectiveness of other institutions such as the market and government. Without the trust and reciprocity born of civil society, governments and the marketplace will rub uneasily against the social fabric in which they're situated.
Posted by Richard @ 08:52 AM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Pieter Friedrich hates democracy. At least he says so, and I believe him. This is because "You have no right to use the state's power of the sword to force me to pay for the education of your children." He goes on, in effect (though since I'm paraphrasing you'd better read him for yourself) to say that as an individual he should only have to pay for those goods and services he actually uses. "If I want a Coast Guard to patrol a river near me, or a river I use, I will gladly pay for it. But the state has no right to decide that I need, or want, a Coast Guard, and to then tax me and all my neighbors to pay for that Coast Guard.
In Britain, we've heard all this before. A certain Mrs M. Thatcher once famously declared, "There's no such thing as society." But even the sainted (?) Mrs T. would not have gone so far as Mr Friedrich does. For all her enthusiasm for privatisation, even she kept away from whole-scale privatisation of schools and hospitals.
All this has a bearing on the conversations that have been going on about capitalism, because as I noted earlier today one of the gulfs between our economic life and our civic life is that democracy is accepted as normative in the latter, but rather sneered at in the former. Whatever Pieter and others might say, the United States is a democracy. Its form may not be simple - the electoral college system makes me scratch my head - but democracy it is.
Unlike Pieter, I do not hate democracy. I love it and believe in it. I do believe that governments have the right to collect taxes to pay for those things that collectively we say we want as nations. Pieter says that he shouldn't have to pay for the education of other people's children. But if he should ever become an employer, he might be glad of an educated work force. He shouldn't have to pay for the Coast Guard if he doesn't want to - but might be glad of the drugs that are seized instead of finding their way into his neighbourhood. Taxes are a way in which we exercise our collective responsibility for one another. The poor, sick and lame, the helpless -- and yes, even the feckless. We are "our brother's keeper" and a tax system is just one way of addressing that.
Deeper still, in a democracy we are recognising the essential worth of others in our community. For all the variety amongst us, we are of equal worth, worthy of both respect and representation. That's what democracy does. It can be very difficult to get right, as the election of Bush Jr surely shows, but I believe passionately that democracy is a foundational principle for all civilised politics. The precise form that democracy will take will vary. It always needs to contain mechanisms for the protection of the rights of minorities. It doesn't have to mean three wolves and a sheep voting on what's for dinner.
In one of the co-operatives in which i have worked, we had a rule that we never made decisions by a simple vote. We would respect the minority, even the minority of one, such that any individual in the co-operative could veto a policy decision. By the same token, each individual understood that they should not exercise that veto on a whim. On many occasions individuals were content that, having had their say, they could live with the decision of the majority and would support the decision once made even if they disagreed with it. But there were times when points of principle were believed to be at stake when "democracy" meant that the majority was ruled by the minority. When it is put like that, it sounds like a recipe for endless meetings and never actually getting things done. You'll have to take my word for it when I say it was not so. Operating that sort of system on a national scale is clearly impossible, but even so it is possible to make democracies which represent the people without being oppressive of the minorities. But it needs continuing work -- it can never be taken for granted.Democracy is about much more than polling booths and voting methods. It is an expression that human beings are communal animals. We were not made to be alone, but to be in community with others. This should not surprise us, since the Christian faith is that we are made in the image of God, who is himself not an isolated individual but a community of persons. "God in three persons, blessed Trinity"
Posted by Richard @ 10:13 PM BST [Link] [7 comments]
A defining image of John Wesley's life is that of 6-year-old "Jacky," as he was known, being rescued from an upper window of the blazing rectory in Epworth, England. This dramatic event gave rise to the biblical description of him by his mother, Susannah, as "a brand plucked out of the burning" - someone whom God had saved for a special purpose.
This conviction drove the founder of the Methodist movement throughout his life, for he felt the hand of providence upon him.
The story of the Epworth rectory fire traditionally handed down is that, shortly before midnight on Feb. 9, 1709, members of the Wesley household awoke to find the thatched roof of the rectory ablaze and the house filling with smoke. John Wesley's father, Samuel, his wife and servants hurried the children downstairs and out into the garden, but only to find one of them, young Jacky - the second of their three sons at this time - missing. Repeatedly, the rector tried to fight his way back into the house, but the flames drove him back.
[more]Posted by Richard @ 09:18 PM BST [Link] [1 Comment]
Under the Sun has some great stuff on the way capitalism works in the real world.
Posted by Richard @ 06:52 PM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
This article from the Bruderhof seemed apt in the light of some recent conversations.
Community presupposes life. We know that life is community of life. There is no life that is not living community. We can see this clearly from what is familiar to us from childhood--our living body.
[more...]Posted by Richard @ 06:31 PM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
From the Daily Telegraph
His earthly election team is packed with heavyweight economic and political advisers. Last week, Arnold Schwarzenegger sought to show that God will also be on his side as he bids to become the new governor of California.Words fail me.With Warren Buffet, the second-richest man in the world, and George Shultz, a former secretary of state, safely on board, the actor turned would-be politician revealed that he donated almost one sixth of his $26.1 million (£16.6 million) income to charity in 2001 - with the Roman Catholic Church the biggest beneficiary.
Mr Schwarzenegger's generosity emerged in his most recent tax return, made public by his campaign team, which showed that he had also donated a house worth $2 million (£1.3 million) to the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Los Angeles. The house was later sold to raise funds for the city's cathedral.
[more...]Posted by Richard @ 01:41 PM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
I need to come back to the capitalism issue, but still don't have time to write anything polished. So instead of sweating over one long article I'm going to try dropping in occasional "nuggets" during today and tomorrow. I should say that I'm not interested in arguments about efficiency. There are two reasons for this. First, because my interest is in an attempt to apply kingdom values to economic activities. Nothing in the teaching of Jesus suggests that efficiency per se is a primary virtue. Secondly, many of the things we take to determine efficiency are culturally conditioned. A different way of looking at the world would produce different ways of being efficient. (If that's a controversial point, I'll come back to it)
For me, the essential problem with capitalism as it has emerged lies in the issue of ownership and control. Who owns a "typical" capitalist business, and for whose benefit is it run? Don't answer, I'm being rhetorical! Your conventional company is owned by its shareholders and its purpose is to make a return on the capital they have invested. That's what it is for. In other words, money is in the driving seat. Money makes the decisions, (or at least, authority within a company is exercised in proportion to the money invested, which amounts to the same thing) and when push comes to shove it is in the interests of the money that the company is run. However you dress it up, that's the way it is - or at least seems so to me. Can you persuade me otherwise?
Of course, "money" will listen to the experience of others. Valued employees. Outside consultants. Public opinion. But in the end money will make up its own mind and it will act to its own benefit.
One response to the problem this raises are the various forms of common ownership that have emerged during the last century or so. I listed one or two successful examples the other day. In an enterprise of this kind, it is not financial investment that confers authority within the company but participation in the company's activities, typically through employment in it. Investments are made at fixed (and limited) rates of interest and control of the enterprise is exercised democratically on the basis of "one member, one vote". Clearly, as businesses increase in size the structures to enable the decision-making process need to be quite sophisticated, but this does not alter the principle. It amazes me constantly that though democracy is now the accepted way of organizing our civic affairs to the extent that we use force of arms to persuade others of its benefits, in commercial life democracy is often derided.
In a typical Industrial Common Ownership enterprise (a title with fewer "beards-and-sandals" associations than workers' co-operative, but it's the same thing) a worker is a member (and therefore owner) of the enterprise for only as long as she works within it. A useful analogy is the village green. Living around the green confers rights and responsibilities, but the green is not an asset you can sell. Likewise, a common ownership company "belongs" to its workers, but they cannot sell it.
Posted by Richard @ 09:34 AM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
I've just discovered Bitterlemons.org a website "that presents Israeli and Palestinian viewpoints on prominent issues of concern. It focuses on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and peace process. It is produced, edited and partially written by Ghassan Khatib, a Palestinian, and Yossi Alpher, an Israeli. Its goal is to contribute to mutual understanding through the open exchange of ideas. Bitterlemons.org aspires to impact the way Palestinians, Israelis and others worldwide think about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict."
Well worth having a look at.
Posted by Richard @ 09:30 PM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
You Are Still Afraid
Henri NouwenYou are still afraid to die. Maybe that fear is connected with some deep unspoken worry that God will not accept you as his. The question "Why do I have to die?" is connected to this fear. You asked it as a little child, and you are still asking it...God called you from the moment you were knitted together in your mother's womb. It is your vocation to receive that love, and to give it back. From the very beginning you have, like every human being, experienced the forces of death. Whether physically (through aging and illness) or inwardly (through temptation, sin, etc.), these forces have attacked you--through all your years of growing up--and they will continue to attack you. But even though you have often felt overwhelmed, you have been faithful. Hang on to that. Know that the dark forces will have no final power over you.
Source: the Bruderhof
Posted by Richard @ 11:59 AM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
I wouldn't expect a conversation about capitalism to lead to much in the way of laughs.
Then I discovered the global megacorporation timiCom.
Priceless.
Posted by Richard @ 11:40 AM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
A gauntlet was thrown down. "What's the more 'spiritually correct' economic system?"
I don't have time to write anything substantial, but these are clues:Michael Jones JewellerI think that'll do to be going on with...
Scott Bader
ABCUL
Co-operative Union
The Mondragon ExperiencePosted by Richard @ 09:06 AM BST [Link] [Make a Comment]
Monday, August 25, 2003
Josh and Paul say I'm wrong about the free market, so I suppose I must be. I know very little economic theory, and I'm sure that they know lots. However, I'm sticking by my claim that the foundation of free market capitalism is selfishness (or self-interest, if you prefer).
Josh wrote: The beauty of the free market, as most of my readers know, is that in order to maximize your own self-interest, you must first aim to maximize another's. In order to make money for myself, I must provide a valuable good or service to the rest of society (or some portion of it). So in effect the whole edifice isn't really built on selfishness, it's built upon service to others.
It sounds great, put like that. And I know that there are some enterprises (mostly small ones) that genuinely do work in that way. But for every example like that there will be at least one (I want to say a dozen, but Josh would ask me to prove it and I don't have the time or energy) where money is being made by the destruction of someone else's livelihood, the exploitation of workers or the deliberate hoodwinking of consumers.
Take the clothing manufacturer once based in Mid-Wales, one of the major employers in the area. They turned out good stuff, the customers of the stores that bought their stuff were happy bunnies. But the stores competitors were bringing in cheaper imports from overseas. You think the manufacturer hesitated to put people out of work and take their production to the Far East? Now the workers are unemployed, and the customers of the stores I mentioned have less choice. From an economic point of view - stock prices, market share and all that stuff - it made sense. But the only ones who really benefitted were the shareholders.I wanted to sell a car, but couldn't be bothered with messing about. So I rang a dealer, who came to look. I explained I didn't want to be bargaining, so would he please just make me his best offer? He did. Are you sure that's the best you can do? says I. He assured me that there was no way he could offer more. I said I'd think about it. Later that day I sold it to someone else, but in the evening he rang me back. "Do you still have that car?" I explained I'd sold it, and for how much. "Oh" says the dealer. "I could have given you more than that!" And then he added, "In this game, you have to get the cars as cheap as you can."
To which I couldn't help replying, "And in my game you have to be as honest as you can."Or take the tremendous confidence trick that lies behind the whole "branding" phenomenon. Stick a bit of embroidery on the front of a baseball cap that would be overpriced at a fiver and you find that people can be persuaded to pay £19.95.
I'm not claiming this to be a cogent, rational critique of capitalism. It's anecdotal, disconnected, unsophisticated and naive. But not so naive as the belief that NewsCorp, Exxon, GF, SmithKline and all the rest are motivated by service to others.
Posted by Richard @ 09:34 PM BST [Link] [2 comments]
Joshua Claybourn writes:
I am, if it isn't already clear, an outspoken advocate of the free market. But economists make the following assumption.The effectiveness of the market as a resource allocator assumes that each person is a rational maximizer of his/her self-interest who will respond to incentives by altering his/her behavior when the market creates an opportunity to improve his/her circumstances.This assumption may be one of the market's few failings. As we all know, far too many players simply aren't rational, either because of their own ignorance, or a lack of full and honest information.I think Josh has put his finger on the problem with free market economics, but it doesn't lie where he thinks it does. The problem isn't that consumers are irrational or ignorant. The problem is that the whole edifice is built on a foundation of selfishness. That may be OK from a secular point of view, but can anyone find anything in the teaching of Jesus that suggests I should be a "maximiser of self-interest"?
Posted by Richard @ 09:22 AM BST [Link] [2 comments]
Saturday, August 23, 2003
If you're a sensitive soul, you might find this switch to Mac ad bordering on the blasphemous.
But since I know that all true Christians use Macs, I laughed like a drain.
Thanks to Mike Todd.
Posted by Richard @ 12:40 PM BST [Link]
Alice and Wood have both gone to Greenbelt this weekend. I'm sure there'll be lots to tell when they get back.
Posted by Richard @ 08:42 AM BST [Link]
This was submitted anonymously as a news item to another site I manage, but I thought it had the right err... eccentric quality that some of my readers here might enjoy. But I can't allow you to read it unprepared. First, ensure that you are seated comfortably. If you are wearing a tie or close-fitting collar, you should loosen it now. Place your tongue in your cheek, and engage your sense of humour. Now...
A History of the World According to the Book of Job
Leviathan Was Here"The Forensic Archaeology Site" is devoted to a study of the mythical sea creature of the Book of Job called Leviathan. Scholarly evidence is collected from biblical, historical, spiritual, and archaeological sources and presented in context with lots of pictures.
The evidence shows that the Book of Job was written by a people who were ancient long before pharaohs were ascendant in Ancient Egypt. This people built a massive aqueduct, the only remaining evidence of which is a place called the Osireion at Abydos. Many archaeologists believe this stone temple to be over 10,000 years old - and if it is part of an aqueduct system, as the evidence suggests, then the people who built it were far older than that to have developed such advanced technology.
By comparison, Ancient Egypt started 5,000 years ago and the first aqueducts on this scale were built by the Romans almost 4,000 years later.
It seems that Leviathan was kept in this Osireion, which the Egyptians used as kind of a aquatic zoo. The adventures of Leviathan span many centuries, and associate it with the Ark of the Covenant, the Exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt, and their "golden calf" at Mt. Sinai.
From the perspective of the modern day, it''s possible that Leviathan was of extraterrestrial origin. There is strong evidence that such a creature landed at the infamous UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947. A thorough investigation shows this Leviathan is being kept at the U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range, only a few miles from Roswell and the highest security installation in the world.
It''s a fascinating story spanning well over 10,000 years that you don''t want to miss.
Posted by Richard @ 08:22 AM BST [Link]
Friday, August 22, 2003
That's it for me tonight. I bought "The Two Towers" this afternoon, so as soon as the kids are in bed I'm going to settle down in front of the screen with a glass of something cheerful.
Hope you have a good one too.
Posted by Richard @ 07:39 PM BST [Link]
Do you ever feel that you're the only sane person left alive? I mean, like, what on earth is going on in the world? I'm not talking about the big stuff -- war, famine, globalisation, that sort of thing. It's the accumulation of the relatively trivial but transparently lunatic features of what passes for Western civilisation that make me feel like nailing someone's head to a coffee table.
Two examples struck me between the eyes on a shopping trip today. First, I needed to buy some more ink for my printer. Unusually, both cartidges have run out at the same time. The supermarket had only branded ones in stock, and the need was urgent, so they cost me £55. I could have bought a new printer for the same sort of money. You tell me. For the love of God, how can that make sense? On the one hand, we're supposed to be doing our bit for the planet by recycling our cartridges. And on the other we're being encouraged to chuck out the whole printer when the ink runs out. Madness.
Then I was in one of Swansea's department stores, hanging around whilst the ladies in my life were using the (ahem!) facilities. I stood by a display of white tableware, various species of crockery tastefully arranged. And it looked very adequate. You'd be able to eat your dinner off the plates, drink your tea from the cups and help yourself to a second serving of mashed potatoes from the vegetable bowl. You get the picture. Every piece looked like it would fulfill its function satisfactorily, which is about as much as I expect from crockery. But these decent but unremarkable appurtenances of the polite dining room carried a somewhat inflated price tag. Not because of the superior quality of the materials used, or because they would perform more effectively than products costing less than half the price. No, this pottery had a sticker bearing the name of a TV chef, and underneath his name was embossed for good measure. I mean, really. Who in their right mind would pay seven quid for a plain white tea cup just because it has the name of someone from the telly on it?
I think I need a lie down.
Posted by Richard @ 04:57 PM BST [Link]
O WHAT shall I do My Saviour to praise,
So faithful and true, so plenteous in grace,
So strong to deliver, so good to redeem
The weakest believer that hangs upon him!How happy the man Whose heart is set free,
The people that can be joyful in thee!
Their joy is to walk in The light of thy face,
And still they are talking Of Jesus's grace.Their daily delight shall be in thy name;
They shall as their right thy righteousness claim;
Thy righteousness wearing, and cleansed by thy blood,
Bold shall they appear in the presence of God.For thou art their boast, their glory and power;
And I also trust To see the glad hour,
My souls new creation, a life from the dead,
The day of salvation, that lifts up my head.
Charles WesleyPosted by Richard @ 03:42 PM BST [Link]
Thursday, August 21, 2003
This prayer was found written on a piece of wrapping paper in Ravensbruck, the largest of the concentration camps for women, when it was freed at the close of the 1939-45 war.
O Lord, remember not only men and women of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all the sufferings they have inflicted on us; remember the fruits we bought, thanks to this suffering, - our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, the courage, the generosity, the greatness of heart which has grown out of this; and when they come to judgement, let all the fruits we have borne be their forgiveness.
J. Neville Ward, Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy, Epworth PressPosted by Richard @ 11:16 PM BST [Link]
England and Wales' most average town?
You're wrong there Aunty. There's nothing average in Yorkshire.Posted by Richard @ 06:57 PM BST [Link]
The row over the allocation of mobile phone licences in Iraq is trivial when put alongside the continuing bloodshed and chaos there. Nonetheless, the decision that's taken will say something important about who the rebuilding of Iraq is for. If it is really for the Iraqi people, the European GSM standard is the obvious choice. Everyone else in the Middle East uses it - nothing else makes sense. But if it's for the good of the US economy...
I'm sorry to sound cynical. Time will tell.
Posted by Richard @ 05:48 PM BST [Link]
It looks like the Sermon Cycle raised more than £1000 for the Swansea Bay Disability Appeal.
So I'm feeling just a little bit pleased.
Posted by Richard @ 12:50 PM BST [Link]
According to the BBC, today in 1833 the British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act, one month after the death of campaigner William Wilberforce.
Definitely a good day, then.
Posted by Richard @ 10:53 AM BST [Link]
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
One of the places I visited last week was The Centre for Alternative Technology in mid-Wales. If you're in any way concerned about the effects of human activity on the ecology of the planet, it is a hugely inspiring place. There is information about renewable energy, transport, gardening, house-building -- too much stuff to list. If you're sceptical about the "green lobby" but still open-minded, pay the site a visit and see if there's anything to persuade you.
But don't go if you belong to the "shut your face and build another road" brigade. It'll only irritate you.
Posted by Richard @ 10:56 PM BST [Link]
According to The Week (9th August edition) a Gallup poll in 1950 revealed that 10% of Britons believed in ghosts. In a similar poll taken in 1988, the figure was 40%.
Similarly, a 1951 poll suggested that 13% believed in telling the future by the astrology or by card-reading. Today the figure is 56%.There's food for thought here for both Christians and committed atheists. For Christians, we have to answer for how badly we have performed in sharing the gospel. It can't be coincidence that these figures mirror a decline in orthodox Christian believing.
But there's a challenge too to the atheists who claim that "progress" is driving out the "superstition" of religion. It seems that superstition is alive and well.Posted by Richard @ 03:44 PM BST [Link]
I'm back again, though I doubt you even noticed I'd gone since Bene Diction did such a fine job of the blogsitting. I've had a great week, proper family time and I do feel much better for it. Inevitably I've walked back into a number of "situations" for which I'd be glad of your prayers. I'll try to post something more substantial later, but for now I've got work to do.
Posted by Richard @ 02:35 PM BST [Link]
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Going through the blogroll
I thought I'd meander through connexions blogroll and see what is up in Richard's blogosphere.
Couldn't get into Bible4today and blogs4god.
Prayer12 is upgrading, but has great content.
Wood noticed the 1980's icons are being recycled.
LivingRoom and Cre8d are having server problems and I think Signposts misses them.
Andrew Careaga is taking a break as is A New Kind of Christian and Wibsite.
Legally Blonde is working on her weight.
Open Source Theology looks busy, but you have to sign in. I hate signing in so I didn't.
Quotesblog has the usual great "I wish I'd said that" entries:
"…When people don’t take time out, they stop being productive." — Carisa BianchiThe Gutless Pacifist guest bloggers are mostly posting about California politics.
Thought Crime looks at a ministry and his estrangement with his gay brother.
Who will go for us enjoyed a production of King Lear done in modern clothing. He says it helped reinforce the theme of greed.
I think the heat is getting to Under the Sun.
Cruciform Chronicle heads off to school a thousand miles from home.
The Upward Way Press has some goofy looking friends.
Ian's Messy Desk is getting married very soon, and his lightheartedness is contagious. He had a funny quote today.
“I think that I shall never see / a billboard lovely as a tree. / Perhaps, unless the billboards fall, / I’ll never see a tree at all.” - Ogden NashMark Riddle hasn't lost his sense of humour. He has some ways to get under your convervative evangelical christian church's skin.
Chiff and Fipple have everything you ever wanted to know about tin whistles but were afraid to ask. Fun site.
Ireneq's server problems aren't over, but she is posting, albeit her frustration with archives. Comeon Bob, hear her cry.
Rick Stitwell looks at the corruption in the sports department of Baylor University in Texas.
Jason Evans attended a funeral and writes about peace.
Shalom posts about a father who gets beaten up by a gang. It's bad enough it was supposedly a case of mistaken identity. He had his baby daughter in a back carrier. The baby has a fractured skull.
looking back...looking forward is sorting through his experiences and participation in the United Church of Canada's general conference.
Waving or Drowning is working on his photoblog. Peru. Peruvian animals. Cool.
Xagronaut Chronicle is quite techy. Something about audio RSS feeds and National Public Radio.
Antioch Road discusses hiring conservatives at elite US universities.
djchaung is impressed another business in the Washington DC area offers wi-fi access.
PM Pilgrim had a definite 'aha' moment in church regarding convenant. Sacrifice in a non-sacrificial world.
Martin Roth points out some positive ways to focus on human rights in North Korea.
Quite the crew Richard links to...electic, world wide, inclusive and varied.
Posted by Bene Diction @ 05:52 PM BST [Link]
Sunday, August 17, 2003
Communicating visually
I'm kind of talked out today.
Ruth brought up a point in the comments section under the power outage posts that got me thinking.
Then I got thinking about Selina's great pictures of last weekend.
Then I got thinking about how entitled we can be, and how short our memories are in a hyper-wired society.So the link today lets pictures speak.
Life Magazine's Photojournalist of the Century - Alfred Eisenstaedt.
Link via exclamation mark
Posted by Bene Diction @ 07:02 PM BST [Link]
Saturday, August 16, 2003
I think it interesting that a blackout as massive as was experienced (as still being experienced) had an explanation of what did not cause it before what caused it was explained: not a terrorist act. So, that raises for me an interesting question: if this massive a blackout in so many locations can happen all by itself when the grid (grids) get overloaded, what is to prevent terrorists from exploiting this inherent weakness in the system by doing in one or two key power plants in each grid region? I know that Homeland Security has thought of this, but what is being done to prevent this?
We are so dependent on all of our electrical appliances, equipment and entertainment means that we would be paralized if something more massive and long lasting were to happen to our power supplies. I know that we Floridians (at least those of us who transplanted from up north somewhere) would wilt like the French if we didn't have our air-conditioning. I guess we could all spend time in our cars until we ran out of gas because the pumps wouldn't work either. And we wouldn't be able to call anyone who cares with our cell phones because the signals at the towers depend on electricity. In our all electric house, we would have no way to cook food, boil water, use our desktops, heat water for bathing, etc.. And, Heaven forbid, we would not be able to watch reruns of the Simpsons or any other edifying television. We might be able to keep up with the news on our solar powered radio, but that would be about it.
So, here's to a secure power system and Homeland Security. Now, if we can just figure out how to prevent the naturally occuring events like yesterday.
Ivan The Crank
P.S. Our prayers are with all of you who are still without power and truely suffering from this oppressive heat everywhere.
Posted by Ivanthecrank @ 03:19 AM BST [Link]
Friday, August 15, 2003
Life's little ironies
The power goes out.
You can't get any radio stations for quite awhile.
Then gradually you find out 50 million people really are in the dark.OK.
You find out this power outage is a major story and you are being told not to panic.Who are they telling not to panic?
The people that have no power?
Does that make much sense to you?
And we are supposed to hear that how?
Radio? TV? From appliances that require power?
LoL.
We were lucky in our area.
The phones stayed on and I stayed away from mine for awhile, because a lot of people would be checking up on family and friends.
Then, when I called an old friend on the coast I drove them half nuts with questions.
Basically all I found out was a lot of blaming was going on, and a lot of speculation.
50 million people were still in the dark.
And urban areas weren't faring as well as some places.
This morning my friend posted at my blog for me because I still had no power.
It was interesting talking them through the steps.
They did it flawlessly.
A few hours later the power came on.
The post of my friend had been linked by an "A" list blog.
What a riot.
I've messed up a lot in my life, but when it comes to picking friends, I've done ok.
While I was reading by candle and flashlight last night, my little blog had it's highest hit count ever.
People not in the dark were looking for information on the W32Blaster worm.
LoL.
I really enjoy this blogging hobby.
And I really enjoy the people I've met because of blogging.
Two things every blogger enjoys happened while the power was out and I had no input.
There are some faith parallels here, aren't there?
The power will probably be out again here shortly.
25 million people aren't back on the grid yet, and we've been told we'll be sharing resources.
So Wood, Ivan; if I can't watch Richard's back ( er, well, blog) would you mind?
Posted by Bene Diction @ 07:56 PM BST [Link]
Thursday, August 14, 2003
Weather Related Deaths
I have what may be a foolish question for readers of connexions.
I don't know if it is 'how' we get ours news here in Canada or not.
Why is the UK coping so much better with record-breaking temperatures than France?
If these heat related death statistics are even close to true, why France more than any other European country or the UK?
Posted by Bene Diction @ 06:16 PM BST [Link]
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Reading fiction can be a great way to pass the time, but it's true that truth is stranger than fiction.
This is so bizarre.
Since his death in July 2002, the head of Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams has been shaved, drilled with holes, cracked at least 10 times and stuffed into a steel can by cryogenic surgeons, the new issue of Sports Illustrated reports.As you read this article, check your thoughts. What are you thinking?
1) My first thought was that when science runs amok it's so far out there, it defies description.
2) My second thought was the words of the serpent in the Garden of Eden.
3) My third thought was that this isn't a feud about loving their father at all, it's about who is going to get their own way.
4) My fourth thought was, combining pride and money makes for mind-boggling narcissistic waste.
5) My final thought was, get away from the computer and go for a long walk.
Posted by Bene Diction @ 06:19 PM BST [Link]
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Now I know what I want for Christmas!
He sings, "You are my sunshine." He prays. He wears a cross necklace. He's soft and always ready to give a hug. This Jesus toy is just like the real thing!
Can I have one mum? Can I? Oh, plllleeeeeease?
Thanks to Signposts for the link.
Posted by Richard @ 06:43 PM BST [Link]
¿Sabe Usted Esperanto? (Do you speak esperanto?)
Richard Baer thinks many Christians do.
But what would happen if a group of people concluded that history was suspect and complexity was dangerous? What if they tried to borrow only the barest forms of architecture, music, and thought in the name of being accessible, or even relevant, to the widest possible audience? What if they boiled down their own deepest convictions to an easily memorized set of rules in the pursuit of transferable concepts? What if, that is, they embraced the methods of several generations' worth of evangelical ministries and churches?Read the whole thing...Their children, surrounded by fluent speakers of a natural language with all its contradictory rhythms and unresolved complexity, might well become self-conscious. They would greet one another in private with linguistic secret handshakes. They would have artificial-language weekend retreats and read artificial-language books. But the wider world would be a mystery to them, and they to it.
These second-generation Esperantists would have retreated from our culture's Babel, with its prideful cacophony. And their language would be functional enough, even if it never produced much poetry. But would they ever understand the diversity of tongues at Pentecost? And would anyone else ever understand if they tried to speak of love?
Posted by Richard @ 05:36 PM BST [Link]
There was a little more coverage in the Evening Post today. The photograph is every bit as bad as I feared.
Posted by Richard @ 03:56 PM BST [Link]
Saturday's Sermons, #2
In Brunswick the reading was a portion from the well-known John chapter 3. I preached on the extent of God's love, and our aptitude at trying to limit that love to those who are like us, who we understand and of whose behaviour we approve. The gospels present us with an image of a God who seeks out those who are lost. The task of the church is to communicate that love. Of course, God's love does not leave us unchanged, but the changed life is the fruit of a relationship with God, not an entry requirement.
At wesley Eaton Road I went back to the words of John Wesley, "the best of all, God is with us." This time I thought about them in relation to the church rather than the individual life. Many in the British church are disheartened and dispirited -- the apathy of our neighbours may be harder to bear than active hostility. But still, our message is that the God of the Bible is faithful to his people and he has promised to be with us. Draw strength from the promise and once again hear his call.
Penlan was the highest point of the ride geographical, but here I was at my lowest ebb physically. Some of the ladies of the church must have anticipated the possibility of my being a bit less than more usual self, and cheered me up by being dressed in clothes typical of the eighteenth century. I preached agin on the love of God, taking 1 John 4:9 as my text. Jesus is the pattern for our love; we love because he first loved us. He offers love which is unconditional: the initiative is with him, not us. His love is impartial, breaking down the barriers which we strive so hard sometimes to maintain. It is a love which transforms all who receive it. But it is a love which is costly, not cosy and may lead us where we do not want to go.
At Morriston the text was 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, the new life in Christ. Faith is not a matter of believing 6 impossible things before breakfast, it is a relationship graciously offered by God. The new life in Christ has a universal scope; it will not be limited by disctinctions of our creation. It is a life based on different principles; in Christ we are new creatures called to live by the values of God's kingdom not the values of the world. It is a life available now -- it contains the promise of eternal life, but it begins in the present. Like all life, life in Christ means growth, renewal, change and challenge.
The penultimate address was at Clydach on "the people of God", 1 Peter 2:9. We are a chosen people! These are words which have been a source of controversy and division in the Church, but I want to claim them as a source of strength. They mean no more than God is with us. (There's that phrase again!) We are a people, not a gathering of individuals. "The world" looks for me and mine, personal growth and individual benefit, but this is not the language of the church. we have "individualised" salvation to the point where we sometimes forget that we are called into a living community, joined with Christ. As the people of God, we do not exist for ourselves but for service to the world. All that we do should direct and drive us outwards in mission and service. We do not need to create some spurious organic unity the amalgamation of denominations, but instead rediscover the unity that we already possess in Christ.
Finally, in Sketty I looked at Mark 8: 27-30, Jesus' question and Peter's response. Not for the first time during the day I offered a reminder that the day's events had not been about John Wesley, but Jesus and his gospel. We need to hear and understand what the world says about Jesus if we are to respond to it. Our claim is that Jesus is more than a teacher, leader or prophet. He is the image of God in human flesh and it is this claim which makes the Christian faith distinctive. God is not distant and aloof but enters our chaos and pain to bring us safely home. Like Peter, even in our deepest certainty, our most inspired moments, we might get things terribly wrong. Like Peter, we too may find that faithfulness to Christ involves changes of direction. Things we have been certain of may turn out to be not as sure as we had thought. And often we may feel like giving up. But God never gives up on us. through Peter's experience we see that it is possible to live with failure and broken dreams. God remains faithful to us whatevr happens, and may work in our weakness in a way that he cannot work in our strength. So today we pray, not for power and strength and might, but for the courage to be weak for the sake of Christ, that through us our neighbours may catch a glimpse of who Jesus really is for them.
Posted by Richard @ 03:55 PM BST [Link]
It seems that despite previous denials, US forces have now admitted that napalm was used against Iraqi targets. Except it wasn't napalm, it was something entirely different called "Mark 77" which is apparently more environment friendly:
The Pentagon said it had not tried to deceive. It drew a distinction between traditional napalm, first invented in 1942, and the weapons dropped in Iraq, which it calls Mark 77 firebombs. They weigh 510lbs, and consist of 44lbs of polystyrene-like gel and 63 gallons of jet fuel.So that's clear then.Thanks to The Gutless Pacifist for turning this up.
Posted by Richard @ 08:47 AM BST [Link]
From the United Methodist News Service
Selvie Selvaretnam knows what it means to lose something precious. The Methodist lay preacher from Sri Lanka also knows what it means to wonder if you will live through the next hour of the day.
She, her husband, their four children and extended family are Tamils, a vulnerable minority in a country plagued by a 20-year civil war. In Sri Lanka, the Sinhalese majority outnumbers the Tamils 5 to 1.
An estimated 60,000 people on all sides of the conflict have died in the war. In these terrifying times, Selvaretnam attributes her survival to God.
"I mean what I say, that I believe in a living, loving God," she said during a workshop at the European Methodist Festival, July 30-Aug. 3. "I could be bitter, say that God was a lie. My house was burned to the ground. But if anything is precious to me, it is the peace we get as a gift from God."
Selvaretnam is spending three years as the British Methodist Church's World Church Development officer in south Wales and as a resource person for the national church. Methodism was introduced to Sri Lanka by British missionaries, and the now-independent Sri Lankan Methodist Church retains ties with British Methodism. [more]
Posted by Richard @ 07:31 AM BST [Link]
Monday, August 11, 2003
I've been asked to say a bit about the sermons I preached on Saturday. I need to say that I wasn't aiming for great originality, or deep theological insights -- just covering some of the basics.
I began in Murton with a short address based on what are reputed to be John Wesley's last words, "the best of all - God is with us". There were some illustrations from Wesley's life, and it was essentially an exhortation (!) to recognise that bein a Christian does not mean a life free from trouble, but does mean we are never far from help.
In Horton the text was Romans 5:1, "We are justified by faith", but with reference also to the meeting of the Samaritan woman at the well. "Faith" does not mean "understanding", but rather encounter and request.
In Pitton, we took Ephesians 6:10, the whole armour of God. I began with cycling helmets and how many cyclists resent them, but describe a recent meeting with a young woman who had good reason to be glad she'd been wearing one. We may often resent or complain about things which seem like an inconvenience but are in fact gifts. "The armour of God" sometimes falls into this category. But how shall we live as God's people in a hostile world if we are not equipped?
At Reynoldston the text was from Matthew 6, "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those..." I preached in the open air on the completeness of God's forgiveness, drawing on Psalms 51 and 103. Forgiveness is not about 'a letting off', but rather being washed and given a fresh start.
Receiving the forgiveness of God implies offering forgiveness to others. The more we live in the wonder and enjoyment of what God has done for us, the more we will be forgiving ourselves.In Mumbles, flagging now and ready for something to eat, the text was from John 14, "I am the way, the truth and the life." The focus of our celebrations is not Wesley but Jesus and what he has done. The gospel we offer is not about doctrine or rules of conduct, but friendship with Jesus. The truth is not in a book, but in the one to whom the Book points; the Way is not a point-by-point self-help scheme, but a walk with a living Saviour.
I think that'll do for tonight -- I'll try to post the rest during tomorrow.
Posted by Richard @ 11:33 PM BST [Link]
Sunday, August 10, 2003
I learned (or perhaps, relearned) an important lesson yesterday about the power of encouragement. Every place I went to there were people to greet me with claps and cheers. Every parting was cheery waves and affirming shouts. At the top of every hill, Pat and John were waiting, just in case my water bottles needed refilling. And on one of the later stretches when I was feeling tired, Alan rode with me. And I honestly believe that the encouragement I received was as important as the water I drank and the food I ate.
It is so easy to become cynical, dismissive and negative. But when we offer words and actions of encouragement to others, we may be doing more good than we know.
Posted by Richard @ 02:37 PM BST [Link]
This was the joyous scene outside Sketty Methodist Church around 7:30pm last night when our Superintendent Minister, Richard Hall, arrived safely back home after his sponsored cycle around the Swansea circuit. He was welcomed back by members from across the circuit and of course, his family, (one of his daughters holding a "Well Done Daddy!" banner proudly in the air).
We had a short service with the sermon theme about recognising Jesus in people. Then I assume it was home for a shower.
By the way, he did have two tunics, or at least two t-shirts, but who can blame him? Congratulations Richard, I hope that you have raised lots of money.Shall I bring a pillow to Pitton this morning, in case you want a nap on the front pew?!!
Posted by Selina @ 09:55 AM BST [Link]
Everything's back to normal today, apart from a bit of stiffness in my calf muscles. I'll be back in Pitton at 11am to take their morning service, Mubles at 6pm. Getting to Pitton will certainly be by car!
I have to say "Thank you" to Selina, Wood and Bene Diction for the trouble they took to post updates. The transatlantic updates were particular fun!
I hope to post more later, but for now I have to get ready for church.
Posted by Richard @ 08:09 AM BST [Link]
Saturday, August 9, 2003
Rampaging Richard has completed the cycle of the circuit.
61 miles. 11 sermons.
He is exhausted.After all that preaching and cycling.....
Good crowd at final service, enthusiastic reception
Glad to have done it, glad its finished!
I'm off to the shower, then to bed!
Well done. Thanks for being a faithful servant.
WHOOO HOOO! He did it!
Posted by Bene Diction @ 10:03 PM BST [Link]
10 down.
1 to go.
For all you sports fans Richard is averaging a speed of 11.4 mph over a 50 mile stretch.
His top speed today has been 34 mph.
He has been on the bike in between each church a total of 4 hours and 26 minutes.
14 more miles to Sketty, the final church in the circuit today.
Several hundred pounds have been raised for the Swansea Bay Disability Appeal.
Mrs. Hall, your husband mentioned he is going to be a bit late coming home tonight.
He said his derriere is holding up well on the bike, as is the rest of his body, and he grabbed something to eat in Clydach.
He is in good spirits.I asked him what he wanted to say.
I've discovered that I can't keep 11 sermons in my head at the same time. They jostle one another.
I'm not going to quit.
14 more miles to go. 1 more sermon.
And a short ride home.
Posted by Bene Diction @ 06:15 PM BST [Link]
PITTON
Most of us that were at Horton travelled from Horton to the service in Pitton and before he arrived, Doreen Leighton, Pitton Steward, read from Luke 9 v1-6 in which it says “Take nothing for your journey …. And do not have two tunics” to which Hildegarde commented, that Richard could have done with two tunics in such hot weather.
A little later than scheduled he arrived at Pitton. He was cheerful since this meant that he was now one third of the way through this huge ordeal, but hot, flushed and in need of some water.Prayers were led by Doreen and then he started reading from Ephesians 6 v 10 and preached about protecting ourselves as Christians using the Spirit as a sword and our faith as our shield, since we try to live by a code of conduct that can sometimes run against the grain of general society as we know it.
The closing hymn was accompanied by June Thomas and was “God of all power, and truth and grace, which shall from age to age endure, whose word, when heaven and earth shall pass, remains and stands for ever sure”.
Richard began his journey up to Reynoldston for 11:00am (I think he had 25 minutes to get there) and the congregation in Pitton had tea, coffee and biscuits.
All the best Richard. We’re thinking about you and we’ll see you in Sketty tonight, all being well. By the way, can someone warn Lance Armstrong that he had better watch out next year on the Tour de France.
Posted by Selina @ 03:44 PM BST [Link]
HORTON
Horton’s members were joined by some loyal supporters from Sketty. We waited outside the chapel expectantly, receiving constant updates.
“I passed him at the top of Kittle”
“He’s only a mile and half away now, just at the top of the hill!”
Again a rapturous applause was heard when he turned the corner and arrived at Gower’s oldest Methodist chapel.Joy Cooke had come from Murton and played the organ for us as we sang “What shall I do my God to love,” and Hildegarde Roberts, Horton Secretary, read from Corinthians 13 v1-13. Richard continued with another reading from Romans and preached on faith.
As he was running ten minutes behind schedule (but it is scorching hot so he can be excused) he left as we were singing “Forth in they name, O Lord, I go.” He shot up the hill in Horton, which is no mean feat and we were astonished as to how far he had progressed in such short time. The last time we saw him, he was cutting across the bridleway towards Margam Corner.
Posted by Selina @ 03:38 PM BST [Link]
The first Church that Richard called at was Murton. The congregation waited outside to greet him and a loud cheer went up as he turned the corner from North Way and came down past Murton Green towards the chapel. The service was jointly conducted by Rev. Alf Austin and Richard. His text was from Matthew 28 v 20. “ and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
Alf deferred from singing the hymn “And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Saviour’s blood?” in which there is reference to “My chains fell off…”!!!
He ended his sermon quoting Wesley’s dying words “but best of all God is with us” which incidentally, is the slogan written on Richard’s promotional T-shirt that he is wearing today.
Richard left Murton and began his second leg of his journey to Horton.
Posted by Selina @ 02:52 PM BST [Link]
As Richard puffs through the parishes he won't have time to check his blog.
ar arr arrr.
I really want to thank NealeNews of Canada, who has graciously offered to keep an eye on all news outlets in the UK to see if this circuit cycle gets any more mentions in the media.And Canadian blogger Ian McKenzie is keeping a keen eye on the blogosphere to see who picks up this event on what is usually a slow blogging day. Thanks Ian.
Ordinary people can do the most extraordinary things.
In blogging borders and boundaries are not defined by citizenship and government but by common purpose, celebration and comradeship.Posted by Bene Diction @ 12:40 PM BST [Link]
12.25pm.
Richard's done 30 miles - he's now in Kittle. Slightly behind, but not too badly.
Posted by Wood @ 12:25 PM BST [Link]
I wonder where Richard is now.
31K is a good clip to be cycling at the beginning of the day long circuit.
For those of us unfamilar with John Wesley, he was a man of indomitable spirit.
When John Wesley, founder of the Methodist church, was four years old he pulled an old crate to the window of his second-story bedroom and waved to the neighbors gathered on the lawn below. This may not seem a very large feat for a young child — until you realize the home was on fire at the time. Because of John's quick thinking, his neighbors were able to form a human ladder and rescue him from the flames. Obviously, God was with him.
John grew up to take the Gospel to all of England, and to the pioneers and natives of America. Tired and weary, he averaged 8,000 miles a year by horseback to annually preach about 1,000 sermons. God was with him.
As Wood mentioned, Richard's first sermon this morning was on Wesleys last words.
In 1791 a small group gathered around the bed of the old man. It was evident John Wesley was nearing the end of his life. He beckoned them to kneel around him and pray. As they concluded their prayers, John moved his lips, unable to utter the words on his heart. The small group moved closer, and with one last burst of strength John cried out, "The best of all is, God is with us!"History via Christianity Today
Posted by Bene Diction @ 10:31 AM BST [Link]
Richard just called me, and me asked me to post an update about the progress of his Sermon Cycle, which is currently going. It's 9am.
As of the time of this post, you're at Penmaen (9 miles in), and he's done one service in Merton, the text Wesley's dying words: "Best of all, God is with us."
He's pulled a maximum speed of 31 mph. Which was nice. And he's been blessed by a Portuguese bishop.
More updates later, no doubt.
Posted by Wood @ 08:57 AM BST [Link]
About to be interviewed...ready for the off
Posted by Richard @ 07:16 AM BST [Link]
Friday, August 8, 2003
As I write this, it is afternoon in North America and evening in Swansea.
Richard is preparing for his Sermon Cycle, and I'd like to encourage the blogging community to come along side and cheer him on as the BBC and newspaper take notice of his effort.
We are going to try some double-blogging in real time here at connexions and at Bene Diction Blogs On from Canada, a country which also has a long and rich history of circuit riders, as Richard cycles South Wales and preaches 11 sermons in a few hours.
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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12: 1-2
Posted by Bene Diction @ 09:08 PM BST [Link]
This is how The Evening Post, Swansea's local newspaper, is reporting the ride.
Posted by Richard @ 08:56 PM BST [Link]
I'm sorry to "go on" about this, but it's on my mind. We're having a bit of a heat wave in Britain, and though Swansea is cooled by sea breezes it isn't what you call cold outside. The temperature today is about 25 degrees (that's upper 70's in old money) which is plenty warm enough for me. It has to be said, I'd prefer it to be a bit cooler for cycling. I've had some calls from concerned friends telling me to call it off, but seriously -- how could I do that at this short notice? In any case, I'm all geared up for it now. So I press on, but maybe more slowly, with more stops and drinking more water.
For what it's worth, this is the timetable I'm aiming at:
Murton 8am, Horton 9.20, Pitton 10am, Reynoldston 10.45, Mumbles 12.30
Brunswick (St Helens Road) 2pm, Wesley Eaton Road (Brynhyfryd) 2.45, Penlan 3.15, Morriston 3.45, Clydach 4.30
Sketty 7.00I realise that to most of the world, these placenames won't mean anything, but for anyone in Swansea you're welcome to join in any of these short services. If you're not in Swansea, I'd value your prayers.
The plan is that others will be updating this page through the day tomorrow to report on my progress.Posted by Richard @ 05:44 PM BST [Link]
Fame at last! I'm going to be interviewed in the morning (about 7:15 our time) on BBC Radio Wales. They broadcast on the web, so if you're keen you could listen wherever you are. I don't promise to be very coherent at that sort of hour though!
Posted by Richard @ 11:05 AM BST [Link]
Watching Arnie's impromptu press conference last night I was struck once again by the gulf between British and US culture. When asked what qualified him to be Governor of California he replied (and I'm paraphrasing) that he was passionate about his goals, never gave up and (to a cheering crowd) had gone from being an Austrian farm boy to the highest paid entertainer in the world. It's unimaginable that anyone running for public office could make that sort of statement -- I mean to say, referring to your wealth just isn't done old boy! Then he made things even clearer, saying in effect that he had enough personal wealth to mean that he could never be bought by special interests. I wonder if that means that the only politicians we can really trust are the super wealthy?
Posted by Richard @ 10:57 AM BST [Link]
Thursday, August 7, 2003
The "sermon cycle" now looms very large! I need to say thanks to Martin Roth and Bene Diction for their kind mentions - Diolch yn fawr!
Not only is the local newspaper covering the event, but BBC Radio Wales have also expressed some interest, which is very gratifying.
And I've almost finished writing the sermons! Contrary to what I've said before, I am expecting to deliver 11 different ones.
Posted by Richard @ 11:52 AM BST [Link]
Wednesday, August 6, 2003
Another thought for Hiroshima Day
In my last Circuit there was a man who was a pacificist. In WWII he knew that he could not take up arms. Instead, he enlisted in the "Air Ambulance", trained alongside the Parachute Regiment and then dropped with them onto the battlefields of France. An amateur photographer, he had some spectacular (and terrifying) pictures of the engagements he was involved in. I can barely begin to grasp the courage it takes to be airlifted into a combat situation with active servicemen, but unlike them being completely unarmed.I spoke to him once about the dropping of the Hiroshima bomb. He admitted that the only thing he could bring himself to feel was guilt. You see, when the news came through that the bombs had been dropped and Japan had surrendered he had felt elated. His group had been due to be sent out to the Far East campaign. VJ Day meant he could go home. His joy was absolutely understandable -- but when he learned that his "ticket home" had been bought by thousands of Japanese civilians, his joy turned to guilt that has never really left him.
I don't know what this story means in the grand scheme of things, but thought I should share it.
Posted by Richard @ 09:49 PM BST [Link]
From the Bruderhof
Once when I was in the Himalayas, I was sitting upon the bank of a river; I drew out of the water a beautiful, hard, round stone and smashed it. The inside was quite dry. The stone had been lying a long time in the water, but the water had not penetrated the stone.Read the whole article...It is just like that with the "Christian" people of the West. They have for centuries been surrounded by Christianity, entirely steeped in its blessings, but the Master's truth has not penetrated them. Christianity is not at fault; the reason lies rather in the hardness of their hearts. Materialism and intellectualism have made their hearts hard. So I am not surprised that many people in the West do not understand what Christianity really is.
Sadhu Sundar SinghPosted by Richard @ 04:40 PM BST [Link]
Please... say it isn't true.
Noooooooooooo!
Posted by Richard @ 01:13 PM BST [Link]
Today is celebrated by much of the Church as the Feast of the Transfiguration. It is also the day on which the first atomic weapon was used in anger on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.
The news today reports that the Mayor of Hiroshima marked the anniversary by saying that United States seems to worship nuclear weapons as God, a statement likely to infuriate many that notice it. In the Japanese language ( or so I'm told -- my knowledge of Japanese is slight indeed!) the word used to translate "transfiguration" may also mean "disfiguration." The Transfiguration of Jesus on the Holy Mount was by a "glistering white" light. In stark contrast, the light of disfiguration from the atomic bombs caused almost incomprehensible devastation.
Whether or not, then, today should be a day for celebration and thanksgiving, or lamentation and repentance is unclear. As we celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus and the glory of God, we should also remember what happened at Hiroshima when the "glory" revealed was that of sinful humanity. Whatever the "rights and wrongs" of the use of those weapons in Japan - and historians continue to argue about the necessity of it - the fact remains that thousands of people were destroyed in an instant. Even if we can be satisfied that the use of the A-bomb was justified, we can surely recognise that this is not something which can in any sense be called "good". Maybe today of all days is a reminder just how far we "come short of the glory of God."
Posted by Richard @ 11:19 AM BST [Link]
Tuesday, August 5, 2003
My friend John, who is kindly being my "back up car" on saturday, suggested I give you an idea of the route I'll be taking, so here (very approximately!) it is.
Posted by Richard @ 04:40 PM BST [Link]
My "sermon cycle" is all set for this Saturday, and to say I'm nervous about it now would be an understatement. In a bid to boost my confidence, I set out this morning at 6am determined to ride most of the route before lunch. Fifty three and a half miles later I'm back.
So now I'm tired and nervous!
Posted by Richard @ 04:07 PM BST [Link]
Monday, August 4, 2003
Hmmm...
I shouldn't be doing this. I've got an important bit of admin work to finish off this afternoon, and I as near as a toucher did. But then I took a phone call that "threw a spanner in the works" and after an hour of trying to sort it out (and failing) I needed a moment's procastination. So here I am.
One evening last week I went out for a walk with my dogs and children. It had been raining on and off most of the day and there was a faint drizzle in the air. But the family needed the exercise (!) so we set out undaunted. Actually, that isn't quite true. I didn't particularly want to go out in the wet, and I don't think the daughters were all that keen. To be fair, I have to admit that some complaining was done. It could have been a thoroughly miserable experience, but it turned out to be anything but. You see, when it rains you get puddles - and there's only one thing to be done when you're wearing wellies and there are puddles! Then we spotted a snail in the hederow. And another. And another. Before we knew it, we were on a snail safari, noticing the different sizes and colours. When you look for snails, it's inevitable that you see lots of other mini-beasts -- spiders, beetles, slugs... a huge variety. Throw in the excited conversation and perhaps you begin to see that what might have been something to be endured turned out to be a opportunity both for fun and learning.
Nothing in the conditions had changed. What changed was how we met them.
And I'm wondering if that's what Jesus had in mind when he spoke of receiving the Kingdom of God like a child?
Posted by Richard @ 03:45 PM BST [Link]
Sunday, August 3, 2003
In preparation for the celebration of Holy Communion today, here's one of Charles Wesley's hymns from the 1745 collection Hymns on the Lord's Supper
Jesu, we thus obey
Thy last and kindest Word;
Here, in thine own appointed way,
We come to meet our Lord.Our hearts we open wide,
To make the Saviour room;
And lo! the Lamb, the Crucified,
The sinner's Friend is come!His presence makes the feast;
And now our spirits feel
The glory not to be expressed,
The joy unspeakable.With pure celestial bliss
He doth our spirits cheer;
His house of banqueting is this,
And he hath brought us here.He bids us drink and eat
Imperishable food;
He gives his flesh to be our meat,
Ands bids us drink his blood.Whate'er the Almighty can
To pardoned sinners give,
The fullness of our God made man
We here with Christ receive.Posted by Richard @ 08:14 AM BST [Link]
Saturday, August 2, 2003
Before I say anything else, I need to say thank you to the fine folk who've blogsat (blogsitted?) so carefully for me. If ever I can return the favour, just ask!
This is St Govan's Chapel, set almost at the bottom of a
