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Recreation, restoration and embracing pain
I was glad to read that fellow blogger, Charley Le-hardy, of Another Think, made it out into the wilds of Madeira Canyon, of south Arixona, for a few hours recently, a place where his heart was able to experience the special "lightness" that I believe is indicative of fellowship with God. But on his trip he also encountered a memorial to three youths who died upon the mountain in a freak storm and thus also experienced the heartache that comes when we encounter the tragedies of life and death.
Charley and I have previously discussed our personal dispositions with respect to depression and some of the ways that geting out amongst nature can be important in alleviating its effects. read more »
Re. William Hague
Following his fall from political 'grace' (if leading the Tories can really lay claim to such a moniker), after the 2001 General Election, William Hague connected with his gift for writing serious historical prose, such as a book about William Pitt the Younger, twice PM, as well as a more recent one on William Wilberforce, which has received wide acclaim. In that sense, he stands in the tradition of the Great Briton, William Churchill, whose understanding of his times was rooted in his deep understanding of Britain's et al history. read more »
Dawkins Delusion by Dr Terry Tommyrot
A wonderfully wry interview with Dr Terry Tommyrot, author of 'The Dawkins Delusion' (published by Banter and Twaddle) who is quite convinced that Richard Dawkins doesn't really exist...
This superbly wry, tongue-in-cheek interview has dogmatic fundamentalism in its sights...of whatever ilk. Enjoy!
Science and Statesmanship
Watching this video, which presents an eclectic series of quotations of Albert Einstein, I was struck by what a statesman Einstein was, on behalf of his vocational establishment (i.e. 'Science' — although also, one might add, of 'Humanity').
And what a contrast that is with Professor Dawkins and other atheistic fundamentalist scientists, whose insecurity shines through in their need to vehemently diminish those who think differently.
The difference, for me, is captured in these two contrasting quotations from Einstein. read more »
Proof community is important...
...and that the little guy doesn't always lose!
An extraordinary wildlife sequence, filmed in southern Africa, a buffalo calf which escapes from the jaws of death - twice!, demonstrating in the process why community is important...and that the little guy doesn't always lose! read more »
Wiliam Hague: — politics and faith
A stirring historical analyis and a rousing challenge to today's faith communities to fully recognise the vital partnership of politics and faith.
Drawing upon his deep knowledge of fellow-Yorkshireman and namesake, William Wilberforce, William Hague sets out how evangelical Christians played an extraordinary role in transforming the Britain of their day, as well as impacting the world beyond.
Building upon this example, William Hague then sets out the global evils which staulk the world of our day, particularly the international trade in drugs and human beings. read more »
Tony Blair: faith in an era of globalisation
Speaking at the Cardinal Lectures at Westminster Cathedral, Tony Blair talks of the importance of faith in an era of globalisation.
Once you get beyond the surreal experience of listening to Tony Blair speaking about faith in exactly the same manner and with the same conviction as he did about political issues, a raft of thought through arguments and a cohesive philosophy of faith are apparent. Worth listening to.
Note: each video link opens in a "lightbox" which hovers above this page, while it plays — try it, it's quite cool! Each video is from three to eight minutes long (the whole lecture seems to be presently unavailable via Google videos).
Walter Brueggemann — narrative theology
An enjoyable rambling, discourse through a range of topics, given to an 'emergent' congregation / conference (I think I saw Brian McLaren hovering around in a second video from the same venue).
Reflecing the exegetical thoughts of Old Testament seminarian and lively septuagenarian, Walter Brueggemann in connection with narrative theology, post-colonialism and military consumerism...!
Watch and listen... (opens in a 'lightbox'...try it!)