tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.comments2023-10-19T21:31:51.018+11:00A funny thing happened on the way ...Bob Faserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09121069030405858127noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-83913470681791280842019-01-16T06:07:29.439+11:002019-01-16T06:07:29.439+11:00Thanks for this winsome insight into the story tha...Thanks for this winsome insight into the story that is so well known but has so much to still find in our own times and place. I will be on the road this Sunday, so neither preaching or worshiping. However I had started some prep when I thought I would be preaching and this is an interesting sermon that many will benefit from!Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12704675090328210200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-26091418473821779302019-01-09T18:49:04.818+11:002019-01-09T18:49:04.818+11:00Magnificent sermon Bob. Currently writing on solid...Magnificent sermon Bob. Currently writing on solidarity - one of my favourite words for unfolding the call and hope of the gospels - so very timely, too.Lisa Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08435847571776889457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-39299658771167304032018-04-20T09:14:43.928+10:002018-04-20T09:14:43.928+10:00Thanks Bob. A good overview for Australians too. y...Thanks Bob. A good overview for Australians too. you could add Burwood to your list of Anglican oases in Sydney perhaps. Does the Episcopal Church call their clergy father?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-47619788935691523732018-03-27T19:06:23.852+11:002018-03-27T19:06:23.852+11:00In the light of the recent (March 2018) scandal ab...In the light of the recent (March 2018) scandal about ball-tampering in Australian cricket, I suppose I need to add one more situation in which ethical standards will exist: <br /><br />There will be greater public outrage over cheating or other forms of unsportsmanlike behaviour when it occurs in bat-and-ball sports (such as cricket, baseball...) or racquet sports (such as tennis...) than when it occurs in any code of football.Bob Faserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09121069030405858127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-45848717548644764292017-03-25T11:34:47.671+11:002017-03-25T11:34:47.671+11:00In my case - as member of congregation - Anglican...In my case - as member of congregation - Anglican - I was not a good 'fit' for the congregation but we had a young inclusive priest.<br />A conservative priest has taken her place - I left.Narelle Friarnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-6329075693618743352017-03-25T10:45:18.929+11:002017-03-25T10:45:18.929+11:00Have led many many Easter camps - the number of ti...Have led many many Easter camps - the number of times I have tried to suggest/persuade others of the lack of merit of doing Passover Seder as an opening Thursday night gathering activity or introduction to the camp. In the search for 'powerful experiences' to create strong memories of what Easter is about, why do we keep doing something that doesn't belong to our faith tradition and makes a mockery out of other faith traditions. You have articulated the above in a very useful way. I feel better equipped to explain my discomfort at such practices having read your blog on this. Thank you Bob. jeffwith2fshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13512334479051264967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-77092144824340365722017-03-25T10:36:04.522+11:002017-03-25T10:36:04.522+11:00My observations of working in both UCA and Anglica...My observations of working in both UCA and Anglican contexts is that in the Anglican context, there appears to be more of a spirit of honouring (not always agreeing with) the Priest's religious (including theological)/political ways and way of doing things. Where as in the UCA I would suggest that the Minister concedes to (while trying to encourage new growth) the ways of the congregation. Always more fun dancing when both parties are flexible, if only one is flexible it is tedious for the other, if neither are flexible it is painful for both and obvious to the others on the dance floor. I think the same goes with clergy and congregations. (Jeff Savage)jeffwith2fshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13512334479051264967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-87475370297817112122017-03-06T02:24:20.848+11:002017-03-06T02:24:20.848+11:00I'd add another idea of practical value to you...I'd add another idea of practical value to your already nicely long list - 12. Travel. Seeing other cultures face to face is a great way to discover that people all over the world are essentially similar - they all need food, shelter, affection - and that they are really not all that different from you. This is a surefire way of avoiding an 'us and them' attitude because we end up seeing every individual as important and every culture as being valid. People who simply never wander more than five miles from their place of birth are bound to have a narrower outlook on life than those who travel, even if only to the country next door.Admiral_Kang (Tony)https://www.blogger.com/profile/01807387342920675302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-33350129778555821592016-12-21T15:39:32.277+11:002016-12-21T15:39:32.277+11:00I am glad, as a person who is also "An Austr...I am glad, as a person who is also <i><b>"An Australian by Choice"</b></i> that after 20 or more years newspapers, police and other groups have stopped referring to appearance as: <b> Australian</b> or <b> European</b> or <b> Asian</b>or, God forbid <b>Redhead</b>...which I am!<br />The great multicultural victory of Australia, despite Ms Hanson's protestations, is that all those descriptors; or none; defines the body of Australians...and couple of dozen more could be addedStephan Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11194782441138561354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-73486120459926443902016-12-12T16:25:30.437+11:002016-12-12T16:25:30.437+11:00I am on the pinkish side...went for a swim in the ...I am on the pinkish side...went for a swim in the 36 degree heat (which I love) on Adelaide's beachfront. But totally get your point that 'white' is not a proper descriptor....just as 'aboriginal' is not an accurate descriptor eitherStephan Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11194782441138561354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-23841166370527611212016-11-09T07:03:00.602+11:002016-11-09T07:03:00.602+11:00From the discussion on this post on my FaceBook pa...From the discussion on this post on my FaceBook page, one of the issues here is that much of the history of the Presbyterian-Reformed grouping of churches is about the process in the late 18th through mid-20th centuries where these churches dropped their insistence on a strictly Calvinist theology, while retaining a Calvinist-influenced approach to church government (representative councils) and worship (teaching-oriented). <br /><br />As a result, not everyone in a Presbyterian or Reformed church has a Calvinist theological stance. <br /><br />However, many political conservatives (such as Trump) have a strongly Calvinist-influenced set of social attitudes, regardless of their religious beliefs (or lack thereof).Bob Faserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09121069030405858127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-60802872681901294122016-09-26T12:51:58.407+10:002016-09-26T12:51:58.407+10:00Exactly. Just as there's nothing in the parab...Exactly. Just as there's nothing in the parable to support the fate of "Dives" on the basis of "getting your theology right", etc., neither is there anything similar re Lazarus. Bob Faserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09121069030405858127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-64916144266156340492016-09-25T05:33:06.681+10:002016-09-25T05:33:06.681+10:00Interestingly, Jesus never told us on what basis L...Interestingly, Jesus never told us on what basis Lazarus made it to 'Abraham's Bosom'. Was he born again? Did he say the sinner's prayer? Doubtful on both counts! Interesting then how he got where he did, in the fundamentalists' eyes! Except they won't notice....Admiral_Kang (Tony)https://www.blogger.com/profile/01807387342920675302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-18958789418352265242016-06-12T06:34:41.007+10:002016-06-12T06:34:41.007+10:00The Swedes are specifically seeking to be not ackn...The Swedes are specifically seeking to be not acknowledged, and are shunning publicly and would not like awards. It's not Swedish to take credit. The culture shuns any kind of aggrandizement and something like this would be seen as the right thing, and therefore not a special thing. <br /><br />It's a nice gesture, just not in line with their cultural outlook. Janet's Dadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13263826021262254213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-88684859162845987462016-05-16T10:31:35.142+10:002016-05-16T10:31:35.142+10:00Thanks for this. I actually believe older worship...Thanks for this. I actually believe older worshippers are far more flexible and tolerant than some of us give them credit for. In my experience, some of the least flexible people in churches, music-wise and often in other areas, are the "Hillsong-or-nothing" brigade. But in any event, the fact that this hymn is written to an already familiar tune, albeit a secular one, means that half the battle (re acceptance by the "oldies") has already been won.Bob Faserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09121069030405858127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-17576979753250464862016-05-15T19:37:17.438+10:002016-05-15T19:37:17.438+10:00This is a surprising one, good fun fun I can see t...This is a surprising one, good fun fun I can see the frowns on the faces of some oldies if it is part of Sunday worship. I think it might work well in a singalong afternoon so I'll give it to one of my singing friends. Actually we are doing a gig tomorrow afternoon with men and women from three different nursing homes. They will probably sing along the old version if we offer this one!<br />Peceli and Wendy's Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01165668047817341837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-17785335643786599302016-05-03T16:25:07.167+10:002016-05-03T16:25:07.167+10:00And, as it turns out, in addition to mansplaining,...And, as it turns out, in addition to mansplaining, whitesplaining, carsplaining, techsplaining, medicsplaining, and churchsplaining, there's also "moneysplaining". I found this out today when I saw my financial planner to attempt to Trump-proof, Cruz-proof, and Brexit-proof my modest savings.Bob Faserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09121069030405858127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-88484803784614490742016-04-13T15:41:48.319+10:002016-04-13T15:41:48.319+10:00Funny! I need to give some of theses a tryFunny! I need to give some of theses a tryBronwynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11282571558665265786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-22903932570257316802016-04-08T10:22:43.788+10:002016-04-08T10:22:43.788+10:00Interesting. Giving up something is always a disci...Interesting. Giving up something is always a discipline. I wasn't brought up with the Lent tradition but one year decided to give up colour and wore only black clothes during Lent. I wear a lot of black anyway so most people didn't notice but i was glad to return to my reds and purples. On another note for the last nearly 3 years my husband and i have followed the practice of not eating onThursdays. It started as a health thing and has had benefits in that area and also gives extra time (no food prep or meals). Can't say we really like it but it's a good thing to break the hold that food has on us and to identify with those who are hungry not by choice. Only a few people know about it and we break it if invited out etc and haven't needed to restrict physical activities eg tennis, swimming. Is it a spiritual exercise? Not really sure but since many major religions suggest fasting (I prefer to call it not eating) seems like a good idea.Glenyshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05795519146788207110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-14099806420479228082016-03-10T22:16:35.918+11:002016-03-10T22:16:35.918+11:00I love the concept presented but the new thing is ...I love the concept presented but the new thing is something that seem impossible - rivers in the desert that brings nourishment to the livestock and humanity. Is it symbolic of oil rigs scatter across the Arabia & Middle East producing oil that generates revenue around the globe.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04025927218418029633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-86852815732381867292016-03-09T16:43:09.164+11:002016-03-09T16:43:09.164+11:00I presume your term 'fresh expressions' is...I presume your term 'fresh expressions' is used differently to the term 'Fresh Expressions' as used in the Regeneration outreach of the Uniting Church. Time will tell how workable that model is. Methinks there is some serious thinking to do about the difference between a congregation's outreach to the community and the separate 'regeneration' initiatives.<br />Peceli and Wendy's Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01165668047817341837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-71290397191414028652016-02-22T08:54:25.816+11:002016-02-22T08:54:25.816+11:00Three years after writing this post, it's beco...Three years after writing this post, it's become relevant to the comments between Pope Francis and Donald Trump as to whether or not Mr. Trump is a Christian.<br /><br />On the one hand, my definition regards any Christian as a Christian, regardless of how any other Christian regards the adequacy of the person's beliefs and practices.<br /><br />On the other hand, this definition does not impose a Christian identity on anyone, however virtuous, who does not choose to identify as a Christian but, instead, identifies with either another faith or with a non-religious world view.<br /><br />Using this definition, if the central figure in the person's spirituality is Jesus of Nazareth, the person is a Christian. <br /><br />In the case of Mr. Trump, Pope Francis seems to believe (and I think he's got it right) that the central figure in Mr. Trump's spirituality is Mr. Trump himself. <br /><br />So, according to the definition in this article, I agree with Pope Francis.Bob Faserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09121069030405858127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-14937748855796749252016-02-05T15:39:05.438+11:002016-02-05T15:39:05.438+11:00Actually the three words 'girt by sea' are...Actually the three words 'girt by sea' are a reminder of our situation of being surrounded by sea so that people DO come by boat (or plane of course). And now there are another 40,000 treking through Turkey so what are we doing about that?Peceli and Wendy's Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01165668047817341837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-57562049613187047322016-01-27T11:31:01.899+11:002016-01-27T11:31:01.899+11:00Indeed, some good points, Bob. I think we also nee...Indeed, some good points, Bob. I think we also need to remember, when it comes to popular music, that people in their 90s have also lived through the culture of the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s etc and there may well be music from those eras that have caught their ears when they heard them on the radio at the time. (Just because I, personally, can't tolerate modern popular music that's been produced since the 1980s, doesn't mean that others, including those older than I, are not more tolerant and eclectic in their tastes :-) Carohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11116907514000516256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2350211073017972998.post-16074927792942233082016-01-26T15:41:48.870+11:002016-01-26T15:41:48.870+11:00Glenys, I suspect two things may be happening here...Glenys, I suspect two things may be happening here, with different individuals. On the one hand, some people whose theology has moved on may still be drawn to the 19th century gospel songs because these songs may remind them of a kindly aunt, or of good times in youth group, etc. Others whose theology has moved on may be seriously repelled by the old gospel songs because they remind them of the traumatic effect that fire-and-brimstone preaching may have had on them.Bob Faserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09121069030405858127noreply@blogger.com