Today’s Lenten text (and Sunday’s Gospel for those churches on the Revised Common Lectionary) is John 3:1-17 What does being born again really mean? Maybe Nicodemus knew all along – maybe he was just playing dumb. Jesus says “You’re a teacher of Israel, and you don’t know what I’m talking about?” Some commentators note theContinue reading “That Born Again Meme”
Category Archives: Spirituality
Missing woman unwittingly joins search party looking for herself
Sometimes newsfeed headlines grab your attention. This one just did. Apparently a tourist left her group to change clothes while in the midst of a stop. She was deemed missing and joined the search looking for herself, quite unaware she was the subject, even after hearing the description of herself. No-one from her party recognisedContinue reading “Missing woman unwittingly joins search party looking for herself”
The messiness of faith and sibling rivalry
Lenten reflections take us a little further into Abram’s epic but troubled journey. Genesis 12:4b-20 – the patriarch eventually finds himself in Egypt and, for cargo and self-preservation, makes his presumably comely wife (Sarai) available to the Pharaoh. Hardly a salubrious beginning for the father of the world’s three major monotheistic faiths! Stories of faith areContinue reading “The messiness of faith and sibling rivalry”
When the easiest way isn’t always the best way…
It’s easier to give a hungry man a fish than to teach him to fish. It’s far simpler to superficially impress someone than to engage them by putting in some time and the hard yards. Politically, the quick fix is more successful for one’s grasp of power than the blood, sweat and tears of inspiringContinue reading “When the easiest way isn’t always the best way…”
Lent: Wrestling with the notion of Original Sin
Here is the golden text on which the doctrine of original sin is based. Romans 5:12-19 Paul argues that as sin came into the world through Adam, tainting us all, so this tragic state of affairs is reversed through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus (the second Adam). This is the result of allContinue reading “Lent: Wrestling with the notion of Original Sin”
Healing a fractured humanity
The Apostle Paul had a big job on his hands while acting as a consultant to the factionalised Christian community of Corinth. He appeals to theology, rhetoric and personal investment as he attempts to bring healing to human divisions based on status, party allegiance and ambition. It all sounds rather too familiar. Our reflection today leadsContinue reading “Healing a fractured humanity”
Ash Wednesday Confessions
Today, Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, I respond to the challenge not to give up something, but to take something on – a discipline of some kind. A way forward might be to begin a daily reflection according to my spiritual tradition. This Ash Wednesday, my guide requires me to write a prayer of confessionContinue reading “Ash Wednesday Confessions”
How Not to Talk About the Beliefs of Others | Paul Brandeis Raushenbush
How Not to Talk About the Beliefs of Others | Paul Brandeis Raushenbush. Eminent common sense – would that it were more common!
Vocational Wisdom
My peers agreed it would be an excellent focus for our small discussion group – Living the Questions: Essays Inspired by the Work and Life of Parker J. Palmer, Sam M. Intrator (ed.), (Jossey-Bass, 2005). I had not previously heard of Parker J Palmer, but was attracted to his deliciously alliterative name. Google led me to discoverContinue reading “Vocational Wisdom”
Behold, the six types of atheists – CNN Belief Blog – CNN.com Blogs
A fascinating, if brief taxonomy, that surely has counterparts amongst the vast spectrum of theists. Although running the usual risk of “boxing” people in rather than focusing on engagement in open conversations, such categorising can, ironically, help guard against simplistic assumptions. Behold, the six types of atheists – CNN Belief Blog – CNN.com Blogs.
Wondering Pilgrim 