From the monthly archives:

August 2003

homosexual humbug

August 31, 2003

in misc

The trouble with compromise is that it all too often pleases no-one and sounds both hypocritical and bizarre. Behind all the hullabaloo about gay priests and even possibly gay bishops, people have perhaps missed the fact that the C of E began compromising on this issue many years ago. It is quite simply untenable to allow one thing for ‘ordinary’ members of the church and another for its leaders. The church must jump one way or the other. Cultural relevance or biblical absolutes- they simply can’t have it both ways!

the Guardian states “The row may well signal an end to the unsatisfactory compromise enshrined in the 1991 House of Bishops statement, Issues in Human Sexuality – a document which stated that gay sexual relationships were allowable for the faithful laity, but wrong for the clergy. A dozen bishops are reliably reported to have persisted in appointing gay priests: the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has made plain his unhappiness with the hypocrisy and dishonesty involved in the current arrangement. “

Purgatory debunked

August 30, 2003

in misc

Having admitted that Purgatory isn’t a biblically based doctrine, athanasiusstates “After seeing the problem of sin versus holiness, and considering the various alternatives offered by Protestant traditions, I’m forced to conclude that Purgatory is the best theological solution that the Church has yet to come up with.”

In my view his posts are a classic example of why ‘theological’ thinking can often go wrong. We all too often attempt to reason our way around a problem rather than see what the scripture has to say on a subject and accept it without fully understanding it if necessary.

One verse is all that is needed to debunk this idea. Jesus, on the cross speaks to the thief on and states “TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE” (Luke 23:43). He had done nothing except believe and ask Jesus to remember him. There is no mention of a period in purgatory first, rather Jesus is quite clear and emphatic about what the end of the days events will be. (By the way this also gives the lie to the idea Jesus suffered in hell after his death!)

Thats good enough for me! What about you?

Auntie’s digital revelation

August 30, 2003

Just the thought of this is enought to make you salivate!
Guardian Unlimited | Online | Auntie’s digital revelation: “there is a stash of material that currently does not earn the BBC a penny, and for which it owns exclusive rights. What’s more, it’s been listed in every Royal Charter that it has a requirement to [...]

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What on Earth am I here for?

August 30, 2003

Tomorrows sermon by yours trully up and ready for purusal already!
What on Earth am I here for?

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‘Magdalene Sisters’

August 30, 2003

This review catalogues the horrors that occured in this film about the barbarism of convents.
I never saw this film, but it sounds like one of those one ’should’ see, but not really enjoy as such.
this review states: “Mary-Jo McDonagh, a real-life survivor of the Magdalene laundries, said the movie was too kind, if anything. ‘It [...]

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The Man Who Sued God

August 30, 2003

Can’t find much comment about this, although the reviews seem mixed. I might even have to go and see it. It seems this is about an attempt to Sue the almighty for damages for an ‘act of God’ which the insurance company wouldn’t pay out for! According to the BBC, The Man [...]

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France heatwave claimed 11,000 more deaths

August 30, 2003

And here was me enjoying our own more mild heatwave here in the UK thinking global warming seemed like a good thing for me. Meanwhile in CORRECTED-France heatwave claimed 11,000 more deaths: “France a heatwave claimed 11,000 more deaths”.
Sadly hundreds of the bodies remain unclaimed, and we can’t but wonder at such [...]

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First child ‘is more successful’

August 30, 2003

Clearly as an eldest child I feel this has been born out in my life!
BBC NEWS | Health | First child ‘is more successful’: “First-born children are more ambitious and more successful than their younger brothers and sisters, it has been claimed.
They are serious and determined and are more likely to enter a profession, such [...]

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No proof mental illness rooted in biology

August 30, 2003

No proof mental illness rooted in biology There is loads of evidence of biological casuality of some mental illnesses. I have seen too many peoples lives improved by medication to want to go down this line!

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BBC NEWS | Politics | Alastair Campbell quits

August 29, 2003

BBC NEWS | Politics | Alastair Campbell quits: “Alastair Campbell quits”
Will this be the start of a new era now the man who gagged Bair on God is leacing?

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Islamist 9/11 ‘conference’

August 29, 2003

Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | MP wants Islamist 9/11 ‘conference’ banned: “Al-Muhajiroun, whose stated aim is for Britain to become an Islamic state, is publicising an ‘Islamic conference’ to be held on the second anniversary of the attacks. At the event, ‘Muslims worldwide will again be watching replays of the collapse of the twin [...]

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D.C. pastor �borrowed� sermons

August 29, 2003

We all quote from sermons from time to time but not the whole thing! And beware your congregation may be able to read the sermon on the internet as they did for this D.C. pastor who �borrowed� sermons: “The trail of �borrowed� sermons now stretches back at least a year and a half. ”
Mind you [...]

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D.C. pastor borrowed sermons

August 29, 2003

We all quote from sermons from time to time but not the whole thing! And beware your congregation may be able to read the sermon on the internet as they did for this D.C. pastor who borrowed sermons: “The trail of borrowed sermons now stretches back at least a year and a half. ”
Mind you [...]

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A simple faith

August 28, 2003

My son has a simple faith in Jesus which stands out. The other day he suddenly said to my wife ‘Last time I asked Jesus to give me something, he didn’t do it- but I still believe in him you know’
Out of the mouths of babes and infants!

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