It’s the Victoria Day weekend in Canada and the weather has been very co-operative in our neck of the woods, so I shall be brief.
Living Room posts an interview that asks the same questions Rachel asked about church. It’s a powerful read. I’ve seen plenty of posts defending an institutional structured format, but I haven’t really seen much of a response other than The Heresy on where church-leavers stand. Maybe it’s just me, but I get the impression that hurts and all, ministers and those running congregations appear to imply that those that have been wounded or have left are supposed to suck it up and go back for their own good. I see the interviewees saying they are open to go back at some stage for the good of others.
In my year of blogging, this has been the most thoughtful, productive, wide ranging discussion I have seen, and I’ve learned a great deal.
signposts looks at the symbols of community…beer and popcorn anyone??, and uses the metaphor of desktop shortcuts to make a point.
William Holzer has re-started his blog and has an interesting commentary on the legalization of marijuana in Canada. It hasn’t been a big debate here. It has been approved for medical use. He has thought it through and has some good things to say. And welcome back to the blogosphere, William! ( 16.05.2003 entry)
Don’t kiss in public in the emirate of Dubai.
Patrick Ruffini looks at American righty and lefty top pundits.
Dispatches from Outland brought a critique of the BBC coverage of US Private J. Lynch to my attention in the comments section. I have not seen the documentary. I’ve no doubt serious questions would be raised about some of the sources, and their ‘information.’
Understanding weapon use is a useful jumping off point for debate. I see the article and documentary as pointing out the differences and tensions in media coverage, and it would be imprudent to assume either the Brits or Americans get everything right. It appears from the comments section at the BBC most people get that.
Just like Dave King of Idea Joy has roots deep in New Brunswick and David Janes of Ranting and Roaring has a heart for Newfoundland, I would go back to Nova Scotia if I could. It’s forest fire season in Canada, and I have friends in this beautiful area. Stay safe.
Update: I was just talking to them. It’s pretty smokey but they are coping.
SARS
Global update. Asia continues to be hit hard.
Global Conflict
While Canadians enjoy the long weekend, conflict continues in the Middle East, the Congo, Kashmir, Indonesia. Reports of the final group of Saharan tourists being freed may be premature.
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Maybe it’s just me, but I get the impression that hurts and all, ministers and those running congregations appear to imply that those that have been wounded and have left are supposed to suck it up and go back for their own good.
I don’t think that’s quite what *this* minister meant! I stick by my analogy with divorce. Permissible, sometimes necessary even desirable - but never to be undertaken lightly. Yes, there are those who are wounded by their church. Relationships are not always what they should be, there are periods when all seems hard and dry and plenty of times when walking out seems like an attractive option. I don’t advocate people taking that option with their families unless they are driven by violence or abuse — how could I advocate it for church members?
Glad you took the time to clarify Richard.
When Been There Still There posted by answering questions, another blogger posted and got some pretty legalistic stuff in his comments section.
The commenter got some exersize jumping to conclusions. That having been said, your analogy of divorce stands up.
It is a difficult subject that has been handled well. Again, thanks for clarifying.
I hope ministers are taking time to learn from this discussion - it’s been interesting and beneficial for me.
I’m not completely surprised, because I’ve thought some of the same thoughts. I’m pretty sure God is up to something here.
I don’t think you can equate marriage with church membership. One can leave a church and maintain all their important relationships with people inside that church. I think some of the tension on this debate is the “pro-structure” people equate the purpose of a given structure with the structure itself. Thus the idea that when you leave a church you are leaving relationships. Thats not been the experience in my life. In fact most of my best friends are in different places on Sunday morning. Most church meetings don’t let me connect with them anyway.
Leighton:
Thanks for the comment. I have an odd question.
Do you think that Canada being as spread out and supposedly multi cultural, we find it easier to connect up with people outside some of our structures?
My experience is like yours. I’m able to connect up with believers from coast to coast in and out of churches with less concern perhaps than maybe the US.