I’m trying to do some research around the concept of poverty. Including the possible standard of living of the historical Jesus. He is referred to as a τεκτων (tekton) in Mark 6:3 – there are some suggesting this may mean “scholar” – with reference to Aramaic and the Talmud http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081205075338AAVzAb3. Can anyone confirm or deny
If you have ever been present in a service where a congregation “sings in tongues” and you have been surprised at the way the “random” singing of many voices harmonises – you may not have the musical insight to have realised that the congregation was singing using the pentatonic scale (all the black notes on
Singing in tongues Read More »
This video was sent as a comment to my previous post on Haiti where I am collecting resources for prayer and donations. In case readers skimmed over that, I am embedding it here. It is an orthodox Christian response from an Episcopalian church to the totally unacceptable claim by Pat Robertson that this earthquake is
Where is God in the Haitian Earthquake? Read More »
The devastation in Haiti cries out for responses from us all. We need to find ways to offer our financial support urgently and through organisations we know to be reliable and trustworthy. Oxfam, World Vision, Red Cross, Unicef, Christian World Service, Caritas, Save the Children, and Tear Fund are some that I’ve noticed being reported
Prior to the 1970s, NZ Anglicans had to be confirmed in order to be allowed to receive communion. Then in the 70s and 80s General Synod allowed those baptised who had been “Admitted to Communion” to receive communion. This followed the then RC model of “First Communion”. In 1990 General Synod restored the tradition of
blessing or communion? Read More »
A week before Christmas, when Christians celebrate God’s incarnation in Christ, the 3D movie Avatar (warning: spoilers follow) took movie-going to a new level in a similar way that Star Wars did in 1977. Although there has been criticism of Avatar’s story content, and even Vatican panning of its spirituality, it is IMO worth drawing
Is Christ God’s avatar? Read More »
Here are some reflections for Sunday January 17 from the collect/opening prayer for that Sunday and the week following: 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time January 17 reflection from the collect/opening prayer 2nd Sunday of Epiphany January 17 reflection from the collect/opening prayer (CofE Common Worship)
Week starting January 17 Read More »
Almighty God, you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit, and revealed him as your beloved Son; grant that we who are baptised into his name may give up our lives to your service, and be found worthy of our calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive with you in the
