I'm Moving

Well I've decided to more from Blogspot to Wordpress. The new address is http://kiwilowdown.wordpress.com/. I'll will be updating from there from now on.

Cheers
Jimmy

It's Been a While

So as seems to be common among many blogs, it loses its novelty. This is certainly what happened here. However I have good intentions, it would be great if I could start contributing to this alot more, my problem is I don't know how. I'm sure people don't want to read about the life of Jimmy - unless it can be made interesting. But right now it's not, I study, sleep, eat, study, spend time with Briar, eat and every now and then catch up with mates. I could talk about the current assignment I'm working on, but that will not see the creation of many posts, not to mention its limited appeal. I have tried recently to post photo's of various things from places I've been recently, but this hasn't proved very productive either.

Maybe I'll spend some time thinking about writing one thing a week, rather than writing several small ones a day like apparently 'true' bloggers such as Scot McKnight (who I like reading).

Anyhows, I guess I'd better stop procrastinating from my assignment, and get back to it. Wonder what I should write about this week....its Tuesday already :s

Cheers

Jimmy

Back to the books

Fair to say i've returned to the books. And lookin at a subject i've never been that interested in. //Jimmy

Kiwi fruit

Tryin out the camera's functionality. //Jimmy

My mother

Meetin her in the airport

My maori mate

We're from different tribes thankfully.

Lunch

Another lunch done. How many more til death?

Sunday

Spot the heathens this sunday morning.

First photo from my phone....

A gleam from a pan once used

[Re]visiting

I've been re-reading some of Jack Caputo's stuff and come across this which I felt was relevant:

"When a stranger is lost in darkness, God makes his face to shine upon the face of the stranger; when the stranger is endangered by the desert heat, God leads him into the shelter and shade of his loving care. The self is already turned to God, who has in turn turned the self to the stranger, deflected it in a certain way, ordered and commanded the self to the stranger, who bears God's trace and seal. Being turned to the other means a devotion to God that responds without desire for reciprocity, in a love without eros, in a relation without correlation and reciprocity, like the non-reciprocity, the interruption of the symmetry and commensurability that constitutes the gift, or death itself. A-Dieu, to-God, to-the-infinite,to-the-tout autre, who is a positive infinity, an infinite yes, an unlimited oui, an event. To respond to the event is to say yes to what seperates itself, to welcome and greet what seperates itself, whose departure is not different from its coming, and this "deference" is the breath of the a-Dieu."

What he says here reminds me that God has created, or is, an infinite yes. An ever influentially present yes to and in life. Life that encompasses humanity, creation and the cosmos. A yes to life that was manifested through Jesus. When we respond to the yes, then a relationship is transformed. And as Caputo suggests, one of the foundations for such a transformed relationship in non-reciprocity. We love God in a selfless, honest, way that comes to expect nothing back from that which we give to. But in turn, as God loves us even more, he gives - not in return nor reciprocity - to us. Just as he gave us redemption, we have to realize it's present yes and accept it - the gift. I wonder how many people don't not think about spirituality, their relationship, to God reciprocally?

jimmy

P.S. I think this has something to say about a doctrine of prosperity as well. E.g. Creflo Dollar; be debt free and God will bless you - is this not a relationship based on reciprocity? Does it undermine love? How can we come to expect prosperity from God? Perhaps this is something I will look into.

A Thought (cont)

In relation to the last post I write this one. I just gave this a watch and it's the sort of crap that puts me off church. "He thinks I'm going to enjoy it" - eh? Jesus the gravebuster? I can't be bothered with dressed up crap like this. It's not all bad, I'm sure it inspires people and helps them on their journey or whateva. But that pastor just reminds me of all the other pastors who are just good at selling sermons to people. Watch it here and feel free to criticize me on this.

A Thought

As a house near-by was playing loud christian worship music I was thinking on how that made me feel. I don't like it. I don't like that sort of good feely feelings stuff that often comes with ....well....playing christian worship music loud. But then I'm not going to look down on someone who does i.e. the people in the near-by flat. I find myself perhaps a bit too post-modern for that. Rather, if it works for them, and they are enjoying a closer relationship to God through playing loud christian worship music, then do it.

However this also brings up images of church, christian social groups, small groups, and church life. I'm not really into that either. I wonder if it's cause it takes more time to be involved in stuff like that than it does to build friendships with other non-christians? I mean I like church, and I go to church. But should we be spending more time in church than with non-believers? Christian religion can often become a comfortable ghetto. The cheesiness of christian religion reeks of complacency, and it is this that I guess I react to. Perhaps I react too strongly though and don't give some areas of christian religion enough time to prove itself. Most of the time though I'm just thinking about how there is still more good to be done in the world. Especially in some sermons. But then, unavoidably, I am a hypocrite.

Could Anything Flabbagast Jesus?

Could someone render Jesus speechless? What is there that someone could say? What is there that someone can do? Is it possible? I think so. But there is something necessary to understand first. You see, Briar (my wife) can be an all or nothing chick - which is great (especially in photography). Things get done really well. So, for example, when the house gets a clean, it's not a simple vacuum and dishes wash. Nope, the house gets something just short of a makeover. Everything gets done. When a photo is getting taken, it gets taken perfect. When a fish is getting filleted, every last piece of flesh is utilised. When a tree is chainsawed, she will get it done perfect. From the place of cut, to the place the tree lands, to the size of the wood to be carried - each piece cut to the specifications of the carrier. This is my wife.

So can something make Jesus speechless? Well I was thinking the other day, I could see him speechless. In fact, this was the closest scenario I could think of. Imagine that Jesus has come back, and has been back for sometime. Forget a complete rapture of the saved. Rather, a world-wide protection by God from Satan and his minions. What has been going on is an epic battle between good and evil. One much anticipated for all history. I mean, when Jesus died on the cross, that was him throwing the gloves on the floor, looking Satan in the eye and saying "I'll give you an hour to gather your best team and let's take this outside." The hour is up, and the fight is in full swing. Not just for humans, but for all of God's good creation. This fight is global, from NZ to America to Scots Base. But there are two arch-enemies dueling it out on Mt Zion. It's Jesus vs. Satan and Satan is getting the beat down. No one else, angels nor demons, are fighting. But all are transfixed on this fight. Finally with Satan lying on the ground prostrate, absolutely beaten and his sword metres away, Jesus holds back the historically expected killing strike, blowing the minds of everyone watching. And instead he stands there and takes in the moments he has as he prepares himself to show Satan and the world a love and grace that only God can, and does harbour. And when all are silent, and an atmosphere of anticipation is present, from out of no where leaps Briar. She scoops up Satan's sword, and in the flash of an eye drives it through his throat dealing a killing blow. Stands up, brushes her fiery red hair back, looks Jesus in the eye and says "Look, like I tell my husband, no half measures! Either do it properly, or don't do it at all!" And with that, I think Jesus would be flabagasted. The most anticipated moment in all of history, one that makes Jesus' redemptive death look a miniscule blip in the life of it all, taken by my wife Briar.

I know I'd be shocked.

Cheers.Jimmy.

That Abominal Thing Called 'The Recession'

So as most people within the Western world, we are in a market-wealth crisis, otherwise known as the recession. For the rich people it means a possible bad mark on their records, a lower performance pay out and a good dose of despise. For the lower-rich it means their identity is messed with as they have to pucker up their life style, adapt to a [s]lower income and perhaps deal with a bit more despise than those above them due to their closer relations with those below them. For middle class and down it means possible unemployment, hard times, and hopefully general, mutual sympathy between ourselves. For the poor, destitute, homeless, bums and the like (can never think of a nice PC word for this class) it's just life as normal, and perhaps suffer a bit more ignorance as those above them become more concerned with their own families, lifestyles and financial issues.

I'd like to draw a point or two out of this. Firstly, I think that if we want to move through this time easier we, particularly the middle-class down patrons, have to resist the urge to think for ourselves and look for more ways to support each other. As the larger portion of society I believe we have the potential to pull through this pretty well if we look after each other rather than just 'numero uno.' I can't do much about the powers that be and what they decide to do e.g. Job Summits. But I can look out for those around me and be aware of not just their financial circumstances, but them as people. Comradery, I'd like to think, will be one of the winning elements of the day.

And another slightly different point. The government should subsidize comedian shows and/or comedy events. For example, a subsidy for those in financial hardship so that they are able to go to the likes of Billy Connolly. It's easy enough to get worn down in life and end up in the dumps. It's much harder to keep an optimistic attitude and maintain a higher morale in seemingly desperate situations. I think that spending the night out and having a good laugh can do worlds of wonders for people and their morale. While it wouldn't improve financial situations, I would argue that it would help improve a persons well-being as well as their relationships with others.

So in one sentence comradery, optimism, high morale and comedy.

Cheers

Jimmy

Two Interesting Points

If anyone watches Battlestar Galactica here is a review posted by Christianity Today.

For anyone else who doesn't care about Battlestar Galactica and/or Christianity Today, I read these two interesting points of view on the TV series 24. The question asked by Scot was "Is there any point in watching 24? What sort of conversations does the program start?" Thus one person replied:

Bob Robinson

There is absolutely NO reason to watch 24

...Unless you want to give up your commitment to nonviolence

...Unless you want to endorse torture as a means for dealing with terrorists

...Unless you want to consume entertainment that glories in killing and destruction

...Unless you want to want to disavow your Christian commitment to loving your enemies

And another person responded in kind:

Mike

There is every reason to watch 24

....because a commitment to nonviolence doesn’t extend to those who only understand violence and won’t stop their violent acts

....because torture as a means to dealing with terrorists when innocent lives are hanging in the balance is understood

...because entertainment that reflects the noble reality of good triumphing over evil can be understood just as well in modern cinema as in the Bible

....because Christian love of my enemies does not give me permission to let my enemies violently take human life. Life is sacred.

I'm more with Mike than Bob. You can read it here.

Jimmy.

Roosters

 

A pic of a rooster keepin an eye on his turf.

Auckland

So a lot of stuff has been pissing me off the last while. High among the list has been drivers. As a comparative to the prejudicially (if that's a word) ill thought of racism, I am becoming more and more car-cist. Car-cist in the sense that when I see a model and make of a car I automatically harbour disdain towards it - regardless of the driver of whom I can only know through their driving. I'm sure everyone does it. Take for example the Holden Commodore, particularly the older models. When I see one of those I just know it's the sort of car that is going to put their foot down and cruise wherever it wants, usually pissing everyone off. It's like they decide to buy the car, hop in it, put their foot down, and magically their dick grows 12 inches. I just feel like ramming the car off the road and pulling them back to earth - if you race everywhere doing 80km/h in busy Auckland then you are going to hurt people. You won't attract more chicks, you aren't cooler, anyone in any car can put their foot down and go faster, and no, you don't have a bigger dick!

It's not just the endangerment either. How many people feel frustrated when they are sitting on the North Western Motorway in the long queue leading onto the Southern Motorway (which seemingly idiotically the council only allocates a single lane for the lead on to the Southern but two lanes to the hardly used East Port) and some guy cruises up the East Port or Nelson St lanes and cuts into the Southern lead on way up the front. They selfishly and unjustifiably cut the queue, making the people with a conscience who have been waiting, wait longer. It is those sorts of people I just want to ram off the road and introduce them to my ever building frustrations of the wait time in the single lane, as well as the increased frustration with watching them cut lines all the time!

Sadly as more than 50% of the world apparently live in cities Auckland drivers perhaps represent a larger portion of the world than we think they do in NZ. I won't ever ram or hurt someone driving to suit only themselves, but I'm sure someone, somewhere, will.

Sorry bout the use of the word Dick, but couldn't think of another word to use. And honestly, I'm just being honest with what I'm thinking.

My groans.

Jimmy.

Campbell Live

So I haven't posted anything in ages. Partly cause I have had a bit of blog-apathy, partly cause I have been busy wit study and partly cause I didn't care (or inversely, cared too much).

I watched this article that was put forward on Campbell Live the other night about a lady who got clamped in a disabled car park. [can watch it here]. Initially I was (sarcastically and cynically) like 'what the frak?' A week or so later and I'm still like 'what the frak?' I mean really, what is this story riding on and what is the point of the story? It is about a lady, who is disabled in some manner, legally parked in a disable carpark, and got unjustifiably clamped. [And just to clarify, she is a bit more than disabled, she has something wrong with her lungs, balance, and has cancer - at least these things]. So what? It only makes a story because she is disabled. If she wasn't disabled, if she had parked in an ordinary carpark it would not have made a story. Despite her sympathetic state of existence, the point of the story is that some stupid human went and clamped a car based on prejudice rather than justice - which I know of several occurances. But their story won't make it onto TV because they aren't in a sorry state of existence. Is using the unfortunates of someones life like this fair? Specially when it happens to others also.

To finish off this hardly proof read blog, the clamper was an idiot - and is the problem in this scenario. While I feel for the lady, they are riding on her disability to create a story which I think is also a bit stupid.

Decisions..

Many people have heard such scenarios: Imagine your part of a 7 person team going caving when the guide gets stuck in the cave entrance/exit. The tide is coming in, and when it reaches high tide the 6 of you will die but the guide won't - he will eventually lose a bit of weight and wriggle out. Conveniently someone brought some dynamite with them - which could be handy for removing the obstacle; namely the guide stuck in the exit. There are no other exits, and you are too deep to blow another exit. The guide won't budge either. Do you kill the guide, or not?

As part of a paper we discussed this question as part of a tutorial. It was interesting to note that many of the females wouldn't kill the guide and hypothesized over possible alternatives. Guys took more to the principles and opted to kill the guide. In the tutorial I opted to blow the guide out of the hole. Guess I looked at it like this:

Someone is going to die; either the guide (1 person) or us (6 people).
The 6 who will die will do so uncomfortably by drowning whilst the guide will be killed instantaneously.
Thus, the guide will go. I think when faced with the decision between ones own life or anothers that it is hard to be impartial about it (in saying this there are many exceptions e.g. defending loved ones). In this case the best good from this scenario would be to save six.

Wimbledon + Kiwi

I've been into some tennis recently. Does anyone know if any Kiwi players actually make it to the Wimbledon tournament? Watched a bit of the Heineken Open today and only saw one Kiwi and the rest were all from overseas (the kiwi guy got beaten by an American). So I'm interested to know, do Kiwi tennis players make it to Wimbledon?

Another YouTube Vid

I forgot this one. This is the original Darth voice. Click Here.

Lastest YouTube Vids

The lastest I have watched in interesting YouTube vids.

A home made slide. Click Here.
A new Heineken commercial. Click Here.
A Guiness (yuck) beer commercial. Click Here.
Some hard hits in 2008 AFL. Click Here.

The Yes Man

**This may spoil the movie...a little...**

So we watched the 'Yes Man' tonight with Jim Carrey in it. Apart from one scene with the grandma it is a funny movie. I had a few good laughs. Got thinking though on the way home about how that movie could relate to christianity [cause every movie relates some how...]. I guess I would describe the Yes meeting as the church, the head speaker, Terrence, as the pastor, and the covenant made as entering the Christian faith. From there the abuse of the 'Yes' word could be equivilant to high standing morals (such the most christians are supposed to have). While it leads to a better quality of life, there is a tension between choosing to live the moralistic life and living true to feelings and desires. Perhaps best articulated as this: we don't need to say WWJD at every decision made in life and force ourselves to live that way. Fortunately Jim Carrey comes to understand this.

Welcome

Hey...well...we [I] haven't posted anything for a while, but here is the post to represent our alive and kicking existence on this planet earth. We've been out and about over the last few weeks visiting family. Ended it all with a visit to Masterton for Christmas and the Kapiti Coast for the gap in between boxing day and new years.

Hope everyone else had a great christmas and happy new years!

Cheers

Philip