NZ is almost number 1 in Gender Equality

Found this article this morning.  Out of 130 countries we hold to fifth place for the close gap between male and female.  I often wondered how we ranked against other western nations in term of women's rights - now we know.

"New Zealand has closed the entire gap in educational attainment which measures the literacy rate and enrolment of males and females in primary, secondary and tertiary education. It has closed over 97 per cent of the gap in health and survival measured by sex ratio at birth and healthy life expectancy. It has improved from 58 per cent of the gap, closing to more than 77 per cent in economic participation and opportunity which is measured by labour force participation; wage equality for similar work; income levels and numbers of managers, professional and technical workers and law and policy makers."

Australia has moved backwards to 21, the States has moved forward from 31 to 27. The only ones ahead of us are Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland.

Read the article here

Theology of George W. Bush

Well I read a chapter on 'George W. Bush's Theology of Empire' by Jim Wallis in Bruce Benson's Evangelicals and Empire. While I exist in New Zealand it was at least slightly interesting as the States have quite an influence on the world. It has been a hard call - a call in which I have avoided to make - as to whether the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan were honestly a call of God or not. Caputo has written about 'just wars' and stuff, but I have found Wallis' perspective of Bush to be interesting. Bush is quoted saying:

"If we are an arrogant nation, they will resent us. If we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us." pg 27

However since then the two wars have come into being, as well as the war on terrorism. Not to mention the numerous tactical strikes that pass by in the news and their ever lasting presence in foreign lands. I'm not trying to be an authority on what Bush should have done, but the actions of the States gone past don't really sound like a 'humble nation, strong and welcomed.' In fact I feel that the States have come under alot more criticism.
Perhaps the more interesting point Wallis points out is the National Idealism within North America. As a part of his speech at a conference in 2001 Bush said:

"This ideal of America is the hope of all mankind...That hope still lights our way. And the light shines in the darkness. And the darkness has not overcome it."

Sounds good, but it comes from the Gospel of John. In the Gospel the light shining in the darkness is the Word of God, and the light is the light of Christ - not America. There is a large difference between a nation, and Christ (or the gospel). Perhaps Freidrich Neitzsche - if he were still around - would have a field day on their idolatrous use of their Nation as a representative of Christ. What comes to mind recently when thinking about this was when we were watching the news and seeing avid Republican supporters speaking out against Barack Obama merely because he is deemed less patriotic than his rival McCain (I think one comment was around the fact Obama doesn't salute the flag enough, as if that's what it takes to lead a country or even true).
I hope and pray that people don't react to Bush's use of theology in the wars overseas (and other areas of his administration) by ditching theology all together, but by responding to it with good theology.

Take Care All

Jimmy

More Election Results....Bill and Ben

Was just reading through some news and came across this. The Bill and Ben party actually received 11,000 votes!  Which is about 10,000 more than I thought they would receive.  Quoted as saying:

"Honesty is the best policy, and honestly we don't have any policies."

I hope that either people stop voting for them and/or they start doing something a little more productive.  I find this quite amusing and on some levels their relaxed 'party-like' attitude is a fresh breath in the serious stale air of parliament.  On other levels I don't think I'd want them making decisions for the country.

Read the article here and watch the video here.

A New Government

Well the election results are in and National are the new governing party.  I don't mind old John Keys, but I'm not sure about Bill English.  I have to say I'm happy with the first article I read this morning over Keys' plans to build a united broad based coalition.  He only needs Act to take parliament, but he has chosen to talk with Peter Dunne from United Future and the Maori Party and suggested they that have a role in the new government.  I think it would be cool to have someone like Pita Sharples in cabinet.  By this I am happy.
  
Also it seems that Winston Peters (New Zealand First) is no longer in parliament! I wonder how this come-back-kid will come-back. [Read Article Here].  He lost his electorate (Tauranga) to the young Simon Bridges.

I hope that everyone will support the new government, and that the new government will serve us well.

Stay Gold

Philip