gospel.

There was this wise cracker named Jesus (I'm must mention he grew up in Capernaum which is very likely to mean 'village of Nahum') who came to proclaim the "good news" (gospel).

I'm interested - what do we think is the the gospel?

Can it be completely defined in a simple sentence, diagram or 5 minute altar call?

nh.

radio.

If you got an hour or so the have a listen to this ABC radio program on environmental issues and theology.

peace.

nh

industry.

watch:



Being an artist type myself, aswell as being extensively involved in worship team has lead me to similar conclusions...

That might make me a heretic.

nh

greentip #2: Make it Fair

Our globalised food production often results in the export of exploitative practices to developing nations. Multinational corporations dictate the the shelf prices of an item which lack labour and environmental safeguards in the production. Abandonment of traditional farming practices, rainforest clearing for more arable land, dependance on artificial fertalisers and pesticides are all practices of unacounted for food production. Buying fairtrade-branded can give you that satisfaction that the products are sourced directly from local co-operatives, putting more money into the pockets of the growers, who then can invest in more sustainable farming as well as their family's basic needs.

For more information check out Fair Trade Association ofr Australia & New Zealand.

promote sustainable agriculture.
reduce inequality and support human rights.
healthier eating.

do it.

nh

pilgrim.

One of our most common temptations is to turn the way into a place, to turn the adventure into a status, to trade the runway for the hangar, to turn the holy path into a sitting room - even if we call it a sanctuary. When a movement becomes an institution, those whose hearts call them to pilgrimage get restless. [McLaren 2007, 51; Finding Our Way Again]

A great example of the above would be the church around the 4th century, as it gained social acceptability. If you were privileged enough to be born within the Roman Empire, you would be considered a Christian. Many followers of Jesus left the comfort of the Empire and made their way into the desert to seek a life of more challenge. From this the monastic way was born. Throughout christian history people and movements have stirred the pot, shaken the status quo and reminded followers of Jesus that we're not called to a comfortable seat in a comfortable building, with a comfortable life, but we're called to a winding footpath into the depths of our collective humanity and brokeness proclaiming and living in the reality of the Kingdom of heaven, after the example set by our Master Jesus.

Isn't that what Christianity is about - following Jesus.

Or have I got the whole thing wrong?

greentip #1: don't shrug the mug.

It's safe to assume that coffee is apart the working/studying day. It takes energy and water to produce, transport and dispose of a plastic, paper or polystyrene cup - your own ceramic mug is much more energy efficient [even taking into account the water needed to wash it]. I hear a mug could be used about 3000 times [unless you're butterfingers] - so that's 30 times less solid waste and 60 times less air pollution than using 3000 disposable cups. I'm sure most coffee bars [like my good friends here] would be happy to brew one up in your own favourite mug - it also saves them money.

less energy use.
lower carbon emissions.
less waste.

do it.

nh.

green

i won't sugarcoat it. i'm green. [or at least i aspire to be]

was in preparation for an exam this week, and one of the questions was phrased something like this:

Drawing on biblical and tutorial readings, write a short essay expolring the question of human responsibility for the earth and all of it's creatures.

why?

Creation. For all of us who understand Genesis to say something about 'how we got here', we would rightfully understand that God says his handiwork was good. We humans and creation lived together - sustainably. It's good, it's God's but it's also ours - what right do we have to destroy it in order to earn a buck.

Justice. Sadly, the impact of environmental degradation falls most heavily on the poor.

Salvation. We just consume way too much for our own good. We need to be saved from our 'me first' mentalities.

These are simple reasons.

We could talk eschatology but i'd rather save that for another time.

So from time to time I'm going to indoctrinate my readers with small but handy suggestions to living globally healthier lives.

nh.

genesis.

hello.

this will be a blog of uncensored thoughts and ideas that I and friends have.

the title the upside of down based on a belief that we hold, that the success modeled by Jesus of Nazareth came from the bottom.

also they're reflections seeing the upside to being a downer [like myself].

thats all I have to say.

come back tomorrow - maybe.

nh.