Progress...

No updates for the past 2 weeks as I have been at work most of the time implementing a new system. All the lectures are over for the 1st term and it suggests some reflection.
Highs include the challenge of ethics; the helpful Old Testament learning; the new friendships; being asked to lead one of the lectures on modern leadership; reasonable progress with my ethics assignment; some good and varied teaching
Lows include: travel - especially "over the top"; slow progress on evaluating my calling; not enough jokes (!!)
It has been good progress and I am looking forward to next year although we have a research module for 2 days next week.

the old ones are always the best....

An atheist was taking a walk through the woods."What majestic trees!"What powerful rivers!"What beautiful animals!" he said to himself.As he continued walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes. Turning to look, he saw a 7 foot grizzly charging towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path. Looking over his shoulder he saw that the bear was closing in on him. His heart was pumping frantically and he tried to run even faster. He tripped and fell on the round. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear raising his paw to take a swipe at him. At that instant the atheist cried out: "Oh my God!!" Time stopped. The bear froze.The forest was silent.It was then that bright light shone upon the man and a voice came out of the sky saying: "You deny my existence for all of these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?"The atheist looked directly into the light, "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps, could you make the BEAR a Christian?"Very well," said the voice.The light went out. And the sounds of the forest resumed. And then the bear lowered his paw, bowed his head and spoke, "Lord, bless this food which I am about to receive and for which I am truly thankful."

Thanks to Geoff Moorhouse for passing this on

Eco-ecology

Tonight we talked about linking Old Testament themes to modern issues.
How we relate to the creation was one of them and this was linked (amongst other things) to the current world challenge of looking after the environment. It seems clear that the Old Testament can help our understanding. We talked about how the current apocalyptic views were echoed in Jeremiah. Interestingly if we in the UK are to make a difference to key issues like global warming then we better find ways of influencing the 2 key players - China and the US. Unless these two economies take their role seriously our practical efforts will be fairly futile.

Hubble Bubble

Very close to "all hallows" celebrations we looked at Pagan Ethics and some related Ecotheology (theology with an environmental focus). The presentation was by a Texan who was a Christian but has spent considerable time researching Paganism.
Interesting to see that the focus is really on the individual experience although group is often important. Also that the theology often is developed from the practise/action. The example of the greatest recent influence was in the road protesters in the mid 80's - I personally think the reason for the decrease in road building was more to do with the reduced spending rather than the ecological issue. An intersting question came up - was earth created for humans or could it exist without us?

Humility

Last week our Ethics lecture took place in the living room of a storyteller and author who was from the Hindu tradition. This was fascinating as Debjani shared her views on wide ranging issues of life and faith. Coming from the Methodist church I have always felt privileged to be part of a society that has placed such a high regard for all people. But I was challenged by Debjani's view of inclusivity which was a much broader approach. The respect for all traditions was truly humbling. I have always learnt much from sharing in the faith of other people from a wide tradition. What have you learnt? and from whom?

Ethics???

I am due to have my tutorial next week to decide on my title for my assignment on Ethics.
I somehow want to get work, ethics and theology linked and I am considering the use of some study on the Brady (the company I work for) Ethics policy. Not sure how this would work yet but I am particularly interested in whether the policy is intentioned to support a positive ethical management approach or whether it is just a box-ticked? Not sure about the theological link yet... Any ideas on what I could focus on?

Challenge

Today was quite a challenge - physically & mentally rather than spiritually!
I had a very important work meeting which ran from 8.00am-12.30pm in Banbury and then a 2 hour drive to get to college just in time. I was pretty tired through the seesions and the OT review of genre was fairly steady. However the worship was very meaningful and extremely thought provoking. I will look to add a "question" tomorrow night.

Biblical truth

We covered some ground today which demonstrated a complete turnaround in understanding over the past 30 years of the archaeological evidence to support the biblical accounts of the Settlement. Although we have not looked at this in detail it raises a great question. When we say the Bible is infallible does that mean our interpretation of it can never change in any fundamental way?

Settling In

Well two weeks in and everyone is starting to settle in to their new routine (for some it is a renewal of an old routine!). I managed to get some reasonable time in over the past week in reading - although the postal strike put paid to some plans.
The Old Testament (OT) study is very interesting for me. I am learning concepts that I have never really covered before and it is really encouraging me to spend more time studying the OT and OT times (I say this now - the proof is in the pudding as they say). I am enjoying the friendship and encouragement from the group.
The vocational discernment is helping a bit but I am actually not spending much time thinking or reflecting about my calling at the moment. Getting to grips with what I have to read and submit is providing enough for all my focus. However I know I am in the right place at the right time.

Worship

We shared in a short act of worship today with Holy Communion. It was truly liberating experience to have worship as part of your "working" day. I will look forward to that special time every week now. Fantastic!

Connections

One of the people on the course I met today is associated with one of my Dad's previous churches (Dad is a Methodist Minister). It was quite a shock to realise this connection and I was able to share some names that we both knew.

Introductions

Today was the first day of formal sessions on the course. We were looking at our Vocational Discernment (what do you want to be when you grow up?) and an Introduction to the Old Testament. Lots of interesting and helpful stuff and a good chance to get to know a bit more about my colleagues. We were also introduced to the role and function of the Methodist Conference. One of the challenges for us was to consider how we would cope working in a position where there is sometimes very little support. This really interested me because this may be something to do with my calling i.e. finding realistic ways to provide some support to people in work. This is definitely something that needs more reflection.

Labels

Today I heard a lot of different theological labels: Radical, Conservative, Liberation, Feminist, Cyber-space to name but a few. This is not a common or easy language for me. Generally speaking do you find these labels helpful? bemusing? indispensable? Let me know what you think?

Opening lines

Today was induction day for my course. Its felt a strange weekend. My son left to start his degree course today at the sametime as I was starting in Sheffield at the Urban Theology Unit (UTU). The induction was very comprehensive. All courses met on the same day and it was good to share in the experiences of the students who have already been through this.The people on the course with me come from varied backgrounds - I am looking forward to learning from all directions. The Foundation element will be on Monday afternoon and evening - the Masters (if I get accepted on the course) will be on Tuesday evenings. Although the day was very administrative and informative UTU seems a very supportive environment. The staff are very helpful and careful to ensure that the ethos is stressed - a safe place to share the learning experience together.
I shared my objective of really making the most of this first year to explore how God's calling for me will be fulfilled. A fantastic opportunity that I am determined to make the most of.

Why the blog?

I have been asked so many times by quite a number of people about how things are going and I have yet to even start my course! So one objective is to keep you in touch. I also recognise the discipline of a regular update will help me to ensure that I reflect on my experiences and take some risks. I hope that it will provoke some discussion and definitely some support and prayer so you can get involved in my journey of discovery as well. I will reduce my hours at work to 80% from the last week in September.

I start on Sept 24th at midday so expect my next update in a week.

God Bless
John