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
Monday 19 November 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday 7 November 2007
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?
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?
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