Canadians Heartless Armchair Critics Uninterested in Social Justice?
If you could, would you not extend a helping hand to the single moms, the homeless, the hungry, the unstable, choosing life over death?
When given the choice between life and death, Canadians seem to be overwhelming in favour of blowing somebody up. When given the choice of spending 1 million tax payer dollars versus saving the life of a Canadian, we seem to opt for the million.
Although these examples are a bit crass and perhaps an inaccurate reflection of every Canadian, I have noticed a disturbing trend lately reading Canadian comments on news stories that are in anyway remotely connected to terrorism or situations that involve Canadians being victimized. Regardless of what's happening around the world, the solution 90% of the time is: kill more people, blow something up that's bigger, abandon, and ensure big problems far away from home stay far, far away.
Call it a generational thing, call it a reflection of our desensitized society, call it what you want because it really doesn't matter. My observation is when it comes to the inequality we see across the globe there is no equality for humanity. If you commit an injustice that hits the news then apparently you deserve to die.
There's something very wrong with the direction of our Canadian culture and it's disgusting to watch it unfold. Still don't know what I'm talking about? Here are some examples about what I mean. Continue reading »
The sad part is 95% of churches in Calgary have at least one of the elements in this video, probably more. Not that free coffee is bad, but turning it into a commercial experience is. To compound matters most church attempts to be cool are totally uncool.
I caved and bought Coldplay tickets on the day of the concert. Despite the price tag I wanted to go for a number of reasons. You may not like Coldplay, that's fine, but I enjoy their music because their songs are the type you don't need words to sing along. I wanted to participate in the concert experience with 20 000 other enthusiastic people. I wanted to hum along and take part in what become not only a concert, but a spiritual experience.
Coldplay may not be beautiful, but their music is. I find celebrating culture, the clash of times, spaces, and people, a beautiful expression of humanity. We have an urge to connect into beauty. We love what is captivating and pretty. Not just to the eyes, but to the soul, ears, heart, and mind as well.
However, some think culture, society, what's 'fun', is immoral and untrustworthy at the best of times. Should we fear our embrace beauty in culture? Continue reading »
This is the first post beginning a five part blog series reflecting on 'insatiable urges' of humanity. Much like the Maslow's hierarchy of needs (the things we can't live without), a similar list of 'must haves' was presented by author NT Wright in his book, "Simply Christian". (He actually labeled them 'echoes of a voice'.)
Inspired by Wright's ideas, I thought it would be interesting to reflect on these 'urges' or 'voices' within a local context so that readers could connect with ideas closer to home.
In his list we don't hear about things like for food and shelter, but rather we discover more of what we kinda know about ourselves, that we have other innate cravings and longings that contribute to the foundation of our being. These elements are: Continue reading »
I tried to get tickets but I was 10 minutes too late way back when. Plus, I don't want to line the pockets of scalpers (or regular people who bought 8 tickets to resell....shame.) But alas, it's gonna be a rad show, and it's fun to head to concerts.
Concerts are like church (the evangelical type). There they try to make you feel a certain way, a spiritual experience if you will. Key changes, arms raised, closed eyes, etc. The only difference is church does it poorly and coldplay will rock the house.
The band was in Calgary a day early, post your sightings here. We've heard everything from the soccer center and downtown venues......
The final installment of a five part series on the nature of the 'Missional Church v Attractional church'. We still have Damien Lee from Edmonton for most of the call, and then some closing remarks.
This five part series is an excellent resource for those trying to figure out and learn the language in the whole 'missional movement'. A unique perspective from Bible belt Alberta on the emergence of the missional community.
Part 4 of 5 on the topic of 'Missional Church: Attractional to Missional'. I promised another voice on this podcast so I'm happy to introduce Damien Lee from Edmonton. We dialogue over part 4 to 5 on our thoughts on transitioning an existing church community into a missional ethos.
This five part series is an excellent resource for those trying to figure out and learn the language in the whole 'missional movement'. A unique perspective from Bible belt Alberta on the emergence of the missional community.
Listen to this podcast now in your browser clicking on the Play Now button below. Download our itunes feed here: Calgary Church Podcast.
Nothing wrong with pro-life support, everything wrong with extremism and murdering in the name of a right-wing fundamentalist lord. If you recall twice this past year the U of C hit the news because of the controversial abortion display (discussed here and here). Everyone including Christians knew the displays were tasteless and stupid, but in terms of freedom of speech they should have stayed (at a University of all places we shouldn't be censoring). Continue reading »
I caved and bought Coldplay tickets on the day of the concert. Despite the price tag I wanted to go for a number of reasons. You may not like Coldplay, that's fine, but I enjoy their music because their songs are the type you don't need words to sing along. I wanted to participate in the concert experience with 20 000 other enthusiastic people. I wanted to hum along and take part in what become not only a concert, but a spiritual experience. 