Thinking Naughty Thoughts... (in church!)

How could anyone resist a request to review a book on church practices entitled thus?! The byline, 'On church, and why I think we need to change', will bring groans from most clergy whilst the rest of us, that rapidly growing denomination on the edge of Exile, will celebrate. Written as a personal journey of discovery, de-discovery and re-discovery by South African author and 'thinker' Johan van der Merwe (JVDM), Thinking Naughty Thoughts covers a handful of sacred cows many Christians hold dear.

Despite the author having many close friends within the clergy, he tackles each topic, broken down per chapter, with vigour and clarity giving historical and theological context that question validity of much we accept without question. In fact, it is, indeed, written in a questioning style and although I sometimes found it a bit long winded that was only because my emerging thoughts have so much resonance with his subject matter.

JVDM covers questions such as 'Do I really have to belong to a local church?' and other thorny issues such as church leadership, tithing, church buildings and the biggie; worship. And it was when I reached the discussion on worship I was tipped over the edge, the PDF I'd been sent was no longer sufficient, I had to order the paperback!

In addition to the questions and personal conclusions there are some great quotes:

p96: ‘Christianity started out in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became an enterprise.’ (Sam Pascoe)

p226: However, now it seems that Christianity is more affected by Western culture, than Christianity is actually affecting the West. (John Michael Talbot)

p239: In my own case, the natural progression in my understanding and practice of worship went from noise and sound and lights and music to silence and solitude. Embracing silence and solitude, which Thomas Merton called 'the supreme luxuries of life,' has opened up my life to a rich and deep heritage of worship of which I was unaware in the time when my practice of worship was too one-dimensional and preoccupied with itself. (JVDM)

Some will say the practices critiqued are an easy target and I personally have some sympathy with that view, I cannot say I agree with absolutely everything JVDM says, particularly as he appears to still view through a lens tinted (tainted?) by fundamentalism, yet overall it was such a joy to read even if it serves to simply reinforce my own views. Regardless I feel hats need to be tipped in his general direction, at last someone has articulated views of all of us on that narrow edge of Exile, I rest our case...

P

THAT Secret Chord!

h/t Shelley Fritz

Of course I have to mention that there's a cute wee book, The Secret Chord, available at a bookstore near you ;-)

The Islanders nail the World Record...

Had a splendid day up Londinium yesterday to watch The Islanders team with two of our Mersea boys aboard break the World Record for a non stop unassisted row round the British Isles in the GBRow2013 challenge. Went to the 02 Dome first and watched them pass through the Thames Barrier before legging it to the Thames Clipper to overtake them, as per the film above, and then watch the record breaking finish at Tower Bridge. (Sorry about the noisy soundtrack, inspiring music to follow!)

Nearly there - only 100 metres to go (after a mere 2,000 miles)!

Let me through, I'm a rower!

And relax! Made it in a new world record time 26 days 09 hours 09 minutes and 58 seconds!

So light up the fire let the flares burn!

'Incoming! Here comes race director Chris Usborne to remind us how to stand up again!'

It's been emotional! L-R: Gavin, Josh, Alan, James

Morgan versus Liggins - enthusiastic supporter of the endeavour from BBC Look East

'Now Chris, if you'll just sign our cheque, that'll be grand!'

Well done boys, enjoy your rest and welcome home!

P

Gabriel's Anthem for Father's Day...

Whether recently parted, as for Peter G, or for a longer time, miss you so...

P

You spin me right round...

Our The Islanders rowing team have been holding station at sea anchor awaiting more favourable wind conditions before moving North through the St George's Channel and into the Irish Sea... Although they are now adrift of the world record and have team member Gavin Sheehan suffering with a back sprain we long to see them back on course leading the GB Row 2013 race.

The billing as the world's toughest rowing race has been proved true with 4 of the 6 starters running into difficulties and no longer competing.

PB

Press toward the mark...

Excitement builds on Mersea Island once again as we support our boys in The Islanders team rowing 2000 miles non-stop round Britain's coast in the GB ROW 2013 race. At the time of writing The Islanders in Black Oyster are just nudging it ahead of the rest of the fleet which now comprises 6 entrants.

It is possible to track their progress, updated hourly, on both the official GB Row Challenge website and the corresponding smartphone tracking app, yellowbrick.

Press toward the mark for the prize boys, God speed and stay safe!

P