JohnClements.net - bits of theology, politics, life-commentary, ornithology, technology and wry observation

Recreation, restoration and embracing pain

John — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:02:44 +0000

I enjoyed reading that fellow blogger, Charley Le-hardy, of Another Think, made it out into the wilds of Madeira Canyon, of south Arixona, for a few hours recently, a place where his heart was able to experience the special "lightness" that I believe is indicative of fellowship with God. But on his trip he also encountered a memorial to three youths who died upon the mountain in a freak storm and thus also experienced the heartache that comes when we encounter the tragedies of life and death.

Charley and I have previously discussed our personal dispositions with respect to depression and some of the ways that geting out amongst nature can be important in alleviating its effects. read more »

Science and Statesmanship

John — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:15:16 +0000

Watching this video, which presents an eclectic series of quotations of Albert Einstein, I was struck by what a statesman Einstein was, on behalf of his vocational establishment (i.e. 'Science' — although also, one might add, of 'Humanity').

What a contrast that is with Professor Dawkins and other atheistic fundamentalist scientists, whose insecurity shines through in their need to vehemently diminish those who think differently.

The difference, for me, is captured in these two contrasting quotations from Einstein. read more »

Proof community is important...

John — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:37:07 +0000

...and that the little guy doesn't always lose!

An extraordinary wildlife sequence, filmed in southern Africa, a buffalo calf which escapes from the jaws of death - twice!, demonstrating in the process why community is important...and that the little guy doesn't always lose!

Question though: why do people tend to feel empathy for the buffalo, but not the lions? Presumably because one are herbivores, the others carnivores. Or were you rooting for the lions?!

(Image via Wikipedia) read more »

Wiliam Hague: — politics and faith

John — Thu, 22 May 2008 21:45:24 +0000

A stirring historical analyis and a rousing challenge to today's faith communities to fully recognise the vital partnership of politics and faith.

Drawing upon his deep knowledge of fellow-Yorkshireman and namesake, William Wilberforce, William Hague sets out how evangelical Christians played an extraordinary role in transforming the Britain of their day, as well as impacting the world beyond.

Building upon this example, William Hague then sets out the global evils which staulk the world of our day, particularly the international trade in drugs and human beings. read more »

Tony Blair: faith in an era of globalisation

John — Thu, 22 May 2008 11:29:04 +0000

Speaking at the Cardinal Lectures at Westminster Cathedral, Tony Blair talks of the importance of faith in an era of globalisation.

Once you get beyond the surreal experience of listening to Tony Blair speaking about faith in exactly the same manner and with the same conviction as he did about political issues, a raft of thought through arguments and a cohesive philosophy of faith are apparent. Worth listening to.

Note: each video link opens in a "lightbox" which hovers above this page, while it plays — try it, it's quite cool! Each video is from three to eight minutes long (the whole lecture seems to be presently unavailable via Google videos). read more »