Category: Current Issues

The UK government intends to block all internet porn in an aim to combat the early sexualisation of children. Parents would have to request to access pornography. What an excellent move this is! As you know, if you have ever stayed in a hotel, porn is on tap and you have to request to turn it off. Why not have it the other way around and require people to 'opt in' and have to make a request for it. That is is what the UK government is doing. They are turning off the tap at its source. Adults will have to 'opt in' if they choose to do so. 

Internet pornography is a huge temptation for everyone. It is a multi-billion dollar industry and it is drowning many people in a cesspool of sexual lust.

Christian psychologist, Arch Hart in his book The Sexual Man outlines the dangers or pornography for men (although the same dangers exist for women):

1. Pornography can cause men to prefer a fantasy woman over a real woman. They move from the challenge of a real relationship to an image. Fantasy is less challenging. However, fantasy is not reality.

2. Pornography can be substitute sexual excitement for intimacy. Men can too easily separate sex from love, something that women are far less prone to do.

3. Pornography produces a chemical high and can become addictive. The more you use it the more you need it and the further you drift from reality. More and heavier pornography is required for excitement. Pornography is like junk sex.

4. Woman are de-humanised and become an object to look at rather than person to relate to. It is easy for men to see women as a face and a figure. Pornography intensifies this issue.

5. Many young men have their sexual beliefs and attitudes shaped by pornography and exposure often begins quite young. The fact is that pornography often sets young people up for disappointment in the real world. The vast majority of real women cannot possibly measure up to the air-brushed, colour-enhanced, glossy photographs that can become that standard of reference for some males. Pornography distorts a man’s views of how women feel about sex and what can be reasonably expected from sex.

6. Pornography damages marriages. Research on viewing pornography reveals that both men and women rated their spouses less attractive and felt less in love with them. Repeated exposure to pornography results in a decreased satisfaction with one’s sexual partner, with the partner’s sexuality, with the partner’s sexual curiosity, a decrease in the valuation of faithfulness, and a major decrease in the importance of sex with attachment.

No doubt, removing the ease in which pornography can be accessed is a small step in the right direction. 

Wouldn't it be great if the Australian government did something similar. 

Yesterday was Australia Day. I love Australia. I have travelled to 27 countries in my short time on earth and I love different cultures and places … but there is no place like home. Let's continue to pray for God to pour out His Spirit upon our nation … that we might be a light to all the nations of the earth.

Here are the words from a some written by Geoff Bullock that became kind of a national anthem for the Christian church in our nation many years ago.

This is our nation, this is our land
This is our future, this is our hope
A land of reaping, a land of harvest
This is our land, this is our home

This is the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit
A land of red dust plains and summer rains
To this sunburn land we will see a flood
And to this Great Southland His Spirit comes

This is a nation, this is our land
This land of plenty, this land of hope
The richest harvest is in her peoples
We see revival, His Spirit comes

This is our nation, this is our land
This lucky country of dreams gone dry
And to these people we see a harvest
And to this land, His Spirit comes 

Australia's beautiful state of Queensland is experiencing horrific floods right now, the worst in our history. Over one third of the state is a disaster zone. Lives have been lost and many people are missing. The floods have now hit the city of Brisbane, Australia's third largest city, with many 1000s of people having to evacuate their homes.  

Please pray – for the residents, the recuse workers, the political leaders and for local church communities. Difficult times such as these always provide an opportunity for followers of Christ to show His love and compassion in practical ways.

Also, why not consider making a financial donation to the relief effort. 

When natural disasters, such as these floods, take place on our planet, many people wonder where God is, what is the cause, and whether this is a sign of judgment (click here and here for examples). I have addressed these issues before when the Victoria bush fires took place (click here and here), as well as the Asian tsunami. Follow the links for some related thoughts.  

Now that we have a new Australian government, it's important to stay aware and involved. It is important that we don't withdraw from the political process once an election is over. There are many things we can do on an ongoing basis. We can pray daily for our Prime Minister and our nation's influencers. We can respond to various issues and debates talking place, letting our local MPs know our thoughts and concerns.

An excellent way to keep in touch with what is taking place in Canberra is via the Australian Christian Lobby newsletter. Click here to read the latest edition and why not sign up to receive their free newsletter. It is an excellent resource. Thanks to Jim Wallace and the team for their excellent contribution in being a positive voice to the Australian Parliament. 

There has been some discussion and debate about 'fair trade' lately. Check out this ABC Four Corners article and also a response from Fairtrade Australia.

Below is an article written by one of our volunteers in the Everyday Justice Everyday Choices ministry in our church … worth thinking about.

"In the last 30 years, the distribution of labor to developing countries has altered the global economic landscape, bringing a myriad of products to our country at very low prices. Interestingly, as consumers, it seems normal to think of our everyday food and clothing as well removed from the very farms and factory workers who labor meet our demands. In reality, our purchase choices, from a new t-shirt to a bar of chocolate, all have far reaching ramifications for the lives and wellbeing of people all over the world.

Sadly, the developing countries that work to produce our goods are often rife with unjust trading regimes. In particular, the prices that producers receive for their goods are often inadequate, and not representative of the quality and duration of the labor that has been put in to produce them. Coffee and cocoa farms are usually run as small independent businesses. Their produce is subsequently marketed and sold through local cooperatives. For these producers, access to market or price information is often very difficult and as a result, many of these small farmers either sell at unfair prices or become increasingly dependent on middlemen, thus receiving progressively smaller income for their work. These workers are also at the mercy of international economics, which can cause the price of their goods to fall dramatically, without warning. Such unexpected circumstances can impact widely on the workers and their families. It can mean tragedy and devastation for already struggling families causing even basic necessities such as food and education to be extremely difficult to obtain. This is something which should be a deep concern to us as Christians.

The Fair Trade movement provides an answer to all of us who seek justice and economic equality for these people. It aims to provide substantial solutions and support for underprivileged workers and their families. Based on the principles of dialogue, transparency and respect, the Fair Trade movement contributes to sustainable development by offering fairer prices, improved working conditions and fair terms of trade for marginalized producers and workers, farms and communities. Fair Trade acts as an alternative to traditional charity efforts. By empowering workers and farmers, the Movement’s intent is to assist them to develop necessary business skills to compete in the global marketplace and help them move from a position of vulnerability and risk to having increased self-sufficiency and economic security.

In 2006, Christian World Service (CWS) and Trade Aid launched an initiative inviting churches to formalize their support of Fair Trade by making a formal agreement and declaring themselves a 'Fair Trade Church.' Becoming a Fair Trade church is a tangible way for us to support communities in developing countries. To do this our Church must commit to use Fair Trade tea and coffee after services and in all meetings, move forward on using other Fair Trade products such as sugar, biscuits and fruit and promote Fair Trade during Fair Trade Fortnight and during the year through events, worship and other activities whenever possible. It is our hope that through becoming a Fair Trade Church we can support God’s mission to lift disadvantaged people from all over the world out of poverty and injustice."

“The fields of the poor may produce abundant fruit but injustice sweeps it away.”(Proverbs 13:23)

Last week I had a call from a newspaper reporter asking if I was worried that the 2010 Global Atheist Convention to be held in Melbourne was sold out. I said, "Of course not." People of faith have nothing to fear in doubt or skepticism. No need to picket or boycott events such as this (though some Christians are seeking to take action about it). I believe that dialogue and discussion can be helpful in all areas of belief.

One of the main speakers is Richard Dawkins, one of the world's most influential atheists. I have read his book The God Delusionand it only strengthened my faith. It is written in very emotional language and he makes sweeping generalisations about religion and faith that can't be validated. In no way did it shake my faith or give reasonable objections to the classic reasons for believing that there is a God (see my previous posts on this topic here).

Yes, a lot of damage has been done throughout history in the name of Christ – but never in the spirit of Christ. But let's not forget the incredible good that has also been done through people of faith in every sector society – education, health, arts and literature, family, business, welfare and government.

I think that Dawkins should model a little more of the tolerance he promotes, rather than being such a militant atheist trying to eradicate everyone else's belief.

P.S. Melanie Phillips has a good article in The Australian worth reading.

Tiger Woods, the world's greatest golfer, has recently been involved in a public scandal after his multiple affairs have come to the surface. His marriage is on the rocks and he has put his golfing career on hold as he tries to repair the damage caused to his family and his public reputation. Decisions have consequences and once trust is broken it is very hard to rebuild. It's a sad story … whatever way you look at it.

What would Jesus say to Tiger?

That's an interesting question …

A few ideas may spring to mind such as "Be sure your sins will find you out," "You reap what you sow", "What is done in secret will be shouted from the roof tops," and maybe "Pride goes before a fall."

What do you think Jesus would say?

Maybe Jesus would approach Tiger in a similar way as he did the woman caught in the act of adultery. The religious leaders were ready to stone her but Jesus said …

"Neither do I condemn you …" That was grace – a grace ready to forgive and ready to lift of the guilt and shame of a person who had broken the law and made wrong choices (what the Bible calls 'sin').

Then he said, "Go and sin no more." That was truth – a recognition that sin dishonors God and that it brings great damage to our lives. Obviously, we need the help of the Spirit to break the power of sin and to live life the way God designed it to be lived. Jesus assumed that this woman could learn from her mistakes and make different choices from that moment on.

One of Jesus' closest disciples, John, described Jesus as full of grace and truth (John 1:14). May we become more like Him every day.

Why not offer a prayer up for Tiger … that somehow, in this situation that has been caused by his own choices, he will turn to and find a God that is full of grace and truth.

There are a fair few emails flying around at the moment about something called the Copenhagen Treaty. With issues such as this it is always hard to tell whether it's being fueled by the conspiracy theorists (who thrive on stuff like this) or whether there are genuine things we need to be concerned about.

Here's a recent blog article in The Australian. Christopher Monckton, a former adviser to Margaret Thatcher, has recently spoken out about it. You can watch his address here or listen to an interview conducted by Alan Jones on Sydney radio station 2GB. Herald Sun journalist Andrew Bolt has recently written about this too, as has Bill Muehlenberg. 

I'd be interested if anyone knows any more about this …

Today's post includes excerpts from a recent letter to Australian church leaders from Jim Wallace, Managing Director of the Australian Christian Lobby. I encourage you to read it, take appropriate action, and ask others to do the same …

With the National Human Rights Consultation Panel having reported to Government in favour of a Charter of Rights, we have serious concerns that this might become a reality, and that while doing little if anything to improve human rights for the most vulnerable, it would create a serious threat to religious freedom. Paradoxically it would inhibit the Church in maintaining the Christian character and purpose of its own welfare and outreach to the poor and disadvantaged.

As we have seen in the Victorian churches and Christian Schools fight to retain their right to discriminate in favour of Christians in employment during the last year, a Charter will almost certainly be used by activists to attack the church and religious freedom. Cardinal George Pell’s article in the Australian clearly articulates the real and present danger a Federal charter of rights poses to religious freedom.

This situation has come about because Christians at the grass roots level have largely been absent from the debate, and particularly the public consultation process, allowing proponents of the Charter to claim they have a strong groundswell of popular support.  It is now necessary to reverse this by Church congregations becoming active.

We need as many people as possible emailing, writing and visiting their local members and Senators and voicing their concerns about a charter … A short brief is attached of points to emphasise … More information is on the Make a Stand web site.

We also need as many people as possible to sign the electronic petition available on the Make a Stand web site. We are currently sitting at about 15,000 signatures but will need over 30,000! We will have the petition tabled in Parliament during the November sitting weeks (November 16-26th), so we need to sign people up quickly.

The Christian constituency is one of the largest and potentially most influential in the country, but only if it shows commitment. This is a critical issue of religious freedom on which commitment is required …

Thanks for your help.

Jim Wallace AM

The Bible Society has recently released a 'Poverty and Justice Bible' which highlights what God's Word has to say about these two important current issues. Almost every page of the Bible speaks of God's heart for the poor, his concern for the marginalised, his compassion for the oppressed, and his call for justice. There are over 2000 verses that address these important topics, yet so often they are over-looked or neglected.

This new Bible, in the Contemporary English Version (CEV), includes a unique 32-page study guide, written by best-selling authors Nick and Claire Page. Each of 50 in-depth studies is based on Scripture and challenges us to take practical and passionate action in the battle against poverty and injustice.

You can view additional studies online.

A number of Australian politicians were part of the launch of this unique edition of the Bible (click here for more details).

Visit your local bookstore to get your copy today or order it online.

In his book ground-breaking research book unChristian, David Kinneman reports that the number one description of Christians by the younger generation today (of those outside the church) is "anti-homosexual," followed not too far by "judgmental" and "hyprocritical." Out of twenty attributes that were assessed, both positive and negative, as they related to  Christianity, the perception of being anti-homosexual was at the top of the list. More than nine out of ten (91%) of outsiders said "anti-homosexual" accurately describes present-day Christians. [This research was done in the USA]

Anti-homosexual, gay-hater, homophobic – is this what Jesus called us to be?

To quote Kinneman (p.96) …. "It is one thing to be against homosexuality, to affirm that the Bible rejects the practice of same-sex lifestyles, but it is another to be against homosexuals, to let your disagreement with their behaviour spill out in your feelings and words towards them as people. It is unChristian to lose your sense that everyone's fallen nature affects all aspects of his or her life, including sexuality, and to forget God's commands to love people in order to point them to Jesus."

He continues … "It is unChristian to focus our animosity on another human being regardless of what they do or what they look life. Billy Graham, one of the most respected Christian leaders in American history, made this observation about homosexuality during a press conference: 'I'm going to quote the Bible now, not myself, that it (homosexuality) is wrong, it's a sin. But there are other sins. Why do we jump on that sin as though it's the greatest sin? The greatest sin in the Bible is idolatry, worshiping other things besides the true and living God. Jealousy is a sin. Pride is a sin. All of these things are sins. Homosexuality is also a sin and needs to be dealt with and needs to be forgiven, and that's why Christ came and died on the cross.'"

Here is a letter from a young man named Levi that I read in my interview with Deb Hirsch on the weekend (from unChristian, p.117-18).

"I believe that almost every man who deals with homosexuality has a defining moment when he realises that everything that is going on in his body, in his mind, and in the secret place of his heart is what is called 'gay'. It is an extremely frightening moment that is usually never forgotten.

I remember my moment clearly. I was sitting in my youth pastor's office in a counseling session with my father. I was fourteen years old, I had been kicked out of school, I had tried to kill myself twice, and no one knew how to help me or love me. I was acting out – I was hurting so severely. I didn't know why.

With the best of intentions, my youth pastor tried to get to the bottom of my issues. The result, instead, was that I realised I was gay, that is was something really bad, and as much as I loved church, I would never be accepted there.

In a way, I was relieved, because the kids at my church called me 'fag' and 'queer' and rejected me, and so did the kids at my Christian school. Everywhere I went I ran into rejection … everywhere. Except with other gays. I did not go back to church again. Not until about four years ago.

It took twenty years of depression, twelve years of drug addiction and dealing, and several suicide attempts to find myself searching for Jesus where I had wanted to be back when I was a teenager. There I met a compassionate God who loved me and understood me. When my search for answers was most desperate, my family, my friends, and my church were ill-equipped to handle my situation. Unfortunately, the hardest things for me to overcome were the hateful words and rejection that came from people who called themselves Christians."

Somehow, we have to do better than this as a community of Christ followers.

 

This last weekend we began our annual World Impact week where we take time as a church community to focus on our calling and mission to impact nations.

Have you taken time recently to think about how things are going in our global village?

If we could shrink the earth’s population to a village of exactly 100 people it would look like this:

1 of the villagers would have a college/university education 

1 of the villagers would own a computer

70 villagers would be unable to read

20 of the villagers would earn more than 12,000 AUD a year

80 villagers would live in sub-standard housing

9 of the villagers would possess 50 percent of the wealth

50 of the villagers would suffer from malnutrition

60 villagers would live where torture and ill-treatment by the authorities is common

Only 30 of the villagers would be Christian

28 of the villagers would not have a Christian friend

[Source: Modified from Go Fourth Quarter 2000, Published by Interserve Australia]

As you can clearly see, most of are part of the privileged few and the wealthy minority in our global village. Most of us have a computer, many of us have post-secondary school education, and most of us would earn more than $12,000 AUD a year.  Very few of us have been victims of institutional, legitimised governmental violence. Almost all of us have had the chance to hear the Christian message and respond to it.

The challenge to reach the unreached, the poor, and the persecuted can be overwhelming. However, we must not be lulled into sleep or paralysis. Jesus has given us the power of his Spirit to make a difference in our world. As we demonstrate the values of the kingdom, proclaim the message of the kingdom, and trust in God's power, we will see God's work continue to be an unstoppable force of love, mercy and justice in our generation.

For an excellent web site with up-to-date information on a variety of global issues, click here.

Here is a scary article about the use of Biblical texts to justify a recent war. It clearly illustrates the thinking of extreme right-wing fundamentalism at its worst. It sure doesn't represent the heart of Christ or the message of God's kingdom.

Click here to read.