God Spot

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God Spot
This Christian Resource Blog has been created by a group of friends from around the world. Our purpose is to provide links to useful resources, some commentary on topical or doctrinal issues, a place where anyone can come with questions and a means whereby we can share our faith. And above all, to grow and encourage each other. As Christians, we believe we bear God's image in this world, and seek to glorify God's name in this endeavour. Any Christian who wants to join with us is very welcome!

Wednesday, December 29, 2004

The Magdalene Sisters

Must be DVD season!
Either that or I have nothing else to do! haha

This vidio/movie was INCREDIBLE : The Magdalene Sisters

It's terrible! And it's true!
AND it only ended in the 90's!

Anyway, just a recommendation if you ever want to watch something.

Here is some info: (from this site) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0318411/

The Magdalene Sisters is about the Catholic Church in Ireland in disturbingly recent times, severely punishing women as a result of what appears to be the Church's frothing and highly irrational fear of sex.

The film focuses on the plights of three women in particular, who have all committed 'crimes' of varying nature but who are all punished by being sent to the Magdalene laundry for an indefinite period of time. One girl, Rose, commits the greatest crime having a child out of wedlock, which neither of her parents will even look at. Interestingly, she had the child because an abortion would have been a sin. Bernadette makes the mortal mistake of flirting with boys outside the orphanage she lived in, and Margaret is raped at a family gathering by a cousin, only to be shipped off herself when she reports it to family members.

At the Magdalene laundry, the girls are subjected to psychological abuse and endless physical toil, all under the old theory that it will cleanse their souls. Some of the women that the three girls in question encounter as they enter the laundry have been there for decades, and they eventually figure out that the only way that they are ever going to get out of there is to escape. Bernadette is especially aware of this, and makes increasing efforts to escape, for which she is brutally punished.

I am genuinely curious to know what path of logic leads people to believe that such practices in the name of religion can have any beneficial value. The Taliban has taken religious torture to its extreme, debasing themselves and their religion by performing unbelievably inhuman acts in the name of their God, and it appears that, while certainly not on the same level of cruelty, the Catholic Church has performed similar crimes against humanity. That the Catholic Church in Ireland promptly condemned the film is not surprising, but if such things are being committed under its name (and indeed continued being committed well into the late 1990s), I should think that the Church would at least allow the film to be shown so that people would be aware of such abuses, which tarnish the reputation of the Church. I believe that it would have been possible for the Church to defend its own validity while at the same time acknowledging abuses committed in its name, especially if the accusations of cruelty were untrue, although in this case they were not. Running, however, only makes you look guilty.

The Magdalene laundry is presided over by a nun who is simply evil. She is an elderly lady and generally soft-spoken, but this woman makes the wicked witch of the west look like a prancing schoolgirl. The viciousness of the rest of the Sisters of Mercy radiates off of this woman like some kind of sinister force, delicately but successfully walking the line between illustrating the harshness of a brutal religious regime and creating a movie monster. Her character is human, but she's not far from being a monster.

It's disheartening to see the things that people do in the name of religion, especially when the crimes are something as little as behaving like a normal person. There are natural and perfectly healthy behaviors that unfortunately are violations of arbitrary religious laws, which are subsequently punished with outlandish punishments like those seen in this movie. Religion is thrown into reverse, causing pain and suffering rather than offering an escape from it, shown in a modern setting that is so backwards that it could just as easily have taken place in the 1600s.

# posted by Caroline @ 9:38 am

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Saturday, December 25, 2004

Christmas Morning

Well greetings and blessings to all on a delightful morning at 6:45.

I hope that it is a great day for you all, and for us. There are difficulties looming like hours of elderly relatives and a good amount of tensions between wife Shirely and son Nigel. Shirley was harsh and unkind to Nigel about his exam results.

I do tell myself that my holidays start tomorrow, not today.

I am going to wake Shirley up in a few minutes for breakfast and going to 8 am church. It will be good, and we will sing the great Christmas songs, ('we' meaning a packed church of around 300 people as the 8am service is the bigger of the two on Christmas Day).

blessings from Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 6:40 am

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Thursday, December 23, 2004

Immortal Beloved

Saw the 1996 dvd last night called Immortal Beloved. All about Beethove, and close to accurate, but a few details not quite accurate!

Anyway, I was transfixed! Loved it very much.

POOR man, and also the times back then were so unfair in many ways.
We complain about these modern times, and have a right to often. But, seeing how life was back then, I think they had a lot to complain about too!!!!

Anyway, here is the link for a quick peep!

Carol

# posted by Caroline @ 7:41 am

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Wednesday, December 22, 2004

Thanks all the same!

Gary

Thanks for the invitation.... alas I cannot attend!

Let us know who comes and how it goes?

Carol

# posted by Caroline @ 5:37 pm

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Sunday, December 19, 2004

Invitiation

I'm organising a gettogether ofr members of this blog

date: either Dec. 30th or Dec. 31st.

for evening meal

where: either at Belgrave Convents grounds for a picnic, or our house in Blackburn for dinner

who: bloggers on God Spot and husbands or wives (one only)

others: by netogitation -- Bozo the dog has some chance.

Let me know if you are coming on my e-mail garybondfield@iprimus.com.au

Finally: I hope you all can come.
Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 7:42 pm

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Yes Carol but ....

I agree with you Carol and expecially that with good reading and prayer a passage will be interprested for us, by us as God wants us to know it.

But the diversity of God's church is amazing and there must be things wrong. My dislike too is that its a very poor witness to the world.

And don't we put in so much.

Now I'm sick of hearing that Jesus was born in a stable.

The text says that (after the birth) he was laid in a manger but surely the birth was fairly normal and caring and attended by a midwife or more as was the custon of the day. When we get to the wise men from the east, they found the child in a house. This I assume was some months after the birth for they slipped off from Herod and when he realised that he went killing every child under 2 years old. In most Christmas stories the wise men arrive as the shepherds were going out.

gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 7:34 pm

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Saturday, December 18, 2004

Interpretations and Divisions

Hi Gary
and thanks for your thoughts on compassion and giving.

Was thinking of your comments on divisions in the churches and I have a friend who flatly refuses to join a church at all, due to the enormous differing opinions and doctrines and so on.

The conclusion I have come to, with Gods help is this:

If each person personally enlists God's help in understanding the meaning of a verse, passage of scripture etc, then HE will interpret it for us .... exactly as He deems us to understand it..... to suit our own needs.

I have heard to date, four differing interpretations of the parable of the Good Samaritan. I have heard varying interpretations on the parable of the rich mans steward. Again, a couple of different interpretations on the 10 virgins story.

Myself, God revealed powerfully some time ago (which I think I put on this blog way back when it happened) a fresh interpretation on the scripture regarding how hard it is for a camel to go through the eye of a needle ... and the rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven! I remember God revealing to me most emphatically that the "rich man" was a man rich in his human ego, nature and own opinions and thoughts. He said I must become poor in spirit, pure in spirit etc to enter His precious Kingdom.

Anyway, it was a new slant on that verse for me! But.... it was exactly what I needed to have impressed upon my heart at that time.

And so, the conclusion of the whole matter of divisions of interpretations and doctrines, as it comes to me these days, is that each of us much gain Gods mind on each interpretation for ourselves and we must not expect anyone else to have to subscribe to what we personally receive as an interpretation.

Thats the problem in the world in every area, not just churches. People force their opinions and ideas on others and expect them to conform. Pressure to conform! Within five minutes, with an attitude like that you are asking for problems and divisions! It is this way for marriage partners, and in the business world. Yes, in every area.

I feel noone has the right to expect others to think the way they do, or to do what they do.

Of course, in a perfect world..... if every single person was spirit led, there would be no problems!

But .... we are FAR from a perfect world, which would be a world made up of perfect children on this earth ..... so the struggle must continue until we reach the end of time here as we know it.

Meanwhile, let us make pockets in this world of living as spirit led people, and in walking (riding!?) in tandem with Jesus and create harmony and peace all around us in our own little worlds! Let us also pray fervently and often for peace in this world, for individuals to see Christ for themselves.

Carol

# posted by Caroline @ 10:28 am

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Hans Kung and the RC church

On radio national this week in the Religion Report program was an interview betwen the presenter and Hans Kung the famous RC theologian critic of papal infallibility and the present pope, for examples 'he talks to pop stars and boxers', 'not to theologians'. The interview can be found in transcription or audio on the ABC website then the radio national then to religion.

Its so sad that the worldwide church is so divided in beliefs and actions, and that if alleged the pope has undone much of the Vatican 2 resolutions, and he is super consevative. His church of course is in crisis with (1) not enough priests and nuns and most are geriatrics, (2) theological differences with the other churches, (3) little influence on the day to day lives of its people, and (4) scandals of sexual abuse, (not alone it that though).

I think that ABC radio still cover religion issue well, I don't think much of that program on Sunday nights, "Compass".

Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 7:13 am

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Compassion and giving

I would like to make a few points, I think more for myself:

1. Compassion is not easy, we do not feel what others feel and for the hours the days the weeks. We can somewhat put ourselves in their position for a while if we have had similar experiences, but not long term and experience the frustrations and depression.

2. Its a long term thing. Giving a few dollars, buying a pen or a ribbon isn't compassion, its glib.

3. but its all we can do sometimes as we are swamped with so much need

4. it should be a nice thing to give, to know that you are helping good organizations a little. Too often it is put to us 'we need', 'we want' 'our church budget says'

5. Christians should be generous and 10 per cent is a good guide. That we should be able to give. But to have that forced upon us as some churches do to their people is wrong and leagalistic

6. perhaps its best to support just a few, and to give less to non-Christian charities.

7. Its nice to support an indivdual. We support directly transferring money to a lady and her family in western Kenya and have done for 2 years. She has a job and gives a tenth of what we give her to her church. And we know helps those around her in need.

8. we shouldn't let needs get us down and occasionally should have a few luxuries and enjoyments and relaxations like going to the football (come on the mighty Lions!)

9. Giving effort and time is hard but we should do that, that's using our skills and talents (mine clearly are in lifting things and doing the garden)

10. We can do it the day we die. There is no compulsion in the scriptures to leave in our Wills wealth to our family those that are not dependent on us. I would suggest its selfish.

enough from Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 6:46 am

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Friday, December 17, 2004

The Road of Life

Hi Everyone

I have been cruising through my files and getting things sorted out or deleted and came across this which I have had for a couple of years!! I read it again and now identify with it MUCH more than back then! It is pretty close to EXACTLY how we are striving to live these days. It is very correct in that it sure isn't always easy, but well worth it!!!! I am sure we can all say that!

Anyway, read it and enjoy!
Love Carol

The Road of Life
At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him.

But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.

I don't know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable it was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"

I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure, and when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand. I gained love, peace, acceptance and joy; gifts to take on my journey, My Lord's and mine. And we were off again.

He said, "Give the gifts away. They're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it; but he knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten, scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do it anymore, He just smiles and says... "Pedal."

# posted by Caroline @ 11:36 pm

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Great Book

Picked up a book a couple of days ago for a dollar in a second hand shop called

The Big Fisherman,
by Lloyd C Douglas.

Anyone read it?

Actually its a sequel for one called The Robe, which I also happen to have somewhere on the bookshelf but havn't read yet! However I am reading the Big Fisherman first and loving it SO MUCH.

I checked this book, and the author out on trusty google and see varying reports. Seems like it (amongst others of his novels) were made into movies.

Anyway, here is ashort little piece about it, but you can read much more here. And here!

Douglas's last novel, THE BIG FISHERMAN (1948), shared the same New Testament world of Palestine and Rome and focused on Jesus, Peter, and a pair of young lovers., Esther and Voldi. The Roman world of the early Christian Church is carefully drawn. However, for a modern reader, the style is perhaps too tendentious. Douglas's main purpose was to present a Christian thesis in the form of a novel and include in the gospel narratives the aspect of human interest.

Heres some info about The Robe:
The Robe, published 1942, gained wide audience as the first film in Cinemascope. The book's title refers to the crucifixion garment worn by Jesus. The protagonist of the story is a young Roman soldier, Marcellus, in charge of the Crusifixion. He wins in a dice game at the foot of the cross Christ's robe. Marcellus then starts to his quest to find the truth about Jesus. He becomes a convert and a martyr in Colosseum to the new religion. Burton in the role of Marcellus - in a short Roman mini skirt - was in his first great role. The book has sold over six million copies.

PS I must be an old fashioned reader as I find the way he has written it really lovely!

PS Another interesting site for info about the author and his books! Guess one could go on and on.......

# posted by Caroline @ 9:25 am

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Tithing? To be or not to be?

Hi Everyone,

Please forgive me for not contributing to this blog for such a long time! Thanks to Gary and Michelle and Geoff for your ongoing entries here!!!!

I don't tithe, as such.

There is much mentioned in the Bible to support it.

I tend to give as moved by the Lord, rather than a certain amount (10%??) every week/month or whatever.

However, wouldn't mind some thoughts on it from you all..... you are all people who I respect with sound thinking:))

Christmas Cheer, by the way! Where are you all going?

Gods love and blessing to all,
Carol

# posted by Caroline @ 9:15 am

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Thursday, December 16, 2004

Compassion in the City

James Norman (Melbourne writer) - Saturday's Age: I, for one, would rather live in a city where I am forced to confront and acknowledge the fact that poverty and homelessness do exist; indeed, that these things are part of the fabric of Melbourne. Better that than live in a place that hides its less attractive aspects, and presents only the superficial guise of opulence and material success - a dog-eat-dog society in which those who fall off the social ladder are kicked while they are down.

Busy, but soon we'll be relaxing. Got your letter Gary, composing one back! See some of you guys, soon!! While the world goes mad, spending, rushing, spending, stressing... the above article is a good reminder of those in need, those we can reach out to. Pray that we will all have opportunity, and the motivation, to put othersbefore ourselves at this rather selfish time in our society.

# posted by geoff @ 1:23 am

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Saturday, December 11, 2004

I believe .....#3

Well I haven't been called a heretic yet; even for believing that Adam and Eve were not the only people on the earth and were representatvies of all.

I will hold out for the 'plain meaning rule' in understanding the scripture, but knowing the setting, and the customs of the day are important too.

Jainice raised: are people born sinful. No they are born innocent, but the propensity to sin in within all and sin begins with wanting, demanding, not considering others, egos. What do we do from an early age: we look after ourselves.

Then we want nice things. We covet. And society tells us: if you want it charge it. Most people are considerably in debt.

Ah and there are egos, egos in the church. People dressed up and glorious, leading services giving sermons, (where I can't ask questions), leading bible studies, organising, holding meetings, managing. Do we really know what we have to answer for on the final day.

Why haven't church leaders brought about more amalgamations. A divided church wasn't meant to be. To the world it is an inefficient disgrace, with an enormous range of beliefs.

Paul Barker once said that the next best thing he does to praying is talking to himself. I had already reached that idea, well I am 14 years older. We all need a dose of Zen from time to time.

Finally some Gary "wisdom" be it the church or the football club, beware of anyone who has been doing it a long time.

Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 11:25 am

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Saturday, December 04, 2004

regarding evil for Michele

I have probably never encountered true evil in a living form but have read the authorities M. Scott Peck, Michael Green and Malachai Martin, the Jesuit ph.d and author of Hostage to the Devil, the definitive work on posession. I have also read the book and seen the film The Exhorcist which has two notable features in that the exhorcism is done so quickly and the posession of a child in the history of the church is extremely rare.

Martin gives some tests for demonic posession.

He details that there are two types: influence and posession.

The Roman Church has an order of exhorcism in one of its prayer/service books. It is probably in the Brevy. Each Diocese of the Roman Church should have a person able to do an exhorcism, and experienced at least as an assistant.

Peck says that for hundreds of cases suspected of being posession mental illness is the real problem but as Christian with the Bible we should believe that posession is possible.

Martin feels that one is not posessed against one's will and there is the suggestion that baptised Christians have some protection. In an Anglican service a child or adult is actually signed with the cross in water on his/her forehead. I was; I was baptised at thirteen and of course remember it. So Malachai Martin says that one gives in and becomes seduced and overtaken by evil: there are at first nicities like healing, good sex, or power.

I can't add much more I have a copy of Dr. Martins book here (it is difficult to get in this country) and can look up the five or six 'tests' if you wish.

best wishes from Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 9:01 pm

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Possession or Oppression?

Could anyone out there give me your views on the following.

Once a person has accepted Christ as their Saviour, is it possible for them to be possessed by an evil spirit? Or is it that the believer is oppressed by an evil spirit? Or can it be both?

We are dealing with a delicate situation with a person at the moment, and I'd like to hear what others believe.

# posted by shellymac @ 11:10 am

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What I believe - No 1.

I believe that there is only one way to enter Heaven, and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 14:6). Salvation is not through good works, but by confessing our sins and believing and accepting that Christ died for our sins and rose on the third day can we have salvation. When we give Christ full control of our lives by asking Him to enter into us, He makes us new.
In the times of the Old Testament man had to confess and sacrifice an animal for forgiveness of sin. We are no longer under the law of the Old Testament as we now live in the day of Grace. Through God's love for us (John 3:16) God sent His Son to die for our sin. Sin is punishable by death, but Christ took our sin upon Himself when he hung on the cross, which means we no longer have to sacrifice an animal for the forgiveness of sin. The Lord Jesus Christ was and is the ultimate sacrifice.
I believe that once we become a child of God (through accepting His Son Christ into our lives) that we can have a personal relationship with the Father. When we accept Christ into our lives, I believe that the Holy Spirit enters into us. I do not believe in a 'second blessing' when after a time the Holy Spirit can enter us, but I do believe that we are to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit.
I believe that once we have truly accepted Christ into our lives that we cannot lose our salvation. BUT we can grieve the Holy Spirit through our sin and our sin can affect the relationship with the Father. Therefore confession to the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ is essential.
I believe that when a child of God dies that he/she is present with the Lord, to be with Him eternally.

# posted by shellymac @ 10:42 am

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Friday, December 03, 2004

I believe ...... #2

On the creation, probably my first part.

I will start with the first verse of the bible and agree. God did the creating. And later it tells us that he (modestly) thought it was good if not very good.

The second verse says that at the start the earth was formless. Fine! for it clearly changed in God's actions of creation; it evlolved. And life evolved over millions of years.

The bible doesn't say how God did it but I have no trouble with the 'big bang' explanation, or that creatures evolved, some dying out.

Mankind is so different to the animals that we are a special thread of God's creation and 'very good 'whereas the other parts are just 'good'. At some stage God made mankind intelligent enough to communicate with God, to reason and have intelligence above that of animals. Therefore those people were like us in the mind but different in the body for they were perfect and free of diseases.

The representatives of the pinacle of creation and our representatives were two humans we now call Adam and Eve and under extreme temptation and lies, they did what God had told them not to do, they sinned; their habitat changed and their lives chaged now dying and in time gaining diseases usually from the animal world.

Most of the early people did live long lives for they were close to perfect and few diseases had entered on them yet. Eplainations that the long lives are measures of seasons not years are wrong: the bible always is in clear terms called the 'plain meaning rule' in law and in translating.

Evil is so strong that one son of Adam and Eve could not be talked out of killing his brother. He found a wife in a not so far away 'city', probably a town for other people existed outside the Eden are and outside this representative clan. I do not believe that he married his sister; it goes against God's law,( although given later ), and the plain meaning of the passage.

Enough, probably I'll be carted away as a heretic.

Gary

# posted by Anonymous @ 9:54 pm

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Response

Great to have the BLonde BLogger back (wonderful alliteration, that). You & Michele will enjoy getting to know each other too!

Gary, you put your first belief statement beautifully - it rang true with me. All very clear. The only query I would have is about God the Father having a human body, because we are made in His likeness. I don't think this necessarily follows, nor does it seem right to me. But I did like the way you described Jesus, now in heaven with the Father, and possessing a perfect human body (the firstfruit of the resurrection 1Cor15). And our sure hope is that we too will one day soon inherit a glorious, resurrection body just like his (Phil3).

An alternative explanation for us being made in the likeness of God, is that we were created to have His character. So others could look on Adam, and see something (in his character) of what God is like. Only possible when we are fully-functional as humans, fulfilling the purpose we were created for (to bear God's likeness) by possessing the Spirit of God. At the fall, mankind lost the Spirit (dead spiritually) and we need to be born-again of the Spirit in order to again bear God's likeness. So that others can look on us, in this world, and see something of what God (in heaven) is like.

A question for anybody smart, wise or inquisitive to have a go at. It seems that it has always been necessary for two of the three "aspects" of the trinity of God to remain in heaven, while the third was free to be present in this world. Why?

# posted by geoff @ 1:31 pm

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Thursday, December 02, 2004

i believe .... #1

I believe that there is one God, not in 3 parts but 3 aspects. The Father has always been in heaven (of which we know little about) and the Son is now in heaven next to the father. The Son at least has a human body and its that of a perfect human . The third person The Spirit is with all on earth seeing all and knowing. All aspects of God know all and communicate perfectly with each other and always agree with each other. They know our thoughts and our personalities and our ways and our quirks so they know what we will do, ie how we will make our decisions and what we will decide. God understand us, and me, and that was communicated to me once. I think the Father has a human body, if we are made in God's likeness isn't the reverse true -- God is like our likeness.

I believe that there is a spiritual world we hardly understand. We are being watched and tested, usually without our knowing, and our knowing that we succeed. If we didn't succeed then we would have lost our faith sometime ago.

Geoff, I've tried not to use big words being a simple perosn. Good luck to you if you can. best wishes from Gary. What about you other people.

# posted by Anonymous @ 8:48 pm

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I believe... #1

Good thread Gary. Here's a start:

I believe in one true God, creator of everything temporal; omniscient omnipresent and omnipotent ruler of all creation.

Over to others for #2, 3, etc...

And that newspaper article about the Melbourne protestant cult "The Fellowship" you asked for, click here!

I'm just back from Europe where Christmas is a BIG deal in the church calendar, especially the RC tradition. Last Sunday was first day of Advent, all the candles got lit (it was heresy to light one on the Saturday before).

For us, the highlight will be Belgrave Heights convention this year - Paul Barker teaching from Hebrews, and Mike Raiter (Moore College, Sydney) who has just been appointed head of Bible College Victoria (taking over from David Price, CEO of BHC). Both excellent and inspirational teachers.

# posted by geoff @ 4:49 pm

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