Seminars and articles

"What is this thing called appreciation?" asks the green figure emerging the flying saucer. I ponder for a moment, then answer: "The communication to another that the process they are performing is creating or has created a good feeling, or an easing of burden".

Appreciation has two sides, both good: (i) To be appreciated is vital for our well-being. Job satisfaction probably owes as much to appreciation as to salary. In fact salary is one indicator of appreciation. (ii) To give appreciation is good for us and for the appreciatee (as in i). We can celebrate beauty, skill, steadfastness... anything, and it makes us happy to express our appreciation, resonating the joy whatever we appreciate has given us until we have the wild explosion of celebration that can be seen in sports competitions, romance, appreciation of good food... People need to be affirmed by being heard and given time. Society often does neither of these things. Affirming others is good for us, by the way!

There is a third side to the meaning of the word: "appreciation of the facts". This means a full understanding of information and events. Ideally, appreciation as in (i) and (ii) should be based on this third meaning, so we can show our appreciation knowing the whole truth. In a Bible account of Jesus' life, Jesus points out a widow putting a small coin in the temple collecting box. He appreciates this more than the large sums that rich men are giving because, he says, "They are giving what they can easily afford, but this woman has given all that she possess".

Arms trade / 3rd world debt

In Britain, approx 120,000 people depend on the arms trade. 80% of Britain's arms exports go to the developing world. The arms trade reduces work: it is very capital intensive because the products are not used for industry: a lorry is useful, but a bomb isn't. Arms makes less work per pound than other industries.

Each 'Euro Fighter' costs Ł40,000,000. As more countries start exporting arms, it is not going to be a growth sector for Britain. The trade uses up technically skilled people.

A SCUD missile costs Ł500,000, a Tornado jet costs Ł21,000,000. 75% of arms sales go to the third world.

3rd world countries are paying back 3 times what they borrowed. Pakistan spends twice as much on arms as on education. These loans are often linked to arms sales, and often there is little discrimination as to who arms are sold to: Saudi Arabia is Britain's biggest arms customer, despite a poor human rights record. Britain is probably Indonesia's biggest arms supplier, despite the horrific human rights crimes. The British government spends Ł384m of taxpayers' money promoting British arms abroad, which is ten times what is spent promoting civilian goods.

One fifth of 3rd world debts are from arms purchases.

In developing countries, you're 33 times as likely to die from poverty as from war, but anti-poverty investment is neglected in favour of arms. Eight out of ten mines kill civilians.

If an arms buyer is unable to pay a British arms company, British tax payers have to (the Government underwrites the deals).

Government members have claimed that British arms trade is to "promote good government", but much of arms sales are to governments with very poor records who are likely to use arms for further repression. Bribery is a major issue: in a Ł20bn deal with Saudi Arabia, a report (which was 'squashed') told of Ł1m bribes. Prime ministers have lied about changes of export rules, and the sale of military equipment to Iraq (prior to the 'Gulf War') was underwritten, so British tax payers had to pay (all/part?) of the bill.

Action against this trade can include writing to MPs; generally MPs into hi tech and gadgets will be interested in the arms trade: it is a confusing issue for many people.

Arms trade and bribery

Companies involved in arms trade: ([b]= evidence of bribes paid to arms procurement employees): Thorn EMI, Simmel[b], Astra Holdings[b], Beaver Pride Holdings[b].

"The MOD is British industry's biggest customer"

There have been a number of convictions of senior civil servants for receiving bribes from arms companies in order to influence their decisions on who to buy arms from. These bribes have included cash, cars, luxury hotel visits and various luxury services. In one case, an ex civil servant (now an arms salesman) paid Ł24,000 cash to a civil servant in regular payments to influence arms procurement decisions.

The British Ammunitions Chief, Gordon Foxley, took Ł2,000,000 in bribes to buy foreign ammunition.

"Transparency International" (a group of politicians) and some police departments are trying to stop bribery but, despite any convictions made, some against top civil servants, many bribes go unconvicted under the name of commissions: The MOD are taking commissions on a massive (Ł4000 million) sale to Saudi Arabia. On a particular consignment of bombs, Ł10,000,000 (a quarter of the total price) is being paid in commissions. Ł5,000,000 of this went to a single British person, and was paid into an off-shore bank. Roger Freeman, the Defence Procurement Minister categorically denied on 18th October that any commissions had been paid on this deal.

Art and religion

art and science

Everyone uses art. It appears in stories, music, fashion, products...

Art can be misused to hide reality, or used in a shocking way to expose uncomfortable things. All human creativity is good, but it can be twisted or misunderstood. Art is not a luxury. Art is like vitamins in food that you don't notice unless they're missing. Art is good because 1) Art embodies knowledge - it shows timeless emotions succinctly ("a picture paints 1000 words") 2) Art isn't leisure or a luxury; it's part of life to learn to create; it's part of relationships; art 'clothes' things; how people see creation and what they create is a large part of what they are 3) Art is medicine - literally, therefore don't supply bad medicine!

Make tough art: not just pretty pretty stuff; art that makes a change, in yer face 100%. Make art available to those who need it.

Art is undervalued, but if expressing creativity is seen as vanity, then not expressing art is equally bad.

Art and science

[art and religion]
Neither art or science should be allowed to run people's lives. Science supplies the rules that work, and often works inside those rules, whereas art doesn't worry about rules, or whether something's likely to work. Like the 'cargo cults' (islanders who'd had US planes based in their country during World War 2 tried to get them to return by creating images of the planes) art represents things, or aspects of them, in different forms. Science seeks to reproduce the effects of things, though sometimes in a different way.
Dangers crop up when governments are run on just art or science. Economic systems based on financial rules don't consider the difference of people. 'Artistic' political laws, like some of the Chinese Cultural Revolution, are found in many of the most oppressive regimes.

Assertiveness - Sally Patterson

Definition: being able to express to other people how you feel.

It is important to express feelings: if someone says something hurtful in conversation and we don't express that hurt, the dynamics of the conversation change and the person doesn't understand why, which causes more problems. We need to express our feelings without our feelings preventing us from expressing them rationally ie saying "I'm angry" instead of screaming and shouting, saying "I'm upset" instead of bursting into tears.

In confrontational situations, quite often you personally are not the enemy, just the representation; the focus of the attack. Move the focus away from yourself. Usually the attacker is expressing their own hurt.

Unfortunately, kind people who don't like to hurt others or argue are hurt themselves by being assertive, and even then, don't always 'get a result'. However, it clears the air and expresses things that need to be expressed, so assertiveness is good.

The object of assertiveness is not to 'win an argument', but to express how you feel.

Becoming a Human

[Dune - Frank Herbert]

In the book Dune, Paul Atreides is subjected to a test by a Bene Gesserat witch in which he must put his hand in a box which simulates burning pain. At his neck, the witch holds the Gom Jabar, a needle coated in a deadly poison. If Paul, reacting to his instincts, draws away from the feeling of pain, the Gom Jabar will kill him.

Only by proving that he is human and able to resist a direct stimulus of pain in order to save his life will he pass the test.

So, according to Frank Herbert, a non-animal human is one who sees beyond reacting instinctively to a stimulus. A human must be aware of the consequences of their actions and take one that does the most good.

Bliss and the blues - emotional dichotomies

Tears and sadness is often present at times of great happiness; weddings, sporting victories etc.

It is the reaching of a summit and the sudden lack of a goal, when that goal was the only thing in sight for a long time. Many other sorrows can 'hitch a ride' onto this sadness and vulnerability.

During a long spell of depression (medical or following a great expenditure of energy in final exams, getting a job, childbirth etc) worries can hitch on to your feelings and give a false impression of the cause of depression. The author once spent several weeks worrying that they were mad and making life difficult for others and they felt they needed to deal with this problem. The problem was dealt with, but whether it was necessary for the feeling to end is not clear.

Changing the rules - poverty

The battle against poverty is seen as a money-raising issue, but it's more about unfair systems which keep people poor and in need of financial handouts.

Charity - some thoughts

Qsheet 9/97

"'scuse me genelmnn..." slurs a bearded man subway-staggering sideways towards me and a friend as we walk by. "...can you shpare me 'n my brother twennypunce to get to Exeter?". His personal cloud of alcohol reek-sneaks around us and drags us both into his world; no longer a beggar-thing to be ignored, but a person with a history and a future.

His friends watch from their drink-doubtful positions on the park bench: "go on mate, give 'im a pound" like the chorus in a Greek tragedy. My friend supplies the finances while I look embarassed; "Cheers mate" why do I only call beggars "mate"? And did my "mate" reach Exeter and is he drunk or dry, or dead? Do I "wish I knew"?

It is later. I walk toward my local store; lemonade? biscuits? It doesn't matter.

A tall thin man is walking the other way on the evening-empty street. "I don't suppose you could lend me 20p for the phone.". I rummage for coins, wondering why a 'normal' person needs money. "I need to phone up for some heroin. I'm a hopeless addict." he smiles sadly, like a tortoise apologising for being slow. "I've got twenty quid in my pocket but I haven't got the money for the phone box".

I'm giving a man money to buy heroin.

To buy heroin.

As I drop the two silver pieces into his palm I mumble something about it being bad for you.

All this is charity.

All this is true...

I feel like a murderer.

Christian Faith - sticky bits

Examples: The speaker's dog was run over and his parents said "God's trying to teach us a lesson". The speaker lost his camera and prayed for its return, but he never saw it again. Where was God in these situations?

If someone is badly treated by an oppressive government, is that God teaching them a lesson? A woman's twins both died, even though people were sure God would save them. A man's 22 year old cousin was killed,; the man's grandad died; then the man got cancer. A girl's friend had a car accident; everyone prayed to save them, but they died.

WHAT IS GOING ON - Christian teaching doesn't appear to cover these issues properly.

In our (Western) society, we deal with owning things. Therefore we think we own God. When we find we can't control God, it's a problem.

Naham was second in command of the most powerful nation in the world. When he got leprosy, it was seen as a punishment, much as AIDS has been seen in some quarters. If God is believed to be all-powerful, then anything bad (that God can presumably prevent) is seen as "God's will".

Naham was told by a Hebrew woman (his country had captured Israel) to see Elijah, a prophet in the captured country of Israel. Naham was angered that Elijah sent a servant to tell him to wash in a river along with 'common' people; why couldn't he wash in one of his own Assyrian rivers? (an invaded country's culture is often destroyed and despised by an invader) He eventually washed in the Jordan, and was healed. He wanted to take some earth back, to take God back with him.

When Christian teachers say how good being a Christian is... what about when you're depressed. The teaching lacks integrity. We are told "Jesus has beaten sins and death", but we still suffer sin and death.

Still far from an 'easy answer': maybe The Way isn't about easy answers? Christian teaching and literature leaves a lot to be desired in truth and integrity. People do suffer and die and are hungry and oppressed and murdered and tortured and stolen from... Part of it is other people not doing anything to stop it. A cartoon shows a man asking God "Why is there so much suffering in the world?" and God saying "I was just about to ask the same question". People are stupid and make mistakes and don't care sometimes, but we can't say it's God's fault.

If Jesus just came to die, why was he crucified? Why did he have to preach and heal, and why was all this prophesied?

Community

Community is... Sharing responsibility, sharing work, being yourself, acceptance two ways, shared experience (current and historical) sharing crises, shared worship/ritual, shared laughter, needing/being needed, recognition of each other's function and weaknesses/strengths, surrendering, being carried, carrying others, (sometimes) sharing 'style' with other similar communities (in the case of monastic orders etc).

Problems: How much 'say' should new members be given? Can they break out-of-date entrenched ways, or are they inexperienced? Management can vary greatly. How 'separate' from the world outside should the community be? Numerical growth can either create bigger structures, or split up into smaller groups, which can be managed successfully. A community should set you free to be yourself in the best possible way.

"I think God has a place for all of us - life ends up as a process of discerning. We stumble along and end up in the right or wrong place".

"You have to protect something of yourself in order to give to others".

Convening worship

You can't convene worship unless you're a worshipper. An 'act' of worship is not valid; it needs to be real, and relevant to all of life. People cant be made to worship. The early church didn't have 'worship leaders'. Examine your motives.

PREPARING: Any musicians? How big congregation? These and other factors affect method of worship. Eg loud songs don't work very well with few people. Start with songs (if music is used) that people know. Running orders need to be worked out, though flexibility retained: some songs sound terrible together. Don't be outrageous and use your freedom to offend genuine people; some people will be offended whatever though. Don't do anything just for the sake of it, and don't do things just to please people: people like 'stomp-and-shout' triumphalism or sentimental slop, but see if there is a valid reason for doing particular songs other than self-indulgence.

THE EVENT: Relax if there are problems. If you start in the wrong key, it's more professional to stop and re-start than to try to plough on as if nothing's happened. Being silly to try to cover up looks stupid.

Beware of people seek the limelight or want to testify all the time.

Good performers aren't necessarily good at convening worship. Praise music isn't a performance; simply an aid to the worshippers.

Songs aren't the only way of praise: you can praise in silence, by seeing or hearing something beautiful and enjoying it, by eating!

Praise can be a way of life: expressing genuine joy about everything good.

Criminal Justice Bill letters

Dear Mr Howard,

I am writing to urge you to reconsider the Criminal Justice Bill. I strongly feel that many legitimate lifestyles will be put in jeopardy if the Bill is passed.

If the Bill were merely intended to prevent damage of property from certain sectors of the travelling community, noise pollution and environmental damage from some 'illegal raves', and damage to buildings by some squatters, it would be legitimate. This Bill, however, brands all trespassing, squatting, unlicensed festivals (specifically targeting dance music) illegal, and also removes the right to silence. I would particularly like to know why the police have been given the right to arrest people attending outdoor raves, even if they are causing no inconvenience to anyone and not damaging the environment. I can see the sense in preventing noise pollution and damage to property, but directly targeting festival-goers and ravers for arrest is, in my view, criminal and very dictatorial.

Many legitimate and necessary forms of protest will be illegal; if appropriate governmental action was taken against illegal actions by businesses, and government policy reflected the wishes of the British people, peaceful protest and trespass would be unnecessary. However, protest still is necessary, and the Bill seeks to illegalise it, along with many minority lifestyles.

I know it is easy to stereotype people as 'travellers', 'ravers', 'squatters', 'dossers', 'scum'... and there are irresponsible people who inconvenience others. However, many of the people the Bill victimises perform a very valuable service to this society, and the Bill seems likely to put many of them into our already overcrowded prisons. While the Conservative government allows greedy and selfish 'market forces' free rein, protesters are needed to protect our environment and society. I wish you could understand that 'market forces' have no ethics or compassion and will eventually destroy the 'market' and society itself.

This Bill would have put Ghandi and Martin Luther King in prison; is this what you want?

Criminal Justice Bill

The Criminal Justice Bill:

1 Seeks to reduce crime by increasing the number of crimes that it is possible to commit.

2 Allows certain groups in society (eg road-scheme
protesters, hunt saboteurs, travellers, 'ravers' and even
ramblers), who do not espouse Conservative Party values, to be criminalised.

3 Formally admits that the principal of 'innocent until proved guilty' is a judicial myth, by taking away the right to
silence.

4 Goes against the tradition of legislation that it be limited in scope and specific in subject matter.

5 Raises concern in all agencies who will have to implement it: the Police, Judiciary, Probation Service, etc.

It is a huge 'catch-all' bill, the latest attempt to bring law and order in one mighty sweep. It has inspired much protest. It is not simply that the measures proposed in this Bill are considered ineffective, unjust, even dangerous; but it is felt that the Bill represents all the worst aspects of the present Government's social legislation. Not only that, but the Bill adds further evidence to the growing realisation that the Government is unprincipled in its use of power and, despite its populist claims, uses the power in the interest of the small, rich minority that surrounds the upper echelons of the Conservative Party. Students of history may surmise that we have never really left the Feudal era.

The Bill is not unique, of course, and is just another in a long line of unpopular legislation, of a particularly traumatic kind, dating back to 1979. Nevertheless, Margaret Thatcher demonstrated that by riding roughshod over Parliamentary procedures, fiddling statistics, starting wars, lying to voters and (when all else failed) threatening the electorate that the 'other lot' would be so much worse, you could still stay in power whatever damage you did.

John Major has inherited the same attitude, but he is not so politically astute and, it has to be said, not so unscrupulous. Unlike Margaret Thatcher's legislation, there has been no attempt to gloss over its anti human rights aspects and its blatant serving of the interests of a small, privileged section of society. The question could be asked: why on earth has this Bill been introduced and why in this manner? The answer has its roots in Conservative thinking.

The Conservative Party has three great articles of faith:

1 That its ideas and attitudes strike a chord in the hearts of the majority of men and women in England (being the only country of the United Kingdom that counts).

2 That the Conservative way is the only way.

3 That there is no punishment sufficiently gross for those who act or believe otherwise.

The present administration is burdened with the legacy of economic decay, homelessness, poverty, crime and corruption left to them from the Thatcher years. The mixture of ultra-modern ideas of unbridled individualism and 'old world' values has increasingly failed to deliver the promised
Paradise. In true Conservative style, it has refused to believe it might fundamentally be wrong. Desperate and confused, it has opted for increased dogmatism as the answer. John Major is like the driver who insists that the accelerator on his car is the brake. The faster the car goes the more frantically and violently he presses the accelerator to make it stop (egged on by his pals in the back who are enjoying the ride).

This bull-headed response pleases no end the braying, self-congratulating horde of hard-core Tory faithful at the Annual Conference. Given the peculiar Tory mind-set, this leads the Cabinet to believe that the orgasmic reception offered to its ever more vindictive, right wing policies is a representation of the characteristics of the citizens of 'Middle England': narrow-minded, cringing to authority, hypocritically moral, arrogantly 'self-sufficient', compassionless and
terrified of diversity. Whilst the rest are rightly punished.

Furthermore, there is the threat that the Government will use all the powers at its disposal to introduce this legislation, however incompetent, however outrageously unjust, however blatantly it favours the new ruling class, because it also labours under the misapprehension that it is right and everyone else is wrong.

As this Bill demonstrates, the present administration attempts to govern by abusing its power and by appealing to the most debasing and anti-social tendencies. Admittedly, there is something of these in all of use; but we cannot have a just, humane and secure society if this is the basis of our laws. Should we not tell them if we think they are wrong?

Meetings of the Coalition Against the Criminal Justice Bill are currently being held in the Beaumont Hall, Plymouth. Ring (0752) 567354 for further details.

Dictionary of human rights

From New Internationalist

Qsheet 9/97

NEVER: A word never used by negotiators: "We will never negotiate with the gunmen until we have to."

OBSERVERS: People in lightweight clothing who take free trips to disagreeable places where they see whatever their own governments have primed them to see, for instance "widespread intimidation" or "a lack of widespread intimidation". Such people often become Lords and Ladies and are always cautiously optimistic about the future of democracy in emerging countries. They will visit TV studios at short notice and for a frankly derisory fee.

PEACE PROCESS: A magic wand which transforms terrorists, criminals and their previously irreconcilable enemies into amenable and reasonable human beings with a surprising measure of common interests. It never involves the promise of money or the threat of force or the withdrawal of "aid". Participants can be recognised by the long distances they make to pose for photographs, on either side of a table lined with fruit and soft drinks. Their appearance together on the White House lawn establishes that they have become irreversibly committed to hand-outs. It is now time (which is rarely on our side) for President Assad of Syria to see the wisdom of drinking mineral water. We can but work and hope.

QUESTIONABLE PRACTICES: Practices about which no questions are asked. It is, for instance, a QP to suggest that market forces could ever for one moment have influenced the decisions of those who believe in their universal validity. Hence no one can ask what relationship existed between Mrs Thatcher's selfless promotion of British Arms manufacturers in the Third World - so they could defend themselves against their poorer neighbours - and her son's business interests.

RELIGION: Everyone should be free to worship his or her God in his or her own way. We must respect the beliefs of others, especially when they are fatuous, cruel, superstitious or dotty and held by people with facial hair who might threaten our dividends or universal rights to motoring. We should, on the other hand, be properly suspicious of those who advocate the use of reason, which was invented by the French for their own purposes. Those who suppose that we might be better off without God-given doctrines or spiritual leaders should probably have their hands cut off. They should certainly never be permitted to publish books.

SELF DETERMINATION: Who, apart from the Kurds, is to be denied this universal human right? The inhabitants of East Timor are now mostly dead, so the case does not arise.

TRUST: Without is, where would we be? Luckily, Britain is still the most widely trusted country in the world. This unique state of affairs is a miracle, not least since, for instance, Mr Calaghan made solemn promises to the Cypriots which he very wisely did nothing to honour. Thanks to him, Cyprus is now two places instead of one and, when the holiday season is behind us, no one can remember where it is. Men fought and died to achieve this.

UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS: The birthright of every man and woman in which, like Tinkerbell, we must all believe. Would you have a brave little light go out for all humanity?

VICTORY FOR COMMON SENSE: Rare.

WEST, THE: The source of all human wisdom and all human evil. Since the abolition of the East, Japan is now part of the West.

X: The universal symbol of the progress of democracy. Where X marks the ballot paper, truth, honour and justice are bound to prevail. We need no longer worry about South Africa. Once Haiti is a democracy, Americans will be able to go there for cheap holidays, cock fights and money laundering. This will represent a Victory for Common Sense.

YOUTH: Their voices must be heard; their opinions must be endorsed; they are our future. It is inconceivable that youth should ever be wrong. Their message for all of us is "the louder the better". We ignore this at our peril. Remember Pompeii.

ZIONISM: Zionism is the only reason that the Arabs are not our friends. Lawrence of Arabia advised leaving the oil in sand, but it is now too late for that. Enoch Powell holds the forerunners of the Zionists responsible for the stoning of Jesus. He was once a professor of Greek in Australia and hence knows everything.

Diet

Trans-Fatty Acids (TFAs): It is alleged that TFAs cause heart disease. Some scientists say that 30,000 people die per year in USA from TFAs. TFAs are caused when vegetable fat is hydrogenated (ie in low fat spreads)

It is recommended that people take a maximum of 5g a day.

There is:

1g in "I can't believe it's not butter" per spreading.

2.5g in 2-slice spread of Stork

3.5g in Toffee Crisp.

BK Bean-burger 4.2(?)g.

4g in BK large fries.

2 digestive biscuits=1g

A Sainsburys Vegetable Pie=4g.

A Mr Kipling pie=1.65g.

Generally processed food with lots of pastry=high TFA level.

Freedol Lay (food company) offered a scientist money and work not to give a talk on TFAs.

Whole Earth make Superspread, a non-TFA spread. Unilever has cut down TFA in Flora.

VITAMIN C:

Some researchers have found that asthma sufferers who took Vitamin C before exercise had a lower risk of asthma attack than those who hadn't.

SQUASH DRINKS: It is believed that people (especially children) who drink a lot of squash drinks may have low appetites and diarrhoea. Squash drinks have high calories (hence the appetite loss) and elements of laxatives present in fruit.

DIETING: It is possible to satisfy appetite with glucose tablets; they have quite low calories (less than a slice of bread), but are quite 'filling'. It is suggested that glucose tablets can also reduce craving for cigarettes for people giving up smoking.

MEAT: People still think that red meat is a source of radiant good health. Animals in transit are regarded as 'goods'. In France, it is offensive to refuse meat if invited to a meal. Meat consumption per head (the three highest meat consumers in 'industrialised world'): France=50.1kg, USA=74.2kg, Spain=55.2kg (highest in Europe).

Discipleship

Many people who 'go forward' at revival meetings do not remain Christian for long. Try to learn to know God through Bible study and experience of the real world (God's creation). James is a good book. God doesn't give us a map, God goes with us. People led by God are children of God.

Prayer is not a shopping list. God wants intimacy, not formality.

People say 'if it was real it would have lasted', but super spiritual experience won't last all of life.

A group of supporters is important; Jesus had such a group. We need to do God's work, and the Church is there to enable you to do that.

Doubt

To wrestle with doubt (like Jacob wrestled with the angel) is a gift from God. Keep struggling - you may limp for a bit, but to know you've wrestled is a great strength. Doubt is not wrong.

'Poor foundations' are a cause of doubt: being told things that aren't true lead to doubt of everything when the lies are exposed. EMOTION is not a good thing to base a belief on because emotions are very variable. A will is an important thing to hold on to when emotions are confused.

Doubting people need to be listened to. Doubt rarely disappears suddenly. Sometimes it doesn't matter whether you believe something or not. Doubt is a lack of faith in purpose and destination.

Dualism - speaking to the mind and soul

[Signs and symbology], [Enlightenment, Christianity and the next step], [Fashion and culture], [Reinventing church; post modern worship and holistic expression]

Greek philosophical influences on European religions, particularly Christianity, has led to a belief that there is a separation between the immortal soul and the physical body. The dualism has spread to separate religious and secular views of all things, and the danger is that people fail to live a life faithful to their religious faith in everything they do.

Art is part of the solution to this dualism in that it speaks to both the spirit and the soul at the same time. The symbol of the art is combined with the intellectual content of word to express both feeling and knowledge.

Easter

I have a problem with Easter. Not just with the massive avalanche of chocolate confectionery from (often dubious) commercial companies, but also with the whole Christian theology that underpins it. Many people will have heard that the festival was hijacked from an old Pagan spring festival by Pope Gregory, cleverly integrating the new Christian faith from Rome with the traditions of the barbaric Britons. But what less people might question is the theology that lies behind the religious observation of Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Day. Historical accounts based on Biblical go roughly like this:

Jesus, a wandering preacher and healer, thought by many of his followers to be God's son and the Messiah, predicts that he will be killed by the Jewish authorities but goes on to enter Jerusalem nevertheless. People wave palm branches in celebration and hail him as blessed. The chief priests decide Jesus is a danger, presumably because his teaching radically changes current interpretations of God's revelation and because of the risk of confrontation with the occupying Romans army. One of Jesus' twelve named followers agrees to lead the chief priests and temple guards to Jesus, and Jesus is arrested at night whilst praying in a garden. After a trial in which no clear reason to execute Jesus can be found, the crowd of onlookers are given the choice of freeing Jesus or a robber. The robber is chosen and Jesus is condemned to death by crucifixion and is on the cross through the Friday and the Saturday (the Jewish Sabbath day). Secret followers take Jesus' dead body to a tomb, which is found open on the following Sunday, and Jesus is seen by and talks to various people before he ascends up into the sky.

Many have cast doubts on this Biblical account, and judging by typical human reporting of history, it is easy to imagine generations of Christians embellishing this little bit or removing that little bit in the same way that an attempt at a factual description of someone one loves is going to differ from a description of somebody hated.

In the same way, has the central theology of Christianity grown up from these historical accounts?

With the theology of Jesus as a sacrifice who takes the blame and punishment for our evil deeds toward God and people comes the need to identify sin and go through the cycle of guilt and confession in regular communal and private rites.

I find myself questioning this whole central Christian doctrine:

1. Did God have to kill his son in order to forgive human wrongdoings?

2. Does this condition of sacrifice conflict with the 'unconditional love' concept that we struggle to give?

3. Does the sacrifice of Jesus have to be highlighted in regular festivals and rites in order for God to forgive wrongdoings?

4. Is the sacrificial aspect of Jesus' death obvious from the Biblical account, or was this an attempt by later writers, particularly St Paul (highly trained in Jewish religious law and customs) to give a structure and a theology to a religious group that previously had Jesus himself to follow and needed no theology or religious festivals?

(Needs concluding).

As I've drifted out of a 'mainsteam' Christian philosophy I've developed my own view of Easter, and I hope our forgiving God can forgive me if I'm wrong...

I don't find sacrifice in the Easter sense to be something relevant to me: killing a calf would make me feel more guilty rather than cleansing me of sin. The authors of Christian leaflets and fire and brimstone tell me my sins caused the guiltless Jesus' horrible and unjustified death, but I feel that this is an unfair view.

For me, whether Jesus is God, or a close follower of God, or even just a mad man, the example he set of teaching true religion, showing the miraculous power for good that is in all of us and being willing to die a death he knew would come rather than deny his work sets us the greatest example. I have pledged to follow this example of good whether there is resurrection or not, whether archeologists ever find the body, or even if God is scientifically disproved.

Economy/employment

What is the indicator of 'improving economy? Higher share payouts? More exports? Less deficit? Lower unemployment? Higher average salaries?

Is protectionism a valid form of improving economy? Is it only local markets that need protection, or do 'developing countries' need their markets protected from 'Western' countries' exploitation?

Western trends in 1990s:

1. To reduce pollution, there is a need to reduce the whole industrial production and disposal cycle. Improving economy (currently) is based on converting raw materials (via many profit-making intermediate stages) into consumed goods which are discarded (more profit processes) and replaced with newer goods.

2. No (British) minimum wage means that many jobs are not available to unemployed people, since they are not entitled to certain benefits and can't afford to work. As a result of this, many people not receiving benefits take these jobs, leaving even less work for unemployed people.

3. Many childless couples have dual salaries, either of which could support a family. The money is often invested in foreign companies or spent on foreign goods or holidays: money is unevenly distributed away from benefit-relying families, and finally leaves the country, increasing the British deficit.

4. Low wages and 'bargain' mentality (see 5 and 6) lead consumers to buy cheap foreign goods (eg food) instead of British. Consumers choose supermarkets which employ low-waged part-time employees instead of shops with full-time staff.

5. Culture of poverty: everybody wants a hi-fi, TV, video, satellite dish etc (all high technology luxury items) so second jobs and dual incomes are common, creating a rich/poor gap. The 'trickle-down' theory fails because high salaried people still want to buy goods as cheaply as possible, creating less wages and employment.

6. Information Technology has caused two changes: (i) jobs that were done by many people can now be done by one with a computer; multi-skilling is often easier for computer-literate people. (ii) information processing has enabled managers to find planning solutions that maximise profit through staff reductions, contracts etc. Instant assessments can be made, but only of measurable things such as profit and loss; IT techniques cannot quantify customer satisfaction and ethics so easily.

Terms for disemployment of staff (watch out...!):

Down-sizing, Job-cuts, Out-placing, Out-sourcing, Rationalising, Right-sizing, Site-rationalisation, Streamlining.

Unemployed people are pressurised to search for any employment, but companies aren't penalised for causing the disemployment of people. The 1980-199? Conservative government doesn't interfere with high salaries for company bosses, but puts pressure on the workers who the bosses' decisions have disemployed. The bosses often claim to have 'paid their way' to justify the six or seven figure salaries, but the savings have often been the disemployment of workers, transferring the burden from the goods buyer to the tax payer (ps: even unemployed people pay taxes through VAT etc)

Economic solutions?

Buy local and British products from companies that employ many people with good wages: using small local products gives more control and accountability. LETS schemes give people opportunities to diversify and sell their skills. Job shares and part time work enable a worker to earn a living wage and to have time free; some of this could be used for LETS work to cover any possible shortfalls due to partial salary. Controls on people with dual incomes and high incomes. Courses to teach companies advantages of retaining employees through hard times.

Energy - nuclear and coal

A coal pit with a Ł7m surplus was deemed 'uneconomic' by British Gas and closed.

The Nuclear industry is not economically competitive when taking safe waste disposal into account.

Britain buys the equivalent of two big power stations' power output from France through a cross-channel line at Calais. The line was designed to be a two-way system, but has only ever gone one way.

Electric companies said they'd agree to buy coal for a few more years if the government would allow them a monopoly on their customers.

Enlightenment, Postmodernism, Christianity and the next step

Recent church history: Evangelicalism started in the 18th century in the Age of Enlightenment/Reason. Evangelicals had lots in common with their predecessors, the Puritans. It started a revival, which is where Methodism came from. These people saw the Bible as a basis for belief. The heart of this belief was the proclamation of restoring personal relationship with God through Jesus' death. The kind of missionary work that began was a fairly new idea, not used since the Apostles' time.

Enlightenment despised the past and looked to future-utopia and always improving things ('the March of Time', etc). It was the enlightenmentist evangelicals that brought in the concept of assurance (bold I approach the eternal throne... blessed assurance, Jesus is mine). This assurance led to a desire to evangelise the Truth (absolute). This fitted with scientific discoveries of the time in which it was possible to prove things with evidence and state them as facts.

New techniques for evangelism were developed; street evangelism, revival meetings, evangelical banners...

THE NEW ERA: Are we moving into this? Enlightenment's study has involved destruction of its subjects. The many splits and schisms of the followers of 'absolute truth' have disillusioned many. Now the measure of 'truth' is whether it feels good. The 'grunge' generation comes up with lyrics like "here we are now: entertain us"; much of modern culture is about entertainment. Pleasure without cost is the ultimate goal - it always has been, but it appears that we are close to it. The costs are not obvious. People are pessimistic about the future.

Things are becoming a lot more individual; people want to be different.

The good of postmodernism is the individualism; we must realise that we're responsible for our actions. Enlightenment put on the blinkers and we looked at things financially and scientifically; now we can see things holistically. Maybe truth is contextual? We can now remove our walls of classification.

The bad part of postmodernism is the way that we can use things as symbols without the meaning or the 'responsibility' towards that symbol. Religious music is just used as 'mood' music.

There isn't much hope in society now. Nostalgia is a big market. There isn't an obvious forward direction; we're going round in circles a bit. Much of chart music is 'best ofs' and covers. Postmodernism (i) Acknowledges tradition, (ii) Celebrates plurality and (iii) Resists domination.

Dance music and rave culture could be a 'way forward', creating community... wait and see!

Our community needs a vision of a future where we can love one another sacrificially.

The issue for the future is whether our individualism will be individual freedom (freedom from responsibility/cost/guilt/effort) or individual responsibility. Societal trends are pushing us toward being individual units with hi-tech individual leisure equipment and throw-away consumer goods. The ultimate conclusion of this trend is separation of people into consumers of the products of the enormous corporations that will run the world: any protest against these will be on such a small scale that it can be easily disregarded ("divide and conquer"). By way of example, Nestle can afford to ignore all the boycotting of its goods by anti baby milk powder campaigners. The 'market forces' that promote diversity and consumer choice have failed, since the consumers are no longer powerful enough to control these forces - only majority shareholders whose motive is to get as much money as they can, and often have little concern regarding what the company produces, let alone the product's diversity, quality or ethical or environmental aspects.

There will be little protest, however, since consumers will have their desires met at little cost to themselves. Those outside the consumer group (poor people and those with 'incompatible' lifestyles) become less and less able to survive and are made outlaws. The consumers are protected by high-tech security devices and a well-equipped corporation-biased police force. The Criminal Justice Bill is a step towards the ostracising of those who will not fit in the consumer group. Road tolling and petrol price increases and reduction of public services does the same for poor people, denying them access to travel and health.

Our hope for societal change is to start at the edges; there is still diversity and freedom in lifestyles, not just in what product we 'choose' to buy. We must support lifestyles, community and small systems.

The spiritual search is very pervasive, but Christianity is associated with domination and oppression. If it is to be relevant, Christians must be strongly activist.

Quotes: "Our culture needs a vision of the future where we can love each other sacrificially": Graham Cray.

"We have become consumers instead of citizens. We have traded influence for self indulgence." "The latest technology tends towards destroying community."

"Taking time and being tender is subversive... The world is a great big commercial.. Everyone's trying to sell you something...(other countries) are a republic; they own the streets. We're a monarchy; we (the public) are a disruptive force." - Malcolm Mclarren speaking on Radio One.

Young people see no hope in the future like they did 30 years ago. There is no guarantied job. There is little empowerment (though small cultures are now appearing with their own power) and everyone is very cynical; satire is not in order to improve things, just to knock it.

End of innocence; childhood crisis

Many people see a rising crisis among children: rising crime, family breakdown, increased consumerism. Children are less nourished than 20 years ago; their physical stature has reduced. It is felt that adults find it harder to look after children now: those in work are expected to work very long hours. Men and women both expect to work and there is so much to spend money on. Many marriages have broken up. Some see two groups in the future: people who have socially deprived backgrounds (and thus trouble in work and life) and those who haven't.

However, in the past, families were broken up by war and disease; there was no social security; homelessness and poverty and social deprivation were all present. Some feel that current views are paranoia based on new technologies directly aimed at children.

Social benefits have led to a childrens' culture: compulsory education and various rights for children has created, some say, and artificial culture which has created a new commercial market and a new view of children.

Children are just young humans who are at a particularly fast stage of development, learning to survive in the world. Children, therefore, act in a different way to adults at certain stages of development; they are part of the learning process. In the same way, young non-human mammals learn through safe play and are not yet responsible for working for the rest of their community.

Human childhood has been progressively extended; once humans began their contribution to society (work) at thirteen, after their education. Nowadays, with restricted social security, 'adulthood' does not begin til the age of eighteen.

The crisis is that childhood is now seen as 'sacred' by adults. Childrens' rights are separate to adults' rights. The separation of children creates an artificial view that means children are treated differently: people are therefore shocked at child crime etc because they see children as somehow 'innocent'; they are no more innocent than any human. Another crisis is that this separation has created a market for corporate sales. Children are not necessarily developed enough to cope with this onslaught of commerce; the current culture allows people to be individualised and bombarded with high technology (and high cost) entertainment. Instant gratification is 'taught' in this way to people at a learning stage. People grow up with the belief that they have the right to demand anything they want instantly, and not have to suffer consequence or cost. In the US, there is a $100bn market in childrens' products. Corporations in this market spend lots of money on marketing surveys; much more than social research organisations spend. This research, coupled with high speed electronic audio-visual marketing means this is a very successful market. Many toys are now based on TV series; new products can have high volume sales for a short scale, then a new line can be introduced. Many of these products are very cheap to make in far-eastern factories.

The difference between young and adult people is that adults know 'secrets' (sexuality, work, death, etc) that haven't been learnt by children. The individualising of people enables children to find out these secrets through entertainment media. Sadly, these media portray a false view of gender models (ie boys must be confrontational and goal-based, girls must be attractive and the centre of attention), death (you get 3 lives...) etc. It is believed that video games and allied products reduce creativity in play, which is what is probably the most important part of human development.

Environmentalism and spirituality

The difference between a 'secular' and a 'spiritual' environmental campaigning group is that a secular one bases its actions on particular campaigns whereas a spiritual one is concerned with changing people into environmental people with a holistic view of their place in the universe.

Humans, particularly those involved in one of the main world religions, often see themselves as somehow owning nature. In the sense that we can alter and cause serious damage to natural things, we do 'own' nature, but we don't own nature in the sense that we fully understand it or can repair the damage done to it.

Creation is seen as a past event; there is a failure to see that in nature creation is constantly taking place.

Modern (Christian) theology has changed dominator Man to a steward of nature, though this 'steward' approach removes the need for God, changing God into a being that created the physical processes and withdrew into obscurity. Besides, stewardship implies an agenda of how nature should be channelled.

A holistic natural approach should leave nature to just be as much as possible, remembering that humans are essentially natural. Of course, there is a need for discernment, because humans beat other animals to a position of apartness from natural constraints through ability to develop and outgrow other species. Any attempt towards holistic environmentalism will be a matter of deciding how much to 'give back' to other species we share the world with; intrinsically condescending.

So, the environmentalist is left with the problem that most of creation works on competition (tempered by natural constraints that humans have somehow escaped) and that altruism is not a survival trait!

Environmental views

From a Christian perspective a number of world views are possible:

1. Human have dominion over nature; parts of Genesis imply this. This view was strong during the industrial revolution. People believed (and still believe) that the earth is a resource to be used purely for humans. This view has led to reckless exploitation of world resources and a view that things can only be valued in a financial or utilitarian sense. There's a danger of people being valued merely as work units, 'producing' a certain amount of wealth. This can remove the right of simply being.

2. "Tending the garden", another Genesis concept, gives the idea of stewardship. This can be seen as a kind of 'caring dictatorship' and still puts humans in charge. This still enables a movement to try to 'improve on nature', still seeing it as a servant. Humans are seen as a separate thing to all other living organisms.

3. A more equal view of humans as part of nature is not so obvious from reading of Genesis, though this view can be found in the book. Modern science has shown that humans are not necessarily superior to other creatures. We have been shown as inferior in many ways; humanity's superiority seems to only in adaptability and a certain skill in competitiveness. Some other animals have larger brains than humans for instance, and nearly all have superior senses, speed or strength.

Christian Ecology Group, 58 Quest Hill Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 1RW.

Environment vs military

The US military has been bombing (conventional and nuclear) parts of US Western deserts for 40 years. Some areas are covered in shrapnel and bombs, both above and below the surface. There are places where hundreds of animals killed by fall-out in these areas are buried in pits by local people. These have been in existence since 1962, around when nuclear testing started there.

At a time of high rainfall (in the 1980s), the bomb site was flooded. Creatures from a nearby nature reserve moved to the site and were killed by pollution that came from the ground, which was carried to the nature reserve in the water.

Half of the film crew (inc John Wayne) who made a film at a particular (radioactive) desert site, suffered from cancer.

Evangelical spirituality

Things change. Evangelicalism has lost compassion and definition. Evangelicalism is a lifestyle, not a denomination. Evangelicalists are "Cross centred and Bible-based". They are not necessarily fundamentalists or people who have certain styles of worship or charismatic experiences. Evangelicalists have also lost the social action that made their message valid ("Faith without works is dead"). A dualism of "Save souls and stuff the rest" has occurred. They got tied up with 'believing the right things' and 'sound and unsound' doctrine became the judge of a 'one of us', pushing out or splitting groups. "Is it in the Bible" fails to note that the Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Klu Klux Klan and other 'non-Christian' or widely perceived as 'anti-Christian' groups also use the Bible as a defence for their actions and views.

Are some people temperamentally unsuited to Evangelicalism?

Jesus was dangerously charismatic and liberal, whilst also being evangelical.

Quotes: "There isn't space in the Evangelical church to say 'I feel shit' or to intellectually address questions without becoming a 'pastoral concern' and not having your needs met" - Joy Carrol.

"Evangelicalism believes that Christianity will actually change your life."

"There will be no change in our society without a sense of conversion".

"Evangelicalism for me was a small pot that had to be smashed to allow me to grow. There was a choice between what the world was meant (according to evangelical teaching) to be and how it really was." - Jo Ind

"The political structures of Christendom are all in crisis, literally."

Fashion and culture

Fashion is often used as a identifier of tribal culture. It is often linked to a musical style. It indicates what sort of person you are seen as ie "It's OK to fancy me because I'm in the same tribe as you".

There's high fashion, street style, 'normal' clothes, etc.

The Teddy Boy was one of the first fashion subcultures, which is one of the reasons they were seen as frightening and criminal; most were just 'normal' people.

Mods and Rockers were based on Italian and American fashion accordingly. Interestingly, Mods often commissioned self-designed suits from tailors, traditionally reserved for 'upper class' people, instead of buying 'off the shelf' clothes.

Hippy was another fashion culture, so was Punk. Punk was a 'tough' look, the symbology borrowed from violent bands (like the Sex Pistols). Punks were thus stereotyped and hyped (Malcolm MacLarren greatly hyped the Sex Pistols). Punk was largely responsible for the breakdown of the line between 'male' and 'female' clothes.

US Afro-American fashion street style (B Boy, Ganster, Rap) had a big influence on 90s clothes with 'baggies', baseball caps etc.

1990s style is very diverse, pointing to Postmodern fragmentation. In the previous decades, there was little choice of 'tribes' to belong to. In the 90s there is Grunge, New Ager, Raver, Goth, Clubber... In some cases, different groups have been brought together by common enemies eg Ravers and Travellers against the Criminal Justice Bill.

Francis of Assisi/medieval

history

[World Religions (based on Penguin Encyclopedia]

At Francis' time, travel and commerce meant that the church was becoming very rich, and also that many different sects were spreading through Europe, particularly France.

The end of the world was a current issue; not having happened in 1000, 1260 was another 'popular' date. This may have also contributed to the growth of sects that began in 1100.

The larger of these challenged the Roman Catholic church, particularly the Cathari or Cathars in S France. This group believed in two Gods; the Prince of Darkness, who created all physical things, and the Father of Light, who made the rest. They thought, therefore, that all things physical were evil. They also rejected the theology of crucifixion and were vegetarian. For this they were branded as heretics and the Roman Catholic church set out to destroy them: Pope Innocent 3rd hired soldiers in return for land and indulgences and they, led by Simon of Monfort, attacked the Cathari. Atrocities and executions were performed on both sides until the Cathari were eventually all killed.

Francis, once the wealthy-living son of a merchant, felt led to poverty like the Cathari, but did this inside the doctrines of the church. His decision came from being taken prisoner of war in 1205, then receiving a calling to rebuild the church. He gained followers, and eventually set up the Franciscan order. As well as poverty, Francis preached ecology. His Canticle of Brother Sun is an example.

After his death (1225?) the order changed; eventually the brothers that stayed true to his calling of poverty were branded as heretics.

The Dominican order was also set up at this time: they were the operators of the Inquisition. The Inquisition was begun as the RC church centralised itself politically and religiously at Rome.

Friendship

You can't be selective with friends. We need friends who are different, available and really listen. The best friendship is to give your life to them (not necessarily actually DYING!). Give friendship and you'll receive it. We all need friends - it makes us more human.

Current societal trend seems to be towards independence - we need to work towards interdependence.

Genesis

The book of Genesis is about God's relationship to creation and individuals, and the relationship between male and female. In Genesis, God is seen as apart from creation, not part of it as in other belief systems. The book of Genesis assumes belief in God; 'lifting' of phrases from it without the religious connections can cause problems. Similarly, Genesis isn't a scientific statement; it may be based on true events but, as a book handed down and written down an unknown time after the event, it can hardly be a scientifically accurate document.

Evolution, often seen as an enemy of Genesis, is a hypothesis as to how diversification of species occurred. The Genesis reader can try to merge the two 'faiths' or see them as things with different objectives; Genesis shows God the creators and the 'fall' of humans; Evolution speculates on diversity and certainly has certain evidences for it, though by no means complete.

Scientific reading of Genesis makes 'days' into 24-hour periods, the garden into a physical place (with angel and fiery sword etc) and Adam and Eve into individuals with subsequent genetic mutations.

There are actually two separate creation accounts, one after the other, which makes a scientific reading difficult at the least.

Genesis is about being the image of God.

Funding Higher Education - problems and solutions

It is true that some students are not careful with their resources, but I have many student friends who are in financial difficulty through no fault of their own.

A key example is an engineer who is in her final year with exams approaching who has to work from 6:30 to 8:30 am in a cleaning job, start lectures at 9:30 am and work through the night on projects to support her overdraft (which is in excess of Ł2000, even after full student loans) and pay rent and buy food. Part of the cause of this is her parents being unable to pay their parental contribution toward her grant, along with other factors.

From my research into causes of student poverty, I have concluded that the following are major financial burdens that the grant often will not cover;

1. Travel:

I am lucky to live within 30 miles of my university, so do not have high travel costs, but what of someone living in Scotland? Often the best course a student is offered is a long way from their home. Train journeys to and from home could total as much as Ł100, and sometimes students have to return home mid-term to see a sick relative, attend a funeral or some other emergency, incurring still further costs.

With the introduction of late lectures and the increase of violence in cities, students are increasingly forced to rely on public transport to travel. Accommodation is also often several miles (I have a friend who is 8 miles from her University) from the establishment, leading to further transport costs.

2. Accommodation:

This is where most of the grant goes. Weekly costs vary from city to city, however, but can be more than Ł50 a week or (at time of writing) as little as Ł11. If a student is 'unlucky' enough to get a place in an 'expensive' city, their resources may be out-stretched.

A further serious burden is the paying of rent during the holidays. If a student had to pay Ł50 a week all through the year (many landlords want the full rate even during holidays), it would cost them Ł2600 in rent alone.

3. Studying costs:

I am lucky to be on a 'cheap' course, but my friends have high costs on their courses. These include field trips (field trips abroad can cost several hundred pounds even after subsidising), books (Language students can have costs of several hundred pounds a term) and computers (lecturers increasingly demand word processed work, and there is often a shortage of computer resources supplied).

4. Parents being unable to pay their contribution:

Parents can't always pay, because of unemployment or bankruptcy or other oversights by those responsible for setting grant levels.

In a time when there are few jobs available for anyone, can it be right that students are forced to compete with non students for employment during their course ?

As I see it, the problem is that it is assumed that all students have the same expenses because the grants are all the same (apart from the higher London grants).

This is a fallacy, as I have stated previously.

I do not wish however, to be totally negative, and so would like to suggest some changes that could be made to improve the situation;

1. Travel tokens:

Students could be given public transport tokens, giving them one or two return journeys from their home to their Higher Education establishment.

A local public transport pass system could also be implemented.

2. Accommodation allowance:

A system in which the Government would pay for students' Accommodation should be introduced. Inspectors could make sure the Accommodation was being maintained adequately.

3. Equipment and resources:

Establishments should be encouraged to buy more equipment for students such as books and special equipment. It is true that establishments often do not buy books because they go out of date quickly, but they could bulk buy these cheaply and sell them to students at a low price if they were necessary for the course.

A textbook system, like in schools would mean that establishments could retain books that wouldn't become obsolete (such as languages and psychology, etc) without putting financial burdens on the students.

There should also be full funding for fields trips.

4. Funding:

The parental contribution should be abolished, and Higher Education funding worked through taxation instead.

The implementation of changes like this would make the grant pay for food and leisure, which cost a similar amount throughout Britain, making the equal grant for all make more sense. The grant would be lower, since most of students' costs would be met for them.

Gender Issues; Elaine Storkey.

Key: AFFIRM PEOPLE PHYSICALLY and MENTALLY.

Gender issues: Male and female people are made in God's image therefore God is like Male and Female.

Men and women are more like each other than anything else, but they're called the opposite sex! Genesis points out the similarities (at the beginning). "Man ruling over Woman" is a result of The Fall (sin); it doesn't say that he should, but that he will.

Jesus wasn't 'sexist': when a prostitute came to a meal and anointed him he reproached the men for not treating him so well.

People say that Paul gave the concept of "male" and "female" sexuality. This was in a different society. He said celibacy was good because it frees people from commitments so they can be more involved in the church. Promiscuity was wrong for men and women. The fear of women's sexuality isn't in the Bible.

Modern sexual intimacy has a problem: there seems to be a difference. The couple haven't time to talk (due to high work pressures), but the man wants to 'make love'. He does this by doing something physical. The women feels abused because she needs more intimacy - being together and building up to 'the act'; she feels like a prostitute. Sexual intercourse is seen as the man giving and the women receiving, which is frightening for the man in case he isn't 'good enough'. Most men don't like to show their vulnerability, and this feeling is sometimes shown in anger or other feelings.

Male and female perceptions:

Men think women want them to be strong, masterful and successful, but women like men to be warm, gentle, vulnerable and compassionate. Of course, there's a mixture; there's a 'primal instinct' towards the 'hunk' too.

Showing off your body and loving are different things. 'Perfect partners' (a Mills & Boon concept) probably don't exist (unless you're very lucky!). Real love isn't usually such a good read.

Males are often goal-oriented whereas females just enjoy intimacy.

Intimacy is affirmation/love/touch (BODILY AFFIRMATION). Intimacy is vital in all human relationship; single celibate people don't necessarily need to 'make love', but everyone needs intimacy and bodily affirmation. PEOPLE NEED TOUCH. People sometimes complain that "the peace" in church is just an excuse to hug each other, but why not?!

Child abuse is sometimes a result of lack of touch. Children are sometimes no longer touched as they grow older and don't understand.

Men are taught to be macho/successful/aggressive, but are also expected to be warm, caring and compassionate!

How do you overcome these stereotypes? Anger doesn't work; healing does. It's up to you to sort it out as it relates to you. Just don't try to posses, dominate and control. Jesus brought us the Truth in his vulnerability - "I need you, you need me". Maybe this is the answer?

How maleness and femaleness is created is probably diverse [see Socialisation], but girls and boys are treated in different ways. Certain types of behaviour are labelled as 'male' and 'female' and therefore some actions are seen as inappropriate by society.

Gifts

Every 'gift' has its good and bad points. Artists usually end up with 'artistic temperaments'. Everything has two sides: strong-willed people are also stubborn, open-minded people are also gullible. There are some odd things that are useful: depression has its use, for example. Some others are 'ploddiness', 'earthiness' and shyness.

Plodders are not deeply intellectual or into 'spiritual things' but they're good at working.

Earthy people are not respectable, but they're a lot more acceptable to a non-middle-class culture and stop the church being a class culture community.

Shy people don't rush into situations, and they think about what they're going to do and what the consequences might be.

Girls and boys - the differences

Some common beliefs:

"Women talk more about relationships."

"Men are better at knowledge of place and position."

"Men are more logical and analytical."

"Women are more empathic."

"Women are more intuitive and creative."

"Men concentrate on one thing and strive for perfection; women juggle many things."

"Men are better at understanding technical language."

The testis makes the hormones which cause maleness. There are different genes; women have an XX chromosome; men have a XY chromosome. The Y chromosome is small with few genes on it (14 genes on Y, 1000 on X), with lots of 'garbage' and repetitive gene sequences. One Y gene has been found that determines maleness.

Scientists believe that a du-sexual species allows for evolution; mutations in the production of sperm is what causes variety in offspring. Females have a set number of eggs, so less mutations are possible. It is believed that monosexual or hermaphrodite species are in an 'evolutionary dead end', with little scope for variety in offspring, so little ability for surviving (as a species) major changes in environment (based on natural selection).

Men and women have very similar brains; male brains tend to have more variety between left and right hemispheres.

Many women can speak faster than men whilst still making sense, according to scientific studies.

Memory functions tend to vary: men can often remember faces better than words - women vice versa. It's believed that women can deal with verbal communication better than men, whereas men have better spacial/mathematical skills.

Unfortunately, many tests aren't comprehensive: is it down to gender, or does age/health/education bias the results.

In an experiment girls and boys were put in a room with 'male' and 'female' toys. It was found that most people went for the stereotypical toys. However, a girl who had been exposed to male sex hormones before birth was found to be playing with "boys' toys".

What do we do about it? Violence may be easier for men than women, but upbringing also affects brain structure and psychological systems.

Statistics (1997): (Cosmopolitan):

Women drink 6.2 alcoholic units per week, men drink 17.5.

53% of women between 25 and 34 haven't ever smoked. 18% smoke under 20 a day, 8% smoke over 20 per day. 21% of women have given up regular smoking.

79% of working women visit pubs regularly, 83% of men.

Women die on average at 73 years (typically from heart disease), men at 75.2.

The average full-time women's wage is Ł16,640 at its highest in her 30s; man's wage is Ł20,000, highest in his 40s.

A third of women and a quarter of men have no educational qualifications. A seventh of men ad a tenth of women have a degree.

On average, a British women will first have intercourse at 17 and have a total of seven sexual partners. Four out of ten women will have an abortion.

On average women get married at 26, men at 28. Two fifths of marriages fails, usually between the fifth and ninth years.

Global warming

If the atmosphere didn't absorb heat at all, the world would average -18øC. The current average is about 20øC. The Greenhouse Effect on Venus means the land temperature is 500øC.

Before the Industrial Revolution, CO2 in air was 280 parts per million. Now its 360ppm.

The production of gasses that increase world temperature by preventing heat from escaping include CO2 and methane, which are caused by decaying vegetation, animals, motor transport and industry. If CO2 and methane continue to be produced at the current

rate, the global average temperature may rise by 3 or 4øC in the next century. This seems like a small amount, but a 6øC change could cause an ice age.

The impacts of this change may be: increased sea level («m - 1m in 100 years) through expansion of water due to temperature rise; possibly more ice at the poles; displacement of people in areas susceptible to flooding; movement of water supplies (coasts will become wetter, landlocked areas will become drier or desertified (water use has increased by 10 times since 1900); Malaria and other diseases will spread (Malaria is transmitted in 16§C+ conditions); trees die.

Action: we need to use science and technology to feed the population of the world; we can't go back to primitive lifestyle. We must use technologies that are sustainable. We must choose options in our own lives that minimise damage: low pollution vehicles, public transport, less consumption, purchasing efficient appliances (the best ones can be 3 times as efficient as the worst). 70% of electricity used for lighting buildings can be saved. Heating consumption can be reduced by insulation.

Consider the effect and necessity of every action. The financial cost of fuel is too cheap: we must consider the environmental costs...

The Global Climate Coalition is made up of many large companies including oil companies Esso and Shell. They seek to influence national decisions to base decisions on a "balanced view between environmental and economic details". Their web site states that the coalition isn't sure whether CO2 emissions are repsonsible for climate change. They wish to prevent any stifling of growth in devloping countries' industries.

God

"I used to think everyone was a bastard but it's not that at all. All of us are just babies that got lied to. When you say God to people they think you're crazy because the only God they know is lies they've been given. I do think the only answer for the world, and I wouldn't separate into area or country or any of those things, is love. People will have to let go and forgive each other."

Guilt

Why are we so into failings (eg tabloid headlines are all scandal etc); both our own and others'? Does others' failings make us feel less bad?

Religious guilt is a particular problem: people set standards too high and then consistently fail to meet them.

People feel guilty about other people's failings, particularly children.

Failure can lead to guilt, even if you've tried your hardest. If you're learning to ski and you fall over, it's no reason to feel guilty!

Guilt sometimes comes from others' expectations, particularly parents. Feeling guilty about being yourself is the WORST and shouldn't happen!

Historical trends in youth culture (US and UK)

The 1950s were a celebration of US culture; pop art and rock'n'roll.

The 1960s were criticism of US authority; anti Vietnam war, Martin Luther King's anti-prejudice action, drug-taking.

The 1970s were about being bored. The 70s brought about small bands; the punk bands were easy to start, popular and not as commercial as bands of the 50s.

The 1980s were largely very consumer based. Technology was celebrated both in synthesized music and in hi-tech gadgets.

In the 1990s, hi-tech equipment became more 'hidden' eg less buttons, more 'natural' styling, easier use. Music retained technology, but it was often mixed with old techniques; analogue synths and acoustic instruments. Concepts from the 60s returned, along with 70s style 'grunge' boredom and hopelessness. Unemployment became widespread in all sectors of community, and the idea of full employment possibly disappeared.

Historical work trends in Britain

Current trends (1995) are moving away from full-time employment to part time and temporary employment.

Most recently, three quarters of British employees were male 'blue collar' (ie manufacturing) workers. Particularly with the implementation of computer technology and analysis, there is an emphasis on maximum possible return from everything, firstly machinery, then human employees. In this way, managers strive for the maximum use of each individual's skills and time. This leads to some people working very hard and others not able to find paid work.

A major flaw in this situation is that 'improvements' are ultimately based on financial income per 'unit', be that a machine, premises, or person. The large number of unemployed people means that employers can 'hire and fire' to maximise income, and maximum income is required to pay share-holders and 'compete' in a situation where other companies are doing the same thing.

Maximising profits, however, is sometimes detrimental to the actual work of the company. Unfortunately, if a company increases profits by reducing numbers of employees and quality of service, the shareholders (who control many aspects of the company's operation) have little incentive to take action (ie reducing salaries of company bosses eg British Gas etc in 1995) because their dividends increase and they are likely to be unaffected by the changes.

Before 1500, work was done more cooperatively ie work on cathedrals. After this date, competition was introduced. Land was no longer owned by the church; land was being handed over to royalty and, in turn sold to merchants. This land was often converted from worker-intensive farming to low-employment wool farming. From 1500 on, middle-men sold on wool and other products, adding cost at each stage. It was felt that this was the start of the acceleration of inflation.

How do they do credit ratings?

Even people who've never been in debt are turned down for credit. Sometimes not having a recorded credit history will mean lenders will turn an applicant down.

Credit ratings are based on a point system (higher points means a highrt rating) covering a number of categories:

1. Age

Young and retired people are less favoured.

2. Marital status

Fewer points if single; married couples are less likely to move.

3. Job

Management type jobs score more points than manual ones.

4. Years at job

More years improve rating because it implies earnings are stable and reliable.

5. Home owner

Owning a house implies a person unlikely to move suddenly.

6. Years at address

Again, staying in one place implies a person unlikely to move and default on payments.

7. Voters poll

Credit is unlikely to be given if an applicant's not registered to vote.

8. Phone owner

Someone who hasn't had utilities cut off is a regular payer.

9. Recent credit searches

Too many searches imply rejections by other lenders.

10. Ratio of debt to income

Above 20% lenders will worry. If applicant is borrowing no money, lenders will worry that they won't be able to handle a loan.

Imagination

Imagination is the creation of thoughts, and is so intrinsic to intelligence that it is hard to separate from all thinking.

The mind works on different levels: (i) automatic processes such as heartbeat, breathing, digestion etc, (ii) reflex actions such as blinking and recoiling from sources of pain, (iii) decision making, (iv) information storage and retrieval, (v) daydreaming, (vi) involuntary thought creation (night time dreaming)...

All of these, and probably many more, are affected by imagination:

(i) and (ii): heartbeat can increase and shock reflexes occur if we hear a sound that we imagine to represent something that will endanger us.

(iii): the work of artists is fuelled by the imagination of what they are going to create. Even technical tasks require some kind of mental model of a finished product to enable constructive steps to be taken as opposed to random ones.

(iv): often sparse facts are increased to fuller ones when we store information. Story telling is a form of information retrieval in which information is added from our imagination to the facts.

(v): daydreaming is linked to (iii), but often we have no physical goal in mind. This is probably the purest form of imagination.

(vi): the dream is debatable, but is probably a kind of uncontrolled operation of our imagination.

Imagination has both positive and negative sides, but both in the same direction: for instance, empathy with another person's suffering can help one treat them kindly, but over-empathising has a person imagining how they themselves would feel in the person's situation. There is a risk of this in animal welfare campaigns; a goldfish in a bowl will have a much different reaction to that of a human kept in a similar space, for example.

Paranoia is another excess of imagination: a healthy respect for dangers lead a person to make sensible decisions, ensuring their own and others' safety. Paranoia leads a person to act irrationally, reacting to dangers that don't exist. For instance, someone who imagined that a nuclear bomb had dropped nearby and wore a radiation suit constantly would appear irrational to other people.

Information society (computer files on spending) '95

Retailers have little information on what people buy as individuals. With modern technology, linked with the increased use of store cards, information companies can store what purchases a particular person has made. American Express has an enormous computer installation in Phoenix that stores transactions of its 35,000,000 users.

People are persuaded to use store cards by discounts on purchases and ease of use. High tech stores have been prototyped in which customers simply use a bar code reader to stripe the goods on the shelf that they want, the reader keeping a running total of money spent. Supermarkets may not be necessary at all, with home-based shopping technology increasingly available.

Though the Data Protection Act illegalises the selling of data lists in Britain, world-wide there are catalogues of data lists for sale, covering many different groups of people. A worker at the American Express installation said that people could be targeted on an individual basis for the various postal offers they do.

Information Society (new forms of warfare communication) 1995

Communications methods are changing warfare. The Gulf War (1991) combined traditional and new war techniques. Iraq massed tanks and soldiers and invaded Kuwait. Opposing forces (mainly US) used hi-tech weaponry to destroy Iraq's radar and communications system. Iraq was attacked all over in diverse ways all at once. There wasn't a traditional 'front' in which masses of troops and bombs were deployed.

This war was led by ex Vietnam War soldiers, so the media was strictly controlled (it is widely felt that media coverage of Vietnam caused public denouncement of the war). The 'smart missiles' and Patriot vs SCUD missile issues were media side-shows, away from the bloodshed and 'Friendly Fire' incidents where US troops accidentally attacked allies (more British troops were killed this way than by Iraqi attack).

Nowadays, less soldiers are needed and computers are used to give real-time detailed information from battlefields anywhere in the world. A single computer can access almost any stored information anywhere in the world. However, in modern society, the battlefield is changing. There are fewer international wars, and wars are fought by and against civilians and there are no 'sides' as such (ie war in Bosnia, or gangs in New York or civil anarchy in some African states). Sophisticated military equipment is useless (like in the Vietnam War). New 'non-lethal' weapons are being invented: lasers that blind people, and a 'sticky gun' to immobilise people in goo!

Modern management systems need loads of information; they have become more centralised. Computers also make them powerful; an individual can now disrupt national security, move massive amounts of currency and read classified information anywhere in the world. Anonymity enables people to send anything without fear of reprisal. 'Flames' are insulting messages set on Internet which can be anonymous.

Integrity in religion

Is our belief academic or is it truth? The words shouldn't hide it.

People should think about what they're told. Actions show more than word; eg Jesus didn't have to tell his disciples it was him on the Emmaus road. Growing and changing is part of our religion.

We treat God as a moron if we think we can dictate to him what to do in our prayers.

Is our faith real enough to convey anything to anyone else. Do we know the truth before we try to tell other people what to believe.

Julian of Norwich

ONE OF THE FEW KNOWN WOMEN MYSTICS is Julian of Norwich, who lived from 1342 until 1429. She is best remembered for the series of visions she had during a serious illness she suffered at the age of thirty.

The book she wrote about these visions is reputed to be the first book written in English by a woman. Revelations of Divine Love is internationally regarded as a 'spiritual classic'. Julian's belief that there is no wrath in God, only our own projections of wrath, and that God is like a tender loving mother as well as a father, was centuries ahead of its time.

Robert Llewlyn's books of daily readings from Julian are invaluable to many Christians as an icon for meditation. The fifteenth century imagery can put a new perspective on our relationship with God; somehow apart from the rush of modern society. The readings have titles like Drawn to Him by Love, Wondering Delight in God and We are His Crown. She brings elements of Christianity that are lost in modern society, with visions of the Passion, Mary, angels and the devil.

Julian Meetings

Julian's influence lives on in small groups around the
country. These Julian Meetings meet for contemplative prayer and Christian meditation. There are about 250 such meetings in Great Britain: locally, a group meets in the porch of St Mary's church, Lifton. Their meeting starts with a reading, followed by twenty minutes of silence, closing with prayer and coffee. The contact for this group is Deryck Bazalgette (Telephone: Lifton 784755).

The Julian Cell

The room where Julian lived and wrote was pulled down during the Reformation, but was rebuilt after wartime bombing. Today pilgrims come from all over the world to kneel in silence and to ponder the words God spoke to her, or leave requests for prayer. Quiet days, services and
retreats based on the life of Julian are also organised

Next door to the cell is a centre devoted to Julian's books and other material. There is also a library that aims to stock every book written about her.

Information can be obtained from The Rector, 10 Stepping Lane, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1PE.

[sources: Julian Centre pamphlet, In Love Enclosed,
Enfolded in Love]

Learning from the exploited ones

"If we use the Bible to talk about 'mysteries above' we fall asleep devoutly. If we use it to talk about 'mysteries below' we break out in joy and anger".

Who are the exploited ones? Poor people, those earning low wages, debtors, homeless people, men, women, kind people, people in care, children...

The exploited ones are 'sinned against' therefore there is a sinner to sin against them.

All exploited peoples can find support in The Way (ie God's idea of Christianity). However, Western Christianity has been hijacked and shaped by the oppressors. It has been argued that the Council of Rome included Paul's letters in the modern Bible because they implied people should be obedient to their masters and not speak out for justice.

The Way is on the side of the oppressed. This means that if somebody chooses to be Christian, they don't have to become a Westerner!

Ghandi talisman: "Recall the face of the poorest, most helpless person you know and ask if your solution will help them to rule themself."

Legalism

Legalism in Christianity prevents growth. It puts a wedge between 'Christian' and 'secular' things. Legalism means the Church makes people feel guilty. The Gospel (Truth) is reduced to simply living according to rules, thus sin is breaking these rules. This leads to a search for loopholes in the rules. Stringent rules mean you always fall short, and in extremes cause people to abandon religion.

A scientific world view has been set up in opposition to the legalistic view. Science has disproved many of the hard-held beliefs that religious people held: things need proof nowadays. People have a paradox of whether to believe what is 'true' or what the world is really like.

Religious rules repress human desires ie not thinking about sex because it's 'sinful' represses sexual drive (which is right and God-given) and causes it to push harder and possibly in a wrong direction.

God is within creation and can speak through it - creation is not a machine: Legalistic Christians can often believe that 'the world' is evil, but God is in everything (if God really is the Creator) - even non-christians! We shouldn't make a split between worldly and Godly; they're the same. God made every part of us, even the parts that don't always respond to God. Growing closer to God isn't about obeying more rules. LAW IS DESIGNED TO LIBERATE, NOT OPPRESS.

Living

"Man does not live, he just survives": Larry Norman. Living might technically be the functioning of certain mental processes, which becomes debatable in the context of life-support machines and patients in comas.

In the context of the above quote, life is more than a biological process; there are layers of processes that make up life, ranging from biological survival, through to processes of giving and receiving love, creativity, understanding etc.

Love - a definition

Love is the currency of altruism: it is the reward we receive for giving something away purely for the benefit of another. Love is to set someone free, not knowing whether they will return to you or will leave you forever. Love is to sacrifice personal freedom for the benefit of another. Love is not to seek something from another, but to seek to empty oneself in the service of another.

Love is a feeling and attitude. What causes it? Depends on person. It's caused by a persons actions towards you and others (human love) or because memories of a person/situation reflected by an object (love of a thing, particularly a momento of someone), or 'love' (being possessed by) an object (eg money) totally irrationally that is thought to be beneficial to self, or caused by the fact that you've created the thing you love (eg God's love for the world). Love is present even when the lover is not receiving any return from what they love.

The marks of love are kind actions/protection of/desire to be close to/desire to be loved by the person or thing that is loved.

Giving love can only end when giving it turns into resentment. Then love has ended and you can give no more.

Male sexuality

Sexuality is an integral part of us; a picture of our capacity to love. Sexuality is mysterious and can't be fully explained. It's an emotional out-working of a need to give something intimate of ourselves.

Sex is intimate. It lets down all defences - vulnerable - losing control. Its a part of love. We lose control of ourselves.

Sex is best when we're doing it all for the other. It requires negotiation and commitment. Lust is about wanting something, and isn't love: there's more to sexuality than copulation. Maybe 'sex' is the wrong word, since it describes a gender, an act, can be an adjective etc... Sexuality is probably a massive broad thing about what our gender-specific characteristics are, and also our socialised attitudes and others' socialised attitudes towards us. What's even more complex is the fact that men and women share various characteristics (maybe all) and men can be very 'feminine' and vice versa.

Therefore, single people and celibate people are just as sexual as anyone else.

Masturbation: this can be a celebration of self love. Self love is just love, but to yourself. Guilt comes (no pun intended!) because 1) we're not trained to love ourselves and don't know what it's like to be loved 2) people won't talk about masturbation 3) there are sexist pornographic images that distract the mind and are not positive. Negative imagery can be 'burned in' to the mind by the strong feeling of orgasm.

Fantasy: is generally quite unrealistic. How we feel about fantasy afterwards tells us about ourselves. We 'try out' who we are: how we act and respond. Fantasy is dangerous, because those in a fantasy are totally subordinate, which is unrealistic. It is also feeling without commitment or cost or giving; also unrealistic. Fantasy is used to oppress women who've turned us on but been inaccessible. It's a kind of revenge. Fantasy can't satisfy because, even though the fantasy can be 'perfect' the fantasiser has no human contact. 1) Learn to love self, facing fears that are present in fantasy and knowing that your sexual expression is good 2) Teach yourself the rules of what real sexuality is 3) Learn about what sex is, from all sides 4) Learn how to be unoppressive and unthreatening 5) Forgive self 6) Use fantasies as friends, because they give information about self.

Analysing fantasy: by way of example, fantasizing about dominating someone could indicate a fear of them.

No one teaches us how to sexual (ie to express gender-specific characteristics, not just how to 'make love') but we're expected to be expert. Sexual teaching is often flawed in a patriarchal society; men expect to 'get something out of sex'. Maybe men need to ask women what they need. Of course, women also need to ask men what they need; there's always a danger of men ending up feeling guilty for being male.

Stereotypes: Gender is used as a big stereotyper, probably because it's not so out in the open and not so obviously diverse. Women's magazines are particularly bad on the 'men are like...' advice pages.

Fixation: 'The sexy parts...' Making love isn't about the body, but about the person.

Subordination: Women are different (and thus frightening). This fear can turn into wanting to control women. Women have the power to say "is that it?". Sexism is a failure to recognise and response to the characteristics of women.

Men suffer pressure; they're turned on by women but made to feel guilty for 'eying up' someone, even if they're dressed in a 'sexy' way. It's another expression of female power. Pornography is used so men can 'look' without guilt.

LEARN ABOUT YOUR FANTASY AND USE THE KNOWLEDGE TO CHANGE REALITY

Mary and Martha - an allegorical view

(Luke 10:38-42)

Martha represents obedience to the Jewish Law, whereas Mary was just being with Jesus. I think Jesus meant "Mary has chosen the better Way: not the old religion of laws and commandments, but the new one of being in love." In this way, I feel that Christianity has been taken over by the 'law-makers' like Judaism was. I don't think that this account is an excuse to leave social justice and sing choruses in church; I think social justice is one of the most important things, but we do it in love with God, not because of a framework of laws or fear of punishment.

MI5 and the miners' strike - Channel 4 Dispat 24/11/94

It is alleged that MI5 were involved in government efforts to end the 1984 miners' strike which resulted in 11,000 arrested, 7000 injuries and 11 deaths. Stella Rimington was implicated in MI5 anti-strike action (a senior police officer said he "greatly resented the interference of Stella Rimington".

Margaret Thatcher was scared of the power of the miners, who controlled the British coal industry (and thus the power stations etc) and employed the services of the police, MI5 and GCHQ Cheltenham in spying, phone tapping and direct action. Towards the end of the strike, she was on the point of using the armed forces to supply coal. US authorities were worried that Mrs Thatcher might lose power and offered advice on how to bring down the NUM.

The miners almost 'won'. Coal supplies were about to run out and the government turned to Libya as a supplier of oil, only six months after the shooting of a WPC from a window of the Libyan embassy.

It is alleged by many sources that the MI5 planted a spy within the NUM. Some have alleged that Roger Windsor, the NUM Chief Executive, was that spy and was used to bring down the NUM and to engineer a 'scandal' in order to do this.

There is some evidence behind this allegation:

Towards the end of the strike, when coal supplies were very low, the Sunday Times ran a story on Roger Windsor's visit to Libya to ask them to stop supplying oil to Britain (Mr Windsor claimed otherwise; see below). The article was so detailed that sources believe that the information was supplied by the MI5.

Mr Windsor forged letters from the NUM, causing the NUM to be sued.

When Mr Windsor left the NUM in 1989, he received Ł80,000 from the Daily Mirror for a story alleging that money he had obtained from Libya (the NUM also went to Libya for help: money was supplied to help miners' families) was used by Arthur Scargill and other NUM leaders to pay off mortgages and personal debts. Certainly, in Arthur Scargill's case, he didn't actually have a mortgage, so this allegation was certainly untrue. Mr Windsor claims all his allegations are true, and claims not to recognise documents that show that the Libyan money was transferred to his personal Swiss bank account. There is other evidence that appears to discount Mr Windsor's allegations and implicate him in the removal of Ł198,000 of Libyan money to his personal account.

It is believed that this final 'allegation' was to be the final slur against the NUM if the strike couldn't be ended in 1984. It wasn't needed, so Mr Windsor 'saved' it til he left the NUM.

The Daily Mirror are now very uneasy about the authenticity of the story they printed.

Modern music culture

["Pop" is defined as "modern popular music"]

Does music mean anything culturally? Is is the same as it used to be? In the first two decades of pop music, religion didn't play much part in it; only as a root for the style.

Modern music isn't often pro or con religion. Religion is "Fine, if it helps you". Pop isn't the culture-forming force that Rock'n'Roll was; it is part of corporate electronic entertainment (video games now outsell CDs). Pop doesn't have a cultural message; in the 80s music became a commodity. "Me first" music ruled. Music in the 90s can no longer carry a culture (certainly not a single one). A musician with ethics (like the lead singer of Nirvana who killed himself) who becomes successful finds their music swallowed up by corporate capitalism and the message lost.

In the West there is no future-hope and no future-vision, therefore(?) music is very diverse and fragmented: Metal, Trash, Grunge... even dance has subdivided into hip hop, acid jazz, 'handbag', jungle, techno, trance, hard-house...

Dance music is an interesting case; much rock music has gone back to the past with many punk and 'Beatles' bands whilst dance has used the latest electronics and brought together incredibly diverse musical influences and sounds eg Loop Guru with their samples of Folk, Tibetan and natural sounds played over Brazilian carnival drums with Western dance beats in the background. Sounds are taken out of context; they are used as symbols to evoke feelings. Religious sounds over carnival drums evoke spiritual transcendence and meditation at the same time as wild excess and abandon.

90s music has spirituality without the morals. "I believe in God but I'll screw who I like" is a common theme. Belief without doing anything. A Gregorian chant CD has been in the top 20 albums for some time (as 'mood music'). People have discovered that they only need to feel spiritual to fill the gaps in their lives.

Celtic bands have retained a certain spirituality, but there's also the pagan Celtic religions in there too. Some of the Celtic bands do also have morals. The spiritual search is very pervasive, but Christianity is associated with domination and oppression. If it is to be relevant, Christians must be strongly activist. "Our culture needs a vision of the future where we can love each other sacrificially": Graham Cray.

Money Issues

One sixth of Luke's Gospel is about money: most of the parables involve the use of money. It's an important issues and should be addressed because money can be used to do lots of injustice. Maybe we should campaign for more taxes so they can be spent on those who need it. Loan sharks and banks keep poor people oppressed.

We should learn the names of "the poor" and "the rich" so we can no longer group people into stereotypical groups.

What are you going to do about people personally/at a distance/money/consumerism...what you need and where to get it...where you work? Decide what you can do and do it.

Monogamy

[Sex and the Century]

Only 16% of ancient human societies are thought to have been monogomous. Many single-pairing animals have been found to 'cheat' their partners to increase the genetic variety of their offspring.

In humans, women paired with men of 'high status' are found to be most faithful. Women have been found to be most unfaithful when they are most fertile, and less likely to use contraception; it is thought they are seeking better genes for their offspring.

Male animals are found to attempt to mate with as many females as possible. Males' generally larger size than the female shows that larger males mate more (and have large children) than smaller.

In research of Lonely Hearts columns, females were found to be seeking stable environments whereas males were seeking fertile partners with whom they can father many children.

Some species are truly monogomous (eg the albatros and the penguin). In these cases, faithfulness is essential for bringing up offspring safely. In mammals, the female takes on most of the upbringing of children. 95% of mammals aren't monogomous. Dik diks form stable lifelong pairs because they do not herd, and a male leaving a female might find her taken.

What are the advantages of monogomy? In humans, spending over 80% of your time with a partner means that faithfulness will be likely. In humans, it appears that children born to faithful monogomous pairs will have advantages in adult life.

Society is an issue here: humans aren't purely motivated by animal instincts, though these are part of us, sometimes subconsciously. Many of these subconscious 'programs' affect our level of reproductivity with different partners; how much sperm is produced/retained etc.

Monogomy is considered an ideal in most Northern countries. Serial Monogomy is suggested as a new alternative which allows both stability for child rearing as well as a kind of promiscuity. Polygomous families become a community of women, supported by a man, raising children.

Music and Christianity

"Christian Musician" is a fundamental misconception of what a musician and a Christian do. Based on this misconception, 'Christian' and 'Secular' music are judged and treated differently.

Definitions of music: "A doorway to another world", "Enabling expression", "Mood altering", "Philosophical", "Influencing", "Escape".

Using music as a form of outreach/witness/message "overestimates the power of music and also underestimates it"; music is used to "make people change, become more spiritual", etc. This undervalues the whole thing of expressing emotions. Faith is faith; music is music. Christians use music as 'bait' for converts. Music should be enjoyed for its own sake.

Is "Christian" an adjective? "Christian music" means it is judged on a "spiritual" scale, not a musical one. It is judged on the lifestyle of the musician.

Strategy: By calling music "Christian" are you shrinking its potential? "Being a musician takes you to the edges of society". No-pain-no-gain situation. You don't need the religious label: liberate the music and rejoice in it for its own sake. Music is a big package of expression and shouldn't be confined to a set of religious rules. Don't use it for propaganda.

Pacifism

Would Jesus have fought? What are our reasons for not murdering? What is murder? Is refusing to murder merely because of a belief in personal salvation? Who could allow soldiers to rape, torture and kill 'innocent' people when deaths could be prevented by killing those responsible? What sacrifice is it to live with those murders on one's conscience, even if lives were saved through them? Will the example of the murders of civilians stop a war, and is not each civilian (and soldier) an individual?

Is there such thing as a 'just war'? If violence is necessary, it should only be to restore peace and justice to both sides.

Postmodernism, people and God

The first major hurdle of this article is the term postmodernism. It is a buzz word that has been used in the fields of art, architecture and sociology, to name but a few, and as such its basic meaning is not clear.

For the purposes of this article, I will define it as follows: Postmodernism is: the end of an era ... the logical conclusion of an age of reason ... the interim between two millenia ... the disproof of proof ... the current state of affairs.

By this rather convoluted definition I mean that to me it is an easy way of expressing a whole mass of concepts that we are experiencing toward the end of the 20th century; Scientists are starting to prove absurd sounding (to our scientifically trained minds that believe in absolute truths) theories such as light being both a wave and a particle. Countries are disintegrating. Enormous companies that were supposed to be the foundation of some kind of utopia are collapsing. Crime and violent nationalism are on the increase.

It could be argued that this 'evidence' of a post-modern state of affairs is little more than has been happening over the past few hundreds of years, but my belief in a current post-modernistic situation comes from investigation of the patterns of the Age of Enlightenment.

The Age of Enlightenment is thought to have begun in the 17th century, at a time when scientists were beginning to find out more and more about the world around them. 'Hard facts' were superseding religious beliefs, and this factual approach to the world was incorporated into religion. The Methodist Church amongst others was formed and brought forward, in the words of the hymn writer, the concept of "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine" and "Bold, I approach the eternal throne"; God no longer needed to be such a mystery: Using the Bible it was possible to find the fundamental truths of the Christian faith, so it was believed. The notion of being free from doubt was highly attractive!

As scientific innovation accelerated throughout the Age, so religion was developed and new concepts such as street preaching, new kinds of music and other ideas that were radical at the time were incorporated.

Power for Women; The Princessa

The word Princessa (pronounced "princhayza") means "she who is first". Machiavelli's The Prince was written about how to rule in the 17th Century, and recommended murder and treachery. The Princessa (by Harriet Rubin) is a book for women, as Machiavelli's was for men: a female way to power, using female techniques, not trying to be like powerful men.

Women trying to use powerful males' techniques try to bully or blend in, be agressive and assertive. The Princessa recommends asking for what is desired, and not just humbly for part of it. Power involves ignoring rules made for men. The power is accepting the contradictory parts - that strength and vulnerability can coexist, or wisdom and lack of confidence. "Don't plan for the future - make the future".

Strategies:

1. Think of yourself as a shield rather than a sword. By not being destroyed by attack, you become a passive weapon.

2. Don't use revenge. Whatever revenge you give will not match the attack; it'll either punish someone who's accidentally attacked, be seen as a display of your weakness, or be excessive and lead to more fighting. Respond with love and kindness and make your enemy "burn with shame".

3. Behave as if your enemy is an ally. Sense their vulnerability and care for them. Let them know what good you expect from them and you may shape them into meeting these expectations.

4. Deconstruct the conflict. Understand the elements involved and remove yourself from them to resolve it.

5. Don't directly oppose power. Show your strength in other ways. Study the power, flow around it and surf on the parts that you find are going your way, ignoring the rest.

6. See your enemy from their side, and see their weaknesses. Find the enemy's desires and find ways to satisfy them without losing what you want to keep.

7. Make your enemy uncertain by not reacting how they expect.

8. Expand knowledge in all things in order to know your enemy more.

9. Say what it is you want, rather than what your grievance is. This is more positive. Let there be no hidden motives or secrets that the enemy can use; "information is like a rose, it grows thorns in your heart" if it is enclosed. Don't try to manipulate just by saying what people want.

10. Take time. Don't rush into what comes to mind first.

11. Try to remind your enemy of their better side. Be kind and reward them.

12. Let things die that cannot live. Do not expend all your energy on something that cannopt work.

Preaching

Sermons are often based on current affairs; lots of information is fed into people, so there's little time to dwell on words. The preacher is watched by the congregation, so is being judged, or may feel that they are.

Some organisations are very keen on just 'preaching the word': they feel that counselling etc wouldn't be needed if the preaching was better.

Sermons are fairly alien in society: most people don't regularly sit in a group being taught, often by an untrained speaker with no visual aids etc. Most information comes from TV and radio in short soundbites.

"The Gospel" is often assumed to mean words, but it is "the Truth" and a way of life of integrity. The words used are not appropriate to everyone: 'Father' may be a very negative image for some people.

Jesus preached by saying something weird then explaining it, for shock value eg the Beatitudes saying that various sorts of people in dire situations were actually blessed.

Preaching isn't the ONLY way of communication.

Privatisation (1995)

Privatised water companies have earned Ł6500,000,000 profits since privatisation, more than the price paid for the companies. Water bills have risen by two thirds on average. The reason for privatisation is debatable, since water companies are monopolies;

Companies argue that EU pollution directives have meant that more money needs to be spent, hence the increases. The government believed that extra money would come from 'The City' (ie investment), but a calculated 69% of the costs for improvements was paid for by customers.

Ł217,000,000 less than expected has been spent on sewage improvement nationally, and many companies expecting to do this work are in trouble. This, incidentally, has made share prices better.

A secret deal between the government and water companies allowed them to hoard up money for spending later. Some of this has been used to improve figures. John Gummer, the Environment Secretary, made a deal with Yorkshire Water to 'move' the official coastline to Hull so a Ł200m sewage plant didn't have to be built.

Many water companies have invested in other companies, losing Ł100s of millions in bad investments nationally. The Water Regulator was meant to make sure that customers' water bills weren't effected by these investments. A self-regulation system was meant to ensure this.

It is believed that water bills will continue rising at a speed greater than inflation at least until 2000. Ian Byatt, director of OFWAT (the regulation body) was described as 'a wimp' by a high-up City worker.

Share prices are seen as the most important thing. Share Options allow managers to buy shares at a fixed (original) rate. They get an instant profit on these; 25 managers have earned an estimated Ł4,000,000 pre tax on share options.

One-way prayer

Should prayer be answered instantly? Is there any point praying? Is God listening?

If your religion is really a part of your life, it'll be affected by how you feel and what situation you're in, therefore its rarely a 'quick fix' to happiness. Prayer is often enabling you to go out and do the job; don't expect a 'celestial hand' to do everything for you.

God sometimes expects 'leaps in the dark' - it's not safe!

LISTEN: You'll never hear if you're shouting all the time. "Be still and know..." SYMBOLS: Use more than words; where you are, your position, time of day... all makes a difference.

PATIENCE: Get away from the 'instance gratification' idea of 'developed' society.

Parenting and Christianity

"It's there on the landing that being a Christian really matters, not in the meetings" - Adrian Plass on family arguments.

Parents aren't 'grown up' as such. God is the real parents of the family. Don't try to be perfect; people don't want the perfect person, they want you. We will always be God's children, however 'grown up' we are.

"God is our daddy and he loves us, and our children, and we will always be God's children."

Quakerism

When I try to formulate what Quakerism means for my life I keep coming back to the stories; tiny soundbites of ministry which have lingered over years. My favourite was told at Summer school when I was ten: "We are each like a piece of glass in a stained-glass window, different colours in one frame. If you are a green piece, your role is to be as fully green as completely green as you can be, not to be brown like the piece next to you. Only if each of us plays fully plays our individual role - green, brown or orange - will the picture look right when the sunlight shines through.

In my life this expresses for me the more traditional Quaker belief that all of life is sacramental. Not that each moment that we live is holy, but that each moment, each experience has the potential to be holy when we live it to the full. I used to believe that there were good times and bad times, and the good ones were the holy ones. But I am coming to understand that each experience is God-given if we live it to the full: the painful end of a relationship; a premature death when all has not been completed; the devastating, searing experience we would not choose for ourselves... And yet, when they come upon us, to accept them, to mourn them, to howl and rage and live them brings us closer to ourselves, to others in their pain and maybe to what God intends us to be. The black and grey bits in my stained glass area as necessary as the yellow.

Rebel culture and social action

Sitting in the bath today, I wondered "What are we fighting for? What are we doing?".

Surprisingly, it took me some time:

It appears to me that to be a truly 'rebellious youth' I must see The Levellers at Glastonbury, buy hand-painted DMs, smoke gange and drink beer out of bottles. Unfortunately, as a member of Major's three(?!) million, I am unable to afford any of these things, and so have to question my status as a 'rebel'.

Looking at my stereotypical Youth, I find myself wondering whether, as in the 60s and 70s, all these civilly disobedient 'right on' people will be the bank managers and stock brokers of tomorrow, casually turning the wheels that make the rich richer and the poor poorer.

So what do we want? To 'kick out the Tories'? That might change some tax rates but, thinking about it, what can any government really do? The Labour or Liberal party can't do much now that non-elected groups have been given the run of things, and is Tony Blair particularly radical?. The country is (mostly) in the hands of finance and commerce, and though 'government money' really belongs to the people of Britain, with few nationally owned companies left all we 'own' as British citizens is a large amount of money that we have no control over. Cabinet ministers neatly side-step issues by saying "it's up to the share holders...": in a recent interview, I heard a minister admit that this only applied to corporate holders of large numbers of shares - the very people who benefit from financial injustice!

Class war? Buckingham Palace would make nice office space or yuppy flats, but we can't fool ourselves that this is some kind of 'righteous rebellion'. I don't support fox hunting, for instance, but surely inhumane farming and livestock transport is equally cruel, but on a much larger scale. Why aren't the saboteurs campaigning about this instead?

It seems that we want to have a go at 'the privileged' but still aspire to climb the social ladder with our craving for luxury 'lifestyle' products: BKs, KFCs, CDs, MTV, Segas and so on, all with a rather low environmental and ethical perspective.

Civil disobedience? How many people have had their much-loved and looked after property destroyed in the name of 'civil disobedience'? Being stoned, illegal raves and getting drunk round camp fires is cool, but is it healthy, and will it make our community a better place? Not necessarily. We are just swallowing the addictive bait of rich companies, and paying more money into the merry-go-round of injustice and exploitation.

Is the 60s 'free love' ('free' from consequence and commitment?) a good model for a new 90s uprising? Like every mass movement, it risks being undermined by self interest; would the last general election have gone the same way if people hadn't believed the Tory party's lies about Labour's taxation policy? The Tories' guess about Labour's inability to keep to their taxation plan may have been right, but what is the point in lower taxes when you end up paying for half the things that used to come free? Voting is now like shopping, except when shopping we consider whether we actually want the product as well as checking what it'll cost us!

Political activities do have a place, but if the motives are based on self interest, I can't support them. Beat the system? I'm sorry, but there isn't a system - just a lot of people, some selfish, some greedy, some stupid, and some quite nice really, muddling along and trying to stay alive. If we try to beat the enemy we find we're fighting ourselves, and God too.

So what is worth fighting for?

In my opinion: ethical/environmental small local business. Local decision-making, with a say for everyone (like YFGM!). People given the chance to do what they're best at. A conversion from profit-based to service-based industry with respect and equality throughout the workforce. Cleaner power/transport. An end to large scale road development. An end to nuclear power. An end to war, hunger, suffering, sin...

I wish throwing stones at riot police could improve this situation - it would make things a lot easier - but the enemy is in all of us, and the weapons of evil can never be used to stop evil. In short, it's no good just saying something or complaining; you have to do something, and that's the hard part.

I'm starting small; recycling, campaigning and using my consumer power and waiting for the 'evil empire' of greed and exploitation to collapse into a pile of bones as more and more people stop snatching bread from each other's mouths, and stuff this cannibalistic economy.

Reinventing church; post modern worship and holistic expression

Modern church should use multimedia in the same way as in non-church culture: people are used to receiving information in this way, not as a lecture-like sermon. SOUND BITE CULTURE.

Eg A church in Oxford uses video clips of fish; praise God for fish, and thus see God in all things, not just 'spiritual' things.

A Glasgow group hired a club at first, but it wasn't successful because no one understood what was going on.

These services use 'pop promo' style video clips, OHP and slide projections along with modern music, particularly dance music. Some have 'congregational' songs in the same style. Some (like Glasgow's Late Late Service) are structured, with a short sermon and led meditation space. This kind of service aims to be CULTURALLY RELEVANT. The LLS uses many traditional elements (Taiz‚ music and slides of icons) to give a sense of history.

DISCIPLESHIP should be an important element in a 'new' service or church. Organisers should ask what they're doing depthwise. The motivation shouldn't be "to attract people" but to DO SOMETHING TOGETHER. Techniques need to be learnt by experimentation.

A 'new' service can't do everything; some aspects of teaching cannot be included. The service is for people to express themselves to, and be expressed to by God. A 'traditional' service often does a lot not very well.

Modern music is very hard to do live. A 'roller coaster' tape gives little flexibility.

Religious 'choruses' are very much based in the 60s and 70s: 'new' services use the music (and images) as SYMBOLS to enable people to express or be expressed to. "A picture (or piece of music) paints 1000 words". Symbols can be misinterpreted, but so can talking about things as symbols (ie The Father, The Shepherd, The Door, The Kingdom - all symbols).

Choruses symbolise a previous culture; possibly older symbols can be used without 'unfashionable' images being generated (ie King Arthur is a popular 'icon', but last decade's fashion isn't).

Video is often copyrighted, though can sometimes be used in non-profit making situations. Performance of music is ok, but lyrics can't be copied or OHPed.

A 'new' service must change into the future, not creating a new tradition to stick to.

Conclusion: God must be in the new church. It must be 'professional', but also 'involve everyone'; a compromise, and not lacking in soul. The current culture is one of 'choosing' what we want from a vast array of commercial products available to us, usually at the lowest cost to ourselves. The church must be part of this, but must twist this attitude back the right way where we can see God in more than ever before, being aware of our responsibility to the world, releasing God in everything that God is present in.

PRACTICAL ISSUES:

Set up the venue in a way that communicates verbally/symbolically/atmospherically etc. OHP/slides/video on walls + hung fabric. Make sure visuals are big enough. Work on a culturally relevant theme. People 'grow' when they become uncomfortable - the atmosphere can show God and can be terrifying! You can generally nick stuff from TV and long as you don't re-sell it.

Keep it dark for projectors. We probably need more diversity, not bland services or 'catch-all' family services. Worship needs to be based on feminine concepts as well as masculine ones, though 'women-led' services are often merely based on 'masculine' ones because of convention.

The Christian idea that the Church is at variance with 'the world' in everything doesn't help: we are 'of the world'; we're human, whether Christian or not.

Our traditions shouldn't be more important than letting people find God.

Relationships - Happy Couples

After twenty years of research, scientists have decided that loving relationships are built, not found. The following ideas are based on the findings:

1. There's no Mr/s Right: everyone has something annoying about them. Expectations of safety, support, sex, sharing etc can be overoptimistic, and a relationship will go through stages as people mature.

2. Love is strengthened by pleases, thankyous, reassurance and kind acts. Small inconsiderate acts can become a big barrier, especially if a partner is unaware they are doing them.

3. There needs to be a balance between time for self and time for partner. "Keep the I in We"; have lives apart from the relationship.

4. A shared sense of humour will strengthen a relationship.

5. Arguments show that the lover is worth arguing with, and the effort of making up shows that the love means something. Research shows that succesful couples have ways of working through problems as a team, not being totally stubborn.

6. Succesful forgiving (after ranting and raging) will help a relationship work.

7. Relationships need a balance between honesty and silence eg a partner might not reveal they'd met an ex-lover socially (if this would upset their partner), but if this meeting was having an effect on the relationship, it should be revealed.

8. Gossiping about a partner shows a lack of respect; a strong relationship is one that has its own secrets. In all our sexual and platonic relationships we have different secrets which might not cross over. This is how we keep our friendships instead of emptying them all out into one 'super relationship' with a partner.

9. Good partners have similar sexuals 'rhythms' ie they go through stages of sexual desire which match each other's. This way, each meets the other's sexual needs instead of demanding what the other doesn't want to give at that time.

Revolutionary Christianity

¬ of World population owns 85% of the wealth.

Christians often see that 'establishing a personal relationship with God' is the primary aim. People, as a result, often become 'stuck at first base' in that they are constantly 'building Christian spiritual foundations' without considering responses to real word issues. The most important laws, according to Jesus, are Love God, and Love Your Neighbour As Yourself; both putting others first. A common Christian response to social problems is in the giving of money but, while NGOs are pleased to receive this, Jesus' parables and preaching on social action had to do with personal actions. NGOs ask that people both give money, campaign, and live in a way that supports the work of the NGO. Giving money when an unjust system is in place is put in perspective by the fact that $3bn (the largest amount ever) was given to Africa in 1985 and $6bn was taken away in debt repayments in the same year.

It is estimated that unfair trading between the rich Northern countries and Africa has cost it $19bn. Fair trade would allow African countries to grow less cash crops (ie they'd be paid more per acre) and more food for home consumption.

Richard Hamilton (1922-) - the father of pop art

Pop Art is an umbrella for a number of artists (including Peter Blake and Richard Hamilton) of about the same period. They all started similar, but have grown apart. RH didn't have an artistic background: his father delivered cars (cars were an influence on his art later on). In the 60s and 70s, life drawing was looked down on, but RH did lots of it.

"It's hard to detach a work of art from the knowledge of the artist": George Melly (ie you 'like' work by your favourite artist, musician, writer etc).

'Thoughtful' drawing (based on literature, or being clever with visual puns etc) is sometimes popular and sometimes not. RH did some: one picture is based on a passage that describes characters in the style of different writers; his picture of it had the characters in the style of different artists.

RH was expelled from the Royal Academy (which had an anti-Piccasso Principal). He was affected by Surrealism, which was dying out then. A lot of his pictures at that time resembled lines of force. They developed to include hints of objects, towards a Cezanne style (Cezanne was a formulater of Cubism). Marselle Duchont was a great influence on RH. Post-War art was very much into 'lion and unicorn' triumphalistic symbolism which was the antithesis of RH's work. Inspired by US comics, he began creating modern still-lifes. Traditional still lifes used bottles, fruit, baskets etc. RH's still lifes used modern items like juke boxes, cars, logos etc. Strangely, RH was quite left wing (he went to prison once after protesting against nuclear weapons and, later on, he was anti-Thatcher), despite using capitalistic images for his art.

A key painting at the beginning of Pop Art is What is it that makes the modern home so much better, so much more appealing? which contained bits of magazine pictures, pin-ups and images of the latest hi-tech home equipment. The term Pop Art may have come from the fact that the character in the foreground is holding a lollipop with 'pop' written on it.

This picture is a marked contrast to the 90's disillusionment with future and technology. The art of that time was fascinated by machinery (the Dadaist movement had a strong following): books like Metropolis envisioned people becoming machines. RH was never against using mechanical means to make his art, but he was one of the most serious of the pop artists, not 'playing with' technology in order to come up with something new.

One of his pictures is of a suggestive badge, recreated 4 or 5 feet across, making it quite bizarre. It was later recreated as a badge, changing it to a symbol of pop art instead of its original meaning.

He used cinematic stills and re-touched them. This has a parallel with artists' use of classical literature as a basis for their pictures.

Marilyn Monroe was an icon of Pop Art: she was sexy, popular, mass produced, but also human.

He is a perfectionist: when asked to do a copy of a Duchont mixed-media picture, he got the electrical wire used in the original manufactured to be exactly the same. Duchont, at one stage, chose various objects and signed them, saying "The artist doesn't have to produce the item; he just has to choose it." The 'pile of bricks' type of art is a descendant of this.

RH started using more technology. One picture is a blown-up detail of a photograph which was faxed and then repainted.

The next stage, a dark part f his life when his wife died, involved romantic pictures which contained images of toilet tissue or faeces.

For most of his life he was very modernist and had all the latest technology in his city home. Later on he suddenly decided to move to a farm in the country, disillusioned with modernism and the hope for future-utopia and the end to all suffering.

Righteous living - four problems and ten answers

Four problems

1. We think we're made in original sin, not original righteousness, and don't try to restore our righteousness again.

2. We think we're blank sheets, not people who have the image of God imprinted on us.

3. Depression is on the rise because it's a way we deal with our feeling of helplesness. We don't see that there are choices we can make, so resort to withdrawal and depression.

4. We think God is like us and our culture, and we despise others' cultures, or we think our culture has nothing of God in at all. We fail to see the paradox.

solutions

1. Dream dreams: refuse to believe that which is is greater than that which isn't.

2. Organise, don't fantasise. Don't just dream.

3. Dream with others in your community. Jesus prayed to our father. We are too "me", and like to recieve personally from our safe clubs and only to give what we want.

4. Be a peace maker, not a peace lover.

5. God's kingdom come. The dream isn't a 'revival' ("a spiritual ripple going through a culture"), but social justice as found in Isiah's prophecies.

6. God's glory, not ours. Maintain justice and do what is right. Find the absolutes of justice and make them stronger and don't stop.

7. Don't be happy: be true. The idea of happiness is not the goal of many cultures; the goal is to achieve something good [Hinduism].

8. You're not your (brother's) keeper; you're your (brother's) (brother).

9. Grow and bloom where you are, or you won't bloom anywhere.

10. Follow Jesus: there's more written about being a disciple and building 'The Kingdom' than there is about being "born again".

Jesus belongs to every culture. The meek inherit the earth and don't destroy it. Read and read and soak up the life of Jesus until you can follow it.

Satire

Humour is a useful tool:

1. You can laugh about what you're up-tight about; things that are hard to talk about. "Satire liberates us from the thought that we are the only one that way".

2. Satire using actual quotes from somebody can be used to raise conscious to things people have said or done. Receptive raising of consciousness (through receptive entertained attitude) can lead to action.

"If we get too serious about something we get arrogant" eg experts on any subject tend to be intimidating; satire fights back against this.

"Satire is a way of raising an issue."

Satire is memorable, and can be a non-aggressive way of pointing out bad points without condemning the whole.

Satire doesn't have to be funny.

"Everybody needs someone who loves them enough to satirise the things in them that are wrong."

Semantics, syntax and everyday language

I have become fascinated by language; not so much foreign languages (my French education was brought to a grinding halt by verbs), or even dialects within any single language, but the everyday language we speak all the time. In this article I hope to investigate the versatility of verbal communication and the ways in which it can be used and misused. I also hope it will be vaguely readable!

I think my interest in this subject was triggered by watching people talking, particularly the arguments where I wish I could make the arguers see that, in reality, they're both saying the same thing.

Definitions

As a one-time computer programmer, I'll begin my investigation by taking the subject apart into the smallest parts (a top-down approach) and introducing syntax and semasiology. According to the definition in the Concise Oxford Dictionary: (Syntax)" sentence construction, the grammatical arrangement of words in speech or writing, set of rules governing this". (Semasiology)" branch of philosophy concerned with meanings".

More simply, what we say is in two parts: The words we choose to use and what we actually mean.

Problems

Each different language obviously has different words that mean the same thing. As an almost totally unilingual person myself I know only too well the difficulty I would have in communicating what I mean in any language other than English.

Looking deeper into the subject of words and meanings it becomes evident that each individual person also has their own 'language' even in groups of a single nationality.

So whatever you say, you can never be absolutely sure that the person you are speaking to actually understands what you mean.

Conflict

By way of example, two people (A and B) might be arguing about that favourite conversation starter - the weather:

Person A: "It absolutely freezing."

Person B: "What do you mean? It's really hot."

Person A: "Are you stupid... etc"

A rather silly example, but puts across the point that in this case it was probably not technically 0øC, nor is it sweltering, but person A feels cold and person B hot.

If A and B could have said what they really meant, the whole conflict situation would have been avoided. Most arguments I come across seem to involve arguers making 'absolute' statements (ie "it's really hot") that imply that anyone of a different opinion is wrong.

Subconscious effects

Though hard to prove, I also believe that the words we use (syntax) to express our meanings can have subconscious effects on the listener. Everyone has seen the techniques of politicians used (with varying rates of success): The famous Bush "Read my lips" quote is remembered by many because of his astonishing turn-around on the taxation policy he was referring to, but I feel the statement is also memorable because of its wording. Winston Churchill meant "don't give up defending Britain" in his famous second world war speech, but "We will fight them on the beaches..." has gone down in history as a 'classic quote'. In many other ways people have manipulated, motivated or bored people with their choice of syntax; this is why I believe it is so important to think more about our language.

Resolution

I feel that 'cleaning up our language' in a real sense (not just removing 'socially unacceptable' words) could play an important part in conflict resolution and prevention, better expressing concerns and feelings, encouraging people during difficult times etc.

Many times when I've been in very painful situations I've been told "You should pull yourself together" or "Don't worry about it". I'm sure these people meant to be encouraging, but to me their meaning became "Your situation isn't important enough to worry about; you don't matter" - not very helpful!

Into my catalogue of 'bad words' I have put "must", "should" and "can't" among others. I suppose I'd include all words that are used to make statements so 'unchangeable' that they can make people subconsciously 'cross off' options, or lead to feelings of guilt if the statement is 'disobeyed': "You can't give up your job in a recession", "You must come round sometime", "I shouldn't be enjoying myself when there's so much to do" and so on. It's interesting to look at popular phrases, seeing all the ways in which they could be misunderstood, and working out alternative ways of expressing them to avoid this. One of my 'pet hate' phrases is "Just good friends", which implies to me that just being good friends is somehow inferior to other kinds of relationships.

Of course there are many other factors that effect the 'meaning' of our statements (body language, relationship with listener, cultural background, relevance to situation, sarcasm etc). In fact, people who know each other very well almost seem to communicate telepathically.

Of course, it's impossible to get it right all the time, but looking at words and meanings can help to make relationships work better and prevent misunderstandings.

In the end, I suppose, we just do the best we can...

Self, image and conflict

"OKness". Most people are "frog" and "prince" ie they both like and dislike things about themself.

In churches, the culture is often to "put yourself down" but... GOD WANTS US TO FEEL OK! Feeling not-OK comes from messages given to us in life (childhood, school, adolescence, family, home...). Sometimes our needs make us feel not-OK. It can stop us from addressing the needs.

Empowerment of self: Power over / power under can lead to confrontation and violence. Once groups are recognised as groups, they can be seen more or less powerful than our 'group' and seen in a stereotypical way. This works with other things too; humans and nature, work and leisure, adulthood and childhood. A lot of violence is due to people not understanding or expressing their feelings.

People find it easier to cope by grouping things together, but this gives a false image; NOTHING IS IDENTICAL. Being in a group can alter attitudes; either leading to a higher level of radicalism or to apathy. This can be useful, but there is a danger of losing individualism and free choice. It is possible to hide in a group and not be responsible; this leads to prejudice, violent racist actions, wars... Humans are very prone to surrendering responsibility. "I think therefore I am" (I surrender my ability to think and act, therefore I am not). Not admitting to a feeling can allow it to control.

Sex and the century

[Monogamy]

I have a theory that societies subconsciously change sexual habits as a result of their circumstances. Could it be that voluntarily childless couples (both homo and heterosexual) and childless single people have somehow become aware that population has reached a maximum level and should be reduced? Many couples with children decide to use contraceptives or to be sterilised.

I have more or less decided not to father children, and maybe to remain single, as have many other people who I would consider as being 'non-instinctive' when it comes to making decisions. I would consider the alternative to this to be people who do not link intercourse to children, and 'deal with the problem' when it comes.

Shadows - inner self

[The Divided Self]

Shadows are things in us that make us react in a strange way to a situation: eg a terrible fear of clowns might make someone react in a totally unexpected way at a circus. Thus shadows aren't evil; they're just things in us, not apparent to the outside world, that effect our reactions and choices.

We need, therefore, to 'dance with the shadows': to plan experiences beforehand. We can, in a private place, go through how our shadow will effect us in a certain situation, and plan ahead for that so we don't react in a way that will confuse or hurt other people. Otherwise, our actions will be given a hidden agenda by the power of the shadow. In other word, when our shadow 'takes us off the dance floor' we are in trouble...

A shadow can be negative and 'wallowy': grief can be addictive, and can be a shadow. King David was filled with remorse when he'd caused the death of Bathsheba's husband, but after he'd had his punishment, he went straight back into life. By holding on to a death and grief for ever, it just destroys self and others: eg keeping someone's room unchanged after their death may be a memorial, but does it do any good to the person who's died; it may just be a waste of a room! But, compassion waits for the right time. However, King David's servants were quite shocked to see him up and about so soon after being in the depths of mourning!

Some shadows are useful and common: these could be called archetypes: shyness, paranoia, mourning etc: they all have strong hold which can drain life and prevent action. Most of these archetypes are useful in the right place, though. Many of our shadows are given to us by our early experience of adults: this is very unfair, but it's up to us to work through them.

Recognising and uncovering shadows from our subconscious is useful, but care should be taken about context and time. Prayer can be useful, but sometimes it is the last thing you should do, if that's what your shadow is about.

Uncovering a shadow might be a ritual throwing away or burning things kept from a painful memory, or celebrating or grieving an event. A personal ritual can be a good way, or something shared. Some things may need counselling of some sort, so discretion is vital. Clothes can be used in these rituals; they are a powerful symbol and can be used to empower a strong part of your self to overcome a shadow eg wearing DMs can symbolise being 'hard' (see Signs and Symbology) and thus take away fear. Likewise, wearing a smart suit to an interview can bring out confidence in self.

Do we have to uncover and 'conquer' all our shadows? Aren't the shadows part of our personality? Are shadows demons that should be cast out? Most shadows have their place, but we must own them, not let them own us.

Signs and symbology

Symbols are different to signs: a sign only has one meaning ie STOP / NO ENTRY / WC. Symbols are more complex: a monk's habit is a sign and a symbol; a sign that he is a monk and a symbol (to many people) of chastity, devotion, poverty, holiness etc. A hair style is a symbol which can give the impression that a person is fashionable, rebellious, conformist...

Some individuals' outward symbols are not clear and have to be explained.

Clothes are used to symbolise what we're like: we use them to present an image (like the hair style). Most people dress up for different events in order to present the desired image to whatever set of people they're mixing with. In this way, someone can be thought of as "a punk" and "a respectable bank clerk"! at different times.

Image is very important in the commercial/media/political worlds. It is a 'make or break' thing.

We can use symbols to enable us to express ourselves too. By wearing clothes that 'fit in' with others, we feel part of the group. By wearing different clothes, we can stand out and be noticed. A rebellious T shirt or big stompy boots can make us feel threatening and less frightened. Symbols also release our energy and emotion in a spiritual way. Using a candle or an icon when we meditate, or changing our body posture when we pray can have a marked effect.

We project symbol interpretation onto God ie perceptions of 'Father' are varied; to some people 'Father' symbolises someone unkind, and projects a bad image (and thus a bad perception) onto the person of God. This leads to knowing that 'God is Love', but not perceiving it.

Jesus symbolised God in a more real way than 'God is like...'. Parables also used many symbols (the Samaritan, the Tax Collector, Wise and Foolish Virgins) which all carried ideas. Any of those hearing about the Tax Collector could have told you what the man was like, though Jesus never said that this character was unjust or sinful.

The way people react to a symbol tells a lot about what they're like. In this way you can test your own 'gut reaction' to something more easily than intellectualising it.

People are all different; some understand and react to symbols more than others. However, even the word-language of religion is symbolic ie it puts across concepts (like "being free", "being forgiven") that create a different image to different people. You can't fully believe that God "loves you as you are" unless you've experienced being "loved as you are".

Christian growth is about discarding incorrect images of God and replacing them with true ones. Of course, God also helps!

Socialisation, psychodetermination and biodetermination

There are a number of unresolved issues regarding how people come to be what they are. I've used the above terms to cover the different ideas.

Socialisation: A pure socialisation theory is based on the Tabula Rasa (blank slate) idea that when we are born, the way we are treated throughout our lives decides what our personality/interests/self image etc is. This theory states that 'maleness' and 'femaleness' are purely 'taught' by our experiences and it is theoretically possible to create a 'female' man and a 'male' woman.

Psychodetermination: Some people believe that 'pre-memory' experiences have effects on our personality etc. Thus, experiences whilst in the womb and during childbirth can have long lasting effects on personality.

Biodetermination is believed to play a large part in personality by some. The idea is that our personality is genetically coded in us, defining intelligence and possibly many other things. The idea of a 'gay' gene comes under this. Biodetermination can also come from hormonal effects, thus disputing the ideas of male and female socialisation. Researchers believe that approx 75% of intelligence capacity is bio-based.

Astrological determination may also be an issue, but I have not studied this.

I believe all three of the concepts above (and possibly the fourth) play a part in determining the way we are. In favour of biodetermination, castration can reduce aggressive behaviour.

The dividing line between psychodermination's 'pre-memory' and socialisation is not clear. Certainly early memories can have psychological effects in later life; maybe they can also have character-forming effects too?

My (largely unresearched) theory is than genetic characteristics effect physical appearance (thus effecting socialising forces ie tall/short people are treated differently), certain male and female characteristics, capacity for learning + strength, certain tendencies of character, psychodetermination (which is often reversible) can cause phobias (from early traumas) and maybe other problems, and socialisation has a large effect on many character attributes, probably most of the 'programming' during childhood.

Astral determination is an interesting concept; what's to say that the time of year we are born into doesn't effect how we are: would being born in cold stormy weather effect a baby differently than being born in hot sunny weather?

Overall, these issues have wide implications regarding education, employment and lifestyle. For example, "Women can do two things at once; men can't", "Africans have a natural sense of rhythm", "Germans are boring", "Jews are miserly", "Girls develop quicker than boys", "Leos are outgoing"....

Quotes: "What happened to me as a child is at the root of everything I do"... "Damaged people are dangerous because they know they can survive" - Billy Conolly. "...codes for our personality, mental processes... everything we do comes from our brain" - genetic scientist talking about DNA coding.

So - you got lucky

There were about twenty of us, friends from various connections. I was one of the oldest, but did not feel at all confident amongst the excited teenagers. We were briefed by a young man who can't have been more than eighteen. His mumbled speech was mostly incomprehensible so Paul, one of our group, explained again to those of us who had never used the weaponry before.

I strapped the gun over my shoulder and pointed it at the ground as I had seen soldiers do in Northern Ireland and outside army barracks. It fitted the hands easily, the trigger resting against my index finger for rapid repeated firing; I realised then how many other tools I've used were designed in a similar way, but for less deadly purposes.

I followed the others through a dark door into a maze of walls, windows and passageways. Soon I was alone in the darkness, untraceable sounds filtering and bouncing through narrow alleyways. Where was the enemy? Who was the enemy? I wondered if I could hide through the battle and maybe escape without using the weapon that somehow by its very shape urged me to use it.

Figures loomed out of the darkness, shouting, spinning, ducking and firing. I don't remember firing the first shots. It just felt natural, to defend oneself from attack.

Soon I was creeping through the alleyways, ducking behind walls and into dark corners, jumping across open spaces like a US cop movie, always seeking enemies, always seeking targets.

Enemies. Some of them I knew; a colleague from work, her boyfriend, even some of my friends may have been on the other side when we started. Who knows how we choose which side we're on, or what categorisation makes us friends or enemies; no time to change your mind now...

Now the battle seemed all against all, no time to plan or work together, no 'front line', no leaders, no communication. A girl appeared around a corner, she looked like a student, with large glasses. I saw her face close up - is she an enemy? We both frantically fired at each other, me unable to read any expression into the memory of her expression; there was no hate, no fear. Just a strange coolness. Did I look the same? I don't know if any of my shots hit; I didn't see her again.

I found Isabel defending our base and tried to help, deciding that defending was somehow closer to my ideals than attacking, though is shooting in defence a paradox? My colleague's boyfriend charged recklessly towards us, unstoppable even by both of us firing. There were so many avenues of attack and defence...

Just then an eletronic voice boomed out of the speakers "RETURN TO ENERGON ROOM, RETURN TO ENERGON ROOM". We hung up our laser packs in the dim gloom. I walked out into the bright light of the 'superbowl', past a sign saying "QUASAR - YOU WILL RETURN". I hoped I wouldn't: my legs ached and I had a rather sick feeling that this is how I would feel if the bullets and guns were real. I was not the only one who found the game tasteless. As I waited for the score printouts I wondered whether "QUAKAR" (an electronic mediation zone game) could ever catch on...

"So - you got lucky"

Spiritual and moral decline

"We're in a spiritual and moral decline", "Churches should give a strong moral lead".

With education and choice, people in Britain no longer want to be told what to believe by church teachers. Unfortunately, neither do they want to take responsibility for spiritual and moral decline. We are more critical, and our media has opened everything up to scrutiny (ie the failure of royal marriages); many historical figures could (eg Henry IV) never have stayed in power nowadays. We've seen authority needlessly waste lives in badly planned wars. Contraception has changed adultery; both men and women can be unfaithful to a partner without conceiving children, so alduterers need no longer be able to financially support out-of-wedlock offspring.

We want church leaders to make strong statements, then we will ignore the statements and do whatever we want anyway. Traditional values come from times when society was not as favourable or open as it is currently. Some of these values existed in Christendom. Christendom no longer exists.

Church is often aimed at a particular culture. Maybe common values of care and social action are required to build communities of many different types of people. Examples of this kind of working together could be seen in road protest camps, where rich country landowners could be found protesting alongside homeless 'travellers'.

Spiritual journeying and growth

Spiritual journey defined: Conversion, Being filled with the spirit, dissatisfaction, awakening, action, bearing fruit, being refreshed.

We learn and grow by acting and reflecting. Growth is seeing and experiencing God more fully.

Surrender

Many religions have "the surrendering of will" to whatever deity is appropriate as their central goal. However, while a surrender in human terms typically means being entirely controlled and owned by the controller, a religious surrender means more a surrender of will - to decide to use talents and mind to serve your God.

Many surrenderers seem to expect to be more or less "Zombies of God" after giving their all, but the more mind we have, the more we are expected to use it to discern the Will of God.

Structure in (religious) organisations

A religious framework makes structure easier; organisations like the Quakers have no 'spiritual' leaders and so have to create an 'artificial' framework.

Action needs structures; that's what they're for. They are powerful tools that enable individuals to act powerfully. Examples are trade unions, the police force, parliament... However, people are often willing to let the structure control them; those administrating structures often become defensive and unwilling to change. A long-standing structure can pick up historical baggage which prevents the structure working (eg Army / Navy / Air force rivalry is dangerous in a war situation). Structures become like this when the members feel they have 'got there'; in this situation the structure should be allowed to die, especially if it is stifling people.

The purpose of a structure is not to make someone feel insignificant, but to give them the combined power of many people to use. Particularly in the early 21st century, there is a lack of the 'heroes' of the Enlightenment; 'normal' people have to take action, empowered by structures.

Spirituality (Quakers)

Are we spiritual?

... in response to Emily Miles' article in YQ Oct 1995.

(unpublished)

STOP PRESS! Spirituality is what connects us to everything else. A spiritual experience is therefore one in which I feel very closely connected to someone else, for good or bad. Continued 'spiritual contact' will lead to the feeling that the part of you and the part of the other are somehow joined, making you feel larger and synergetic. Breaking of the closeness will make you feel like a part of you is missing. Spiritual closeness cannot be constrained by distance, time or even death; we can be deeply spiritually inspired by people in history, or feel our situation and feelings are very similar.

To answer the question, we need to define what 'spirituality' is: the 90s have become a time of consumer spirituality; just look at the Frutopia advert (a psychedelia kaleidescopic advert with 60s music) - Frutopia is made by Coca Cola corporation, by the way. Can drinking it be spiritual?!). 90s "spiritual experience" varies between 'spiritual retreat' type courses for rich people and "Wow; spiritual, man!" Californianese hippy-speak.

Clearly, Friends feel that something is missing from

Quakerism, but what?

Working through the myriad meanings of the ambiguous word, I came up with the following:

1. "Life spirit" is what people feel is present in living people. We all have that.

2. "Spirited" beings are lively and indomitable: Young Friends to a tee.

3. "The spirit of the...": the truth of something, not always clear without experience. Young Friends endeavour to find the spirit of business through consensus and co-silence. Maybe 'soul' is appropriate here. OK there then.

4. "Kindred spirit" or "Soul mate": people in very close friendship and direction. There are plenty of Quaker soul mates.

5. "The Holy Spirit": a person or benevolent energy; one of the three persons or aspects of God. Maybe this is our problem; not all Quakers believe in God, but is this a problem?

To really explore the issue, set aside some time in a quiet place and ask yourself the following:

1. "What is my spirituality?"

2. "When have I had a spiritual experience?"

3. "What made it a spiritual experience?"

4. "Do I know any spiritual people; what makes them so?"

My answers are:

1. Spirituality= the way in which I communicate my inner spirit; the part of me that is what I am, not what I do, more why I do. To be spirit-led I must "follow the promptings of the inner light", as the early Friends would say, though we only seem able to describe this in metaphors.

2. At one YFGM, I had a certain view about an item of business, but suddenly felt a deep peace, almost a relief, about a different decision. This, to me, was a spiritual decision which, in a non spiritual decision-making process, I would decided differently on.

3. My "spiritual experiences" are often feelings of uplift, safety, joy, hope, relief and love that come from Meetings, close friends, rave music and beautiful scenery among other things. They are things which "touch my soul". They are times when I am really me.

I don't think Young Friends are lacking in spirituality, but I would like us to share more of our experience of the Other. Spiritual communication crops up all over the place; for me in talking about spirituality with four Friends inbetween business, in the musical sound of the train time announcer at Newcastle Station, in conversation on the train in a friendly crowded carriage...

Spirituality in the 21st century

The beliefs that are most useful to us are those we have learnt to trust through experience. As we learn more we may change the trusted beliefs we base ourselves on. In an African(?) religion, the "five percent nation", the number one represents knowledge, two represents wisdom and three (one plus two) is understanding, a combination of knowledge and wisdom.

Sufi religious teachers tell a story about a river that always dried up when crossing a desert. The sands told it that the only way it could cross the desert was to become clouds and be carried by the wind. Though many religions see their 'path' as the only way to God, many modern people see religions as 'vehicles' to use for different parts of their journey, like the clouds carried by the wind.

The question is "Why do we journey?". Is it a selfish desire for a heaven or for personal good feelings, or is it because of an inbuilt desire to become one with our God and with all nature?

It is arguable that all these views can be encompassed in most religions; either the selfish or the altruistic.

It is equally arguable that there is some set of 'absolutes' of loving behaviour and evil behaviour, though these are very fuzzy: for instance, a fundamentalist of a religion would believe that loving another human would be to convert them to 'the truth', whereas a 'liberal' would be more likely to look to their physical needs and not seek to change their spiritual beliefs.

Student life

1. Organise your time.

2. Money: don't join loads of clubs; you may be able to join free later on and you may not have time. Budget how much you'll get and what you afford to spend each week. An overdraft is likely to be necessary. Shop round for cheap stuff at charity shops and sales. Keep on good terms with banks; if you're going overdrawn, work out a realistic budget of your finances to give to your bank. Telephoning is expensive: write letters or get people to phone you.

3. Living alone: you don't know what anyone's like, so don't have prejudiced ideas of what people are like.

4. Keep relationships in proportion.

5. Talk to other students: learn from their mistakes.

6. Freedom: choose to do what you want.

7. Work: there are many ways of organising work etc. Don't spend lots of money of 'organisational equipment'. You can probably do a lot of DIY organisation with shoe boxes etc.

8. Books: Don't rush out to buy your entire book-list. Many can be obtained from the library if you're quick. Some can be obtained from older students second-hand. Some are not necessary; they were just written by your lecturer!

9. Practice note-taking, possibly from news programmes.

10. Keep in touch with other friends.

11. Use free student services. There is counselling, careers advice etc. There are plenty of cheap deals for students too; shop discounts, reduced travel, sports clubs...

12. Sort out what rent will cost: read the small print. Shared houses are a good way of getting some new friends, or you can gang together with some people you know to share. 'Bed/breakfast/evening meal' accommodation is sometimes a bit restrictive.

13. Don't go mad; staying out late, drink, drugs etc is tempting, but expensive. Set aside a budget for 'entertainment'. A night out can cost Ł10-Ł15 or more, which is enough for a week's food.

Theatre & being an audience

Theatre is a physical representation of a statement. It can be very powerful (ie emotive).

Christians think they've got monopoly on Truth and motivation.

Theatre should be entertaining. If you make people laugh you can make them also think more deeply. If you can make people dance, the same is true. QUALITY BREEDS RESPECT; even if you don't like something that's good, you cannot despise it.

Being an audience: Having an open mind is essential, but be careful! Respect what the performers are representing. Work out your own opinion. Being a good audience is a gift. Remember, how you watch can affect how the performers perform.

The Church, Post-Enlightenment and the new culture

It is becoming increasingly evident that there is a problem in society. The 50s' vision of a techno utopia with moon bases, space exploration and a leisure society have been dashed on the harsh realities of recession in the 1990s.

Many people are no longer seeing the technical advances of the Enlightenment Age as a good thing, as we are bought nuclear arms, large scale pollution, inner city deprivation and ethical questions concerning scientific experimentation with life itself.

The Church

The human church is largely built around the Enlightenment; Males tend to dominate its hierarchical structures and people seek 'cure all' answers from the Bible. It seems that individual views of God aren't encouraged. Instead, dominant leaders teach others their own vision as if they know all about God.

Individuality in worship is hard to achieve in 'conventional' denominations. In the more evangelical denominations it seems that freedom is only allowed if you want to be more outrageous than the rest of the congregation !

Post-Enlightenment

The current generation of young adults (16-30ish) is probably that most affected by the change of outlook on life. This is particularly evident in the current popularity of 'new age' techniques as people begin to see the lack of spirituality in society.

As far as the human church is concerned, its outlook is often determined by a variety of ministers, priests and leaders. For this reason, a wide variety of alternative beliefs and techniques have people screaming "New Age!" and running a mile, even though they often have no knowledge or a rather one sided teaching on the subject.

This is rather reminiscent of some doctors' castigation of 'alternative medicine' despite clear evidence in many cases that alternative approaches to healing can be very effective. The 'Enlightenmentesque' approach would've deprived us of homoepathy, faith healing and relaxation techniques to name but a few.

In some denominations it's easy to develop the idea that to believe the 'right things' and go to enough meetings is what God wants.

The creation of a fictional 'New Age Movement' as 'The Enemy' brings back memories of American paranoia in the 1950s about communism. The New Culture:

Many members of the church feel that their faith and vision of God is not compatible with the faith that's preached to them. Others find that their encounters with 'The Enemy' doesn't match what their church leaders have told them, as 'new agers', homosexuals, and 'non Christians' for example don't turn out to be as evil as they'd thought.

Some discard God and the church altogether. Others are lucky to escape to one of the 'alternative' churches that are springing up around the country.

The alternative culture is intended to be flexible and up to date. Currently the norm is some of these churches is rave music and video projections, mixed with Eastern and Western approaches to worship and meditation. Members agree that the individuality of these churches should be retained, as well as that of those who attend.

Refugees from the paranoid atmosphere of some of the more right wing churches might fear the watering down of 'real Christianity' in this new culture. I hope followers of God never forget the prophecy "I desire justice, not sacrifice" and will always concern themselves with the needs of the naked, the sick and the prisoner.

As for me, a Methodist refugee attending a Quaker meeting, I'm on the look out for God wherever I can find Him and Her, and I'd rather worship to the sound of 'The Shaman' than Graham Kendrick !

The Divided Self - psychology and religion

When people act in a way that is not normal for them, people usually ask "what's got into them" as if their strange behaviour has come from outside. Surely these strange actions come from inside a person.

Often we justify things that we or others do that surprise or disgust us because of a belief/behaviour division. We're actually taught to split our belief and behaviour by our society eg if a child's given a present they don't like, they have to behave as if they're grateful, though they believe that they don't like the gift. Sometimes people will steal, believing that it's somehow just to do so because "they can afford it" or "it's not fair I'm not earning as much as them". In churches, people are often expected to appear 'full of the Spirit' even if they feel miserable, and that this is somehow encouraging to other Christians, not living a lie and damaging to the self.

These actions are known in psychology as "reframing": the act of changing the name of the reason behind an action to make it appear alright.

Reframing is often an unconscious process unless it is sought out: every action we carry out is our responsibility, but the amount of blame can vary. However, we must give the true name to our actions: many Christian 'leaders' abuse their power thinking that they have some kind of God-given right to do so, or that they have the absolute truth and they have to force others to agree with them in any way. The crusaders used their religious beliefs as the reason behind their behaviour of conquest, rape, murder and theft.

A lot of this 'bad behaviour', especially in churches, is a refusal to explore the shadows that exist inside us. Christianity encourages this by putting forward the idea of being 'born again' and leaving the past behind. Even a person who suddenly 'converts' to Christianity is still the same person, and their shadows will effect them. We are like a rope, with many strands, and some of these strands may be damaged even if the 'rope' looks alright from the outside.

For this reason, we need to 'sit down with our sins':

This process involves looking at what we do that could be seen as wrong by God or by others, and giving that 'sin' its true name, fining the true reason behind it. These things are often well hidden and take a lot of 'unravelling' to find. The process should include our 'archetypes': our old self, how we used to appear to the world, our current self, and how we appear to others now. We need to discuss ourself with all these factors present, and this discussion is a lengthy process, but is certainly worth it.

The Internet

What is a Christian view on it? Internet was started by ARPANET, a military system to connect military computer networks throughout USA. This was joined by military research centres. When the system was taken over by NSFNET, non-millitary universities also connected to the national system. The Internet is now a virtual network of physical networks in universities and other establishments, connected together through telephone lines. Service Providers now allow home users to connect to a local network, giving access to the (now international) Internet telephone connections.

The World Wide Web (a graphical hypertext system that allow a user to seamlessly jump through information stored on different computers around the world as if all the information was on a single computer) is growing the fastest. There are 20m(?) users on the Internet in 1995.

Problems: technology makes us do things faster and not consider our actions so much. E mail is almost instantaneous. The Internet allows us to skip what we're not interested in, carry out actions without seeing or feeling a responsibility for the effects, and access unbalanced and sometimes inaccurate information without necessarily being able to check it.

Information is words and numbers, knowledge is the awareness of what this is, but wisdom is having the power and sense to act appropriately and build further wisdom on the information. We have a duty to act wisely and give wisdom on the Internet.

The Internet is, sadly, an easy place to communicate without feeling the effects, and has attracted unwise users who enjoy 'flaming' (sending personal attacks) others, trivial communications and time-wasting unproductive playing with the technology.

Internet communications have been compared to praying, with Send being like an Amen button; we send the request, etc, and wait for the reply, not seeing the receiver of our communication.

Apart from financial constraints and passwords, the Internet is a 'flat' hierarchy; all people can have a equal say and can ignore or screen messages from anyone.

Internet can be a way of building real communities (some people feel more a member of the Internet than of a physical country), though lack of physical human connection can lead to a lack of commitment to community. We have a duty to others, whether in a Internet community or a physical one.

Often physical and Internet communities are formed together in cyberpubs/clubs/caf‚s.

Will the Internet split into different states? It could be that regular users of a particular set of sites communicate certain information about users of other sites: Regular 'flamers' might be excluded from communication groups, and incorrect information can be easily sent. It could be that certain social or racial groups are not able to get access to computers. Many people still don't live anywhere near any phone lines, let alone computers.

Real community involves hugs and dropping in for a cup of coffee...

The Kingdom - Jesus

The Kingdom of heaven is like:

1. a man who sowed seeds. Enemies sowed weeds amongst them but he said "Wait until it grows, then cut the weeds down"

2. a mustard seed. It starts as a small seed but grows to a large tree that shelters animals.

3. yeast that makes bread grow bigger.

4. treasure that's buried in a field that a man sells everything to buy.

5 a precious pearl that a merchant finds and sells everything to purchase.

6. a net that catches all fish and the good and bad fish are sorted out.

7. a king who wants to settle accounts with servants: he forgives a servant who owes him a great deal, but punishes him when the servant is unmerciful.

8. a vineyard owner who hires people at different times but pays them all the same amount.

9. a person throwing a party whose friends make excuses and wont come, so he invites poor people instead, but throws out the one who hasn't dressed up for the occasion.

10. a tree that's not fruitful: "Wait til I put on fertilizer, then chop it down it won't grow".

11. someone knocking on the door at midnight who is let in because they persist.

12. a man going away and telling his servants to keep watch for him.

13. a man who punishes the tenants of his vineyard who refused to pay rent and beat up his servants and son.

14. someone who has found a missing coin and celebrates

15. someone who gave their servants talents and expects them to increase what they've been given.

16. people who are waiting for a bridegroom, some of whom missed him because they were not ready.

17. people who have their debts cancelled - those who owed more are more grateful.

18. a son who repented and came back home.

19. a lost sheep; the shepherd searches for it and celebrates when it is brought back.

The art of God - Andy Thornton

Financially, art is worth less than technology. There is not a large market for individual pieces of art, and few people possess many hand-created individual objects.

Many people try to use scientific intellect on works of art; "What is the artist trying to say?". We should ask "What does this art say to me?" We don't ask "What is God trying to say?" when we look at a sunset or the ocean! The power of art is in the triggering of emotion.

There is a scientific view of life which says "God has a plan for you" which implies that if we move away from this plan, the plan is ruined and we might as well give up. God's plan may be more like a map, and we, like God the ultimate improviser, must use what strengths and flaws we find to do the bext we can, rejecting the music's 'bad notes' and reonating with the beutiful tunes.

Our church has often been allied to rigid rules instead of the feelings and inspiration associated with art, though rigid rules also have a place, to give us something to check our feelings and wild ideas against.

An artistic view of God is hard to explain, which is probably why religion has been taught as a standard set of rules and doctrines. The artistic religious approach is further weakened by the natural selection caused by people going to denominations where they feel 'at home' in a homogenous environment.

"The danger is defining spiritual experience in a rigid intellectual structure" eg "Falling down is the 'Toronto Blessing' and means..." or "Speaking in tongues is a sign of spiritual maturity". It is wrong to categorise a someone else's personal experience for them/

The Mcdonaldsisation of spirituality

[art and religion], [Jesus was a fat man]

There's a push to standardise and globalise everything: finance, technology, marketing and religion. Soon 1% of the world will be fed by McDonalds every day. When the company started, to get ahead of the competition they reduced their menu, sacked staff and introduced disposable cutlery, maximising efficiency. There are parallels with religion 'marketing' here.

A form of efficiency is standardisation, but where is a bounteous and diverse God in this? We want a 'useful' God, "of use to me". Surely we should be of use to God, and by defining God as what we need or receive we open ourselves to disappointment. God is not a instant burger, shake or fries; something to buy and experience at our convenience. God supplies us 'food' and we eat together, slowly. There's no menu, sometimes we don't get what we want and sometimes the service is lousy, but the food is always of the best quality!

The unnamed Jesus

1. Jesus left no momentos (writings, etc). We hardly even have any of his words set down in writing.

2. Jesus wasn't white or English, despite the fact we export the white English Jesus to other cultures. Jesus was Jewish and probably had a big Jewish nose!

3. Jesus was as sexual as any human.

4. Jesus was an annoying kid who ran away from his parents and went and argued with religious experts in the temple.

5. Jesus had a sense of humour. Children came to sit on his knee.

6. Jesus wasn't gentle, meek and mild. He got in a 'bad mood' several times.

7. Jesus probably had a high opinion of women: many of his followers were women who looked after him. Jesus told Martha not to work so hard! He pointed out the poor widow giving more of her money than the rich men.

8. Jesus' favourite topic was money (fitting the Jewsish sterotype)! There are lots of parables (lost coin, the workmen, the talents, the fine pearl, hidden treasure, the two debtors, the prodigal son, the wise servant, wicked tenants, the rich fool, the shrewd manager, the new coin... quite a few out of 38 parables in total!

9. Religious people engineered Jesus' execution by the Roman authorities. Religious people have been involved in many of the threats to world peace; oppression, slavery, inequality...

10. Jesus was always changing things. The gospel is all about change: sight to blind people, freedom to captives... he even changed death! Things should be allowed to die to allow new life.

11. Jesus never said "I am the answer", just "I am the way". He didn't tell us to learn a doctrine. Christianity isn't about buying a package. Jesus didn't tell his disciples not to go fishing on a stormy day, but he helped them when they were in trouble.

12. You never stop learning: "He's always got a wee surprise up his sleeve!"

True Love: Elaine Storkey

If we are part of Jesus' body, then what we do with our bodies is something to do with God.

Polygamy: (Western perspective) If a lot of men had been killed (ie a war), would Polygamy be a viable solution? After World War 1, many women formed 'couple groups' (not lesbian relationships) which were very successful. Is polygomy/monogomy socialised? In Africa (in polygamist cultures), people have real problems with monogamy.

Western Christians expect(ed) that intellectual study of the Bible would lead to a set of absolute truths, and an answer on issues such as poly/monogomy, but maybe this is a flawed concept?

"We're so immature when it comes to relationships - it's incredible". We need to think seriously about relationships. KNOW YOURSELF. Consider everything, not just 'being in love'; mundane things like money, sex, communication, family, geography... these are sometimes 'make or break' things.

85% of married people think they've married the wrong person at some stage!

Intercourse doesn't = genital sexual intercourse (GSI): a lot of people think it does, and therefore don't find the intimacy.

Why are we mad on GSI: we've lost the ability to communicate and be in a community . We have less cross-cultural and cross-generational links. Only GSI is left.

Our bodies are craving for affirmation, since our bodies are not made 'important' by modern social culture (beaurocracy, nuclear (non extended) family - lack of contact with close relatives, "your're-only-worth-what-you-earn", social position based on purchased symbols (ie car, house...)). In historical social culture, bodies were made more important, not just through GSI.

Human expression alone cannot fill all our needs - we need to contact God in ourselves and others.

Communication of Love is done by listening; acknowledging the value of their words. Society often seeks to reduce an individual's self-value image. We are designed to work in this way: by affirming others, we also do ourself good.

Unemployment letter

Dear Sir,

I am concerned about current unemployment policy: I find myself increasingly treated like a criminal as more of your policies are implemented. I was recently subjected to strange (untrue) accusations by a thoroughly unpleasant 'consultant' who was all for stopping me from attending the NVQ Business Administration course I'd enroled on in order to attend a 'Job Plan' to learn how to write CVs and attend interviews (all of which I have done at school and college and studied in my own time). It felt like one of those 'police drama' interrogations.

What I'd like to point out is that unemployed people are not the criminals. Most of us are not stupid or lazy (despite the apparent opinion of Job Centre staff); I have applied for over 100 jobs (all of which I am perfectly capable of doing) and contacted a further 100 companies to ask if work is available.

The real criminals are company bosses (led by Conservative 'market forces') that 'shed' thousands of jobs and 'reward' themselves huge salaries (the real reward should go to the remaining staff that are working harder to run the company). Many of the people who find themselves without jobs move to areas like Cornwall and walk straight into the jobs I am applying for. Why are the actions of these companies "up to the shareholders", as Conservative politicians keep saying, when the 'job losses' mean more people are unable to earn money, putting a further burden on the DSS. Likewise, why are the people trying to find jobs treated in a condescending and suspicious manner instead of being given sympathy and support? (Incidentally, my only 'burden on the state' is my NI payments; the money I've saved up all my life prevents me from claiming benefit).

Trends

1. The lack of minimum wage means that a lot of work doesn't earn a living wage so is taken up by people as a secondary income. A lot of these people were not classified as 'unemployed'.

2. There are a lot of women working now, along with increasing IT usage. There is less work and more workers. Many childless couples earn enough each to support a family. Due, however, to our property culture, everyone thinks they need a higher and higher income. The 'trickle-down theory' from high paid workers does not appear to work; there is no profit-sharing in industry.

3. Sustainable development and green issues means that less can be taken from the environment, possibly leading to less production work and less income available.

4. There are few domestic products made in Britain now. Where is the "Buy British" slogan now? The national deficit must be largely due to purchases of foreign goods. Why not address this rather than the relatively small pay-outs on social security.

Solutions

I suggest the following as solutions to some of the problems I've mentioned.

1. Encourage consumers to buy British. Small industry means more jobs and more accountability to customers. This is in keeping with Agenda 21.

2. Take current work trends into account and take measures to share out work and salaries, curbing large dual incomes and high management pay.

3. Educate employers (rather than pressurising unemployed people) to employ as many staff as possible (using extra staff to provide a higher quality of service) and not to discriminate against long-term unemployed people. Job shares and similar measures should also be encouraged.

4. Recognise the fact that there is not enough work to go around, so allow unemployed people to work in the voluntary sector without being pressurised by the DSS.

Please take my points into account when formulating your policies. I'd like you to know the effect your policies have to the 'customers' of the DSS, and some suggestions of changes that might improve the situation. Too often, politicians simply defend their own policies and ignore comments from the British public.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Visions of the future 1995

The influx of technology means that humans also have to 'improve' alongside technology ie we must do more work because it's possible to do so and we must do different sorts of work and in particular locations. As technological advances increase in number and speed, we must do likewise. Computers are currently becoming obsoleted every two years. We have accelerated lives.

Technological advances require new applications: a single optic fibre can carry phone calls concurrently for double the population of the world. Thus, this extra capacity must be used, leading to videophones, computer data communication etc.

Sellers of this technology are anxious that no one is left out ie that no one fails to buy new equipment (which has to be replaced by even newer equipment in a few years). Current sales trend are towards bringing back the sense of community (which has been destroyed partly as a result of technology). Computers are being easily accessible through new Internet software, windows/icons/mouse/pulldowns environments, 'transparent' hardware (ie the user doesn't really have any idea what's the technology is really like or what exactly it's doing) and physical design to make them unobtrusive (personal organisers, calculators, watches etc).

Marketing has moved from money and time-saving in business to domestic entertainment and comms. There is much less human work available in the West, except for lower number of high-paid high-hours skilled workers, there is time to utilise this latest technology. It has recently advanced very rapidly. Vinyl records have existed for decades, but in the last ten years, CDs have come in, then DAT a little later, then DCC and Minidisk in the last year.

Technology protects us, but we fear the nameless terrors of crime etc so much that we increasingly stay inside being protected by it (video security systems, alarms etc), entertained by it (satellite, CD/DCC/Minidisk..., electronic games), communicating by it (telephone (largely computerised) and Internet) and working and learning with it. The loss of telecomms and computers would seriously screw society, at least in the short term.

In the past few decades, technology has been feared in popular culture; mad robots, unfeeling computers eg Asminov's Robot stories and the Space Odyssey. Technology has crept in to life, first as industrial and domestic machines, then office computers, telephones, home entertainment and home computers. Cyberspace, a term coined by a writer in 1981, has become a reality. Cyberspace is a term for the imaginary 'environment' inside a computer where things are stored and work takes place. Now computers are increasingly connected, cyberspace has become a single place: a computer user can store data and read information from any suitably equipped computer in the world. Money is stored and transferred, in some cases, entirely in cyberspace. The stock market is entirely within cyberspace.

The Internet etc can be a good system for recreating community and contact with people, though we may lose something from this new technology. With Internet, phone and fax we are more accessible than ever. We protect ourselves physically, but open ourselves up to more and more information that we can't avoid. There is demand for instant response to communications to us, as people expect from a computer.

There is a need to gauge the pros and cons of a new technology. What, for instance, have cars and TV done to our society and environment. The technology has to be designed to have the best effect and the least cost (in all senses).

Computers mean information transfer and storage, and everything is defined as information. The Human Genome Project is mapping out human genes, storing the instructions from each gene onto computer. This information may lead to the devaluation of people into simple information, though there is more to people than that. Who will control this knowledge, and will people try to control the genetic make-up of humans? Who will control this and who can afford it?

Maybe we are 'fiddling' with technology while the world burns?

Information is becoming more accessible and up-to-date. This means, as the printing of Bibles destroyed a lot of the church's power, that politicians and 'highly placed' people have sole access. If information is power, then the power is more spread out and hierarchies are being flattened.

Now many people (like in the 70s) can create their own entertainment, but now it can be as good as 'pro' products, particularly music. The rave underground has appeared, creating a new culture.

Technology has changed working practices; companies hardly need any core staff, and get most work done by temporary contracts. Many workers no longer have employment; skilled manual work is rare and much work is long hours and low pay. Managers become temporary consultants working from home, often on several jobs and at any time.

There's a huge global economy, with work being done by fewer people. There is no job security beyond a few months.

Technology should benefit people, but it has taken away jobs and put profit and efficiency ahead of people. Technology is not evil, but it is changing society when we have no plans for what to do for all the unemployed people/low paid workers/rootless contract workers. Can a real human society remain alongside?

Computers are no longer programmed for 'artificial intelligence' (like HAL in the Arthur C Clark '2000' trilogy); they are seen (now and in the future) as tools, but increasingly powerful and 'friendly'. The big risk is that computers make it possible to take decisions without seeing or feeling the consequences (ie share dealing, E mail), and remote dealings with people eg conversations via a screen and keyboard aren't the same as 'real life' because it's "only like talking to a machine".

What makes God laugh

Humour builds relationships; laughing together removes barriers and you can't totally hate someone who makes you laugh. Advertising uses humour to 'make friends' with consumers so they buy the product.

Desmond Morris believes that laughter is a cross between a fear reflex and a feeling of safety and evolved this way. A joke tends to be something odd but in a situation that makes it safe. Even images of death or injury in film or literature are funny in certain contexts.

There are eight kinds of joke and God laughs at most of them.

1. Misunderstanding phrase type joke eg "Fireman, my church is on fire", "Well, stop having those revival meetings."

2. Slapstick comedy. Clowns are funny because they are the butt of all jokes and we're glad we're not them. We have fellow feeling for the person who everything goes wrong for, like John Cleese in the film Clockwork(?).

3. Observational comedy: observing the foolishness of human attributes is the work of the jester or jongleur. The alternative comedy scene was brought to TV by Ben Elton' Friday Night Live in the 80s; the comedian laughing at all foolish hang-ups and neuroses. This comedy can be a stronger agent of change than straight criticism of our actions; next time we act foolishly we remember that we have laughed at ourselves for doing this and the hypocrisy is obvious.

4. Dirty jokes: some jokes can leave a 'bad aftertaste', often depending on the context they are told in. Dirty jokes not in a single category.

5. Black comedy can represent terrible things in a joke. It is powerful because it shows the terrible sadness behind us all. The joke "How many liberated men does it take to change a light bulb?", "What liberated men?" is tinged with sadness in a humorous way.

6. Silly jokes like "Do you want your bread sliced?", "Of course not; Don't you know it's July?!" and all the fridge and elephant jokes.

7. Satire is hard to pin down, but involves the brining down of idols eg Margaret Thatcher cabinet at the restuarant making her order: "I'll have steak", "What about the vegetables?", "They'll have the same". Satire is only satire when directed against idols. Satire can be used politically to support oppressed people, but it is only part of the struggle; there is a strong risk of creating apathy; laughing at someone but not changing them. In the joke above, it's agreed that the government cabinet are vegetables, but the joke doesn't inspire action. Satire can only raise an issue and use metaphors (eg the cabinet members are as inactive as vegetables) to put over the point. Jesus used satire against the religious leaders is Isreal, particularly the marvelous story of the prayers of the proud religous leader and the contrite tax collector and which prayer God listened to.

7. The comedy of hate is often like satire, but against an already oppressed group. These jokes are effected by their context: racist and sexist jokes are part of friendly banter between liberated friends, but also part of a war of words that can lead to violence. Traditional racist jokes are often about near neighbours (English/Irish, French/Belgian, German/Dutch). These jokes have a target and a purpose, and they should be used with care. Even in seemingly 'safe' environments, the hurt these jokes can cause is buried and friendly retaliation escalates into resentment and hostility.

Why are kids leaving church

"Christianity has given Jesus a bad name": many people leave churches because they're looking for Jesus. The people who leave are often the vital radicals.

Factors:

1. A lot of attenders don't know much about church: what is it for? what's going on? what do things mean? There is a lot of jargon and people shouldn't be expected to understand it all.

2. Do church people understand society? What is the 'culture bearer'? What and who dictates the language, music, art etc? In society, the church used to dictate these things, but it doesn't any more.

3. Does 'the world' actually understand what the church is presenting? The 'March for Jesus' for example, could be seen as merely showing how weird Christians are.

4. Society is pretty secular: the church has little impact.

5. Christians can easily be fooled by people employing 'religious language'. American presidents in the past have got the religious vote by clever use of language, but "shit by another name is still shit".

6. Church has become one of the things that people blame for ruining their life: people have been pressurised, bullied and deceived in the church. Jesus wants people to come together to make a change. INTERDEPENDENCE.

Be vulnerable to people. Give them freedom. Give something useful to the community. Be real. Constantly think up new ideas to show reality, but retain old true values.

The church may be hypocritical, but it's better than a lot of things: "The church is a powerful influence for justice".

World religions

Note: Please don't take these accounts as 'Gospel'; they are based on individuals' study and experience and should be validated by personal study. Thanks.

Abyssinian Church

European Christian Church derived from Orthodox faith, though differing slightly.

Albigenses

[Francis of Assisi/medieval history]

Sect linked to Gnosticism, taking its name from Albi in France. It was not strictly Christian but from the Cathari ("pure ones") of the dualist (Greek philosophy that said the soul and body are separate things) and Gnostic Manichaean creed. They practiced a life of abstinence and strict chastity. The full initiates (Perfecti) were bound by severe ascetic rules. They evangelised widely in France and Italy in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. They were denounced as heretics by the Church, but many local business people supported them, especially the counts of Toulouse.

In 1208, Pope Innocent 3rd proclaimed the Aligensian Crusade (led by Simon de Montfort) and legal investigations which began the Inquisition. The sect was destroyed, often violently, but influenced reforming factions in the churches.

American native religions

Inhabitants of North America (before the European invasion) followed various spirit-based religions. There are legends about the Great Spirit, and tribes have various well-ordered rites and rituals to dispell evil spirits and call on good spirits and spirits of dead ancestors.

Amish

Sepratist Christian (?) sect based in North US. Members still live as they did in the 16th(?) century, using no electricity or motor vehicles.

Ancient Greek religion

Similar to the Roman gods, the ancient Greeks had a set of Gods, each with a seperate function. There is a large collection of mythology about the actions of humans and Gods, for instance Homer's Odyssey.

Ancient Greek religion

Ancient Roman religion

The Roman Empire had a large set of gods named after the planets, each with different function. Their worship died out with the Christianisation and the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD.

Arianism

Heretical Christian teaching by Arius of Alexandria (256-336) which stated that Jesus was created by God, and thus inferior to God. Many Pagan converts to Christianity embraced this belief.

Armenianism

[calvinism]

Christian belief that any human could attain heaven through their actions and faith. It opposed Calvinism, claiming it was un-Biblical.

Black Muslims

[Five percent nation].

US religious movement based around Islam, demanding separate Negro state from US whites. Members boycott white traders etc and follow strict codes of practice. Members often take up Muslim names, though the movement isn't officially linked with Islam. Leaders include Elijah, Mohammed and Malcolm X (who broke away in 1964 to form a more extremist branch). The movement was largest during the US Freedom Movement in the 1950s and 60s, and members typically didn't use illegal methods.

Buddhism

Philosophical religious system, based on the teachings of Guatama Buddha (563-483 BC). The major beliefs are in continual reincarnation (a follower is reincarnated in a 'higher' or 'lower' state, human or animal) and that followers can be released from the continual process of reincarnation, Transmigration, the transport of the soul(?) into different physical forms. This state is reached through following an Eightfold Path; right views, motives, speech, action, way of life, effort, mindfulness and concentration. Following this path and increasing Karma leads to Nirvana, the final state, which is envisaged as different things by different schools of thought. The two main schools of thought are Mahayana and Theravada (or Hinayana).

Buddhism is growing in popularity in the US and Europe.

Calvinism

[Armenianism]

Christian belief that only an 'Elect' group of people would enter Heaven, preordained by God ("predestination"). Popular amongst protestant churches in Europe during the 17th century, though modern chuches tend towards more Armenianism beliefs in the 20th century.

Cartesianism

Philosophical system, based on philosophy of Descartes, a Greek(?) philosopher. His Rationalism accommodates science and religion: if we can doubt our beliefs, we cannot doubt that we are thinking, and we exist as thinkers. He believed in God, and if God existed, then the world must exist because we believe in it and God wouldn't deceive us. Descartes was an early exponent of Dualism between thinking ability and physical existence.

Carthusians

Christian male religious order, strictly separate from 'the world'. Formed by St Bruno of Cologne at La Chartreuse near Grenoble in France. Monks pray, eat and sleep in individual cells, meeting only for certain church services and communal meals on Sundays. Some of the Carthusian orders were ended during the British Dissolution of the Monasteries. Some still exist today.

Catholicism (Roman Catholic)

Christian denomination, which was the first large international organised body of Christianity, along with the Orthodox church. Particular beliefs include: purgatory, a place between Heaven and Hell where people become cleansed ready for Heaven; the belief that the Pope (the leader of the church on earth, based in the Vatican, the holy city in Rome) can speak the absolute truth from God; that contraception is sinful; that the bread and wine in communion become the body and blood of Jesus (Transubstantiation). Mary, the mother of Jesus, is given an exalted position, and catholics pray to her and to the saints as well as to God. Catholics are expected to regularly confess their sins to their priest. Clergy are all male, and priests are expected to be celibate and not to marry.

Christadelphinism

Bible-inspired religion. Founded by John Thomas in Wales. He was inspired by people in USA. Christadelphians practice immersion baptism. They deny Christ's divinity. They believe we're in the 'last days'. They don't believe in a devil.

Christianity

Religion based on Judaism but following the teachings of Jesus Christ (who is believed to be the only son of God and born of Mary in Bethlehem without the intervention of sexual intercourse) approximately between 10AD and 50AD and Began is Israel, but most influential in Europe, America and Australia. Christians exist in large numbers in other continents but are often subject to persecution.

There are many different sects of the faith, but most believe in the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection of Jesus as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of humanity. The faith is dualist in that most Christians believe the soul is immortal whereas the body is not. God and his celestial followers are the creator of the world, and the Devil is a fallen celestial being who seeks to destroy all good and lead God's followers to do evil. Most believe in life after death, either in Heaven (the home of God) or Hell (where the Devil and his followers are punished), which is decided at a Final Judgement of each individual's life. It is a monotheistic religion, though most hold to the belief that God is separated into Father, Son (Jesus) and Holy Spirit. Important items of faith are set out in a number of Creeds, different versions of which are used in different denominations around the world.

Important festivals include: communion, a regular ritualised taking of bread and wine to remember the death of Jesus; Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus (which is believed to have taken place at some other time of year), Easter, to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Many festivals were originally European Saxon, Viking and Celtic festivals (including Pagan spiritual gatherings) that were 'Christianised' by Pope Gregory and St Augustine in the early first century.

The religion was preached throughout the world by Jesus' disciples and still is now, though world evangelism has become less prevalent in Western branches of Christianity. Christians are persecuted in parts of South America, Africa, and Asia.

Christian Scientism (Scientology?)

Started by Mary Barker Eddy (1821-1910) in 1860s. She was healed by a faith healer from what she believed was a fatal disease. She believed people were mind and spirit [dualism]. Illness is believed to be because of lack of understanding, therefore being taught the Truth will lead to dispelling the illusion of illness. It is an intellectual religion. Jesus Christ is recognised; he rose from death because he had learnt the Truth. The Bible is an important book. Christian Scientists' religious buildings often have a Bible in a case outside, with important verses marked. The movement started in Boston (US) and is still based there. The actions of Scientist healers and contents of lecturers are monitored from there.

Cisterians

Monastic male Christian order founded in 1100 AD by Robert of Molesme. The order was reformed in the 17th century and renamed Trappist. Members of the order keep silence for most of the time. Many of the monks work in agriculture.

Congregationalism

Christian religion which started in 1640. Similar beliefs to Baptist churches, but each church is independent and chooses its own minister and other staff.. A Congregationalist Union was set up in 1831 for advisory purposes.

Congregationalists founded Yale and Harvard universities in the US and have been prominent in educational work.

Coptic Church

European Christian Church derived from Orthodox faith, though differing slightly.

Deism

A belief that a God created all things and withdrew from further intervention; that God made physical laws and does not need to intervene further in the operation of the universe.

Druses

Followers of a religion comprising Muslim, Jewish and Christian elements, with a belief in a Buddhist-style series of reincarnations. They believe there have been several incarnations of God. They are based in Syria and Lebanon.

Dualism

A doctrine, not necessarily religious, that divides reality into two different parts or describes two forces at work. This belief influenced the Western view of Good and Evil, Heaven and Hell, and the splitting of humanity into mortal Self and eternal Spirit. Descartes expressed this philosophy.

Five percent nation

A sector of Islam, popular in the United States, particularly among hip hop DJs of the late 20th century and early 21st century, but not as strict about lifestyle as other branches of Islam. Followers believe in the religious significance of certain numbers eg one being knowledge, two being wisdom, and three being understanding (wisdom and knowledge). The band A Tribe Called Quest is an example of a Five Percent Nation influenced band, so were Public Enemy, Chuck D, Terminator X and Ice T. Hip hop bands were involved(?) in organising the March of a Million Men in Washington in 1994(?).

Franciscans

[Francis of Assisi/medieval history]

Christian monastic order, started by St Francis (1182-1226). Currently there are three orders: Friars Minor and Capuchins wear brown and Conventuals wearing black. They live in communities, often within towns and cities, and preach and carry out social work.

Freemasons

Secret male-only society, seen by some as a religion because of the elaborate rituals carried out by its members. People seen as respectable are invited to join by members, who are often in jobs such as police work, education and other professional work. The masons claim to have been started at the time of the building of the Biblical Solomon's temple. It is thought, however, that the Masons may have started in the middle ages.

Gnostics

Based on Gnosis, meaning Knowledge, hence Agnostics are those without knowledge. Gnosticism was an early Christian teaching that man is created not by the unknowable God (godhead), but by a demi-god (demi-urge), thus man is imperfect and liable to do evil. However, man's divine spark can be redeemed and untied to the godhead through knowledge brought by Jesus Christ. The religion was popular in Egypt, with various sects. Many Gnostic writings exist today, but are not included in the Christian Bible agreed by the Council of Rome. Gnostics were seen as heretics; it is believed that Paul refers to Gnosticism in his letters when warning believers not to be deceived by other teachings. Famous Gnostics include Marcion (100-165AD) and Valentinus (136-150AD).

Hasidim (Chasidim)

Followers of a Jewish movement in E Europe. The movement follows teachings of Baal-Shem Tob (1700-60) of Ukrain and was a reaction against the legalistic and intellectual traditions of Jewish teaching at that time.

Hinduism

Ancient religious and philosophical belief complex developed in India based on religious writings called the Vedas, which are written in Sanskrit (the sacred Hindu language): the Rig Veda (the oldest), Sama Veda and Yajur Veda (containing stanzas from the Rig Veda) and the Atharva Veda (containing formulas, spells and incantations).

Principle gods are Vishnu (preserver of the world) and Shiva (goddess of creation and destruction), but there are believed to be several million gods. Cows are venerated and not eaten. Hindus live in a caste system, with different types of employment and lifestyle expected for different level castes. Hindus believe in reincarnation, but there is no set of creeds or doctrines. The religion varies from loose superstition to a devout search for Truth (Brahma). Hinduism precluded and influenced Buddhism.

Hook and Eye Mennonites

A branch of the Mennonites forbidding members to use buttons.

Humanism (Non-Realism)

Not strictly a religion, but more of a view of life: Humanists do not believe in a God, or are unsure as to whether there is one. They typically are involved in educational, environmental, social or other charitable work, and seek the betterment of the world. Humanists don't have meeting buildings and there is no national or international humanist 'church' or set of beliefs. Humanists are, however, involved in many social and spiritual organisations.

Humanism began in the 14th Century after scholarly reading of Latin and Greek literature.

Islam

Middle Eastern religion based on teachings of Mohammed (570-632 AD). Mohammed is considered the most important of the Prophets, who include Jesus and Abraham. The faith is strictly monotheistic; even the Christian concept of the Trinity is considered to be blasphemous.

Mohammed and his followers invaded the city of Mecca, which became the holy city for Muslims, who strive to visit the sacred Black Rock in the city at least once in their lives.

Followers submit to the will of Allah (God), pray five times a day towards Mecca and follow the teaching in the Koran (the holy book). They worship and receive teaching in religious buildings called mosques.

European Christian soldiers attacked Muslims (following Muslim conquests of Mediteranean Europe) during the Crusades, which may have led to modern-day extremist groups of "Muslim Fundamentalists" involved in terrorism.

Currently followed in countries all over the world, principally by those of African and Middle Eastern origin.

Jacobite Church

Heretical Christian church set up by Bishop Jacob Baradaeus (500-78 AD) in Syria.

Jains

Religion started by(?) Mahavira (599-27 BC). Similar to Buddhism, it has no belief in a God, but followers believe in constant reincarnation until an individual reaches the state of ultimate truth. It differs from Buddhism in that followers are more strict about not damaging other living things. (??) Some adherants wear no clothing for fear of accidentally killing insects, and there is a Jain hospital for injured birds. Jains are vegetarian. Jain temples are often adorned with staues of their seventy two saints.

Currently followed in India.

Jehovah Witnesses

Formed in USA by Charles Russel (1852-1915). He is recorded as being a con man in an earlier part of his life. Jehovah Witnesses say God should be called Jehovah. They say we're in the 'last days', believe in the supreme authority of the Bible, immersion baptism, but not in the divinity of Christ. They believe they have a date for the end of the world, though a date some time in the past was claimed by some Witnesses. They don't believe in a hell. Jesus is going to fix the world after the second coming [also see World Views para 7]. 144,000 people will go to heaven (based on the Revelation prophecy); everyone else will be annihilated. Hard work will get a Witness into the 144,000. All Witnesses are taught a single set of doctrines. They believe in a devil. Many Jehovah Witnesses refuse to have blood transfusions, in keeping with Old Testament law. Evangelism is an important part of the life of Witnesses, and they are well known for house visits, offering literature and to talk about their faith. They suffer similar persecution to Christian churches, though are also harassed by people in countries tolerant to other religious groups.

Jehova Witness meetings are autonomous.

Judaism

Ancient monotheistic religion, started by Abraham who began the nation of Israel in the area that became the modern Israel. Judaism influenced Christianity and Islam.

Judaism is a race-based religion, though non-Jews (Gentiles) can become 'God-fearers'. Jews follow a set of laws (in the Torah), including the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai, and taught by male religious teachers (Rabbis). The Sabbath (Saturday) is a holy day (running from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday) on which trade and travel are restricted or forbidden (depending on the level of fundamentalism). A certain diet is expected of Jews: certain foods (including pork) are 'unclean', and meat with blood in it is also forbidden, so special 'Kosher' butchers sell meat without blood. Certain combinations of food are also forbidden. Young men are ritually circumcised.

Jews keep historical festivals remembering historical events accounted in the Old Testament. They are waiting for the coming of the Messiah, who will rescue the righteous followers from persecution and set up a new rule on Earth. Jews have been persecuted frequently through their history, most recently by the Nazi regime in Germany between 1933 and 1945 when millions of Europeans of Jewish descent were executed in prupose-built death camps.

Modern denominations of Judaism, each with their own rites, include Sephardim (Spain and Portugal) and Ashkenazim (Germany and Eastern Europe).

Kabbalah

Jewish pantheistic mystical philosophy, influenced by Moses of Leon (?) in 1300AD. Kabbalah is very concerned with the mystical significance of numbers and letters (eg (?) the Number of the Beast in the Christian book of Revelation, in which 6 is the number of man and 3 is the number of God, so three sixes (666) represents a man trying to be God).

Karma

Karma is included here because it applies to both Buddhism and Hinduism (as well as some non-religious spiritual lifestyles). Karma is the concept that every human is responsible for their actions, and will have to somehow pay back for any wrongs they have done. Karma can be applied to individuals , groups and whole nations.

Klu Klux Klan

A Southern US secret society, not religious, though sometimes linked with right wing fundamentalist evangelical Christianity. Began in 1865 in Tennessee to maintain white supremacy, but was disbanded in 1869. It was revived in Georgia in 1915 as an anti-black, anti-Catholic and anti-semetic. The movement spread rapidly, secretly supported by rich business people. It is now quite small, but many similar paramilitary (some are Christian) groups still exist in the US, many believing in various conspiracies in US government.

Krishna Consciousness

Buddhist (?) influenced religion practiced around the world. Includes various techniques for spiritual development including Astral Projection (?).

Lollards

Reformist Christians in 14th and 15th centuries who followed the teachings of John Wycliffe (1324-84). They rejected the Catholic beliefs in Transsubstantiation and clerical celibacy. They believed that each believer should interpret the Bible for themself. Members were persecuted by the Catholic authorities, but the movement was influencial on the reformation and the formation of protestant denominations.

Mahayana

Denomination of Buddhism, popular in China, Japan and Tibet. The Dalai Lama is head of Mahayana Buddhists and is believed to be a reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, and reincarnated into a child who is sought by monks after his death. This religion is a social one, with a religious leader seeking the truth for the followers.

Mahdi

An Islamic belief (though not based on the Koran) of a redeemer who will appear at the end of time to establish a perfect kingdom. Many reformers have claimed to be the Mahdi.

Manichaeism

A Gnostic religion based on the teachings of Persian prophet Mani (executed 275AD) who claimed to be one of a series of teachers including Abraham, Jesus and Zoroaster. It is a dualist religion, believing that humans must separate the god from the bad in themselves. It was influential in Europe in the tenth century before disappearing, probably due to being seen as heretical by the established church. It was influential in Central Asia until the fourteenth century. Particular followers are: the Elect, who lived ascetically and separate from the world, and the Hearers, who lived ascetically in the world and were supported by the Elect.

Marobouts

Muslim holy men in North Africa who lived as hermits and are venerated as saints. The name is also given to their domed shrines.

Maronites

Lebanese Christian sect, originated by John Maro (7th century). They believe that Jesus didn't have seperate Divine and Human will, but a single will to decide whether to do right or wrong. This was the Monothelite Heresy and was condemned by the Constantinople General Council in 680AD. They were reconciled to the Pope in the 12th century. They were massacred by the Druses in the 19th century, but still exist today.

Materialism

Initially a belief that all things are matter, including the mind. The modern meaning is generally that materialism is a preoccupation with owning and gaining material possesions, rather than developing personally or spiritually.

Mennonites (Swiss Brethren)

Christian sect in Central Europe and North America. Pacifist, puritan and sepratist religion, rejecting mainstream Christian sacraments and with no dogma.

Methodism

Christian church formed in Engalnd by John Wesley who was excluded from the Anglican church after attempting to reform it by running religious meetings which dispensed with expensive religious buildings, clothing and other items. He went on to travel throughout Britain preaching, mostly to working people. Methodists have rewritten the Anglican rites and services are simpler, with little or no singing of rites, and few sacred items. Early Methodists didn't drink alcohol, but many current Methodists see nothing wrong with social drinking. Methodists practice infant and adult baptism, though rarely total immersion. Their faith is based on the Nicene Creed. Methodists see social action as an important part of Christian life and were involved in the ending of slavery and the setting up of educational establishments and trade unions.

Mithra

Ancient Indo-European god. Followers ritually slaughtered bulls in caverns. The religion disappeared from India, but became popular in Persia. The religion existed in Europe, and was very popular in Rome.

Mithraism

(Presumably linked with Mithra (above)). A dualist religion base on a war between good and evil. Popular until 200AD, and a rival to Christianity. Followers practiced baptism and communion, and believed in eternal reward or punishment, based on a followers adherance to ritual duties and ethical purity. Was popular amongst Roman soldiers.

Monism

Philosophy which views reality as a single thing (as opposed to Dualism or Pluralism) ie Spirit and Matter are all of the same substance.

Monotheism

A belief that there is only one God.

Moors

Inhabitants of Mauretania and N Soudan who were forced to become Islamic in the 8th century. They became fanatical Muslims, crossing into Spain in 711AD and became established. From the 11th century Christian Crusaders drove Moors and Jews out of Spain, the last Moors being expelled in the 1609 Inquisition.

Moravians (United Brethren)

Protestant Christian body, originated by John Hus (1370-1415). Moravians differ from other protestants in that they do not require acceptance of any Christian creeds.

Mormonism

Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, formed in 1830. They believe in the Bible as a source of authority. The movement was started by Joseph Smith (1805-44). He was shot while in prison for destroying a newspaper office because the newspaper criticised polygamy. Mormons have religious clothing. They don't take stimulants (like coffee etc). Jesus is an exalted man, and God is the ruler of the gods. A good man can become one of the gods. Mormons tithe (give 10% of income to the church). There is no heaven and hell, but three 'kingdoms' in the afterlife: Tellestial is for people who've lived bad lives, Terrestrial is for good people who aren't Mormons, Celestial for Mormons. Celestial has three levels: the first is reached by immersion baptism, the second by repentance and baptism and the third by being really good.

Marriage is celestial, and carries on after death, creating spiritual children. Some Mormons still practice polygamy, though the Mormon commitment to it has been changed officially. Mormons go through baptism on behalf of their ancestors in order to give them eternal life. For this reason, there is a large database of family history in Salt Lake City, a US city founded by Mormons who fled to Utah following the death of Joseph Smith.

The Christian belief that Jesus died to redeem mankind is held by Mormons. Women are held to be subject to men, and US nationalism is often closely linked with the faith. Homosexuality is condemned. The Book of Mormon is their central book: the account of its creation is as follows.

Joseph Smith found some golden plates in a hill, revealed to him by an angel. They were written in Egyptian. They were translated on a farm, behind a curtain, using 2 gems to look through(?). The translation was in King James style English. Only two other people saw these plates. These two later left the Mormons accused of theft.

The translated Book of Mormon tells of two exoduses to North America by Asian people after the fall of the Tower of Babel. It tells of a family who were cursed and turned black; African and Asian people are thought of as second-class, as are native Americans. The second exodus was in 1800 and of a family who moved to central America. They were visited by Jesus. It is believed that prosperity is a blessing from God. Mormons are also expected to be charitable.

Mysticism

[mysticism]

Religious experience involving direct communion with God or the Absolute. Found in branches of most religions.

Nestorianism

Christian belief based on Nestorius Bishop of Constantinople in 428AD, believing that Jesus had a divine and a human part to him [dualism]. Condemned as heretical by the then church authorities. It spread widely in Syria, Mesopotamia, India and China. Small numbers of Nestorians still practice.

Non-conformism (free churches)

Christian protestant churches not conforming to the Church of England or Scotland. They are descended from the Dissenters, who became disillusioned with the practices of the established church in the 1600s. Groups that grew out of this include Methodists, Baptists, Society of Friends (Quakers), Puritans and Presbyterians.

Orange orders

Northern Irish groups named after the historical William of Orange, with strong links to Protestant churches though not religious in themselves. Groups range from social clubs to groups supporting millitant and millitary anti-Catholic action within Northern Ireland.

Orders of Chivalry

Christian religious orders, often associated with the Crusades. The Knights Hospitaller (founded 1113AD) were originally a nursing order, but became involved in invading parts of Palestine in the first Crusade. The Teutonic Order (1191) led onslaughts against Serbs in the 13th century. Later knightly orders were secular (eg Order of the Garter and Order of the Golden Fleece, Order of the Bath).

Orthodox Church

Christian church, based in Greece and Eastern Europe, though also popular in the US and with a minority following through Europe and parts of Africa. One of the earliest denominations of Christianity, which developed in parallel to the catholic church. Though similar to Catholicism, the Orthodox church doesn't recognise the authority of the Pope.

Paganism

An ancient European spirituality; the term is applied to pre-Christian spiritual activity. It is popular among 'travellers' and environmentalists in late twentieth/early twenty-first century. Sometimes described as 'New Age', based on the astrological belief that the world was entering the Age of Aquarius in the late 20th century. Many practices are put under this term, including the use of ley line energies, the visiting of ancient pre-Roman religious sites (particularly Stonehenge during the Summer solstice), crystal healing and Tarot cards. Pagan spirituality tends towards the polytheistic, and there is a view that it is a more open and 'female' religion than most world religions. There are no(?) official pagan churches or other religious building, it being a more 'outdoor' religion. There are, however, many sites of pagan spirituality, some of which have been 'christianised' by the building of churches on them (eg Glastonbury).

Pantheism

A belief that God and the universe are one ie that there is no part of God that exists outside the universe. Opposed to Pantheism are beliefs that state that God created all material things and thus exists outside of them.

Pelagianism

Christian heresy in 400AD, named after Bishop Pelgian. He taught that people were not born sinful and that baptism was therefore unnecessary.

Pentecostalist

Umbrella term for Christian churches that place a high emphasis on miraculous events, evangelism and on a clear view of Bible teaching and truth. Pentecostal Christians can be found in most denominations, but 'free' churches are more likely to be pentacostal, and are known for their lively services.

Pluralism

In religion, often taken to mean that there are many gods, often for different natural forces or objects.

Plymouth Brethren

Protestant Christian body founded in 1830 by JN Darby. The Brethren have no church organisation but meet weekly in rooms to celebrate Communion. They have strict views on true interpretations of the Bible (for instance, women cover their heads in services, in keeping with the teaching in Corinthians in the Bible. They practice adult baptism and endeavour to live holy lives, apart from what is seen as the evil influence of the world.

Polytheism

A belief in many gods.

Poor Clares

Female Christian religious order, linked to Franciscan order.

Presbyterians

Protestant Christian body governed by non-ordained and ordained elders (Presbyts), with the ordained elders carrying out preaching and other rites. The church reached its largest in the 17th century, and is still popular in N Ireland, Holland, Switzerland and USA. Similar to Methodism in its style of worship and beliefs.

Promise Keepers

US Christian religion with fundamentalist views, including the belief that women should submit to their husbands. 1,000,000 members in US in 1996. Most members are Afro-American.

Protestantism

Christian churches apart from the Catholic churches. The Reformation in the early 16th century sprang from a criticism of many of the practices of the early church: hypocrisy among rich and powerful church leaders, especially in 1557 with Martin Luther's 95 Theses. The development of the printing press in Germany enabled Bibles and religious writings to be more available to non church people, leading to more understanding amongst the population.

The Princes of the Holy Roman Empire published a document called the Protestatio (which protested against decrees that stated that religion should not innovate).

Though the movement began in Northern Europe, the first country to break away officially(?) was Britain, when Henry VIII sought permission from the Pope to re-marry. When this permission was denied, the Church of England (Anglican) church was set up, and Catholicism was prohibited.

Modern protestant churches include Anglican, Methodist, United Reform and Baptist amongst many others (the denominisation of churches led to the development of many new branches of Christian religion, each with different styles of worship and slightly differing faiths). Other churches that might be considered protestant (though might not be called Christian by the 'mainstream' denominations) include Jehovah Witnesses, Unitarian Church and the Seventh Day Adventists.

Many protestant churches ordain women as clergy, though some stricter denominations believe this to be against Biblical teaching.

Quetzalcoatl

Mexican God, worshipped in South America up to the 12th (?) century. Human sacrifice was a part of the religion.

Rastafarianism

Monotheistic religion with links to Christianity and Judaism founded by Marcus Garvey who was born in St Ann's Bay, Jamaica on August 17th 1887. He was descended from the Maroons (a group of African slaves released from Spaniard masters in 1655). In 1914 he founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association to promote quality of life and unity for African people. In 1916 he transferred his headquarters to New York, USA where he became a leader of a "Back to Africa" movement which taught that Africans would never find justice in US or European countries. Garvey set up all-black businesses, including the Black Star Line sea trading company.

Garvey was convicted of a mail fraud and, when he was released in 1927, the Black Star Line had ceased trading. He returned to Jamaica and began Rastifarianism, prophesising that "Jah (God) would show himself as a Black King of Africa. He would help black people to return home to Africa".

In 1930, Emporer Haile Selassie 1 became ruler of Ethiopia and was believed to be the subject of the prophesy. He was formerly known as Ras Tafari, so followers became the Rastafari. Tradition states that he decended from King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.

Satanism

Ancient ritualistic devil worship religion. The religion has no public buildings, but secret services take place, involving ritualistic ceremonies and sacrifice. Followers believe in life after death, but don't see the Christian concept of Hell as a place of punishment. Not to be confused with Paganism.

Senussi

Muslim religious group founded in early 19th century by Skeikh asSanusi of Algeria who settled in Cyrenaica where his teachings became accepted by the marabouts (holy men) of the Bedouin nomads.

Seventh Day Adventism

An US movement based around Jesus' second coming. They believe we're in the 'last days'. Their debate is whether humans should try to make the world better or if Jesus will come and do that [see World Views para 7]. The religion is similar to evangelical baptist church, though they meet on Saturdays as opposed to Sundays. They believe in the Bible as the sole authority. The Sabbath (Saturday being the traditional Jewish holy day) is held to be holy.

Shamanism

The word is of Siberian origin. Shamans (or Witch Doctors) are men and women, usually found in 'primitive' cultures, who claim to gain knowledge unavailable to normal people by entering a trance state, often using halucinogenic drugs. Shamans can heal diseases and recommend medicines before a patient has told them their symptoms.

Shamanism is a 'natural' religion, elements of Shamanism being present in Paganism; the Shaman communes with forces of plants and animals and produces medicine from the same. There is no system of worship or teaching, apart from the teaching of a young Shaman by an older one. Shamans (or Witch Doctors) are mainly found amongst native Americans and Australasians and in Africa.

Shiah Muslims

The smaller of the two main denominations of Islam, formed in the 8th century.

Shinto

National religion of Japan, though not widely followed amongst the young or in cities. A polytheistic religion stressing veneration of ancestors. Followers will often have a shrine to ancestors in their homes.

Sikhism

Religion founded by Nanuk (1469-1533) which combines Hindu and Muslim teachings. The religion is monotheistic and opposed to the worship of idols. The religion is taught by Gurus, the last of which (in the17th century) organised Sikhs in a military basis, the men wearing turbans and swords. Modern male sikhs still insist on wearing turbans and carrying a small ceremonial sword and other items.

Society of Friends (Quakers)

[Quakers]

Religious society started in Britain by Christians in the late 1600s (Seekers), influenced by George Fox (1624-91). The society has no ordained preachers, creeds or rites, claiming that all life should be sacred. Quakers have developed into two groups: the larger (more popular in US, Africa and the Middle East) has services with a preacher, similar to protestant Christian denominations. Those in Europe have a less strong Christian influence, though most have a Christian basis to their faith. They have silent meetings on Sundays in which members listen for the leading of God, though those who feel led to speak will do so for a short time.

Many Quakers refuse to take part in armed conflict, and Quakers are often found trying to resolve conflict where there are wars taking place. Quaker organisational decisions are not voted on, but issues are considered until all present feel the right one has been made. Early Quakers wore similar dark clothes and hats as a statement against extravagant lifestyles, refused to swear oaths, and insisted on treating all people with the same respect, regardless of rank. Quakers still hold to these values, but no longer wear particular clothing.

Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

Catholic Christian order founded in 1534AD by Ignatious Loyola, a Spanish soldier. Monks of this order take vows of poverty, chasticy, obedience and to go wherever they are sent by the Pope. They are now involved in missionary and educational work.

Spiritualism

Organised religion with its own church buildings. Spiritualists take part in Seances, claiming to communicate with spirits of the dead.

Sufis

Named after Suf (wool) because of their rough woollen garments. Based on Mohammedan religion, Sufis are mystics who seek union with Allah by ascetic devotional practices including religious dances. They're organised into orders whose members are known as fakirs or dervishes. Some have claimed to have reached near identity with the divine, which has led to their persecution as heretics. Some have been honoured by Mohammedans as saints. Well known Sufists are al-Ghazali (Persian mystic poet 1059-1111), Hallaj (executed in 922), Ibn Arabi (1165-1240 who influenced Dante), al-Jilani (died 1166).

Sunni Muslims

Larger of the two main denominations of Islam. Followers believe that the Mahdi (a messiah) will come to lead them. The denomination is mostly found in Persia, Iraq and India.

Swedenborgianism

System of beliefs based on the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772), a Swedish scientist. He claimed to have had direct contact with angels and had been directed to found a new church which accepts his divinely inspired writings. The church still exists in Sweden, Britain and USA.

Syrian-Jacobite Church

European Christian Church derived from Orthodox faith, though differing slightly.

Tammuz

Mesopotamian god whose ritual death and resurrection is celebrated in Autumn. The god was known as Adonis hiscult spread through Eastern parts of the Roman Empire early in the first millenium.

Taoism

Sixth century Chinese cult based on the philosophy of Lao-Tse. The religion teaches morality and compassion, and the value of non-action. It has become influenced by both Buddhism, seances and superstition.

Theosophy

New York movement started by Madame HP Blavatsky and developed later in Britain by Annie Besant. It is based on Buddhism and Hinduism, following ideas of reincarnation and Karma. Followers expect the coming of a World Teacher.

Theravada (or Hinayana)

Branch of Buddhism, popular in Ceylon and Burma. Followers expect to seek the truth for themselves.

Tertiaries (Third Order)

Group based on Franciscan monastic orders. The members are not ordained and can be male or female.

Totemism

A form of religion where the Totem (sacred spirit(?)) is represented by carved forms, usually plant or animal. Totemism is found among native Americans and Autralasians. The Totem is often a guardian spirit of a tribe, family or individual, and offerings are made to it.

Transcendentalism

A concept found in some religious and philosophical systems. The Transcendental is the state of Ultimate Being or Absolute Truth that followers of Buddhism and other religions aspire to.

Uniate Church

An Christian Church, similar to the Orthodox in faith and custom, but recognising the authority of the Pope.

Unitarianism

European/US religion similar to Christianity. Unitarians don't believe in the Trinity doctrine. The movement is an English one which broke away from the Baptist church. They have no 'doctrinal basis' but have pastors and fairly standard services.

United Brethren

[Moravians]

Voodoo

Religion that began on Haiti, and spread to the US with the taking of African slaves. Voodoo currently takes symbols from Christianity, African superstition and Freemasons.

Waldenses (Vaudois)

Christian sect similar to the Abilgenses founded in 1170 by Peter Waldo, a merchant of Lyons in protest against the wordliness of the official church, which persecuted the movement. The movement spread widely in Italy, France and Germany up to the 17th century, and was persecuted for much of this time. William Cromwell gave them a large donation in sympathy of this persecution. The Waldensian Church still exists in Italy.

Yoga

A part of Hinduism. A way of seeking union with the ultimate Truth (Brahma) by means of posture and breathing exercises. It has become popular in Europe and the US as a form of exercise. The system of Yoga is based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (written in about 300 BC) and the Nhagavad Gita.

Zaddikim

[Hasidim], [Judaism]

"Righteous ones" whose lives and sayings give rise to literature. Recent examples include Jewish philosopher and theologian Martin Buber.

Zen

Japanese branch of Buddhism taught by Bodhidharma (6th century). Followers believe that by meditation, often on Koans (paradoxical statements) and bodily training they can achieve Satori (sudden illumination and enlightenment on the truth of things). Zen Buddhism has bceome popular in Europe and USA in the late 20th century.

Zoroastrianism

Dualist religion of the Persian Empire from 600BC. Based on the teachings of Zoraster, who preached that a good god (Ahura Mazda, Ormazd) and an evil god (Angramainyus, Ahriman) are eternally at war, though good will achieve the final victory. Fire was a symbol of good and was honoured. Moral purity was held to be important, and the religion influenced(?) the latter parts of the Old Testament of the Bible. The religion's sacred writings are known as the (Zend) Avesta. Small number of Zoroastrians practice nowadays.

World trade, injustice and its causes

"Charity Fatigue" became a new term in the 80s when large amounts of money were given to various charities, but many people fail to realise that poverty in developing countries is directly linked to world banking systems and trade.

When USA borrowed money to fight wars in Vietnam and Korea, it had to print extra dollars to pay it back (the USA still has the largest debt of any country, running to several trillion dollars). These 'euro dollars' flooded European banks which lent them out.

When Europeans didn't want to borrow money, loans were given to developing countries, in an attempt to increase world-wide trade and production.

However, development schemes were not always effective or appropriate, and many loans were spent on weapons, status symbols, or simply 'disappeared'.

Developing countries have now paid back several times their original loans in interest, but still are in debt to the European banks.

In order to get money back, the World Bank has introduced Structural Adjustment Policies in which developing countries' governments are told how their economies should develop to maximise repayments. Many of these large scale plans are inappropriate or ineffective.

Another problem of developing countries is that large parts of their land is owned by Northern companies. Del Monte, Dole, Chiquita etc all own land from which profits are taken, so the country itself doesn't benefit from it. Some of them also have a lot of control over government policies in those countries.

In the year of Live Aid, a record $3bn was given in aid to Africa but, in the same year, African's had to pay $6bn to European banks in debt repayments.

Because of Northern-led trade systems, a trading system is forced on developing countries, so they have to grow 'cash crops' to sell to pay back debt. People starve because the crops they grow (exotic fruit, tobacco, coffee, tea) is not always and appropriate food crop for home consumption and, anyway, most is sold abroad.

The final nail in the coffin is that there is now an excess of countries producing goods for export, so purchasers can drop prices of these crops, and we pay far too little for many of our goods. Coffee, for instance, costs less than the price ten years ago. Escalating tariffs ensure that selling of complete foodstuffs from developing countries is non-competitive in Europe: the import tax on chocolate, for example is about five times the tax on cocoa beans: Companies in developed nations (and us) are benefiting from a system that ensures low prices and also prevents competition from developing countries.

Action

It is becoming clear that debts, self-interested foreign control and the minimising of commodity prices massively outweigh any financial aid we can give to developing countries.

For this reason, charities like Christian Aid and Traidcraft are calling on us to consider our banking habits and to start buying a new class of 'fairly traded' goods. Fairly traded goods are those where the producers in developing countries are being paid a fairer price for goods. Many of these goods are environmentally friendly as well as being people friendly, and are available from Traidcraft and Oxfam shops. Some foodstuffs, such as Clipper Tea and Caf‚direct coffee are available in well-known supermarket chains. By buying these products, you can support people in developing countries and take home foodstuffs that don't leave a bad taste in the mouth. Caf‚direct claims that farmers receive twice as much for their coffee as they do from other brands, enabling them to grow less 'cash crops' for export and to feed, clothe and educate their families.

If you eat breakfast, a visit to Traidcraft or Oxfam can supply you with a range of cereals, coffee, tea and honey for a fair-trade start to the day. Use organic soya milk if you want to feel really righteous!

Many people are also writing to their banks asking that they cancel their debts to developing countries, and joining banks like the Cooperative Bank, which has a semi-ethical investment policy and no 3rd world loans. They are angry that taxpayers' money has been used to compensate banks for debt defaulters even though some of them haven't actually cancelled debts.

People from developing countries are not asking for cash-aid or surplus food from Europe; they are asking that there be a 'level playing field' for trade in their goods. It is up to people like us to make sure justice is done.

Corporate interference

A food conference in Geneva produced a report criticising companies for selling junk food in poor countries. In some developing countries, heart disease from poor diets was found to be one of the most common forms of death.

A food company group called ILSI (International Life Sciences) which contains representatives of Coca Cola and Nestle edited the report before it was released and removed or watered down many of its suggestions. An ILSI member was asked about the injustice of selling soft drinks in countries where there are few clean water supplies. He replied "Coke is safe to drink".

For more information, visit an Oxfam or Traidcraft outlet. Ask your bank about its 3rd world debts and ethical policies regarding investment.

World views

There's a link between what people believe and do: religious beliefs can be made to fit in with what people wish to do. Christianity claims to be both a personal and absolute truth; Christians are seen both as a separate body (righteous remnant, etc) a dispersed light/salt/yeast bringing goodness and 'flavour' to their surroundings.

A WORLD VIEW is what we assume to be true without thinking about it. Religious world views can be that people of other faiths are wrong or evil, that the world and humans are basically evil, that hardship is rewarded in the afterlife, that love is the best way...

An analogy of World View is that of spectacles: glasses need attention when your vision is at odds with reality; a world view needs attention when what you see is at odds with what you believe eg people of other faiths showing as much love and Godliness as those of your own.

Effects of world views

Dualism: Religious people often split their lives between what is 'God's business' and not. This may have been caused by continued 'religious' warring through the Middle Ages when religion played a large part in political life. The current world view keeps religion out of politics and science. Basing decisions on religion had caused terrible wars, and still no one knew who was right.

The Paranoid Universe: Many Christians believe the world and the universe are inherently evil. Christians point to secular marginalisation of the church, but religious warring, inquisitions and oppression have cause this marginalisation. Christians nowadays cop out of political and financial decisions, further separating their Christian and 'secular' life.

The End Times Conspiracy: We've had 2000 years of 'end times'. Some high placed political people (particularly USA) have made decisions based on end times beliefs: Ronald Reagan's interior secretary, with regard to polluted rivers and lakes, said "I don't know how many generations can rely on them being here before the Lord returns.". It is probably fair to say that the best environmental policy is to stop Christianity...

USA's politics is riddled with conspiracy theory, much of it fuelled by Christianity.

Holistic/individualistic: This view can allow people to shape their views to how they wish to live.

Questions that face us in the late 20th century are: What am I for? Can I believe anything that I don't feel/experience?

Writing - Harold Fickett

Form and surprise are both in stories. A good story makes you forget the plot so you can re-read it. Characters must be believable and realistic, doing the right kind of things.

By reading, people can relate to situations they haven't experienced. They can recognise things that they can't express. Concepts include: ROTATION of characters into unfamiliar situations, IDENTIFICATIONS of characters and REVELATION. Stories sometimes make us choose sides; our judgement of the characters can change how we see the story. The choices the character makes are very important.

Quotes and 'mini articles'

Apathy: "It's so easy to just do nothing".

Approval: "We don't need to earn God's approval"

Art: "An entertained person is a receptive person"

Buying: "We buy things we don't need and neglect people because we work so much."

Change: "You can't change the world without changing people"

Children: "Being like a child is about asking awkward questions"

Children: "If the concept of childhood innocence is our ideal, how can are children (or we) ever grow up?"

Christianity: "Being a Christian is not being a doormat".

Christianity: "Don't let you Christianity be a drug, pepping you up when you feel down. Deal with the root of the problem and don't take a 'pain killer'".

Christianity: "Is our response to Christianity joy?"

Christianity: "There aren't different degrees of Christian".

Church: "She may be a whore, but she's still my mother".

Church: "The British church is on the Pill"

Church: "The Church is an instrument to do God's work"

Church: "The church isn't just somewhere to sit under the ministry of gifted individuals"

Church:"Only when we see God in people instead of buildings will we have a true church"

Contact: "Jesus healed people one-to-one, even when in large crowds"

Conversion: "Christian conversion is about finding and releasing God in ourselves"

Courage: "He has filled me with his spirit, given me a sense of justice and courage to tell Israel about the Lord"

Death: "Death is separation from God"

Decisions: "I put before you two paths; one of life and one of death. Choose this day"

Difficulties: "Doubt, Division, Disobedience, Discouragement, Distractions"

Discipleship: "Effective discipleship comes from total obedience"

Dominion: "Do you have dominion or domination?"

Doubt: "Don't doubt in the dark what you were told in the light"

Dryness: "Not very dry but dry; dry is dry after all" - BBC Weather.

Enivronment: "You say you can worship God in the countryside instead of at church, but do you?"

Failure: "Knocked down but not knocked out"

Faith: "Faith isn't faith until it's all you're hanging on to" "Faith is acting because you believe something". "Faith is acting on belief".

Faults: "Why look for faults?". "Our strands of faith should be woven into the fabric of the world"

Figures: "4% of the population use 43% of world resources" "90% of Peru's fish catch is used for dog food" "40,000 children die every night" "Ł«m spent on arms every minute"

Fortune: "Success is never certain. Failure is never final". "Sunshine brings deserts, rain brings growth"

Future: "I have a plan for you; plans for good and not for evil. I have given you a future and a hope"

Future: "Don't plan for the future - make the future"

Glory: "God doesn't give glory to men - he gives it to himself"

God: "Christians treat God as a moron"

Goodness: "Are you just good or dangerously good?"

Growth: "Growth isn't knowing more, it's surviving and learning how to be".

Growth: "What we learn in the dark we posses for ever".

Growth: "I will give you treasures from dark secret places, then you will know that I am the Lord".

Growth: "Not all growth is useful"

Hate: "Hate is not the opposite of love, it's the opposite of understanding."

Healing: "God doesn't heal you to sit around doing nothing"

Hope: "Is hope just a word or an experience?"

Hope: "I have given you a future and a hope"

Hope: "I have plans for you; plans for good and not for evil"

Jesus: "Jesus is the truth to be told, the light to be shone, the love to be loved and the life to be lived".

Jesus: "Jesus didn't just appear and start giving instructions"

Journey: "Follow the footsteps of Christ, wearing your own shoes". "Don't ask to see where to go, but how to travel".

Judgement: "Don't judge people until you've failed too"

Justification: "You can always justify yourself to life. There's always someone better or worse than you are"

Law: "If the law of God was the law of Britain, we'd all be in prison"

Life: "You're the only person in the world that thinks they don't deserve to be alive"

Lifestyle: "Do your beliefs make any difference to you?".

Lifestyle: "Our lifestyle can seduce us too easily".

Lifestyle: "We are icons"

Lifestyle: "We are human beings, not human doings"

Lifestyle: "We don't know who discovered water, but it certainly wasn't a fish"

Lifestyle: "We've been hearing the talk without walking the walk"

Light: "It's not surprising that people are lost if they don't use the lamp"

Love: "Love is more than a feeling: it's a decision to treat someone in a certain way and can actually change feelings."

Love: "Love is the currency of altruism"

Love: "Love is time"

Love: "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference"

Love: "If God loves us as we are, it's probably best to love God as we are."

Ministry: "We can't say 'My ministry'."

Miracles: "Miracles don't prove anything"

Narrow way: "The Needle Eye gate in Jerusalem was so small that a camel would need its load removed and would have to kneel to get through - Jesus may have been referring to this in his 'eye of the needle' parable: we need to remove our 'load' and be humble to pass this way."

New Age: "Remember that 'by their fruits (not gifts) you will know them'"

Peace: "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness"

Pentecost: "Pentecost was like rabbits being turned into ferrets"

Planning: "Know what you're doing before you do it"

Poverty: "Is it about having less CDs than my neighbour?"

Poverty: "Poverty is to do with not being adequately fed or having access to drinking water"

Power: "Not any old power - God's power"

Praise tapes: "Praise tapes are a bit like reading porn before making love"

Prayer: "Listening is a vital part of prayer - we should slow down."

Problems: "When we look at our problems we sink, like Peter when he looked at the waves. When we look at Jesus we can 'walk on water'".

Problems: "Problems are unfashionable these days".

Problems: "Problems are often made political and people feel they needn't worry about them"

Progress: "If you're not going forwards you're going backwards"

Promises: "God doesn't make promises that (He) can't keep"

Questions: "The church spends a lot of time answering questions that people aren't asking"

Religion: "Jesus didn't come to start a religion but to tell us the truth and how to live"

Rules: "Christianity may have too many rules"

Saints: "A saint is anyone who is set apart to work for God"

Sarcasm: "I'll probably laugh in the night" (thankyou Nell!)

Simplicity: "Live simply so that others can simply live."

Sin: "Break off your sin by righteousness"

Spirituality: "Isn't it just the thing that connects us to everything else?"

Submission: "To submit to God is not to surrender all you own, but to choose to use all you own and can do for God"

Success: "God didn't say you'd always be successful"

Suffering: "Jesus is the man of sorrows, acquainted with suffering"

Surrender: "To yield whilst remaining in complete control of yourself"

Temptation: "Temptation tries to make good things look bad and bad things look good"

Thinking: "You think yourself into a stodge".

Thinking: "Use your whole mind"

Truth: "Truth is meant to be used".

Truth: "To shut the door the truth is the road to disaster"

Words: "Let there be no more foul language, but good words instead. Words suitable for the occasion which God can use to help other people".

Words: "Your inside is expressed through words".

Words: "Words are never neutral"

Work: "Work used to be a blessing. After the fall, it is a toil."

Work: "If we have a right to work, we also have a right to be lazy"

Work: "To them who work, more work will be given - to them who don't work, even the work they have will be taken away."

Work: "You can choose to serve, or choose to be a servant."

Work: "God's work will only be done if we do it."

Work: "The real work is done by God, not by music or preaching etc"

World: "People should be in the world, and not hidden from it"