Venezuela and the Conversation at Menlo Church

I am being asked about Venezuela. Last year we hosted an event at Menlo Church which outlined the historical issues and economic problems with Venezuela. We thought the problems would be somewhat short-lived with the possible and immanent replacement of President Nicolas Maduro with opposition leader Juan Guaido. Then things went south. Guaido has been…

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Eggs McKnight

Today my friend Scot McKnight moved his blog over to Christianity Today and just launched it. Jesus Creed. I thought I would use this as an encouragement to start blogging again after 18 months away. I also created a breakfast for my kids today and named it Eggs McKnight. Eggs McKnight is a toasted muffin…

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Thor: Ragnarok and understanding Kiwi Humor

Tonight I am going to see Thor: Ragnarok with my daughter who has already seen it twice. The selling point for me was the humor – Kiwi humor, or “humour” as we would say, of director Taika Waititi. I lived in New Zealand until I was 17 and I not only fully understand and appreciate…

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The Women Who Blogged and Brought a Heresy To It’s Knees.

How fitting that an unorthodox theological position running rampant for 30 years in evangelicalism, namely the complementarian doctrine of a hierarchically ordered Trinity based on authority/submission (ESS – Eternal Subordination of the Son) that has given rise to patriarchy, misogyny, clerical abuse by arrogant bully New Calvinist pastors, the silencing of women, the problematic ESV…

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Night Time Blessing

This morning I woke up and wrote a night time blessing. Influence from John O’Donohue and Sabastian Faulks whose high society parties in 1960’s Washington in “On Green Dolphin Street” are still in my mind as I am currently reading that novel. ——————————— Good Night By Andrew Jones On the night when your body surrenders…

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This Fermenting Earth

Blanket of morning mist hovers, shimmers, broods over this fermenting earth, watching forests decay and green blades protrude rudely and volcanic labyrinths twitch below to remind us they live. Sunlit rays pierce cloud and green responds with orange. Grassy cushion hills rise up to greet the morning light. This land of nutrient mud and winter…

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Losing Debbie

Sorry this post is so late. I have not been well. I posted on FB but this is for my friends outside. Debra Diane Jones, my caring partner and wife for 29 years, best friend, my conversation partner, my critic, my fashion consultant, my travel companion, my co-conspirator, my right hand, my lover . .…

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2015 in Review

It’s been a wonderful and challenging year and I give thanks to God for making it possible. And a SPECIAL THANKS to those of you who supported us financially through our New Zealand supporters and SYRIOUS LOVE (Syrian Refugee Ministry). Some highlights from 2015 We worked in these countries: Jordan, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia, Czech Republic,…

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Relevant Magazine on Beer

Relevant Magazine has good article on Christianity’s Most Enthusiastic Beer Enthusiasts. Nothing you probably dont already know but its good to be reminded, especially when you lift the Guinness to your lips and reflect on church history. It doesn’t feature the excellent micro-brews coming out from the pub churches and modern day monasteries but its worth the…

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Thoughts on Ashley Madison Scandal

Here’s some random thoughts on the Ashley Madison Scandal, marriage, shaming, and its impact on Christian pastors and bloggers. Reformation Sunday came early this year. An expected 400 Christian pastors resigned today in the wake of the Ashley Madison marriage cheating website being hacked and the names of subscribers, including the particularities and peculiarities of their sexual fantasies with a…

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Thoughts on Pope Francis

GREAT to hear waves of excitement over the new Pope. I am also excited about the appointment of Pope Francis, because . . . – he is from South America. – he is a humble man, riding the bus to work and refusing ecclesiastic titles.  – he has a heart for the poor. – he…

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Wedding Day

Today is the big day for our family. Our Number One son Sam marries Jenna White. All very exciting. Lots of airport pickups. I got to bed at 3am last night. In a few hours we host the wedding ceremony. The pig is already on the spit. Yes, we are taking lots of photos and…

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American Christians and the Mormon factor

Right now is an interesting time in American politics and religion. There are plenty of conservative evangelical Christians in USA who are about to vote for a Mormon to be their president. Who woulda thunk??? I read a few snippets on Billy Graham removing the “cult” status on the BGEA website. I would be curious to…

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Muslim sanctuaries: For Your Eyes Only

“Cinderazahd: For Your Eyes Only” has its world premiere at the Dowse Art Museum next week but men will not be allowed in. The Qatari writer and film-maker Sophia Al-Maria has expressed her wishes that men should not see the unveiled women in her video, a wish that corresponds with her Muslim faith. Fair enough. I…

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Egypt: A Christian vice-president and potential for change

Last year in Egypt I met some amazing people who live in Cairo and have a special interest in the goings-on among the government and church. One of them is W. I asked him for the skinny on the recent happenings. Andrew: Hi W. I just heard some news about Egypt:  “One of the first decisions will…

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