First things

A small start for a new blogger, who is a minister and theologian by nature.

These are difficult times for the peoples of the world. How does faith speak to us in difficult times? How does one live out Christian discipleship in a community where economics have ruled and now have let us all down?

So many people have been hooked into the 'growth economics' culture. I've always wondered how could stock markets and finances keep going up. We, the middle class, have lived with the dream that things would get better and better and we would be able to afford all the toys that are dangled in front of us. Let's be honest - I have some, you have some; and we hope to get some more or replace some of the older ones.

We think our houses need to be larger so each person can have their own 'private' space and yet we miss the closeness and intimacy of being family and friends. Ironically we spend a fortune keeping separate and yet long to be close! We label as 'friends' people we might not even talk to more than once per year. Now that's intimate!

So there is a lot for people of faith to think about and share.

I work for a church that is about to have a financial 'heart attack'. Like many other businesses, industries, and groups we will have to shed some expenses. It will be, I hope, a time to re-examine the question: "Why are we here?" What do we exist in God's Kingdom to do and how do we now do that? These are good questions for all people of faith.

"What's it all about, Alfie?" is a good question. "Where is this all going?" is another good question. "How are we going to get there?" and "What will be the signs we have arrived?" - worth pondering.