Little Mester's Patch

Christianity and Society

2012-01-21T20:20:00.001Z

In the not too distant past we classed ourselves as a Christian country. Our grandparents and largely our parents went to church or chapel, read the Bible, and attempted to live their lives based on Christian principles. Now, in our contemporary society we see the churches emptying. together with an influx of a range of other religions and attitudes. We also see the breaking up of our society, and a degeneration of moral attitudes and behaviour. The fact that the two are linked cannot be escaped, therefore why are we, as individuals, so willing to accept the situation and join the lemmings about to jump off the edge of the precipice. Christian principles held our society together for so long why now give them up so easily?

Computers and Real Life

2011-12-07T07:22:00.001Z

I am more and more concerned that the fundamental difference between computers and real life is being ignored by everyone. Everything concerning real life is based upon accurate circles and spheres, but it is the one thing that I computer cannot generate perfectly, it can only estimate. Because of this fact computers can never be married up perfectly with the intricacies of creation.

The new ‘Hi Guy’ society

2011-11-09T20:52:00.001Z

At my stage of life how should I cope with this form of address on the e-mails which I receive from so-called professional people. I really must be getting old!

Where has the traditional professional respect gone? Why is it assumed that the recipient of an e-mail will find this form of address acceptable? Sadly, this is just another sign of our times where anything goes especially if it emanates from America.

Am I the only one who can see the spiralling down of standards the result of which we can see around us in the chaotic state of our society.

From a personal point of view I am at the point of responding to the next Hi Guy with an equally derogatory response. So please watch this space!

On Education

2011-06-29T16:50:00.002+01:00

Please -
When are we going to grow up, learn from the past, and acknowledge that -

1 There is a big difference between - Being 'Clever’ and, having ‘Intelligence' and/or 'Wisdom’. It does not matter where you went to school, or what background you came from! The cruicial element is personai attitude, and integrity, together with the humility to listen and interact with others - choose whatever level or standing they represent.

2 That School is about Education and Learning, where examinations are a genuine measure of that 'learning' – not an end in themselves. All children, and Adults, should be given the opportunity to perform to the best of their ability.

3 That ‘all children are different’. Their characteristics might well be of ‘wanting to achieve’, or conversly ‘couldn’t care less’. All ‘individuals develop at different rates’ – we never stop learning - everyone needs, and deserves, the opportunity to excel!

4 When is the Shouting, Rhetoric, and Politics going to stop and give way to careful and considered development of the philosophy and structured development of Education – the all so vital part of our future.

Please stop looking at the problem, but concentrate on the cause - or origin! Solicitors can charge up to £250 per hour! -- Is not a teachers' role just as important to the Country's future!! We have been responsible for educating you, and your colleagues!

Having spent thirty nine years working with children at all levels, and in all situations - inspecting schools - developing courses, and procedures - organizing conferences to commumnicate important messages based upon sound philosophy - working with adults - I am increasingly frustrated by the lack of respect for my, and my contemporaries' experience. We were the world leaders in Education - they came to us from all around the world - but why is this not entirely the case now? We could well still be at that position now, but for the interference of politics and social snobbery!! Everyone is an expert on Education except those who do the job. What if this was the case in the medical profession?

Having now retired, I miss my contact with the Pupils, but I hope that I have made a positive influence in my time as a teacher! However I am driven to beg that your considerations and thoughts are not motivated by your own experience, background and political ends. We have a very serious problem to solve which can only be resolved by real understanding - a humility to listen to experience - and a courageous stance for what is right, and felt by the collective heart!

Knowledge is Infinite

2011-01-11T20:15:00.002Z

Scientists shout ‘Eureka’ at their discoveries, and hearing one recently finding what he thought to be the definitive answer to to a life-long question, he has claimed the glory of solving the problem.

What he and others like him fail to see from history is that when an important fact is found it becomes the starting point for a host of other possible research routes.

In fact – logic tells us that knowledge is infinite, and can be likened to someone hill walking. on struggling up to the top of the hill no others are in view until the top is reached, and it is then that the other big hills come into view after being previously hidden. The peaks to be conquered become endless, but you don’t know that they are there until you climb.

Although I can accept that scientific discoveries are valid in there own right, no scientist can claim to know all about a subject, and likewise, religious exponents cannot claim to know the whole truth, because the truth is just as infinite, and endless. We can only work with the facts we have.

My challenge therefore is to apply this concept to Christianity, and to our understanding of God. For those who prefer to not know, perhaps they could contemplate some of the facts which exist describing God’s work. No facts exist to disprove such existence.

Our Society/Country/and relation with ‘God’.

2010-10-03T13:29:00.001+01:00

How is it possible, or even conceivable, that in our society we can end up with an unmarried, atheist, Jewish , leader of the labour party, who could well be a next Prime Minister of the Country!

Our Social code is one of ‘Free Speech’ – therefore why has the Church of England not utilised its right to speak out against the obvious conclusions to this appointment - if the process is allowed to run its course !

Is the ‘Church of England’ really a Church for our Country any more? Are we looking at a situation where we can expect to have a parallel ‘Moslems of England’ as a serious alternative. Perhaps we will all be required to become ‘Atheists of England’ by Parliamentary Decree !

Are we really saying that we are not a Christian Country. Is this what my Father, and his generation fought for? Are we so spineless and naive not to realize what is happening within the big picture ?

I genuinely pray to God that common sense and wisdom is restored to our leaders !

I add also ‘God Save Our Queen Elizabeth’ who has given her life to the service of us all, and whom sets the example of Wisdom, Integrity, Guidance, and Grace !

We have had our chance !!!

Please God – help us all !

Faith

2010-07-19T23:15:00.001+01:00

All faiths are dependent on a belief, but some are very much sounder than others owing to elements of factual accuracy.

Christianity is rooted in fact although much is also left to conjecture.

As for everyone there is the choice of acceptance or not.

For me it is ACCEPTANCE because the reverse side is far less plausible.

We are dependent on ‘experts’ for guidance within the Christian churches, but knowledge is infinite along with creation itself. Consequently man can only gain a minute amount of knowledge in comparison to what the future holds in store.

Therefore, we have to base our assumptions on what knowledge is available to us. Jesus did live. The Bible exists. The lives of Christian people bear witness to the power of this faith, and we only have to observe what happens when we remove Christian principles from society.

It is a far better life built on Christianity than any alternative. The proof of the pudding exists as witness to these facts.

Man and Knowledge

2010-04-07T07:48:00.001+01:00

The knowledge that men have gained so far is a minute fraction of what is yet to be achieved. Knowledge is integral with space and time, and likewise is infinite. Man is arrogant if he thinks that he 'knows'. What of quantum physics for instance? We can only work with what we know so far. Therefore how can man say that there is, or is not, a God!

Faith

2010-02-06T18:37:00.001Z

How I worry about my kids!!

When I look back upon my life I can see that I had no real direction, and was quite unhappy for a good proportion of time. The turning point came when I made the decision to leave my parents, and my job in Sheffield, and take up the opportunity of teaching at Sibford. It was there that I found my Faith - with the Quakers, and things started to move forward. Life was not necessarily easy by any means as I have many stories to tell, but the important thing is that my life had, and still has, a purpose!

I listen to all the arguments about Christianity, the Churches, people I know, scripture, and all the rest, but in my quiet time 'I know' (not just believe), that God is present at all times, and is with me as he has always been. I can only say this from personal experience, and quietly know he is there. He has held my hand when I most needed it - quite literally! People can say what they want - but I know!!! You don't have to jump up and down, quote the Bible, or anything else - just give him a chance!

Therefore give the chance for him to speak to you personally - it happens through the 'heart', and is very real when you submit to his voice.

Words cannot describe the process of communication, but you have to listen to 'God' rather than those who think that they know - it is personal!

God will bless you when you tackle the life that he gave you in the spirit of understanding of why he gave it to you in the first place.

It is then that you associate yourself with the Church community which offers the support that you feel is appropriate for you.

Technology and Democracy !!

2009-06-20T21:22:00.003+01:00

When are people going to realize the division being created in our society by the ever increasing use of technology in messaging , and making feelings known. It is great for those sitting at a computer whether at work or at home, and who have the where-with-all to send quick comments to government, or wherever. Unfortunately, whether we like it or not, there are great swathes of the population, particularly the older generation, who do not have the technology, skills, or the ability to use this medium.

Therefore, those in power who hear these messages, are listening only to those in the cities and universities etc. and have no idea of what the rest of the people are really thinking. The silent majority is becoming ever silent!

Consequently our society is becomming far more divided through technology than it has been by race or money.

This problem which will have a great effect on our futures needs to be addressed now !!!!

Billy's Rings

2009-04-08T21:34:00.008+01:00

Time well spent - 25 hours to be precise! Note the segments of Palladium between the Gold which Billy wanted to represent the Trinity. I enjoyed making these, and I wish Billy and Helen every happiness in their future life together.

Helen, I feel, is very brave leaving her family to travel so far from the Philipines to England having not been abroad before. Especially so as it is fairly permant.

God bless them both.

The New Religion

2009-04-01T23:00:00.004+01:00

Now that people have worshipped the new gods of money and 'quick fix', is it not clear to them that we are now on a downward spiral of destruction. At whatever level, whether it be politicians, bankers, workmen and women, gentry, the results are the same. Quality of life has never been so low, having removed God from all areas of living.