jodiemcneill.com » Culture

How One Direction provides a forum for thinking through asceticism, generosity, idolatry, and priorities

Jodie — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:19:04 +0000

I’ve just written an article for Fervr.net called ‘Is it right to see One Direction in concert?’

The aim was to help youth think about how they use their time and money.

It would be great to share it with any teenagers you might know (or just ‘Like’ it on Facebook), as you help them think through these big issues.

The harmful effects of “Nature Deficit Disorder”

Jodie — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:27:20 +0000

Ever heard of Nature Deficit Disorder? It’s a term coined by Richard Louv in his 2005 book ‘Last Child in the Woods’.

For a powerful explanation of the effects of this disorder on our society, check out this great Youtube video:

All the more reason to get outdoors!

When “thinking of you” is not enough

Jodie — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 05:44:56 +0000

Last week I posted a blog on sydneyanglicans.net where I lamented the fact that most people now say “thinking of you” instead of “praying for you”. Here’s the link: http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/modernministry/when_thinking_of_you_is_not_enough/

The reason I share this with you is that I’ve just heard Prime Minister Julia Gillard speak about the terrifying threat of Cyclone Yasi, where she not only spoke of “thinking” of the people of Far North Queensland, but said that the Australian people were “united in spirit”, another example of a an attempt to rebirth and recommission a typically Christian expression in this time of pain.

I really want my friends in Townsville, my family in Port Douglas, and everyone in Cairns and FNQ to know that God truly answers the prayers of those who speak to him, and that I am speaking to God on their behalf, that he might reduce the power of the storm, protect human life, and through this, show his glory in the way he intends.

In this time of trial for Queensland and Australia there is no better time to seek the mercy of God for the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life.

Australia, get down on your knees!

Anyone else noticed a stark increase in the number of news stories in the SMH about religion, and in particular, Christianity?

Jodie — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:21:40 +0000

In today’s SMH there is a story on Mary Mackillop, and a curious story about a blessing of mobile phones.

What’s most interesting is that both stories have a positive ‘feel’ to them.

There is nothing about scandal or infighting.

In fact, the story about Mary Mackillop has no sense of scepticism whatsoever. It reads like the thing you’d expect to find in a Catholic newspaper.

Here’s the main teaser quote, as featured on the front page of smh.com.au this morning:

When Kathleen Evans arrives at the pearly gates, she will have a simple question for St Peter: ”Why me?”

Maybe the secular media is waking up to the fact that far more Australians consider themselves Christians than had previously conceded by the mainstream press.

Keep praying for opportunities to use these articles as a springboard to conversations with your friends about Jesus.

And, if you’re a budding journo, why not submit an opinion piece to the dailies, and see if they might publish it?

Should you Twitter?

Jodie — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:52:54 +0000

I’ve been trying to hold off, but for no longer. This weekend I signed up for Twitter, the latest trend in online social networking.

My blog on this new Internet phenomenon is now live at sydneyanglicans.net. Have a read, and join in the discussion.

To clap or not to clap?

Jodie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:59:42 +0000

One aspect of our church gatherings that causes some division and confusion is the practice of clapping. It should come as no surprise that the current March 2009 edition of Southern Cross includes a letter to the Editor raising this very issue in relation to the Connect ’09 Big Day In.

Should we clap or not? Read my thoughts in my blog at sydneyanglicans.net.

Professional v relational?

Jodie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:58:26 +0000

Anyone who knows me well will be aware that I like things to be both relational and to be professional. However, it can often be difficult to achieve both of these goals at the same time…

Read my thoughts in my blog at sydneyanglicans.net.

Sacred spaces still matter

Jodie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:56:02 +0000

Visiting three McNeill Sacred Spaces reminded me of the significance of buildings to the Christian life.

Read my thoughts and reflections in my weekly blog at sydneyanglicans.net.

Tall Poppy Christianity

Jodie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:47:24 +0000

When a person speaks about his or her success in ministry, the response from others is often lukewarm. Perhaps it’s a Christian version of the so-called ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’, in which Aussies habitually cut down high achievers to the median level of mediocrity. But is this a Christian response?

Read my answer in my article at sydneyanglicans.net.

Nothing’s better than the real thing

Jodie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:44:13 +0000

There was a time when ‘artificial’ was the buzz. We loved artificial grass, artificial light, artificial sweeteners, and even artificial intelligence. In the last few years our society has been bombarded with artificial community. But, like everything artificial, there is nothing like the real thing!

Read my thoughts on ‘getting away’ in my article published at sydneyanglicans.net, as well as in Christian Venues Association’s ‘Somewhere to Go’ directory.