April 30, 2011 
I've had fascinating opportunities to talk with people about public displays of religion lately.
Kiwis get the passion and loyalty that goes with sports, but spiritual forms of religion are foreign to many Kiwis.
I've had fascinating opportunities to talk with people about public displays of religion lately.In much of New Zealand sport there are vestments, rituals, officiating 'clergy', songs and appeals to higher powers. I witnessed the nearest thing to prayer this week while watching a group of women cheer their under-dog team to a national championship; hands clasped together chanting "We Believe" as their team had a chance to score.
But the public displays I referred to were the national memorial service after the Christchurch earthquake, and the Royal Wedding. Funny how Prince William was at both!
Both were organised by the Anglican Church and were steeped in tradition. They both had obvious attempts to connect with contemporary believers in non-traditional contexts. Both caused conversations afterwards; intrigue as to why they did what they did, and a certain degree of respect.
The challenge is to make the leap from public religion to personal understanding of the difference Jesus makes in living in the world today. That leap is not usually made as a result of a debate or convincing evidence. It often comes when there's been an authentic representation of faith in the life of someone they know, or when a crisis arises, a critical opportunity for people to choose something different than what they've known.
I don't wait around hoping for crisis in the lives of people I love. I weave my faith and truth of Scripture and funny stories about Jesus into my everyday conversation. I tend to do that much as reasonable new-grandparents talk about their grandkids; with loving reference but not assuming anyone else loves in the same way or to the same degree.
It's important to be able to agree to disagree. I know their lack of understanding and agreement on some points is quite crucial to spiritual well-being, but forcing the issue is rarely advantageous to anyone. In a post-Christian context, softly softly is often the better approach.
I could go blazing in with righteous indignation and be right in principle, but wrong in approach. Respect, mutual respect, is vital. Judging people on behalf of God is to usurp the throne and deny His mercy.
So here I am, a foreigner and a participant-observer; oft asked for perspective, but mostly just under observation myself as my authenticity is tested. I live and love in Jesus name. I hope what people see will be attractional and that they'll see the difference between religion and relationship. That's what He came for, lived for, died for.
8 March update
EARTHQUAKES!!
Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island has been badly shaken by quakes and well over 5000 aftershocks, 8 more just on Saturday, 5 March.Anxiety levels are high and people are tired of camping out with unstable homes, no sewers, no electricity or water.
We are working with local organizations to meet needs, and our new church planting team in Christchurch is working flat out to mirror Jesus in the midst of hopelessness and fear.
If you, your family or fellowship would like to help those in Christchurch, please donate to SPCF. Maybe you'd like to pay for counseling, help rent a large tent for the church to meet in temporarily or provide transport for some of the outreach and responses to community needs.
