2012/03/23

Another Bishop Robinson calls for overhaul of RC teachings

Another Bishop Robinson calls for overhaul of RC teachings:
The liberally oriented National Catholic Reporter tells us about retired Roman Catholic Bishop Geoffrey Robinson from Australia who advocates a complete overhaul of the RC church's teaching on sexuality.
At the Seventh National Symposium on Catholicism and Homosexuality, retired Australian Bishop Geoffrey Robinson called Friday for "a new study of everything to do with sexuality" -- a kind of study that he predicted "would have a profound influence on church teaching concerning all sexual relationships, both heterosexual and homosexual."

"If the starting point [as in current church teaching] is that every single sexual act must be both unitive and procreative, there is no possibility of approval of homosexual acts," Robinson said. 
He proceeded, however, to question that natural law argument, especially as laid out by recent popes, and to suggest that a more nuanced reading of divine commandments in scripture and of Jesus' teaching would lead to a different set of moral norms -- starting with a change in church teaching that every sexual act or thought that falls outside a loving conjugal act open to procreation is a mortal sin because it is a direct offense against God himself in his divine plan for human sexuality.
….
"The teaching fostered a belief in an incredibly angry God," he added, "for this God would condemn a person to an eternity in hell for a single unrepented moment of deliberate pleasure arising from sexual desire. I simply do not believe in such a God. Indeed, I positively reject such a God."

More on Bp Robinson's work on issues of sexuality


The start of more sane thinking in the RC context?

Advice from 12 Great Entrepeneurs


From a work colleague.  Thanks Jason!

An interesting article about the 12 greatest entrepreneurs of our time.  I like their advice,
Advice: Find very smart people and create small teams.
Advice: Make your customers No. 1.
Advice: Give the people (think users) what they want.
Advice: Spare no expense on innovation.
Advice: Purpose inspires people.
Advice: Rely on "first-level" managers.
Advice: Always challenge the old ways.
Advice: Embrace paranoia.
Advice: Sacrifice today, cash in tomorrow.
Advice: Take regular mini-retreats.
Advice: Say no to focus groups and market research.
Advice: Small gifts can equal big impacts.

Youth Turned Off by Religion and Politics, Turn Away From Church, Christian News

Youth Turned Off by Religion and Politics, Turn Away From Church, Christian News

To young adults, Campbell and Putnam write, "'religion' means 'Republican,' 'intolerant,' and 'homophobic.' Since those traits do not represent their views, they do not see themselves – or wish to be seen by their peers – as religious." 

If the Christian Post is reporting it, maybe it's going to start sinking in with the evangelical/fundamentalist branches of the church.  Not holding my breath.

Our Civilization’s Essence — The League of Ordinary Gentlemen

Our Civilization’s Essence — The League of Ordinary Gentlemen

Love the graphic.  As the author says, it's a picture of our civilization.

2012/03/22

Mark Raymond: Victims of the city | Video on TED.com

Mark Raymond: Victims of the city | Video on TED.com

Loving the thoughts he provides about intention and considering social good.  Of course, how to pay for this, to create built-in incentives to improve quality of life is the challenge.