The Golden Compass

I finished reading the book on Friday and went to the movie on Saturday. First, I thought the book was way better than the movie (but that is usually the case). Second, I understand why the Christian right and the Catholic church could be up in arms. The movie opens speaking of the "Magisterium" which tells people the truth they want them to know. This movie and the book does offer a challenge to the form of Christianity that is dogmatic in belief and leave no room for independent thought or for questioning.

The author has been quoted as saying that church history shows Christianity to be violent and oppressive. I can't argue with that. Christians have been and I would argue still are violent and oppressive. How many theological arguments have ended up with one side being deemed as heretical and killed or otherwise silenced.

I would encourage everyone to see this movie and to decide for yourself. Maybe it is time for the church to listen to an outsider (Pullman is a self proclaimed agnostic) and see what we may actually look like.

Bummer

Well, no snow to speak of, oh well, it is only the beginning of winter. The ice has melted, the clean up continues. Central Oklahoma looks to be clear for a while now, but I have to say it was nice to see the sun again!!!

The next winter storm approaches

My folks didn't have power for almost 80 hours, but we spent a night at my brother-in-law's folks and then 2 nights with my sister and brother-in-law (Janet and James and my nephews Josh and Jayson) since they had power. The power came back on about noon yesterday and then we spent the better part of the afternoon cleaning out the refrigerator and cleaning up some of the branches in the yard. The next storm approaches. We are supposed to have 2-4" of snow in the next 24 hours or so. I will post pictures soon. I missed taking the picture of the 1/4" of ice on my car.

Oklahoma Ice Storm 2007

There are over 500,000 people in Oklahoma without power. My family included. My folks lost power Monday morning around 3:30 am. We went to my sister's who had power (the other lost power about the same time we did) and then she lost power about 2:30. We have ended up at my brother-in-law's parents. They are out of town and one of his brother's and his family are here too. Huge house, and they have power so we are staying the night.

The weather isn't supposed to really improve until late afternoon Tuesday. Tons of tress are down which have caused a lot of the power outages. For all of you outside the state of Oklahoma, pray for those caught in the midst of the largest power outage in the state's history.

For now, me and my family are fine. I also talked with Tim Blodgett and he had power earlier today.

Providence

Although I am tired of waiting, this may be a part of the grand design of things. It has been helpful for me to be in Norman especially as my nephew has had continuing health issues. There have been several days that I have stayed with him to allow for less disruption in other schedules. In the meantime, I have done some pulpit supply, substitute taught, reconnected with church family and other friends and had time to read. God's plans for us are always more than we can see or imagine.