deird1: Buffy and the rocket launcher, with text "best present ever" (Buffy rocket launcher)
2021-09-01 07:01 pm

reading the Deuterocanon

Excuse me while I briefly go religious and political simultaneously:

Honour physicians for their services, for the Lord created them. … The skill of physicians makes them distinguished, and in the presence of the great they are admired. … The Lord created medicines out of the earth, and the sensible will not despise them. … He gave skill to human beings that he might be glorified in his marvellous works. … My child, when you are ill, do not delay, but pray to the Lord, and he will heal you. … Then give the physician his place, for the Lord created him; do not let him leave you, for you need him. There may come a time when recovery lies in the hands of physicians, for they too pray to the Lord that he will grant them success in diagnosis and in healing, for the sake of preserving life. He who sins against his Maker will be defiant towards the physician.
Sirach 38:1–15



In other words: "Stop ignoring doctors and insisting God will heal you! God gave you doctors and medicine! What else do you want?"
deird1: a cross, on a rainbow flag (believe out loud)
2019-07-18 04:27 pm
Entry tags:

my view on the Bible and homosexuality

(Copy-pasting this here just so it's not lost in internet comment oblivion.)

Homosexuality in the Bible is more complicated than "don't".
why I can 'take the Bible seriously' and still think being gay is okay )
deird1: a cross, on a rainbow flag (believe out loud)
2017-05-01 03:17 pm
Entry tags:

the Bible, tattoos, and Mez using far too many words

Posting this purely so that it's not lost in a long-forgotten comment thread...

The discussion in question began with someone saying that Christians with tattoos are hypocrites, because they're not "following the Bible".

the Bible, and my thoughts on it )
deird1: Buffy and the rocket launcher, with text "best present ever" (Buffy rocket launcher)
2014-01-13 12:33 pm
Entry tags:

one day I will stop having to send these letters

Dear Mr Abbott,

Your website says that you lead "an accountable and open government".
However, you seem to be somewhat remiss with following through on this
commitment when your government is asked about asylum seekers. I was
particularly upset when I heard your most recent comments, calling the
concerns of those who wish to keep our government accountable "idle
curiosity".

It is not idle curiosity when I take an interest in my country's immigration
policies. It is not idle curiosity when I have concerns about my country's
record on human rights. It is not idle curiosity when I seek to make sure
that my government is helping the world more than it hurts.

How can you consider your government to be "accountable" while calling
attempts to keep it accountable "idle curiosity"?

Sincerely,
Deird
deird1: Anya looking stern (Anya glasses)
2013-10-22 12:05 pm
Entry tags:

sent another letter

Dear Mr Morrison,

I was disturbed and saddened to read about your instructions to your staff to call asylum seekers "illegal" arrivals.

It may have escaped your attention, but it is not illegal, either under domestic law or international law, for a person to claim asylum in Australia.

Why is this government so eager to run a smear campaign against refugees? Do people asking for help scare you so much?

Please reconsider this dehumanising policy. It is beneath you.

sincerely, Mez
deird1: a cross, on a rainbow flag (believe out loud)
2013-02-15 09:13 pm

book rec

Read a book today. A whole book - in one day. Not unprecedented, but it only happens with books I'm utterly fascinated by. And this book was, indeed, fascinating.

The book in question was Torn by Justin Lee, who runs the Gay Christian Network. I've read a number of posts, interviews, and articles by Justin over the last few years, and have always been very impressed with him. He is committed to following Jesus no matter what trouble it gets him into - and it shows.

If you're a Christian, I recommend you get a copy of Torn, and read it. If you're not a Christian... get a copy of Torn, and read it. Cause seriously, guys, it's awesome.