Rose Diamond
One month ago, on December 14th, after 3 days of torrential rain, our beautiful small community of Golden Bay was overwhelmed by flood and the home I shared with my soul friend and co-evolutionary, …
Is Christianity on the way out? Neill Ballantyne, the National Secretary of the Student Christian Movement, doesn’t think so. He discusses stereotypes around Christianity and invites students to consider joining the “middle ground” between conservative Christianity and New Atheism“God is dead” was a concept famously proposed by a character in one of Neitche’s philosophical works, Thus Spoke Zarathustra. It introduced a worldview where the concept of God, (especially a Christian God) no longer held any sway over people’s moral or ethical choices. This wasn’t a new idea as it underpinned the 18th Century ‘Enlightenment’ period where the power of reason, science and intellectual debate was favoured over superstition or religion. A natural extension of this thought was ‘secularisation theory,’ the idea that as societies ‘progress’ and modernise, religion will lose authority in all aspects of civic and social life and would thus eventually die-out.
But is God really dead and is society becoming less religious? According to the 2006 census, only 34% of the New Zealand population ticked no religion, a fairly small number when one considers that the Enlightenment has had more than 200 years to abolish religion. This is especially interesting as New Zealand is seen as one of the most intentionally ‘secular’ countries in the world, it is also seen as a developed and well educated country, where secularisation should be at its height. Religion still
even has a part to play in politics, with a prayer being said in our parliament every sitting day, and religious groups constantly lobbying and consulting with government on a range of issues.
It is clear that issues of faith and belief are still alive and well in New Zealand, the question remains about what this looks like on the ground. In regards to Christianity, there is an overall negative trend of religious affiliation with ‘mainstream’ denominations such as Anglicans, Presbyterians and Methodists all in decline. However there is remarkable growth in ‘newer’ churches such as affiliation with Evangelical, Born Again and Fundamentalist religions increasing by 25.6%, and affiliation with
Pentecostal religions increased by 17.8% between 2001 and 2006. This is especially noticeable on our tertiary campuses where practically all student Christian groups are Evangelical, Born Again, Fundamentalist or Pentecostal.
Is this problematic? In short, yes it is. All of these four Christian groups are often stereotyped (usually for good reason) as being conservative, homophobic, sexist and/ or “bible-bashing”. They have a wealth of resources and staff and are very strategic in the way they promote their activities and how they recruit their members. Unfortunately most students see their activities, are rightly disconcerted by the way they operate, and assume that all Christianity is ‘like-that.’
Fortunately, they are wrong. There is a middle ground between conservative Christianity and New Atheism. The Student Christian Movement (SCM) Aotearoa has been encouraging students to think for themselves about faith since 1896. SCM doesn’t impose doctrine put rather provides a non-judgmental environment for all students to think about the ‘big questions.’ We are student-led, so don’t have a hierarchical structure and we have a strong focus on social-justice, with the aim of creating positive change in our communities. We are also the only GLBT-affirming student Christian group in New Zealand.
We are currently in a rebuilding phase and would love you to join with us.
For more information see our website: www.scm.org.nz or email the National Secretary:
natsec@scm.org.nz
We are Roots-Local Food Specialists. In December we decided to live our truth and go for what we believe in and create the future that we want to see. We have always believed that choosing …
Young New Zealanders Join With UNICEF NZ
-UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassadors 2012 -
After searching the length and breadth of the country for young, passionate New Zealanders who want to make a difference in the world, …
Diabetics get on their bikes
Team Type 1 cyclists to compete in New Zealand
Young New Zealanders living with diabetes will join leading professional cyclists, Team Type 1 Sanofi, in fun Cycle Challenges in Auckland, Wellington and …
After an awesome summer tour, Shapeshifter will be finishing on a high by headlining New Zealand’s biggest orientation music festival. Unitec presents Lipton Ice Tea Sounds in the Sun on Saturday 3rd March 2012.
Shapeshifter tops …
By Paul Smetana
We need it for our Socio-Economics, our health,wealth, and self esteem. It’s vitally important for our relationships, social, business, work, and career. In the area of creativity, competition, and Intelligence IQ, it’s …
PRESS RELEASE
Worldwatch Institute
Contact: Supriya Kumar, skumar@worldwatch.org, (+1) 202-452-1999, ext: 510
Use and Capacity of Global Hydropower Increases
Industrialized and developing countries continue to rely on their critical water resources as a renewable electricity source.
Washington, D.C.—-Global use of …
SodaStream shows Kiwis how to enjoy fizz with less guilt
We all know recycling is good for the planet, and us, so why isn’t the message getting through? On average, only 23% of plastics were recycled …
Slip, Slop, Slap — with Natural Sunscreens!
Have you ever thought about making your own sunscreen? You don’t need a laboratory or a degree in pharmacology to do this. Nature provides us with a whole host …
It seems to me that there are some misgivings about appearing happy and filled with joy in public. Its as if to do so is to show yourself as slightly crazy, and so we might …
Press Release – Feature Film Casting
Mark Albiston and Louis Sutherland are two New Zealand filmmakers who have won multiple international awards at film festivals including Cannes, Berlin and Sundance. Albiston and Sutherland have begun casting …
350 Aotearoa is running a Grassroots Climate Leaders’ Workshop from the 3rd-6th of February (Waitangi Weekend) and has been organised to provide newly-appointed regional field co-ordinators with training to kick-start a strong 2012, by leading campaigns that …
by Helen Tulett
Education – a key to new ways of evolution
The Top of the South Island will be the host of a 3-day-open-space-conference on holistic learning. The conference starts on Friday, the 27th of January …
When I was a little girl, I remember feeding some chooks that belonged to my grandparents neighbours. The chooks were kept in a little A-frame house that was moved around the lawn. Always, the patch …
NZ Landcare Trust will host a 2 day conference starting 29 February 2012 at the Academy of Performing Arts, University of Waikato Campus, Hamilton. In addition an optional field trip is planned for 28 February, for …
It seems that so many things in life increase the risk of illness and disease — especially the foods and beverages that bring the most pleasure and enjoyment to everyday life. However, coffee drinkers and …
Brittany Packer is one of New Zealand’s young environmental leaders, we like to keep up to date with the latest green success stories for Britanny and this one’s a goody!
Last year I started working as …
I recently remembered an interesting thing about contracting Alzheimer’s. Shock can produce it! But Why? Why can shock cause Alzheimer’s?
Then it came to me in a flash. Let me explain what came to me. Our …
By Seema Singh
Coming to reside in Wellington from Fiji gave me a great opportunity to explore my self beliefs of being an environment enthusiast. My studies at Victoria University introduced me to various literature on …
We all do it, every year we make our list. We call it our ‘New Year’s Resolutions’. You know, eat less, exercise more, read more books, sort ourselves out, take time to stop and smell …
Contact: Supriya Kumar, skumar@worldwatch.org, (+1) 202-452-1999, ext: 510
12 Simple Steps for Going Green in 2012
As we ring in the new year, here are twelve steps that we can all take to reduce our impact on …
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday 02 January 2012.
New Zealand youth could win this once in a lifetime opportunity!
The Rio+20 Global Youth Music Contest is a global competition for young people organised by the International Association for the …
“All the Parts Touch!”
The Little Engine that Could. It’s that fairy story we give to kids to tell them about the work ethic. So that’s good, although I’d like one that tells about lazing around, …
The holidays are a strange season. The very word implies that people are doing just that — holidaying. However, if you are like many others, you probably end up busier and more stressed out during …
Hi there,
This is Charlotte Squire, from www.happyzine.co.nz (based in Golden Bay).
It’s a bit short notice, but I’m running an online Happyzine Positive Writing Course in the New Year. Free-lance writing can be a superb way …
Where ever you are, what ever you’re doing, wising you a happy, joyous, loving day.
Take care of yourself, and your loved ones and remember to have some good old fashioned fun!
Love Charlotte.
Yellow cards assist communication with hearing impaired people
Businesses all around the country are showing their support for deaf and hearing impaired people by putting bright yellow cards on their counters and reception desks.
These cards, …
By Joyce Elwood-Smith
I love Christmas, it can mean many different things to different people. To Christians it is a special time to celebrate the birth of Christ, to attend church and enjoy singing Christmas carols. …
CAN
2 Walk and Cycle Conference- register now!
The first ever joint NZ Walking and Cycling conference will be held from 22-24 February 2012 in Hastings. Over 70 speakers will be presenting – registration forms and a …
CAN
NZTA have released a new report from a project designed to “assess the comparative risk associated with exposure to traffic pollution when travelling via different transport modes in New Zealand cities”.
The good news for cyclists …
Imagine a New Zealand where everyone has plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, people’s health is greatly improved and our communities are stronger and more prosperous.
That’s the vision behind a new website launched in December …
A young Ashburton mum who founded an initiative to help struggling families grow their own fruit and vege has been named as the supreme winner of NZ Gardener 2011 Gardener of the Year Awards, announced …
Media Release
16 December 2011
For immediate release
THE KIWI DIARY 2012: A year-long celebration of Kiwi culture and creativity
They’re back! Freda Wells and Annabel Wilson, the two friends behind The Kiwi Diary, are happily delivering design-led style and …
Release sent on behalf of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation***
Media Release
14 December 2011
For immediate release
Celebrating 50 years of Friendship with Samoa on samoa2012.co.nz
2012 marks both the 50th anniversary of Samoa’s independence and the 50th anniversary …
Christmas 2011 Re-Birth of a tradition
This year New Zealanders can give the gift of genuine concern for other New Zealanders. At gift giving time, find something that is produced by New Zealand hands.
It’s time to …
Media Release
13th November 2011
For Immediate Release
Annabel Wilson
Drawn by the mystique of a boutique festival which promised to ‘Pop Up’ at the edge of Lake Hawea last Sunday, over 100 picnickers enjoyed an afternoon of art, live poetry, soulful …
By Charlotte Squire
Fancy a drop of sumptuous, certified organic Te Mania Sauvignon Blanc 2011? I enjoyed a glass just recently, because, well, I’m really lucky. As I was enjoying mine, I tried really hard not …
12 December 2011
The National Foundation for the Deaf congratulates New Zealand’s first profoundly deaf MP
The National Foundation for the Deaf warmly congratulates the Green Party’s Mojo Mathers on becoming New Zealand’s first profoundly deaf Member …
Tides Training for women
This is a powerful experiential program for any woman with an interest in rites of passage, transition and life stages. This is also the way to become more involved with the facilitation …
An actor in a long run has this problem, it all gets so boring, so much the same, that there is no energy, no life, no feeling, like siting in luke warm water, where there …
The ReGeneration Trust and SHAC (Sustainable Habitat Challenge) are keen to get rebuilding Christchurch. In January 2012, we’ll be running a six-day building project – starting from scratch, we’ll be working with builders, architects and …
Enjoy a relaxing weekend away in Golden Bay, New Zealand, with this Simple Green Getaway holiday package for two adults.
This package includes:
Two nights at the Sandcastle Eco-Chalets, Pohara, Golden Bay (breakfast included);
A heavenly two …
Little Greenie – Media Release – 21 April 2011 – Page 1 – Contact 0274 539 099
Media Release | For Immediate Release | 21 April 2011
REVOLUTION IN BUILDING MAKES EXCEPTIONAL HOME PERFORMANCE AFFORDABLE, NEW REPORT …
Press Release – Feature Film Casting
Mark Albiston and Louis Sutherland are two New Zealand filmmakers who have won multiple international awards at film festivals including Cannes, Berlin and Sundance. Albiston and Sutherland have begun casting …
A young Ashburton mum who founded an initiative to help struggling families grow their own fruit and vege has been named as the supreme winner of NZ Gardener 2011 Gardener of the Year Awards, announced …
We all do it, every year we make our list. We call it our ‘New Year’s Resolutions’. You know, eat less, exercise more, read more books, sort ourselves out, take time to stop and smell …
We are Roots-Local Food Specialists. In December we decided to live our truth and go for what we believe in and create the future that we want to see. We have always believed that choosing …
UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund)
Media Release
22 November, 2011
Jonah Lomu Becomes New Ambassador for UNICEF NZ
- www.inspiredgifts.org.nz –
Rugby legend Jonah Lomu has taken on an important new role as Ambassador for UNICEF NZ (UN …
Review by Charlotte Squire
Recently I visited the local vet clinic to talk fleas. My Golden Retriever had caught them from a cat (a lovely cat, so I shall not curse him) and I was on …
Is Christianity on the way out? Neill Ballantyne, the National Secretary of the Student Christian Movement, doesn’t think so. He discusses stereotypes around Christianity and invites students to consider joining the “middle ground” between conservative …
We’re launching an ‘Urban Garden DIY’ workshop series
This is a quick extra Urban Pantry update to let you know that Urban Pantry, in collaboration with Tangleball, is launching an ‘Urban Garden DIY’ workshop series, to …
Happyzine writer Claire Chateau Checks Out the Starfish NZ Fashion show
A month ago, I dragged my four kids to Auckland for some cultural time and a bit of a city splurge. My children, used to …
Paul Smetana runs the blog Be Touched By Life. He draws upon thirty years work experience with people as a community carer in Aged Care to share the insight into the keys of happiness.
In life, …
It should be a “no brainer”…. shouldn’t it? If you save energy at work, your operating costs reduce. When your costs reduce, you either make bigger profits, or you can be more cost competitive in …
By Seema Singh
Coming to reside in Wellington from Fiji gave me a great opportunity to explore my self beliefs of being an environment enthusiast. My studies at Victoria University introduced me to various literature on …
NZ Landcare Trust will host a 2 day conference starting 29 February 2012 at the Academy of Performing Arts, University of Waikato Campus, Hamilton. In addition an optional field trip is planned for 28 February, for …
Summer in Nelson cranks up the heat in New Zealand’s sunshine capital with a heap of family holiday fun.
The annual Nelson Lantern Spectacular kicks the celebrations off on December 17, with a lantern workshop at …
I’m gazing at an empty bottle of Richmond Plains Sauvignon Blanc 2011 wine. There is a certain degree of nostalgia that comes with looking at this empty bottle as drinking it was a fine, fine …
Oh my goodness. 365 days of blogging (I forgot two days, and may have in fact repeated a few days, but hey, here’s to being human). And so here I am on the final day.
Let’s …
Imagine a New Zealand where everyone has plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, people’s health is greatly improved and our communities are stronger and more prosperous.
That’s the vision behind a new website launched in December …
PRESS RELEASE
Worldwatch Institute
Contact: Supriya Kumar, skumar@worldwatch.org, (+1) 202-452-1999, ext: 510
Use and Capacity of Global Hydropower Increases
Industrialized and developing countries continue to rely on their critical water resources as a renewable electricity source.
Washington, D.C.—-Global use of …
By Paul Smetana
We need it for our Socio-Economics, our health,wealth, and self esteem. It’s vitally important for our relationships, social, business, work, and career. In the area of creativity, competition, and Intelligence IQ, it’s …
Diabetics get on their bikes
Team Type 1 cyclists to compete in New Zealand
Young New Zealanders living with diabetes will join leading professional cyclists, Team Type 1 Sanofi, in fun Cycle Challenges in Auckland, Wellington and …
Cycling Advocates’ Network (CAN) says reverse-in parking is better for people in cars and pedestrians as well as cyclists.
CAN spokesperson, Anne FitzSimon, applauds New Zealand Transport Agency support for reverse-in parking.
“Reverse-in parking improves the driver’s …
The perfect gift for friends and family.
Our luxurious olive oil soap gift box contains the following
- 3 different soap bars from our range
- A hand felted soap bar
- A hand made wooden soap dish made …
Hei Rere Mai – Mâori careers in telecommunications
2degrees and its founding shareholder, the Hautaki Trust, have launched Hei Rere Mai (‘So You Can Fly’), a programme to increase Mâori participation in the telecommunications industry.
Announced …
After an awesome summer tour, Shapeshifter will be finishing on a high by headlining New Zealand’s biggest orientation music festival. Unitec presents Lipton Ice Tea Sounds in the Sun on Saturday 3rd March 2012.
Shapeshifter tops …
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank you for publicising Car Free Sundays.
My girlfriend and I really enjoyed our car free day. We biked to the local farmers market to pick up a few yummy treats …
Article by By Kathleen Anderson Freelance Writer
Paul Murray is a self-realized artist. He has invested his whole life and soul in his current work: The LivinginPeace Project, which aims to combine the …
www.Scoop.co.nz
Speaker to give Scottish Parliament kilt a swirl
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Dr Lockwood Smith, is pictured left, being presented with a kilt in the tartan of the Scottish National Parliament …
The recently launched website Do Good Jobs (dogoodjobs.co.nz) is a new ethical online jobs board. It aims to link passionate, talented, “do-gooders” with job vacancies in New Zealand that create social and environmental change – …
What does living consciously mean to you? If I asked 20 different people what it means to live a conscious life, I’m sure I’d get twenty different answers.
One person might say living consciously is living …
SodaStream shows Kiwis how to enjoy fizz with less guilt
We all know recycling is good for the planet, and us, so why isn’t the message getting through? On average, only 23% of plastics were recycled …
CAN
NZTA have released a new report from a project designed to “assess the comparative risk associated with exposure to traffic pollution when travelling via different transport modes in New Zealand cities”.
The good news for cyclists …
Talofa,
Check out this awesome opportunity for your young people – its free, its in Lower Hutt and there will be food.
Wanting to develop your young person, mentee, school leader further, by up skilling them?
Do you …
Feeling a little frazzled? If life seems a little overwhelming and you really do the feel the need to calm down and get grounded, try this meditation exercise. Jenny Weston is a certified practitioner of …
Rather than choosing one answer to New Zealand’s increasing demand for power, a group of energy experts on the judges panel for the green energy design challenge ‘Wild Energy’ have ruled that a cluster of …
Hi there,
This is Charlotte Squire, from www.happyzine.co.nz (based in Golden Bay).
It’s a bit short notice, but I’m running an online Happyzine Positive Writing Course in the New Year. Free-lance writing can be a superb way …
Young New Zealanders Join With UNICEF NZ
-UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassadors 2012 -
After searching the length and breadth of the country for young, passionate New Zealanders who want to make a difference in the world, …
