Where Life and Faith Meet
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4Ü #284

Advocacy and Inquiry

28 June 2007

WASSUP - Shibboleth

I came across a new word the other day.

I was reading up on various internet scams and how they can often be detected by a 'Shibboleth' in the text. The word intrigued me, so I investigated. It originates from the book of Judges ch12 v 6 when a big battle was fought between the men of Gilead and Ephraim. Gilead won but many of the Ephraimites tried to escape by mingling with them as they went to cross the Jordan. So as a test they had to say the word 'Shibboleth' meaning a stream or torrent. Those who spoke with an Ephraimite dialect could not pronounce the 'sh' sound, saying 'Sibboleth' instead and so they were slaughtered - 42,000 in all!

In modern usage the word is now used to indicate mannerisms, as well as speech or habits which identify being 'in', as well as to exclude those who are 'out'. Even 'Leet' (text language) is a form of Shibboleth.

It got me thinking -
A shibboleth is not used deliberately - it's what 'gives us away'
A shibboleth can work for you or against you
What mannerisms, language or lifestyle identifies you as "in" or "out?"
What is your club language?

Some interesting reading in Wikipedia.

It may just be trivia, but it might spark some ideas too.

Thanks John for this contribution

Andrew

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INSIGHT OUT - God is digital

As computer talks to computer
As I create words and communicate via key and screen
Word becomes digital
Unable to hear your sigh or look into your eyes
Looking but not seeing, hearing but not fully understanding
Like kissing through glass

Justified
the medium becomes the message
and we fall in love with a deception
God is digital

And the word became flesh and dwelt among us

Jn 1:14

Called from your digital world
become and dwell
only then can you ever know and be known
the Word becomes flesh

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OUTSIGHT IN - Advocacy and Inquiry

St Francis of Assisi once said that he would never own land for if he did he would require a sword to defend it. Today you will find most people have something to defend, usually their opinion or position. We have highly developed and sophisticated skills in advocacy. Sadly, we are lacking the ability of inquiry, to be able to question those things that we advocate.

Without advocacy we stand for nothing.

Without inquiry we fall for everything.

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SEE YA SUNDAY - Soul Quest: Logos (the Word)

Don't ever say, "It's only words!"

Words matter
In fact, the bible teaches that words have the power to bring both life and death.
Your soul quest is truly satisfied when you find words that bring you life.

8.30 & 10.30 - Soul Quest: Logos (the Word)

Soul Quest
This series explores how you can know God without selling your soul. Many people have a concept that becoming a Christian is all about becoming a stranger to themselves, this could not be further from the truth. It's about becoming more authentic to who you really are! God has designed you to know him. The clues to knowing God are already in you.

If you would like tape or CD copies of the messages at St Columba to pass on to others please make your request by reply to this email. There is a nominal charge for this.

CANVAS this Sunday evening at 7pm - Pizza and Ice Cream Evening. Suggestions night.

Can't wait ... see ya Sunday

Thanks for this time to chat.

Andrew
St Columba
Where Life and Faith Meet
andrew.norton@stcolumba.org.nz

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It's free but don't steal

If this is of help to others, you are welcome to forward it. This e-mail letter is 97% original - 3% cut and paste & 100% fat free. 4U is copyright to Andrew Norton. That means you can't cut and paste it and call it your own (that's stealing). I'm happy for it to be used but please refer to the author.

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LAST WORD - Investigate

Although nature commences with reason and ends in experience it is necessary for us to do the opposite, that is to commence with experience and from this to proceed to investigate the reason.

Leonardo da Vinci


© 2008, St Columba Presbyterian Church, Auckland