Thursday, 24 November 2011
Surrounded by Liars
Paul says that the Gospel is a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks but to those being saved it is the power of God. For many people the Cross makes no sense. Why does a loving God require a human sacrifice? How does the crucifixion of Jesus demonstrate God’s love? These are difficult questions, but important ones. The Cross has become the universal symbol of Christianity and to Christians is a symbol of hope, not execution or cruelty. So why did the early Church appropriate the Cross as a symbol of hope rather than what it was originally – an excruciatingly painful form of execution?
The short answer is Jesus died on the cross to show God’s love and to save humanity from its sin. But why did God have to demonstrate His love in such a graphic and controversial way? The answer is because as Jesus said in John 15:13 “there is no greater love than this that a man lays down his life for his friends”. In our society love has been appropriated by the likes of Valentine’s Day – a sugar coated, watered down, consumer driven concept that love demonstrates itself in signs of affection and material gifts. The word love is used cheaply even superficially, being used to express someone’s affection for just about anything. But the love that Jesus speaks of is known in Greek as agape – a love that is selfless and costly – a love that is greater than life itself. Jesus’ crucifixion is the ultimate demonstration of agape love – Jesus became a substitute for all human kind, He did not deserve to be executed on the cross but accepted the Just requirements of God’s Law on behalf of humanity so that we may be spared God’s judgement. That is agape love.
The Bible teaches that God is love: agape love. God is not a God of lust; He is not a God of sexual love (although sex is a gift from God). When we know and experience the power of God’s agape love we are empowered to love others too. In 1 Corinthians 13 Paul says that love is patient and kind, not proud, envious or angry. Again in 1 John chapter 4 John explains that because God first loved us and gave His Son, Jesus Christ to die for us we should love one another following in His example. If we love others then we are united with God because God is agape love. Knowing God loves us with the purest, deepest love imaginable also sets us free from fear, insecurity, jealousy and envy, which are the roots of bitterness and hatred. God’s agape love has the power to totally transform our world for good. So why don’t more people embrace God’s love?
One reason – besides from free will – why people do not embrace or believe in the power of God’s love is because of Satan. Oliver Stone famously said that Hell is the impossibility of reason. Why would a loving God send people to Hell? Hell is possibly the most misunderstood truth in the Bible. It is misunderstood because Satan is a liar and does not want people to know and trust in the truth of the Bible. Hell was created not for human kind but for Satan – who rebelled against God and was cast out of Heaven. The book of Revelation speaks of the lake of fire and sulphur – called the Second Death (meaning eternal damnation) for Satan, the False Prophet and the Beast. Hell is Satan’s judgement. However, Satan has deceived many people into disobeying God and turning their minds against God so that they reject God’s love. Jesus calls Satan the Father of Lies (John 8:44). Because of this great deception many people will share in Satan’s judgement. But Satan’s lies do not stop at distorting the truth of God’s salvation. As a liar and the inventor of lies Satan will try and convince us that we are worthless, unlovable, good for nothing, hopeless, too sinful to be forgiven and ugly.
When we know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image then the damage of Satan’s lies is broken and our lives and self-esteem are healed. Christ conquered the grave and His resurrection guarantees that all who believe in Him will have eternal life, a life overflowing with God’s Holy Spirit, a life filled in abundance with God’s agape love, which can never be taken from us – for there is no longer any condemnation in Christ, for who can bring a charge against us for it is God who justifies (Romans 8). Know who you are in Christ – you are the most precious thing to God in His entire created universe. Your life has intrinsic value and meaning. God has proven His love for us in giving His Son to die for our sin. Jesus’ sacrifice was the ultimate act of agape love. That is the truth.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
My Favourite band: P.O.D.
We only have one youth and for many people that is a good thing! When we look back at old photos we often cringe at what we were wearing and whatever fashion trend was popular at the time. However, there is one thing that I will never be ashamed of and that is my passion for P.O.D. (Payable on Death).
But I digress; I think you get the picture – an impressionable teenager who discovered a band that tapped into a radical (yet paradoxically mainstream) form of musical and cultural expression. So to P.O.D. ...
P.O.D. began life in 1992, as the youthful and enthusiastic garage band of founding members, guitarist Marcos Curiel and drummer Noah ‘Wuv’ Bernardo. The specific events that led to the formation of the band as it became known professionally are tinged with tragedy. Vocalist Sonny Sandavel’s mother passed away from cancer in 1992. Wuv, Sonny’s cousin asked him to join the band in order to have something positive to hold onto to get him through the difficult time. Sonny’s mother had been a Christian and had converted after seeing God transform Wuv’s own family. Just before she died Sonny himself made the decision to become a Christian after witnessing the peace that his mother had as she lay dying in hospital. Although the pain was acute, Sonny had hope that he would see her again and thus rather than singing about pain and tragedy chose to speak of the power of God through P.O.D.’s music. Later in 1993 bassist Traa joined the band completing the line up that would soon go on to multi-platinum success. The inclusion of Sonny and Traa would forever change the complexion of P.O.D.’s music and come to define P.O.D.’s eclectic and distinctive sound. Sonny brought with him his passion for rap and hip-hop music and Traa added a dimension of funk and jazz, originally coming from an R’n’B background.
By 2002 the band had reached the peak of their popularity. However, controversy was about to strike at the core of the band. Ever since they entered the mainstream P.O.D.’s faith had been the subject of debate. The band, who proudly displayed long dread locked hair and tattoos were not the clean cut, stereotypical image of a Christian band. Their image was a stumbling block to many in the Religious Right Wing of America. Conversely, the band also felt discriminated by the media for pigeonholing them as a Christian band. Unusual for a faith-based band, P.O.D. had enjoyed mainstream success and had played many secular music festivals and enjoyed exposure on MTV, but they had always considered themselves a band made up of Christians, not strictly speaking a Christian band, who belonged in Christian music charts only. Finally in late 2002 founding member and guitarist Marcos Curiel left the band. There were conflicting accounts from the band and Marcos as to the precise nature of the split – the band citing musical differences as the primary cause, whereas Marcos painted a different picture of a band whose spiritual integrity was in question. Marcos went on to play full-time for his then Prog-Rock side project the Accident Experiment.
I was devastated! My favourite band, which I had looked up to, had given me strength as a Christian and had made me proud to be a Christian was now torn apart. His replacement came in the way of Jason Truby, ex-guitarist of Christian metal legends Living Sacrifice. Jason’s selection assuaged many fans fears of Marcos’ insinuations and their 2003 self-titled album ‘Payable on Death’ was a conscious and deliberate statement to their fans and critics alike. It was a statement that this was, at one and the same time, who P.O.D. are and always were but also that this was a new chapter, a fresh start and on one level even a chance for redemption. Songs such as Find My Way, I and Identify and Asthma spoke of spiritual struggle and a search for truth. The album showcased a more poignant, refined and mature melodic style, with Sonny extending his vocal range, proving he is more than a rapper, adding another colour to the rainbow of their musical spectrum. The album sold relatively well going Gold, but by this time nu-metal as a musical and commercial force was waning. 2006 saw P.O.D.’s last album on Atlantic Records ‘Testify’ as well as a departure from long time producer Howard Benson, this time favouring Glen Ballard. The album was an ambitious feat, which aimed to combine styles from all of the band’s eras. The album, for me, was a slow burner; some songs became instant classics, whereas other tracks took longer for me to truly appreciate them.
In 2007 something extraordinary happened. Jason Truby left the band to pursue his own solo career. Once again the band was without a guitarist. Jason had been the only natural replacement to Marcos at the time due to the band’s close friendship with Jason from their days touring with Living Sacrifice. Not being the sort of band to audition for a player this left them with a problem. It was at this time that Marcos, almost miraculously returned to the band. I do not know for sure who made the first move, whether it was Wuv or Marcos, but one way or another the two reconnected as friends. At first the band just spent time reconnecting with their old friend before, to the warriors delight, they began writing their seventh studio album When Angels and Serpents Dance and their first album with Marcos since 2001. The album was met with mixed reactions from both fans and critics alike due to its pure hard rock direction. Songs such as Addicted and Kaliforn-eye-a exhibited some of the old P.O.D. sound but the album took an even further step melodically than their 2003 self-titled. It was clear that during his hiatus from the band Marcos had matured and grown as a musician and artist. Lyrically the album dealt with the spiritual struggle of good and evil. Nevertheless, WA&SD was a very significant chapter for the band, who had forgiven past transgressions and let bygones be bygones. Marcos had returned to the band that he had made famous and that had made him famous, a band of openly Christian members. Spiritually, the reconciliation was monumental and healed many of the old scars that many of the warriors, including myself had been carrying.
In 2009, just a year after the release of WA&SD the band announced they were going on hiatus. This came as a shock and disappointment to their warriors, who by this time had seen many other fair-weather fans come and go from the P.O.D./nu-metal bandwagon. Sonny went on to establish the Whosoevers – an evangelistic organisation focussing on spreading the Gospel through alternative music and youth culture, including members such as Brian ‘Head’ Welch former guitarist of Korn who had become a Christian in 2005. Traa created his own indie Record Label, Pheonix Records, as well as publishing a book, while Marcos and Wuv continued to make music with their respective side projects. Eventually after two years the band began touring again, first touring South America and then touring America on the Rock Allegiance tour. As of November 2011 the band entered the studio to write their as yet untitled eighth studio album with producer Howard Benson, who produced both of P.O.D.’s Platinum selling albums F.E.O.S and Satellite. This collaboration, once more with Howard Benson is a great sign of things to come.
It was 2001, one of the biggest years for nu-metal and when the genre was at the height of its popularity. Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, Linkin Park and Slipknot were amongst the most popular bands. Papa Roach’s single Last Resort, Limp Bizkit’s Rollin’ and Linkin Park’s Crawling could be heard almost every lunchtime in my school as students brought in their walkmans and portable speakers as well as bellowing the choruses...often badly... in the playgrounds and classrooms. Nu-metal pioneers Korn and Deftones were also favourites amongst the more ardent, hardcore nu-metal fans. Although it wasn’t until 2002 that Untouchables was to be released, Korn’s back catalogue of albums was among the must have albums of any discerning nu-metal head. It was at this time that Korn’s song Daddy touched upon a darker, more visceral and cathartic side of teenagers; not that they would have been able to articulate it in such a way back then. This was also the time when a legion of devoted Linkin Park fans could be seen sporting their Hybrid Theory hoodies and music videos became compulsory TV viewing.
It was into this context that I discovered P.O.D. (short for Payable on Death, originally a banking term but appropriated by the band to represent their spiritual beliefs in Jesus’ sacrifice). To myself, initially, and many others P.O.D. was thought of as a new band, but their warriors (die-hard fans) knew better. In fact P.O.D. had one of the best nu-metal pedigrees of all the most commercial and successful nu-metal bands as their original album Snuff the Punk was released in 1994, the same year as Korn’s self-titled. P.O.D. were not just another band to me; they were a cultural phenomenon. Within a year or so I had bought all of their back catalogue and their DVD Still Payin’ Dues, which received a favourable review in Kerrang magazine, a metal magazine typically critical of them. I also did my best to imitate their fashion sense and half-heartedly learning the guitar. The lexicon of their lyrical and social culture also impacted my vocabulary and although I often smirk condescendingly nowadays on white English kids from respectable backgrounds, as they use gangster slang unconvincingly, when I think about it I probably wasn’t that much different! P.O.D. championed their San Diago roots, or as they referred to it ‘the Southtown’ and their SoCal roots impacted upon my colloquial expression.
P.O.D. began life in 1992, as the youthful and enthusiastic garage band of founding members, guitarist Marcos Curiel and drummer Noah ‘Wuv’ Bernardo. The specific events that led to the formation of the band as it became known professionally are tinged with tragedy. Vocalist Sonny Sandavel’s mother passed away from cancer in 1992. Wuv, Sonny’s cousin asked him to join the band in order to have something positive to hold onto to get him through the difficult time. Sonny’s mother had been a Christian and had converted after seeing God transform Wuv’s own family. Just before she died Sonny himself made the decision to become a Christian after witnessing the peace that his mother had as she lay dying in hospital. Although the pain was acute, Sonny had hope that he would see her again and thus rather than singing about pain and tragedy chose to speak of the power of God through P.O.D.’s music. Later in 1993 bassist Traa joined the band completing the line up that would soon go on to multi-platinum success. The inclusion of Sonny and Traa would forever change the complexion of P.O.D.’s music and come to define P.O.D.’s eclectic and distinctive sound. Sonny brought with him his passion for rap and hip-hop music and Traa added a dimension of funk and jazz, originally coming from an R’n’B background.  |
| Fundamental Elements of Southtown |
P.O.D.’s aforementioned first album Snuff the Punk combined Marcos and Wuv’s Metallica inspired thrash metal riffs with Sonny’s - at that time – raw rap vocals. It was a totally grass roots experimentation, not the polished and commercial sound that would come to characterise the nu-metal albums of the 1999-2003 era. P.O.D.’s 1996 sophomore album B.R.O.W.N saw the band branch out and experiment with their other musical passions, including their penchant for Reggae, while still remaining heavy and to an extent gritty. Lyrically Sonny opened up more on a personal level; singing about his faith in light of his mother’s passing. Having established themselves as an indie act within California with a strong core fan base dubbed the warriors, P.O.D. broke through into the mainstream with their major Label debut The Fundamental Elements of Southtown in 1999, the same year as Korn’s Issues album. The album went Platinum as their singles Southtown and Rock the Party (off the hook) hit radio waves with the music video for Rock the Party reaching No. 1 on MTV. Musically, the album was more akin to the polished sounds of their contemporaries Limp Bizkit and in my opinion is a nu-metal masterpiece. To my mind it is the quintessential P.O.D. album. Coming off of the back of the success of F.E.O.S. the band released Satellite, their most successful album, in 2001. Satellite was the album that truly broke the band onto the world stage and world tours soon followed including performances at the prestigious metal festivals Ozzfest and Rock am Ring in Germany. P.O.D.’s ability to write anthemic choruses was epitomised by Satellite’s first single Alive, which to this day remains one of their all time greatest songs. The song, again epitomising the band’s penchant for positivity speaks of joy and a passion for life born from their faith. The title track Satellite itself is a metaphor for God, an example of P.O.D.’s ability to write songs with spiritual depth without being offensive.
By 2002 the band had reached the peak of their popularity. However, controversy was about to strike at the core of the band. Ever since they entered the mainstream P.O.D.’s faith had been the subject of debate. The band, who proudly displayed long dread locked hair and tattoos were not the clean cut, stereotypical image of a Christian band. Their image was a stumbling block to many in the Religious Right Wing of America. Conversely, the band also felt discriminated by the media for pigeonholing them as a Christian band. Unusual for a faith-based band, P.O.D. had enjoyed mainstream success and had played many secular music festivals and enjoyed exposure on MTV, but they had always considered themselves a band made up of Christians, not strictly speaking a Christian band, who belonged in Christian music charts only. Finally in late 2002 founding member and guitarist Marcos Curiel left the band. There were conflicting accounts from the band and Marcos as to the precise nature of the split – the band citing musical differences as the primary cause, whereas Marcos painted a different picture of a band whose spiritual integrity was in question. Marcos went on to play full-time for his then Prog-Rock side project the Accident Experiment.
In 2007 something extraordinary happened. Jason Truby left the band to pursue his own solo career. Once again the band was without a guitarist. Jason had been the only natural replacement to Marcos at the time due to the band’s close friendship with Jason from their days touring with Living Sacrifice. Not being the sort of band to audition for a player this left them with a problem. It was at this time that Marcos, almost miraculously returned to the band. I do not know for sure who made the first move, whether it was Wuv or Marcos, but one way or another the two reconnected as friends. At first the band just spent time reconnecting with their old friend before, to the warriors delight, they began writing their seventh studio album When Angels and Serpents Dance and their first album with Marcos since 2001. The album was met with mixed reactions from both fans and critics alike due to its pure hard rock direction. Songs such as Addicted and Kaliforn-eye-a exhibited some of the old P.O.D. sound but the album took an even further step melodically than their 2003 self-titled. It was clear that during his hiatus from the band Marcos had matured and grown as a musician and artist. Lyrically the album dealt with the spiritual struggle of good and evil. Nevertheless, WA&SD was a very significant chapter for the band, who had forgiven past transgressions and let bygones be bygones. Marcos had returned to the band that he had made famous and that had made him famous, a band of openly Christian members. Spiritually, the reconciliation was monumental and healed many of the old scars that many of the warriors, including myself had been carrying. In 2009, just a year after the release of WA&SD the band announced they were going on hiatus. This came as a shock and disappointment to their warriors, who by this time had seen many other fair-weather fans come and go from the P.O.D./nu-metal bandwagon. Sonny went on to establish the Whosoevers – an evangelistic organisation focussing on spreading the Gospel through alternative music and youth culture, including members such as Brian ‘Head’ Welch former guitarist of Korn who had become a Christian in 2005. Traa created his own indie Record Label, Pheonix Records, as well as publishing a book, while Marcos and Wuv continued to make music with their respective side projects. Eventually after two years the band began touring again, first touring South America and then touring America on the Rock Allegiance tour. As of November 2011 the band entered the studio to write their as yet untitled eighth studio album with producer Howard Benson, who produced both of P.O.D.’s Platinum selling albums F.E.O.S and Satellite. This collaboration, once more with Howard Benson is a great sign of things to come.
So 2011 has seen the second great revival of the band since Marcos’ return back in 2007. The band’s longevity is truly admirable considering its history and its place within a predominantly secular music scene. P.O.D. have always stood apart from their contemporaries and peers, while always pushing the envelope musically and never being afraid to experiment. Famously P.O.D.’s philosophy has always been that of a jam band, who make music in the moment, never as they once explained ‘reheating’ old songs. This commitment to writing in the here and now has always produced a very honest sound, whether fans and critics love it or hate it. There is nothing contrived in P.O.D.’s music.
I look forward in eager anticipation for 2012 to see what new music it will bring from my favourite band, a band who I feel I’ve grown up with and who have grown up with me; a band who have become an intrinsic part of my identity and who I will forever associate myself with. I learnt long ago never to put people on a pedestal, I know the band are just ordinary human beings, who make mistakes just like the rest of us, but I also know that their music has great spiritual depth and meaning, as well as being full of energy and even sometimes aggression. P.O.D. is my happy place band; they are the band I can turn to no-matter what mood I am. One of the greatest things about P.O.D. now that I am in my middle twenties is that I can claim ownership of them – they were the band of my generation and no one can take that away from me! I still listen to new music and I am into anything from Death Metal to Dubstep; but P.O.D. were and forever will be of ‘my time’ – that time in my youth where I began to discover the world and learn who I was. P.O.D.’s music is indescribably precious to me and while subsequent generations of teenagers may scoff at P.O.D.’s music, it makes no difference, because they will never understand what they mean to me. At the end of the day that is the beauty and power of music; that ability to transcend language and reach into you spiritually and emotionally.
Monday, 7 November 2011
UFC 138 review
Well for those of you who didn't know, I like MMA (mixed martial arts) and last weekend I travelled to Birmingham with a couple of colleagues to go to UFC 138, held in the LG Arena. The UFC is the world's premiere MMA promotion and UFC 138 was a historic first as the main event between Chris Leben and Mark Munoz (pictured) was the first ever non-title five round main event. The event also boasted the highest ever LG Arena attendence of over 10,000. This was my first live MMA event so I had a mixture of feelings and it didn't disappoint. Bruce Buffer was there, the 'voice of the Octagon', Joe Rogan was there to interview the winners and the fights themselves were really entertaining. Fan favourites Chris Leben and Thiago Alves were fighting on the main card, as well as up and coming British fighters Brad Pickett and Terry Etim.
Immediately our excitment level spiked as soon as we entered the arena and caught a glimpse at the Octagon. The UFC really knows how to put on a great show! Large screens surrounded the arena on both sides so that no-one missed any of the action. The arena was ideal for a UFC event as no-one's view of the Octagon was obscured. I was very proud of all the British fighters even though they didn't all win. The pre-lims were all very entertaining, the first fight was between Vaughan Lee of Birmingham and the American Chris Cariaso. The first couple of rounds were close with Vaughan getting the upper hand in the first before Cariaso turned it around in the second and third managing to win a split decision. Although the local fighter had lost the first fight it hadn't damped fans enjoyment. The second fight saw another British fighter, Chris Cope, get an impressive 40 second KO of Che Mills, which earnt him KO of the night. The fans errupted in applause as we leveled the score against the Americans.
There were many different fighters throughout the prelims and in the main card including Michihiro Omigawa from Japan who earnt a hard fought unanimous decision over Brit Jason Young with an impressive display of Judo style takedowns and fluid ground control, although his lack of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu hindered him from getting the submission. Onto the main event and fans showed their appreciation for Bruce Buffer's trade mark announcement: "and we're Liiiive!!!" Another Brit opened the show with Terry Etim coming out to thunderous cheers. 17 seconds later and Etim's opponent Faaloloto found Etim hanging around his neck forcing him to the ground followed swiftly by Faaloloto tapping for his life. The crowd went ballistic! The atmosphere was palpable.
The co-main event won fight of the night honours with Brad Pickett and Renan Barao engaging in a ferocious stand up war. Pickett, an East London native came out to deafening cheers, coolly showboating while reading a newspaper. The fight was intense with Pickett and Barao being fairly evenly matched keeping the fight on the feet and letting their hands fly, the fans fully behind their compatriot with chants of "England". Towards the end of the first round Barao caught Pickett with a knee that sent the Brit to the floor, before Pickett gave up his back allowing Barao to get the choke. Pickett tried resisting but succumbed to the compression and tapped before being choked unconscious. Pickett was visibly disappointed after the fight but had won the respect of the fans for his gutsy performance and never-back-down attitude.
All in all it was a great event - the fights were highly entertaining with some excellent striking battles, a vicious KO as well as some well worked submissions. From start to finish the fans got their money's worth with every fighter displaying much grit and determination. The atmosphere of the crowd was amazing at times and the appearances of all the Octagon mainstays such as Bruce Buffer, Joe Rogan and the referees made it a really authentic UFC event. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and soaked up the amazing atmosphere, relishing in the slick and professional production of the UFC. I would definitely go back next year if the UFC return and would encourage any fight fan and fan of MMA to make the effort to see a UFC event live.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Grievances against Aikido
One of the most fundamental questions asked of any martial art is “does it work in a real fight?” Despite all martial arts being art forms that are to a greater or lesser degree aesthetically satisfying and inspirational; they are primarily martial systems of self-defence, some created for war, others created for the street. Thus although all martial arts have intrinsic worth in the practice of and perfection of their techniques, not all are as equally effective in real self-defence situations. Now, arguably whether a martial art is practical for self-defence will depend on the cultural context and the law of the country. For example Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been proven to be an effective system for self-defence in a one-on-one scenario as statistically it is said that between 90-95% of all street fights end on the ground. That statistic has been disputed recently and renewed statistics argue that around 70-75% of fights result in at least one person being forced to the ground. So even taking conservative estimates learning a form of grappling to defend yourself is a very wise course of action and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an almost exclusively ground fighting system. However, if you were attacked by multiple attackers you would not be able to protect yourself effectively with BJJ.
Circumstance is paramount to the effectiveness of any martial system – your environment, whether your attacker is alone or with a group of people, whether your attacker/s are intoxicated with alcohol in a bar or pub, or whether you are being mugged on the street for your wallet at knife point will determine how you react – what time, space and opportunity you have in order to use any knowledge and training in self-defence. If you are on the street it is likely that you have far more space in order to create distance and prevent a mugger from entering your personal space; if you are in a bar or pub the likelihood is you are in a crowded environment with less space and a greater threat that more people will become involved in any altercation.
This brings me to the focus of this blog: how effective is Aikido in a real life self-defence situation? I am using the case-study of Aikido deliberately because of Aikido’s non-violent philosophy. I am also using Aikido because I have experience in Aiki Jujutsu, which incorporates Aiki techniques yet with a focus of complimenting and increasing the effectiveness of the more combative jujutsu techniques. Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba – referred to by Aikidoka across the world as ‘O Sensei’ – was profoundly influenced by his own mystic Shinto beliefs that led him to develop his system of Aikido to be as ‘humanitarian’ as possible. Aikido is said to be the way of harmony, meaning that an Aikidoka (a practitioner of Aikido) should blend their energy with that of their attackers, utilising the body's own energy called in Eastern mysticism Ki. Aikido, as its name suggests, stresses this emphasis on Ki (some Aikido styles more than others). Therefore there is a strong philosophical or even spiritual aspect to Aikido, many Aikidoka seeking to learn how to become a better human being through the practice of their art. While this emphasis on the non-violent approach that the art takes through its Aiki principles is commendable is it realistic?
The problem with arts such as Aikido and Aiki Jujutsu is that there is no sport, no sparring or as it is referred to in Judo randori. All Aikido demonstrations you find on the internet are purely exhibitions only. As sport is anathema to the philosophy of Aikido and Aiki Jujutsu it creates the problem of compliance amongst Tori and Uke (Tori being the practitioner of the technique, Uke the partner simulating the attacker). The difference, however, between Aikido and Aiki Jujutsu is the way in which each arts' history has influenced its philosophy – Aiki Jujutsu is an ancient martial art that traces its origins back to Feudal Japan and was developed as a system for self-defence used by the Samurai on the battlefields. This history means that its use of aiki is far less spiritual in nature and far more practical than Aikido with the suffix ‘Jutsu’ carrying with it far more combative connotations. The art was developed to save Samurais’ lives in real war scenarios. Aikido’s history as a modern martial art is very different. The result of WWII upon Morihei Ueshiba’s worldview was very apparent in his development of Aikido. Ueshiba became disillusioned with the more violent techniques of the more traditional elements of Aiki Jujutsu that influenced his art in the aftermath of the atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Japan’s loss to America in the war in the Pacific. This is partly why there are so many different styles of Aikido, some stressing the more combative elements and others the more spiritual depending on when the students of Morihei Ueshiba studied under him.
Compliance is one of the biggest problems for the sceptic and doubting Thomas of Aikido. The Uke is taught how to fall and roll properly known in Aikido as ukemi. Thus the Uke in any Aikido demonstration employs acrobatic rolls and falls in order to prevent serious injury, which gives the illusion of a dynamic and powerful technique. Conversely, in the street an Aikido technique would look very different and far less aesthetic than in the dojo. Not only would people not roll out of a wrist lock in a real street fight but they would not be compliant. It is incredibly hard to blend your energy with an aggressive attacker who is tense and strong, especially when a lot of the set up attacks for an Aikido technique are not always realistic. This goes back to the art's Aiki Jujutsu roots.
In Aiki Jujutsu wrist locks were used in order to break an attacker’s grip, which was to prevent a Samurai from drawing his sword or dagger, or possibly to steal said weapons. Many of the wrist locks techniques found in Aikido and Aiki Jujutsu are still relevant for police officers in weapon retention scenarios – in 2010 of the 56 officers killed on duty in America, 7 were killed with their own weapons (source fbi.gov). Statistics may vary for other countries but weapon retention is a serious issue for police officers facing dangerous and violent criminals. In the street or in a bar though wrist grabs are a far less serious problem. Wrist locks can work from a punch, theoretically, but the level of skill and the reaction time of the practitioner would need to be seriously good in order to prevent the punch from connecting. Reaction is always slower than action.
If the Aikidoka is dogmatic about the application of Aikido techniques without first deploying strikes, known in Aiki Jujutsu as atemi, and being absolutely dependent on grabs then they can very easily find themselves in danger. Applying techniques without strength is incredibly difficult in a fight conducted in real time. Fear or panic will send adrenaline coursing through the body and our instincts will be to tense up making it extremely difficult to relax. The same could be said of Aiki Jujutsuka, but there is far more room for pragmatism in Aiki Jujutsu in responding to a real life situation. Now I am analysing the weaknesses of Aikido from a western perspective and do not have experience of Japanese street fights, but with the rise in popularity of MMA and K1 kickboxing in Japan there is a far higher likelihood of an attacker having some knowledge of kickboxing. Of course there is still the possibility someone might just try and grab your wallet or your brief case etc. in an opportunistic ‘grab and run’ scenario, from which you can apply a wrist lock or a throw but in many aggressive situations people will fight with their fists or feet. Where Aikido and Aiki Jujutsu have an ‘edge’ over striking arts is in its weapon defence. Yet even then reaction time is paramount to safety when someone is either threatening to or actually attacking you with a knife or sharp objective capable of piercing skin and flesh. Again compliance can become a stumbling block if you have not immobilised your attacker swiftly and competently as you could easily find yourself in a wrestling contest.
In conclusion I have many doubts about the practical application of Aikido in its strictest spiritual application in a real life self-defence situation. The philosophical principles behind much of Aikido may be commendable and meritorious but the compliance factor and the unrealistic set up attacks, namely being too dependent on wrist grabs or arm grabs make it an incredibly difficult art to use effectively. Even though aiki techniques are dependent on contact between attacker and victim where they do occur the use of aiki in Aiki Jujutsu is far better, especially when adapting the art to making it a relevant and contemporary self-defence system. Aiki applied in Aiki Jujutsu uses smaller circles thus creates less wasted motion and is more realistic in tight, bar fight situations; it is also more of a distraction technique, subtly shifting your attackers mind frame from attacker to defender, allowing the practitioner to use one of the Jujutsu techniques to immobilise their opponent. Of course the effectiveness of any art is almost entirely dependent on the skill level of the practitioner, but I would be very wary of arts that are too ‘idealistic’ in their principles.
Circumstance is paramount to the effectiveness of any martial system – your environment, whether your attacker is alone or with a group of people, whether your attacker/s are intoxicated with alcohol in a bar or pub, or whether you are being mugged on the street for your wallet at knife point will determine how you react – what time, space and opportunity you have in order to use any knowledge and training in self-defence. If you are on the street it is likely that you have far more space in order to create distance and prevent a mugger from entering your personal space; if you are in a bar or pub the likelihood is you are in a crowded environment with less space and a greater threat that more people will become involved in any altercation.
This brings me to the focus of this blog: how effective is Aikido in a real life self-defence situation? I am using the case-study of Aikido deliberately because of Aikido’s non-violent philosophy. I am also using Aikido because I have experience in Aiki Jujutsu, which incorporates Aiki techniques yet with a focus of complimenting and increasing the effectiveness of the more combative jujutsu techniques. Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba – referred to by Aikidoka across the world as ‘O Sensei’ – was profoundly influenced by his own mystic Shinto beliefs that led him to develop his system of Aikido to be as ‘humanitarian’ as possible. Aikido is said to be the way of harmony, meaning that an Aikidoka (a practitioner of Aikido) should blend their energy with that of their attackers, utilising the body's own energy called in Eastern mysticism Ki. Aikido, as its name suggests, stresses this emphasis on Ki (some Aikido styles more than others). Therefore there is a strong philosophical or even spiritual aspect to Aikido, many Aikidoka seeking to learn how to become a better human being through the practice of their art. While this emphasis on the non-violent approach that the art takes through its Aiki principles is commendable is it realistic? The problem with arts such as Aikido and Aiki Jujutsu is that there is no sport, no sparring or as it is referred to in Judo randori. All Aikido demonstrations you find on the internet are purely exhibitions only. As sport is anathema to the philosophy of Aikido and Aiki Jujutsu it creates the problem of compliance amongst Tori and Uke (Tori being the practitioner of the technique, Uke the partner simulating the attacker). The difference, however, between Aikido and Aiki Jujutsu is the way in which each arts' history has influenced its philosophy – Aiki Jujutsu is an ancient martial art that traces its origins back to Feudal Japan and was developed as a system for self-defence used by the Samurai on the battlefields. This history means that its use of aiki is far less spiritual in nature and far more practical than Aikido with the suffix ‘Jutsu’ carrying with it far more combative connotations. The art was developed to save Samurais’ lives in real war scenarios. Aikido’s history as a modern martial art is very different. The result of WWII upon Morihei Ueshiba’s worldview was very apparent in his development of Aikido. Ueshiba became disillusioned with the more violent techniques of the more traditional elements of Aiki Jujutsu that influenced his art in the aftermath of the atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Japan’s loss to America in the war in the Pacific. This is partly why there are so many different styles of Aikido, some stressing the more combative elements and others the more spiritual depending on when the students of Morihei Ueshiba studied under him.
If the Aikidoka is dogmatic about the application of Aikido techniques without first deploying strikes, known in Aiki Jujutsu as atemi, and being absolutely dependent on grabs then they can very easily find themselves in danger. Applying techniques without strength is incredibly difficult in a fight conducted in real time. Fear or panic will send adrenaline coursing through the body and our instincts will be to tense up making it extremely difficult to relax. The same could be said of Aiki Jujutsuka, but there is far more room for pragmatism in Aiki Jujutsu in responding to a real life situation. Now I am analysing the weaknesses of Aikido from a western perspective and do not have experience of Japanese street fights, but with the rise in popularity of MMA and K1 kickboxing in Japan there is a far higher likelihood of an attacker having some knowledge of kickboxing. Of course there is still the possibility someone might just try and grab your wallet or your brief case etc. in an opportunistic ‘grab and run’ scenario, from which you can apply a wrist lock or a throw but in many aggressive situations people will fight with their fists or feet. Where Aikido and Aiki Jujutsu have an ‘edge’ over striking arts is in its weapon defence. Yet even then reaction time is paramount to safety when someone is either threatening to or actually attacking you with a knife or sharp objective capable of piercing skin and flesh. Again compliance can become a stumbling block if you have not immobilised your attacker swiftly and competently as you could easily find yourself in a wrestling contest.
In conclusion I have many doubts about the practical application of Aikido in its strictest spiritual application in a real life self-defence situation. The philosophical principles behind much of Aikido may be commendable and meritorious but the compliance factor and the unrealistic set up attacks, namely being too dependent on wrist grabs or arm grabs make it an incredibly difficult art to use effectively. Even though aiki techniques are dependent on contact between attacker and victim where they do occur the use of aiki in Aiki Jujutsu is far better, especially when adapting the art to making it a relevant and contemporary self-defence system. Aiki applied in Aiki Jujutsu uses smaller circles thus creates less wasted motion and is more realistic in tight, bar fight situations; it is also more of a distraction technique, subtly shifting your attackers mind frame from attacker to defender, allowing the practitioner to use one of the Jujutsu techniques to immobilise their opponent. Of course the effectiveness of any art is almost entirely dependent on the skill level of the practitioner, but I would be very wary of arts that are too ‘idealistic’ in their principles.
Sunday, 16 October 2011
The Gospel according to Thor
Last night I watched one of Marvel's latest superhero flicks 'Thor'. I found the film enjoyable, although I was unfamiliar with the character. However, what interested me was the parallels in the story between Thor and Jesus Christ.
Synposis
The film centres around the character Thor, who in Viking folk lore is the god of Thunder, but who is, in the film, the prince of Asgard - one of the 9 realms (which includes earth) - and the son of King Odin. Thor and his companions can travel throughout the 9 realms through a portal, or wormhole. In the beginning of the film Thor and his companions travel to the ice world of the Frost Giants in retaliation of an unsuccessful invasion into Asgard. The warriors soon find themselves outnumbered even if Thor's mighty Hammer does manage to wipe out hordes of Frost Giants at a time. As their enemies close in around them Odin arrives to save his son and companions.
Back in Asgard Odin, outraged at Thor's reckless behaviour, banishes Thor taking his powers and Hammer from him. Thor is banished to earth, where Odin sends his Hammer after him after first placing a spell on it that only when Thor is worthy of wielding its power will it be activated. Thor is indignant that Odin has made a mistake and has become too 'soft' in his old age. Nevertheless stuck on earth Thor is forced to re-evaluate his life and learn humility. Over the course of the film, Thor becomes less arrogant and more humble as he befriends and inevitably falls in love with Jane Foster, a scientist studying wormholes.
Thor's jealous brother Loki takes over the throne of Asgard after their father Odin falls into a coma brought on by the heartbreak of Thor's banishment. Loki determined that Thor should never regain his position as son and heir to Odin's throne and to ensure that he will reign as King after the eventual death of Odin, sends a giant robotic monster known as the Destroyer to earth in order to kill Thor. When the Destroyer arrives on earth it starts destroying everything in its path in order to complete its objective of killing Thor. Without the power of his Hammer Thor knows that he is physically helpless to defeat the giant Destroyer and so chooses to freely and voluntarily give up his life so that no-one else is hurt or killed. Loki, who is able to control the Destroyer from Asgard accepts Thor's sacrifice and commands the Destroyer to kill his brother. At that moment Thor's selfless actions and courageous sacrifice awaken the power of his Hammer and it is returned to him, bringing him back from the brink of death and empowering him to kill the Destroyer. Once the Destroyer is killed Thor travels back to Asgard to defeat the evil schemes of his brother. In his battle with Loki over control of Asgard Thor is forced to break the portal allowing them access to the other realms and destroying the link between Asgard and earth. The film ends with Thor determined to find a way back to earth and to his new beloved Jane.
Analysis
There are many parallels between the story told in the Marvel film 'Thor' and Jesus' life here on earth. Firstly, the film is a story about personal realisation and humility. Before Thor was banished to earth he lived in magnificence in Asgard, in full power and majesty as prince and heir to Odin's throne. Jesus too, before coming to earth, lived in the glory and splendor of Heaven with God. Secondly, after Thor was banished to earth he had to learn humility in order to regain his power and status. The Bible says that Jesus:
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in the appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:6-8
Jesus humbled himself by coming to earth and being born as a human being. Jesus had to learn how to be a human and adapt to his new home. Thor too had to learn how to fit in as his mannerism and the way he interracted with people was very unorthodox by contemporary standards. Thor was still technically the son of Odin - that did not change and so too Jesus was the son of God.
Thirdly, Thor realised that devoid of the power of his Hammer he could not defeat the force of evil by brute strength alone. He chose the higher way and selflesly gave his life as a ransom for the people caught in the middle of Loki's jealous and spiteful actions. Jesus too, as the passage from the book of Philippians explains became obedient to death. Jesus chose the way of the cross as opposed to the way of war in order to defeat Satan and rescue humanity from the judgement of God caused by our sin. Jesus says himself in the Gospel of Matthew:
"Put your sword back in its place... Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" Matthew 26:52-53
Jesus had at his disposal the power of heaven in order to defeat the forces of evil in the world, but knew that ultimately it was love that would conquer evil. Jesus chose the path of love and took humanity's sin upon himself so that there would be forgiveness and pardon for humanity. Thor's actions were inspired from love.
Finally, after Jesus' crucifixion and buriel he rose again on the third day and ascended into Heaven where his former glory was fully restored to him as he sat at the right hand of God. At the end of the film Odin recovered from his coma and Thor took his place in meekness and humility as his son and heir. Lastly Thor looked to the day when he would return to earth, to return to the people that he grew to love although he did not know when. The Bible says that Jesus too will one day return although only God knows that day and hour.
Naturally there are limits to the parallels - Thor was forcely banished from Asgard, whereas Jesus voluntarily gave up his glory in Heaven. Thor fell in love with one woman in particular whereas Jesus' love was for all humanity equally and impartially. But the parallels that can be made are striking and thought provoking.
The next time you watch a film, whether comic book or other just pause and reflect to think whether there are any parallels or Christian message in the film - it is quite remarkable just how strong a Gospel message you can find.
Synposis
Back in Asgard Odin, outraged at Thor's reckless behaviour, banishes Thor taking his powers and Hammer from him. Thor is banished to earth, where Odin sends his Hammer after him after first placing a spell on it that only when Thor is worthy of wielding its power will it be activated. Thor is indignant that Odin has made a mistake and has become too 'soft' in his old age. Nevertheless stuck on earth Thor is forced to re-evaluate his life and learn humility. Over the course of the film, Thor becomes less arrogant and more humble as he befriends and inevitably falls in love with Jane Foster, a scientist studying wormholes.
Analysis
There are many parallels between the story told in the Marvel film 'Thor' and Jesus' life here on earth. Firstly, the film is a story about personal realisation and humility. Before Thor was banished to earth he lived in magnificence in Asgard, in full power and majesty as prince and heir to Odin's throne. Jesus too, before coming to earth, lived in the glory and splendor of Heaven with God. Secondly, after Thor was banished to earth he had to learn humility in order to regain his power and status. The Bible says that Jesus:
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in the appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:6-8
Thirdly, Thor realised that devoid of the power of his Hammer he could not defeat the force of evil by brute strength alone. He chose the higher way and selflesly gave his life as a ransom for the people caught in the middle of Loki's jealous and spiteful actions. Jesus too, as the passage from the book of Philippians explains became obedient to death. Jesus chose the way of the cross as opposed to the way of war in order to defeat Satan and rescue humanity from the judgement of God caused by our sin. Jesus says himself in the Gospel of Matthew:
"Put your sword back in its place... Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" Matthew 26:52-53
Jesus had at his disposal the power of heaven in order to defeat the forces of evil in the world, but knew that ultimately it was love that would conquer evil. Jesus chose the path of love and took humanity's sin upon himself so that there would be forgiveness and pardon for humanity. Thor's actions were inspired from love.
Finally, after Jesus' crucifixion and buriel he rose again on the third day and ascended into Heaven where his former glory was fully restored to him as he sat at the right hand of God. At the end of the film Odin recovered from his coma and Thor took his place in meekness and humility as his son and heir. Lastly Thor looked to the day when he would return to earth, to return to the people that he grew to love although he did not know when. The Bible says that Jesus too will one day return although only God knows that day and hour.
Naturally there are limits to the parallels - Thor was forcely banished from Asgard, whereas Jesus voluntarily gave up his glory in Heaven. Thor fell in love with one woman in particular whereas Jesus' love was for all humanity equally and impartially. But the parallels that can be made are striking and thought provoking.
The next time you watch a film, whether comic book or other just pause and reflect to think whether there are any parallels or Christian message in the film - it is quite remarkable just how strong a Gospel message you can find.
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Caught a Glimpse
I have come to the conclusion that many of us don’t fully comprehend what it means to be made in God’s image. It means so much more than just to differentiate us from the rest of the animal kingdom. It means more than being imbued with a conscience and knowing the difference between right and wrong. I found myself asking for God’s forgiveness for all the times I had looked in the mirror and been unhappy with the reflection staring back at me; for all the times I had been envious of other people for their looks, talent, popularity or wealth. Because the Bible says we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God: every single one of us. God made us unique for a reason. He made us different from everybody else because He was happy to do so. That means God delights in all of us, just the way we are. We may not have won a noble peace prize, we may not be a world class athlete, we may not make the cover of Vogue magazine but God created us and He knew exactly what He was doing.
I saw a video yesterday of a Romanian child with Down syndrome. There is widespread discrimination against children with learning disabilities in Romania and the father even suggested killing her as a baby. The mother refused to do so and so the father left; left his new born baby daughter and his wife to raise and look after her all by herself. But even though that child may not have the intellect or the social skills that many of us take for granted; that child is still a human being who deserves to be loved just as much as the next ‘normal’ child. There is an incident in the Gospels when Jesus’ disciples ask him, regarding a blind man, who sinned – him or his parents, to make him blind. But Jesus says neither and that the man was born that way so that the mercy of God may be revealed! God cares for and loves deeply every human life on earth.
There have been times these past few years when I have struggled with self worth – feeling unlovable and insecure. Just the other day I had a bad lesson observation at work that hit me hard. I felt like a total failure, like I was good for nothing. But that is not true and that is not how God sees me. For in God’s eyes I am exactly who I am meant to be. He created me and programmed my DNA so that who I am is who I am meant to be. It doesn’t matter whether or not I am the greatest teacher to ever grace a secondary school classroom; it doesn’t matter that I am not the most handsome man in the world with women falling at my feet and it doesn’t matter that I am not a gold medal winning Olympian. Life is made up of triumphs and failures, of peaks and troughs. We all have good days and bad days. That is the nature of life. But that doesn’t mean I am a lesser human being because of it.
As hard as I’ve tried not to let it be so, deep down I have sought validation from my work, from my relationship with my colleagues, from my service to the church and I have ultimately sought it from a prospective wife; wishing, longing that someone would look at me and think “wow he’s amazing!” But all of these are but illusory, for all a long my acceptance and validation as a human being has come from God. Being fearfully and wonderfully made by God is extraordinary. It is mind blowing. It is liberating. My physical appearance, my talents, my passions and desires all come from God. I can look at myself in the mirror and be pleased with who I see, because I know this is the person God wanted to create. None of us choose to be born. Many of us would like to choose how we die; but none of us choose to be born, which family we are born into, whether rich or poor, whether from the West or the East. No human life is an accident. God deliberately and joyfully made each and every one of us. Hallelujah!
My entire life is by the grace of God: all life is a gift. I thank God that He saw that it was good to make me. I thank God for who I am. For the Bible also speaks of salvation being by God’s design. The Bible says that it was not by human planning but by God that we are born again into a new life. For although God chose to make us just the way we are, unfortunately we are born into a world corrupted by sin. But God pre-empted the Fall. He knew we couldn’t make it by ourselves and so sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die for us. By dying for us Jesus freely and voluntarily gave his life so that we might share in Jesus’ glory. Jesus is the archetypal human being – the blue print of the ideal human person. By his blood we are cleansed from our sin, forgiven by God and redeemed. By being redeemed we are restored in God’s eyes to the mode of humanity He originally created before the Fall. That is why only Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient for our salvation; for only Jesus was both God and Man in order to offer the perfect sacrifice. And so, restored by the blood of Christ and enlightened to my true self before God I can live positively in the knowledge that God both loves me – beyond my wildest dreams –and is also happy over me.
I am sure there will be times when the world beats down on me again and I fail in the world’s eyes. But I know that my God is for me, not against me and in His eyes I am a success! This is the most important thing in life; knowing the Father and being known by Him. When we understand that God seeks a personal relationship with each of us, because that is the reason we were born – to share a relationship and the blessings that flow from the Creator God, then we can face each day and look forward in hope to a brighter tomorrow and a future eternity in His glorious presence, our spirits free to reach our full potential.
“He is jealous for me, Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree; bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy. When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.” How He Loves Us
I saw a video yesterday of a Romanian child with Down syndrome. There is widespread discrimination against children with learning disabilities in Romania and the father even suggested killing her as a baby. The mother refused to do so and so the father left; left his new born baby daughter and his wife to raise and look after her all by herself. But even though that child may not have the intellect or the social skills that many of us take for granted; that child is still a human being who deserves to be loved just as much as the next ‘normal’ child. There is an incident in the Gospels when Jesus’ disciples ask him, regarding a blind man, who sinned – him or his parents, to make him blind. But Jesus says neither and that the man was born that way so that the mercy of God may be revealed! God cares for and loves deeply every human life on earth.
There have been times these past few years when I have struggled with self worth – feeling unlovable and insecure. Just the other day I had a bad lesson observation at work that hit me hard. I felt like a total failure, like I was good for nothing. But that is not true and that is not how God sees me. For in God’s eyes I am exactly who I am meant to be. He created me and programmed my DNA so that who I am is who I am meant to be. It doesn’t matter whether or not I am the greatest teacher to ever grace a secondary school classroom; it doesn’t matter that I am not the most handsome man in the world with women falling at my feet and it doesn’t matter that I am not a gold medal winning Olympian. Life is made up of triumphs and failures, of peaks and troughs. We all have good days and bad days. That is the nature of life. But that doesn’t mean I am a lesser human being because of it.
As hard as I’ve tried not to let it be so, deep down I have sought validation from my work, from my relationship with my colleagues, from my service to the church and I have ultimately sought it from a prospective wife; wishing, longing that someone would look at me and think “wow he’s amazing!” But all of these are but illusory, for all a long my acceptance and validation as a human being has come from God. Being fearfully and wonderfully made by God is extraordinary. It is mind blowing. It is liberating. My physical appearance, my talents, my passions and desires all come from God. I can look at myself in the mirror and be pleased with who I see, because I know this is the person God wanted to create. None of us choose to be born. Many of us would like to choose how we die; but none of us choose to be born, which family we are born into, whether rich or poor, whether from the West or the East. No human life is an accident. God deliberately and joyfully made each and every one of us. Hallelujah!
My entire life is by the grace of God: all life is a gift. I thank God that He saw that it was good to make me. I thank God for who I am. For the Bible also speaks of salvation being by God’s design. The Bible says that it was not by human planning but by God that we are born again into a new life. For although God chose to make us just the way we are, unfortunately we are born into a world corrupted by sin. But God pre-empted the Fall. He knew we couldn’t make it by ourselves and so sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die for us. By dying for us Jesus freely and voluntarily gave his life so that we might share in Jesus’ glory. Jesus is the archetypal human being – the blue print of the ideal human person. By his blood we are cleansed from our sin, forgiven by God and redeemed. By being redeemed we are restored in God’s eyes to the mode of humanity He originally created before the Fall. That is why only Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient for our salvation; for only Jesus was both God and Man in order to offer the perfect sacrifice. And so, restored by the blood of Christ and enlightened to my true self before God I can live positively in the knowledge that God both loves me – beyond my wildest dreams –and is also happy over me.
I am sure there will be times when the world beats down on me again and I fail in the world’s eyes. But I know that my God is for me, not against me and in His eyes I am a success! This is the most important thing in life; knowing the Father and being known by Him. When we understand that God seeks a personal relationship with each of us, because that is the reason we were born – to share a relationship and the blessings that flow from the Creator God, then we can face each day and look forward in hope to a brighter tomorrow and a future eternity in His glorious presence, our spirits free to reach our full potential.
“He is jealous for me, Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree; bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy. When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.” How He Loves Us
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Victoria Concordia Crescit
Arsenal celebrate 125 years as a football club this year. It is a significant and historic anniversary; one which is celebrated in our new crest that includes a wreath that brackets the standard Arsenal crest as well as the motto 'Forward' written underneath. However forward is far from how we started the season! Psychologically our Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham was the deathblow to our season last year. In hindsight the game revealed our lack of mental strength and ability to 'bounce' back. We faded away, dropping out of all other major competitions and finally only managing to finish fourth. It was clear that last season we lacked leadership as the fiasco with Febregas lingered, speculation ever growing as to when, not if he would make his move back to Spain. We had our captain in body but not in mind or spirit. After long, drawn out negotiations Fabregas finally made his move back to his beloved Barcelona in the Summer. The effects of losing our once talismanic play maker were clear to see at the start of the new season - we were unable to score in both of our first two matches and through a series of injuries and suspensions were forced to ask our new teenage signings to go from being boys to men against the defending champions Man United. The result, an inform and clinical Man U were just too much to cope with and annihilated us with a humiliating 8-2 victory, which embarrassed fans, players and manager alike. Something had to be done. But as a pheonix rises from the ashes Wenger responded by making some vital and much needed new signings on the last day of the transfer market.
In total we signed five new players yesterday, four on long term contracts, one on loan. Each brings something that has been lacking in the Arsenal squad this season - every one of them are experienced players in their late twenties or early thirties, several of them have international experience too, making many appearances for their respective countries. We have reinforced our defence, midfield and forward positions. Per Mertesacker, our new German defender, will add much needed height and physicality to our game at 6'6 inches tall. Mikel Arteta has vast amounts of Premier League experience and should link up nicely with our other talented mid fielders in Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey. Arsenal play a very particular style of flowing football. However, arguably Arsenal have lacked a clinical finisher in the past and so a new striker was desperately needed to add greater attacking threat. Hopefully this is precisely what South Korean Chu Young Park can give us, as well as the leadership qualities he brings as captain for his national side. With Chu Young Park, Walcott, Robin Van Persie and Gervinho we should have plenty of attacking options both from the wings and from the centre. Moreover the additions of Yossi Benayoun (on loan) and Andre Santos should provide extra support for our more forward going players and Benayoun's Premier League experience, like that of Arteta, is invaluable to us at the moment.
As an Arsenal fan I am being very optimistic about these new signings. There will be some who just dismiss these signings as 'desperation buying' on the last day of the transfer market but I believe this is a real positive step Forward. Some Arsenal fans even believe our crushing defeat to Man U was the wake up call we needed to actually spend in the transfer market. I am not sure about this line of logic as I don't believe any defeat of that magnitude is a good thing, especially not for a club like Arsenal with such a prestigious history. Conversely I am glad we have made these signings and do believe that Wenger and his scouts have chosen well. What remains to be seen is whether Wenger, with the qualities and strengths these new players bring to the team will be open minded enough to change his tactics when necessary in order to prevent further defeats this season. When you reach the bottom the only way to go is up and I am optimistic that we can once more go 'Forward' as a club. However it is a long way back and securing a top 4 finish this season will be harder than ever. However, "Victory grows out of harmony" - Victoria Concordia Crescit.
In total we signed five new players yesterday, four on long term contracts, one on loan. Each brings something that has been lacking in the Arsenal squad this season - every one of them are experienced players in their late twenties or early thirties, several of them have international experience too, making many appearances for their respective countries. We have reinforced our defence, midfield and forward positions. Per Mertesacker, our new German defender, will add much needed height and physicality to our game at 6'6 inches tall. Mikel Arteta has vast amounts of Premier League experience and should link up nicely with our other talented mid fielders in Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey. Arsenal play a very particular style of flowing football. However, arguably Arsenal have lacked a clinical finisher in the past and so a new striker was desperately needed to add greater attacking threat. Hopefully this is precisely what South Korean Chu Young Park can give us, as well as the leadership qualities he brings as captain for his national side. With Chu Young Park, Walcott, Robin Van Persie and Gervinho we should have plenty of attacking options both from the wings and from the centre. Moreover the additions of Yossi Benayoun (on loan) and Andre Santos should provide extra support for our more forward going players and Benayoun's Premier League experience, like that of Arteta, is invaluable to us at the moment.
As an Arsenal fan I am being very optimistic about these new signings. There will be some who just dismiss these signings as 'desperation buying' on the last day of the transfer market but I believe this is a real positive step Forward. Some Arsenal fans even believe our crushing defeat to Man U was the wake up call we needed to actually spend in the transfer market. I am not sure about this line of logic as I don't believe any defeat of that magnitude is a good thing, especially not for a club like Arsenal with such a prestigious history. Conversely I am glad we have made these signings and do believe that Wenger and his scouts have chosen well. What remains to be seen is whether Wenger, with the qualities and strengths these new players bring to the team will be open minded enough to change his tactics when necessary in order to prevent further defeats this season. When you reach the bottom the only way to go is up and I am optimistic that we can once more go 'Forward' as a club. However it is a long way back and securing a top 4 finish this season will be harder than ever. However, "Victory grows out of harmony" - Victoria Concordia Crescit.
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