Monorail Systems.

Supertram routes cause major mayhem in the construction and are frighteningly expensive.

Just needing a pole into the ground every twenty yards or so, monorails can cover three or for times as many routes for the same money and with minimal disruption during construction. Why are they not in evidence?                                            (Butlins at Skegness showed the way half a century ago - and Billy Butlin never wasted cash on things which were not cost effective!)

Helping Non-Believers.

Monday, October 14, 2013

The Most Common Mistake when Talking with Skeptics

Conversational evangelism and apologetics can be very frustrating. Christians often to get to the end of a discussion with an unbeliever and think, “Well, that was a waste of time! We weren’t connecting on anything. Did we even speak the same language?  All my great points fell completely flat.”

What causes these conversations to go wrong? The most common reason is that believers launch into a defense of the faith before finding out anything at all about the skeptic.

Instead of jumping right in to address some objection or present an argument, Christians would be much better served by asking a few important questions and then listening carefully to the answers.

For example, these queries work wonderfully at the beginning of a conversation:

“Tell me a bit about yourself. Do you have a background in Christianity or some other church or religion? Have you always been a skeptic? If not, how did you arrive at your position?”

“I understand you don’t believe that Christianity is true, but what worldview do you hold, then? In other words, I realize you think that Christianity offers false answer to life’s biggest questions, but what do you think are the right answers?”

“Speaking of the answers that Christianity offers, could you tell me the Christian message from your perspective? What is the story of the Bible as you understand it?”

There are several reasons this method leads to more fruitful evangelistic and apologetic conversations.

First, it builds relationship and defuses animosity. As Hugh Hewitt writes: “When you ask a question, you are displaying interest in the person asked. Most people are not queried on many, if any, subjects. Their opinions are not solicited. To ask them is to be remembered fondly as a very interesting and gracious person in your own right.” (In, But Not Of: A Guide to Christian Ambition, p. 172).  Greg Koukl adds “[Questions] invite genial interaction on something the other person cares a lot about: her own ideas.” (Tactics, A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions p. 48)

Second, it keeps the two sides from addressing people and positions that don’t actually exist. As I write in my new book,

Too many religious conversations involve people talking past each other because they haven’t taken the time to find out what the other person actually believes. The result is that each side tries to knock down a straw-man version of the other’s position. The skeptic argues against a version of Christianity that the believer does not hold and the Christian attacks an atheistic worldview that the unbeliever does not hold. Then they wonder why the conversation never gets anywhere. (p. 49)

Third, it offers the opportunity to present the gospel without being preachy. When you ask the skeptic about what he or she believes the Christian message to be, you will inevitably find that they have some poor theology. You can then step in and gently say, “Well, that’s not exactly what Christianity teaches. In order that we can understand each other clearly, let me share with you how I understand the Bible’s message. “

Fourth, it helps bring to light some of the underlying non-intellectual reasons that people reject Christianity. Many skeptics do not base their unbelief on a hard examination of the facts or a deep analysis of the various philosophical arguments. Rather, a variety of other factors are at play, including painful experiences with Christians, anger at God over a heartbreaking loss, and the desire to rationalize immoral behavior. By asking a few questions, the Christian can become more aware of what is going on under the surface.

A conversation with skeptics that doesn’t start with some good questions will almost always lead nowhere. Avoiding that mistake will help us be much more effective at reaching the world for Jesus.

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Apologetics 315 Guest Writer Donald Johnson has served in vocational ministry since 1993, including extensive experience as an inner city youth worker and young adult pastor. He has a B.A. in Theology, Missions and Intercultural Studies from San Jose Christian College, an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, and an M.A. in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has also done graduate work in the evangelism program at Multnomah Seminary and the philosophy of Religion program at Talbot School of Theology. His newest book is How to Talk to a Skeptic: An Easy-to-Follow Guide for Natural Conversations and Effective Apologetics. Hear hisinterview with Apologetics 315 here.

Foodbanks - Jonathan Arnott MEP Supports Community Endeavours. UKIP Cares.

Letter – Welcoming local people supporting their community

Dear Editor,

Having seen first hand the good work done by such facilities; I am pleased to hear that a local church is opening another food bank in Barnard Castle so they can help those in need.

However, in 21^st century Britain, it saddens me that North East food banks were accessed nearly 60,000 times last year. Even worse is the fact that many people visiting food banks are in employment yet aren’t earning enough to support themselves or their families.

We must tackle unemployment, getting people into work so they can support themselves and have a better quality of life.  Then we must make sure that these jobs pay enough for people to be able to look after their families. One way to do this is by taking everyone earning the minimum wage completely out of income tax.

Regardless of how distasteful it might be that they’re needed in the world’s 5th-largest economy, I urge people to support their local food banks. They do a fantastic job and help many of the most vulnerable people in our society.

Jonathan Arnott MEP

UKIP, North East

The EFDD.

The Mail on Sunday is engaging merrily in a, pre-Rochester and Strood by-election, hatchet job on UKIP. (Surprise, surprise!) Most people have not got the slightest idea why the Europe for Freedom & Direct Democracy group has been forced to take on board a rather unsavoury Polish MEP. Simply put - it is the result of a scam by the EU. (Surprise, surprise!)                        What they did was to put together a system which would shore up europhile parties but deny monies to those which were not. Seemingly, Labour's objectionable Richard Corbett MEP was the guiding hand behind all of this. So how does it work? - Well, europhile MEPs form into like-minded groups each representing seven countries - and provided they have a combined 25 MEPs - their Brussels staffing is funded. Easy peasy - almost impossible to fail to get the dosh.
UKIP, with 24 MEPs must find one more MEP and they will get the money? - NO! - There has to be SEVEN countries represented. The ONLY possible reason for this absurdity was surely to target the UK's favourite MEPs.
So when the EU cunningly cause a Latvian MEP to move groups, UKIP had a group of MEPs almost double the necessary number but only representing SIX nations. Hence, NO funding for UKIP. A democratic disgrace!                                                                                                                The Mail uses the 'word' pockets when talking about Mr Farage. (I suggest that he gets his libel lawyers onto it!) But simply put - take on one unsavoury Pole or sack all your staff in Brussels. Bit of a no-brainer, innit?

Three Imputations.

Forgiveness.

How Do You Really Forgive Someone Who Hurt You?

BY PERRY NOBLE

I was having a really great day…a REALLY great day… When all of a sudden "IT" hit me – the memory of what "that person" did to me over 30 years ago. Within a couple of seconds I went from happiness and joy to pain and anger ... serious anger, like I wanted to hurt someone anger. Christian Post.

Well. I've been there too but have learned that the most important step is the first one. When you cannot forgive, then at least, be PREPARED to forgive. From that point you can move on. (However, you may never be able to trust the person again - I do not think that is a necessary requirement.)  The second step is to pray for the person with all your soul. Eventually you should find that you have reached a Christian resolution to what is actually YOUR problem.

Fair Enough.

The Ultimate reason Why Refugees Drown.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2817278/PETER-HITCHENS-refugees-drown-liberals-like-Dave-starting-wars.html

Lib Dems - Can They Really Get That Many Votes Again?

Cameron's 'Passions' - By Ian Jack, The Guardian.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/nov/01/do-you-really-passionately-believe-anything-cameron

International Day of Prayer.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/christians-urged-to-gather-on-international-day-of-prayer-as-persecution-reaches-unprecedented-levels-128856/

S. Yorks Police Commissioner Election.

Mr Billings won with 74,060 votes, 50.02%, with Ukip's Jack Clarkson taking second place on 46,883, 31.66%.                                                                                         Disappointing - in spite of UKIP TREBLING their vote and taking a goodish second place. No, the disappointment is that after the 1,400 child victims of Labour's policy in Rotherham, there were still so many people prepared to vote Labour. On the appalling Rony Robinson's show on Radio Sheffield - now there's a man who should be investigated in BBC bias claims -  I listened to David Blunkett speaking yesterday. He suggested that Labour, Lib Dems and tories had ganged up to beat UKIP. Yup. They hate us that much. Fine by me.

Iranian Pastor Visits The UK.

RARE CHANCE TO HEAR IRANIAN PASTOR’S ACCOUNT OF TIME IN JAIL

A church pastor who, because of his Christian faith, spent almost a year behind bars in Iran, including solitary confinement, will be visiting the UK in November to talk about his experience.

Vahik Abrahamian, who was released from prison in 2011, will be speaking at a number of churches as part of our Freedom and Faith Tour to mark ten years of Release’s support for prisoners of faith.

‘We are delighted and honoured that Vahik is coming to the UK to tell his story, which I am sure will inspire and challenge the church here,’ said Release chief executive Paul Robinson.

‘These promise to be very moving evenings and I would encourage anyone with an interest in Christianity or Iran to come along to find out what he has to say. It’s a rare opportunity to hear first hand what life is like in what is still one of the most repressive nations on earth and also, more importantly, to hear how God is at work in the toughest of places.’

Booking in advance is not required.

For more information, including a list of dates and venues, please click here or call our office on 01689 823491.

Yorks Post Letter Grasps, Pretty Much, All The Realities.

From: Mike Smith, Birkby, Huddersfield.

The two adjacent letters from Messrs Howley and Penn (The Yorkshire Post, October 22) on the topic of who was the best post-war prime minister provide food for thought on the merits of socialism versus capitalism.

Firstly, Mr Howley’s letter makes comparisons between Clement Attlee and Margaret Thatcher with implications of the latter coming from a comfortable middle class and Attlee having a closer identity with the working class. Attlee was in fact a public school “toff” and Thatcher was a grammar school girl. Attlee was a lawyer and Thatcher was the only Prime Minister ever to have real work experience in industry. The Attlee administration presided over the introduction of the NHS and also the nationalisation of public utilities and major capital industries.

To those who questioned the cost at the time, it was argued the cost of the NHS would progressively reduce as the nation became healthier with free care. In the case of the nationalised industries, it was further argued that productivity would increase when the workers effectively became their own bosses.

The consequence was that the nation was facing economic meltdown when Thatcher came to power. Not surprisingly with a nation accustomed to living in the socialist clouds, she was, and still is, demonised for the drastic action necessary to restore some semblance of reality to the situation.

That brings us to Mr Penn’s letter and his various thoughts on growth being reliant on profits, greed, selfishness and self-destructive capitalism. The population with its needs and expectations is growing all the time. Profits are the only fuel for growth or otherwise where does the money come from?

There can be little argument that bankers and senior public servants walking away with obscene amounts of public or other people’s money is pure greed. However when it comes to Mr Penn’s point on producing countless products that no one really needs or wants, we are faced with some dilemmas. It is the manufacture of products and processed goods which provides employment with wages and profits that sustains the economy.

On the other hand, this soaks up energy and finite resources which conflicts with all the “green” policies.

Those around the world with nothing to eat might consider our insatiable appetite for more and more material affluence makes us all greedy or selfish, but it will be a very bold Prime Minister who ever dares to tell us that.

Dobbie of Malta - A Man of God.

http://www.evangelical-times.org/archive/item/6828//Dobbie-of-Malta--1-/

Tony Benn - Arch Hypocrite!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2816554/Benn-s-legacy-hypocrisy-week-revealed-arch-socialist-left-5m-children-none-good-causes-s-just-start-breathtaking-story-riches-tax-avoidance-double-standards.html
He did no wrong BUT after a lifetime of pontificating to the rest of us ... this ...   All so VERY typical of the left's "It should apply to everyone - except me," attitudes.

Poppies - Time To Put Hand Deep Into Your Pocket.

Imputation.

EU Budget Committee, UKIP MEP Jonathan Causes Pain To Tories.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZHjiPGi42E

Radio 4 - Today programme.

Money Down The Toilet - OUR Money!

UK contributions to Brussels QUADRUPLE to £11.3bn... even before the EU's latest demand for another £1.7bn is counted.

It means each family in the UK now sends £450 a year to Brussels on average - up £350 from the £100 bill in 2008 - according to the Office for National Statistics figures. Mail.

Stick Up Threat.

UKIP Lead Increases In Rochester & Strood.

UKIP on course to crush Conservatives in Rochester and Strood by-election after taking 15-point lead, poll finds.

UKIP is on course to crush the Conservatives in the Rochester and Strood by-election, according to a new poll. Mail.