Lovely yet pointless sentiment
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti faith. I don’t believe in any religion, but I have a great deal of faith. It’s been well tested over my half a century, but I still have it.
But, I feel faith is pointless, without practical purpose. Especially if it involves spending money sending thoughts and prayers, instead of donating to worthy, desperate causes, such as the cyclone relief funds, that are so sorely needed at the moment.
I just took a stamped, posted, envelope out of my letterbox, with a lovely, handwritten letter, offering me “comforting thought from the scriptures”, and I wonder how much money did that kind person spend to send me, a complete stranger (envelope addressed “To The Resident”) and however many others these missives.
At $1.70 postage, per letter, plus the envelope and paper, and printed flyer, that’s potentially a lot of “thoughts” that could have put food on tables or bedrolls under bodies. Would that not have been a better option, than randomly sending people quotes from the scriptures?
My priest, growing up Catholic, would tell us every Wednesday at bible practice “turn your hands to practical matters and your hearts to spiritual”. And he’d follow that up with the simple explanation “Do something useful”.
So, dear people, rather than preach about how the big G cares about us, show you care about others, and live your faith, practically. If you can’t physically help, don’t waste money preaching, use it to help. Don’t be the preacher on the cliff who let the boy fall, because God loved him. Turn your hands to practical matters, and your hearts to faith!
And if your church is footing the bill, there’s better things they can do with the money too.
Keep the faith, but, please, do something practical. I don’t need saving, but thousands really do.
Riddle Me That: Ready to Test Your Wits?
If the prisoner tells a lie, he'll be hanged;
if he tells the truth, he'll be beheaded.
What can he say to save himself?
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Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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28.7% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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19.7% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.7% Keep it as is
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33% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.5% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.