June 29th, 2007
So Rob tells us all about Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount, specifically the part where Jesus is talking about the law ‘and eye for an eye’ and he says
But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. (Matt 5:39)
Which is arguably one of Jesus’ most quotable moments. It’s fundamental to some people’s understanding of who Jesus was. If someone hits you, stand there and take it, don’t hit back, don’t do anything. The message bible even translates what Jesus said as this. But last night, Rob explained it in a way I’d never heard before.
In Jewish culture at the time of Jesus people had a ‘clean’ hand (right) and a ‘dirty’ hand (left). The right hand would be used for greeting people, eating, working and all manor of task you couldn’t really use your left for as your ‘dirty’ hand was often engaged in matters of personal hygiene and it was considered unthinkable to use it for anything but it’s intended, very specific, job.
So when you hit someone, you’d obviously only ever use your right hand.
There’s something else about the culture at the time that you need to know. It was a highly class driven - Everyone knew their place, and everyone had their place. So the way you hit someone depended on who you were to them. A master hitting a servant for example would only ever slap them, they would never ever use a fist as this would validate that servant as an equal. And if all the other servants are watching, well, you’ve got yourself anarchy on your hands.
So if someone strikes you on the right cheek, with their right hand… They’re not making a fist.
No, they’re slapping you. They’re saying ‘you are not worthy of a fist’. In other words, they’re better than you. And in Jesus’ time, the most likely people to think they’re better than you are the conquering Romans.
So turning the other cheek is an act of defiance, it’s saying ‘you cannot take my dignity’. It’s saying ‘take your best shot, but this time as an equal‘. Jesus doesn’t go for the hit back or do nothing approaches, no, he goes for the third option. The option which takes infinitively more courage and imagination than the first two.
And this is how Rob Bell started his hour or so talk, I’ve no where near done it justice here. There’s what I think I knew about Jesus, and there’s what I find out when I actually look at the scriptures and what they’re saying in the context of the society of the time. Jesus wasn’t a passive, weak individual. He was a subversive, who stood up for the oppressed, weak and poor. I for one want to find out more.
Rob Bell continues his tour in Glasgow on 30th June. If you can, go check him out.
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March 10th, 2006
The Mighty Boosh? Wolverhampton Civic Hall? 9th March 2006? 7 O’clock? Yes, we’ll have a bit of that.
Although I’ve only even seen one episode of the tv series I had already realised the genius of the Boosh. One time is enough you see, one time only to drink in the sweet sweet nipple-nectar from the Boosh’s comedy teat.
In review I can only say brilliant brilliant brilliant! It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me spit my beer over the guy infront. (Sorry if you’re reading this). I’d recommend that you all go, but I’m pretty sure it’s all sold out. (I guess some simple checking would have confirmed this, but I really can’t be bothered).
Anyway, you can always look at some fine photos of the event.
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February 18th, 2006
Big thanks to Nash who took us to see Beth Orton & guests last night in Warwick. I’d not really heard any of her stuff before, and after last night still can’t say I’m a massive fan. Don’t get me wrong, she was good, just need to listen to more I think. In fact, for me, the best bit of last night was the “& guests” who turned out to be a band called Clayhill.
Clayhill are a scissor toting, xylophone playing 5 piece from (by the sounds of the guitarists accent) somewhere in the South West of England. Their blend of acoustic guitar and double bass funk was without doubt awesome. Awesome enough anyway to get me to buy not one but two of their albums in the interval.
Favorite song of the night had to be “So Far Out” (at least I think that’s what it was called), which continued some serious thrash-acoustic (yeah, it’s possible) and well timed silences which seemed to suck all the sound out of the room.
Also just gotta say a word about the bass player. This guy obviously has a real passion for music, and put his all into entertaining the people of Warwick last night. Everyone was Loving both the bass slides and the scissor work.
Anyway, if you get chance, go and check ‘em out. They’re on the whole of Beth’s UK tour.
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May 3rd, 2005
Last Thursday we went to check out James Blunt at the Manchester Academy, which meant not only did I get to go to a big gig (it’s been a few months), But I also got to leave work 2 hours earlier - bonus.
I’ve been listening to this guy’s album for a couple of weeks, and had big expectations and man he didn’t disappoint. Blunt has a real raw talent, and proved not every modern album rely’s on expensive production techniques, I couldn’t tell the difference between the live stuff and the polished album tracks. One song in particular that stuck out for me was ‘No Bravery’ which was my favourite from the album anyway, but absolutely awesome live.
James was supported by Kate Aumonier whose set was superb enough for me to buy the CD. Strong vocals and cleverly written songs - I predict big things for this girl.
More photos when I actually get round to finishing off the photographs section of the site… What? It’s only been a few months.
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