the blog of lewk

So I'm reading that controversial book.

2011-03-27T23:18:00.002+01:00


Love Wins by Rob Bell

I ordered this a while ago and had been waiting in anticipation for it to arrive. "Love Wins: A book about heaven, hell, and the fate of every person who ever lived" by Rob Bell has been causing quite a stir on the interwebs various corners. I'm sure it's not new news to anyone who listens and watches these things that a few major church leaders quite openly condemned this book and its author because of its subject - before it had even been released and read!

Anyway, old news. What I want to talk about is what I have read so far. Right now I am half way through the book and still I'm not really sure what the controversy is about. All the nay-sayers were ranting about Rob Bell now being a "universalist" and that he'd thrown out hell and all that. Well I just read the chapter on hell and here's a quote from it:

"There is hell now, and there is hell later, and Jesus teaches us to take both seriously." (pg. 79)

So... where's the controversy? In that he says all the injustice, pain, torment, hate, tears, and death that we experience now in this lifetime is just as equal to hell being now as hell being a future place of such things? That when we give up all things good, humane, decent, moral, divine, that we have in some form or other just created a type of hell on earth scenario for people to live in?

I don't really see anything so controversial about that.

Jesus calls us to do the opposite of these things in the here and now - to bring justice, righteousness, peace, love, morality and goodness to this world now in the form of the Good News, as bringing the Kingdom of God to people around us right now in our very actions. Our actions bring a little bit of heaven and its principles and realities to this reality in this time.
Is it then so hard to think that the opposite can be true? That a little bit of "hell" can be brought to this present reality by our actions that remove those Kingdom principles?

Take a look at the world around us and ask yourself that question.

I'll write more once I've finished the book.

Another Shameless Plug

2011-03-20T20:58:00.001Z

I'll cut to the chase:

My brand new, very first publication, The Three, is now available on Amazon for Kindle!

You can get it here (a free sample is also available): http://amzn.to/ekIUih (or go to the US Kindle store: http://amzn.to/fFrqBG)

Now to fill this blog out with something else to make it seem like its not all about plugging my new eBook: a little background.
I've been writing stories pretty much all my life. I like to tell stories. When I was really young I'd write small stories and make little "books". That developed into comics and for many years I would draw a comic series that I began in about 1997 and continued until early 2000's, which I then turned into three PC RPG/Adventure games.
Then in 2005 I wrote this story (The Three) for an online short story competition - and came in first place! In 2007 I wrote another for another competition called Message in a Bottle which came in 2nd place. In 2009 I wrote another story, called 'Love, Ire and Alcohol'... and as I write this I'm seeing a pattern emerge of when I seem to write! Especially as the latest story (called 'Obsession') I am currently half-way through writing is being written in 2011!
Of course, all of these will be available on Amazon Kindle store. 'The Three', and 'Message in a Bottle' (the coming next story) have and are being re-edited and re-written in places as they were originally done with competition word-limit restrictions, so now I'm releasing them to the public I thought I'd take the opportunity to expand on the stories where I couldn't before.

So there you have it, a little background about me and my writing!

Shameless Plug

2011-03-20T14:25:00.001Z

"The Three" - Available soon on Kindle

"Moving to a sleepy village in Cornwall was meant to be a nice new start for Katie. That was until a rainy day changed everything in a single moment, making her life change in ways she could never have anticipated. Now with secrets about the world around her being revealed, how will Katie cope with all the new information? Life would never be the same again."

Short Story: Action & Adventure, Fantasy - 6684 words.

Organic Church

2011-03-09T00:43:00.001Z

I was reading an article on Christianity Today (amongst other blogs) earlier on about the subject of "organic church" and its possible success and probable future failures. Now, I'll admit I didn't (don't?) know a great deal about organic church other than I've heard the name thrown about before. According to the article it includes " at least three ingredients" to be counted as "organic". First being "Frustration with the-church-as-we-know-it" - well I'm sure there's quite a few people who would fall into that category, I know I do! The second ingredient for this recipe for church is "a focus on people (vs. programs)" - now this is another point I reckon a fair few church-goers could relate to. I know we like to say the focus is on people, but there are times that come to mind where it's meant to have been about the people, but the project became the focus. With phrases like "it's our baby" and taking all the ownership of a project too heavily. Not that feeling a sense of ownership is necessarily a bad thing, but maybe when having a project means more to you than the impact it's having on the people it was initially intended for, then maybe it has become a bad thing and the program or project defines you rather than the other way around. We all like control and the feeling of our own little empires, but I believe Jesus was more about giving up those desires to follow the Kingdom and its principles - which is definitely people focussed. If a program isn't reaching people in a positive way, yet we cling onto keeping it alive and running, then we have lost the focus and care more for our own thing than for people.
I'm not saying all churches are like this, far from it, just that we ought to be aware of such things happening. Especially if we are serious about "doing" church right, doing it "the Jesus way" (if there is such a thing), expanding the Kingdom, being people focussed - being organic.
The third ingredient for this church-pie is "mission (vs. institutional maintenance)". Again, another heavily focussed people initiative, which is very similar to the second point, but at the same time much broader. Whereas programs are internal structures for members and maybe external but select groups of people, mission should be global. However local, local church may be, the mission field is still all the places outside of the church doors, and therefore global and not confined to a particular group of people. Yes, I'm aware that mission trips etc are often focussed in a particular area, or people group, but that doesn't take away from the fact that mission is a global endeavour - Jesus' words "to the ends of the earth" should echo through the very core of mission, and indeed, the Church as a whole in terms of where we should be going and aiming for.
Now contrast this with "institutional maintenance" - however you define that, it definitely doesn't sound much like "mission". Should we really be trying to maintain an institution? Is that really what people want in or as a church? But the real question I think is this: do non-church people want an institution?
The Church, the spiritual movement, that Jesus began and that was continued through the apostles should be transformational to people's lives. The love, grace and healing power that comes through Jesus is what should define and change people in the Church and those that come to be a part of it. Institution breeds apathy and comfort that's easy. A place that we can proclaim to be a part of and attend each week, and maybe on a Tuesday and Thursday as well for Bible study and prayer from 7.30 until 9.30pm. If we're honest with ourselves, after reading the Gospels and Acts and then looking at our own church, and maybe the Church as a whole (at least in the Western world), does it match up, even slightly? Is what we have really what we want for Church?

I haven't read lots on the subject of organic church, but from my brief reading today of websites and blogs from church leaders who advocate this style of doing church, but what I've wrote here is what I can gather organic church to, at least in a small part, be like or aiming to have these qualities.

And this is the kind of church I'd like to be a part of.

Hell and all that damnable stuff

2011-03-04T00:46:00.001Z

So on light of all the Rob Bell controversy, it resparked my desire to look into the traditional doctrine of hell. My thoughts on it all began long ago before I went to study theology about 5 or so years ago now. A good close friend of mine was struggling in her faith over the traditional hell concept and found it hard to rectify or justify in her mind. It was the usual question of "how can a loving God burn people forever?" infinite punishment for finite crimes. I had thought about it before then but never in any great depth as I just didn't know where to begin, being a fairly new Christian at the time. I did my best to try work out an answer with my friend as we talked over Scripture, Jesus and God's nature but ultimately she lost her faith (though what her spiritual state of mind is now, I don't know). I don't know for certain if this was the cause or just one of the main deciding factors, but regardless, it damaged her once very passionate faith in God. And it was sad, I was quite upset and mainly at my own failings in being able to help more despite not knowing much in detail about the faith back then.
Nevertheless, this has always stuck with me all these years. I've never stopped thinking about the concept of hell and it implications and whether it really is as clear cut in the bible. I wasn't sure but in the times where i didn't understand fully, I just left it to God and decided that I'm sure he knows what he is doing with people once they passed on.
Then I went to Mattersey Hall and studied theology and biblical studies for 3 years. To be honest this didn't help much with the problem of hell. I studied the afterlife in the Old Testament as part of one of my courses and that just added to confusion. The afterlife is a vert strange concept in the OT. But I never got to study the New Testament concept of hell.
Now I'm taking the opportunity to really study it all properly and find what the Scriptures do teach rather than me just thinking of all the people who have said "well the bible says ... Doesn't it?" and never really being sure of what it really DOES say. I mean, obviously I known of the places where Jesus does speak of the afterlife but what I'm doing now is looking at everything as a whole rather than isolated verses and incidents.
A few months ago I had begun to think about it all again properly and have some discussions with friends on the subject but that's about as far as it went. Now all this Rob Bell stuff has made me begin to question it all again and now I've decided to actually write down my research and really look into the history and context of first century beliefs, rabbinic traditions, the apostolic and early church fathers writings and anything else that seems relevant, all to see what I can find and to see where our doctrine has come from and how it got to be what it is today.

And so far what I'm finding is surprising me! I'm coming from the approach that the earlier beliefs in the Church were possibly closer to the original Christians views. The early church seemed to have much different views on hell than we do now, possible more in line with later Jewish rabbinic traditions from the Mishnah etc and almost closer to Roman Catholic doctrine of purgatory (but not quite) and maybe not as eternal.

Now, I haven't completed my research yet so there is still more to discover. I'm not set either way yet on what I think about hell, so I'm open to discover and learn whatever I can. If I come out believing the traditional view, then so be it, at least I've studied it for myself to feel confident and what I believe and have some conviction about it. But should I come out with a view that's not the "orthodox" in today's churches, and at the risk of being branded a heretic, well I'm happy with that too.

I'll write more about it once I've researched more to talk about properly.

The law is an ass

2011-03-01T03:00:00.001Z

Today I read some articles on a court case against a Christian foster couple. They were apparently banned from fostering because if their beliefs against advocating homosexuality, despite them saying they would still look after and care for someone who was gay.
Now as annoying as this kind of "new" persecution against Christians can be, it's not really that which annoys me most. What gets me is that in one article it was quoted as saying that matters of sexual orientation take precedence over matters of conscience on the basis of "equality".
When.. Or rather, how, did the law end up like this? How has it become that having a clear conscience of your actions is second to whether you like men or women? I understand there are lots of issues with homosexuality and prejudices and hate towards people, but I still can't see how defending who people want to be with has become more important than some form of justice.
Plus, it's meant to be about being equal etc - well how is it equal to those with differing moral standards? This is why I think human rights and equality can't always work together; one way or the other something has got to give in order to let the other "right" be exercised. And once it does, the balance is tipped and it's not so equal anymore. But with homosexual rights being pushed so much by the govt., it doesn't matter who else loses their right to their freedom of expression and life or morals, as long as gay people don't feel marginalised.

Sometimes I think the law cares more about protecting peoples feelings than anything else these days...

Article Link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/8353180/Foster-parents-defeated-by-the-new-Inquisition.html

Controversy: Rob Bell's "Love Wins"

2011-02-27T09:57:00.002Z

So the other night I decided to try get into this whole twitter thing. Yes, I know it's been around forever now but I never really "got it" and just stuck with Facebook. So I go on twitter and discover the trending topics and see a familiar name at the top of the list: Rob Bell.
Now I do like Rob Bell and his nooma series etc so I decided to check it out and found what I wish I didn't.. Hate. Lots and lots of hating going on from so-called christians about Rob Bell and his new unreleased book about heaven and hell called: "Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived".
The marketing makes it sound sensational and a very brief video from Rob Bell poses some provoking questions but nothing says what he actually thinks or believes, yet everyone on the twittersphere is yelling condemnation and heresy!!
It's no wonder the world sees the Church in a bad light.

Here's the article and video that has been retweeted a bajillion times already: http://ow.ly/445Q5

BookSneeze

2011-02-12T19:24:00.002Z

So I've signed up for a new site I found out about called BookSneeze. It gives you free books in return for reviewing them and posting the reviews on your blog and on a website, such as Amazon etc. Sounds like fun, so I'm gonna give it a try!

http://www.booksneeze.com

Ch-ch-changes ♫♪

2011-02-11T13:57:00.001Z

Time for a change. The blog is now for general usage, not just photography!

Tara Mathew

2008-11-16T11:03:00.001Z

Tara Mathew
Originally uploaded by Luke Wilson Photography [.co.nr].

www.taramathew.com

Tara Mathew Christmas Single Released Dec 1st

Tara Mathew

2008-10-23T01:10:00.001+01:00

Tara Mathew
Originally uploaded by Luke Wilson Photography [.co.nr].

Brand new photoshoot with a Canadian singer! Go check out the photos and see what you think.

Plus there are some new family portraits photos up and some newly added and edited wedding pictures!

More to come soon! :)

PAIN

2008-09-05T15:42:00.001+01:00

PAIN
Originally uploaded by Luke Wilson Photography [.co.nr].

How do you release the pain deep within? When the heart aches and pains is there ever a cure to fix the break?

Emotions are stirred, my focus is blurred.

pain = art

Amazing Concept

2008-08-04T18:10:00.005+01:00

I found this today on Flickr and thought it was an amazing concept that I can't believe hasn't occurred to me to try already! (I say that not with arrogance, but because I'm into and have done animation!)

Anyway, watch and be amazed:

Brand New Galleries!

2008-05-26T23:45:00.008+01:00

Hello there once again! The website has been updated with some new galleries now that contain photography projects. These are themed photo shoots and so are different than just standard portraits etc. So far there are three sets to look at, the latest being "Kayleigh Colour Contrast" - which there is an example of on the right hand side. Go to Luke Wilson Photography and check out the Gallery pages to see some more for yourself!

Help me get published!

2008-01-06T16:41:00.000Z

Hello there! I have a photo submitted to a magazine, and it is in with the chance of being published! All that it needs is some votes to show you like it.
So if you would like to help by voting positively, then just follow this link: http://www.jpgmag.com/photos/405654

Thanks, and enjoy!

New Services!

2008-01-05T21:49:00.000Z

Luke Wilson Photography now offers a new service of advertising models. If you would like to have a profile photo and your details displayed, visit the Models page on my website for more details.
I am also offering my photography services for portraits now too so I have added a price list to my website now.

Go to the website now for more information: www.lukewilsonphotography.co.nr

Brand New Galleries!

2007-07-31T20:26:00.000+01:00

Yes, as the title suggest, I now have some new galleries up on my website!
As I've been doing some more portrait photos lately, I've split up all my photos into three different galleries: one for my general photography, one for my portrait photography, and one for any commercial photography that I do.
Speaking of which, I actually have my first paid photography job coming up soon! Hooray!
So I'm hoping all will go well!

Watch this space.

Free eAlbum download!

2007-07-08T20:31:00.000+01:00

eAlbum
Originally uploaded by MrLuke.

There is now the option to download a free offline eAblum so you can view the Gallery in your own time on your computer, or pass on to show other people easily.

Click Here to download it now (1.67 MB).

Sunburst

2007-07-02T17:43:00.001+01:00

Sunburst
Originally uploaded by MrLuke.

Despite all the rain we've been having, I managed to get out in one of the rare dry spots when the sun came out and snapped a few shots of the world in close up!
Take a look on my website to see more. I've also updated the Gallery page of my site so that browsing through photos should be easier now!

www.lukewilsonphotography.co.nr

London

2007-06-04T16:31:00.001+01:00

London (5)
Originally uploaded by MrLuke.

Check out my website or my Flickr page to see some of the photos that I took on my recent trip to London over the last week!

-Enjoy!

New Photography Website!

2007-05-20T19:29:00.000+01:00

I've just finished making a website for myself that encompasses all of my photography and links back to this blog, my Flickr page and to other galleries where some of my photos are available to buy as prints.
So go and check it out : http://lukewilsonphotography.co.nr

-Enjoy!

Photos now available as prints!

2007-05-16T17:19:00.000+01:00

Yes that's right, a selection of good quailty photos are now availble to buy as prints in various sizes and also with the option to frame them or have them printed on canvas!

For people in the UK, check out the UK gallery here: http://www.photoboxgallery.com/mrluke

And for those in the US, check out this gallery instead: http://mrluke.imagekind.com/showcase
(the US gallery will be updated to have the same selection of photos as the UK one soon!)

The reason for the two different ones is purely for post and packaging costs, otherwise there would be really high P+P costs to get prints shipped from the US to UK and vice versa.

-Enjoy!

Photoshoot

2007-05-06T17:41:00.001+01:00

Jo_Mo (42)
Originally uploaded by MrLuke.

Last Thursday I did my first "proper" photoshoot with a friend of mine from college. I've never done photos like this before with people, so it was more for practise to see how things would turn out, and I think they came out pretty well! Had some good feedback at lease from the selection I've shown to people!
Check out the full set on Flickr: Joanne Molineaux Shoot

Hopefully soon some of these will be available as prints to buy if people are interested.

-Enjoy!

Competition Finalist!!

2007-04-16T12:13:00.001+01:00

Beach Sunset (2)
Originally uploaded by MrLuke.

ARRH!! I feel like screaming! (in a good way!)

I sent off one of my photos to a competition on the web that I just searched for randomly on Google a few days ago... and then today I got this email saying:

"Dear Luke Wilson,

On behalf of the editing team here at Photography Laureates, we would like to congratulate you for being selected for publication as part of our highly acclaimed photography anthology. As such, you are a finalist for the $6500 prize. As a laureate and talented photographer, you will have access to several networking opportunities aimed at exposing you to the photography community.

Your photograph was selected out of hundreds of competing entries and you will be published along with other talented photographers. Kyrta Reeve and John Warton, our 2 editors, have reviewed your photograph Beach Sunset at Cornwall and have selected it for its structure and composition:"

I'm in shock! I can't believe it!!

New Closeups

2007-04-11T13:57:00.001+01:00

Closeups - 11.04.07 (6)
Originally uploaded by MrLuke.

Here are some new closeup photos, this time of a soprano saxapone. I quite these ones, though I do think they could be done better at a later date maybe (and when my camera battery isn't dying!)
What do you think?

Photography

2007-04-11T12:53:00.001+01:00

Closeups - 10.04.07 (4)
Originally uploaded by MrLuke.

In the summer me and some friends are planning to do a surreal photoshoot using body paint and props! It's definately going to be an interesting day that's for sure.. lets just hope we can find enough people mad enough and who aren't exactly shy who will join in with this to get painted up and photographed!

Come to Flickr to see more of my photography: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrluke/

Blogspot!

2007-04-11T12:26:00.000+01:00

First blog! This is mainly for showing off my photos and ideas for upcoming photoshoots I want to do! Though any constructive comments, criticism or suggestions/ideas are most welcome!