Wondering about the wilderness, by Ant Paton

November 29, 2007 at 11:55 am | Posted in Afrika Burn | 6 Comments

Pilgrimage, conflagration and the re-negotiation of inner and outer spaces in the Tankwa Karoo

Traditionally, “The Wilderness” occupies a hallowed place in the Judeo-Christian belief system, so a journey to the “Afrika Burns” festival with 4 Christian companions was both a radically progressive experience and a return to my roots.  Most readers do not need reminding of how Moses led his people out of bondage into the wilderness, and how only then were they able to reach the promised land of Milk and Honey.  The story of how Jesus went into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan before his final returning as a sacrifice for his people is also widely known.  Why are these encounters with a barren and inhospitable environment given such a high place in spiritual mythology?  We cannot overlook the symbolism that these spiritual icons chose adversity and bleakness to demonstrate their faith in a divine provider.

It is interesting that the organizers of “Afrika Burns” a severely secular, tribal and arguably decadent festival of progressive and interactive cultural production chose the middle of the longest stretch of road without a town in the whole of the Republic of South Africa for their festival.  It was viewed by some as a “blank canvass”, which suggested to me that some people failed to observe how species such as Doublebanded Sandgrouse, Karoo Chat, Karoo Longbilled Lark, at least one species of Elephant Shrew and Scrub Hare were all forced to move over whilst the dominant species was blasting the landscape with spectacular sights, relentless super-woofing sounds and soaring sculptural forms, whose main theme was fire- symbol of transformation, metamorphosis, sacrifice, transience, trance-dancing and perhaps also transformation.  Continue Reading Wondering about the wilderness, by Ant Paton…

Afrika Burns, a Christian response, by Mike de Freitas

November 29, 2007 at 8:58 am | Posted in Afrika Burn, emergent spirituality, movement | 5 Comments

My own experience:

I went to Afrika Burns/burning man, as a Christian, with an open heart and mind, to taste and see and hold fast to what was good. I tried to be present and fully immerse myself in the moment and connect with everyone. I got to bed at 4.30am on Friday and 3.30am on Saturday, trying to stretch out every last experience.

I was not disappointed. On the dance floor, around 4am, I tried to discern in my spirit what the spirit of the place was and I felt it was authentic joy.

Is this relevant to the emergent debate, or to Christianity?

This event is highly relevant and should not be simplistically ignored, sidelined or maligned by the church. Jesus said we must be perfect even as our heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48). I get two things from His statement. Continue Reading Afrika Burns, a Christian response, by Mike de Freitas…

Nia / Movement in worship

November 12, 2007 at 4:18 pm | Posted in cape town, emergent spirituality, movement, worship | 3 Comments

Theresa (who lead us in movement in the God in All Liturgy) has organised the leading NIA practitioner in SA, Kathy Wolstenholme, to workshop or do classes in that technique. I don’t know very much about it, outside of that Carol and Theresa are both fans, and that Tim has become interested. Nia (Neuromuscular Integrative Action) is “a cardiovascular blend of dance arts, martial arts and the healing arts.”Who would like to investigate this further? As you see the cost is R80 per person for an hour and a half.

It’s my conviction that we need to re-discover or perhaps uncover movement in worship, and that our (western european christian) culture is particulary alienated from this. So far what I am learning is that movement is a broader notion than dance, and that a wholistic biblical lifestyle involves a lot of physical expression, and much more festivity.

Also just to remind you we are off to Afrika Burns on the 23rd, which will prove an interesting experience in alternative / emergent culture. If anyone else is interested, comment below.

Halloween-Saints-Souls review

November 5, 2007 at 8:57 am | Posted in 1 giant leap, emergent spirituality, halloween | 1 Comment

Our alternative perspective on Halloween, in which we explored the relationship between the dead and the living, took place on Friday 3rd November.

We started by showing 1 Giant Leap’s short film on Death. After that Tim Victor
gave a succinct and fresh appreciation of the Celtic notion of the “thin place”.

Each person then remembered a dead ancestor, either blood relative or spiritual inspirational figure. In addition a few ventured to say how they would like to be remembered.

We took a communion of popcorn and cider, and Tim then spoke of the Great Ancestor and Nic read from Hebrews, chapters 11 and 12.

The evening turned out not exactly as planned; for one the crucifix pumpkin had decayed severely and instead of being a proud mysterious reminder of G-ds bounty, was transfigured into an icon of decay, and our invited speaker on African Ancestor veneration didn’t make it.

The evening was met with various responses. Some expressed concern at the morbid nature of the film, which featured people from various cultures discussing death, as well as extensive footage of a Hindu funeral pyre. Others were simply uneasy talking about death. But a few found the unorthodox Eucharist intriguing, and entered into their veneration and remembrances whole heartedly.

It was a solemn but a necessary reflection on the great taboo of our society.
 

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