Pornified Culture

I apologise for the shocking title but this was the name of a talk that I heard this afternoon that looked at how pornography, the objectification of women and the sexualisation of girls harms us as individuals and as a society.

Melinda Tankard Reist of the Women's Forum Australia came to Moore College to speak on this disturbing subject. From Bratz dolls to sexualised clothing for children to the mainstream advertising of sex services to internet porn, there is no doubt that we are rapidly becoming immune to the reality and the enormity of this issue.

Melinda went through some shocking statistics about the rapidly lowering age of sex offenders, the amount of money spent in Australia on pornography, the availability of porn to adults and children and the impact of that porn on sexual relationships and expectations.

Young girls (ie as young as primary school age!) are reading magazines (Girlfriend and Dolly are mainstream) that tell them how to perform sexual acts, and suggest that they need to be flirtatious and sexualised in their behaviour and their dress. In the meantime, the statistics indicate that young boys are far more able to access porn - and are watching it regularly!

These things distort the views of both girls and boys about what is 'normal' and OK in relationships with each other. To think that it is not impacting on kids is to be living in a dream world.

My question to parents who are reading is, do you know what your children are reading and viewing on the internet?? What are you (and I) doing to fight against the trend of sexualising children's toys, clothes and advertising materials? What are we doing to protect ourselves as well?

For the women out there, can I strongly recommend joining the Women's Forum Australia, an organisation that is aimed at speaking up against these and other issues related to women in Australia. They are an organisation that is not afraid to speak out and challenge advertising standards and other things that might not always win them any friends. We can be doing something to fight this trend in Australia - and this is one way of acting.

Fourth Term

Firstly, apologies for not updating my blog recently. You'd think that I'd have had more time to write during my holidays but it just didn't seem to be the case!

I spent the majority of the two weeks at my brother's place in the Lower Blue Mountains - a great opportunity to have some space from people and not have to live in community for a little while. The first of those weeks was spent writing an Old Testament essay, looking at what happened to those left behind in Judah during the Babylonian Exile in the 6th century BC. As tiring as those essays can be, I quite enjoy the research and the opportunity to explore a topic at more depth.

The second week was spent catching up on some sleep, catching up with some reading, catching up with some family and making sure that I took at least a little bit of time off before returning to college. It was capped off with a great weekend at Women's Katoomba Convention (more about that in another post).

Fourth term at college started yesterday and it's a little difficult not to start panicking about all that is coming up. Our Greek exam is a little over 3 weeks away (!) with 8 more exams following. The thought of exams is more than a little terrifying but I'm trying to keep in mind that many others have gone before me in this and, what's more, have survived.


Prayer Points

• Praise God for the break that I've had
• Praise God for the fantastic talks at WKC
• Please pray that I will apply what I learned at WKC and that it will lead me to be more godly
• Please pray that I will prepare well for my exams over these next few weeks and that I won't be overwhelmed by it all

Exam Timetable

• 17/10/08 - Greek
• 31/10/08 - Biblical Exegesis and Exposition (Jonah)
• 31/10/08 - Biblical Exegesis and Exposition (Pastoral Epistles) - take home exam due
• 10/11/08 - Old Testament
• 12/11/08 - New Testament
• 14/11/08 - Church History
• 17/11/08 - Philosophy
• 19/11/08 - Mission Foundations
• 20/11/08 - Doctrine

'Holidays'

Well, I'm officially on holidays for the next two weeks. However, I'm certainly learning that holidays around here do not always allow a lot of time for relaxing. I have a big Old Testament essay due in the middle of the holidays (although I am looking forward to sinking my teeth into the reading and writing for the essay). I have chosen to look at the topic of what happened to the people who remained in Judah during the exile of the 6th century BC. Although there is not a lot of data available, it should be interesting nonetheless.

I'll be spending the bulk of the holidays at my brother's house in the Lower Blue Mountains, as he and his family happen to be going away at the same time. After wrapping my head around the idea of packing a bag again, I'm looking forward to spending time in a place where I can spread out to write my essay and have some time to simply unwind.

However, as much as I'm looking forward to that, I'm still struggling with the number of holidays we have a college (I know that sounds weird!). After 15 years in the workforce, where my longest holiday was the four weeks I had before starting college, I have subsequently had another 6 weeks and am about to have another two! I just want some routine that lasts more than a few weeks at a time. I would much prefer that the pace at college was slowed down a bit and that the terms were therefore longer. Does that sound really strange?

Anyhow, we are on holidays, regardless of my feelings about it all, and I know that next term will be crazy as we approach the end of the year and exams. So, please join me in praying that I will not freak out about being on the move again and that I will achieve lots of work while also getting good rest and refreshment.

The Blessing of Friends

Thank God for good friends!!

This week I have been reminded of how we should treasure those friends and remember just how valuable they really are. I have not only been able to spend time with some friends but also have received phone calls and emails, reminding me of their encouragement, prayers and love.

To my friends, I do thank God for you and for our friendship. This journey would be much more difficult without you in my life. I love you guys!!