Comments for Distorted Reality

Comment on Venables by Becky

Becky — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:31:49 +0000

I have followed the news recently with interest re this case. For an offender to overcome their offence and undergo a process of redemption, and also to weather the attitudes and prejudices and profound hurt of those who (understandably) won’t or don’t or can’t understand or conceive of redemption, is unimaginably difficult. I have much I could say on this particular case, but two themes emerge in me everytime I see this on the news -the inconceivable prospect of a life built on ‘new identity’ in which an individual can never, without huge consequence, reveal the truth about themselves, or their past. That is to say – to live without identity, and therefore the privelege of integrity, towards themselves or others. And the challenge of the time of their conviction – how the British justice system could administer justice, but also discipline, mercy and grace towards two 10-year-old boys who would (whether their society likes it or not) have the rest of their lives to endure, salvage, redeem, squander. Was Britain’s justice system prepared for such a challenge? Is it any more prepared now?

I have tried to imagine being in the shoes of Jamie Bulger’s mother, family and friends. The pain of it is beyond imagining. I have tried to imagine being in the shoes of Venables and Thompson post-sentence, since their release some years ago. That also is beyond my imagining.

I suspect the solution is beyond mine or any of our imaginings. But, as someone who believes in the profound love of God, I don’t believe that means a solution/answer does not exist.

Comment on Justice by Dan Bevan

Dan Bevan — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:39:49 +0000

As you’ve rightly observed Jon, this case was troubling from start to finish. From the act of murder itself, to the realisation that another 2 young lives would effectively be lost, it posed so many questions about how our society functions, and sometimes fails.

Did Venables and Thompson go out with murder in mind? I doubt it. The fact is that a sequence of events started, got out of hand, and neither child had a developed enough sense of right or wrong to know when, or how, to stop them. Of course we know how this disastrous episode ended, but the question of whether, after 17 years, justice has now been served, it’s just too big for us. This is not, and never will be a black and white case of ‘life or death’. For Venables and Thompson, they will never again experience a life of normality and freedom. The media, and narrow judgement, will see to that. It’s a sad, sad situation.

Comment on Venables by Distorted Reality » Justice

Distorted Reality » Justice — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:36:28 +0000

[...] of the blog anyway. Apparently, they were discussing the Jon Venables case that I blogged about here yesterday. I’ll try to catch the debate on their catch up service when I can, but I hope it [...]

Comment on Iran-y O’Hare by Dan Bevan

Dan Bevan — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:28:28 +0000

Oh Piper, is there no end to your creative and slightly bonkers take on world events?! I like it a lot. Well done young man

Comment on Iran-y O’Hare by Rich H

Rich H — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:05:48 +0000

Absolutely brilliant Piper. you’ve done it again, capturing the essence of contempory thought in a snapshot. Bravo.

Comment on Quality by Imi

Imi — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:26:37 +0000

I agree with you’re theory that more cash leads to improved quality of life, leads to moral distortion, leads to lack of desire for God.

It makes much more sense to me!!

ps. we’re thinking we need to have you all round for milkshakes (and tea for you and amy if you’d prefer but we’re thinking josh and ben will prefer milkshakes!!) what d’ya say?!

Comment on Risk by Uncle Mudshake

Uncle Mudshake — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:50:15 +0000

Nice one Jon…describing the Church as risk averse is a bit like saying stalin was a bit naughty…good to hear that your church is going forward with cafe church stuff though.
You need to blog more mate!

Comment on Shh by Dan Bevan

Dan Bevan — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:09:08 +0000

Hi mate, good post! Great to see you back in the game

Comment on cafechurch by Bethany

Bethany — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:36:01 +0000

Jon “not the artist” Piper, you have excelled yourself! I love this. Why do we not have chats like this at Crusaders? By the way, I’m thinking “gardenchurch.” Like cafechurch but with green, leafy things that grow from acorns and stuff.

Comment on Costa by Andrew McKenna

Andrew McKenna — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 22:40:11 +0000

Hey Jon!
Thanks for all of this. Really helpful. Glad the day was good. I appreciated your reflections. Glad we’ve connected in blogosphere!
Greetings from the Alps!