Contemporary Culture – Mark Conner

A Map of Life’s Journey

Mark Conner — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 08:37:33 +0000

In a few months time I will be 58 years of age. As I grow older, I find myself reflecting more on my life. Where I've come from, where I've been, where and who I am now, and where I am going. I also observe other people in their own journey as they seek to … Continue reading A Map of Life’s Journey

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ORIGINS: Genesis Re-Visited

Mark Conner — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 07:04:38 +0000

The book of Genesis is a narrative of the origins of the world, but in particular the family of Abraham. Three major world religions trace their roots back to Abraham - Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The first 11 chapters cover what is often referred to as 'pre-history': from the beginnings of the universe through just … Continue reading ORIGINS: Genesis Re-Visited

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Do You Have a ‘Secular’ Job?

Mark Conner — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 11:05:05 +0000

Every now and then when I am talking with someone, in the course of the conversation, they will mention their 'secular job'. I always pause and think about that statement. It actually grates me. Why is that? Unfortunately, many people have created a division between the “sacred” and the “secular”. This dualism is a product … Continue reading Do You Have a ‘Secular’ Job?

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Is Our View of Retirement Still Working?

Mark Conner — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 05:30:00 +0000

"Retirement" - what does that word mean for you? Maybe you are young and retirement seems a distant, mysterious world for you. Or maybe you are working your butt off right now and can't wait to finish? Or maybe you are already there. In the insightful book Playing Life's Second Half, author David J. Powell notes … Continue reading Is Our View of Retirement Still Working?

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Could You Live to 100 years of Age? (Part 2)

Mark Conner — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 15:12:14 +0000

Today we continue our series of posts on the possibility of living to 100 years of age. Areas on the planet where people regularly live to over 100 years of age today are often referred to as “blue zones”. Dan Buettner (Twitter @bluezones) has been a National Geographic researcher and explorer for over 20 years. … Continue reading Could You Live to 100 years of Age? (Part 2)

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Do You Really Need MORE of God? (Part 7)

Mark Conner — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 05:24:00 +0000

If you are a person of faith, do you really need MORE of God? I am all for spiritual experiences but theologically the truth is that we already have all we need. The apostle Paul once wrote a letter to some people living in the city of Corinth who were always after MORE (especially … Continue reading Do You Really Need MORE of God? (Part 7)

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Do You Really Need MORE Relationships? (Part 6)

Mark Conner — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 11:30:00 +0000

As human beings, we are designed for relationship. No one is meant to do life 'alone'. We are all better off when we are connected with other people. It's part of our inner need to belong. Of course, experiencing a sense of belonging takes effort and time (the very word "belong" comes from two … Continue reading Do You Really Need MORE Relationships? (Part 6)

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Do You Really Need MORE Work? (Part 5)

Mark Conner — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 13:39:52 +0000

My dad used to say, "The reward of work well done is more work!" How true is that. Making a contribution is an important part of being human and adding value to society. We were created for meaningful work. But when is enough enough? There are many other important aspects of life other than … Continue reading Do You Really Need MORE Work? (Part 5)

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Do You Really Need MORE Money? (Part 4)

Mark Conner — Wed, 30 May 2018 21:19:28 +0000

Do you really need MORE money? Sometimes more money can be of help - especially to meet our needs and to do good in the world. There is nothing wrong with money. Contrary to the opinion of some, money is NOT "the root of all evil". The apostle Paul declared that "the LOVE of … Continue reading Do You Really Need MORE Money? (Part 4)

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Do You Really Need MORE Success? (Part 3)

Mark Conner — Sun, 20 May 2018 21:07:57 +0000

Today we continue our series of BLOG posts reflecting on the question, "Do You Really Need MORE?" Those of us who live in the West are born into a world dominated by the religion of capitalism. From our early years, we hear it preaching its gospel of success. "Growth is good!" "Bigger is better!" … Continue reading Do You Really Need MORE Success? (Part 3)

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Do You Really Need MORE Stuff? (Part 2)

Mark Conner — Fri, 11 May 2018 22:38:31 +0000

We live in a world that continually seeks to make us dissatisfied with what we currently have and tries to motivate us to buy the latest and the greatest things. As a result, we end up with far more stuff than we really need. Where I live in Australia, many homes have a double garage. … Continue reading Do You Really Need MORE Stuff? (Part 2)

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Do You Really Need MORE? (Part 1)

Mark Conner — Mon, 07 May 2018 07:01:00 +0000

We live in a society that continually encourages us to pursue MORE - more money, more work, more success, more relationships, more experiences and more stuff. Personally, I love working towards goals and continually accomplishing new things. But this constant achievement-orientation can become addictive and it takes a toll on us - physically, mentally, emotionally and relationally. … Continue reading Do You Really Need MORE? (Part 1)

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Church Life AFTER Marriage Equality: The Questions No One Is Asking

Mark Conner — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 17:37:24 +0000

Right now, Australians are deliberating about just one question - “Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?” A majority of conservative Christians (as well as Jews and Muslims) are campaigning for a 'No' vote, while less are saying it should be 'Yes'. A majority of society in general seems to be … Continue reading Church Life AFTER Marriage Equality: The Questions No One Is Asking

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Finding Happiness (Part 3): Financial Control

Mark Conner — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 16:07:00 +0000

The third ingredient contributing to our everyday happiness (read part 1) is financial control. Money isn't everything but having enough to meet our own needs as well as to give away to others can create a sense of happiness and freedom in our lives. This has nothing to do with our 'net worth' or waiting until we get that next raise … Continue reading Finding Happiness (Part 3): Financial Control

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Finding Happiness (Part 2): Strong Personal Relationships

Mark Conner — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 16:06:00 +0000

The second factor that contributes to our happiness (read Part 1) is Strong Personal Relationships. Each of us is born into a family and a desire for a sense of belonging is a part of what it means to be human. Although the introverts among us tend to be energized by solitude and alone time, most people … Continue reading Finding Happiness (Part 2): Strong Personal Relationships

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