Centennial Park with a glimpse of Hauraki Gulf last week...
I still take an interest in issues to do with the library and information sector having spent a couple of worthwhile decades immersed in that world. I nearly choked on my cuppa when I read that the National Archives were abandoning their digitisation project due to government funding cuts. This is quite literally knocking things back into the previous century (the good old days). I felt something close to rage mixed with sadness. Historian Vincent O'Malley said; "So for that to be shut down completely is a devastating blow for many researchers, particularly people who can't physically access Archives New Zealand reading rooms." This may seem like a niche area of little interest to many.
Consider this; The ready availability of long form research, well constructed journalism and balanced news seems to be decreasing, just as the epidemic of short form reels, memes, soundbites and Tiktok is increasing. Even the PM has a Tiktok. We are daily bombarded by shallow, repetitive slogans. Many of us, myself included, have been habituated to consume short bites of information that give only one side of a particular issue. Contrasts are stark. Look to America where the polarisation of politics is shocking. Pray that we don't go there.
In contrast to the sound-bite driven world, Christians may be in a position to find a better way. We follow Jesus and we are informed by a number of things like scripture and tradition, we are formed by our community and the Holy Spirit. Our beloved Bible text is often difficult to understand and to get the most out of it, requires long-form study and proclamation. Sound bites and proof texts won't do the job. We have a long-form faith that enables us to be salt and light in the world, as we live the Good News.
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