Yes, I read Jeremy Halcrow's piece on Driscollmania: how journalism (and blogging) can become a search for the 'celebrity gossip'. Yes, I know the title makes this post look tabloid. But I assure you that all three of these nouns are integral to my post.
1. Rugby League
What is it about the League culture? Why did I guess that League players behaving badly would have its own Wiki entry? Even if a fraction of those incidents happened, it would be a colossal tragedy. Today, in the Sun Herald, comes this report: League in Lockdown. Another catalogue of sin.
2. Sex
Tonight, former rugby league star Matthew Johns will be under the spotlight for an 'incident' that took place in 2002. I won't go in detail; suffice to say that it involved a teenage girl, several players and sex. Matthew Johns has admitted that the sex happened, and that it has caused 'pain and embarrassment', but also that the incident was investigated, and no charges were laid.
On Monday, ABC's Four Corners will air a program called ‘Code of Silence’ showing clubs and officials 'working hard to change player behaviour'. On its website, Four Corners asks:
“But are they moving fast enough and is this a battle that can be won?”
Good question.
3. The Holy Spirit.
For me, this raises broader questions about mission, morality and motivation. How do people change? Especially if they wanted to change? What do we say to a people trapped in sin? How would a league player mired in a culture of evil get out of that culture? Can the battle be won?
The answer mostly given in League is a mixture of education, counselling and fines.
But a person in Christ knows that the answer lies deeper.
When I first became a Christian, my answer was always and only the Cross: if people could see what love there was in Christ's atoning death, then they would immediately trust Christ and want to change. As I grew, I added (you'll be pleased to know) the Resurrection: if people knew that Jesus was Lord and judge, then they will see the need to repent.
All this I firmly believe. But I wonder if that language still assumes that we do the work of repentance and regeneration.
I wonder if some who are trapped in sin could be introduced to the work of the Holy Spirit, even before they become a Christian. They could find out that there is good news ahead: that, in Christ, the Spirit can shape lives in unimaginable ways.
Admittedly, Peter in Acts 2 was talking to a religious crowd. But still, he pleaded with not-yet Christians to 'save themselves from this corrupt generation'. He told them:
“Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off"”for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Peter was not squeamish about the Spirit. He is a 'gift'.
I wonder if any in the NRL would be interested in such a gift.
Feature banner image courtesy JunkByJo
