My Favourite Oxymorons
April 27, 2009
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms, like 'controlled chaos', 'deafening silence', 'alone together', or 'second best'. Interestingly, the very word 'oxymoron' is an oxymoron itself because it comes from two Greek words: 'oxy' which means 'sharp' or 'pointed' and 'moros' which means 'dull'.
Here are a few of my favourites ... with apologies in advance for any potential offences :)
- Fun Run
- Country Music
- Military Intelligence
- United Nations
- Open Secret
- Black Light
- Ill Health
- Half Dead
- Pretty Ugly
- Microsoft Works
- Safety Hazard
- Jumbo Shrimp
- Same Difference
If you really want to get into oxymorons, check out this web site.
fun run! definitely an oxymoron!
Posted by: f lokot | April 27, 2009 at 09:41 AM
so he's a Mac man..
Posted by: Bart | April 27, 2009 at 11:10 AM
religious freedom sounds very oxymoronic
Posted by: Serius | April 27, 2009 at 01:54 PM
Windows works isn't an oxymoron! >_<
Posted by: Rafferty Uy | April 27, 2009 at 04:36 PM
How about Rubber Cement. I love oxymorons....the english language can be quite amusing at times. And sorry Rafferty, I have to agree that Windows Works is definitely an oxymoron :-) Yep, big Apple fan here! Switched in December and will never look back! Serius....yes I agree!
Posted by: Janelle | April 27, 2009 at 06:22 PM
"Pretty ugly" gets top marks for me!
Posted by: Lil | April 27, 2009 at 07:29 PM
What about 'freewill offering'? ;)
Posted by: Mark Fox | April 28, 2009 at 06:11 AM
How about 'Happily Married'
Posted by: peter | May 02, 2009 at 09:43 PM
'Happily Married' as an oxymoron? For some I'm sure, but not for me :)
Posted by: Mark Conner | May 10, 2009 at 08:41 AM
I'm so happy to hear that Mark :) You have earned my respect even more.
Posted by: Marija Thornton | May 12, 2009 at 07:48 AM
Why not spend just 1 day a week IN the community helping ppl "hands on"rather than spending hard earned tithing money on your own personal useless BLOG. selah!
Posted by: Pete | May 16, 2009 at 03:51 PM
Hi Pete
Having a good day, are you?
Just for your interest ...
1. I do my blog in my personal time not my work time.
2. I do spend a fair bit of time each week helping people.
I find in life it is better to ask questions than to make assumptions about other people.
'Useless blog'? Actually, hundreds of people find it really helpful. If you don't, then no need to visit. Selah.
Posted by: Mark Conner | May 16, 2009 at 04:34 PM
Thank you Mark for all the informative and helpful articles that you share. Spoke to Lydia Poloso from the Solomon Islands today. She is so grateful to you for helping them over there, a while back, & is looking forward to hear you at the Adelaide Conference :) Keep up the great work. You are a wonderful blessing to many here and worldwide.
Posted by: Marija Thornton | May 17, 2009 at 07:00 PM
Hi Mark
Having a good day are you?
I find that it is more beneficial for a dying unchurched world to be helped by Christians (especially in leadership) on a grass roots level as to lead an example to other Christians to follow as that is what Jesus did.
Just for your interest....
1.Jesus Christ spent the majority of His time on this earth OUTSIDE the Synagogue.(approx.85-90%) ministering to the people at grass roots level.
2. In the post-modern Church of Jesus Christ most of the time in Ministry is spent INSIDE the Church.
Question One for you Mark. How much time that you are paid for, do you spend OUTSIDE the Church Building helping those who are in REAL need at a grass roots level eg. homeless, sick, dying, drug addicts, alcoholics even starving people in Melb. etc etc
Question Two for you Mark
Do you think it is a good idea in your powerful position to lead by example?
Question Three for you Mark
Do you think you could rearrange your busy schedule to HELP people on a grass roots level for just 1 day a week?
Question Four for you Mark
Are these challenges too humbling and/or difficult for you?
Selah.
Posted by: Pete | June 05, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Hi Pete
I had a really good day today. Thanks for asking.
Firstly, let's be sure we get our definition of 'church' theologically correct. Church is not a building/place or an event. It is God's people, whether gathered or scattered. let's not buy into a dulaism that separates 'sacred' and 'secular'. All of life is sacred - wherever we are and whatever we are doing.
Secondly, I spend about half of my time each week ministering in the context of church facilities - preaching, ministering, praying, training leaders, etc. The other half of my week is spent away from church facilities in a variety of activities - prayer, reflection, bible study, pastoral care (I did some hospital visitation this week), community service (I recently spent a half day at our church's opp shop sorting clothes and helping people), mission work (I do an overseas mission trip to a third world country each year) and personal evangelism, etc. My wife is currently teaching English to a refugee each week.
I could go on but I'm not here to defend myself. Ultimately, I'm accountable to Jesus for my life and what I do with my time. Also, those who know me well and observe me up close can make a better assessment.
I hope that helps answer your questions, Pete.
Thanks and enjoy your weekend.
Posted by: Mark Conner | June 05, 2009 at 06:11 PM
Hey Pete. Hope you are having a good day. Mark is doing more than his lion share of helping build God's Kingdom by being a blessing to others in our community, nation & worldwide. His heart is in the right place. The question is: are you doing all these things that you are challenging Mark with? HMmmm?
Posted by: Marija Thornton | June 13, 2009 at 06:05 PM
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.
The eye's a better pupil, and more willing than the ear
For counsel is confusing, but example's always clear.
The best of all the preachers are the ones who live their creeds
For, to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I know I'll learn to do it, if you'll let me see it done.
I can watch your hand in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very well and true,
But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
For I might misunderstand you, and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act, and how you live.
Selah
Posted by: Pete | June 17, 2009 at 10:23 PM