thinking honestly about life and faith
Next Sunday is Pentecost. It’s a time when the Church has much to say about ‘the coming of the Holy Spirit’, but I think in fact we are confused about what we mean by that. There’s a paradox here: because … Read More »
‘Going forward’ has become an annoying expression used by politicians and business leaders. We will hear more and more about the ‘forward estimates’ in the debates about the Federal Budget next week. So much of our discourse is about planning … Read More »
In the news today, the state government has announced a task force ‘to tackle violent extremism’ and the radicalisation of ‘disaffected youth’. The Premier recognises that this is a problem ‘right around the world’. See There are some helpful ideas here, … Read More »
Right now, Australians are sharing the horror of two convicted men in Indonesia who are about to be executed by firing squad. I find the very thought of it abhorrent. God’s rejection of murder, in the biblical ‘Ten Commandments’, could … Read More »
The late Mervyn Himbury, himself a great preacher, would often tell us about Gardner Taylor, African American preacher who has just very recently died. Professor Timothy George has written this wonder commentary on Taylor’s life and gift: On Easter Sunday … Read More »
Here is the text of the paper I presented at the Adelaide symposium on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Future of Christianity—on April 11th, 2015. It may be that I will work it up into a paper for publication, so please … Read More »
Today we recognise the martyrdom of Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 70 years ago: he was hanged for his part in the plot to kill Hitler. He wrestled deeply with what it might mean for a Christian to engage in such action. … Read More »
We’ve just had a long weekend end, said to be a great Australian institution, but I wonder how many of us ever in fact now go somewhere without any contact with our work. We are so available, by phone or … Read More »
A man got on the tram this morning and remarked to his companion how quiet it was. I could not help but hear him, and realized he was right. Though the tram was full of passengers, the usual buzz … Read More »
There are many items to remark upon today, the first being the death of Malcolm Fraser, former Prime Minister and later a great Australian statesman. I say ‘later’ because in many ways I do not regard his prime ministership as … Read More »