thinking honestly about life and faith
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 »
Mahatma Gandhi once described seven dangers to human virtue: 1. Wealth without work 2. Pleasure without conscience 3. Knowledge without character 4. Business without ethics 5. Science without humanity 6. Religion without sacrifice 7. Politics without principle As we reflect … Read More »
What do we mean by confidence? Here’s a reflection I wrote on this last year: I listened today to a radio discussion about confidence, including about how parents can encourage children to be confident and what experiences might strengthen, or … Read More »
As Australian people await the outcome of the judicial processes in Indonesia and the likely execution of convicted drug dealers, the question arises as the fundamental basis of our views of human life. What right has anyone to take another … Read More »
As we launch into a new year of study, teaching and growth in community—and in this season of Lent, when it is time to take stock, to name some regrets and to be deeply conscious of how God forgives and … Read More »
This week I am noting 5 years since my surgery for cancer. I am so grateful to be alive and for the wonderful gift of health I enjoy. Health is not just a physical state. More than anything, it’s a … Read More »
This week I have been at Pallotti College for the annual Candidates’ Retreat: a wonderful time at a wonderful place. Pallotti is set overlooking the Yarra Valley, with sweeping views up to Mt Donna Buang also. Once again this week … Read More »
At the weekend we went to see the marvellous exhibition titled The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece at Bendigo Art Gallery. It’s a superb collection of sculptures and pottery from Greek and Roman sources, from around 500 BCE to 200CE. The centrepiece … Read More »
When I was a child, this was often said to us: ‘Respect your elders’. I think it meant not to speak when they were in the room, always to defer to them, and probably not to ‘give cheek’, as I am … Read More »