thinking honestly about life and faith
This week we have all see the heart-wrenching images of a small boy’s body washed up on a Turkish beach. Together with his mother and brother, this boy drowned while trying to escape the war in Syria. As I write this … 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 »
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 »
I am convinced that we who might describe ourselves as ‘the Christian Left’ need to shift our focus to a more radical engagement. We can’t trust governments to act justly. It is a delusion to think that any government, Labor … Read More »
I’ve just read Anna Funder’s superb novel All That I Am, a brilliant exploration of identity through time and relationship.
The idea of freedom is the central theme and motivation in Hans Küng's first volume of memoirs, My Struggle For Freedom, and is worth now a more extended reflection.It's about a deeply personal freedom, about 'the freedom of a Christian'—made … Read More »
As I am contemplating my return to work, one thing I recognize is how many meetings I have to attend. That reminds me of this funny piece a friend posted about committees …
Today's Age newspaper had a short editorial piece recognizing Father's Day, but more interestingly with a few good words for the situation of fathers in our all-too-hectic world: I felt encouraged, though not by the last two sentences!
Another death. This is the third week in a row when a friend or relative has died. Two of them women who have died from cancer, too young. It causes me to think a lot, mostly in gratitude but also … Read More »
Today is 'Remembrance Day', when many nations recognize the signing of the Armistice which ended the 'Great War', World War 1.I have a number of personal reflections on the significance of this event.Having spent my life as a pacifist, I … Read More »