thinking honestly about life and faith
‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’—according to the music blasting in the shopping mall and, yes, even in the bathroom where I might have hoped for some respite. It’s November 21st, and the commercial season called Christmas is … Read More »
This week many events were held to commemorate the event 500 years ago when Martin Luther presented his ’95 Theses’—which he may or may not have actullay nailed to the door of the church door at Wittenburg in … Read More »
I’m still here Today marks 41 years since I was ordained to the ministry of ‘word, sacrament and pastoral care’ in the Baptist church. It means many things to me, but one of them is simply the grateful recognition of … Read More »
Last week, the State and Federal governments of Australia all agreed on new ‘security’ measures to address what they call terrorist threats. These measures sit in a long line of actions taken since September 2001 which have actually undermined the … Read More »
It is interesting to notice how commonly political leaders now say, in regard to the victims of something like a natural disaster, or the latest mass shooting in the United States, that ‘our prayers are with them’. I find myself … Read More »
It is reported today that the United States’ ambassador to the UN believes that the UN is out of options: U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Sunday the U.N. Security Council has run out of options on … Read More »
What do people think they are doing, when they go to church? The expression ‘go to church’ is itself an interesting one: for most people, going to church means going to a service of worship. What that actually means for … Read More »
Crikey news today reports that the ‘No’ campaign in the current postal survey on same sex marriage has specifically targeted the leaders of Asian communities in Australia, who are thought to be more likely to reject the proposal. (http://www.crikey.com.au) There is … Read More »
I’ve greatly enjoyed reading Magda Szubanski’s memoir Reckoning. It’s a rigorously honest and (of course) funny account of growing up in outer suburban Melbourne, discovering her talent for comedy and acting, finding her own identity and sexuality—but all of this played … Read More »
I’m heading today to Bangkok for the annual gathering of the international study commissions of the Baptist World Alliance. It is my privilege to lead one of these groups, the Commission on Baptist Doctrine and Christian Unity. Our work involves … Read More »