Living in the present, Living in the Presence

3 Aug

I follow the online daily prayer offerings from the Irish Jesuits, called Sacred Space. Today there is an invitation to see just how much my life is a gift from God, and I want to affirm this in a number … Read More »

The freedom and purpose of theology

15 Jul

I've been reading the first volume of Hans Küng's memoirs, My Struggle for Freedom. It's a great read, and so fascinating. Küng has been one of my favourite theologians, and to read of some of his own journey as a … Read More »

A Broad Place, Again

3 Jun

Months ago I promised more on Jürgen Moltmann's autobiography A Broad Place. (Fortress Press, 2009). It is such a good book. I am hoping and praying to come again to that broad place of which he speaks. The image is … Read More »

They used to go to church …

23 Apr

I'm reading Tom Frame's well researched book on 'unbelief' in Australia called Losing my religion (UNSW Press, 2009). The title is a bit misleading, because it's not at all about Frame losing his religion. The first section is a detailed … Read More »

Beyond religion (2) What we most need

22 Apr

This week two things have come together in my thinking: I've presented the paper posted yesterday, and amongst other things had many responses, of differing degrees of support or opposition. One disturbing response was the comment that the paper lacked … Read More »

The future of our church

21 Apr

I was invited by the leadership of our Baptist Union to present the keynote paper for a session of Theological Reflection, as part of the process of 're-imagining' our life together as a union of churches. If in fact we … Read More »

Beyond Religion (1)

15 Apr

I've been reading a lot in the critique of religion which has been given fresh oxygen lately. It's not really anything new. In fact, in work I am currently writing, I'd like to argue that the critique of religion lies … Read More »

A world of words

8 Apr

'Words, words, words' … a famous line in Shakespeare's Hamlet. When Polonius asks what the young prince is reading, he responds 'Words, words, words'—an answer which is yet no answer at all, intended to rebuff the old man who has … Read More »

Committees … For good or ill

14 Mar

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 …