thinking honestly about life and faith
In recent Christmas letters many people have urged me to keep on writing for this blog. Why have I not written, for some months, I ask myself. I could offer many reasons. For the last year I have been increasingly … Read More »
The word ‘present’ has two important meanings. One means ‘now’, the current time and situation. The other means ‘gift’, something given to us or to another. I am increasingly convinced that the two meanings are deeply inter-related. The present time … Read More »
On Sunday I preached at the Collins Street Baptist Church, on the theme ‘What are we doing in the upper room?’ I was encouraged by many who found these words helpful in relating an ancient story to our own situation … Read More »
I very nearly broke my rule and gave up reading this book half-way through. I am glad I didn’t, because it offers valuable challenges for reflection. Stone Yard Devotional is pitched as a novel, by Charlotte Wood, but it’s many … Read More »
We were delighted by the Australian musical My Brilliant Career—based on the original book by Miles Franklin (1901) and then a book and lyrics by Sheridan Harbridge and Dean Bryant. Bryant also wrote the music, with Matthew Frank. The production … Read More »
Our car park behaviour gives it all away. It is said to be a season of peace and joy, but it doesn’t look at all like that in the car park, or on the roads in general. I’ve just been … Read More »
It may be my stage of life or the fact I have recently attended many anniversary events, and some funerals, but we find ourselves often talking about the past. Truth to tell, the past is often a less threatening place! … Read More »
This post is written against the background of a dreadful political malaise. I use the word dreadful because there is indeed much to fear. Millions of people are feeling profound angst because of the election of Donald Trump again to … Read More »
It’s at least 20 years now since the idea was put forward that those who receive support from the community through ‘welfare’ payments have an obligation to society—more or less to show that they deserve that support. The policy was … Read More »
I returned to theological college after the summer vacation to learn that it had been decided it was time for me to try my wings as a pastor. The Principal told me there was a little church in need of … Read More »