thinking honestly about life and faith
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 »
I am writing out a sense of sadness, as well as gratitude and I hope an appropriate perspective. This post concerns life and death. We’ve attended a funeral in each of the last three weeks—all older men, who had lived … Read More »
‘Hope has two beautiful daughters: Their names are anger and courage. Anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are.’ This quotation is widely attributed to St Augustine of Hippo … Read More »
It’s a very encouraging experience when you read some notable author who says exactly what you think or, in my case, have also taught. I came across this quote, on Twitter, from the wonderful spiritual teacher and guide, Richard Rohr. … Read More »
Many of us are enjoying immensely the collection of conversations between Nick Cave and Sean O’Hagan, Faith, Hope and Carnage. (Melbourne: Text Publishing, 2022). Recorded over a couple of years, while Cave was forced to remain in Britain, during lockdowns and other … Read More »
Chris Womersley’s latest novel, The Diplomat (Picador, 2022) is a superbly written but gut-wrenching tale. As the cover blurb says, ‘Shot through with grief and dark comedy, The Diplomat is a powerful story of love and recovery—and a stark evocation of … Read More »
A week after surgery, here are a few thoughts on the experience and on the idea of patience. (BTW, I am recovering well. Thank you.) There are many interesting bon mots about patience. For example, Saint Augustine (354 – 430 ) … Read More »
Well, not exactly, though the broader culture does not go along with the nicety that is Advent. If ever we needed to spend time reflecting on the travails fo the human community and reaching out for the hope of new … Read More »
We are enduring a rude awakening to realities our everyday life in Australia allows us to ignore. We are discovering things that much of the ‘majority world’ knew all along and lives with all the time. We are realising that … Read More »