Author Archives: wonderingpilgrim

Lent: Wrestling with the notion of Original Sin

Here is the golden text on which the doctrine of original sin is based. Romans 5:12-19 Paul argues that as sin came into the world through Adam, tainting us all, so this tragic state of affairs is reversed through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus (the second Adam). This is the result of allContinue reading “Lent: Wrestling with the notion of Original Sin”

Healing a fractured humanity

The Apostle Paul had a big job on his hands while acting as a consultant to the factionalised Christian community of Corinth. He appeals to theology, rhetoric and personal investment as he attempts to bring healing to human divisions based on status, party allegiance and ambition. It all sounds rather too familiar. Our reflection today leadsContinue reading “Healing a fractured humanity”

Ash Wednesday Confessions

Today, Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, I respond to the challenge not to give up something, but to take something on – a discipline of some kind. A way forward might be to begin a daily reflection according to my spiritual tradition. This Ash Wednesday, my guide requires me to write a prayer of confessionContinue reading “Ash Wednesday Confessions”

New asylum seeker campaign ‘distasteful’ and ’embarrassing’

New asylum seeker campaign ‘distasteful’ and ’embarrassing’. Just when you think the Australian Government can do no worse in its cruel and dispiriting treatment of maritime asylum seekers, it pulls another rabbit out of the hat. This so-called low key cartoon strip campaign does little more than throw down a challenge to those desperate to fleeContinue reading “New asylum seeker campaign ‘distasteful’ and ’embarrassing’”

The department store era is over

The department store era is over. Hmmm. Started off in the electroplating industry when everyone wanted there stuff chromed. That era has gone. Moved into department store retail,  and the end of this era is now pronounced. But I was only there a short while before training for my life’s work – local church ministryContinue reading “The department store era is over”

Onesimus wept

Church yesterday was an exercise in role-playing the 1st century church that met in the home of Philemon of Colossae. Creative imagination saw Philemon, his presumed wife Apphia and his presumed son and heir Archippus presiding over our regular congregation who had variously become the merchants, stewards and household slaves that met in Philemon’s atriumContinue reading “Onesimus wept”

An Evolutionary Theologian’s 10 pointers for progressive practice

Bruce Sanguin shared 10 succinct pegs for evolving practitioners of the Jesus way to hang their hats on at the Common Dreams Conference in Canberra tonight. Kick the apocalyptic habit. Things ain’t all bad, indeed the world is ablaze with the glory of God if one cares to look. Be inclusive of the tradition thatContinue reading “An Evolutionary Theologian’s 10 pointers for progressive practice”

Is “Progressive” progressive enough?

  This is the gist of one of many conversations emerging from today’s conversations at Common Dreams.   For some, the term “Progressive Christianity/Religion” sits uncomfortably – it can sound and feel elitist, judgemental and lack distinctiveness in articulating the motives of the gathering momentum (which are diverse and multi-directional anyway).   The metaphor ofContinue reading “Is “Progressive” progressive enough?”

Do you hear what I hear? A voice in the wilderness ….

As our new government continues to dismantle structures of humanitarian aid through a policy of “absorption” and further bastardise our collective responsibility to the world refugee crisis, it was good to hear today of another voice of constructive protest. A Progressive Christian Voice (Australia) described its manifesto at the Common Dreams Conference currently under wayContinue reading “Do you hear what I hear? A voice in the wilderness ….”