“We don’t do Lent it’s not in our tradition!” “Why dwell on what is negative in your life – better to shrug off the shadows and enjoy!” The humanitarian sciences have over time produced, for discussion and peer review, the psychological benefits of the hitherto sacred realm of penitence, forgiveness and absolution. One only hasContinue reading “Psychology of Forgiveness: Psalm 32”
Author Archives: wonderingpilgrim
When the easiest way isn’t always the best way…
It’s easier to give a hungry man a fish than to teach him to fish. It’s far simpler to superficially impress someone than to engage them by putting in some time and the hard yards. Politically, the quick fix is more successful for one’s grasp of power than the blood, sweat and tears of inspiringContinue reading “When the easiest way isn’t always the best way…”
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”
How Not to Talk About the Beliefs of Others | Paul Brandeis Raushenbush
How Not to Talk About the Beliefs of Others | Paul Brandeis Raushenbush. Eminent common sense – would that it were more common!
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”
Wondering Pilgrim 