Is this what’s behind a certain WA mining magnate’s media push? Monckton’s push for an Australia Fox News – The Drum Opinion (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Get Up is on the trail! See here.
Author Archives: wonderingpilgrim
Is it ever OK to humanise notorious figures?
The twin cinematic retrospectives on the careers of Hoover and Thatcher, both notorious conservatives that packed a lot of clout in recent Western history, invite this question. Today’s article at Eureka Street, Humanising Hoover and Thatcher – Eureka Street, takes rather a dim view of the practice. I wonder though. As one privileged to workContinue reading “Is it ever OK to humanise notorious figures?”
Exousia…
… is our word for the week. When we speak, act, relate out of exousia, we are doing so from the very essence of our being. We are acting out of the passion of authenticity. The source is deeper and wider than ourselves however – it taps into the transcendent mystery of the universe. ExousiaContinue reading “Exousia…”
The Lobby & The Tent Embassy
I visited the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra in 1982 – its presence was about ten years old then, and it was generating considerable angst in the orderly scene that is public service Canberra. My errand was to return an address/appointment book I had picked up in the street. It belonged to one of theContinue reading “The Lobby & The Tent Embassy”
Another reflection on Australia Day
Some thoughtful words for the sake of those who go a little overboard on claiming Australia’s Christian pedigree: The Great South Land – Synchroblog | RodneyOlsen.net. Christians have a role to play in what is essentially a secular nation – but it’s one based on service rather than some notion of a divine right toContinue reading “Another reflection on Australia Day”
The Descendants – A Movie Review
A new story line seems to have caught Hollywood’s imagination … helpless, bereft dads reconnecting with their kids! Get a big box office attraction like Matt Damon or George Clooney, throw him in the deep end and see how he swims. It seems we enjoy bumbling dads, emotionally bereft of their partners, launching a way-outContinue reading “The Descendants – A Movie Review”
Fireworks, eskies and reconciliation…
Our national day celebrations often generate discussion within our small congregation. Yesterday’s take on Jonah the Bogan was one attempt to address the tensions between celebrating national pride and accountability to something wider, bigger and deeper. One of our Elders, Steve Mellor, has granted permission to reprint his article from this week’s church newsletter: OnContinue reading “Fireworks, eskies and reconciliation…”
Jonah the Bogan
Jonah was Israel’s bogan*. He drove a lime green V8 ute* with a bright chrome roo bar, chrome twin exhausts, chrome wheel rims and a CB radio with a tall antenna from which, on important national days, he could fly his country’s flag. The esky* toting vehicle was festooned with bumper stickers – “Love itContinue reading “Jonah the Bogan”
Once upon a time in multicultural Australia – Eureka Street
As our much feted and controversial national day approaches, it is good to read thoughtful, reflective pieces on our collective and individual struggles with national identity.As usual, Australia’s more recent arrivals have much to teach us. Identity is discovered through involvement.: Once upon a time in multicultural Australia – Eureka Street.
Online Causes – how effective are they?
I have often wondered how effective email campaigns and petitions for worthy causes are. As a card carrying member of several, it is not unusual for me to receive half a dozen pleas on any particular day urging support for a pressing purpose. Today, at the urging of AVAAZ, I made a submission to theContinue reading “Online Causes – how effective are they?”