Personal – Page 52 – Wondering Pilgrim

Psychology of Forgiveness: Psalm 32

“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”

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”

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 ….”

The Wars Over Christian Beards | Christianity Today

I’ve not had negative feedback on any of my variations of facial hair over the decades – starting with my clean cut afro in the 60’s, through to full face Ned Kelly and my current Colonel Sanders. Who would have thought prickle faced preachers to be such an interesting ecclesiastical subject for scrutiny. The Wars OverContinue reading “The Wars Over Christian Beards | Christianity Today”

Vocational Wisdom

My peers agreed it would be an excellent focus for our small discussion group – Living the Questions: Essays Inspired by the Work and Life of Parker J. Palmer, Sam M. Intrator (ed.), (Jossey-Bass, 2005). I had not previously heard of Parker J Palmer, but was attracted to his deliciously alliterative name. Google led me to discoverContinue reading “Vocational Wisdom”