Category Archives: Personal

Quizzing the Sermon on the Mount

Jesus looks over the crowd and declares “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…” How did he know? What did he see in the disparate mob gathered there? Fisherfolk, tax collector, tenant farmer – the curious, the cynic and the desperado. Was he declaring what was already innate orContinue reading “Quizzing the Sermon on the Mount”

Finding a use for parallel universes…

I think parallel universes would come in handy at times. Right now I’m setting up several meetings that involve different people from disparate settings. My usual mode is to send out an email saying “Give me your days and times and I’ll attempt to match them up using the most common denominator.” Invariably the daysContinue reading “Finding a use for parallel universes…”

Back to school – or school at home?

To home school or not? Today’s article in Eureka Street discusses its benefits against a constrained and competitive school system. We are long past our child’s school days, but we had to work hard to ensure his particular needs were met through the public system. The argument seems to be that home-schooling provides a moreContinue reading “Back to school – or school at home?”

Australia & the World Pray for the UK & Ireland

Many countries deserve our thoughtful prayers from week to week and we are certainly mindful of the dramatic events affecting millions of people in Egypt right now. Focused attention on troubled and changing regions does not deplete a disciplined and planned approach to prayer, however. Ireland and the  United Kingdom comprising England, Northern Ireland, Scotland,Continue reading “Australia & the World Pray for the UK & Ireland”

Would the Beatitudes work in Egypt?

The famous opening lines of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount come up this Sunday. (Matthew 5:1-12). Contextually, they form the foundation of the manifesto for “the Kingdom of Heaven” that is at hand and announced successively by John the Baptist and Jesus. More contemporary language might replace “Kingdom” terms with the “all-pervadingContinue reading “Would the Beatitudes work in Egypt?”

Wondering about Wisdom

For my edification, I am reading Stephen S Hall, Wisdom: from philosophy to neuroscience.(University of Queensland Press, 2010). As a science writer, the author is particularly keen to explore potential new insights provided by the emerging neurosciences without jettisoning  more conventional understandings of wisdom. In fact, he conjectures, wisdom is a phenomenon that cannot really be graspedContinue reading “Wondering about Wisdom”

We acknowledge Aboriginal Australia

Today I join many others in saluting the first nations of our land. An excellent coloured poster size map (small or large) depicting the language, tribal and nation groups of Australian Indigenous peoples is available for purchase from the Australian Institute of Aborigine and Torres Strait Islander Studies. The map does not claim precision, butContinue reading “We acknowledge Aboriginal Australia”

Something Oprah missed …

… on her pilgrimage Down Under. The joys of beach cricket at twilight on Matilda Bay, Perth. Mild summer’s day, gentle breeze, the gathering of several generations, shared goodies to eat, ambient conversation, bocce, paddling and cricket. A great way to kick off the year as several churches gather to share this annual event.

Teaching disciples to suck eggs

Some may find it strange to be talking to veteran congregations about discipleship, as today’s texts lead me. Most have been making the journey a lot longer than I have, and I’m getting a bit long in the tooth. Yet, once again I will address what I have come to call the magnetic summons ofContinue reading “Teaching disciples to suck eggs”