In recent times I have often used the illustration of a rope with its many strands to urge the contemplation of how the seemingly unrelated issues with which we wrestle can provide a unifying strength. This last week has seen me attempting to come to grips with Bonhoeffer’s approach to ethics, a challenge to participateContinue reading “Bonhoeffer, Zimbabwe and the Prodigal Son”
Category Archives: theology
Lamenting Jerusalem – Second Sunday in Lent
Luke 13:31-35 sees Jesus lamenting over Jerusalem – a centre of power and influence in his part of the world in his time – probably no different from any other city we know, ancient or modern. There was one difference however. Jerusalem was heir to the Abrahamic covenant – a divine initiative that would seeContinue reading “Lamenting Jerusalem – Second Sunday in Lent”
Thinking Christology now and then – another symposium reflection
Again, I only caught a part of this presentation. Stephen Curkpatrick never fails to give me a bone to take away and gnaw. Stephen has a particular gift with terminology that can, at the same time, irritate and open up fresh pathways of conceptual understanding. The gist of his presentation was to compare and assessContinue reading “Thinking Christology now and then – another symposium reflection”
Revisiting Aquachurch
This book (by Leonard Sweet) was probably one of the most influential in getting this aging baby-boomer to begin thinking outside the square when it comes to organising and leading churches through change. It comes to light again as I travel with my congregation through a Church Life Review process. Many of our learnings areContinue reading “Revisiting Aquachurch”
Pope Benedict XVI – that speech
Much has been written in the media concerning an excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI’s recent speech at Regensburg which cited a medieval Byzantine emperor’s less than favourable view of the Islamic practice of “conversion by the sword.” I don’t propose to discuss this, but merely to point a very thoughtful treatment by Gil Baillie ofContinue reading “Pope Benedict XVI – that speech”
Riding the Apocalypse with Bob
According to artist, Robert Brittain, the last book in the Bible is best understood as a visual and visceral experience. The Apocalypse, or the Revelation of John, comprises a vision revealed to the early church pioneer while a prisoner on the Mediterranean island of Patmos around AD90. Last Sunday at the Church of Christ WembleyContinue reading “Riding the Apocalypse with Bob”
Coffe Cup Quote
Someone sent this quote found on the side of their coffee mug: “It’s tragic that extremists co-opt the notion of God, and that hipsters and artists reject spirituality out of hand. I don’t have a fixed idea of God. But I feel that it’s us — the messed-up, the half-crazy, the burning, the questing —Continue reading “Coffe Cup Quote”
Getting kitted out
I’m currently pulling Ephesians 6:10-20 apart in readiness for Sunday’s harangue. It’s one of those extremely visual passages with ready made images from my Sunday School days – the Roman soldier kitted out in battle gear. The Sunday School message was quite evident in suitably modified moral protection terms. Wear the armour that will protectContinue reading “Getting kitted out”
Church with State or Church vs State?
Here’s a survey being run by the Australian Democrats. Basically it’s asking how involved with each other church and state should be in forming public policy. It’s at http://www.democrats.org.au/survey2/survey/GodGovt_v2/ Give it a go! Thanks Michael Bullard for the tip off.
A Christian Peacemaker reflects at Easter
“Christ teaches us to love our enemies, do good to those who harm us, pray for those who persecute us. He calls us to accept suffering before we inflict injury. He calls us to pick up the cross and to lay down the sword. We will most certainly fail in this call. I did. AndContinue reading “A Christian Peacemaker reflects at Easter”
Wondering Pilgrim 