Neville can be counted on for controversy. Eschewing Augustine for Irenaeus (“The glory of God is every creature fully alive”), Neville’s brief was to explore a projection of “the salvation of the human species.” He proceeded with Frank Fenner, the Australian microbiologist who pioneered the eradication of smallpox who said “The human species is likelyContinue reading “Universal truth or ultimate self-indulgence? (Part 3)”
Category Archives: Wembley Downs
Universal truth or ultimate self-indulgence? (Part 2)
Does popular culture have its own way of addressing theological constructs? We briefly considered three movies to see how they handled preoccupation with the tension between determinism and free-will – “salvation” being seen in terms of liberation from controlling forces, be they personal or institutional. You can check out for yourself the reviews of Groundhog Day,Continue reading “Universal truth or ultimate self-indulgence? (Part 2)”
Universal truth or ultimate self-indulgence? (Part 1)
This is the subtitle of the “Salvation Today” Lent series cooked up by my local Uniting Church colleagues and myself. I did promise some context for yesterday’s “Saving puppies from a runaway train” conundrum. In the wake of the visit of evolutionary theologian, Bruce Sanguin, we pondered the meaning of “salvation”, a word more oftenContinue reading “Universal truth or ultimate self-indulgence? (Part 1)”
On discombobulating…
Towards the close of this morning’s harangue, I experienced a disconnect with what I was saying and ended up saying the opposite. My carefully listening audience rippled with assorted “eh?s” and “what?”s? I paused and said “Hang on – I’m all discombobulated. Let’s try that again…” Afterwards.. you guessed it… all anyone wanted to discussContinue reading “On discombobulating…”
Demonising the Greens – Eureka Street
Demonising the Greens – Eureka Street. This thoughtful article reflects some of the healthy tensions in my own church community comprising robust and articulate adherents across the whole range of the political spectrum. Having just entered a solar-energy package that benefits both our local church and its adherents through our environmental policy (and the pragmaticContinue reading “Demonising the Greens – Eureka Street”
Temptations – no big deal?
Temptation is a big deal because it looks like no big deal! Even for Jesus when he is tested by the devil out in the wilderness having fasted 40 days & 40 nights (Matthew 4:1-11) – right? Wrong! How many times have I heard it said that the temptations were no big deal for JesusContinue reading “Temptations – no big deal?”
We did Ash Wednesday last night…
About forty of us gathered at the neighbouring church across the valley. We prayed and reflected to a stirring rendition of Psalm 51 by Evelyn Tubb (can’t find the track on the web anywhere!) and watched as our celebrant, Neville Watson, burned gum leaves to form the ashes with which we would be daubed. GumContinue reading “We did Ash Wednesday last night…”
A CRE teacher reflects…
I begin this year’s round of Christian Religious Education (CRE) classes at the local primary school tomorrow – this is in response to the national statutory permission for churches to negotiate access to Education Department schools for the purpose of “religious instruction” for 30 minutes per class per week. The experience for a student isContinue reading “A CRE teacher reflects…”
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”
Wondering Pilgrim 