The Absent Father
In 1978 Ronald Conway published his expose of Australian life, The Land of the Long Weekend. Conway asserts that Australia is one of the most female-dominated societies in the world, […]
Come Let Us Sing?
Being back in a service of public worship last Sunday was lovely. The ‘social distancing’ is not too much of a culture change for this Scottish Presbyterian – although the […]
Worshipping the Creature
When the Apostle Paul entered Athens, we are told that his spirit was “provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols” (Acts 17:16). As […]
A Visit Down South
I spent five weeks in February/ March, 2020, supplying the pulpit at Scots Church in Melbourne. As a born and bred Sydneysider I have been part of the ribbing which […]
Today’s Quick Word: 14-20 September 2020
Now the day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed this to Samuel: “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him leader […]
Church and State: Interview with Stephen Chavura (Australian Christian Life Podcast, Episode 7)
Concerned for freedom of expression and human rights in Hong Kong? Let’s look to our own backyard first
In June, the central communist powers in Beijing imposed new “security laws” upon Hong Kong. These laws criminalise “succession,” “subversion,” and “collusion.” Given China’s ninety-nine percent conviction rate, those who […]
Who Cares for the Elderly?
“If you don’t have a computer you don’t exist in the eyes of the church”. It was a stunning statement from a ‘mature’ woman in her eighties. Devastating. But it […]
The Vaccine Revealed!
Where will the vaccine come from which will spell the end of this powerfully infectious Covid-19? Once it has been discovered life can return to normal, back to the life […]
Today’s Quick Word: 7-13 September 2020
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do […]
World News: Blasphemy appeal for couple
Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, a Pakistani Christian couple who have endured six years on death row after a “blasphemy” conviction, are due to have their appeal hearing in the […]
The Honour of Fatherhood
These days dads are typically portrayed as dumb. Think Homer Simpson (doh!) or Daddy Pig or Raymond. It’s rare to see a dad presented as respectable and honourable. This trend […]
Conversion Therapy Legislation
Some of Australia’s regional politicians would have us believe that they truly care for children and the vulnerable. Within a matter of days, two regional governments – Queensland and the […]
World News: Pakistani Christian, 14, in forced marriage
A 14-year-old Pakistani Christian girl, who was abducted at gunpoint and forced into marriage by a Muslim man, was returned to her kidnapper by the High Court in Lahore on […]
Three Deaths: Socrates, Stephen, and Jesus
While reviewing some meditations on the cross by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I came across his summary that ‘Socrates overcame dying; Christ overcame death.’ It is one of those startling comments which […]
World News: Banker’s revelations about Boko Haram
A former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria was arrested on August 12 after telling a radio interviewer that the security forces were colluding in attacks on Christian […]