Tag: christians

Signs of the times 1

(August 14, 2019)

On the wall at our local shopping mall. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2

Larry Hurtado

(July 15, 2019)

Larry Hurtado is retired New Testament scholar, Professor Emeritus at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He has continued hs scholarly work since retiring.

The word “religion” can have different meanings. At its simplest, it means “belief in and worship of God or gods” (Oxford Dictionary). But more precisely, religion is often seen as a designated set of beliefs and rituals by which people relate to a god. Thus religion (implying dogma and restrictions) is often contrasted to spirituality […]

Christians and politics – a deep devastation or glorious triumph?

(May 27, 2019)

Just over a week ago was election day in Australia. After being behind in the polls for years, the Government was returned with a small majority. This was seen by most pundits as an important election, charting a course for Australia’s future. Christians seemed to be more active than in any previous election that I […]

Homophobia, Biblical truth and Israel Folau

(May 16, 2019)

This is a post about what christians believe, how we should express our belief and how cultures can clash. This is a post about an unfortunate episode in Australian sport and culture, from which no-one is likely to emerge a winner. And hopefully this is a post that won’t add, even in a small way, […]

Modern western evangelicalism – easy religion for comfortable christians?

(May 3, 2019)

I’ve been thinking for a while about modern western evangelical christianity. Not what some people may see as the worst of this belief system – televangelists, conservative politics and a focus on sexual ethics – but the mainstream. My initial christian experience was in this culture and belief, and while I have moved on in […]

Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires (James 1:20)

(March 25, 2019)

It is no news that people seem to becoming more polarised politically these days. But it is sad, unhelpful and unnecessary. It is particularly sad when christians fall into this. And it seems to be particularly common when discussing issues relating to terrorism and Islam. Like this last week …..

Evangelism – learning from unbelievers

(March 13, 2019)

There’s a saying in chess that, if you are in doubt about your next move, choose the move your opponent would like least. I reckon a similar, but opposite, saying might apply to christian evangelism: if you are wanting to evangelise, try to choose the behaviour your friend would most appreciate. A recent study by […]

Apologetics is "dangerous" stuff!

(February 27, 2019)

Are you the sort of christian whose faith is built more on reason and evidence than an experience of God? Do you enjoy answering sceptics’ questions about Jesus and the Bible? Perhaps even enjoy arguing with atheists online? Have you considered that apologetics might be dangerous for your faith? (Well, sort of! But read on!) […]

Church for the 21st century?

(February 17, 2019)

This is possibly the most revolutionary, revelatory and important book about the church and mission I have ever read. If you are interested in how the 21st century church can become a missionary community in first world countries, this book can teach us new ways, and inspire us to new efforts. If you are tired […]