Fewer and fewer people today know the Bible. But if there’s one verse that’s still commonly quoted, it’s, “Judge not, and you will not be judged”. These are the words of Jesus. And what people normally mean when they repeat them is, “It’s not your place to judge my moral choices. It’s 2019—everyone should be… Read More “Don’t Judge”—What Jesus Really Meant
It’s been three months since Israel Folau’s sacking, but the nation’s big news outlets are still finding stories to publish about the saga. Last week, the Sydney Morning Herald carried two hit pieces on the former rugby star, and they’ve unsettled many who had sided with Izzy. In an article called Did Israel Folau actually… Read More Israel Folau and the Hogwash of His Heresy Hunters
The corporate activists are cheering, but they shouldn’t be. Back in April, Rugby Australia, under pressure from its major sponsor Qantas, sacked rugby superstar Israel Folau for posting a paraphrased Bible verse on Instagram. In May, a tribunal upheld the decision, allowing his $4 million contract to be officially torn up. Now in June, GoFundMe… Read More Israel Folau and the Crush of Corporate Activism
Over two months have passed since Israel Folau found himself in the media spotlight, and buckets of ink are still being spilt as his story develops. In recent days, the focus has shifted to Izzy’s GoFundMe campaign. He’s hoping to raise $3.0M for his legal showdown with Rugby Australia. In this and every other stage… Read More Israel Folau and the Fight for Underdog Status
Across the West, Christians in the medical professions are finding it harder and harder to practice both their career and their faith. Some are even having to choose between the two. Historically, the church has played a disproportionate role in healthcare through the centuries. After ending infanticide in the ancient world, followers of Jesus went… Read More Fired For Their Faith: The Crusade Against Christians in Medicine
Our national anthem begins with the triumphant line Australians all let us rejoice for we are young and free. But after some troubling news headlines in the last few days, that word free is less true than it was a week ago. Australia’s freedoms—in particular freedom of speech and freedom of religion—are suffering huge blows… Read More A Bleak Week for Freedom in Australia
In a recent post I shared three secrets I’ve discovered working with young adults that are making a big difference in our church: Give up trying to do so much ministry Get rid of your best quality people Tell them how hard it is to follow Jesus The response to this was huge, so I’ve decided… Read More More Secrets to a Thriving Young Adults Church
Part 3 of 3 It’s still a fortnight until Australia votes, but the topic is already hot and has been for weeks. Who said Australians don’t care about politics? Both sides have offered compelling arguments. In a recent blog, I tried to navigate these and champion a response that looks like Jesus, where principles are… Read More We’re Not Debating Same-Sex Marriage—We Just Think We Are
Part 2 of 3 Over the next two months, Australians will be asked by postal vote whether they believe federal law should be changed so that same-sex couples can marry. Like most Australians, I’m concerned that any public debate around this issue is conducted with respect, given that this isn’t merely an “issue”. We’re discussing… Read More The Compelling Case For and Against Same-Sex Marriage
Part 1 of 3 Last night on a mild winter’s evening in Adelaide, hundreds of people packed an auditorium, spilling into foyers and corridors in what became a standing-room only event. During a week of wall-to-wall media focus on same-sex marriage, it was by happy coincidence that a UK pastor had come to our city… Read More Same-Sex Marriage Might Set the Church Straight
