By Professor Greg Carey
Eschatology is quite a big word. It has 11 letters, after all.
Divinity students routinely ask me to spell it out on a board.
But eschatology is big in a more fundamental sense: it is the theological word that spells out our dearest hopes: what, if anything, lies beyond death; where history is ultimately headed; and ...
By Rev Associate Professor Geoff Thompson
Claiming to be a “born scientist”, Rev Bob Thomas in a Crosslight magazine feature, dismisses various alleged “absurdities” of the Christian faith, including that of rising from the dead.
He suggests that there is an opt-out clause from this absurdity by suggesting that Paul’s language of “resurrection” is synonymous with his language of ...
Three years ago, many of us were in lockdown for Easter. Many churches were closed. In a mirror of the Gospel stories, if two women had gone to the church early in the morning, around sunrise, they would have found it empty.
Perhaps they would have seen a bright white page of paper beside the door, bearing the message: “He ...
Rev Bob Thomas
As a born scientist, “but that I can’t believe!” has been my usual response to so many of the beliefs that some would claim are required of Christians.
I can remember arguing with my Sunday School teacher at age seven that the story of Noah and the Great Flood was impossible, and as time went on, I ...
By Rev Sally Douglas
He lurched across the stage. He strutted and spat. He spoke about Christ, death, love, loneliness, and suffering. He laughed and shared lament. He talked about the hand of God, and he whispered about hope. He even dared to suggest that “peace will come” and repeatedly referred to the “kingdom in the sky”.
By Andrew Humphries
Growing up as a “preacher’s kid” within the Uniting Church, Paddy Macrae remembers a childhood of fun and adventure with his siblings and friends and a long line of quirky characters who used to drop into the various churches where dad Alistair was the Minister.
Fast forward to 2023 and Paddy is kicking serious goals as a ...
By Andrew Humphries
Sometimes in the midst of chaos, drama and uncertainty it is a simple idea that resonates and brings people together.
In January 2020, Australia recorded its first case of COVID-19 and, by March 18, concern around rising infection numbers meant Prime Minister Scott Morrison plunged Australians into the first of what was to become ongoing restrictions on ...
The fourth chapter of Genesis gives us the powerfully important story of Cain and Abel. It’s the story in which we first hear the word ‘sin’. Cain is angry, and is warned that sin is lurking at the door. He may let it in. Sadly he does, and kills his brother.
By Andrew Humphries
In the village of Ross in Tasmania’s midlands sits what may well be one of the most distinctive churches in the country.
The Ross Uniting Church, formerly a Wesleyan Methodist Church, was built around 1885 and has long been a popular attraction, its beautiful stonework inviting spectacular photos.
Presbytery of Tasmania Chairperson Rohan Pryor is justifiably proud ...
By Andrew Humphries
As Chris Barnett reflects on many years of service within the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, he hopes he has been able to broaden thinking around the many benefits offered through ministry with children and families.
Chris was farewelled this week at a Release of Ties service at the Centre for Theology and Ministry in Parkville, bringing ...
The Uniting Church was represented at a multi-faith prayer service in Sydney yesterday as part of a week of action protesting against fossil fuels.
The action has been initiated by the global Catholic Laudato Si’ Movement, and Australian people of faith and their organisations are being encouraged to consider divesting from fossil fuels as part of their broader responsibility to ...
The Centre for Theology and Ministry in Parkville was the setting yesterday for a celebration of ministry as five Uniting Church members were commissioned and inducted into new roles within the Synod.
Duncan Macleod was inducted as Executive Officer within equipping Leadership for Mission, as the permanent replacement for former Executive Officer Jenny Byrnes.