Headlines this week have included a call from politicians and educationalists for a ‘ban’ on access to social media for people under the age of 16 years. The primary intention, it seems, is to protect young people from the increasing incidence of cyber bullying by their peers, and perhaps also to keep them safe from online […]
What’s In It for Me?
It’s budget season for Federal and State governments and the media is buzzing with assessments and rebuttals and projections of future impact. The question that seems to be at the centre of most conversations, that sets the tone for most analytical pieces, and that energises water-cooler conversations in workplaces and pubs, in shopping centres and […]
Is the Church Worth Saving?
I have spent the last 45 years urging people to go to church, and working with others to develop faith communities that might encourage that. So it would be reasonable to assume that I believe the Church is worth ‘saving’. But having recently retired, I find myself free of any local church responsibilities – and, […]
The Gospel According to Nick
(Cave that is) ‘Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and your personal Saviour?’ Mal Geizendanner asked me that question about 60 years ago as he baptised me at the Church of Christ in North Balwyn. I answered ‘Yes’ to the question (has anyone ever said ‘no’ in that context?), and […]
On Gratitude
We think people are grateful because they are happy. But look closely and you’ll find that people are happy because they are grateful. [David Steindl-Rast] We had the family around for dinner last night. No particular reason, just a chance for everyone to catch up. Heather and I with our four kids, three partners, five grandchildren and […]