I recently attended a local Iftar dinner at which close to 400 people participated in an evening of delicious food and generous conversation. Muslims, Christians, agnostics, atheists, and likely every creed in…
Theology
Maybe
maybe there is life for us after death maybe our final breath is just that and we only exist in what we leave behind maybe our lives are framed by love and…
There’s a crack, a crack in everything
This time last year I suggested that a new world is on her way. I boldly stated, “Empire is everywhere. But I believe tomorrow will tell a different story.” Having barely scraped…
Welcome to the Age of Choose Your Own Theology
In my pre-teen years, I was an avid consumer of ‘Choose Your Own Adventure‘ novels. As the reader (often in the role of the protagonist), I was in charge of my destiny…
We Who Remain
On the day of God with us, she left. The idling engine betrayed her silent farewell and droned long after the tears Her tears not ours We who remain Remain Forced to…
It’s Time to Pass the Mic.
The recent response to, and the fallout from, #ThingsOnlyChristianWomenHear on various social media platforms was disappointing but not surprising. I have been a Christian long enough to witness the challenges that women…
Pluralism, Persecution and Privilege: an Easter Message
Jesus’ message is spreading and growing, but not in the seat of privilege and power. Have we got it all wrong? During holiday seasons, the grief of losing a loved one, or…
Empire is Everywhere, But a New World is On Her Way
“Another world is not only possible; she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.” – Arundhati Roy I confess that I am writing this in a…
The Senior Pastor is Dead, Long Live The Church!
In the year 1422 the King of France, Charles VI, died. As his successor, Charles VII, took the throne the following declaration was made “Le Roi est mort, vive le Roi!” Or,…
Why, as a Christian Pastor, I Support Marriage Equality
I am a happily married, heterosexual man with a tribe of children (seven, to be precise). I am also, amongst other things, a Christian Pastor. I hang out, meet and work with…
Fed By the Hope of Today
Awakened by grief. The sun yet to break. Lying in darkness. Trailers appear.
Regarding the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny and Santa Claus
Warning: Spoiler Alert! Our 10-year old recently had a tooth fall out, and she asked my wife outright “is the tooth fairy real?”
Truly, Love is the Final Fight
Visiting the Center for Civil and Human Rights today has impacted and renewed my resolve to love more, fear less and refuse to settle for mediocrity. I am inspired and humbled by…
Love in the Midst of Angry Mobs
I am a product of multiculturalism and grace. The grandson of an Imam, the son of a Muslim and the cousin, nephew, uncle, and friend to many other Muslims. I am also the…
3 Things I Learnt From My Year of Love
2015 was my Year of Love. That was the theme, the focus and foundation. I wrote about it, thought about it, was challenged by it and used it to guide my decisions.…
Love risks failure
How would you rate your appetite for risk? A) Risk averse. Nothing ventured, nothing lost. B) Rational risk. Let’s weigh up all the pro’s and con’s and determine the likely benefit and…
What my daughter’s wedding taught me about Christian leadership
Three days ago our eldest daughter got married. Today, I am an emotional and physical train wreck. What a day. What a fortnight. What a life! Not much went to plan.
Love overcomes…
When our youngest child, Jireh, was born and we received a diagnosis of Down syndrome our involuntary and instant response was shock and fear. The 15 minutes that followed were one of…
The Unforgiving
In the prayer Jesus taught His disciples, He instructs them to pray this (Matthew 6:12 ESV): And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Have you ever considered…
Forgiveness: forgetting, condoning or releasing?
I was listening to a radio interview with Rosie Batty, the 2015 Australian of the Year. In that interview she explains that she has forgiven her ex-partner for killing their son, and…