Update: Having, in this post, expressed hope that others will do similar research to the Australian study, and especially interested in how it might compare to New Zealand, we now have a New Zealand study – I will blog about this soon! I have been reading a fascinating Australian study on religion, spirituality, and worldview
Faith and Belief Down Under Read More »
The 63rd General Synod Te Hīnota Whānui (GSTHW) met in the week of 4-11 May, 2018, in New Plymouth, New Zealand. Here are some brief reflections – particularly around discussions and decisions around worship and liturgy. The limitation to liturgy is not saying the other decisions are unimportant – quite the opposite. There is much
What Happened at General Synod 2018 Read More »
Let us pray (in silence) [that we rejoice in the Spirit guiding our lives] pause O God, on this day you taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of your Holy Spirit, may we, by the same Spirit, be truly wise and ever rejoice in your consolation; through Jesus Christ who is alive
Resources for the Day of Pentecost Read More »
I have regularly stated and written that fundamentalists and antitheists read the Bible with the same approach. Both treat every verse as if they are of equal status, come from the same consistent author, and are all equally true in a literalistic way. Fundamentalists shred the Bible and then paste together unrelated verses to produce
10 Commandments of Biblical Christianity Read More »
When I was a parish priest I set up parish sponsors for baptism. The family of the child being baptised would choose godparents who made the promises at the baptism. The parish would also choose a “parish sponsor”. The parish sponsor gave the lighted candle and was encouraged to keep up contact. The parish sponsor
Parish Baptism Sponsor Read More »
Let us pray (in silence) [that the God who entices us may also enable us to be transformed] pause Almighty and everliving God, conform our wills freely to yours, and direct our hearts to share your glory by our undivided service; through Jesus Christ who is alive with you, in the unity of the Holy
Resources for the Seventh Sunday of Easter Read More »
Let us pray (in silence) [that we may consciously live in the presence of the Risen Christ] pause Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we, who believe your only-begotten Son, [only-begotten One] our redeemer, ascended this day to heaven, may also in heart and mind there continually dwell; through Jesus Christ who is alive with
Resources for Ascension Day Read More »
This is how Gloriavale could be saved. By religion and theology – not by authorities. https://t.co/8klqeP6Fse — Patrick Gower (@patrickgowernz) April 30, 2018 “Gloriavale Christian Community is a small evangelical Christian group based at Haupiri on the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand. Its population is estimated to be 550–600…Those who leave
Gloriavale and a More Forgiving God? Read More »
