The environment in which Religious Education is taught in Catholic schools in Australia today has changed dramatically over the last sixty years. Culturally, this reflects the significant changes in society globally and the impact of religious affiliation locally. Gone is much of the tribalism, homogeneity and compliance that so identified the Catholic faithful pre-Vatican II Read more
Economist Brian Easton says New Zealand’s sexy image on the global business stage does not necessarily translate to a better life for those on low incomes, particularly women and children. Easton, who’s recently published a user’s guide to economic inequality, says inequality is difficult to measure. One indicator might show it going up while another Read more
If sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, then punning must have a reputation almost as undesirable. A joke that can be greeted only with a groan or, better still, complete silence, can hardly be a real joke now, can it? Santa walks into a bar and the barman says: Sorry, we’re claused. But punning Read more
The election of a new pope is always an exciting moment for the Church and the world. After weeks of uncertainty, it seems there is good reason to celebrate the election of Pope Francis I, and to congratulate and offer support to him in the immense task ahead. The excitement of the election of a Read more
Yahoo’s CEO Marissa Mayer caused a furore last year when she said that she didn’t have the ‘militant drive’ and the ‘chip on the shoulder’ that was required of the modern day feminist. It was a statement that seemed directly at odds with her circumstances: the 37-year-old is one of the most powerful women in Read more
Stephanie Dowrick is one of Australia’s most influential spiritual teachers. She has carved out a unique and independent niche in the realm of religion in this country. She is a prolific, best-selling author, a qualified psychotherapist, and much in demand as a speaker. She leads spiritual tours and retreats, and is a pioneer among the handful Read more
When I was a sweet and protected young thing in 1960s Australia, beggars were the stuff of legend. As I walked sedately to my lectures, an old chap would stop me every now and then and ask me for a bob. That was my sole experience, and my father was disgusted. You know what that’s all Read more
Preaching is not a highly esteemed activity. When people are accused of preaching they are held to be boring, moralising and bullying. Those qualities presumably were found earlier in sermons preached in church. They may also perhaps be discerned in articles on preaching. But the questions to which preachers are asked to respond usually have Read more