Thoughts on faith, culture, and public life.
By Rod Benson This article responds to Andrew Gawthorpe’s fine analysis of the 2026 US midterm elections. It considers the risks of military escalation and the effects of declining US foreign aid. It focuses on development assistance, the Australian context, and the Christian obligation of solidarity with the poor in the face of cuts to …
Continue reading "Beyond the battlefield: Foreign aid and the duty of solidarity"
Trump, Iran and the limits of American power By Rod Benson This article responds to Andrew Gawthorpe’s fine analysis of the 2026 US midterm elections. It considers the risk of renewed US escalation against Iran and the scope for democratic restraint. A second article will examine cuts to foreign assistance and the responsibilities of Australia …
Continue reading "A humiliated president and the danger of war"
Invocation + In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;his faithful love endures for ever (Ps 106:1). Pause for reflection Good morning, heavenly Father.We worship you, the creator and sustainer of the universe. Good morning, Lord Jesus.We worship …
Continue reading "Morning prayer for Wednesday 4 November 2026"
The present threat to Iran and the obligation to resist nuclear violence By Rod Benson The evidence for renewed war The danger of renewed attacks on Iran demands both urgent opposition to escalation and precision about the evidence. Public reporting indicates preparations for a possible new campaign, but does not establish a decision to use …
Continue reading "Are Trump and Netanyahu about to nuke Iran?"
Wassily Kandinsky, All Saints I (Allerheiligen I, 1911). A theological and historical reflection with reference to the Uniting Church in Australia By Rod Benson Observed on 1 November, All Saints’ Day is an annual celebration of the communion of saints, the witness of Christians across the centuries and the resurrection hope that gives Christian remembrance …
Continue reading "All Saints’ Day: Memory, communion and the hope of resurrection"
