A biblical context for workplace relations

By Rod Benson In biblical times a distinction between work and life, and between workplace relationships and social relationships, was less apparent than it is for many workers today. In addition, scholars disagree on how to interpret and apply the social structures assumed by Scripture writers. Further, contemporary models of the welfare state, and capitalist/socialist …

God’s call and my perceived needs

For those of you who are engaged in church or parachurch ministry, here's an important excerpt from the October 2011 issue of the "Pastors E-newsletter" published by Ken Clendinning, director of Ministry Support and Development for the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT: How do you understand Godโ€™s call in your life to ministry? For many of us responding …

Six quick thoughts on marriage

Today the State of New York voted to legaliseย same sex marriage, and advocates of same sex marriage in Australia are calling on Prime Minister Gillard to follow suit. Here areย six thoughts on marriage that I've posted to Twitter today: 1.ย  Historically, the institution of marriage precedes both the state and the church, and both have …

Religious liberty in the Middle East

We've all seen the extraordinary events unfold in the Middle East and North Africa over the past few months - part political, part religious, partly attempts to force recalcitrant regimes to catch up with the rest of the world, and commit to responsible government, and take human rights a little more seriously. Now the Religious …

Population set to hit ten billion

The United Nations organisation has revised its population projection for the next century, suggesting that Earth's population may reach 10.1 billion people by the year 2100. While we in Australia debate the relative merits of "big Australia," or some smaller version, people elsewhere are seriously procreating. Africa's population, for example, is projected to more than …