The Global Atheist Convention hits Melbourne on March 12. That got me thinking about how well prepared I am to engage with the big questions about why I believe in God. Someone recommended A friendly Letter to Sceptics and Atheists, by David Myers. I have just started the book, and am enjoying it a lot. (Don't agree with it all, but general approach is good.) I have another book recommended to me on order as well.
I simply won't do, for Christians to contend for their faith by answering the question why we believe, with "I just do". That is intellectually sloppy.
One of the things I love about St Judeans is that they want an intellectually robust faith, that stands up to reason and scrutiny. Sometimes this means we are a bit heady and forget where our hearts are. But the upside is that debates about the existence of God, are well and truly within the scope of normal.
We have decided to respond to the Rise of Atheism conference with a series of events called The Resurrection of Theism. These range from equipping Christians to engage with Atheist thought, through to events designed to promote further conversation. Have a look here for some more information.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
CofE recognises ACNA
Last year at the Melbourne Synod, I moved a modest motion to recognise the newly formed Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) as authentic Anglicans, and to extend the hand of fellowship to them, expressing our desire for them to become part of the Communion once again.
(ACNA is the new grouping of Anglicans formed, who hold the historic Anglican faith, rather than the novel new faith espoused by the leaders of The Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Church of Canada)
Sadly the Melbourne Synod declined (by the narrowest of margins) to take this step. It was argued by more than one person on the Synod floor, that this was "premature" given that ACNA is so new. I am amazed by this, because the motion simply asked the Synod to recognise other faithful Anglican believers, and extend the hand of fellowship to them. How could Christian fellowship be "premature"? Still this was the mind of those gathered.
How encouraging to read today that the Church of England showed itself big hearted enough to to do exactly this. You can read more about this here. Maybe the Melbourne Synod will one day have the same generosity of heart!
(ACNA is the new grouping of Anglicans formed, who hold the historic Anglican faith, rather than the novel new faith espoused by the leaders of The Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Church of Canada)
Sadly the Melbourne Synod declined (by the narrowest of margins) to take this step. It was argued by more than one person on the Synod floor, that this was "premature" given that ACNA is so new. I am amazed by this, because the motion simply asked the Synod to recognise other faithful Anglican believers, and extend the hand of fellowship to them. How could Christian fellowship be "premature"? Still this was the mind of those gathered.
How encouraging to read today that the Church of England showed itself big hearted enough to to do exactly this. You can read more about this here. Maybe the Melbourne Synod will one day have the same generosity of heart!
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