Some conservative Christians have taken to claiming ‘victim’ status in the modern world, but we should be wary of such claims.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
University of Divinity
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The cross was not always the dominant symbol of Christianity, and would certainly not have been worn as a fashion accessory by early Christians.
Not only is the claim that sexuality is central to Christian orthodoxy dubious, but it’s unclear same-sex sexuality has always been condemned by the church.
Christian support for legislation prohibiting abortion is a cultural and political stance. It has nothing to do with the Bible.
Sydney Diocese opposition to same-sex marriage is rejected by other diocese at the General Synod- a move that may see the church fracture.
Warlpiri Elder Wanta Jampijinpa Pawu interprets the Southern Cross, not as a contested symbol of identity, but as a summons to unite First Nations and non-Indigenous people.
It is not unusual that Morrison talks about prayer in his responses. But we might expect more than just prayer from a devout Christian who also happens to be prime minister.
Two Christmas traditions – those around the birth of Jesus and Santa who brings gifts to all – contain strong elements of magic.
Communion – including drinking the symbolic blood of Christ – is a spiritual act, not a medical cure. To argue otherwise is a dangerous corruption of Christian belief.
Australians have always preferred to keep their faith private, and politics “out” of religion. But the two are intrinsically entwined, and always have been.
The decisions the leaders make in 2021 will be the most critical they have ever faced.
The things we find hard to balance during COVID-19 – individual freedoms versus the group, accountability versus blame, science versus personal beliefs – are centuries old and deeply human.
Had Trump read the text he held, he would have found a story of liberation for slaves, a divine preference for the poor, and a damning critique of any empire that oppressed its people.
For people of faith, for whom communal prayer and service are central to their beliefs, the need to stay away from each other is particularly challenging.
The idealisation of Mary as a virgin has created a misguided and deeply damaging relationship between sex and sin within the Christian church.
Belief in the eternal virginity of Mary has inflicted damage to women, who can never attain her sexless motherhood or unsullied ‘purity’. Yet in the Gospels, Mary is strong-minded and courageous.
In the societies the Bible was written in, masculinity was the ideal. So it’s astonishing there are moments of gender subversion and gender diversity found in the Bible’s pages.
While some conservative Christians view Halloween as “devil worship”, finding a way to honour the dead is an important tradition in our generally death-denying society.
For many people of faith, the very identity of Christianity is at stake in the battle over religious freedom. But not all Christians see it that way.
A recent Vatican commission report on women’s ordination as deacons was inconclusive. But allowing women priests would help the Catholic Church achieve much-needed reform.
Authors
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Director of the Yarra Institute for Religion and Social Policy, University of Divinity
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Stewart Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity College, University of Divinity, University of Divinity
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Coordinator of Studies: Systematic Theology, Pilgrim Theological College, University of Divinity
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Professor, Lecturer, Department of Moral Theology and Canon Law, University of Divinity
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Senior Lecturer in Systematic Theology, Whitley College, University of Divinity
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John Mark Capper is a Friend of The Conversation.
Academic Dean, Stirling Theological College, University of Divinity
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Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies, University of Divinity
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Joan F W Munro Professor of Historical Theology, University of Divinity
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Honorary Research Fellow, Trinity College Theological School, University of Divinity
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Vice-Chancellor, University of Divinity
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Associate Professor, New Testament, Pilgrim Theological College, University of Divinity
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Researcher and adjunct lecturer, University of Divinity
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Assistant researcher, University of Divinity
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John and Jeanne Stockdale Lecturer in Practical Theology and Ethics, University of Divinity
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Associate Professor (New Testament Studies), University of Divinity
