Category: MediaMoments

Political leaders to address Christians across the nation

Peter HallettLeave a comment

If your ear is aching, it probably has more to do with a fast approaching federal election than the onset of winter.

But don’t give up now – it’s time to cut through the wordfest and consider seriously how Christians should act as the nation decides its immediate future. If you are passionate about issues ranging from R-rated games to refugees, millenium goals to marriage support – you need to keep your ears and eyes open!

An excellent opportunity to do this has been organised by Australian Christian Lobby who have confirmed June 21 as the date for the Make It Count election webcast. 

Make it Count 2010 will see Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott address Christians and answer questions from Christian leaders in a live webcast to churches throughout Australia from Canberra’s Old Parliament House.

A similar event held before the 2007 federal election saw John Howard and Kevin Rudd address 100,000 Christians meeting at 846 churches across Australia.

ALC hopes to triple those numbers in 2010 – to register your church visit  www.australiavotes.org . PH

Jesus brought into climate change debate

Peter HallettLeave a comment

Tony Abbott is in trouble for telling Adelaide school students on Friday that the climate was warmer ‘at the time of Julius Caesar and Jesus of Nazareth’ than now. Scientists have retaliated by saying there is no evidence to suggest it was hotter 2000 years ago.

The president of the Australian Academy of Science, Professor Kurt Lambeck, said true scepticism was fine, but required looking at published data with an open mind.

‘To make these glib statements to school students, I think, is wrong. It’s not encouraging them to be sceptical, it’s encouraging them to accept unsubstantiated information.’

What is substantiated is the existence of Jesus. In fact, of the two historical figures mentioned by the Opposition leader, there is far more ancient documentary evidence for Jesus than Julius.

One ancient manuscript that helps attest to the accuracy of the New Testament and reality of Jesus - the Magdalen Papyrus (P64) now dated at sometime between 30 and 70 AD.

Typically, some of those commenting on this report (SMH) are doing exactly as Tony did when they ‘glibly’ dismiss the historicity of Jesus without considering the evidence.

Jesus is referred to in numerous ancient texts aside from the Bible.

Also, the New Testament itself is supported by more ancient manuscripts than most other texts from that era which we are happy to accept as being accurate. Check it out for yourself:

Jesus, archeology, theology and the Bible
Ancient New Testament Manuscripts
Historical references to Jesus aside from the Bible  PH

God help us: Bali Nine pray

Peter Hallett2 Comments

Having sat on the floor in the steamy visiting room of Kerobokan Prison with Andrew Chan and others of the Bali 9, any news of their faith and well-being holds a special interest. While the media rarely comprehends their faith, or the nature of their ordeal, today’ s report in the Sydney Morning Herald gives some insight.

Christians in Bali (including workers from our own church) work hard to support the Bali 9 and Schapelle Corby. Please continue to pray for them. Check out today’s report: God help us: Bali Nine pray.

Noah’s Ark claims highlight shift in global church

Peter Hallett5 Comments
The Chinese-Turkish Noah's Ark team

Who claimed to find Noah’s Ark this week is almost as interesting as what they found.

The team is described as being led by ‘Chinese and Turkish evangelical Christians’. Neither country is renowned for freedoms given to evangelical Christians and yet here they are – exploring Mt Ararat, conducting press conferences and influencing Christian and world agendas.

It is a reminder of how the burden of Christian faith has moved from the west to the east. While the western church languishes in its past glory, the churches of Asia and even the Middle East are rapidly growing, fiercely faithful and increasingly see their mission to the world. But that’s a blog for another day. What of Noah’s Ark?

Christians are understandably nervous of mention of Noah’s Ark discoveries as the world’s press and scientific communities love nothing more than to pour scorn on poorly researched and prematurely declared discoveries. Perhaps the journalists and scientists are so ready to pounce because if a valid, scientifically-sound discovery is reported, they will all be forced back to their Bibles…

It is early days for this latest claim and Christians are among those that are wary of it.

In case you missed it, a Chinese-Turkish team from Noah’s Ark Ministries International held a press conference on April 25 in Hong Kong to present their findings and say they were “99 percent sure” that pieces of wood found at above 4,000 metres elevation and dated as 4,800 years old were from the biblical Noah’s ark. Read More »

Christian TV to disappear from free digital broadcast

Peter HallettLeave a comment

At the same time as Sydney is looking forward to a new digital Christian radio service, it is losing on April 30 its popular digital television broadcast of the Australian Christian Channel (ACC).

ACC is screened free to air on digital channel 46 as part of trial broadcast of niche channels known as Digital Forty Four. Other channels to end on April 30 include National Indigenous Television, Expo home shopping channel, Teachers TV, Federal Parliament, a news, sport and weather headlines channel from the ABC and a digital program guide.

The scrapping of the free broadcast is the result of the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s decision not to extend the trial, which was conducted by Broadcast Australia.

‘We don’t believe the public interest is being well served with this decision,’ Graeme Barclay, Broadcast Australia Group CEO said. ‘We continue to passionately believe in the value to the industry and the community of niche programming being available on a free to air basis.’

The Australian Christian Channel has been a part of the trial that began in 2004 and reports it has seen a growing, supportive audience who value the service. ACC will now only be available to people with Pay TV such as Foxtel, Austar, Optus TV, TransACT and Neighbourhood Cable.

If you would like to lobby for the re-introduction of the ACC and other niche broadcasters on free to air digital television, write to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Stephen Conroy:
email – minister@dbcde.gov.au ; postal address – Hon. Stephen Conroy, Level 4, 4 Treasury Place, Melbourne Vic, 3002. PH

Influence the future of Christian radio

Peter HallettLeave a comment

Back in the bad old days of Christian radio in Sydney, you were more likely to hear a polka than a Christian song on Sydney’s only Christian radio station, then known as 2CBA-FM.

The station, now known as Hope 103.2, has come along a way in the past five years and has a strong ‘listenership’ – Christian and otherwise.

Still, a city the size of Sydney might well have deserved a second Christian station but tough competition for radio licences had restricted the number of stations to one – until now.

With the launch of digital radio in Australia, Hope 103.2 has the chance to create a second Sydney Christian radio station for the first time.

The station is offering supporters the opportunity to ‘be a vital part of creating this history making event’  by responding to an online survey and ‘letting us know the kind of music and teaching programs you would like to hear’.

So if you are opposed to the return of polka, or have other constructive suggestions, visit the survey now. PH

Unforgiveness allows wrongdoer to rent a room in our head

Peter HallettLeave a comment

If anyone in Australia has learned something about the giving and receiving of forgiveness, it is Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton.

Lindy was convicted in 1982 of killing her baby daughter Azariah while camping at Uluru in 1980 before being finally exonerated six years later. In that time, Lindy was judged wrongly not only by many in the police and court system, but by at least half of our nation, which was divided over the subject of her guilt or innocence.

Yesterday, Lindy, along with her second husband, Rick Creighton, was a guest speaker at St Ives Baptist Church as part of that church’s innovative Spirited Australians program. Forgiveness was a key theme.

Her visit attracted media attention, partly because Lindy Chamberlain will always be, to some degree, public property in Australia and partly because of revelations made during the talk.

Rick Creighton spoke of a young woman who was so convinced that Lindy had killed her baby, and so outraged, that she got herself convicted of a minor offence to get into the same Northern Territory jail where Lindy was serving a sentence for murder.Read More »

Lady goes ga ga over ‘Jesus’ Grace

Peter HallettLeave a comment

When Lady Ga Ga sought a way to heap praise on her musical inspiration, Grace Jones, she said the 80’s singer and model was like her ‘Jesus’.

This might indicate that beneath the provocative (euphemism) performances and costumes, Lady Ga Ga is still within reach of her Catholic upbringing, even if unconsciously. Lady Ga Ga (Stefani Joanne Angelina) was educated at New York’s Sacred Heart school.

Once again, Jesus finds his way into the most unlikely of places.

As for Grace Jones, apart from the fact that Jesus has everything to do with grace, it is unclear as to what other similarities can be drawn.

In any case, Jones wants nothing to do with Ga Ga and turned down an offer to perform with her. ‘I’d just prefer to work with someone who is more original and someone who is not copying me, actually,’ the 61-year-old said.

She was not heard to comment that no one has been able to copy Jesus, because he is ‘the only Begotten’ and worthy of our worship. 

Lady Ga Ga’s last brush with Jesus was when she wore her hair in a kind of Son of God halo effect with a skimpy blood-red outfit and was widely reported by celebrity magazines as ‘looking like Jesus’. I think not… PH

Finding faith in a crazy world

Peter HallettLeave a comment

Pope arrest plans, church championing hate, trusting God safe again and league star driven to thanks… A God’s-eye overview of some of the madness, mayhem and moments of clarity involving issues of faith in our world currently.

Read More »

Are new ethics classes ethical?

Peter HallettLeave a comment

‘Sounds like a serious ethical issue has arisen even before the first class is taught,’ Australian Christian Lobby managing director, Jim Wallace, says of the introduction of ethic classes in NSW schools.

Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, Wallace continues ‘…with the pilot trial due to start next term in 10 public primary schools, it has emerged they are being pitched with the obvious aim to draw students away from Scripture classes, despite the Government’s assurances they would not.’

I posted the following comment on the SMH site in support of the article:

Jim raises important questions that the NSW Government needs to answer. If the ethics course is so important, why not make it available to all students to complement Scripture? If this course is being funded and taught by professional teachers, then should Scripture be given similar assistance? How can you teach ethics and leave Christianity out? It is the ethical base of our laws and institutions and, more importantly, of a huge number of Australian families (not just church goers). Scripture teaches ethics that are beneficial and applicable regardless of religious belief. Ethics classes should be just as balanced.

Last time I looked there were about 150 comments with a good representation of views. Maybe you would like to join the discussion? PH

Christian Obama urges commitment to Micah’s challenge

Peter HallettLeave a comment

Unprecedented coverage of the religious views of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and more recently Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has shifted today to focus on possibly the world’s greatest religious enigma, US President Barak Obama.

President Obama hosted an Easter Prayer Breakfast yesterday (April 6) with 90 guests including leaders from most major denominations, the National Council of Churches, leaders of small and large churches and well-known Christian identities such as Bill Hybels and Joel and Victoria Osteen.

In America, where the appearance of Christian faith is almost obligatory for politicians, President Obama has been somewhat reticent to be seen as too firmly placed in that ‘corner’ and has not joined a church since moving to Washington.

As he welcomed people to the breakfast, he noted that the White House had also held a Seder to mark the Jewish Passover and an Iftar with Muslim Americans during Ramadan.

However, in his eight minute speech at the breakfast, President Obama clearly identified himself as a Christian, ‘Today, I’m particularly blessed to welcome you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, for this Easter breakfast.’

Later, reflecting on what Easter meant to him, Obama said, ‘…as Christians, we believe the redemption can be delivered – by faith in Jesus Christ… And the possibility that redemption can make straight the crookedness of a character, make whole the incompleteness of a soul. Redemption makes life, however fleeting here on Earth, resound with eternal hope.’

Recalling the words of the prophet Micah – championed by Micah Challenge,the social justice arm of evangelical Christians – Obama encouraged those present to commit their spirit ‘to the pursuit of a life that is true, to act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with the Lord.’

Read More »

What would Jesus do about asylum seekers?

Peter Hallett1 Comment

A question to Tony Abbot on ‘what would Jesus do’ about asylum seekers has sparked a flurry of Jesus references in Australian media.

On the ABC’s Q & A program last night, Brenton Anthony from Canberra sent this question to Abbott: ‘When it comes to asylum seekers, what would Jesus do?’

Melissa Heris also asked: ‘How do you reconcile your strong faith with your harsh position on refugees, given that many asylum seekers are escaping religious persecution in their home country?

His answers included, ‘Don’t forget, Jesus drove the traders from the temple as well.’

Read More »

Jesus’ heavenly appearance at Easter Show

Peter Hallett2 Comments

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Utterance reported on Wednesday that the Royal Agricultural Society, organisers of Sydney Royal Easter Show had refused the Bible Society of NSW a stall on the basis that it was of a ‘religious nature’.

More than 200 volunteers and thousands of resources had been arranged for the Easter, All About Life stall that was to be linked to the recent Jesus, All About Life media campaign.

Fittingly, Jesus did make an appearance at the Show today about 1pm thanks to the heavenly intervention of a sky-writer.

With the sun as an exclamation mark, Jesus All About Life appeared brightly in white against a brilliant blue sky, easily visible at the show in Homebush Bay. The words spread broadly in the gusty wind covering the whole city.

They made quite an impression in Sydney’s inner west where I managed to take the photos above on my trusty Nokia E71 phone and also an Olympus MU9000. Of course, the mandatory buildings, telegraph wires and even an obliging plane accompanied my city pics.

It’s good to be reminded that even the day the Jesus was crucified is Good and is all about life! PH

Seeking the face of Jesus in Turin’s Shroud

Peter Hallett4 Comments
A screen shot showing 3D modelling in progress.

‘You have to really seek the face of Jesus if you’re going to find it,’ says 3D computer graphics artist Ray Downing, the man responsible for an ambitious project to recreate the actual face of Jesus from the faint image on the Shroud of Turin. 

‘Something extraordinary had happened here. Something beyond human reason,’ said Ray describing his experience in working with the Shroud.

The incredible results feature in the History Channel’s premiere documentary, The Real face of Jesus, which screened in the US on March 30 and will again on April 3. It is unclear when it will screen in Australia. 

The 2D Shroud image transformed by 3D computer graphics

The History Channel said, ‘For the devout and curious alike, this documentary feature may bring us the closest we have ever come to seeing what Jesus actually looked like. 

‘Science and religion join together, bringing cutting-edge computer technology to an ancient stretch of fabric, and creating a living, moving 3D image of the man many believe to be Jesus Christ.’

Read More »

Millionaire gives away fortune after pact with God

Peter Hallett1 Comment

Sandwiched between the headlines ‘Sex claims: Hey Dad star to see police’ and ‘Drunk charged after trying to revive dead possum’ is the news that a British millionaire is to give most of his empire to charity after making a ‘pact with God’.

Albert Gubay was broke and selling lollies in Wales after World War 2 when he told God in his prayers, ‘Make me a millionaire and you can have half of my money.’

The devout Catholic has exceeded his side of the bargain, as has God, with Gubay giving to charity all but 10 million pounds of his 480 million pound ($787 million AUD) fortune to charity.

The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation is required to invest about half of the money into the Catholic Church and the rest can be used at the discretion of the charity’s board.

Gubay made his money through Kwik Save grocery stores and Fitness First gyms, both of which he sold before investing in property.

While I doubt God makes bargains like that, he answers prayer and blesses faith and integrity which Mr Gubay seems to possess, along with keen business skills.

Faith, prayer, hard work, gifting and generosity – a great recipe for success. PH

Source: SMH

One man stand comes to a game end

Peter HallettLeave a comment

Jim Wallace of the Australian Christian Lobby told me recently there was disappointment in the Christian community with church leaders who are perceived as failing to take public stands on tough social issues.

He said this reluctance often stemmed from the ‘hard hits’ they received in the media and opponents whenever they spoke out from a Christian perspective.

Perhaps church leaders have been watching the treatment dished out to former South Australian Attorney General, Michael Atkinson, who has single-handedly held back the introduction of R18+ video games in Australia.Read More »

Silent Bob while Safran peels Dawkins!!??

Peter HallettLeave a comment

Popularising priest, Father Bob, said last night on his Triple J show that he intended not to open his mouth today as Father Bob Maguirehe sat in a studio while co-host John Safran did a pre-recorded interview with scientist Richard Dawkins, the author of The God Delusion, during which Safran intends to peel back the personal layers of Dawkins’ objection to God.

I’m trying to decide what is more unlikely – Father Bob remaining silent, Richard Dawkins revealing any vulnerability of  heart or Safran managing to ask a straight question.

I heard Dawkins interviewed elsewhere recently and in response to a question, he spent about 30 seconds breathlessly describing the wonder of apparent design seen in the run of a cheetah or leap of a kangaroo. Almost as if he had forgotten himself, he did what sounded like a double-take and then added that of course the real surprise was to learn it wasn’t design but evolution that created such beauty. Sorry Richard, you sounded more convincing when describing the sense of design. It was almost as if your right brain was betraying your left. Or maybe it was your spirit.

I hope Father Bob does say something, especially if it’s hilarious and also if he can come out with similar comments as these found on his blog:

I think it’s inhospitable to deny God entry to our company. He’s clearly indicated a preference (known as Jesus) to be part of us rather than greater than us, the reputation which sabotaged divine/human relations from the beginning of humanity’s religious awakening until now.

Not sure I entirely agree with Father Bob’s theology (although I prefer his to Dawkins’) but you can’t deny his ability to get into places few other Christian leaders even dare think of going. PH

Smoking Jesus, disgusting priest and church going leaders

Peter HallettLeave a comment

Christianity often has a torrid time in the secular media but some of today’s references range from downright bizarre to disgusting to groundbreaking.Read More »

Does God forgive Tiger Woods?

Peter HallettLeave a comment

In a world where private moments are played out on a global stage, nothing is certain about Tiger Wood’s statement today.

Is it a carefully stage-managed step towards restoring his golfing career and endorsements, or the honest confession of broken but recovering man?

Hopefully it is the latter, and if so, the apology part of his statement contains two important parts of repentance.

Firstly, he takes full and complete responsibility for his actions and did not attempt to blame anyone else, especially his wife.

Secondly, he acknowledged that the truth of his apology can only be judged by his actions over time.

To the extent that someone, who has lived a double life for years, can be sincere, these sentiments are important first steps to recovery.

Does God forgive someone who has betrayed his marriage vows numerous times in the most wanton fashion? The answer is yes, if through faith in Christ, he turns from those things.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

The same scandalous grace we need in our more private lives is available to internationally acclaimed golfers. And everyone else…

However, given that Tiger’s mother claims he has re-embraced Buddhism, a religion in which God does not really feature, the question is not so much, ‘Does God forgive him?’ but ‘Does Tiger Woods know God and even comprehend his need for God’s forgiveness?’ PH

‘No wonder Abbott believes in God’

Peter HallettLeave a comment

Miracles made their way into the Editorial of today’s Daily Telegraph, courtesy of Tony Abbott’s close call with a semi-trailer:

“NO wonder Opposition leader Tony Abbott is so convinced in the existence of God. His survival yesterday – in fact, the survival of an entire carload of people – was miraculous.

“Instead of a terrifying accident, Abbott was later able to use the event to highlight his road-safety campaign. Beyond today’s politics, the footage of this episode may assist young drivers in understanding just how dangerous our roads can be.”

Good to see one of Australia’s major dailies indicate a healthy regard for the providence of God. Someone must be praying for our leaders…