Matt Stone

The Prayer of Saint Patrick

I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness Of the Creator of creation. I arise today Through the strength of Christ’s birth and His baptism, Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial, Through the strength of His resurrectionContinue reading “The Prayer of Saint Patrick”

What is Paul’s primary concern in Romans 1?

I get the impression that many preachers consider the primary sin being highlighted in Romans 1 is homosexual sex. However, when I look at the way Paul structures his argument it would seem things are otherwise, that the primary sin being highlighted is actually idolatry. This is why the “therefore” is immediately proceeded by: “ForContinue reading “What is Paul’s primary concern in Romans 1?”

Falling short in how we explain how we fall short.

I think we often make the doctrine of sin unnecessarily offensive by failing to make clear that any imagined dualism between “good people” and “bad people” is thoroughly rejected by Jesus and the apostles. Jesus insisted that all have sinned, that all have fallen short, so none of us is in position to stand onContinue reading “Falling short in how we explain how we fall short.”

Aboriginal Sunday prayer by Bianca Manning

Aboriginal Sunday prayer by Bianca Manning, Gomeroi woman and Common Grace’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Coordinator. Creator God, As we come to you and take this time to be still, to reflect, to listen and pray, we ask that you would speak and have your way in our hearts. You formed these ancientContinue reading “Aboriginal Sunday prayer by Bianca Manning”

The problem with Paul

The problem with reading Paul in isolation from the rest of the New Testament is that we end up with an imbalanced view of apostolic practice and teaching. The letters of James, Peter, John, and Jude, and the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all offer important insights into the character of Jesus andContinue reading “The problem with Paul”

The Confession of Dirk Willems

The Confession of Dirk Willems Source: https://carolpenner.typepad.com What I remember mostis the joy of God’s words on our lips,in our hearts.That good news bubbling out,freely shared with any person we met,old categories of friend and foe forgotten.I remember the power of God changing us,from empty Christiansto disciples full of fire.I confessed my faithand chose baptism,Continue reading “The Confession of Dirk Willems”

Meditation and the Bible

The first mention of meditation in the Bible comes from the story of Isaac and Rebecca, in the book of Genesis. It reads, “He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching.” Now of course this particular text is only saying what Isaac did, itContinue reading “Meditation and the Bible”

Anabaptism and Mysticism

I find Anabaptism and Mysticism overlap in a number of interesting ways. Both emphasise the limitations of theological pontification, the Anabaptist tradition through an emphasis on everyday discipleship, the Mystical tradition through negative theology and an emphasis on direct experience. Both also emphasise the goal of unity and the process of reconciliation, the Anabaptist traditionContinue reading “Anabaptism and Mysticism”

The Bible ain’t always pretty

To say I find the Bible inspiring is not to say I find everything in it attractive. On the contrary, there’s a lot that I find repulsive. The Bible doesn’t shy away from bearing witness to the ugly side of humanity, and indeed, the ugly side of religion. And we are supposed to see thatContinue reading “The Bible ain’t always pretty”

Am We Marxist Just Because We’re Anti-Racist?

You won’t find “racism” mentioned in the Bible. Such language arose far more recently. What you will find though is plenty of mention of “foreigners” and “gentiles” who dwell amongst you and how you should treat them. For example, in the book of Exodus we are told: “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves knowContinue reading “Am We Marxist Just Because We’re Anti-Racist?”