Culture

While Christianity seems to be on the decline in Australian society, there’s no denying its influence in politics with numerous prime ministers (Scott Morrison, John Howard, Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott for starters) and other politicians belonging to the faith. Notable Australian journalist Greg Sheridan tackles the subject in his latest book God is Good for You which probes the ...

This issue introduces the new Journey Q & A focusing on Uniting Church artists and photographers. Meet Queensland artist and Uniting Church minister (retired) Rev Dr Geraldine Wheeler BA, BD, MTh, MEd, PhD; one of the founders of the ecumenical artist group Visionaries which celebrates the twentieth anniversary of its first exhibition in 2019. Geraldine has maintained an art practice ...

Performing artist Hayley Kitchener (stage name Ella K) shared her story at UnitingWomen 2018, captivating the audience with her song “Ice Cave”. Hayley, who is vision-impaired, has part-time roles as Young Adults, Families and Mission Pastor at St Lucia Uniting Church, Brisbane and assistant chaplain at QUT, and is a candidate for Minister of the Word. How did music come ...

Looking for contemporary Christian music that everyone can sing to inspire your worship? Journey suggests five modern worship songs that will get your foot tapping and your heart pumping. “Hootenanny” by Tim Neufeld and the Glory Boys (2016) Saddened that worship music is generally bereft of banjos? Then Tim Neufeld and the Glory Boys are for you! The multi-award winning ...

Karen Hitchcock’s Dear Life is a compelling and troubling exploration of Australia’s ageism problem and how our society must deal with issues around end-of-life care and the complex needs of an ageing population. Nick Mattiske reviews. In the Bible and in traditional cultures there is a reverence for the wisdom that old age brings, but in our society increasing numbers ...

During the darkest days of World War II, a team of British filmmakers must re-ignite the courage of those on the home front. Dianne Jensen reviews. Those tasked with the job of spinning a dispiriting reality into an uplifting narrative will recognise the dilemma faced by would-be screenwriter Catrin Cole (Gemma Arterton) in Their Finest, Lone Scherfig’s new film set ...

Jonathan Cornford’s book of essays explores climate change, agriculture, resource decline and how Christianity can speak to these global challenges. David Weddell reviews. Coming Back to Earth is definitely not the biography of a returned astronaut but it does take us outside our current world to look at how Christians can be genuine good news for a world in crisis. ...

Rev Dr Julia Pitman’s new book Our Principle of Sex Equality explores 15 female ministers in the context of the establishment of Congregationalism in Australia. Rev Jim Pearson reviews. I enthusiastically opened Rev Dr Julia Pitman’s Our Principle of Sex Equality for two reasons. Firstly, as a Presbyterian minister who became a Minister of the Word in the Uniting Church ...

As the summer season heats up and you’re relaxing at the beach, poolside or the park, a great book is as essential as sunglasses, a cold drink, sunscreen (SPF 50+ please!) and a hat. Queensland Synod staff recommend their top reads. My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologies by Fredrik Backman Heartbreaking and hilarious in equal measure, the best-selling author of ...

If you’re dismissive about Hillsong: Let Hope Rise (2016) “preaching to the converted”, you’re missing the point—because that’s actually their purpose. They are fundamentally a C2C (church-to-church) resource that is serving the global church—and this documentary, and their music, is for us. “We’re the biggest band you’ve never heard of.” Hillsong United Jad Gillies’ statement couldn’t be truer of the ...