JourneyOnline
UNITING CHURCH young adults aged 18 to 30, grappled with life’s big questions during a weekend of exploring faith, life
and theology for young adults in September.
The camp, entitled Consume: Sex, Money, Power … God?, was held in Maleny on 9-11 September.
Organised through Trinity Theological College, it is a Moderator’s Initiative.
Part of the ongoing Stretching Faith events, it provided a time for theological reflection for young adults to think about the
links between Christian theology and life in a consumer culture.
Organising committee member, Andrew Johnson, said keynote speaker, Dr Ben Myers, challenged and inspired those
present.
“Ben Myers really delved into the deep challenge that money, sex and power is to us in our lives and painted a picture coming out of the monastic tradition about how money, sex and power could be thought of in a different way,” said Mr Johnson.
“Young people both explored the theological issues at stake but also the implications on how they live their lives as disciples.
“Geoff Thompson shared one aspect of the theological tool kit (sources of theology) and how to use the tool kit in relation to particular issues.”
Speaker, Rev Michelle Cook from Mapoon, said she was “stretched in applying what we think we know about God to my actual life”.
Jacqueline Dunbar from St Mark’s Mt Gravatt Uniting Church, also appreciated Mr Myers’ teaching.
“He asked a simple question: are we consuming celebrity or consuming Christ?
“This is a very poignant topic for today and how we spend our time,” she said.
Jo Scarlett from Oxley Uniting Church, said one of the best things was, “Having a weekend away in a picturesque setting
with great people, discussing our amazing God.”
Mr Johnson said there will be another event next year.
Photo : Sondra Paulson, James Ellis and Ben Myers at the 2010 Stretching Faith event. Photo by Katie Evans
