The Homosexuality Debate: Can We Improve the Tone?

Relationships & Sexuality, Uncategorized ,  SIC , 
men-holding-hands

In recent times the issue of homosexuality has attracted intense discussion amongst Christians in all walks of church life. Such has been the level of public discourse that some regular contributors would wish never to have to make public comment about same-sex marriage again. Many in the churches would also happily not hear of it again. Why are we at such a loss to gain satisfactory traction on this long standing issue? I want to suggest that there are three sources for our current impasse. Continue reading…

100 Words December 2011 – February 2012

100 Words, Environment, Uncategorized ,  SIC , 
100 Word Limit

Climate Refugees – Peter Green
Violence in our speech – John Brew
Refugee policy – Peter Green
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Social Issues Committee – Report 2012

Uncategorized ,  SIC , 
report

The Social Issues Committee offers advice on social and ethical issues to the Executive Committee and provides resources for the churches.  This is generally achieved by publishing print- and web-based briefing papers, and organising occasional events.  The SIC responds to questions from NSW & ACT Baptist churches, other organisations, the media, and members of the public, and works closely with Rod Benson, ethicist and public theologian with the Tinsley Institute based at Morling College.

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100 Words August – November 2011

100 Words, Uncategorized ,  SIC , 
100 Word Limit

A globalised economy – Christine Redwood
Mind your manners – Ian Packer

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Justifying Advocacy – John Saunders lecture 2011

Church & State, John Saunders Lecture, Poverty, Uncategorized ,  SIC , 
Andrew Sloane

On Wednesday, 19 October 2011, Andrew Sloane of Morling College gave the 2011 John Saunders Annual Lecture, presenting a biblical and theological framework that justifies advocacy as a legitimate component of Christian involvement in the world, calling on ‘power’ to be used justly for the poor and disadvantaged. The text is reproduced below and is also available here as a pdf. Continue reading…

A Sermon on Gambling

Gambling, Poverty, Uncategorized ,  SIC , 
Slot_Machines

“I’ve been addicted to drugs for most of my life as a choice and I am the tail end of that, but there is something about the way poker machines are designed that works on the human system, it’s really dark, really purposeful…it’s so emotional, I think about those poor little kids at home, dad has to come in and lie again, oh, what new lie can I tell them this week, I’ll have to go and get someone to bash me up so it looks like I’ve been mugged or something, that is the extent of the problem.”

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Reflecting on Suicide

Suicide, Uncategorized ,  SIC , 
Suicide-doc-cover

Suicide is an issue of increasing importance within the community at large, and touches all members of our society. The epidemic of people who are choosing to take their own lives crosses all boundaries of age, gender, class and socio-economic background. As the people of God, and in response to this serious trend, we are called to exercise compassion and understanding in dealing with the problem of suicide.

See pdf at Google Documents

100 Words May – July 2011

100 Words, Poverty, Uncategorized, War ,  SIC , 
100 Word Limit

The ‘Slut March’ – Kristine Morrison
‘Of Gods and Men’ movie – Kristine Morrison
Imagine if 100 people shared $100,000 – Peter Green Continue reading…

Animal Rights: Right or Wrong?

Animals, Environment ,  SIC ,  2 Comments
monkey-stereotaxic-full

As evangelical Christians we have a range of responsibilities for the care of our world. One of these responsibilities is a proper care and regard for animals. Many of the early advances in animal welfare were achieved through the efforts of evangelical Christians. These campaigners accepted responsibility for the care of the poor, the weak and the vulnerable and their care extended to the animal world. In recent times an interest in animal welfare has moved to the background of evangelical activity. There are, however, good reasons for revisiting the work of our evangelical forebears. This is because not only do animals still deserve our care and protection but also where animals receive their due care, human well-being is also improved. Continue reading…

God’s Wounded Earth

Environment ,  SIC , 
earth

A congregational worship activity that enables people to express thankfulness for the good things of this earth, to feel the pain of the destruction of our environment, and offer prayers of confession and request that we may use the earth responsibly. (Produced by Scott Higgins, 2002) » Click here

  • 100 words

    The Association of Baptist Churches of NSW and ACT is opposed to same-sex marriage but it does not condemn those who have a contrary view. Instead, it encourages a higher ideal. The Bible sees Christian marriage the same way as the relationship between Christ and the church; he is so devoted to it that he died to give it a new life, and he asks for the same sacrificial devotion in return, one that is not simply self-interested. Christian marriage is not a contract or a licence, but a life-long commitment between a man and a woman to mutually behave in Christ-like ways in their relationship.
    - John Brewer

  • John Saunders Annual Lecture

    Wednesday 19 October 2011, 7.30-9.30pm at Morling College

    At the 2011 John Saunders Annual Lecture, Andrew Sloane presented a biblical and theological framework that justifies advocacy as a legitimate component of Christian involvement in the world, calling on ‘power’ to be used justly for the poor and disadvantaged. The text of this engaging address is available on our website.

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