Social Justice
I was taking a walk at a park when I saw Claudio from the distance. I walked toward him to begin a conversation. He was clearly a ragamuffin and seemed […]
Reflections on my 30th birthday
Birthdays, at least for me, are usually bittersweet. There is the joy of having your own day, of allowing yourself a treat or two. There are the kind words and […]
The Grace of Youth
“The youth of grace must not lead to the old age of sin.” That’s from a sermon by John Chrysostom, the “Golden-mouthed” preacher from the fourth century. That makes him […]
A Note to Obama Before He Bombs Syria…
How do we stop cycles of vengeance and violence? How can international powers intervene effectively in a brutal civil war like Syria’s? What can we say to someone who has […]
We are a Minority
Last Monday, as part of Australia’s national election campaign, our Prime Minister Kevin Rudd went on a popular television forum, Q&A. When asked about same-sex marriage, Rudd dismissed the question […]
Inequality Street
There’s a box of chocolates here in the UK called ‘Quality Street.’ I’ve no idea how they earned their name but you’ll find these chocolates in supermarkets, gas stations and […]
Ordinary People
I admit: I’m a dreamer. At times I find myself sitting on the couch at home, and I watch the saxophone my father played 40 years ago and which renders […]
Letting the Fire Rage
“Moralistic-therapeutic deism” is the phrase University of Notre Dame sociologist Christian Smith uses to describe the religious beliefs of North American teenagers. It is the belief that God wants people […]
Beer, BBQ, and a Baby
Beer. BBQ. Baby. One of these things is not like the other ones. Yet recently the three converged. The location: a backyard Aussie get-together. The occasion: I was to dedicate […]
Culture Shock! From Canada to Texas
Driving from Vancouver, Canada to Waco, Texas USA is no easy chore. Last week, when I made the 4 day, 40 hour epic road trip, I nearly hit a deer, […]
Wondering Fair 