Would the world be better off without Christianity?
This was the question posed by Dr John Dickson, founder of the Centre for Public Christianity.
It arguably goes to the very heart of SCBC’s ‘reason for being’. We actively share Christianity with our students, believing they will help make the world a better place.
Dr Dickson’s topic filled a large auditorium. He opened up his presentation by reflecting popular criticism about Christianity. He said: “Christianity used to be criticised for being ‘too moralistic’. In today’s society, Christianity is increasingly being criticised for being ‘too immoral, if not poisonous’.” Such is the public perception he suggests.
I attended Dr Dickson’s presentation along with many Christian educators, including representatives from our own staff; primary and secondary. Dr Dickson is well known for his public defence of Christianity, especially in the media with popular, provocative journalists like Andrew Bolt. He has authored several Christian books that have positively influenced Christian education.
There were a few ‘take-aways’ from his presentation that have kept me thinking.
The story of mankind and Christianity is neither all black or all good. It’s really mixed. God is perfect, humanity is not, evidenced by our inability to avoid sinfulness.
Defending your faith is not about ‘winning’ an argument, it’s about humbly acknowledging the kind, forgiving, and affirming love of God. It’s not about our cleverness, or our incapacity to be persuasive. It’s all about God, and His unconditional love.
On his website https://publicchristianity.org, Dr Dickson engages in a range of contentious issues, recognising real problems, and at the same, responds in a way that reflects God’s compelling love. He is currently producing a documentary called ‘For the Love of God’ https://fortheloveofgodproject.com
At SCBC, ministry and mission sets the framework for economy and cleverness. In the context of rigorous minds and compassionate hearts, I recommend having a look.
Des Mitchell
PRINCIPAL