Author Archives: Philip Garside

Review of Wherever You are, You are on a Journey

The following review by Paul Inglis has just been posted on the Book Reviews section of Australian progressive Christian website: Open Discussion on Progressive Christianity https://ucforum.unitingchurch.org.au/

Wherever You are, You are on a Journey: Conversations in a Coffee Shop.

Book 1 of a trilogy by Susan Jones. Philip Garside Publishing Ltd.

“It is easy to lose sight of our inner convictions as we stumble, fall, pick ourselves up and deal with critical fellow-travellers. It is not easy to seek directions through mists of disillusionment and disenchantment.(Susan Jones)

This is a novel with a powerful use of simple understatement and a generous discourse that touches on what it means to be fully human. It is about Hope (her friend’s) journey and her own journey of discovery and evolving relationship with other seekers. Susan Jones has imaginatively located the events in a coffee shop where she meets regularly with Hope to unpack ideas and help Hope, as her minister, through the struggle we all have with finding meaning in life and faith.

She examines Hope’s journey as a typical pathway through faith which, for her, ultimately led to wrestling with questions openly. This includes the shock of unpacking the shibboleths of fundamentalism and literalism, clearly the responses of many people to this awakening of values – from trying to stay within the old ‘acceptable’ outlook to comfortably challenging it.

The story demonstrates what happens when one is allowed to think critically and share doubts.

Using the vehicles of the novel and the coffee shop conversations, Susan interrogates the issues many of us are living through – truth, facts, faith, church history, historical criticism, post enlightenment thinking and even Schleimacker’s work on the ‘scientific discipline of religion’.

Drawing on many contemporary progressive theologians, Susan takes the reader on a journey of continuous unfolding of understandings and practices that have so often been thought of literally rather than as metaphor, making more sense when seen as the latter.

Reflections on the decline of Christianity and the rise of openness to discussing the alternatives raises the question as to what ideology fills the vacuum in an age of omnipotent (acting) world leaders?

But the impossible quest for answers bedded in old beliefs is a block to our journey if we don’t take a new direction. This is an invitation to ask ourselves if the old assumptions, beliefs and habits are the limit of our understanding. The author asserts that it is not, and our journey is about finding oneself – becoming fully human in a world where the church has failed to deliver this for us.

This subtle unpacking of myth makes good reading for anyone re-thinking their life and what has shaped their thinking. It is an imaginary set of conversations and not a heavy theological treatise, that draws on psychology and philosophy to aid the process of thinking about the big topics of sin, evil, baptism, communion and scripture.

Recommended reading for personal reflection on one’s own journey.”

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Wear your ethics

Awhi Mai Awhi Atu – Action Point 78

Stop supporting the ‘fast fashion’ industry, with its massive pollution, waste and unethical employment practices.

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From the chapter In God’s Will by Skye Finlay
in Awhi Mai Awhi Atu, edited by Silvia Purdie. 

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Eat healthy – for you and the planet

Awhi Mai Awhi Atu – Action Point 59

How might you use the talents of the people in your church to promote healthy eating?

Maybe…

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From the chapter A Tribe of Enthusiasts by Marie Preston
in Awhi Mai Awhi Atu, edited by Silvia Purdie. 

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Connect with young people

Awhi Mai Awhi Atu – Action Point 60

Take every opportunity to build relationships with young people. Send them messages to remind them that you care. Go walking or cycling together, nurture their love of nature. Encourage an interest in creation through science, art and conservation. Share with them what motivates you. But mostly, just love them!

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From the chapter Tiakina te Taiao, Tiakina te Iwi by Mina Pomare-Peita
in Awhi Mai Awhi Atu, edited by Silvia Purdie. 

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A valuable record of the steps on your spiritual journey

My Sermon Response Journal – 3

As you fill the pages of your journal – there is room for 60 sermons – you will create a valuable record of the steps on your spiritual journey.

And you will come to appreciate anew the skills and insights that your preachers gift to you week-by-week.

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Trap predators

Awhi Mai Awhi Atu – Action Point 52

Work towards the goal of being predator free.
Less mammal pests means more bird life and healthy forest, which absorbs more carbon dioxide and makes a very significant contribution to achieving our greenhouse gas reductions.

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From the chapter It Matters to Me by Kristel van Houte
in Awhi Mai Awhi Atu, edited by Silvia Purdie. 

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Buy local

Awhi Mai Awhi Atu – Action Point 42

Support local farmers and businesses through a commitment to ‘buy local’.

  • Promote and shop at local farmers’ markets.
  • Identify items that your church needs on a regular basis, and find local ethically-sourced suppliers.
  • Host an eco market at your church.

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From the chapter He Kākano Ahau: I am a seed by Jacynthia Murphy:
in Awhi Mai Awhi Atu, edited by Silvia Purdie. 

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Identify how the message challenges you

My Sermon Response Journal – 4

On each two-page spread you can write down the scripture readings, key points the preacher makes, and your immediate reaction to them.

You are also prompted to identify how the message challenges you, actions you will take and the key idea you will take away from the sermon.

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Pray into every plan

Awhi Mai Awhi Atu – Action Point 35

Prayer is a natural normal part of our creation care as we rely on God’s guidance, surrender our hopes and plans, uphold each other, and return praise and thanks for God.

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From the chapter See Where God Takes Us by Honey Thrupp
in Awhi Mai Awhi Atu, edited by Silvia Purdie. 

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Do a community garden

Awhi Mai Awhi Atu – Action Point 33

Be part of a community garden to grow skills in growing food, build relationships, and help connect people with the land.

Many communities already have community gardens that your church could assist with. If your church has land, or if there is some unused land nearby, explore developing this as a community garden.

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From the chapter See Where God Takes Us by Honey Thrupp
in Awhi Mai Awhi Atu, edited by Silvia Purdie. 

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