Christianity and Controversy - 1988

Abstract

Recently we have been entertained, scandalized, angered or distressed (depending on one's expectations of Christian patriarchs) by some very public controversies in relation to Christian teachings, most spectacularly those concerning the meaning of the belief that Christ 'rose from the dead', and the understanding of Christ as male priest to whose physical likeness all priests should conform. We have even been treated to the amazing and novel appearance of a national media editor as New Age Theologian and Castigator of Those Holding Wrong Views.

In the interests of those who failed to find much real understanding of Christianity in the public debate on the Resurrection, this issue of the ARS REVIEW presents an introductory analysis of the broader issues involved, and two commentaries on the Resurrection which draw attention to basic clarifications which should represent the minimum level of understanding for any person who wishes to leap into print and instruct the ignorant. For ignorant many of us are, especially perhaps, those legions of Australian 'lay' people who have been protected from the scandal of the mystery of myth, god-talk and the Unconditioned by the condescending notion of the very simple sermon as prime pastoral duty.

However, the Buddha, whose words appear below, could also be said to have believed in the simple sermon, but not the kind of simplicity that leads to the disempowerment of not-seeing and the confusion of the 'wilderness of [uninformed] opinions' that have characterized much public forum theologizing in this country. As Ann Daughtry (and Jeremiah) point out in the last words on Christianity and controversy ... 'Without a vision, the people perish'.