My honours thesis, Queensland's Bible in State Schools Referendum 1910: A Case Study of Democracy, is now available to download from the University of Sydney eScholarship Repository. In it I explore a fascinating era of Queensland's history where women, Labour politicians and the Protestant clergymen of the Bible in State Schools League were key participants in a public debate … [Read more...] about Queensland’s Bible in State Schools Referendum – 1910
Belief
On Utterance
If ye be aware of a certain truth, if ye possess a jewel, of which others are deprived, share it with them in a language of utmost kindliness and good-will. If it be accepted, if it fulfil its purpose, your object is attained. If any one should refuse it, leave him unto himself, and beseech God to guide him. Beware lest ye deal unkindly with him. A kindly tongue is the … [Read more...] about On Utterance
Australian Prime Ministers and Their Faith
Each of us has a mental and/or spiritual framework which influences everything we do. Our culture and beliefs, whether absorbed in our childhood or carefully thought through and adopted as an adult, act in a complex way to affect our decisions throughout our lives. In this respect our politicians are no different to every other member of society. We should expect that the … [Read more...] about Australian Prime Ministers and Their Faith
The Anzac Day Silence, Religion and Garland
At today's National Ceremony for Anzac Day attendees will stand for one minute's silence to remember all those who have lost their lives in wars and to reflect on what Anzac Day means. The minute's silence has been part of Anzac Day since the first commemorations of Anzac Day on 25th April 1916. Digitisation of old documents allows us to see how the Anzac Day we know today was … [Read more...] about The Anzac Day Silence, Religion and Garland
Captains of the Soul in Sceptical Times
The interaction between religious and non-religious beliefs in Australian society is complicated. It is often obscured by a public debate which in recent times has been punctuated by simple slogans, such as "Australia is a Christian country" or "separation between church and state". Passion about these issues has periodically run high through Australia's post … [Read more...] about Captains of the Soul in Sceptical Times