As we tackle the challenges that 2020 and its successor, ‘2020 continued’, have thrown our way, it’s easy to reach for the ‘crutches' that the world offers. But how can we confront the anger, fear, sadness, loneliness and grief head on?

The role of both women and Christians is underrepresented in Australia’s accounts of its history. Bessie Harrison-Lee, a Christian activist with an influential vision for women and men around the turn of the twentieth century, saw no tension between women’s rights and saving souls, between sacred and secular causes.

Downfall provides a decisive counter-narrative to neo-Nazi mythologising by humanising Hitler and depicting him in all his mean, sterile, empty narcissism. Like Hitler, Trump’s ego is as inflated and as it is fragile; and like Hitler he is prepared to let his country burn for his fantasy of greatness to remain intact.

Seeking justice is a good thing, but much of our activism comes from a place that is unhealthy, broken and needy. How can centring prayer help us find inner peace and nurture our true self in a world that is restless, self-promoting, angry and weary?

That Eye the Sky creates its theology through a simplicity, humour and the use of vernacular that underscores the darker, ongoing questions: is there an eye out there, watching? Is that eye benevolent, protective? Or neutral, deaf to human existence, or worse?

The coronavirus pandemic is allowing the Federal Government to stifle several of society’s critical sectors. In response, the church needs to move from quiet compliance to democratic participation, critique and protest - any silence should be temporary and strategic, patiently promoting a more open society and awaiting and hastening a new creation.

The coronavirus pandemic is exposing structural weaknesses and inequalities in society. As God’s people we need to discern the signs of the times to help shape our future society in light of the coming Kingdom and City of God.

In the wake of the New Zealand High Court’s life sentence for Christchurch terrorist Brenton Tarrant, an ancient question raises its head once more: the question of evil. We know that God has won the final victory against evil, but how do we respond to its daily reality, personally and collectively?

The challenges of 2020 whisper of new opportunities to awaken afresh, recalibrate and embrace our collective sense of our vulnerability and humanity. They are also an opportunity to read the scriptures afresh and ask: ‘What if?'.

Toxic positivity - the belief that 'being positive' is the best and only way to live - is nothing new. But what happens when it gets confused with Christian hope?