An image that tells LGBTI people that ‘hell awaits them’ looks like God has already made up his mind about you, whatever you do. Yet it leaves out half the equation - that we are all under condemnation without grace. Israel Folau’s boldness wasn’t matched by his wisdom.

The prophetic task of Christian theology involves more than smoothing out the ‘rough edges’ of economics, ‘humanising’ work or enabling people to ‘succeed’ within the prevailing economic order. Any theology of work must reflect on the systemic justice issues that demean workers. What does this look like in practice?

The pragmatic pursuit of personal wealth and national security are central to Mr Morrison's politics, making us prone to being callous and fearful towards the poor and the alien. And yet, Mr Morrison has deep personal moral and religious convictions. This paradox raises very demanding questions about the relationship between faith and power.

Our communities, including our churches, have been hurt by racism. Within the Chinese church today, conflict between first-generation migrant believers and their offspring has resulted in a ‘Silent Exodus’ of second-generation believers. How we can truly move toward genuine love and reconciliation between the cultures in our churches and beyond?

The growing antagonism, apathy and irrelevancy toward the role of Christianity in the public square has made way for abstract doctrines of total diversity, chaos, nihilism and despair. A day-long conference in Melbourne on 30th of March will explore the Peterson phenomenon and its implications for society and church.

The story of Tarore, an indigenous Maori girl, is consistent with the history of mission. Time and again, the Gospel has spread not through missionary preaching but through indigenous proclamation.

There is a deep relationship between inner conviction and outer pragmatism in the context of contemporary Australian power and politically conservative Pentecostalism. But this dynamic is not limited to right-leaning Pentecostals such as Scott Morrison.

Much has been written about relating Christian faith to daily work. But we need a theology of work that is relevant to everyone - labourers, tradies, professionals, homemakers, students and CEOs - and that recognises and addresses people’s diverse experiences. We also need strong pastoral and peer support for workers.

In today's world, being busy is a status symbol. But this comes at a cost to myself and others. Without good, healthy margins, we will struggle to stop and observe what God is doing around us and to participate in his mission in the world.

This New Year, how can we go beyond quick-fix resolutions and superficial comparisons of ‘success’ (such as the #10yearchallenge), to embracing internal changes that create long-lasting fruit? Aristotle, St Benedict’s ‘Rule’ and ultimately Jesus show us how we can celebrate the beauty and power that can come from a virtuous life.