As I rake quietly, repentantly and prayerfully through the sand - searching for nurdles - I quieten my mind and still my soul by attending to a simple and repetitive task. Yet with each nurdle gathered I am simultaneously participating in a tiny act of creation restoration.

In the post-Christian era, certain aspects of traditional Christian morality frames of meaning and practice are not only no longer assumed, but are considered immoral and deviant.

Even more than good values, what everyone in the workforce really needs is more virtue. That's why business ethics courses aren't enough.

This Christmas, once again, the evening news and advertising have death and tinsel sitting contrarily side-by-side. As we contemplate the hovering presence of conflict in our world, we look to Jesus who brings peace - but not in the way we expect.

With the number of Australians identifying as Christians now below 50 per cent, what can we learn from those who have lived as minorities all their lives about kinship, power and how to thrive under pressure?

A suggested table to compare the weighting of party concerns with some moral and social priorities.

Across Australia, faith-based groups are joining other groups of everyday Australians to welcome refugees into their communities under a new Federal government program.

We might agree or disagree with the views held by Andrew Thorburn’s church. But should he have lost his job because many might have found those views offensive or harmful? There are at least two reasons to answer ’no’. And religious persecution is not one of them.

When we are feeling down, or vulnerable, or simply exhausted, we seek safe places, restful places. There is a shortage of places like this in the world right now. How can we turn our churches into a spiritual home for the heart-broken, grieving and lonely?

How comfortable are we discussing suicide? The tragic death of former Rugby League player and coach Paul Green two months ago reminds us that the best thing we can do when we are feeling hopeless or lonely is to reach out to those who care for us.