Rob Nicholls

An advertisement for next week’s Compass program on ABC TV (Australia) contained exciting news. A breathless voice told us that we live in exceptional times. This is apparently because we can now access a whole range of religious teachings and choose what we like from the full range of beliefs. On next week’s program, we will be able to learn how to choose and to avoid getting caught up in just one system of belief. We will meet “multi-faith ministers” who are trained at theological schools that offer such multi-faith. This celebration of pluralism is indicative of what has been called the “spirituality revolution.”
This is exciting but only if we get serious about it. I can see that this can be simply playing about with “spirituality” as if it is just another recreational opportunity; an exercise of the mind and emotion. The existence of “friendship” on Facebook mirrors (to me) that lightness that is reflected in contemporary spirituality. I think it also reveals the true yearning for authentic friendship and relationship with God. If so, where are we, the followers of Jesus, in all of this. Hopefully, right in the middle; sensitive and responsive.

Being a voice in the city can feel like being voiceless. So many different things being said and so many responses to make. How do you initate rather than just react? I hope being part of voxtropolis is different. To listen to another is a wonderful gift to that person and I am very interested in hearing the voices of this city.