Australians and their God
10th November 2005
Apparently, some Australian politicians are pushing for the National Anthem to include a reference to “God” to reflect the “nation’s Chrisian values.” While there are some support from politicians who are Christians, some other, even prominent, Christian politicians do not support the move.
Perhaps those who are pushing to include a reference to “God” in the National Anthem will make Australia a more “Christian” nation than it currently is. Those who disagree think that the shapers of the Australian constitution wisely excluded the establishment of religion in Australia, and that such wisdom should prevail now. Probably they think that it is more important for politicians to spend their time and energy on the influencing and helping to shape policies and actions that more reflect Christian values.
There is some parallel in this country, for instance, in the push for the posting of the ten commandments on some public buildings, about the inclusion (or exclusion, as the case may be) of “under God” in the oath of allegiance. The difference is that in this country those symbolisms are already entrenched in the public spaces and there are moves by those who object to these to remove them. Do you think Christians ought to spend their time, energy and resources to ensure that national or public images and symbolisms reflect Christian values? Or do you think it is better to spend it where it is most needed to resource the underresourced, to promote justice and to build bridges to the unreconciled? What ought Chrisitans to do in the public sphere?
Posted in Culture, Miscellaneous | 1 Comment »