From Colonialism to Secularism: Christianity in Australia
With guest speaker Rory Shiner
When Europeans arrived in Australia, Christianity came with them. When Australia federated in 1901, it adopted a secular constitution distinct from both France and the United States of America. While Christianity and churchgoing grew in the first half of the twentieth century, since the 1970s the proportion of Australians who call themselves Christian has been in significant decline.
This evening will explore the history of Christianity in a thoughtful but interetsting way, pitched at a broad audience: no prior knowledge of, or beliefs about, Chrisitanity will be assumed.
As we learn about the history of Christianity in Australia we will ponder what it has to say about the true nature of Jesus, the Bible, Chrisitanity, the church; about colonialism, secularism and what it means to be Australian.
- 6-7:30pm Thursday 8th August
- @ Wellspring Anglican Church building (corner of Lord St and Grosvenor St, Sandy Bay)
- Cost: Free.
Rory is a deep thinker about theology and culture and an extremely effective communicator. An excellent event for anyone, whatever their religious background or philosophical beliefs.
The evening will feature an extended Q&A time with questions taken from the floor and via SMS
About Rory Shiner
Rory Shiner studied Arts at the University of Western Australia and theology at Moore College in Sydney. His PhD is on the life and work of Donald Robinson. During his research on Robinson he became fascinated with Australia church history and the particular shape of secularism and religious commitment in this country.
He is senior pastor of Providence City Church in Perth, where he lives with his wife, Susan, and their four boys. He has contributed to public debate in contexts such as ABC Religion and Ethics, The Huffington Post, Quadrant, and TGC Australia. He has written books on Union with Christ and on the relationship between Jesus’ resurrection and our own. His most recent book is The World Next Door: A Short Guide to the Christian Faith.
