Exorcising Cynicism: Is It Possible in Gaza?
Please Don't Save Me What Would Jesus Believe? Vandalism or Vision? Painting Angels A Little Courage Keeping the Faiths Eat, Drink and Be Merry
The Daft Covenant Mad Hope Myanmar's Magnificent Monks What Would Jesus Buy? Battling for God; Raging for Jesus The Clock is Ticking Unto You Google is Born Many true gods
Freedom FROM Religion The Laughing GodFor your Lenten pleasure SMACA focuses on laughter, an essential ingredient in our preparation for the joy of Easter. Considered disrespectful to God and well-ordered worship for centuries, imagine our surprise when we begin to learn that God laughs.
Freedom to Offend - Apologetically Chasing GodA celebration of Easter with a look at where do we find God when the tomb is empty.
The Anglican Tribe Act of God The Fear Factor Pluto and Beyond If Jesus Didn't Manage, Can We? Saving Jesus from the Church The Scandal of Mary
I Love Lucy-- Narnia RevisitedThis issue of Smaca has been devoted to C.S. Lewis' novel "The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe" Our usual dialogue feature has reaction to the Vicars article published in the NZ Herald.
The Politically Correct ClubExamination of Political Correctness. A focus on unity within a multicultural society.
Dailogue features whitchcraft.
Halloween-- trick or Treat?Halloween celebrations in NZ generate alot of criticism and Glynn meets it with enthusiasm. Dailogue continues to discuss smacking.
Radical Prayer with Toast & JamA challenge to prayer. What, Who, Where and How. Dailogue continues to discuss smaking.
ElectionGlynn ponders the 2004 General Elections. Dialogue continues the debate on smacking children and a loving forgiving God.
Smacking for JesusThe angry God of the Bible who insists that beating children is right is being challenged. The debate in New Zealand has been taken to parliament for an amendment to the Crimes Act.
BalanceVarious topics are featured in this issue including a sermon from Bishop Njongonkuku Ndungane from SA. Balance in our lives illustrated by Thomas Merton and the monks of Saint Sixtus in Belgium.
The Reality of TerrorTerrorism and our Society's goals. Liberation theology from Dr Marcella Althaus-Reid.
Sleeping RoughAuckland's homeless are given a voice through the City Mission. Our 'Spirit of Sculpture' exhibition is the subject of Glynn's sermon.
Sacremental SexThe idea of sex being a scarment is explored. A sermon looks at Passion and dialogue discusses war.
The Hollywood CrusadeThe film 'Kingdom of Heaven' based the Crusades of the 12th Century exposes the 'the glory of God' and War.Being little more than self-interest by the individual or a religion. The present war in Iraq is an example.
ReincarnationDialogue between Ian Lawton and Howard J Van Till (both now US based) Their subject is "Reincarnation"
A Place on the EdgeJack Leigh author of St Matthew's centennial book 'A Place on the Edge'. Recounts stories of St Matthew's eventful history.
HappinessA challenge to the meaning of happiness .Being self-centered or offering grace, unconditional love and connection with people and God
The Stuff of EasterResurrection is defined and debated.
Illustrated by the construction of the Otaki church, Rangiatea.
The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinici Code is examined revealing the author, Dan Brown's manipulation of fact, myth and tradition. It novel therefore is fiction.
SatanSatan as a role is first mentioned in the Bible 600BCE and by the 1 century CE is a character. Glynn writes about reconcilliation rather than damnation.
The Post-Tsunami GodGlynn reflects on the interpretation of the powerful God who created the Boxing day Tsunami tradegy.
Or God who through Jesus is an all loving and forgiving God
Putting Herod Back into ChristmasSMACA wishes to thank New Zealand Herald columnist Garth George for inspiring our Christmas issue by his reactions to a guest column Glynn had published during Advent. For that we honour him with the "Thought for the Week. "While he was "gobsmacked" that we thought Jesus was a threat to the political
Merry ChristmasChristmas is investigated from Stanta Claus to Matthew and Luke's descriptions in the New Testament.
Santa ClausThe Stanta Claus myth grew from the giving of Bishop Nicholas. The myth inspires the best in humanity: self-less giving to others.
The Mystery of PiThe mystery of love, Pi and the universe all appear to possess a quality of incalculablity.
AfricaThe Windsor Report, the continuing debate of homosexuality and the Anglican Communion. The African perspective from a Nigerian now living in NZ.
Four More Years?2004 US Presidential Elections an American perspective.
Pop CultureA review of the film Catwoman from the Vicar. Brendan Boughen looks at Pop Culture include all genre and Progressive Christianity.
Queer TheologyThe challenge of accepting difference.
Heaven, Beslan and 9/11Looking at God's love and the horrors of terrorism.Heaven is presented in the Bible in numerous ways this article encourages us to look at how we live our lives with God's love.
Dense and DangerousThe Destiny Church protest against the Civil Union Bill and the danger of intolerance.
Freedom and ResistanceA Smaca featuring the issue of US involvement in the Iraq War and prisoners from the 'war on terror
A World Without Gays?Dialogue and a sermon dealing with Bishop Whakahuihui Vercoe's statement '... a world without gays..."
Heaven and HellGlynn Cardy endeavours to explain Heaven, Hell, the Ascension and the Resurrection.
Liberals & ConservativesThis issue of Smaca features a talk given by Pat Snedden on the disenchantment of Maori in 2004. The featured dialogue is an opinion of our actions and the consquence with God.
Celebrating MarriageCelebrating your wedding ceremony at St Matthew-in-the-City .Where we ensure that this day is your special day.
Iraq and the US ElectionsThe US Prsidential Elections in 2004. The new role that the Christian religion has in the decision making in the 'White House'.
The Treaty of WaitangiRespecting 'tikanga' in NZ's society. The expression of our cultural manner; both Pakeha and Maori.
Energy for DreamingContinuing the debate between the Rev'd Ian Lawton and US physicist Howard J Van Till on the theory of Intelligent Design.
The Passion of the ChristA review of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ".
Part of the RevolutionIan Lawton's farewell sermon as Vicar of St Matthew in the City. Charging the parish to challenge and be bold. Continue the journey of being inclusive and progressive.
Intelligent DesignDebate between Ian Lawton and Howard J Van Till on the theory of Intelligent Design.
Christmas and RevolutionA reminder of the birth of Jesus and the current war in Iraqi. Society's inequalities and the Christmas message
The return of the KingAn issue of SMACA devoted to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.
Male SexualitySexuality male and female from the church's point of view in the 21st century
DreamsHow to interpert your dreams and the importance of this interpertation to your life.
ChangeThe process of change and the need to accept it to attain contentment
Anglicans & ExclusionsHomosexuality, human rights and employment discrimination and the Anglican Community
Personal ResponsibilityIan Lawton and Glynn Cardy debate the issue of personal responsibility using Job and the Holocaust.
Growing UpThe dvelopment of our faith from literallism to liberalism.
Choosing BattlesPersonal responsibility which path to follow. The Bible or existentialism
SufferingSuffering or salvation
Protesting GEThe campaign against Genetic Engineering particularly milk in New Zealand
The Culture of FearAndrew Furlong, the curse his life as a priest has resulted in writing: Tried for Heresy: a 21st Century Journey of faith.
Feeding the HeartA list of titles on Progressive Christianity. A feature article about St Matthew-in-the-city.
"9/11" Affirming Human PotentialDevelopment of our human potenial and our relationship with God
CybertheologyPierre Teilhard de Chardin a 19th Century scientist's theory of global technology and the internet in our 21st Century
Truth Lies & Michael MooreA discussion on current American politics, especially George W Bush and journalist Michael Moore
Cannabis Law ReformA perspective on Cannabis Law Reform.
The Sex-Positive ChurchAn exploration of current Erotica Expos and the Christain church's continued negativity towards human sexuality both within and outside marriage.
Continuing Buddhist-Christian DailogueA detailed comparison of key Christian and Buddhist understandings of God, Jesus, life, death and karma
Good and EvilAn exploration of the nature of good and evil both philosophically and practically .A review of Gerard Donovan's novel "Schopenhauer's Telescope.
Healthy RelationshipsThe achievement of a healthy relationship within the Proressive Christianity experience of God.
Happy Birthday SMACAA reflection on the purpose of SMACA after one year.
Inclusiveness The Mideast ConflictAndrew's first hand experience of the 1st Gulf War in Iraqi.
BullyingThe issue of bullying within the church. The need to redefine the "bully-boy" God.
A Multi-faceted GodA critical history of the Christian church. Dialogue between a Buddhist and christian priests.
Entering the MatrixA review of the movie "The Matrix Reloaded. The Rev' Glynn Cardy explores the philosophy presented.
Progressive ChristianityAn analysis on Progressive Christianity at the local parish level.
Religious Addiction"Choke" by Chuck Palahniuk articulates addiction a struggle to realise reality and illusion.
Demolishing Democracy Robyn Walshe presents Athenian democracy and the democracy of the 21st Century. Illustrating the failings in our current system.
Gender and ReligionThe thoughts of year 12 girls at an Auckland secondary school. Issues of gender, feminism and religion.
Reconstructing Easter A challenge to the inclusive christian world and the current Iraq war 2003-.
Liberating Easter The Children of IraqThe damage to the environment in Iraq after the 1990 Gulf War has had grave consquences to the children. The USA has never signed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Music and PoliticsCensorship of music in the western world during 2003.
Spiritual DiversityWater has been a cornerstone of spiritual enlightenment world wide for centuries. St Matthew's is hosting 'Holiwater' April 2003. A meeting of east, west, tradition and technology in music.
Waiting for WarA variety of topics are covered; euthanasia, the unity of life and death. Operation Shock and Awe
EuthanasiaA challenge to the Christain Church's traditional view of life and death.
The Politics of Healing No LogoFor 2000 years the Christain Church has had an amazing marketing strategy. In our 21st century world there is an antiglobalisation campaign the similarity is interesting.
ProtestA comparison between the protest movement against Roman occupation in the 1st century CE and US occupation in Iraq.
Starting Fresh Same-Sex MarriageSame Sex Marriage and biblical literalism.
Christmas MagicThe magic and mythology surrounding Christmas
Michael Earthy 1931-2002An obituary to Michael Earthy.
Peace for AdventAdvent , joy and how to justify a war
Raving about Sacred MusicReview of the place music has in our spiritual life. Scared music to the rave music of the 21st century
Paying AttentionAdvent, relocation of the St Thomas Chapel and an interview with Wairoa Port reveals the vitality of our parish.
Christianity Without (an Electric) GodLloyd Geering and Bishop John Spong theologians who challenge our iinterpertation of God.
ProstitutionAn issue entirely focused on the issues involved with prostitution.
The Spirit of Kiwi Pop Music Interviews and reviews on Kiwi Modern Music
BioethicsAn examination of the Trinity. What are Bioethics? The snake in the Bible
Tragedy in BaliThe war on terror specifically the bombing in Bali. What should we as Christians do? A Buddhist reflection on Jesus' instruction to turn the other cheek.
Benefits of BiotechnologyBiotechnology and milk. The benefits and consquences of this science. The rules imposed by the church.
Sexuality and the ChurchA critical look at christianity particularly in regard to sexuality
PersistenceSt Matthew-in-the-City its -physical and spiritual qualities over 100 years. Profile of Rev. Morris Russell's tenure 1967-1979
Food and SpiritualityFood: the postive and essential aspects and the negative side such as enforced starvation and just hunger.
Remembering September 11Remembrance of Steptember 11. Religion and war, alternatives to violence, The conservative liberal debate with Christianity.
The Biology of BeliefReflections on our beliefs, how and why they change.
Buddhist Christian DialogueBuddhist theology and Christian theology our continuing dialogue.
SignsReview of Mel Gibson's movie 'Signs' . Exploring signs in our lives with faith and spirituality
Family ValuesFamily values, the nuclear family and the definition of these terms in our present society
The Kingdom of GodThe Way of God and the mustard seed parable. Book Review and Dialogue
NZ Election SpecialGeneral Election issues, Immigration and Auckland Central Canditates (Parish of St Matthew -in-the-city) Including all regular features
CensorshipCensorship, Sermon by Sir Paul Reeves, Anglicanism and the Alpha Course, Analysis of Qabalah, dialogue, film review and prayer
CloningGenetic engineering, cloning and Jesus. Reflections on Romans 7 taking control of our own lives. Regular features such as Dialogue
WorldcomWorldcom collapse, globalisation and the media.The Bible and Child abuse. The church and Homosexuality. Qabalah an analysis, bookreview and Dialogue
SmackingSmacking, child abuse and the Bible.
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