2005

The Post-Tsunami God

Glynn 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 » »

Satan

Satan 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 Da Vinci Code

The Da Vinici Code is examined revealing the author, Dan Brown's manipulation of fact, myth and tradition. It novel therefore is fiction. » »

The Stuff of Easter

Resurrection is defined and debated. Illustrated by the construction of the Otaki church, Rangiatea. » »

Happiness

A challenge to the meaning of happiness .Being self-centered or offering grace, unconditional love and connection with people and God » »

A Place on the Edge

Jack Leigh author of St Matthew's centennial book 'A Place on the Edge'. Recounts stories of St Matthew's eventful history. » »

Reincarnation

Dialogue between Ian Lawton and Howard J Van Till (both now US based) Their subject is "Reincarnation" » »

The Hollywood Crusade

The 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. » »

Sacremental Sex

The idea of sex being a scarment is explored. A sermon looks at Passion and dialogue discusses war. » »

Sleeping Rough

Auckland's homeless are given a voice through the City Mission. Our 'Spirit of Sculpture' exhibition is the subject of Glynn's sermon. » »

The Reality of Terror

Terrorism and our Society's goals. Liberation theology from Dr Marcella Althaus-Reid. » »

Balance

Various 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. » »

Smacking for Jesus

The 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. » »

Election

Glynn ponders the 2004 General Elections. Dialogue continues the debate on smacking children and a loving forgiving God. » »

Radical Prayer with Toast & Jam

A challenge to prayer. What, Who, Where and How. Dailogue continues to discuss smaking. » »

Halloween-- trick or Treat?

Halloween celebrations in NZ generate alot of criticism and Glynn meets it with enthusiasm. Dailogue continues to discuss smacking. » »

The Politically Correct Club

Examination of Political Correctness. A focus on unity within a multicultural society. Dailogue features whitchcraft. » »

I Love Lucy-- Narnia Revisited

This 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. » »

Putting Herod Back into Christmas

SMACA 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 » »