The affirming church movement began in the late '60s when Troy Perry began Metropolitan Community... more The affirming church movement began in the late '60s when Troy Perry began Metropolitan Community Church and started to advocate for the inclusion of LGBT people in the Christian church. As LGBT stigma decreases in the western world, and many mainstream churches are now open to LGBT people, there is increasingly less need for “gay churches” to exist. At the same time, many conservative churches are becoming defensive and defining their identity by their opposition to LGBT acceptance. Drawing on sociological models of stigma, and New Testament theology of mission, this paper proposes that the way forward is for all Christians to look to Christ for their authenticity and identity, rather than identifying with the stigma.
Reading together Luke’s ‘reversal of method’ pericope (Luke 22:35-38) and Suzanne Collins’ Hunger... more Reading together Luke’s ‘reversal of method’ pericope (Luke 22:35-38) and Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games Trilogy, this article argues that the Lukan Christ has insight into the kind of transformation that would drive a disciple to sell his garment and buy a dagger, and could also drive a young girl with only a backpack to steal a bow and arrow. It then suggests that not only could Christian love inspire a person to treason, but that such a transformation is exactly what discipleship entails in the face of imperial occupation, and that Luke has preserved for us a memory of Jesus who himself knew and taught conversion to revolutionary consciousness.
There is some wisdom we can glean from a de-mythologised reading of Noah, which does not reinforc... more There is some wisdom we can glean from a de-mythologised reading of Noah, which does not reinforce outdated morality.
A reading of scripture that stops with historical-critical methodology can lead to spiritual ban... more A reading of scripture that stops with historical-critical methodology can lead to spiritual bankruptcy, not the adventure we find in engaging with the text with heart, imagination and intuition as well.
The purpose of this article is to investigate the way that Jesus’ sense of humor would have funct... more The purpose of this article is to investigate the way that Jesus’ sense of humor would have functioned in a first-century Galilean political and religious context. Drawing on both rhetorical and social-scientific criticisms, as well as form-critical reconstructions of the sayings of Jesus, it explores the possibility that neuro-linguistic research into the phenomenon of linguistic genius may shed some light on the historical Jesus. It therefore proposes that many of the sayings of Jesus which have traditionally been taken ‘‘seriously’’ might be better understood as humorous subversions of oppressive discourses by a Galilean peasant with a wicked sense of humor.
The relationship between Christian theology and secular hermeneutics is complex, and it is questi... more The relationship between Christian theology and secular hermeneutics is complex, and it is questionable whether many of the discourses that draw on hermeneutic theory are consistent with the presuppositions hidden beneath the surface. This article demystifies the highly theologised debate between monism and pluralism within the discipline of hermeneutics, and criticises the way that this theology has been done. From a Christian perspective that is free from cumbersome theological categories, a simple, authentic interpersonal ethic is the most appropriate way to approach texts. The implications for scholarly praxis are explored with specific reference to John C. Mellon’s ‘recovery hermeneutic’ reading of Mark’s gospel.
Reformed theology is a diverse movement, and has found many ways to interact with the presence of... more Reformed theology is a diverse movement, and has found many ways to interact with the presence of mythical stories in scripture. There is a strong tendency, however, to draw a 'line in the sand' at the historical existence of Adam because of the function that he plays in the history of the covenants - particularly the 'covenant of works'. This article problematises that line by suggesting that it is possible to build an authentically Reformed and covenantal theology without a historical Adam.
within the movement for marriage equality, there is an argument that churches should be granted a... more within the movement for marriage equality, there is an argument that churches should be granted an exemption from anti-discrimination law.
This raises an interesting question... does being religious give you the right to discriminate?
in this paper, I argue a view that will be unpopular with some... that churches should be required to follow anti-discrimination law, just like any other organisation.
The ban on marriage between persons of the same sex is an assault on the basic human dignity of s... more The ban on marriage between persons of the same sex is an assault on the basic human dignity of same-sex attracted people. It subjects them to a damaging social stigma, a new report by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has now recognised.
A summary of marriage bans on convicts and Aborigines in colonial and early federal Australia, le... more A summary of marriage bans on convicts and Aborigines in colonial and early federal Australia, leading up to the current (2004) ban on same sex marriages.
In my spare moments, I have been collecting Christian responses to the Occupy Wall Street movemen... more In my spare moments, I have been collecting Christian responses to the Occupy Wall Street movement. A few common themes have emerged.
Tradition Christian morality, as expressed in policies with broad conservative and 'Evangelical' ... more Tradition Christian morality, as expressed in policies with broad conservative and 'Evangelical' support such as Don't Ask Don't Tell, tends to support the idea that homosexual and bisexual persons should keep their sexuality private. However, the New Testament has an ethic of personal openness and deep, personal honesty. This paper explores the contradiction.
New research shows that being Christian can be an extra risk factor for mental illness for gay pe... more New research shows that being Christian can be an extra risk factor for mental illness for gay people. Gay pastor Karl Hand on the importance of mutual respect and compassion
Some Christians would argue that pacifism is the only Christian response to war. Others would arg... more Some Christians would argue that pacifism is the only Christian response to war. Others would argue that war is the only response when the cause is just. I suggest another direction for our response to war.
This article raises the question of whether the meaningful interplay between the physical and men... more This article raises the question of whether the meaningful interplay between the physical and mental aspects of speaking and writing, and the observer-conditionality of the aspects might be a starting point for overcoming some of the dichotomies of contemporary biblical research including the synchronic diachronic disctinction, and the divergence of historical and theological readings of texts.
This paper reviews Chris Budden's new book *Following Jesus in Invaded Space* in the context of t... more This paper reviews Chris Budden's new book *Following Jesus in Invaded Space* in the context of the history of indigenous reconciliation in the Australian Uniting Church from a revolutionary Marxist perspective.
The historical church has consistently understood Luke's gospel to affirm the marginalised, inclu... more The historical church has consistently understood Luke's gospel to affirm the marginalised, including women. Recent feminist critical methods, such as gender deconstruction, cause us to rethink this. The possibility must be considered that underlying a seemingly innocent text are hidden social codes, which may not be so positive towards the feminine. Has a hidden patriarchal agenda been encoded into this text? While acknowledging some of the claims made by critical feminist authors, this essay looks at the text in a different light. Analysis of the key gynocentric text – the infancy narrative – provides a model based upon the author's treatment of Elizabeth. Particular attention is also payed to the social context of meals, and table-service. This essay will survey the gospel of Luke, and literature surrounding it, to critically evaluate the place that the narrative gives to women. Appropriately to the subject, it focuses on those pericopes that are gendered feminine, particularly the uniquely gynocentric infancy and table narratives. With regards to scholarly literature, I engage feminist biblical scholars, and yet still come from my conspicuously male viewpoint. It is hoped that this perspective will be a valuable one, seeing the text in question is (supposedly) written by a male author. I also hold a confident belief in the value and equality of women. A further peculiarity of my perspective is religious: coming from a Reformed-Evangelical viewpoint with certain doctrinal presuppositions about the inspiration and unity of scripture. The implication of this will becomes clear later on.
The affirming church movement began in the late '60s when Troy Perry began Metropolitan Community... more The affirming church movement began in the late '60s when Troy Perry began Metropolitan Community Church and started to advocate for the inclusion of LGBT people in the Christian church. As LGBT stigma decreases in the western world, and many mainstream churches are now open to LGBT people, there is increasingly less need for “gay churches” to exist. At the same time, many conservative churches are becoming defensive and defining their identity by their opposition to LGBT acceptance. Drawing on sociological models of stigma, and New Testament theology of mission, this paper proposes that the way forward is for all Christians to look to Christ for their authenticity and identity, rather than identifying with the stigma.
Reading together Luke’s ‘reversal of method’ pericope (Luke 22:35-38) and Suzanne Collins’ Hunger... more Reading together Luke’s ‘reversal of method’ pericope (Luke 22:35-38) and Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games Trilogy, this article argues that the Lukan Christ has insight into the kind of transformation that would drive a disciple to sell his garment and buy a dagger, and could also drive a young girl with only a backpack to steal a bow and arrow. It then suggests that not only could Christian love inspire a person to treason, but that such a transformation is exactly what discipleship entails in the face of imperial occupation, and that Luke has preserved for us a memory of Jesus who himself knew and taught conversion to revolutionary consciousness.
There is some wisdom we can glean from a de-mythologised reading of Noah, which does not reinforc... more There is some wisdom we can glean from a de-mythologised reading of Noah, which does not reinforce outdated morality.
A reading of scripture that stops with historical-critical methodology can lead to spiritual ban... more A reading of scripture that stops with historical-critical methodology can lead to spiritual bankruptcy, not the adventure we find in engaging with the text with heart, imagination and intuition as well.
The purpose of this article is to investigate the way that Jesus’ sense of humor would have funct... more The purpose of this article is to investigate the way that Jesus’ sense of humor would have functioned in a first-century Galilean political and religious context. Drawing on both rhetorical and social-scientific criticisms, as well as form-critical reconstructions of the sayings of Jesus, it explores the possibility that neuro-linguistic research into the phenomenon of linguistic genius may shed some light on the historical Jesus. It therefore proposes that many of the sayings of Jesus which have traditionally been taken ‘‘seriously’’ might be better understood as humorous subversions of oppressive discourses by a Galilean peasant with a wicked sense of humor.
The relationship between Christian theology and secular hermeneutics is complex, and it is questi... more The relationship between Christian theology and secular hermeneutics is complex, and it is questionable whether many of the discourses that draw on hermeneutic theory are consistent with the presuppositions hidden beneath the surface. This article demystifies the highly theologised debate between monism and pluralism within the discipline of hermeneutics, and criticises the way that this theology has been done. From a Christian perspective that is free from cumbersome theological categories, a simple, authentic interpersonal ethic is the most appropriate way to approach texts. The implications for scholarly praxis are explored with specific reference to John C. Mellon’s ‘recovery hermeneutic’ reading of Mark’s gospel.
Reformed theology is a diverse movement, and has found many ways to interact with the presence of... more Reformed theology is a diverse movement, and has found many ways to interact with the presence of mythical stories in scripture. There is a strong tendency, however, to draw a 'line in the sand' at the historical existence of Adam because of the function that he plays in the history of the covenants - particularly the 'covenant of works'. This article problematises that line by suggesting that it is possible to build an authentically Reformed and covenantal theology without a historical Adam.
within the movement for marriage equality, there is an argument that churches should be granted a... more within the movement for marriage equality, there is an argument that churches should be granted an exemption from anti-discrimination law.
This raises an interesting question... does being religious give you the right to discriminate?
in this paper, I argue a view that will be unpopular with some... that churches should be required to follow anti-discrimination law, just like any other organisation.
The ban on marriage between persons of the same sex is an assault on the basic human dignity of s... more The ban on marriage between persons of the same sex is an assault on the basic human dignity of same-sex attracted people. It subjects them to a damaging social stigma, a new report by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has now recognised.
A summary of marriage bans on convicts and Aborigines in colonial and early federal Australia, le... more A summary of marriage bans on convicts and Aborigines in colonial and early federal Australia, leading up to the current (2004) ban on same sex marriages.
In my spare moments, I have been collecting Christian responses to the Occupy Wall Street movemen... more In my spare moments, I have been collecting Christian responses to the Occupy Wall Street movement. A few common themes have emerged.
Tradition Christian morality, as expressed in policies with broad conservative and 'Evangelical' ... more Tradition Christian morality, as expressed in policies with broad conservative and 'Evangelical' support such as Don't Ask Don't Tell, tends to support the idea that homosexual and bisexual persons should keep their sexuality private. However, the New Testament has an ethic of personal openness and deep, personal honesty. This paper explores the contradiction.
New research shows that being Christian can be an extra risk factor for mental illness for gay pe... more New research shows that being Christian can be an extra risk factor for mental illness for gay people. Gay pastor Karl Hand on the importance of mutual respect and compassion
Some Christians would argue that pacifism is the only Christian response to war. Others would arg... more Some Christians would argue that pacifism is the only Christian response to war. Others would argue that war is the only response when the cause is just. I suggest another direction for our response to war.
This article raises the question of whether the meaningful interplay between the physical and men... more This article raises the question of whether the meaningful interplay between the physical and mental aspects of speaking and writing, and the observer-conditionality of the aspects might be a starting point for overcoming some of the dichotomies of contemporary biblical research including the synchronic diachronic disctinction, and the divergence of historical and theological readings of texts.
This paper reviews Chris Budden's new book *Following Jesus in Invaded Space* in the context of t... more This paper reviews Chris Budden's new book *Following Jesus in Invaded Space* in the context of the history of indigenous reconciliation in the Australian Uniting Church from a revolutionary Marxist perspective.
The historical church has consistently understood Luke's gospel to affirm the marginalised, inclu... more The historical church has consistently understood Luke's gospel to affirm the marginalised, including women. Recent feminist critical methods, such as gender deconstruction, cause us to rethink this. The possibility must be considered that underlying a seemingly innocent text are hidden social codes, which may not be so positive towards the feminine. Has a hidden patriarchal agenda been encoded into this text? While acknowledging some of the claims made by critical feminist authors, this essay looks at the text in a different light. Analysis of the key gynocentric text – the infancy narrative – provides a model based upon the author's treatment of Elizabeth. Particular attention is also payed to the social context of meals, and table-service. This essay will survey the gospel of Luke, and literature surrounding it, to critically evaluate the place that the narrative gives to women. Appropriately to the subject, it focuses on those pericopes that are gendered feminine, particularly the uniquely gynocentric infancy and table narratives. With regards to scholarly literature, I engage feminist biblical scholars, and yet still come from my conspicuously male viewpoint. It is hoped that this perspective will be a valuable one, seeing the text in question is (supposedly) written by a male author. I also hold a confident belief in the value and equality of women. A further peculiarity of my perspective is religious: coming from a Reformed-Evangelical viewpoint with certain doctrinal presuppositions about the inspiration and unity of scripture. The implication of this will becomes clear later on.
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Papers by Karl Hand
This raises an interesting question... does being religious give you the right to discriminate?
in this paper, I argue a view that will be unpopular with some... that churches should be required to follow anti-discrimination law, just like any other organisation.
This raises an interesting question... does being religious give you the right to discriminate?
in this paper, I argue a view that will be unpopular with some... that churches should be required to follow anti-discrimination law, just like any other organisation.