Which God are we talking about in a multicultural New Zealand?
In the video conversation linked to below, comparisons are made to the US political conversations which try to position candidates favourably for those for and against religion, to Tony Blair and then former NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark who changed her status from agnostic to atheist when she moved to the United Nations post she now holds.
In NZ, we don't like religious views aired in public, except at times of national tragedy. What does that mean for public debate in this country?
Should faith groups be more vocal on social, political and moral issues?
Would this lead to a greater understanding of our shared values -- or lead to more dissension?
The NZ government actually works quite well with church leadership at the higher denominational levels, but that is kept quietly int he background. Smaller religious groups are usually no in those networks or conversations.
The public view of the church is quite skewed because of the nature of the public discourse around religion. This panel addresses some of the issues.
A public panel discussion with Rev Dr Lynne Baab (Theology), Glyn Carpenter (NZ Christian Network), Dr Bryce Edwards (Politics), Assoc Prof John Stenhouse (History). Hosted by the Centre for Theology & Public Issues, University of Otago.
Also available via the University of Otago website.
