Some people hate change, some people love it. In my public speaking ministry I consciously change my style every 12 months. I listen to other preachers, read online messages…but most of all reflect on what I have been doing previously.
After returning from Tasmania, a number of people have commented on how my preaching has changed….thats good. One thing I consider to be almost sinful…being a ‘boring’ preacher. The best message in the world should never be boring. 
Alain De Botton is a well known atheist, philosopher and book writer. In his latest book he points out how useful religion is, even though he thinks its based on untruths. “Why religion is too important to be left to the religious
To my mind, of course, no part of religion is true in the sense of being God-given. It seems clear that there is no holy ghost, spirit, geist or divine emanation. The real issue is not whether god exists or not, but where one takes the argument to once one concludes that he evidently doesn’t.
I believe it must be possible to remain a committed atheist and nevertheless to find religions sporadically useful, interesting and consoling – and be curious as to the possibilities of importing certain of their ideas and practices into the secular realm.”
I responded to what he had to say this morning at Inglewood Community Church. You can listen here
I heard him briefly on Radio National this morning. I find it interesting that he wants all the “good” bits of Christianity and other faiths, yet doesn’t seem to accept that they come from a moral deity.
He spoke about the need for secular priests who do what priests used to do, but without the faith stuff.
I guess he reflects our society and our need as Christians to be “in the world” without fear.
no fear….pity for him. God has blessed him with such intelligence and a keen mind. …shame…..