At the 2019 Lowy Lecture, Scott Morrison argued that the “distinctiveness of independent nations is preserved within a framework of mutual respect”.
By Spencer Gear PhD
In a speech in Albury NSW, NewsCorp (through AAP) reported on Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s call to prayer. He said . . .
he was praying for rain in drought-affected areas, and he urged those who “believe in the power of prayer” to pray too.
“I pray for that rain everywhere else around the country. And I do pray for that rain. And I’d encourage others who believe in the power of prayer to pray for that rain and to pray for our farmers. Please do that,” he said.
“And everyone else who doesn’t like to do that, you just say, ‘Good on you, guys. You go well.’ Think good thoughts for them, or whatever you do” (Livingston 2018).
Ridiculing the PM’s Christian call to prayer
Angus Livingston, the journalist could not report on this Christian call to prayer to break the drought, without some scoffing words!
The article’s heading was, ‘Love each other, PM preaches’;
‘Scott Morrison tells Christian conference he was called to do God’s work as prime minister’;
‘Scott Morrison is a genuine Christian – of course he’s going to pray’;
‘Scott Morrison’s sermon was a carefully planned speech, not a moment of unguarded sincerity.”
This is a subtle attack on some Christian methodology. It is not needed if objectivity is the goal of reporting. It also infers another world view of the journalist and it’s not Christian.
For outrageous statements and ridicule about Morrison’s call to prayer, see the more than 1,000 comments in The Guardian Australia’s, ‘Scott Morrison invokes Menzies and ‘power of prayer’ while on Liberal pilgrimage’ (6 Sep 2018). A sample includes:
‘Separation of any “religious” crap from our secular state is desperately needed. Too much religious/church influence with these LNP muppets’;
‘The power of prayer is the power of delusion. It’s worrying that another PM should be that gullible and naive. Religion has no place in government, or in fighting climate change.
‘Did he say: “Can I get an amen..!”’
‘the power of PRAYER!?? no No NO! honestly this effing pulpit thumping twit has to go!
The call to prayer is ‘offensive’ because . . .
‘To pray for rain is offensive’: http://www.abc.net.au/religion/why-it-was-offensive-for-the-prime-minister-to-call-for-prayer/10245992
Scripture predicted that would happen
The above brief samples put in a nutshell what Scripture predicted would happen:
‘Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires’ (2 Peter 3:3 NLT).
Jude 1:18 (NLT) gives a similar message: ‘They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires.’
I find it unpleasant when stated before my eyes and when experienced as an apologist for the Christian faith. I accept that Scripture proclaims this as coming.
There is a biblical response for all Christians:
You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen (2 Pet 3:17-18 NLT).
In an Australian culture that is so antagonistic to the things of God, Christians need one another for support and encouragement.
First Thess 5:11 (NLT), ‘So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing’.
John 13:34-35 (NLT), ‘So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.’
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
What are you doing to encourage and assist your brothers and sisters in Christ? How can you help them tell you their specific needs for prayer and practical support?
I have a husband and wife who voluntarily visit with me for encouragement. They visit weekly or phone every few days. This is a supreme example of encouraging me. My family also phones to check how I’m going in aged care.
Works consulted
Livingston, A 2018. Love each other, PM preaches. News.com.au (from AAP) [online], 6 September. Available at: https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/love-each-other-pm-preaches/news-story/892b8b738d5a0bd5882c61541829c4d4 (Accessed 11 September 2021).
Copyright © 2021 Spencer D. Gear. This document last updated at Date: 11 September 2021.