I am surprised that people often question today whether we have Christian roots as a nation.
I hear that question from church goers and non-church goers. In fact, it is often more from the church goers that I hear that comment.
I believe that is fairly quickly answered along the following lines.
For example, just look at our constitution which began with the words “humbly relying on the blessings of almighty God”.
Centennial Park
One of my favourite spots is Centennial Park in Sydney. If you take a stroll through Centennial Park, you will come across a rotunda which is a building on site where the official ceremony to mark the Federation of Australia took place.
On this site the documents were signed that gave birth to our nation. As you walk into the building your eyes are drawn to the ceiling where the words Faith, Hope & Charity or love are clearly displayed.
These words of course come from the Apostle Paul.
And of course English common law is based on God’s higher laws. They call us to justice and human dignity.
Of course we honour our indigenous beginnings and heritage but also let us affirm that,
Judeo-Christian values are our foundation and are essential to our ongoing flourishing as a nation. It’s important that we can answer this significant question when it arises.
Rev Dr Ross Clifford AM is the Principal of Morling College (NSW Baptist) and author of numerous books many of which focus on Christian Apologetics. He is a Vice President of the Baptist World Alliance, President of the Asian Baptist Association, an acclaimed international preacher and speaker, a columnist in many Christian publications, winner of many national and international awards and for many years the Sunday evening Sydney Radio 2CH host. Ross is married to Bev, father and grand father.