I am the father of four daughters, the grandfather of eight, and the husband of one wife. I studied science in my youth and in particular Optometry, and recently sold my practice, to take up a diverse range of interests, both sacred and secular.
I had a brief, productive but disillusionary time in church ministry. However my fascination for all things antiquarian constrained me to take up further studies at Macquarie University whence I received a B. A in ancient history (in addition to my B.Optom and B. Christian Studies)
On reflection, I have reached the opinion (albeit imperfect) that Theological Colleges teach Theology and the ancient history departments of universities teach ancient history without the fetters of preconceived Theological structures, which they do not need to defend.
After studying the same Biblical milieu through a secular university, it seems to me that Theology could be rightly regarded sanctified conjecture. Patently corroborating this contention are the number of denominations which we find in the world. Each reading precisely the same texts and coming to vastly different conclusions on its intent.
The aim of the Theology College is to place its doctrinal stamp on its students, in order to defend orthodoxy, whatever that is. Church’s energy could better directly to being relevant to the culture in which we find ourselves. Reaching the broken and sin ravaged people of our communities is what Jesus requires of us. He won’t be asking us about our doctrinal statements, but why didn’t help those in desperate need of hope and salvation.
To lighten your weary mind from the weight of cognitive overload, you will be pleased to know that I have a life. I am a kiteboarding tragic, it's incredibly exhilarating and ineffably frivolous.
I do enjoy reading many of the International writers’ articles, some evince insight beyond their years. Let’s pray that once again the pen (word processor) becomes mightier than the sword, and that words inspire a generation of Christians to take up arms (spiritually speaking) against the kingdom of darkness, in order to bring the transformational truth of Jesus into every area of our nation.
I serve as the Well-Being Australia Board Secretary (since foundation) and have engaged in a number of Australian and International missions including Russia teaching in theological seminaries.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand. Dr Mark Tronson’s Press Service International in 2019 was awarded the Australasian Religious Press Association’s premier award, The Gutenberg.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html