Vic Matthews
Vic Matthews is a professional and theological thinker and one of the international young writer panellists. These are his own words.
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, at which I still labour to this day, by operating my own practice in Batemans Bay, NSW.
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 restraint of preconceived Theological tenants 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 constitute Christendom, 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 perpetuate its theological dogma. This could be avoided if the Biblical milieu were studied from a historical perspective without bringing denominational dogma to the quest for knowledge and truth.
Sadly while sound theology abounds in the pulpit it lacks the depth and enrichment it could have if preachers were taught the history of antiquity in greater detail.
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 kiteboard / kitesurfing tragic, it's incredibly exhilarating and ineffably frivolous.
2017 winner - International young writer Sharma Taylor from West Indies
Panellist
I enjoy reading many of the international young writer's articles, some evince insight beyond their years. Let’s pray that once again the pen (word processor) becomes mightier than the sword, so that their convictions can turn back the forces of darkness which control the media and win back moral and religious ground for Yahweh and his Son.
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.
Retired now from business I am engaged regularly with locums, I have three degrees B.Optom, B.Arts & B. Christian Studies. I am a kiteboard tragic, now working as a Christian Copywriter. I can be found at http://trustworthycopywriter.com/writing-services/christian-copywriter/
International young writer Dan Peterson from USA
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.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at