"Myself, I married an Asian woman and I’m learning to speak Chinese. I think I’m almost inoculated."

I hate to call you an idiot, but that is a stupid, racist comment, since we are talking about the second half of this century and it has nothing to do with anything other than you feeling better than other people because of your association with an Asian (presumably).

What are you inoculated against by marrying an Asian woman and when will this Chinese language benefit you exactly? You could be doing something far more constructive with your future than learning Chinese. Whether you like it or not, white people have led this world up until this point and countries with white people have the best standards of living and freedoms (as always there are exceptions and this is a general rule). I don't see China bringing in reforms that will markedly change anything for several decades, because corruption is pervasive (both institutional and personal, like in most developing countries around the world).

Tennysons.....

Well said bro.... my biggest fear for people like Daniel is that they have come to Christ in an environment where they put their lives on the line, and perhaps here in Australia, the quality of our discipleship is so lamentably 'social' and tame they might loose heart in us.

I've begun taking it to the coal face by attending various protests where I find there are many people who are quite open to an alternative to the same old same old political perspectives they know in reality don't mean much. I'm inspired by many conversations I've had now, where it is easy to bring Christ into the convo in a relevant way. The main starting point is when people recognize that 'we' are the main problem, in our own hearts.

On 9th of December there will be (?) a 'bikini march' to a mosque in Melbourne. Apparently its organized by some right wing groups but I don't know many details. I'm sure such an event would have people's juices flowing one way or the other. Who knows, there might be opportunities there also.

I do know one thing though, unless we become more vigilant about trends in our society and challenge falsehood where it stands, we will only have ourselves to blame for the 'new management' referred to in the article.

We pray and soldier on :)

I don't want to live under any theocracy. That includes Christianity, which appears to be seeping into government policy in Australia. Christianity is as bad as Islam when it comes to politics and interfering with individual freedom..ok it's slightly better at this moment in time, but there isn't really a good example of a Christian theocracy, so we have no comparison....Oh wait Christianity in a more archaic configuration was equally as obscene and violent.. Basically anyone who believes in liberty should not tolerate any religious interference in the daily lives of fellow citizens, because as soon as a religion overtakes policy, they start dictating how people should live and restricting freedoms.

It's unfair of secular humanists to speak as if they are the "rational" ones whereas the religious are fundamental crazies, ready to kill anyone who does not share their beliefs.

I'm a "strong" Christian. One of my friends is a strong Hindu. Another, a strong Jew. Another, a strong Muslim. Another, a strong atheist. Another, a strong Pagan. Another, a strong Bhuddist. Another, a strong member of the Sikh religion. Another, a strong Hare Krishna. Etc, etc.

I'm also pretty rational. I work hard at university and achieve high marks in the science/health faculty.

Did my attendance of an AOG church this morning, however, suddenly make me grossly irrational? I think not.

Please afford those who hold supernatural philosophies/beliefs the same respect you would give those of naturalistic beliefs. Making crazy generalisations about the religious is akin to the religious making generalisations about secularists (want to take over the world, outlaw religion, replace it with worship of self, etc.)

"Please afford those who hold supernatural philosophies/beliefs the same respect you would give those of naturalistic beliefs"

Depends what you call naturalistic beliefs. The laws of nature
are there for all to observe, quite different from people who
believe in an imaginary friend to feel good.

Sorry, I won't respect what you believe, but respect your right
to believe it, if it makes you happy etc.

"(want to take over the world, outlaw religion, replace it with worship of self, etc.)"
I haven't heard of any secularists making these statements...well, possibly "outlaw religion" once or twice in the fringes of debate, but never in the mainstream (and I would side with religion on that one myself). But I have heard of mainstream religious groups consistently making statements about homosexuality, abortion and contraception and sometimes religious groups trying to spread their religion under the veil of medical aid. So, it is well established that mainstream religion tries to restrict freedoms as soon as they enter politics. Secularists accept religion in society, as long as they keep to themselves. Unfortunately religious groups seem to have this overwhleming urge to convert people and interfere with their lives through politics.