Graham Crew Pastor Anglican Church
For me it was the songs of the Protest Era Dylan, Donovan, Peter Paul & Mary, Barry McGuire. Have you seen the recent Dylan movie in my view it is brilliant and should have scored a couple of Oscars.
Their songs expressed a longing for a better world. Mamma Cass sang – “there’s a new world coming, bringing in peace, bringing in joy, bringing in love”. But the Age of Aquarius never came. The times they were a changing, but the answers were just blowing in the wind.
These songs fed my yearning, and that of my mates, for a world where wars would end and all people would be treated equally. Later Lennon was to “imagine” this would come, if only all religion died and people lived for today rather than some God-promised heaven.
My problem was I come from a very sceptical line the Crews. I even joined the Australian Sceptics Society. But I eventually doubted their credibility their arguments were big on rhetoric, but low on evidence. I became sceptical that humanity was good enough and clever enough to fix our brokenness
Then in my teens I was introduced to Jesus of Nazareth. Friends encouraged me to investigate him for myself. They called him the “Prince of Peace”. I began to read the Gospels and was amazed at the accounts I found there. He treated people, all people rich & poor, with equal dignity … even love. And Jesus brought a message of genuine hope the power to change my life now and the promise that he’d return and bring in a genuine new age one in which the brokenness of this world and our brokenness would be replaced with a permanent unbreakable world. A world where genuinely changed people would live. That’s my songs and my journey. I’d love to hear yours.
I know at this point you may be thinking what a “naïve teenager” or “wishful thinking”! But 56 years later, with various degrees in literature and history and theology, I think I’ve given this Jesus some pretty hard investigation. And I’m even more convinced. But not just me … many of today’s neo-atheists are questioning their denial of a god, and re-examining Jesus. English historian and famous “Rest of History” podcaster, Tom Holland is one. After years of historical investigation, Tom has shocked colleagues and fans by declaring Jesus the most influential man in history and himself now a “Christian”.
I read recently that ¼ of Britons don’t believe Jesus existed, and another ¼ aren’t sure. I find that astonishingly naïve, even for the Barnie Army! No credible historian believes that about Jesus. Most Aussies, I think, know Jesus was real. So, what do you make of him?
This April we’ll commemorate two great noble sacrifices – ANZAC Day and Easter. Both began remembering those who lay down their lives for the good of others. ANZAC Day means more to me now as I remember that my dad gave 6 years to serve in 2/1st AIF. Easter means more to me as well now. Jesus didn’t just die for his friends and family as soldiers may have to. Jesus says he died to forgive his enemies and bring us peace with God. While WW2 brought peace for a while, it sadly ultimately failed to bring world peace whereas Jesus’ resurrection gives me certainty that Jesus will one day keep his promise of a permanent and lasting peace.
All the Island churches will celebrate Easter with special services. We warmly welcome visitors and locals. If you’d like to investigate Jesus further, then church is on every Sunday and on Good Friday at 9.30am with us, opposite Jimmy’s Coffee. We’re also giving away copies of Mark’s Gospel so people can read and investigate Jesus for themselves.