Contents
Conversations
Background
Books
Learning
Contact
Conversations
Conversations along the way records ideas and perspectives exploring biblical themes written over many years as rough drafts or more revised documents.
My explorations follow a pattern: contemplation involving awe and wonder, participation by listening and giving, and narration with celebration, comfort and anticipation. My reflections involve reviewing with appreciation, researching by further exploration, and responding as seems appropriate by interaction.
I used a literary – not literal or face value – reading of Scripture when preparing for lay ministry. Doctrines of the Trinity, the incarnation and the atonement are central to my theology and are explored in Books. I see the Bible as fugal, polyphonic and diverse, written over many years and in numerous environments – all of which are different to the rapidly changing cultural and political contexts in which we grew up and now live. Three values central to my approach to biblical studies – meaning, inclusion and community – form the framework of Redefining. The references in Learning to Love Wisdom, Redefining and Living in Love and Freedom contain the most detailed reference lists in my books.
I hope my thoughts may be enriching and encouraging. Where my writing suggests ideas and frameworks that vary from those held by other Christians, our common faith can keep us in community and help us explore and reconcile our differences. I hope readers with non-theistic and/or secular understandings can find some helpful common values, even though I have used what might seem to be merely a discussion of literary narratives, symbols and imaginations. Those with other religious belief systems may find fresh insights by sharing in my journey of faith-seeking-understanding, including where collisions of thought and practice emerge.
To all readers, please forgive my short-comings and my inevitable and unhelpful biases, and may your reading bring you peace, joy and hope.
Background
In addition to studying honours pure mathematics, I completed Masters degrees in theological studies and educational leadership and management. While working in the public education system as a teacher, leader and project officer, focusing on mathematics and information and communication technologies in senior secondary settings, I was actively involved in a range of leadership roles in local church and other Christian organisations.
I have been interested in exploring ways community growth can be encouraged by strategic leadership, cultural change and effective participation. I believe that the interfaces and interactions between learning, leading, technology and culture provide ongoing dilemmas and opportunities. The shape and direction of the changes we experience have deep historical origins and are reflected in the human values and beliefs that influence effective community life and growth.
The current explosion in knowledge, understanding and communication through information and communication technologies and associated media, however, does not render the views and voices of ancient wisdom irrelevant. Throughout my working life and in retirement, I have sought a faith-based understanding that looks to recognise diversity, and that aims to respect, and where possible, assist in restoring human dignity and decency.
Don Priest BSc(Hons) DipEd Adel GDipEd(EdComp) UniSA MEd(LeaderMgmt) MThSt Flin
Books
My theology and ministry books are available here. The following books share several of my values and aspects of my involvement in several Christian groups.
Redefining reflects on some of the ways I have understood Meaning and Scripture, Inclusion and Hierarchies, and Community and Ministry.
Songs of Joy and Peace includes manuscripts and brief songlines for songs for which I wrote tunes. It is shared as a thanksgiving for when I was participating in communities where people were seeking to live in faith, hope and love.
Geoffrey Bingham – Theologian and Troubadour (updated) considers several themes in his theology and provide some details of his music, books and seasonal schools. It celebrates his interest in people and their stories, along with his focus on sharing his biblically derived perspectives through song-poems.
The Vinedresser Revisited responds to a booklet about a series of Lenten studies I led for the Kapunda Anglican parish.
A Quiet Revival Reviewed (updated) responds to a book about Geoffrey Bingham and New Creation Publications Inc. (NCPI), operating as New Creation Teaching Ministry (NCTM).
On Earth as in Heaven reflects on aspects of my long-term lay teaching and preaching ministry.
Learning
Listening and Reading highlight some of the resources that have expanded my biblical and theological understanding and appreciation, and enriched my approaches to local church and religious culture.
Contact
Please email me for further information and for conversations.
Conversations Along the Way 