Australia is still grappling with the aftermath of the recent knife attack in Bondi Junction and a terror-related incident involving Bishop Mari Emmanuel, who was reportedly targeted in a stabbing attack believed to be religiously motivated.
These events serve as a stark reminder of the brokenness in our world. As Christians, we must persevere in prayer for healing, knowing that true restoration will come only through the love of Jesus.
David Robertson, a social commentator, director of the A.S.K Project, and minister of the Scots Kirk Presbyterian Church in Newcastle, recently joined us on 20Twenty to give us his insights into the recent tragic events in Sydney.
Rush to Judgement
‘One of the dangers we have in our culture is the instant reaction and rush to judgment,’ says David. ‘But there are also a lot of community issues. There are issues about communication. There are issues about who we are, and there are issues about mental illness and religious intolerance.’
According to David, one of the ultimate ironies we face is that while social media is intended to facilitate connection, it often utilises algorithms to reinforce and target a person’s specific beliefs.
‘I think from a Christian perspective,’ says David, ‘I want to look at everyone and say, first of all, they’re human. That 16-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed the bishop, he’s a kid who has been influenced by the media. But at the same time we can criticise the philosophies of other religions, and the ideas. But we must never demonise people. That for me is very important.’
David believes Bishop Emmanuel has demonstrated wisdom and genuine maturity as a Christian leader. While there may be critics in light of the events in Bondi Junction and the church attack, we need to maintain caution when discussing mental health to avoid stigmatising those affected.
Personally Engage
‘I think mental health is going to be the big issue in Australian culture over the next five years,’ says David. ‘We need to think about what we’re going to do. I also think that for people with broken minds, maybe a society that glamorises sex and violence isn’t the best place to grow up in.’
David believes that Christians need to personally engage with the issue of mental health within their churches. ‘I’ll go out and sit and have a coffee with someone,’ he says. ‘Because I’m thinking, how can I help these people? People whose brains are being addled by drink and drugs. It’s a huge issue.’
Despite the challenges posed by recent events, David acknowledges that some positive outcomes have emerged. ‘I know it sounds strange to say that,’ he says, ‘but I thought the heroism of some of the people involved, including the police officer and the two men who did their best to hold the attacker back, was marvellous. And then Bishop Emmanuel’s plea to his own community not to disobey the law and expressing his forgiveness for his assailant.’
‘I think those are both beautiful things.’
Listen to David’s full interview on 20Twenty below:
