Rethinking the Reality of God in a Time of Pandemic

Rev Dr Bruce Grindlay will facilitate a discussion based on the premise “from each according to their wisdom.” Bruce will draw on his recently completed studies on hermeneutics (i.e. ways to interpret what is “going on”) through the lens of radical theology. The session will be in three parts. First, a consideration of the pandemic (Covid-19) and sharing reflections of experiences. Second, to consider the Pandemic through the lens of Enid Blyton’s “The Magic Faraway Tree” (many seniors will recall this!). Then, thirdly, to draw all these considerations together under the heading of “the Cross and the Saving of God”.

Bruce first served as a Minister of the Word in South America, inspired by the advent of Liberation Theology. Since returning to Australia he has enjoyed significant congregational ministries in Victoria and South Australia. His recent doctoral studies have mainly sourced the theologian John Caputo and the philosopher Jacques Derrida. Bruce argues that the Covid-19 pandemic gives us cause to consider God as a being who appears not to have responded to another global crisis and the personal suffering it has wrought.