Faith and reason

The "plain truth" of Jesus' ministry is not to be found in the red tape of academia, says Ivan Grindlay.

Trevor James says that when detractors of the Christian faith cite differences between the gospels as evidence of their unreliability or proof against Christian faith, they repeatedly fail to grasp the unique character of these texts.

Ian Harris profiles a global initiative promoted by leaders of various nationalities and faiths - the Charter for Compassion.

It was the poet Alexander Pope who said that "To err is human . . ." Mark Smith looks at human failings and the nature of forgiveness.

The arrival of a new year is a good time to take a fresh look at the virtues and benefits of forgiveness, suggests Ian Harris.

Is the theory of evolution a fairy tale, and what really is the value of "scientific interpretation"? Boundless knowledge does not seem to have brought us any closer to solutions for life's fundamental needs, argues Mark Buckle.

Jolyon Manning looks at declining church attendances in Otago and reflects on the needs of the future.

Looking ahead to Christmas, Stu Crosson explains his vision of a quality so often associated with it but which so frequently eludes it - joy.

Cristina Odone enjoys a vigorous and sometimes incendiary chronicle of Christianity that puts faith back centre stage.

Ian Harris reflects on the thoughts and beliefs of "post-Christian" English author and journalist, David Boulton.