New Life

The initiative for this book came when we were conducting the research for Why Weren't We Told? We were privileged to share numerous individual spiritual journeys while we were gathering information on 'grassroots' group activities. We resolved that, at some time in the future, these courageous stories needed to be told as an inspiration to others never to give up searching and asking questions about matters of faith. As material from scholars studying the historical Jesus became publicly available, people asked the question: why weren't we told? Some of these people went on to explore for themselves this scholarship and for many it resonated so strongly with their personal faith journey that they found it impossible to return to Christian orthodoxy.
John Smith and Rex Hunt, editors

'It was a couple of years before I felt able to go to a Sunday morning service where my initial response was simply to notice the lack of ""pinpricks""- the absence of sexist and power language. Gradually, I was able to relax a little and appreciate the beautiful liturgy, thought- provoking reflections and most of all the open, inclusive invitation to communion. Reflecting on where I find myself now, three themes emerge: words and silence, work and faith, and community'.
Fiona McDougal, contributor

'Travelling along the usual highway of tradition, fundamentalism and spiritual immaturity of my youth and adolescence, a large sign--""New Road Ahead"" with a black arrow pointing in the direction of an alternative, shorter route--unexpectedly comes into view. The certainty and security of passage I have always known are momentarily lost. Cautiously, I choose the new road and, ultimately, a more liberal approach to the Bible and Christianity... A wonderful and compelling sense of freedom, liberation, joy and elation fills me. My progressive Christian journey has begun!'
Neville Davidson, contributor


John Smith is a minister in the Uniting Church in Australia who spent a significant amount of his working life in human services. He is married to Robyn and they have three children and four grandchildren. Having made their home on Phillip Island just off the coast of Victoria in Australia, they continue to enjoy the company of friends over good food, good wine and always robust conversation.

Rex Hunt, a religious naturalist, liturgist, and social ecologist, retired from the ministry of the Uniting Church in 2009. Married to Dylis, they live on the Central Coast of NSW. They have two children and three grandchildren. Rex has been actively involved in the progressive Christianity movements for 40+ years. He and John Smith co-edited Why Weren't We Told? A Handbook on Progressive Christianity (2013, Polebridge Press)