Rod Benson, PhD

Rod Benson, PhD

@ethicl.bsky.social

Literature, poetry, philosophy, ethics, politics, history, theology, religion, food. Writer, blogger, educator. PhD in systematic theology. Sydney-based, living on unceded Dharug land. Opinions are mine. Be kind. Pls don’t DM. He/him. https://rodbenson.com

3.2K followers1.8K following468 posts

Rod Benson, PhD reposted

The report that Melbourne University Publishing will stop publishing the lit mag #Meanjin is bad news for readers, writers, thinkers, dreamers, doers, publishers, and policymakers - and for citizens who have never heard of or read Meanjin. #Auslit #litmags www.crikey.com.au/2025/09/04/m...

crikey.com.auLiterary journal Meanjin to close after 85 years of publishingMeanjin, a mainstay of Australia's cultural landscape and the nation's second-oldest literary publication, is shuttering after Melbourne University Publishing decided to cease financial support.

“The Creed comprises a firm foundation and a dynamic springboard for the practice of moral theology, calling the Church in all times and places to think and act in ways that reflect the glory of the triune God in a broken world.” — from my address to the Symposium today (full transcript in link).

rodbenson.comNicaea and moral theologyRev Dr Rod Benson, General Secretary, NSW Ecumenical CouncilFifth Theology Symposium: Nicaea at 1700: A Council for the Ages?St Andrew’s College, Redfern, Sydney, 23 August 2025 Introduction In 191…

“MacArthur drew criticism focused on his doctrinal rigidity, advocacy of complementarianism, and poor handling of hot issues. His tone often lacked pastoral sensitivity. His repressive views on the leadership of women will be seen as culturally tone-deaf.” My post.

rodbenson.comOn the cessation of John MacArthurJohn F. MacArthur, a stalwart defender of biblical inerrancy and “Lordship” salvation, died today. He was 86. A prominent U.S. evangelical pastor, Chancellor of The Master’s Seminary, a…

Rod Benson, PhD reposted

Replying to @georgemonbiot.bsky.social

2. Absurdity is a hallmark of authoritarianism. It's not just that those who believe absurdities commit atrocities. It's also that those who endorse atrocities become absurd. This is where Keir Starmer's government now finds itself.

Rod Benson, PhD reposted

1. Yesterday, 86 people were arrested in the UK under the Terrorism Act 2000 for holding signs saying "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action." They are the opposite of terrorists. They were protesting *against* terrorism. 🧵

Rod Benson, PhD reposted

“Books won’t stay banned. They won’t burn. Ideas won’t go to jail. In the long run of history, the censor and the inquisitor have always lost.” — A. Whitney Griswold

Finally finished! This book has been my reading companion for 21 years. I began on 22 April 2004, reading 3-4 pages every few weeks, following up with readings by/about most of the 250 poets writing in English discussed by author Michael Schmidt. Some books deserve to be read slowly: this is one.

For #djt, a military conflict with Iran distracts from sinking poll numbers, a devastating and unpopular budget bill, harmful and destabilising trade wars, unlawfully deploying the military on American soil, and millions of people protesting his facile authoritarianism. Cartoon by Adam Zyglis.

#FirstNations #UluruStatement #bettertogether #NRW2025 One of my favourite urban walks is the short walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Unfailingly, I feel my spirits lift as I join strangers crossing the old Coat-hanger. On Wednesday this week, I crossed the famous bridge on foot once again.

rodbenson.comReflecting on 25 years since the Bridge WalkOne of my favourite urban walks anywhere in the world is the short walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Unfailingly, I feel my spirits lift as I join strangers crossing the old Coat-hanger, takin…

“Australians are more inclined to exercise their capacity for critical thinking and think for themselves & less inclined to adopt a herd mentality when it comes to party politics. This is bad news for single-issue dog-whistlers, no matter how well funded they are.” —Rod Benson #auspol #election2025

independentaustralia.netAustralians resoundingly reject ratbaggery of the religious RightThe May Election confirmed no appetite for U.S.-style religious meddling in Australia’s politics.