This Book is Not Good

Eugene McCarreher really, really doesn't like Christopher Hitchens' new book. While I found this enjoyable reading, it was kind of a guilty pleasure: it felt a bit like being in the audience of an arena watching a very cross lion have Christopher for lunch.
H/T Byron.

Making a Difference

The news is full of the tragic state of Aboriginal communities - and the radical initiatives proposed by our PM to improve the situation. I've been discussing this online and in person over the past few days, but I don't have a clear opinion on whether these initiatives are good or bad - or a bit of both. I don't feel informed enough to make sweeping judgements. (Many of you would be amazed to hear that I think I need information in order to make sweeping judgements, I know!)
What does concern me, though, is the way in which this situation is being used to portray Aboriginal communities in a very familiar way. The message seems to be: Aborigines can't help themselves, so 'we' (Federal Government, non-Aboriginal people, experts) need to step in and fix things. I have nothing against intervention per se. But I think that firstly, to blame Aboriginal people without taking seriously our responsibility as a nation for this situation is both historically and morally wrong. And secondly, I think there should be recognition of the many examples of positive changes that have come from within Aboriginal communities.
As just one example, let me mention Woolaning Homeland Christian School. Check out a fascinating paper on the birth and (literal) vision of this initiative. In the midst of our urgency to fix things, to bring about change, we need to not forget the many Aboriginal people who have long laboured to bring about change in their communities - and achieved amazing things - without much support at all. Surely we should be listening to their voices as we seek solutions? Surely they should be given the opportunity to lead the way?

William Cavanaugh

I have been a big fan of the Roman Catholic theologian William T Cavanaugh since I became aware of his work during his visit to Melbourne last year - I was privileged to be part of a small group that discussed with him his work on torture and found him particularly thoughtful and gracious. I have been dipping in and out of his book Torture and Eucharist all year... as a model of historical reflection informed by theology (or perhaps the other way round) I find it an exciting and challenging read.
The Roman Catholic blog GodSpy has an excellent interview with him where he discusses his ideas about the church, the eucharist and politics... as well as other interesting stuff. Check it out.

HT to DW Congden.