2005 Boyer Lectures by Dr Peter Jensen

The Boyer Lectures have been delivered by prominent Australians, selected by the ABC Board, for over 40 years. They have stimulated thought, discussion and debate in Australia on a wide range of subjects. The lectures showcase great minds examining key issues and values.

2005 Boyer Lectures by Dr Peter Jensen
Sundays at 5pm, from 13 November 2005, repeated Tuesdays at 1pm (4pm in WA)

Jesus is more important to the Australian values of 'a fair go' and 'mateship' than the stories of the Eureka Stockade and Gallipoli; in forgetting him, as Australians we risk losing our core values now and in the future, warns Anglican Archbishop of Sydney Dr Peter Jensen in his 2005 Boyer Lectures, The Future of Jesus, beginning Sunday, 13 November.

'I want to provoke a national debate with the Jesus of the Gospels,' says Dr Jensen in his introduction. He aims to inspire widespread adult reading of the Gospels and recognition of the significance of Jesus for a modern world in which religion is increasingly on the agenda.

In six weekly lectures broadcast on ABC Radio National, Dr Jensen brings more than 40 years of theological experience to a detailed examination of the history, parables, miracles and promises of Jesus. He states that biblical stories are more important than ever in a modern world increasingly focused on individualism and its associated 'freedoms'.

Dr Jensen calls on both major political parties to look carefully at their notions of contemporary liberalism and to re-examine their parties' origins, values and the freedoms they advocate in the context of the changing society. 'Can we trust each other to use our freedom well? Will my freedom to bargain be at the expense of your ability to look after your family?'

To demonstrate the contemporary power of Jesus Dr Jensen also examines martyrdom as a contemporary and ancient phenomenon, and looks at the influence on American foreign policy of the belief of the millions who think that the second coming of Jesus is imminent.

Dr Jensen has been Archbishop of Sydney, the largest Diocese in the country, since 2001 and is Chair of the General Synod Doctrine Commission. He has written a number of books including The Quest For Power, At the Heart the Universe and The Revelation of God and in June this year presented the inaugural TC Hammond Lectures in Ireland.