The Bible is Political

In the third episode of our Lent podcast series, ecological ethicist Byron Smith is joined by Common Grace’s Relationship and Storytelling Coordinator Safina Stewart and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Justice Coordinator Bianca Manning to discuss Jesus’ teaching in the temple from Matthew 21.

As Jesus challenges the religious leaders of his time, this passage reminds us that true fruitfulness is not found in the Pharisees—or in religious leaders today who embody the same attitudes. Safina and Bianca share how their own stories and even their own selves have been politicised - often in church spaces. For the Australian church to truly move forward it must walk alongside and listen to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They also reflect on how scripture has shaped their faith, particularly in their pursuit of justice. The conversation concludes with a challenge: Whose voices are we listening to? And more importantly, how do we learn to listen—deeply, over time, and in true relationship with one another.

Listen to this podcast episode below

You can also download the episode via this Google Drive link.

A transcript of this conversation can be downloaded here. 

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

“‘The stone the builders rejected

    has become the cornerstone;

the Lord has done this,

    and it is marvellous in our eyes’?

“Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”

When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

Matthew 21:42-46

________

We invite you to pray and continue reflecting on this conversation today. 

Reflect:

Which parts of Safina and Bianca's personal experiences most struck you and why?

What parts of the Bible have directed your own journey towards pursuing justice in the world?

What are some practical ways you could encourage your church to listen more deeply to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices?

Pray:

Lord,

We thank you that in your kingdom, power will be taken away from those who use it to coerce and harm, and instead faithful fruit-bearing people will flourish in their life with you. As we read the scriptures together, help us to listen deeply, learn together, and be led by you and your heart for the world. We pray this in the name of Jesus, the capstone.

Amen

Go Deeper:

Common Grace has compiled a collection of theological resources from First Nations perspectives which can be found here. 

‘An Indigenous theological revolution’, Soul Search episode presented by Dr Meredith Lake, on the ‘Raising our Tribal Voice for Justice: An Indigenous Theological Revolution' conference held at the University of Divinity in Naarm on Wurundjeri country (Melbourne, Victoria) in 2024. The episode features Professor Anne Pattel-Gray, Mikenzie Ling, Rhanee Lester, Sandra King OAM, along with Julie Coombs, Joshua Lane, Travis Turner, Kyle Wicker, Ben Van Geldren and Dean Chisholm.

Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice:

	Bianca Manning is Common Grace’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Coordinator and a Gomeroi woman based in Logan, Queensland. She works alongside Senior Aboriginal Christian Leader Aunty Dr Jean Phillips and holds a Social Work (First Class Honours) degree from the University of Newcastle. Bianca is passionate about asset-based community development, veganism, dance, and deepening her faith.
	Byron Smith is an ecological ethicist helping churches connect the care of creation with Christian discipleship. He holds a PhD in theological ethics, exploring emotional responses to climate disruption and their relationship to faith and identity.
	Safina Stewart is Common Grace’s Relationships and Storytelling Coordinator and a proud Wuthathi and Mabuiag Island woman. Having grown up across New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, she brings a deep cross-cultural perspective to her work. Now based in Wonthaggi on Bunurong Country, Safina is passionate about culture, education, the arts, justice, and faith.