Can Christianity Be Saved? Introducing Metanoia Conversations

After a year-long hiatus, Metanoia is officially back up and running. And we’ve got some news to share…

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Metanoia is excited to launch Metanoia Conversations. Starting in May, we’re going to be meeting in person to host live kōrero on juicy topics related to faith and public life in Aotearoa. We’re talking about the types of questions lots of people have but rarely get to ask honestly like:

• Is Christianity an inherently colonising religion? 

• Do “traditional Christian sexual ethics” hold up in today’s world?

• What’s the deal with megachurches and leadership abuses?

• Why does Zionism seem to have such a grip on western Christians?

Alongside these upcoming events, Metanoia is going to resume regular publishing online after a year long hiatus, with a pared back, smaller team behind the wheel. As the nature of this community evolves, we’re still driven by the same conviction: to be a platform that champions free and open conversations on issues of contemporary life and Christian faith in Aotearoa New Zealand.

What is Metanoia again?

Metanoia is a platform to engage in topics of public life with faith and theology. This is a broad definition: we analyse politics, music, art, identity, and other topics from a Christian perspective. This doesn’t mean we give ‘the’ opinion of all Christians or even of each other, but rather we seek to provide thoughtful engagement with culture from a worldview based on a faith in Jesus Christ.

And who are you, again?

We want to mihi to all those involved in the editorial teams here at Metanoia over the last few years! This year, it’s back to basics with Metanoia co-founders Jaimee van Gemerden and Andrew Clark-Howard running the ship, alongside others who will be joining us later this year.

Oh, cool. So what’s Metanoia Conversations?

Metanoia Conversations are a series of public lectures, kōrero, and debates we’ll be having on a bimonthly basis starting this May. The main question  asked throughout a range of pressing issues is this: Can Christianity be saved?

It’s no secret that the Christian church has had its fair share of responsibility for abuse and complicity in widespread injustice. We want to face these questions head on, centred around three central values: critical thinking, open inquiry, and the accessibility of ideas. More on this to come.

I don’t think Christianity can be saved. Should I still come?

Nau mai! Metanoia Conversations seek to be a place for open and honest discussion, something which can be hard to come by. We don’t intend to frame ‘doubts’ as steps along the way to be overcome by ‘faith.’ Asking the question ‘Can Christianity be saved?’ means leaving open the possibility that it, in fact, cannot.

I’m confused by the question … Should I still come?

That’s okay too! No requirements are necessary for participation. 

What should I look out for in the meantime?

In the lead up to our first gathering, we will be sharing reflections and posts right here on the website and be active once again over on Instagram and Facebook. Don’t be a stranger! Our DMs and comment sections are open for discussion, further ideas, or just a simple kia ora.