by Jill Wrathall

Some say, ‘debates are only worthwhile if there’s a clear winner’, but St Paul’s, Seaforth disagrees.

Trusting that God would reveal the truth within the hearts of listeners, St Paul’s organised a debate with no intention of declaring a winner. It was an experiment that appears to have paid off.

Held in the auditorium of St Paul’s, Seaforth in October 2002, the debate, on the topic ‘God is Just’, was between Dr Barry Newman, scientist and theologian, and Harry Edwards, former chief investigator of paranormal claims for Australian Skeptics.

Thanks to front-page coverage three days earlier in The Manly Daily, the church hall was packed with a large cross-section of the northern beaches population intrigued by this topic. It was clear that it had a particular relevance given the general state of world affairs, post September 11.

As the proposition ‘God is just’ was argued, the entire audience was glued to their seats. The evening was conducted in good humour and with great passion.

Dr Newman led off, making the assumption that his opponent did agree that God exists. Barry defined who this God is, what justice is and how the Bible and life’s experience proves God’s justice.

Mr Edwards, from Australian Skeptics, followed with flare and finesse. Although an atheist, for the purpose of the debate he was willing to concede the crucial point of God’s existence and proceeded to argue against Barry’s claims, taking quotes from the Bible that he believed suggested God could not be described as ‘just’. “What kind of God allows his son to die on a Roman cross?” Barry later responded that it is the God who takes our sin so seriously.

Both men received thunderous applause. Question time followed, facilitated with great skill by Balgowlah Boys’ High School Principal, Mr Frank Pikardt.

The opportunity to raise issues openly and respectfully was welcomed by all who came. In fact, it prompted Harry Edwards to write a letter to the editor of The Manly Daily the following week to thank Mr Sheehan for the warm welcome he received. Many non-believers commented on how surprised they were that Christians could allow this kind of debate without feeling that they had to have the last say.

St Paul’s believe they gained community respect through this avenue of open debate, with most who came to the debate completely unknown to the St Paul’s membership. The debate has done much to raise the profile of St Paul’s, Seaforth and church members were genuinely surprised and delighted by the crowd that attended. So much so they have continued to think creatively about how to proclaim Jesus Christ to such an audience.

It was an experiment that seemed to work. People came; they stopped and they listened to the gospel presented in an unusual way.

Currently St Paul’s has plans for a cultural weekend, inspired by St Swithun’s, Pymble (previously reported in SC). This will include an art exhibition and a speaker who can weave a gospel message into a focus on the arts.