Fr Barry Dwyer, MC Lynn Rogers, Fran Scurfield and John Anderson AC FTSE.
The Parkes Holy Family Parish hosted a Spirituality in the Pub event on Friday 16th August at the Parkes Services Club, where 160 people filled the Starlight Room to hear John Anderson address the topic, “Does the West Need a Spiritual Reawakening?”.
John Anderson, who served as Deputy Prime Minister, back in the Howard government; spent 10 years in cabinet and walked away from politics with the deep respect of his colleagues on both sides of the house.
John Howard once stated, “I have not met a person with greater integrity in public life” than John Anderson.”
He currently farms on the family property whilst also being active in his podcast series and YouTube conversations, various directorships, public speaking, and in the not-for-profit sector. He is a sought-after speaker in Australia and abroad.
John is concerned about political and public life, and now sees our biggest challenge is that of cultural breakdown. From the audience comments it is obvious that many people agree that our social structures have been crumbling. The Western world is plagued by self-doubt and confusion regarding our values and beliefs.
There is a fear that we are losing our freedoms, safety, security and community spirit. People need community. We are not meant to ‘do life’ on our own. It was obvious from the audience enthusiasm and applause, that we are all looking for people to speak up and speak out about the issues that affect our daily lives. People want truth and open debate and the freedom to express themselves with dignity and reasonable argument.
For those who are interested, readers can find John Anderson Conversations on YouTube, (and also on Podcasts) where he has interviewed an amazing number of critical thinking people on a range of topics that concern us all.
By Lynn Rogers