Values for all to share

There was much for Christians and non-Christians to learn from the wisdom of political leader Dr Russel Norman, writes Ian Harris.

Fri, 13 Jan 2012
Ian Harris is a journalist and commentator.

While the decorations, carols, presents and feasting are behind us, the spirit of Christmas isn't supposed to peter out with them.

Four days before Christmas, the New Zealand public was reminded of that in a remarkable way and in a most unlikely setting: by an atheist in the address-in-reply debate of our newly elected Parliament.

The atheist, as he described himself, is Green Party co-leader Dr Russel Norman. Yet unlike many who profess atheism, he was open enough to find much good in Christianity. In fact, his sketch of the Christmas story with its message of new hope for humanity would not have been out of place in any church pulpit.

"What I admire about the Christmas story is that it speaks to values I share, including some that make me a little uneasy in this place of privilege and power," he said.

http://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/opinion/194204/values-all-share

More on Dr Russel Norman:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russel_Norman