Joe Hockey
---
A decline is happening in the Christian faith from a literal interpretation of the Bible, according to shadow treasurer Joe Hockey. In a speech to the Sydney Institute tonight, he will also urge for religious tolerance and understanding.
"It always perplexes me that so many people worry about Muslim women wearing the hijab when for centuries and even in some places today, Catholic nuns dress in similar attire," said his speech notes, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
One aim of the speech, titled "In Defence of God" is to broaden Mr Hockey's image beyond his portfolio duties, the report said.
Mr Hockey, who was raised a Catholic, will say a literal reading of the testament by church leaders has tangled the Christian faith in a confusion of contradictions.
"One of the reasons why Christian faith has declined in the Western world is because of the reliance placed on a literal reading of the testaments by church leaders," cites The Age from his speech.
"By encouraging literalist analysis of the Bible, many churches have inadvertently invited people to question the validity of a faith that seems to be based on questionable facts or outdated prescription.
"And while debate rages about such matters, the true message of the scriptures - of compassion, justice, equality, dignity, forgiveness, charity and respect for other people - inevitably takes a back seat."
While urging tolerance, Mr Hockey chastises Christians who attack Muslims because of the acts of Islamic terrorists.
"To judge Islam based on the actions of extremists and terrorists would be no different than judging Christianity on the actions of those who have over the centuries committed atrocities in the name of God and Christ."
FULL STORY
Come all ye faithful: Hockey reaches out to the other true believers (Sydney Morning Herald)
Hockey goes to the defence of religious faith (The Age)