“Christians are the minority now in our culture and we need each other. We’re all on the same team. And so if we can unify around Jesus and unify around the Bible to the best of our ability, I think it only makes the church stronger.”

Thomson is sharing the focus of his upcoming talk at the inaugural Bible Conference, run by Bible Society Australia on September 2. And unity is not only at the heart of Thomson’s speech, but it’s also his vision for the event as a whole.

“My hope is that the conference might become a sort of neutral ground and gathering point to build unity in God’s kingdom.” – Grant Thomson, CEO Bible Society Australia

“We wanted to speak into a space that isn’t really being addressed – to have a conference that talks about the Bible, not attached to any denominational movement. A conference that talks about Jesus and speaks into this cultural, generational moment about timeless truths that need to be expressed in a way that can unify the body of Christ.

“These truths are not tied to one particular church brand or denominational stream or political leaning – they are just around the Bible itself. My hope is that the conference might become a sort of neutral ground and gathering point to build unity in God’s kingdom.”

Guest speaker at the conference Andy Crouch will address the question: how do we as followers of Jesus understand modern technology? Crouch – partner for theology and culture at Praxis, an organisation that focuses on redemptive entrepreneurship – has studied the impact of technology on culture and relationships in several books, including his latest The Life We’re Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World.

Christine Caine – speaker, author and head of anti-trafficking organisation The A21 Campaign – will also speak at the conference, sharing about how to engage in mission in this secular age.

Executive director of the Centre for Public Christianity (CPX) Simon Smart will help explore contemporary faith questions at the conference, speaking on the fullness of life that Christianity can offer – even to those living in the 21st century.

“It’s worth looking fresh at the claims of Christ and the claims of the Bible to see how they can resonate in people’s lives today.” – Grant Thomson

When asked why he believes the Bible is still relevant in today’s society, Thomson responds: “Today the cultural ethos is that we have all this technical data and we have science, which can answer certain questions, but there are things that science is inadequate completely to address.

“So to presume that because something is old it’s irrelevant, precludes the fact that before the modern era, people had wisdom in areas that we don’t have today.

Thomson continues: “I think the Bible does speak to us today and it’s still relevant because it ultimately points to Christ and what he’s doing on the planet today.

“The claims of Jesus and the claims of the Bible are unique and timeless. And I think they can speak to any generation in a real, relevant way because the issues concerning humanity’s hearts do not fundamentally change.

“I hope the conference will be particularly helpful for younger people, whether they attend physically or online – to help them understand that having doubts and questions is a normal part of faith. And that perhaps it’s worth looking fresh at the claims of Christ and the claims of the Bible to see how they can resonate in people’s lives today.”

Grant Thomson

Bible Society Australia’s inaugural Bible Conference will be held at the Powerhouse Theatre, Sydney and online on September 2 at 6pm. Both in-person and online tickets are available for a donation. For more information or to book, visit Bible Society Australia’s website.