Centre for Christian Living podcast 148: Men and women in God’s family with Simon Flinders
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Nov 27, 2025 In this discussion, Simon Flinders, an Anglican minister and Archdeacon to the Archbishop of Sydney, dives into the radical teachings of Jesus on family and kinship. He highlights how Jesus challenges cultural faithfulness to biological families, prioritizing allegiance to God. Simon explains the shocking notion of 'hating' one’s family in light of discipleship and explores the concept of adoption into God's family. The talk emphasizes that church community should reflect true kinship, transcending personal family expectations in favor of biblical practices.
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Kinship Reframes Family Belonging
- 'Kinship' reframes family as who we belong to in Christ rather than blood relations.
- This shifts focus from cultural nuclear-family priorities to belonging under God's fatherhood.
Jesus Relativises Family Loyalties
- Jesus' teaching about family challenges cultural prioritising of blood-family loyalties.
- His call often relativises family when loyalty to him must transcend other ties.
Adoption Makes Fatherhood Primary
- Following Jesus introduces a new family whose claim can transcend biological family claims.
- Christian identity as adopted children makes God's fatherhood primary.
