au

Blake Gardiner

Press Services International

Hailing from North Auckland, Blake Gardiner sounds American, looks Swedish, but grew up in Laos. As an introvert, Blake lives life on the edge by socialising. When he isn’t putting his life at such risk, he enjoys reading theology and debating whether Interstellar is truly the greatest movie of all time. Blake is married to fellow young writer Jessica Gardiner. 

  • The Trade-Off of Generosity

    “There are no solutions. There are only trade-offs.”

  • Why Denominations Matter (And Don’t)

    If there is only one way, Jesus, to salvation, why are there so many denominations? Fair question. The diversity (and, sadly, hostility) between denominations is a peculiarity for a religion that claims to have only one way to God.

  • Disgusted with Leviticus

    The book of Leviticus is admonished for being boring: protocols for sacrifices, priestly garments, the dimensions of the Temple, and laws upon laws. It becomes an inside joke in churches. The dreariness of Bible reading is lumped onto those early Old Testament texts.

  • There are no participation awards in church

    Participation awards, a modern symbol of a yearning for equality at the cost of merited awards, have no place in church. To celebrate participation is a failure to recognise diversity of skill, talent, and gifting that we are called to use wisely as stewards of God’s gifts.

  • Tired of Church

    Tired of church? Don’t go. Watch online, hang out with some Christian friends, watch a YouTube sermon. These three options have always been present to us as an alternative to in-person church attendance.

  • Should I date Cinderella?

    Enchanted by the story of Cinderella, we are captivated by the notion of the dishevelled yet deserving princess, the unexpected but perfect knight, the lost slipper that is destined to fit, and the prince who will pursue his Cinderella at all cost.

  • Before I was a racist, I was a sinner

    Taken by storm, an outcry in rebellion to a history of oppression is heard throughout the world yearning for rectification. Statues pulled down. Names changed. History rewritten.

  • The comforting example of failure

    Anyone familiar with the renowned apologist, Dr William Lane Craig, will be accustomed to his wit, tact, and handling of philosophy and theology. Fewer may be familiar with his failure to receive a Doctorate in Theology.

  • Blake Gardiner Story - Certain of God

    Someone once wrote, “Our lives are a wonderfully messy tapestry of earthly disappointments, grace and God’s abundant love.” That was my now fiancée, Jessica Knell. Her modest nature scolds me for quoting her work, but her words are true, nonetheless.

  • Keep Your Pants On

    Cue smoke machine. Worship with me. Raise your hands, sway to the music as the Spirit leads you in contemporary dance. Shout a Hallelujah. Praise the Lord. Pants off.