Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told religious people that they should trust God, not governments, during a speech focused on anxiety in Perth.
Key points:
- Scott Morrison said anxiety and mental health was an issue that worries him as an MP
- The former prime minister says people should not trust politicians to address their concerns
- Mr Morrison was grateful that there was “greater hope” than the government
Morrison was a guest speaker at a birthday event for the Pentecostal church, the Victory Life Center, founded by tennis champion Margaret Court on Sunday.
In a nearly 50-minute speech, Cook’s deputy said the government was “important,” but thanked that “we have greater hope” than politicians.
“We trust Him. We don’t trust governments. We don’t trust the United Nations, thank God,” Morrison said.
“We don’t trust all of these things, no matter how important they are and how important the role they play.
“Believe me, I’ve worked on them, and they are important.
“But as someone who has been there, if you are putting your faith in these things as I put my faith in the Lord, you are making a mistake.
“They’re earthly, they’re fallible. I’m so glad we have greater hope.”
The comments came in a speech focused on anxiety and mental health in the community, a topic for which Mr. Morrison said he was concerned “as a Member of Parliament.”
He said God understood that anxiety was part of the human condition and pointed to Bible stories, such as Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus, as evidence that “he understands, he understands, he sees you.”
“He made sure this was written for what you’re going through now … so you can know he knows,” he said.
“And he’s there, an ever-present help, in times of need.”
Scott Morrison has often spoken of his faith. (Provided by: Victory Life Center)
He clarified that he was referring to “everyday anxieties,” such as worrying about the effects of climate change, not mental health conditions that require diagnosis and clinical treatment.
Morrison said identity politics was something he had “always criticized,” saying people were not defined by their beliefs or grievances.
The 54-year-old, who was elected to Cook’s South Sydney headquarters by the Liberal Party in 2007, has always spoken openly about his faith while in office.
During his inaugural address to parliament, he revealed that he “made a commitment to my faith” at a young age and paid tribute to church leaders, including Hillsong founder Brian Houston.
He said Australia “was not a secular country” but a “free country” where people were free to have whatever faith they chose.
“My personal faith in Jesus Christ is not a political agenda,” he said in 2007.
“For me, faith is personal, but the implications are social, as personal and social responsibility are at the heart of the Christian message.”
Morrison also said he believed it had become “fashionable to stereotype negatively” to people who profess their Christian faith as “extreme.”
During his stay in Canberra, he served as immigration minister and treasurer under Prime Ministers Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull, respectively, before being appointed to the top post following a 2018 spill of leadership.
In 2019, against all odds, Morrison led the Coalition to victory in the federal election in what he called a “miracle.”
After losing this year’s election to Labor MP Anthony Albanese, Morrison left the post of Liberal leader and moved to the back seat.
On Sunday, Morrison said he believes God has a plan for him after his election loss.
“I do. Because I still believe in miracles,” he said.