In recent days, The Daily Mail has started a campaign arguing that Britain should divert money from its overseas aid budget to give to victims of the UK floods. Its editorial yesterday said "Britain has given hundreds of millions towards flood relief overseas. Today, it is our own people who are enduring the misery,… Continue reading Christians should lead the way in a boycott of The Daily Mail
Author: Jon Kuhrt
Jon Kuhrt has worked with people affected by homelessness for over 30 years. He is a former government adviser on how faith groups address rough sleeping and is now CEO of Hope into Action. He lives with his wife in Streatham, south London and they have 3 children. He likes football....but loves cricket.
Finding God on Sundays (in the pub)
“A good local pub has much in common with a church, except that a pub is warmer, and there’s more conversation.” William Blake (1757 – 1827) A short walk from our church there is a pub which always has a lot of men in it, drinking a lot of beer, many of whom are sitting by themselves. It… Continue reading Finding God on Sundays (in the pub)
On trial tomorrow: Christian activists who blocked an arms fair displaying torture equipment
Last September, a group of Christians knelt in prayer to block the entrance to the London arms fair - known as Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEi). The protestors sang hymns, prayed together and prevented arms dealers from entering the fair for nearly an hour.On that same day as the protest, two companies were thrown… Continue reading On trial tomorrow: Christian activists who blocked an arms fair displaying torture equipment
When Grace is not so Amazing
Well Bono’s words about Karma and Grace have proved to be a bit popular - so far over 170,000+ people have shared it on facebook. But what is it about Bono's words that so connected with people? The power of grace Some of it relates to the interest in what celebrities say. Some of it is due the… Continue reading When Grace is not so Amazing
Bono on the difference between Grace and Karma
"It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma... You see, at the centre of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put… Continue reading Bono on the difference between Grace and Karma
The truth about Jury Service
Last year I got 'the letter' which summoned me to Jury Service for the middle two weeks of January 2014. Although it was a bit of a pain organising things at work around this, I was quite looking forward to participating in the justice system. Doing my civic duty and all that. I even watched… Continue reading The truth about Jury Service
C.S. Lewis and the importance of unfashionable opinions
I have just finished reading C.S. Lewis: A Life. Eccentric Genius. Reluctant Prophet by Alistair McGrath. It is a brilliant book. McGrath writes as someone who truly understands the Oxbridge academic world in which Lewis spent his entire working life. As research, he re-read everything that Lewis wrote in his lifetime in chronological order. It was time… Continue reading C.S. Lewis and the importance of unfashionable opinions
Foodbank politics: faith, community action and social justice
The Labour government of the late 1970s will always be associated with economic failure, public sector strikes and the ‘winter of discontent’ when (as legend has it) the rubbish went uncollected and the dead unburied. When we see documentaries about the 1970s, they often include scenes of refuse piled up and picket lines accompanied by background… Continue reading Foodbank politics: faith, community action and social justice
What age should you let your child watch or play a ‘12’ rated film or game?
This week my sons came home from primary school with a letter for parents and guardians which reminded us about the recommended ages that children should be before they use various social media and games. As well as referring to the 13 year old threshold for using facebook and Instagram they also felt they needed… Continue reading What age should you let your child watch or play a ‘12’ rated film or game?
’12 Years a Slave’ and the ambivalent role of religion
Last night I went to see the film 12 Years a Slave. I am still recovering. The film focuses on the tribulations faced by Solomon Northup, (Chiwetel Ejiofor) a successful New Yorker who is duped, drugged and sold into slavery in the southern states of the US. It is a brilliant yet relentlessly traumatic film. Northup’s switch from… Continue reading ’12 Years a Slave’ and the ambivalent role of religion
Grace + Truth 