Many of the people I have spoken to in recent days, whether religious or not, acknowledge that there is something spiritual about the destructive chaos that we have seen unleashed. The meaninglessness of the riots speak of problems with deeper roots than just material need: an underlying lostness in our culture around issues of identity and relationships. This culture is brilliantly… Continue reading Taken over by The Fear: the spiritual roots of the riots
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.
The unpredicted tinderbox: 3 factors which fuelled the riots
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com It’s very difficult talking about the reasons for riots during or immediately after they have happened. People who blame things like poverty, racism, alienation, or the classic ‘there is nothing for the kids to do around here’ sound like they are giving easy excuses for terrible behaviour. Most people are… Continue reading The unpredicted tinderbox: 3 factors which fuelled the riots
Cricket, justice and political action
Just as you cannot separate faith and politics, it is impossible to separate the world of international sport from politics. Recently for my birthday I got two brilliant examples of the role cricket can play within the political sphere. Firstly the DVD of the acclaimed documentary film Fire in Babylon, which is about the great West Indies… Continue reading Cricket, justice and political action
Cash for prayers: how Morris Cerullo profits from the poor
Yesterday a homeless man that I have got to know through my work showed me a letter that he had just received from Morris Cerullo, the infamous TV evangelist. It was titled 8 Weeks - 8 Blessings of Superabundance To Meet 8 Specific Needs in Your Life. In the 6-page letter, Cerullo asks the recipients to complete an… Continue reading Cash for prayers: how Morris Cerullo profits from the poor
Mentioning the ‘J’ word: Andy Hawthorne at the National Prayer Breakfast
At the National Prayer Breakfast at Parliament on Tuesday, 700 of the Great and Good assembled in the Westminster Hall in Parliament. There are dangers that such an event can easily reflect a safe form of Christianity - one that has had its rough edges nicely rounded off, to ensure that it does not cause offence so that no one… Continue reading Mentioning the ‘J’ word: Andy Hawthorne at the National Prayer Breakfast
What do you think of the government’s ‘Big Society’ initiative?
I am speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast at Parliament next week on the subject of the government's 'Big Society' initiative. It would really help me to have your honest perspective and feel free to leave comments to unpack your views....thanks!
When Two Become One (tribalism in the church part 2)
Despite the continuing power of the theological tribalism within the Church (see When Two Tribes Go to War) something exciting is happening which is subverting and challenging these divisions. In my work alongside a wide range of different Christian traditions, I am conscious every week of a growing synthesis that is emerging which is not confined by the tribal… Continue reading When Two Become One (tribalism in the church part 2)
When Two Tribes Go To War
Over the last 10 years, through both my work with homeless people and in community development, I have worked with a wide range of different churches and with Christians who hold very different theological perspectives. Despite some encouraging signs around Christian unity, there remains a significant tribalism at work in the Church between conservative and liberal emphases. We… Continue reading When Two Tribes Go To War
‘Empire of Illusion’ by Chris Hedges
"We have transformed our culture into a vast replica of Pinocchio's Pleasure Island, where boys were lured with the promise of no school and endless fun. They were all, however turned into donkeys - a symbol of ignorance and stupidity" In Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle Chris Hedges pulls no… Continue reading ‘Empire of Illusion’ by Chris Hedges
The best conference for Christian social activists
If you involved in Christian social action then you know that time away from the front line is precious. You can't afford to go to conferences which are disorganised or cynical or which are not going to inspire and encourage you. I am slightly biased because I used to work there but I have no doubt in… Continue reading The best conference for Christian social activists
Grace + Truth 