'Everyone thinks of changing the world, but where, oh where, are those who think of changing themselves? People may genuinely want to be good, but seldom are they prepared to do what it takes to produce the inward life of goodness that can form the soul.' Richard Foster Over the last few months, I have… Continue reading Spiritual resources for social activism
Category: Ethics & Christian living
Dealing with status anxiety
There are many obvious forms of status anxiety, such as worrying about the brand of the car we drive, the location of our home or the success of our careers. But a more subtle version relates to our concern for how much we are seen as someone who is compassionate or concerned for social justice.… Continue reading Dealing with status anxiety
St Patrick & the power of the gospel
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com I will never forget being in Sydney in March many years ago and being part of a huge green party. A city on the other side of the world from Ireland was awash with shamrocks and Guinness hats. St Patrick's Day is a national holiday in Ireland and a celebration… Continue reading St Patrick & the power of the gospel
The Well-Known Soldier – by Olive Kuhrt
Photo by S.A. Bond on Pexels.com Among the graves of the great and famous in Westminster Abbey lies buried an ordinary, anonymous soldier who lost his life in the Great War. It is known as the tomb of the Unknown Soldier: a symbol to remember of the sacrifice and courage of ordinary men and women.… Continue reading The Well-Known Soldier – by Olive Kuhrt
Standing at the Crossroads of a New Year
Photo by u0410u043bu0435u043au0441u0430u043du0434u0440 u041fu0440u043eu043au043eu0444u044cu0435u0432 on Pexels.com The New Year can be a focus for hope and change: a time of decision, to choose certain paths and resist others. In Jeremiah 6:16 it says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and… Continue reading Standing at the Crossroads of a New Year
The Queen gives us a model of how to talk about faith publicly
Over the last 10 years the Queen has been increasingly open about her Christian faith in her Christmas Day message. This quote particularly struck me from her speech this year: "The teachings of Christ have served as my inner light." Whatever your views on the Royal family, I think everyone can learn from the way that the Queen speaks… Continue reading The Queen gives us a model of how to talk about faith publicly
Zuzu’s petals, the pandemic & reminders of what is most important
In the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, the main character George Bailey faces bankruptcy and scandal. After a life of service and sacrifice, someone else’s negligence takes him to the brink of ruin. On Christmas Eve, in the midst of his angst and desperation, George goes home and sees his family. His young daughter, Zuzu,… Continue reading Zuzu’s petals, the pandemic & reminders of what is most important
In Honour of Mary’s Song – by Dave Andrews
At my church this week, I am speaking about Mary's Song from Luke 1. The German pastor and theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, wrote: 'This is not the gentle, tender, dreamy Mary whom we sometimes see in paintings… This song has none of the sweet, nostalgic, or even playful tones of some of our Christmas carols. The… Continue reading In Honour of Mary’s Song – by Dave Andrews
Its Christmas-time, there’s no need to be afraid?
The opening line to Band Aid's Do they know its Christmas? are: ‘Its Christmas-time, there’s no need to be afraid’ Many people may find it hard to sing along to these lines this year. This year there is probably a longer list than ever of things that we feel afraid for or worried about: the… Continue reading Its Christmas-time, there’s no need to be afraid?
‘Here Are Your Gods!’ by Christopher Wright [Review] – Greg Smith
This is a short and easily readable book, aimed at a student or educated lay Christian audience. The author is an established Old Testament scholar and missiologist, working for the Langham Partnership. It offers a clear, conservative exposition of key biblical texts about idolatry, with a radical, practical and political application in today’s world. Political idolatry The… Continue reading ‘Here Are Your Gods!’ by Christopher Wright [Review] – Greg Smith
Grace + Truth 