Category: Ethics & Christian living

Ethics & Christian living

‘Away with the Manger’: the Streatham Common crib controversy

Jon Kuhrt

At every Christmas since 1956, a nativity scene has been on display in Streatham Common, south London. The crib was the idea of Albert Steiert and John Taylor, both members of a local catholic church, who were concerned that the true meaning of Christmas was being overlooked. John built the first crib and Albert painted… Continue reading ‘Away with the Manger’: the Streatham Common crib controversy

Ethics & Christian living, Theology

Beliefs + Action = Faith

Jon Kuhrt

I saw this quote shared on social media yesterday: Reading the quote provoked me go back to the Sermon on the Mount and read it right through (Matthew 5-7). By my judgement this statement is accurate. The longest continuous section of Jesus’ teaching in the Bible is indeed incredibly action-oriented. The priority of action The… Continue reading Beliefs + Action = Faith

Ethics & Christian living, Theology

Getting the most out of Halloween – by Stephen Kuhrt

G+T Guest writers

Some believe the Church should have nothing to do with Halloween. They see as a rather horrible celebration of evil which is a bad influence on children. Others believe that the Church needs to chill out and realise how daft it is to put a downer on a bit of harmless fun. The ironic thing… Continue reading Getting the most out of Halloween – by Stephen Kuhrt

Ethics & Christian living

Listening to the ‘others’ we talk about

G+T Guest writers

This is a response to Martin Kuhrt’s article Dividing body, soul & spirit: Gnostic heresies live on Hi Martin,  We don’t know each other but I subscribe to Grace + Truth and I read your recent article. I also do the same job as you in a different part of the country. I found your… Continue reading Listening to the ‘others’ we talk about

Ethics & Christian living, Theology

The ecclesiastical donut: why the C of E is ungovernable

Jon Kuhrt

Last week saw yet another Church of England report into safeguarding and institutional failings in the handling of abuse allegations. Almost 400 new cases involving actions by clergy, officials and volunteers against children and vulnerable adults were uncovered. In a foreword to the report, Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell, the archbishops of Canterbury and York, wrote of… Continue reading The ecclesiastical donut: why the C of E is ungovernable

Ethics & Christian living

Rigorous religion or sloppy spirituality?

Jon Kuhrt

In his book Faith, Hope and Carnage, singer Nick Cave shares some fascinating insights into how faith has influenced him and his music. He says: “The word spirituality is a little too amorphous for my taste. It can mean almost anything, whereas the word ‘religious’ is just more specific, perhaps even more conservative, has a… Continue reading Rigorous religion or sloppy spirituality?

Ethics & Christian living

‘Service in life; hope in death’: Welby’s counter-cultural message

Jon Kuhrt

I can understand the feelings of those who struggled with aspects of yesterday’s funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. However much respect and gratitude there is towards the Queen, the fusion of militarism, opulence and imperial power alongside Christian worship should create dissonance and provoke questions. The medium cannot be separated from the message. It’s a struggle… Continue reading ‘Service in life; hope in death’: Welby’s counter-cultural message