This post is taken from a talk given by Danny Kuhrt, aged 13, at a youth-led service at Streatham Baptist Church in March 2017. Danny spoke on the first half of the prayer (Matthew 6:9-11) Firstly, I would like to ask everyone a question. And I want an honest answer. Who finds praying easy? It can… Continue reading The Lord’s Prayer – by Danny Kuhrt
Category: Theology
I Believe in a Thing called Sin
A few years ago, I was on the south bank in London, near Waterloo station, and I got talking with a homeless man called Richard. He had approached me asking for money. He was in a bad state. He showed me the most terribly infected open wounds on both his arms and legs caused by… Continue reading I Believe in a Thing called Sin
Sexuality, the C of E and the myth of Christian unity
Another week has passed with painful and damaging arguments within the Church of England. The Church’s governing body, the General Synod, voted against ‘taking note’ of the Bishop’s recent report on sexuality. The report followed three years of ‘shared conversations’ about how the church views gay relationships. The argument between influential blogger Ian Paul and… Continue reading Sexuality, the C of E and the myth of Christian unity
Jesus did not write a book but formed a community
Last year I spoke at a weekend away for St Mary's Church in Islington. When I arrived in my room at the conference centre, there was an envelope on my bed with a card welcoming me. And inside the card was a single piece of a jigsaw puzzle. The card asked me to bring the… Continue reading Jesus did not write a book but formed a community
Closet Christianity and the parable of the religious candles
Photo by Pelageia Zelenina on Pexels.com "There was a power cut the other night. When the lights went out, I fumbled to the cupboard where we keep the candles for nights like this. I grabbed four of them. I was turning to leave with the large candle in my hand when I heard a voice, "Now,… Continue reading Closet Christianity and the parable of the religious candles
What’s more important, what the Church SAYS or what it DOES?
At Streatham Baptist Church last week, I had a debate with the senior Pastor, Phil Robinson about our mission as a church. Should we emphasise proclamation or social action? What is more important - what the Church says or what it does? As a preacher, Phil insisted that proclamation and evangelism was the fundamental imperative - people need to hear… Continue reading What’s more important, what the Church SAYS or what it DOES?
Concrete faith: A review of ‘Dietrich Bonhoeffer as Youth Worker’ by Andrew Root
At the start of this book, Andrew Root outlines ‘The Bonhoeffer Phenomenon’, the term coined for the divergent Christian tribes who have bestowed hero status on the German theologian. One consequence is that books on Bonhoeffer are warped by the theological commitment of the authors, whether they be radical, liberal or conservative. Bonhoeffer's legacy easily falls victim to the tribal propaganda rife in… Continue reading Concrete faith: A review of ‘Dietrich Bonhoeffer as Youth Worker’ by Andrew Root
A spiritual pilgrimage in the real world: Ken Leech 1939-2015
The radical priest, theologian and activist, Rev. Ken Leech recently died, aged 76, following a stroke. Ken founded the youth homeless charity Centrepoint in 1969 and wrote prolifically on the how intimacy with God relates to political action and social justice. I worked for Centrepoint for five years and Ken has been a very significant… Continue reading A spiritual pilgrimage in the real world: Ken Leech 1939-2015
Greenbelt needs to rediscover it’s spiritual confidence
For some people the annual Greenbelt festival, with its blend of music, arts, justice and spirituality, is an article of their faith. It provokes a fierce devotion in those who would never dream of being anywhere else on the August Bank Holiday weekend. But as the trustees of the festival have made clear, Greenbelt faces serious challenges.… Continue reading Greenbelt needs to rediscover it’s spiritual confidence
‘Understanding theology is to understand God, who is Love’
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Across the broad spectrum of Christian culture, one characteristic is shared by almost all traditions: the church uses a lot of words. Hymns, Bible readings, sermons, liturgy and prayers are saturated in words. And the internet is crammed full of blogs (like the one you are reading). And so often, it is those… Continue reading ‘Understanding theology is to understand God, who is Love’
Grace + Truth 