In the last article, I shared two theological ideas which have helped my search for synthesis between conservative and liberal Christianity. In this series' last article, I focus on the person whose practice of this synthesis has most inspired me in my journey. Although Martin Luther King's popular legacy has been secularised, his life and ministry is… Continue reading Martin Luther King, breaking silos and facing fear: the search for synthesis #3
How Tom Wright and Lesslie Newbigin have helped my search for synthesis #2
Many years ago my father-in-law passed on some advice to me “When you speak about your faith, you should always mention the ‘J-word’. Never be afraid to talk about Jesus.” I remember later sharing this with someone at the church where my work was based. While we were speaking, someone else overheard me talking about… Continue reading How Tom Wright and Lesslie Newbigin have helped my search for synthesis #2
The problem with urban theology: the search for synthesis #1
Over the last week there has been an interesting exchange of articles between Philip North, the Bishop of Burnley and Ian Paul, who writes the popular Christian blog Psephizo. It focused on the theology of mission in deprived areas, and whether or not Christians need to ‘take Jesus’ into these areas. It is good to… Continue reading The problem with urban theology: the search for synthesis #1
Eddie Izzard kicked me out of the Liberal Metropolitan Elite
Photo by Monica Silvestre on Pexels.com Guest post by Simon Hall Eddie Izzard gave me something to think about, but it wasn’t his jokes. I think I can count myself as a member of the Liberal Metropolitan Elite (let's call us the LME). After all, the BBC told me I was. I live in the bohemian… Continue reading Eddie Izzard kicked me out of the Liberal Metropolitan Elite
Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world
Over the last week I have watched the Lord of the Rings film triology for the first time since seeing them at the cinema. What struck me again was the tiny glimmer of hope which Frodo and his friend Sam carry through the most hopeless of situations. They keep going through relentless violence, temptations, threats and arguments… Continue reading Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world
‘The Church and Its Vocation: Lesslie Newbigin’s Missionary Ecclesiology’ by Michael W. Goheen [review]
In 2009 I attended a conference in Birmingham to mark a 100 years since the birth of Lesslie Newbigin. I found it a disappointing experience. The conference engaged with Newbigin as a theologian and thinker but neglected the thrust of his life as a missionary. There was a lot on his views on modernism and… Continue reading ‘The Church and Its Vocation: Lesslie Newbigin’s Missionary Ecclesiology’ by Michael W. Goheen [review]
How Lesslie Newbigin has helped me bring my faith to work
I have spent most of the last 20 years working for social action organisations founded on a Christian ethos. As they grew they developed services in some of the most complex areas of social care, such as housing high risk offenders, those with chronic addictions and those with acute physical and learning disabilities. Along with… Continue reading How Lesslie Newbigin has helped me bring my faith to work
Telling the truth: the importance of courageous conversations
Photo by nappy on Pexels.com The most important factor in the health of any team, organisation, club, household or relationship is this: how well are critical conversations handled? Are key issues talked through honestly? Or are they avoided and left to fester? Anxiety Difficult issues provoke anxiety for those involved. But unless tackled, they can… Continue reading Telling the truth: the importance of courageous conversations
‘The Ministry of Truth: a biography of George Orwell’s 1984’ by Dorian Lynskey [review]
When Donald Trump took his oath of office as US President in January 2017, his press secretary claimed the crowd present was the largest audience ever to witness an inauguration. Later, when challenged on what plainly seemed to be a lie, she described her statement as ‘alternative facts’. Over the next 4 days, sales of… Continue reading ‘The Ministry of Truth: a biography of George Orwell’s 1984’ by Dorian Lynskey [review]
Ability, vulnerability and mental health: ‘The Edge’ [review]
This week it was World Mental Health Day. I was struck by the number of men I know posting on social media about their struggles with their mental well-being. Even just a few years ago, I doubt people would have been so open. And this weekend, I watched the film The Edge which is a documentary… Continue reading Ability, vulnerability and mental health: ‘The Edge’ [review]
Grace + Truth 