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
Elitism dressed as charity: the injustice of tax breaks for private schools
Tory leaders have a habit of declaring social justice as their key aim when they come to power. Remember Margaret Thatcher quoting St Francis of Assisi 'where there is discord, may we bring harmony' on the steps of Number 10? Or John Major speaking of his vision of 'the classless society'? In her first speech as… Continue reading Elitism dressed as charity: the injustice of tax breaks for private schools
‘Dethroning Mammon: making money serve grace’ by Justin Welby – a review by Gordon Kuhrt
Mammon is money or possessions when they are enthroned. The author says there is nothing wrong with money in itself, but when it exercises supreme power (is enthroned) it becomes mammon: evil, destructive and dangerous. A Foreword commending the book is from Jean Vanier, founder of the L’Arche movement which now has nearly 150 communities worldwide.… Continue reading ‘Dethroning Mammon: making money serve grace’ by Justin Welby – a review by Gordon Kuhrt
Shannon Matthews and the three faces of poverty
Everyone who cares about poverty and community life in the UK should make sure they watch the BBC drama The Moorside. It is a thoroughly researched and brilliantly acted film about the tragic case of Shannon Matthews, a young girl from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. In 2008, Shannon was reported as missing by her mum, Karen Matthews.… Continue reading Shannon Matthews and the three faces of poverty
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
It is nice when religion and politics are kept apart…
It is nice when issues of religion and politics can be kept apart. Religion is unsullied by worldly concerns. Going to church can be an inspiring escape from reality. We can focus purely on God and listening to the Holy Spirit. We can reflect on our future hope in heaven. We can think really theologically. We can… Continue reading It is nice when religion and politics are kept apart…
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
The political naivety of evangelical Christians – by Matthew Rhodes
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com ‘Just watched and listened to President Trump speaking at the USA National Prayer Breakfast - has he become a Christian? Very God centred. Impressive. While some have been ranting - maybe others have fulfilled what is required of Christians - to pray for those in authority?’ Thus the charismatic… Continue reading The political naivety of evangelical Christians – by Matthew Rhodes
‘I Didn’t Meme to Hurt You’: disagreeing better online
I am facebook friends with people with a very wide range of views: rabid right-wingers and loony lefties and everything in-between. Raving charismatics, fluffy liberals and hard-bitten atheists. Millie Tants, Chardonnay Socialists and Gary Lagers. Our on-line followers represent to some extent the worlds we move in. And for many of us, these worlds vary greatly.… Continue reading ‘I Didn’t Meme to Hurt You’: disagreeing better online
Contemplation in a world of reaction – by Ian Geary
'There is a pervasive form of contemporary violence to which the idealist most easily succumbs: activism and overwork. The rush and pressure of modern life are a form, perhaps the most common form, of its innate violence. To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many… Continue reading Contemplation in a world of reaction – by Ian Geary
Grace + Truth 