Post-truth was chosen as the Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year 2016. It's a word which has sprung into prominence mainly due to Donald Trump's election win. I heard a good example the other day on the radio when a US political commentator was talking about Trump’s promise to build a wall on the US/Mexico border. His… Continue reading It’s up to each of us to resist the cynicism of ‘post-truth’ culture
Martin Scorsese’s ‘Silence’ – a review by Corin Pilling
Going to see many films produced by Christians is a bit similar to a visit to McDonald's. You hope that no-one sees you going in and as you indulge yourself, you try to convince yourself that the delivery of such a sugary hit must contain at least some nutrients. Many films marketed to the faith community seem designed… Continue reading Martin Scorsese’s ‘Silence’ – a review by Corin Pilling
Light in the darkness: fighting the misunderstanding and stigma of mental illness – by Giles Fraser
Photo by Daniel Reche on Pexels.com Carrie Fisher was more than a princess. At the age of 24 she was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder – or manic depression as it used to be called. And throughout the rest of her life she fought to demystify this condition from misunderstanding and stigma. She called her illness… Continue reading Light in the darkness: fighting the misunderstanding and stigma of mental illness – by Giles Fraser
‘A thorn in the side of comfortable socialism’: an appreciation of Bob Holman (1936-2016) – by Dave Wiles
Photo by Ffion Scott on Pexels.com I first met Bob Holman in 1973. Following on from a turbulent adolescence I had experienced a radical conversion to Christianity. At the same time Bob was considering his future as Professor of Social Administration at Bath University. With an amazing sense of vocation from him and Annette, he… Continue reading ‘A thorn in the side of comfortable socialism’: an appreciation of Bob Holman (1936-2016) – by Dave Wiles
‘Dossers’ who choose to sleep rough and the ‘professional weepers’ who care: ‘The Sun’ on homelessness in 1990
I was clearing out some old paperwork this week at the West London Mission and I found some fascinating old newspaper clippings relating to homelessness. One clipping particularly struck me. It was from The Sun, March 1990. It starts: IT's time we stopped feeling guilty about the plight of dossers sleeping rough on our streets. Professional weepers… Continue reading ‘Dossers’ who choose to sleep rough and the ‘professional weepers’ who care: ‘The Sun’ on homelessness in 1990
Love Trumps Hate: responding to the US election – by Stephen Kuhrt
This post is based on a sermon preached by Stephen Kuhrt at Christ Church New Malden on Sunday 20th November 2016. The bible reading was Matthew 7:13-20 Photo by Rosemary Ketchum on Pexels.com What is a Christian response to the election of Donald Trump? Like the Brexit vote in the UK, Donald Trump's win is… Continue reading Love Trumps Hate: responding to the US election – by Stephen Kuhrt
Wallowing in nostalgia or facing up to the challenges of today?
This week I was invited to an event at Parliament to mark the 50th anniversary of the famous film Cathy Come Home in the company of MPs and its director Ken Loach. In 1966, it was watched by over 12 million people and had a massive impact on people's views about homelessness. It led to the creation… Continue reading Wallowing in nostalgia or facing up to the challenges of today?
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
Six reasons why Hillary lost it – by Lizzie Schofield
Oh, Hillary! This was your election to lose, girl! Want to know what happened? Let me make you some tea and share my wise, wise Briddish insights, because obviously if I ran for President of the USA I would do a way better job! Ready? Here's where it all went wrong (imho). 1. Mudslinging: yes… Continue reading Six reasons why Hillary lost it – by Lizzie Schofield
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?
