"It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma... You see, at the centre of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put… Continue reading Bono on the difference between Grace and Karma
The truth about Jury Service
Last year I got 'the letter' which summoned me to Jury Service for the middle two weeks of January 2014. Although it was a bit of a pain organising things at work around this, I was quite looking forward to participating in the justice system. Doing my civic duty and all that. I even watched… Continue reading The truth about Jury Service
The Summit of faith, social action and politics – by Andy Flannagan
Regular readers of R&R may already know about the re-launch of Christians on the Left. I wanted to grab a few moments of your time to tell you about a great event we are hosting for everyone interested in faith, social action and politics. I believe this is a hugely significant time both for… Continue reading The Summit of faith, social action and politics – by Andy Flannagan
Anelka’s gesture deserves more than just a 5 match ban – by Alan Bolchover
Let’s be absolutely clear: Nicolas Anelka’s “quenelle” gesture was an anti-semetic act. The gesture is the equivalent of a Nazi salute and if you or I made it in our workplaces, we should be deservedly be fired. La quenelle consists of pointing towards the ground with a flattened hand while folding the other arm across… Continue reading Anelka’s gesture deserves more than just a 5 match ban – by Alan Bolchover
C.S. Lewis and the importance of unfashionable opinions
I have just finished reading C.S. Lewis: A Life. Eccentric Genius. Reluctant Prophet by Alistair McGrath. It is a brilliant book. McGrath writes as someone who truly understands the Oxbridge academic world in which Lewis spent his entire working life. As research, he re-read everything that Lewis wrote in his lifetime in chronological order. It was time… Continue reading C.S. Lewis and the importance of unfashionable opinions
Foodbank politics: faith, community action and social justice
The Labour government of the late 1970s will always be associated with economic failure, public sector strikes and the ‘winter of discontent’ when (as legend has it) the rubbish went uncollected and the dead unburied. When we see documentaries about the 1970s, they often include scenes of refuse piled up and picket lines accompanied by background… Continue reading Foodbank politics: faith, community action and social justice
What age should you let your child watch or play a ‘12’ rated film or game?
This week my sons came home from primary school with a letter for parents and guardians which reminded us about the recommended ages that children should be before they use various social media and games. As well as referring to the 13 year old threshold for using facebook and Instagram they also felt they needed… Continue reading What age should you let your child watch or play a ‘12’ rated film or game?
’12 Years a Slave’ and the ambivalent role of religion
Last night I went to see the film 12 Years a Slave. I am still recovering. The film focuses on the tribulations faced by Solomon Northup, (Chiwetel Ejiofor) a successful New Yorker who is duped, drugged and sold into slavery in the southern states of the US. It is a brilliant yet relentlessly traumatic film. Northup’s switch from… Continue reading ’12 Years a Slave’ and the ambivalent role of religion
When our church opens to the homeless – By Joe Mayo (aged 14)
This guest post is written by Joe Mayo, a 14 year old who regularly volunteers for the Nightshelter at St Luke's Holloway and who interviewed the Islington Nightshelter Coordinator Mark Brennan. At Christmas this year, St. Luke’s Church in Holloway is transformed into a temporary ‘Nightshelter’ for the homeless every Saturday night. “The Nightshelter is… Continue reading When our church opens to the homeless – By Joe Mayo (aged 14)
A Facebook Fast: an advent of virtual liberation
Last Lent I took a break from facebook, twitter and blogging. It did me good. I like to think that I am not addicted to social media but there is no doubt that checking updates, posting comments and engaging in discussions takes up time and mental space. My son’s comment to me a few months ago… Continue reading A Facebook Fast: an advent of virtual liberation
Grace + Truth 