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
R&R’s Advent Challenge 2013
Photo by Hakan Erenler on Pexels.com What does Advent mean for you? Advent is a time of waiting, of anticipation, to prepare for the celebration of Christmas. If I am honest, rather than a time of waiting, it is a time normally smothered with extra busyness, more spending and an anxiety about getting more things done.… Continue reading R&R’s Advent Challenge 2013
A real story of homelessness, addiction…and transformation
Grove Books have just published this booklet called 'Homelessness: Grace, Truth and Transformation' by myself and Chris Ward. I first met Chris at a Housing Justice seminar at the Greenbelt festival where he stood up and shared his own story of rough sleeping and addiction (see this previous post 'The best speaker at Greenbelt 2011'). Since… Continue reading A real story of homelessness, addiction…and transformation
Women Bishops? I think the jury is still out on male bishops…
This week the Synod of the Church of England voted to accept legislation that will almost certainly lead to finally accepting women as Bishops. I am in favour of this move for equality but that’s not what this post is about - there is enough of the internet filled already with those arguments. I think… Continue reading Women Bishops? I think the jury is still out on male bishops…
A Hull of a culture…
It was great to see Hull being awarded the 2017 City of Culture today. People who have never been to Hull may struggle to appreciate its qualities, but like many who have lived there I still have a genuine affection for the city. I spent three years in Hull studying social work and an extra… Continue reading A Hull of a culture…
