Yesterday a homeless man that I have got to know through my work showed me a letter that he had just received from Morris Cerullo, the infamous TV evangelist. It was titled 8 Weeks - 8 Blessings of Superabundance To Meet 8 Specific Needs in Your Life. In the 6-page letter, Cerullo asks the recipients to complete an… Continue reading Cash for prayers: how Morris Cerullo profits from the poor
Mentioning the ‘J’ word: Andy Hawthorne at the National Prayer Breakfast
At the National Prayer Breakfast at Parliament on Tuesday, 700 of the Great and Good assembled in the Westminster Hall in Parliament. There are dangers that such an event can easily reflect a safe form of Christianity - one that has had its rough edges nicely rounded off, to ensure that it does not cause offence so that no one… Continue reading Mentioning the ‘J’ word: Andy Hawthorne at the National Prayer Breakfast
What do you think of the government’s ‘Big Society’ initiative?
I am speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast at Parliament next week on the subject of the government's 'Big Society' initiative. It would really help me to have your honest perspective and feel free to leave comments to unpack your views....thanks!
When Two Become One (tribalism in the church part 2)
Despite the continuing power of the theological tribalism within the Church (see When Two Tribes Go to War) something exciting is happening which is subverting and challenging these divisions. In my work alongside a wide range of different Christian traditions, I am conscious every week of a growing synthesis that is emerging which is not confined by the tribal… Continue reading When Two Become One (tribalism in the church part 2)
When Two Tribes Go To War
Over the last 10 years, through both my work with homeless people and in community development, I have worked with a wide range of different churches and with Christians who hold very different theological perspectives. Despite some encouraging signs around Christian unity, there remains a significant tribalism at work in the Church between conservative and liberal emphases. We… Continue reading When Two Tribes Go To War
‘Empire of Illusion’ by Chris Hedges
"We have transformed our culture into a vast replica of Pinocchio's Pleasure Island, where boys were lured with the promise of no school and endless fun. They were all, however turned into donkeys - a symbol of ignorance and stupidity" In Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle Chris Hedges pulls no… Continue reading ‘Empire of Illusion’ by Chris Hedges
The best conference for Christian social activists
If you involved in Christian social action then you know that time away from the front line is precious. You can't afford to go to conferences which are disorganised or cynical or which are not going to inspire and encourage you. I am slightly biased because I used to work there but I have no doubt in… Continue reading The best conference for Christian social activists
A real apocalypse
Well, we are still here. Howard Camping, the US Pastor who prophesied that that the end of the world would come on Saturday evening, was wrong. Of course, predictions like this do not have a good track record: in fact they have a 100% failure rate. But Rev. Camping was wrong on more levels than… Continue reading A real apocalypse
The 7 Deadly Sins of Managing People Badly…
Another letter from a senior to a junior devil… (with apologies to C.S. Lewis) My dear Wormwood, I write to you today on the subject of managing people – the art of supporting and encouraging people to do their job well. As you know, churches and Christian organisations are employing an increasing numbers of paid staff.… Continue reading The 7 Deadly Sins of Managing People Badly…
Attack the Block (15)
Attack the Block is about a South London teenage gang who defend their council estate from an invasion of aliens. Their block is besieged by males of an alien species after the gang killed a female alien in retribution for injuring their gang leader, Moses. It's an unusual mix of gritty social realism, mild horror and genuine comedy. I thought it… Continue reading Attack the Block (15)
Grace + Truth 