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
Tag: Jesus
Comforting the disturbed, and disturbing the comfortable
There are plenty of reasons why Christianity, especially in Western countries, is perceived as a religion of the rich and powerful. Over the last two thousand years, a huge amount of unhelpful cultural and historical baggage has accumulated around Christianity. The best antidote is to return to the Bible and be reminded of what Jesus actually said and… Continue reading Comforting the disturbed, and disturbing the comfortable
This could Welby ‘the best decision anyone can ever make’
Last week I went to a lecture given by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, at Lambeth Palace. Since becoming the C of E’s top man, Welby has caught the public’s imagination and headlines through his attacks on pay day lenders, his concern for food poverty and his willingness to challenge the government. Few could… Continue reading This could Welby ‘the best decision anyone can ever make’
Left-wing Bishops? The real problem is Jesus himself – by Harry S.B. Chomley
Quite rightly, there has been an outcry over the latest bit of propaganda issued by the Guardian-readers-at-prayer otherwise known as the Church of England Bishops. Their 'pastoral letter' issued yesterday ahead of the election was a thinly-veiled support for the left-wing parties. I am not much of a believer, but I like a lot of what the… Continue reading Left-wing Bishops? The real problem is Jesus himself – by Harry S.B. Chomley
‘Do not be afraid’ is at the heart of the Christmas story
Nativity scene – Julius Garibaldi Melchers – 1891 All of us have many things that they can worry about - whether its money, work, family or tricky relationships. When I became a parent it hugely expanded the scope and range of things I could be fearful of. You could say that anxiety is the default setting for modern… Continue reading ‘Do not be afraid’ is at the heart of the Christmas story
One female bishop is not enough: the Church must behave more like Jesus – by Hannah Martin
As the incarnation of progressive politics, Christ would be taking a stand against every evil, from the arms trade to Ukip. The Church of England needs to do the same The Church of England has just announced that Libby Lane is to be the first female bishop – 22 years after the General Synod decided… Continue reading One female bishop is not enough: the Church must behave more like Jesus – by Hannah Martin
Why are churches ‘the best social melting pots in modern Britain’?
Today, the Daily Telegraph reports on the findings of research by the Social Integration Commission about the places where people from different backgrounds meet and mix with each other. The article, with the headline 'Churches are the best social melting pots in modern Britain', states: ‘Overall, it found that churches and other places of worship are more successful than any other social setting… Continue reading Why are churches ‘the best social melting pots in modern Britain’?
‘He was a nuisance then and he’s a nuisance now’
'He was a nuisance then' said Braddock 'and he's a nuisance now. He won't let you work out cosy little systems and call 'em "churches", and he won't let you get away with having four meetings a week to discuss what you're going to do in next week's meetings. If that's what you want, you'll find… Continue reading ‘He was a nuisance then and he’s a nuisance now’
Can you give 10 minutes a day for R&R’s Advent Challenge?
Advent is supposed to be a time of waiting and anticipation. A time to pause and prepare for the celebration of Christmas. If I am honest, for me it is far more likely to be a time smothered with extra busyness, more spending and an anxiety about getting more things done. To help people like me, I… Continue reading Can you give 10 minutes a day for R&R’s Advent Challenge?
Endurance inspired by hope: why churches remain at the heart of tackling poverty
A while ago an atheist friend of mine who also works with homeless people said to me: ‘My motives are purer than yours. I do this work simply to help people, you do it so you can get into heaven.’ I did my best to explain that while I am motivated by my faith, I have never seen… Continue reading Endurance inspired by hope: why churches remain at the heart of tackling poverty
Grace + Truth 