In the last article, I shared two theological ideas which have helped my search for synthesis between conservative and liberal Christianity. In this series' last article, I focus on the person whose practice of this synthesis has most inspired me in my journey. Although Martin Luther King's popular legacy has been secularised, his life and ministry is… Continue reading Martin Luther King, breaking silos and facing fear: the search for synthesis #3
Tag: Martin Luther King
Why Westminster Abbey is the wrong venue to remember Martin Luther King
On April 4th, I attended two events which marked the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King. The first was a packed, lunchtime service at Westminster Abbey, just over the road from Parliament. The second was a rare viewing of the 1970 documentary King: a filmed Record...Montgomery to Memphis in a tiny cinema… Continue reading Why Westminster Abbey is the wrong venue to remember Martin Luther King
A step for social justice and equality that EVERYONE could take
This week a Church of England report was published called 'Talking Jesus'. One finding of this report, highlighted by The Guardian, is that when Christians talk to others about Jesus, it is more likely to turn them off than attract them. So how can Christians share their faith in ways that are relevant and do not make people squirm with embarrassment?… Continue reading A step for social justice and equality that EVERYONE could take
Illegal, but moral? Were the Impact Team right to hack Ashley Madison?
Part of Impact Team's message to Ashley Madison The hacking of the Ashley Madison infidelity website by the Impact Team continues to be a major global news story. Today it was announced that Noel Biderman, the CEO and founder of the website has stepped down from his role. Business analysts are saying that is hard… Continue reading Illegal, but moral? Were the Impact Team right to hack Ashley Madison?
‘I just want to do God’s will’ – Martin Luther King’s final speech
Every day around 100 homeless people come to the day centre run by the West London Mission for a hot breakfast, showers, clothing or to see our in-house doctor or nurse. Every Tuesday a Spirituality Discussion group takes place in the TV room led by our Chaplain. I love it when I am invited to come… Continue reading ‘I just want to do God’s will’ – Martin Luther King’s final speech
The personal cost of injustice: review of ‘Selma’ (12A)
Few people have integrated activism, theology and personal commitment in such an inspiring way as Martin Luther King. ‘Selma’ is the first major feature film made about King. It focuses on his campaign in Selma, Alabama in 1965, where the restrictions and obstacles enforced on black people meant that, despite having a constitutional right to vote, hardly… Continue reading The personal cost of injustice: review of ‘Selma’ (12A)
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’?
The five best books on Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement
I have been taken aback by the response to my last post on the Secularisation of Martin Luther King. A few people who have got in touch admitted that they did not even know MLK was a Christian, let alone a church minister. Over the years I have gained a lot from reading about the… Continue reading The five best books on Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement
The secularisation of Martin Luther King
Martin Luther King remains a hero to a wide range of people. But alongside the appreciation of his life and work, there is a consistent tendency of commentators to downplay or eliminate the Christian faith that King's civil right's activism was rooted in. A Baptist Minister Many people don't even know that King was, and always remained, a Baptist… Continue reading The secularisation of Martin Luther King
‘Will we be extremists for hate or for love?’
The brutal killing of the soldier yesterday in Woolwich is a shocking example of religious extremism leading to hatred and violence. In a bid to defend the vast majority of peaceful Muslims who completely condemn this kind of violence, I have read many comments which say that 'this has nothing to do with Islam'. Understandable as… Continue reading ‘Will we be extremists for hate or for love?’
Grace + Truth 