Author: faithrootsdw

Greetings to scattered people

Theresa May in her 2016 party conference speech described her opponents as “citizens of nowhere.”[1] She was arguing that those who saw themselves as citizens of the world, especially those who were using this kind of language to attack Brexit supporters as nationalists lack roots.  The speech understandably ruffled a few feathers.  The reality of… Continue reading Greetings to scattered people

Israel, Jews, Zionism and antisemitism

One of the little examples of semantics that tends to come up when talking about antisemitism is the potential difference between being antisemitic and anti-Zionist.  It’s probably helpful first of all to talk about terms. Jews: A recognised ethnic people group with minorities around the world.  There are 7.8 million Jews in the modern state… Continue reading Israel, Jews, Zionism and antisemitism

It’s complicated … and it isn’t

In the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there were those who argued that our responsibility as Christians was simply to pray for and work for peace. This was often accompanied by calls for a ceasefire.  Similarly, there have been those who have responded to events in Israel and Gaza with similar appeals for… Continue reading It’s complicated … and it isn’t

James and Paul: Law, grace and faith

Does James contradict Paul?  This is one of the big questions that has been asked of his letter and it is the primary reason why some people have been suspicious of the letter.  Paul has been keen in his letters to argue that we are saved by grace alone and justified by faith.  In Ephesians… Continue reading James and Paul: Law, grace and faith

A primer on International law and ethics for those engaging with current news stories

Back when I was at University, I had the opportunity as part of my Law degree to study a subject called “International Law.”  At the time, that specific area of law was the poor relation of all other options offered by the faculty.  In fact, there was still significant debate about whether or not it… Continue reading A primer on International law and ethics for those engaging with current news stories

Faith at work -introduction to the book of James

The book of James is often treated as the poor man’s relation to Paul’s epistles.  Luther infamously described it as an “epistle of straw” and I think many, like him have seen it as troublesome, potentially in conflict with the message of justification by faith and salvation by grace alone that we see in Romans,… Continue reading Faith at work -introduction to the book of James

How clear is Scripture?

The other day, when looking at the place of tradition, I referred to something referred to as “the clarity of Scripture” or sometimes known as “the perspicuity of Scripture.”  As you read that, you might have wondered “but if Scripture is clear, then why is it that not only I struggle at times to understand… Continue reading How clear is Scripture?

On the balance of probabilities: Evaluating evidence and making your mind up about disputed claims

This week, in the middle of the Israel-Hamas conflict, an explosion was reported at the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza city.  This was initially reported, all around the world as an Israeli missile strike causing 500 deaths, Many got the impression that the hospital had been destroyed or severely damaged.  The hospital is run by the… Continue reading On the balance of probabilities: Evaluating evidence and making your mind up about disputed claims