Peter Mandelson, Keir Starmer and Olly Robbins: What we now know and what we can start to learn from this

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I’m still following the Peter Mandelson vetting case.  I suspect that as we move into committee hearings and debates about process that we have moved beyond where most people’s interest in the subject lies, beyond political anoraks.  However, I still think that there is benefit to us pursuing the case a bit further.  There are… Continue reading Peter Mandelson, Keir Starmer and Olly Robbins: What we now know and what we can start to learn from this

The crucial gift of curiosity

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One of the striking things about the controversy concerning Peter Mandehslon is the seeming lack of curiosity at senior government level.  Keir Starmer had indicated that he wanted Mandelson as the US Ambassador.  A vetting process had been put in place. However, it remained the case that Mandelson was his personal, political appointment.   Furthermore, Starmer… Continue reading The crucial gift of curiosity

Romans 2:25-29

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Paul now argues that law keeping and law breaking are central to your status as Jews (circumcised) or Gentiles (uncircumcised).  He states that circumcision is of value for those who observe the Law. However, Circumcision without law-keeping is useless, you are considered uncircumcised (v25).   In the same way, those who are uncircumcised but keep the… Continue reading Romans 2:25-29

Keir Starmer, Peter Mandelson and questions about culture

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It has emerged this week that despite claims and suggestions to the contrary, Peter Mandelson did not pass the necessary security checks before being appointed as the US ambassador.  This has created further problems for Keir Starmer as he had previously insisted that due process had been followed.   Opposition leaders are now arguing that he… Continue reading Keir Starmer, Peter Mandelson and questions about culture

Why the pulpit might be the place for various interpretative views – sometimes

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My friend, Steve Kneale has written here explaining why as a preacher, he would not set out the various options for interpreting a Biblical text when preaching. Instead, he would prefer to keep such discussions to the lecture hall and apply the text as he best understands it in the pulpit. In general, I have… Continue reading Why the pulpit might be the place for various interpretative views – sometimes

Faithroots Survey

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Thank you so much to all of you that have completed the survey so far. This is much appreciated. If you haven’t had the opportunity to yet, please can I encourage you to help me out by taking time to fill in the form here This will help me to get a feel for who… Continue reading Faithroots Survey

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Playing Jesus: Further reflections on that image of Donald Trump

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On Monday, Donald Trump posted this image on social media before withdrawing it. There has been understandable outrage at Trump’s post. However, there can be ways in which we all are tempted into trying to play the part of Jesus. I explore the question further in this short video.

Crossing over

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A long cut The quickest route out of Egypt would have been directly out of Goshen and then the coast route around the edge of the Mediterranean but that would have taken the people through Philistine territory.  God recognises that this will bring them into open conflict early on and at this stage the people… Continue reading Crossing over