Category: Apologetics

Why Biblically rich cultural engagement may not be happening in our churches as much as we would like

I’m picking up on a theme from two sources.  First, there is my friend Tim Suffield’s tweet that prompted my little survey the other day. Then there’s a recent book that has been generating a lot of excitement among conservative evangelicals “Biblical Critical Theory” by Christopher Watkins.  The book, according to some of the most… Continue reading Why Biblically rich cultural engagement may not be happening in our churches as much as we would like

Does God “give and take away”?

This question got asked by a thoughtful person the other day.  Are we right to sing “You give and take away” in the song “Blessed be the name of the Lord?”   The line of course is drawn from Job’s response to his suffering (Job 1:21).  But was Job right in his assessment.  We know that… Continue reading Does God “give and take away”?

How not to do evangelism at the coronation

We are getting close to the coronation of King Charles III and there’s some discussion going on about whether or not, and how, this might create evangelistic opportunities.  Some churches are planning events and some people have been producing resources to use. Whatever your views on monarchy or republicanism and whatever your views on whether… Continue reading How not to do evangelism at the coronation

Sorry … a centre for what?

The Gospel Coalition have announced the inauguration of The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics.  The centre will bring together a number of prominent names in the world of apologetics as fellows with the aim of enabling collaboration in research and then to provide training for Christians.  I want to be clear at the outset that… Continue reading Sorry … a centre for what?

The Gnostic presuppositions of The Crown

I understand that for some, The Crown is compulsive and essential viewing.  Netflix’s big budget drama tells the story of Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family starting back with the death of George VI and over several seasons aiming presumably to bring things right up to date.  The show has proved both popular and controversial… Continue reading The Gnostic presuppositions of The Crown

What shall we do with Halloween?

It’s strange isn’t it that October 31st has become quite the big deal in some ways, yet less so in other ways.  In fact, that’s true of this time of year generally.  Back when I was a child in the 1970s-80s, there were things that were big about late October/early November.  Bonfire Night was fast… Continue reading What shall we do with Halloween?

Has God broken his promise? 

Can we really rely on God to keep his word? We are told that his promises are “yes and amen” but that is sometimes hard to trust when we are going through tough times.  The question of God’s faithfulness is central to Paul’s argument in Romans, especially when we get to chapters 9-11. The big… Continue reading Has God broken his promise? 

Looking for Utopia?  Seeking the Good of the City as apologetics

We seek the good of the city not because we believe that we can achieve utopia but exactly because we know that we will not.  What I mean by this is that some Christians have a confused and unhelpful view about the role of the church in public life and social action. Some people speak… Continue reading Looking for Utopia?  Seeking the Good of the City as apologetics