What I do want to learn from Bethel?

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I’ve recently been putting together an analysis of Bethel’s theology and culture.  I’m not so keen on engaging with a specific church, however Bethel is representative of particular themes and influential in sharing them that are not unique to Bethel. In fact much of my own pastoral experience involves caring for and discipling people who… Continue reading What I do want to learn from Bethel?

Jesus keep me near the cross

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I don’t know about you, but I find that there are particular songs and hymns that seem to fit with seasons we or I am going through. I remember being captured by “Hymn of Heaven” by Phil Wickham around about the time my mum died.  Interestingly she had mentioned hearing a Phil Wickham song at… Continue reading Jesus keep me near the cross

Why I agree with the Government proposals to teach boys about misoginy

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The Government have introduced plans to teach boys from age 11 how to relate to girls and women, to counter misoginy violence and abuse. Kemi Badenoch,  leader of the opposition has dismissed the proposals. I disagree with Mrs Badenoch.  I think she badly misses the point here. To be sure, the law needs to be… Continue reading Why I agree with the Government proposals to teach boys about misoginy

Is it an answer to prayer that Donald Trump says he will sue the BBC?

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A  few people have responded to Donald Trump’s announcement that he will sue the BBC for up to £5 billion as a wonderful answer to prayer. I want to suggest that it isn’t and here is why.  First of all, let me emphasise that I have consistently argued that the BBC is in the wrong,… Continue reading Is it an answer to prayer that Donald Trump says he will sue the BBC?

What exactly is Christian Nationalism?

One of the challenges with attempts at conversation and debate with Christian Nationalists is that in my experience, it doesn’t tend to follow the conventions of traditional debate,  Instead of the usual back and forth that you might expect where one person sets out a proposition and another challenges it with questions before offering a… Continue reading What exactly is Christian Nationalism?

What does it mean to be Right wing? Part 1: A personal story

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I thought there might be benefit in fleshing out a bit more on my other article today. You see, since I wrote it, a little while back, I’ve seen lots of commentary suggesting that an understanding of what it means to be right wing as opposed to far right might help. I also thought that a… Continue reading What does it mean to be Right wing? Part 1: A personal story

Les Miserables : trajectories in Christian Nationalism

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One of my favourite stories both as a novel and a musical is Les Miserables. It tells lots of individual stories against the backdrop of social upheaval in France.  The story has been on my mind as I’ve been thinking about where we have got to with the Christian Nationalism debate.  Why will come clear… Continue reading Les Miserables : trajectories in Christian Nationalism

Trigger warning, yes there is violence in the Bible

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It’s time for one of those Daily Mail stories about how a snowflake generation need trigger warnings. This time, they have Sheffield University’s English Literature department in their sights. Apparently, students are warned about graphic content, violence and sexual violence in Scripture. Christian Concern have leapt in to complain and defend the Bible against such… Continue reading Trigger warning, yes there is violence in the Bible