The Reformers including Luther, Calvin and Zwingli were acting in a context in which it was the established norm that the state was Christian. If the early church fathers were acting pre-Christendom and we live in a post Christendom world, Calvin and the early reformed lived within Christendom. Whilst the radical reformers would in effect… Continue reading The Reformers and the Christian State
Category: ethics
PostScript on latest Christian Nationalism conversation
I was going to share a PostScript to Friday’s article with some further red herrings in Michael Reade’s article in Evangelicals Now. However, it struck me that Michael wasn’t really served well by his article in EN. I hope the editorial team can learn some lessons from this. Reade ended up, in my opinion, attempting… Continue reading PostScript on latest Christian Nationalism conversation
On banning Palestinian Action
The High Court has ruled that it was unlawful for the Government to proscribe Palestinian Action as a terrorist organisation last year. I agree with the ruling. I say that as someone who is not a fan of Palestinian Action. I’m broadly pro Israel. They may have taken some wrong actions over the past couple… Continue reading On banning Palestinian Action
Red Herrings alert – Responding to Michael Reade on Christian Nationalism
Evangelicals Now have published a response to my article on Christian Nationalism here. I thought it might be helpful just to engage with Michael Reade, especially at the points where he seeks to critique me. Reade states early on that: “As someone who is sympathetic to several of the political aims of Christian nationalism, I… Continue reading Red Herrings alert – Responding to Michael Reade on Christian Nationalism
Greater love hath no man than he lay down his friends for his life
This joke was originally told by Jeremy Thorpe, the Liberal leader about “the night of the long knives” when Prime Minister, Harold MacMillan sacked a number of ministers to save his own position. It’s entered the political lexicon as a go to response to leaders seeking to protect themselves by dismissing loyal allies. On a… Continue reading Greater love hath no man than he lay down his friends for his life
My brother’s keeper Lord Mandelson, sackings and resignations
There is a scene in the West Wing where Toby, one of the team has leaked classified military information. Whatever the justification, he broke the law. He comes into the Oval Office, with his resignation letter only for President Bartlett to say: “I’m sorry but I cannot accept your resignation. I have to sack you.”… Continue reading My brother’s keeper Lord Mandelson, sackings and resignations
The wee-flea on Islamophobia
David Robertson, aka The Wee Flea has shared his latest Christian Today article on his blog. In it he responds to the recently shared proposal for a definition of “Islamophobia” from the UK Government. Robertson expresses concerns that this amounts to a return to the blasphemy laws of the past but specifically designed to protect… Continue reading The wee-flea on Islamophobia
Is Nationalism a virtue? Responding to an old book review from Christian Concern
This is the argument made in a book review, or rather a book summary from Tim Dieppe of Christian Concern. The book is The Virtue of Nationalism by Yoram Hazony, an Israeli academic and the argument is that you have a binary choice between Nationalism and Imperialism. Nazism was in fact a form of imperialism… Continue reading Is Nationalism a virtue? Responding to an old book review from Christian Concern
UKIP marching with Jesus
I’ve seen a few social media posts, mainly from the US picking up on a parade in London being banned. The posts usually express outrage contrasting this “Walk with Jesus” being banned in case it offends Muslims whilst Muslim festivals and parades are allowed It’s important to be factually clear about this. The march is… Continue reading UKIP marching with Jesus
An untested experiment? Tracing the Historical foundations of Christian Nationalism
One of the arguments for Christian Nationalism is that it is simply historic Christianity as accepted and continued by the Reformation. It is certainly true that for most of history,, Christianity has been afforded a special place in western culture referring to Europe and North America both through Catholic and Protestant influence. We also see… Continue reading An untested experiment? Tracing the Historical foundations of Christian Nationalism
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