The dark side of flags and the left behind

Photo by Neil on Pexels.com

I’ve shared a few articles looking at the summer phenomena of St George’s flags appearing on lamposts and being painted on roundabouts and zebra crossings.  Recently I picked up on the link between flag protests and class perceptions.  There is a tendency in some quarters to sneer at anything seen as associated with working class… Continue reading The dark side of flags and the left behind

A revival on the right? Responding to a muddled argument from Christian Concern

Paul Huxley has written for Christian Concern asking whether there is a genuine “right wing revival” by which he seems to be referring to a revival of Christian religion on the political right, rather than a revival of right wing politics, there may be something of the latter going on with Reform UK and the… Continue reading A revival on the right? Responding to a muddled argument from Christian Concern

Finding the language to challenge political idols

One of the things I’ve noticed about Christian responses to flags appearing on lamposts, protests outside asylum hostels and the big Unite the Kingdom rally is that there has been a struggle to find out voice and get to the heart of what the issue is. There has been criticism of divisive and intimidating words… Continue reading Finding the language to challenge political idols

“But we were there just to witness to the Tommy Robinson marchers”

Photo by Neil on Pexels.com

One of those sermons that has stuck in my mind over the years (40 plus) is one my dad preached on the bit where those who settled West of Jordan built an altar to remind those in the east of their unity.  The rest of the people mistook it for a UDI.  My dad’s refrain… Continue reading “But we were there just to witness to the Tommy Robinson marchers”

Responding to a sermon on “why Christians should go on a Tommy Robinson march”

Photo by Harrison Haines on Pexels.com

In amongst the responses to the Tommy Robinson march, I came across this one from a pastor who had been part of the march. It’s not an easy listen but worth persevering with. You get an insight into the arguments and methods used by those seeking to justify Christians marching under the banner of the… Continue reading Responding to a sermon on “why Christians should go on a Tommy Robinson march”

Patriotism, nationalism.  Christian Nationalism and Christian nation-alism

Photo by Josh Withers on Pexels.com

I’ve been reflecting further on the issues around Christian Nationalism. It is worth reflecting on the different types of national identity and pride that there can be. First, we may think about patriotism where essentially we mean a love and affection for one’s own country, especially country of birth.  Such patriotic affection is sometimes dismissed… Continue reading Patriotism, nationalism.  Christian Nationalism and Christian nation-alism

What do our words and actions give space to?

Photo by Vlad Vasnetsov on Pexels.com

One of the accusations levelled against Charlie Kirk was that he was a racist. This was in response to some particular comments Kirk had made. For example he was on the record as suggesting that some black women including Michelle Obama were of sub intellect and had only got where they were through affirmative action… Continue reading What do our words and actions give space to?

Canon fodder in Wilson’s culture war

Photo by Roman Biernacki on Pexels.com

You can read Doug Wilson’s response to the shooting of Charlie Kirk here.  Now, over the past few days, I’ve been thinking here about how we should respond to Kirk’s death.  I’ve observed that there have been some (not all) on the left who have been quick to demonise him.  They didn’t like what he… Continue reading Canon fodder in Wilson’s culture war

What not to say about Charlie Kirk’s murder

Photo by Specna Arms on Pexels.com

I reflected yesterday on how not to respond to the shocking murder of Charlie Kirk. We should not either try to demonise or whitewash and canonize him.  He was neither monster nor angel.  I do think it is permissible to talk about his legacy and it is absolutely right to engage with and critique his… Continue reading What not to say about Charlie Kirk’s murder

Assisted Dying and the House of Lords

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

Kim Ledbeater’s Bill to introduce Assisted Dying returns to the House of Lords this week for its second reading.  It is crucial that the peers vote down this horrendous bill.  Whilst they may be nervous about rejecting a bill voted through by the House of Commons, there are plenty of good reasons for them to… Continue reading Assisted Dying and the House of Lords