The TV show currently gripping everyone’s attention is Netflix’s Hostage. The story focuses on a new British Prime Minister whose husband whilst serving with Medicine Sans Frontiere is taken hostage by a terror group with a personal vendetta against the PM. It’s a great watch for the tension, political intrigued, running, shooting and explosions (if,… Continue reading An inaccurate hostage situation (spoilers)
Category: ethics
Flags, culture and a sneering misunderstanding
I have seen a number of reactions to the flags controversy. Here is one example of the more tone deaf variety. I’ve seen others suggesting that you can measure IQ based on the number of flags flying. These all rather miss the point, or maybe prove it. First of all, they forget that because a… Continue reading Flags, culture and a sneering misunderstanding
A Christian School closure and its implications
I note that King Alfred Christian School has closed its doors. This was the school that I wrote about earlier this summer. I came under some pressure for raising questions but surely we should be able to do this as Christians and indeed have a responsibility to challenge robustly. The Telegraph reports that this was… Continue reading A Christian School closure and its implications
The point about free speech is that you don’t get to pick and choose what the issues are
One response I saw from a senior Christian leader to the Krish Kandiah, Thought For the Day episode was that this wasn’t really a “massive Christian liberty or free speech issue.” Now over the years, prominent Christians and Christian organisations have been quick to announce that this or that issue was not only a matter… Continue reading The point about free speech is that you don’t get to pick and choose what the issues are
Flags
Most summers tend to produce a silly season story but increasingly in recent years that’s been linked to increased tensions around public order. This year’s story is about people putting up St George’s flags and Union Jacks on lamp posts. As is often the case people debating the matter seem to miss the big points.… Continue reading Flags
It’s not persecution but nor is it neutral
The Public Space Protection Order in Birmingham city centre is not an act of persecution, it doesn’t target Christians because of their faith. However, I’d like to draw your attention to comments I made in an article about a previous situation. “Situations like this may be messier than anyone acknowledges. There may be genuine concerns… Continue reading It’s not persecution but nor is it neutral
Don’t forget the teachers
It’s GCSE results day. If you or someone in your family are getting your results, then I hope you have got the results that you were hoping for and working for. I normally try and post something on results day with a focus on those getting their results. Primarily my aim is to encourage you,… Continue reading Don’t forget the teachers
Robert Jenrick, Krish Kandiah, Thought for the Day, Immigration and Xenophobia: Further Reflections
The other day I mentioned the Thought for the Day piece by Krish Kandiah that was pulled and then edited to exclude a reference to Xenophobia in criticism of remarks made by the shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick. To date, apart from my own piece, I’m only aware of an article on Facebook by John… Continue reading Robert Jenrick, Krish Kandiah, Thought for the Day, Immigration and Xenophobia: Further Reflections
Thought for the Day: Free Speech, Politicians and Xenophobia
Conservative/Reform politicians and the right wing media are in uproar. The BBC has engaged in a bit of censorship. They made a mistake, instead of putting up the usual liberal theologian for Thought for the Day and instead of that person testing listeners to a few harmless platitudes, they only went and got in an… Continue reading Thought for the Day: Free Speech, Politicians and Xenophobia
Why is suffering a problem for believers?
This Sunday we are looking at the opportunity of suffering. at church Specifically we will be thinking about how we share the Gospel in response to suffering. It seems strange to talk about suffering as an opportunity. We tend to talk more about the problem of suffering. This has been strikingly emphasised by an interview… Continue reading Why is suffering a problem for believers?
