Under this title, Andrew Bartlett looks at Colossians 3 and Ephesian 5 in his book. He suggests that in relation to these passages, we should address three questions, disputed by commentators. 1.Does Paul teach in these letters that marriage is a hierarchical relationship in which the husband is in a position of unilateral authority over… Continue reading Heads, Hierarchies, submission and love
Category: ethics
Did I use strawmen arguments on 1 Corinthians 7?
In his response to my article on 12 Corinthians 7 which engages with his book, Andrew Bartlett suggests that I have engaged in strawmen arguments. I was a little surprised at this suggestion Here’s an online definition of what a strawman is. “A straw man argument is a logical fallacy that involves misrepresenting an opponent’s position… Continue reading Did I use strawmen arguments on 1 Corinthians 7?
Pastoring the Grieving – Give them context
I noticed that this Sunday, a few churches made assisted dying and the Christian response their sermon topic. I couldn’t help think that it was a little bit late for this. Yes, the Bill has still got further stages to go but the wheels are already serving motion. More than that though, now is too… Continue reading Pastoring the Grieving – Give them context
The constitutional mess that the assisted dying bill is creating
This is not my primary reason for opposing Kim Leadbeater”s horrific bill. However, it is worth noting that there are relevant issues to consider in terms of how the bill is being brought forward.. First of all, there are human rights issues. These include that arbitrary distinctions are made between those suffering from terminal illness… Continue reading The constitutional mess that the assisted dying bill is creating
Abortion and assisted dying … The link
One of my concerns yesterday was that the arguments in the House of Commons were about pragmatics. There was no serious attempt to debate the principle of assisted dying. I get the impression that many MPs, even those who disagree with assisted dying in principle have accepted that it is going to come in at… Continue reading Abortion and assisted dying … The link
Pity as the enemy of compassion
The UK Parliament has just voted for a second reading of the bill to introduced assisted dying. I want to step back and reflect on the debate that was held in the House of Commons. I tuned in to the early stages of the debate and heard several of the speeches. What struck me was… Continue reading Pity as the enemy of compassion
1 Corinthians 7 and strawmen (Andrew Bartlett’s response)
This is a guest post. As promised, here is the first of Andrew Bartlett’s responses to my critique and engagement with his book. I will respond in a further article to his comments here. I don’t intend there to be a lenthy back and forth on each topic but there are some things worth picking… Continue reading 1 Corinthians 7 and strawmen (Andrew Bartlett’s response)
Both opponents and proponents of assisted dying need to be open about faith presuppositions
The other day, I responded to Lord Falconer’s complaint that some MPs were bringing their faith into the debate on assisted dying. Today, Esther Rantzen has argued that opponents of assisted dying need to be open about their faith reasons. Well as it happens, I agree with her (kind of). You see, I’ve persistently argued… Continue reading Both opponents and proponents of assisted dying need to be open about faith presuppositions
Missing the Gospel in a response to the dropping fertility rate
I was disappointed to read this article in Evangelicals Now about how Christians should respond to a drop in the fertility rate. Now, it certainly is the case that this has declined sharply over the years and that there are some reasons which we might be unhappy to hear. However, I don’t know whether that… Continue reading Missing the Gospel in a response to the dropping fertility rate
Who is imposing their religious views?
The Justice Secretary Shabana Mahood has come out strongly against assisted dying. She has made it known that she has religious views that underpin her position. Lord Falconer who has himself attempted to bring an assisted dying law into force through the House of Lords has complained that people should not impose their religious views… Continue reading Who is imposing their religious views?
Faithroots 