“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Those words from John 1 sum up the Incarnation. Christmas reminds us that God, in the person of Jesus Christ came to live among us, his creatures, as one of us (fully God and fully man) in his creation. I grew up hearing those words from Scripture… Continue reading Home and creation care
Category: ethics
Making a home for a baby
One of the things we have picked up on in our Home For Christmas series is the way that Mary makes a home for Jesus, initially in her heart, head and indeed in her very body as she carries him in her womb. This has striking implications for us. As well as the reminder that… Continue reading Making a home for a baby
Seek the welfare of the city: Why Jeremiah 29:7 is not a Christian Nationalist text
I’m currently working through some of the Biblical texts and examples I’ve heard cited in support of Christian Nationalism. Some of these examples are found in articles, books and YouTube talks, others come up in discussion. One example that I’ve heard alluded to is that of what God’s people did in exile, particularly the example… Continue reading Seek the welfare of the city: Why Jeremiah 29:7 is not a Christian Nationalist text
Are nations God’s chosen vehicle for doing his will?
One of the arguments for Christian Nationalism is that God particularly cares about nations, that prior to Christ coming, we see his concern for the nations as entities and that we still see that after Christ’s coming. So, two crucial texts are Deuteronomy 32:8-9 and Acts 17:26. In the first, Moses says: “When the Most… Continue reading Are nations God’s chosen vehicle for doing his will?
Who is my neighbour? Getting on the wrong side of Jesus and history
One of today’s favourite accusations and insults is that you are on the wrong side of history. I would suggest that far worse than being on the wrong side of history is to be on the wrong side of Jesus. Indeed, because Jesus is the one who defines history, came in the middle of history… Continue reading Who is my neighbour? Getting on the wrong side of Jesus and history
“I will heal their land”: 2 Chronicles 7:14, covenants and Christian Nationalism
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. These words from 2 Chronicles 7:14 are perhaps amongst the most well known, most quoted and perhaps most misunderstood and misused… Continue reading “I will heal their land”: 2 Chronicles 7:14, covenants and Christian Nationalism
Unite the Kingdom is not the heart of Christmas
Taxes, benefits, socialism and Christianity
Two stories being shared on social media this past week have caught my attention. First, there was an interview Kemi Badenoch, leader of the opposition gave where she suggested that there was something “unchristian” about the welfare system in the United Kingdom. Then, there was this meme doing the rounds. It’s striking that the originator… Continue reading Taxes, benefits, socialism and Christianity
What are we really triggered by? More on the Sheffield University trigger warning
The other week, I mentioned that Sheffield University had introduced a trigger warning for literature students that parts of the Bible might include violence and sexual violence. The Gospels were included in this. Now, perhaps those sharing and commenting on the story should have included their own trigger warning as it seems that this story… Continue reading What are we really triggered by? More on the Sheffield University trigger warning
Kiss the Son: Does Psalm 2 lead to Christian Nationalism?
Psalm 2:12 says “Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” I’ve seen it suggested that Christian Nationalism is based on this text, along with a couple of other key texts including the instruction… Continue reading Kiss the Son: Does Psalm 2 lead to Christian Nationalism?