Category: ethics

One rule for them, one rule for the rest of us?

This weekend it was announced that the Health Secretary Sajid Javid had contracted COVID-19. As he had been in a recent meeting with the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer, it was assumed that they would need to self-isolate in line with the COVID rules. Well, on Sunday morning it was announced that they… Continue reading One rule for them, one rule for the rest of us?

Misunderstood? When symbols are taken the wrong way

Last Sunday we watched with bated breath as the England players stood up to take their penalties.  I must admit that as soon as I saw Marcus Rashford do that fancy wiggle and pause that I thought we were in trouble.  My reaction was “what were you thinking?” And I’m sure I’m not alone. His… Continue reading Misunderstood? When symbols are taken the wrong way

The parable of the interviewer who made his candidates wait all day

Did you see the story about the employer who invited 6 people for interview? They were told to be there for 7am. However, he didn’t start interviewing then. Rather he left them to wait. By 3pm 2 of them had given 3 of them had given up and left.  By 6pm only 2 were left.… Continue reading The parable of the interviewer who made his candidates wait all day

A breakthrough attack on abortion ethics will come at some point

The biggest concern in public health at the moment is that an escape mutation of the COVID-19 virus will emerge. This variant will have the ability to break through the current immunity defences of vaccines and natural immunity leading to a new wave of serious illness, hospitalisation and sadly deaths. The hope is that vaccine… Continue reading A breakthrough attack on abortion ethics will come at some point

Does egalitarianism lead to denominations supporting Same Sex Marriage

Last week, the Methodist Conference voted to change its position on marriage. The decision was that: The Methodist Church believes that marriage is given by God to be a particular channel of God’s grace, and that it is in accord with God’s purposes when a marriage is a life-long union in body, mind and spirit… Continue reading Does egalitarianism lead to denominations supporting Same Sex Marriage

When atonement is absent

I find Ian McEwan’s novel “Atonement” particularly bleak. It’s the story of a girl who witnesses a crime, Bryony sees her cousin Lola being assaulted and raped. She is convinced the assailant is the family gardener, Robbie and so he is falsely accused, arrested and convicted. Her error combined with her self-importance is the cause… Continue reading When atonement is absent

The last great sin

What do Matt Hancock, Dominic Cummings and Professor Neil Ferguson have in common? That’s right, they have all been found guilty in the court of public opinion of committing the ultimate unforgivable sin.  What is that sin? Well despite what you might think, it isn’t that they broke COVID rules. Despite the reaction and commentary… Continue reading The last great sin

Adultery is not just about having a messy personal life

Newspapers broke a rumour on Friday that the Health Secretary Matt Hancock was having an affair with his aide.  One journalist has attempted to play this down with the headline “So Matt Hancock has a messy personal life: who doesn’t?” The headline is part of a narrative that we should not be obsessing about politician’s… Continue reading Adultery is not just about having a messy personal life

More on slaves and the slave trade

Earlier this week in our #TheDailyDose talks I looked at what Paul had to say to Timothy about slaves and masters (1 Timothy 6:1-2).  You can listen back here. As I explain in the talk, the Bible’s handling of ethical questions around keeping and trading slaves has wider implications.  If the Bible permits slavery but… Continue reading More on slaves and the slave trade