From the start of Coronavirus the Government have repeated the mantra that in all their actions, they have been “following the science.” However, the idea that there is this thing called “The Science” is rather misleading. It misses two points. The first is that there are various fields of science. This of course includes the… Continue reading Following the science – but which science?
Category: ethics
Children, childlessness and culture wars – what we believe affects how we live
Last week, I responded to an article that Kevin DeYoung has written for The Gospel Coalition arguing that the best way for Christians to respond to engage in the US culture wars was to have lots of children and disciple them well. In his own words: “Here’s a culture war strategy conservative Christians should get… Continue reading Children, childlessness and culture wars – what we believe affects how we live
Free School Meal vouchers over the summer will not deal with the problem of poverty
Well done to Marcus Rashford, his campaign seems to have encouraged the government to extend provision of free school meal vouchers through the official 6 weeks holiday. If that means the result is that a number of children are properly fed over the summer then that is a good thing. However, this is not going… Continue reading Free School Meal vouchers over the summer will not deal with the problem of poverty
On tearing down statues
On the 9th April 2003, Iraqis gathered in Firdos Square following the Coalition invasion and tore down a statue of Saddam Hussein. The world watched on and cheered as this event symbolised the freedom of the Iraqi people from slavery and tyranny. This week we have seen further attempts to tear down statues, some successful,… Continue reading On tearing down statues
Is God Just and Fair?
Yesterday’s #AfternoonTea looked at this question as we continue to think about questions to do with justice. Key points include There are two arguments to consider here. First that God punishing sin is unfair because how can we really know that he exists and what his law is? The second is that it is unfair… Continue reading Is God Just and Fair?
Who will you take the knee for?
Taking the knee started as a protest gesture by American Football players back in 2016 who refused to stand for their national anthem in protest at discrimination and police brutality. This week, people have been asked to “take the knee” around the world in solidarity with George Floyd and those affected by his killing. I… Continue reading Who will you take the knee for?
#BlackLivesMatter or #AllLivesMatter ?
My wife is a teacher. As a teacher, she wants to ensure that all of the children in her classes are treated equally and fairly. However, she has discovered over the years that “treating fairly” does not mean “treating the same.” She has learnt that if the gap is to be closed for boys then… Continue reading #BlackLivesMatter or #AllLivesMatter ?
Against you only?
In Psalm 51:4 David says “Against you only have I sinned.” We usually meet those words when reading them as part of a confession and at first glance they seem like a helpful articulation of repentance. Then we notice the description of the Psalm as written in response to David’s sin in relation to Bathsheba.… Continue reading Against you only?
Will we show that we see and hear them?
We’ve had some uncertain and frustrating moments over the past few months on Facebook. We’ve been livestreaming and suddenly our camera view has gone dark. We honestly have not known if have been seen and heard or if we have just been talking to ourselves. It helps when people send comments to say “we can… Continue reading Will we show that we see and hear them?
Let them eat cake – thoughts on fairness and justice
This week on Afternoon Tea we are exploring questions about fairness and justice. In our first slot of the week, we talked about the difference between equality of outcome and equality of opportunity. I suggested that we might represent this simply by thinking in terms of sharing out a cake (because I like cake). Imagine… Continue reading Let them eat cake – thoughts on fairness and justice
Faithroots 