The Ukraine-Russia war rumbles on. In the early days, it looked like Ukraine might be quickly overrun. Then a gallant fightback and western support along with significant failings and weaknesses on the Russian side led to the balance shifting in Ukraine’s favour. However the counter offensive was largely ineffective and now, once again the balance… Continue reading Russia-Ukraine and the elephant in the room
Category: Opinion
Who are you appealing to?
What do Keir Starmer’s statement that he is “a socialist” and Conservative policy announcements including additional pension protection and reintroduction of National Service have in common? The answer is that in both cases, the intention seems more to reassure or shore up core support and motivate an activist base rather than appeal more broadly. For… Continue reading Who are you appealing to?
Keir Stamina?
One of the most ridiculous non-stories of the UK General Election campaign so far has been the attempt to focus on individual politicians’ (specifically Keir Starmer) physical stamina. The Tories have been trying to argue that the Labour Leader isn’t up to the hard slog of a six week campaign because of his age. Some… Continue reading Keir Stamina?
Rishi Corbyn?
The beginning of the Conservative campaign has been confusing to say the least. I’ve mentioned before the bizarreness of the decision to opt for an evening announcement in a deluge. It’s not just that the Prime Minister could have opted for an indoor press conference or had someone bring him an umbrella. It’s that he… Continue reading Rishi Corbyn?
Evangelical Unity
Here are some further thoughts on how we encourage Evangelical Unity. I remember a friend pointing out once that there will be different levels of fellowship and partnership and it is helpful not to have a one size fits all approach to relationships. His analogy was that there will be those you can embrace close,… Continue reading Evangelical Unity
Tim Keller’s legacy
We are coming up to the first anniversary of Tim Keller’s death and so this is perhaps a good opportunity to reflect on his life and contribution to the work of the Gospel. Keller planted a thriving church in New York before going on to develop a wider international speaking and writing ministry. I’m sure… Continue reading Tim Keller’s legacy
Can we appreciate Alpha?
Following Russell Brand’s baptism, there has been a lot of interest generated in the media about celebrities and evangelicalism including this rather sneering article in The Times. John Stevens, National Director of the FIEC (Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches) shared the link on Facebook and commented to the effect that whilst there is a tendency… Continue reading Can we appreciate Alpha?
What should we make of Russell Brand’s baptism?
Controversial comedian and celebrity opinion former, Russell Brand has recently announced that he has been baptised in the River Thames. The news has polarised responses with some being quick to jump on the news and share it as another exciting example of God moving to bring about a form of Christian revival. Other examples include… Continue reading What should we make of Russell Brand’s baptism?
So if not TGC UK, what is it that the UK church needs?
I recently wrote in response to Affinity UK’s announcement that they were heading up an initiative to launch a UK version of The Gospel Coalition. My initial response was to ask some questions because I genuinely wanted to understand what was behind the proposal, what it was that the proponents were trying to achieve. I… Continue reading So if not TGC UK, what is it that the UK church needs?
Responding to some criticism
In response to conversations about Affinity’s proposal to create a UK version of The Gospel Coalition, I came in for a bit of criticism recently The criticism could be summed up as being to the effect that we should all want greater Gospel unity and therefore what am I personally doing to encourage it? In… Continue reading Responding to some criticism
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