I have reflected on and wrestled with this over the last day or two and felt it would be right to respond to a particularly distressing tweet shared by a prominent Christian on twitter. Before I go any further, I want to recognise that some people will find this subject matter too distressing to engage… Continue reading Suicide – who is responsible?
Category: Uncategorized
Haircuts and Purity policing … a modern parable
My hair is a lot shorter than it was meant to be. I had a lock down hair cut disaster. The problem is that you cut if more than intended on one side so you try to even it up on the other. Then that side ends up too short too. Some people end up… Continue reading Haircuts and Purity policing … a modern parable
Why would asylum seekers want … or need to come here?
One of the main objections to asylum seekers coming to the UK is that they will have often had to pass through several other countries to get here. Surely, they should claim asylum in the first “safe” country they come to. I think that this misunderstands how fleeing for safety and shelter works. Imagine that… Continue reading Why would asylum seekers want … or need to come here?
“Not my will but yours” – who is talking to who?
In Matthew 26, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane after he has shared the last supper with the disciples. There in the garden he goes to pray on his own and says these famous words. “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”[1]… Continue reading “Not my will but yours” – who is talking to who?
Lessons in lockdown 3: Actually people don’t change that much
In my old job, one of the psychometric tests we had to do assessed how we would act in normal day to day life against how stressful situations were likely to modify our behaviours. I definitely agree that there is something in this. Normally, we are alert to how society expects us to behave and… Continue reading Lessons in lockdown 3: Actually people don’t change that much
Who is responsible?(when everyone heads to the beach during a pandemic)
So, as lockdown eases in the UK (it doesn’t end until 4th July and even then, with strict social distancing rules in place), we have the scenario of beaches being packed with sun seekers at places like Bournemouth. In response to the Government and other authorities expressing concern at this, former UKIP and Conservative MP,… Continue reading Who is responsible?(when everyone heads to the beach during a pandemic)
Fulfilment in Matthew 1-4
Fulfilment of Old Testament Scripture is a key theme throughout Matthew’s Gospel. Prophecies are quoted and old testament images alluded to. It is not just that some prophecies specifically predict things that will happen, rather, Jesus takes on the history of the Old Testament, the identity of the people of Israel and makes complete in… Continue reading Fulfilment in Matthew 1-4
Loneliness
There’s a good chance someone in your congregation, indeed in your home group is struggling with loneliness right now. Indeed it is highly likely that you have struggled with it yourself. However, it’s a topic we don’t really talk about. My comments here are prompted by a helpful twitter conversation with Rebecca McLaughlin which you… Continue reading Loneliness
Apologetics during a Pandemic
Yesterday at Afternoon Tea, we talked about how we share our faith at a time like this and particularly about apologetics. Apologetics is about being able to articulate reasons for what you believe. It is about being able to answer difficult questions, defend your position and also challenge the beliefs and presuppositions of others. As… Continue reading Apologetics during a Pandemic
Don't Worry
We are trialling some video content as part of our support for people during the coronavirus. Our first video looks at Jesus’ words “Not to worry.” Does this mean we need not worry about coronavirus because we are guaranteed protection? What about the fact that we do get anxious? Click on the link to watch… Continue reading Don't Worry
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