I recently reviewed Andy Johnston’s excellent biography of Terry Virgo. I would suggest that the book sits somewhere on a range between first person memoir and critical historical biograph but closer to the former. What I mean by this is that Johnston has, intentionally not set out to give us an account at a distance… Continue reading Developing questions from “Building God’s House”
Posts
Romans 8:1-2
The “Therefore” (ἄρα) at the start of Romans 8 could link this next argument back to the end of Romans 7 or back to Romans 6 treating Romans 7 as parenthesis. However, it could also link back to Romans 5 with Romans 6-7 being the parenthesis. This means we can either read Paul’s main argument… Continue reading Romans 8:1-2
Who is the “I” in romans 7?
For much of Romans 7, Paul speaks in the first person when describing the tension of wanting to do what is right but finding that he cannot. This has led to much discussion. Is Paul describing his own testimony? If so, is he describing his life before conversion or after? Or alternatively, is Paul using… Continue reading Who is the “I” in romans 7?
The church, ethnicity and Galatians
Discussions about ethnicity, immigration and nationality can feel like they belong at the macro level and have little to do with the local church. Whilst I do engage with those macro questions, my own primary concern remains for the local church. So, I want to talk a little about why our theology around ethnicity and… Continue reading The church, ethnicity and Galatians
Two Sunday services? Maybe but not necessarily.
It started with an invitation to lead some sessions for the church youth group on what it means to believe and belong. The youth group met each Sunday evening for pizza and chips followed by a study. At the end of the series some of the young people asked if we could continue doing some… Continue reading Two Sunday services? Maybe but not necessarily.
How do you solve a problem like Tommy?
Tommy Robinson has been convicted of harassing two journalists causing them to fear violence. The conviction is under section 4 of the Prevention From Harassment Act 1997 which says: “A person whose course of conduct causes another to fear, on at least two occasions, that violence will be used against him is guilty of an… Continue reading How do you solve a problem like Tommy?
What does the Bible say about ethnicity?
Where would a Biblical account of ethnicity and nations begin? Well, Paul, speaking on Mars Hill in Athens told those gathered that God: “made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should… Continue reading What does the Bible say about ethnicity?
Adoption apologies and a clash of testimonies
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been picking up on the issue of testimony and the expectations we put on people sharing their stories. We’ve looked at it in the context of pastors telling their stories of suffering from depression and Premier Radio conversation about childlessness. Well, here’s a third example concerning adoption. A… Continue reading Adoption apologies and a clash of testimonies
Racism and a line we should not cross
The other day, the protestor known as “Young Bob” was arrested for allegedly using the term P***. I’m surprised at some of the comments I’ve seen on social media on this especially from Christians 1. If he did not say it/ there are no witnesses that is an issue. 2. We can debate when language… Continue reading Racism and a line we should not cross
Breaking taboos … is it okay to ask someone if they are trying for a baby?
I recently saw a clip from Premier Christian Radio debating whether or not it’s okay to ask a Christian friend about whether or not they are trying for a baby. You can see the original clip here: And here’s my response.
