In the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there were those who argued that our responsibility as Christians was simply to pray for and work for peace. This was often accompanied by calls for a ceasefire. Similarly, there have been those who have responded to events in Israel and Gaza with similar appeals for… Continue reading It’s complicated … and it isn’t
Posts
James and Paul: Law, grace and faith
Does James contradict Paul? This is one of the big questions that has been asked of his letter and it is the primary reason why some people have been suspicious of the letter. Paul has been keen in his letters to argue that we are saved by grace alone and justified by faith. In Ephesians… Continue reading James and Paul: Law, grace and faith
A primer on International law and ethics for those engaging with current news stories
Back when I was at University, I had the opportunity as part of my Law degree to study a subject called “International Law.” At the time, that specific area of law was the poor relation of all other options offered by the faculty. In fact, there was still significant debate about whether or not it… Continue reading A primer on International law and ethics for those engaging with current news stories
Faith at work -introduction to the book of James
The book of James is often treated as the poor man’s relation to Paul’s epistles. Luther infamously described it as an “epistle of straw” and I think many, like him have seen it as troublesome, potentially in conflict with the message of justification by faith and salvation by grace alone that we see in Romans,… Continue reading Faith at work -introduction to the book of James
How clear is Scripture?
The other day, when looking at the place of tradition, I referred to something referred to as “the clarity of Scripture” or sometimes known as “the perspicuity of Scripture.” As you read that, you might have wondered “but if Scripture is clear, then why is it that not only I struggle at times to understand… Continue reading How clear is Scripture?
Pacing yourself
Something struck me as our life group were meeting the other day. We were talking bout the life of Abraham and how he has to wait so many years before the promised son, Isaac comes. He lives 100 years, waiting, trusting making mistakes, learning, growing in his faith, preparing before his prayer is answered. This… Continue reading Pacing yourself
The chorus of Creation
This week’s Faithroots Podcast on Revelation 4
On the balance of probabilities: Evaluating evidence and making your mind up about disputed claims
This week, in the middle of the Israel-Hamas conflict, an explosion was reported at the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza city. This was initially reported, all around the world as an Israeli missile strike causing 500 deaths, Many got the impression that the hospital had been destroyed or severely damaged. The hospital is run by the… Continue reading On the balance of probabilities: Evaluating evidence and making your mind up about disputed claims
More paedobaptism questions: Is it possible to be externally within the covenant people of God whilst not saved?
The other week I wrote about the differences between paedobaptism and credobaptism and argued that credobaptism doesn’t exclude children from covenant relationship as part of God’s people. One response which has come back is that we need to distinguish between an external and visible covenant versus an internal or invisible covenant. In effect, this would… Continue reading More paedobaptism questions: Is it possible to be externally within the covenant people of God whilst not saved?
Is war a crime?
Scott McKnight writes: “Why do more Christians not recognize what war experts know, namely, that “we fight war crimes but have forgotten the crime of war”?” https://scotmcknight.substack.com/p/sponges-and-war-immoral-word-choices?r=1nrx1&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post I must admit I’m not too sure who these “war experts” are or what it is that makes someone a “war expert.” However, I am not convinced by… Continue reading Is war a crime?
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