It’s now 3 years since we said goodbye to my mum and Sarah’s dad within the space of a few weeks. In both cases, there was an unexpectedness although we were aware of serious health conditions. In mum’s case, she had gone into hospital for surgery on a hiatus hernia but didn’t recover from the… Continue reading Home and grief
Posts
Taxes, benefits, socialism and Christianity
Two stories being shared on social media this past week have caught my attention. First, there was an interview Kemi Badenoch, leader of the opposition gave where she suggested that there was something “unchristian” about the welfare system in the United Kingdom. Then, there was this meme doing the rounds. It’s striking that the originator… Continue reading Taxes, benefits, socialism and Christianity
What are we really triggered by? More on the Sheffield University trigger warning
The other week, I mentioned that Sheffield University had introduced a trigger warning for literature students that parts of the Bible might include violence and sexual violence. The Gospels were included in this. Now, perhaps those sharing and commenting on the story should have included their own trigger warning as it seems that this story… Continue reading What are we really triggered by? More on the Sheffield University trigger warning
Kiss the Son: Does Psalm 2 lead to Christian Nationalism?
Psalm 2:12 says “Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” I’ve seen it suggested that Christian Nationalism is based on this text, along with a couple of other key texts including the instruction… Continue reading Kiss the Son: Does Psalm 2 lead to Christian Nationalism?
Why do we do Carol Services?
This year our church will have three main Christmas events, an evening Carol’s by Candlelight, a family Carol service and then a Christmas Eve all age event. We don’t have access to a building for Christmas Day unfortunately. I thought it might be helpful to share a few thoughts about how we do them and… Continue reading Why do we do Carol Services?
Home For Christmas
I wonder what you think of when you hear that title. You might just have the lyrics of one of Cliff Richard’s Christmas numbers in mind where he croons into an imaginary phone about using whatever has been invented: planes, trains, cars and apparently stars to get home for a romantic Christmas rendezvous. There was… Continue reading Home For Christmas
The truth about migrants and crime
One of the ways that the far right are seeking to promote fear is by blaming immigration for violent crime. There are numerous reasons as to why this is false. I’ve previously shared data showing that there isn’t a greater risk of violent crime from migrants. Here is some further data from Fraser Nelson. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BTZQB61vN/… Continue reading The truth about migrants and crime
Make it visual
How do you engage visual learners and help them to remember what you have said in a sermon. Well, one obvious way is to use visual aids. That might be as simple as including some powerpoint slides with images. Generally speaking, I’m not a fan of PowerPoint in preaching. It risks asking people to dual… Continue reading Make it visual
Cash for questions: Tax, God and Caesar
Here in the UK, it was the Budget this week and there is much talk about tax and benefits. That also coincided with our Life Group looking at Luke 20:20-26 where Jesus is asked a question about paying taxes Early readers of Luke’s Gospel, perhaps in the late 60s/early 70s of the first century will… Continue reading Cash for questions: Tax, God and Caesar
1938 and 2025: Trump’s latest plan for Ukraine
There is perhaps a little more logic behind the suggestion that Donald Trump might recognise those areas of Ukraine occupied by Putin as Russian territory than there was to Keir Starmer’s recognition of a Palestinian State. At least in this case, there is a clear identification of what territory and who is the Government. However,… Continue reading 1938 and 2025: Trump’s latest plan for Ukraine
Faithroots 