It was much easier when COVID rules were in place. We knew that we were to Keep a two-metre distance from others Wear face masks in doors Stay home for at least 10 days after testing positive and then only begin mixing again when we had tested negative on two consecutive days. At various times… Continue reading Can we manage our risks?
Posts
Peter Leithart’s ethics
Writing about Leithart’s ethics may seem a futile exercise given that he declares himself to be “Against Ethics.”[1] He is against ethics for two reasons. Firstly, because as a discipline it privatises virtues, leading to individuals choosing morals “without mentioning God.”[2] Secondly, because Ethics as a theological discipline treats moral transformation as secondary; an implication… Continue reading Peter Leithart’s ethics
Despicable me
I saw an interesting social media exchange earlier today. One person was outraged at what a well-known football commentator had said about a particular political issue. They’d then described the person as “despicable”. Someone else had interjected to say “No, you can’t call them despicable. We describe the actions as despicable.” There’s something important and… Continue reading Despicable me
Unexpected enemies
Through Mark we are going to keep running into the Scribes and the Pharisees, in fact, they show up quite a bit from the end of chapter 1 and through chapters 2 and 3. These are frequently mentioned as being in opposition to Jesus, seeking to catch him out, grumbling against him, accusing him of… Continue reading Unexpected enemies
Clean (Mark 1:21-45)
One of the big themes in the Gospels is that Jesus comes to make us “clean.” The idea of cleanness arises out of the Old Testament Law. The Law distinguishes between Blessing and curse Life and death Sin and righteousness Law keepers and law breakers Holy and profane Clean and Unclean There is a relationship… Continue reading Clean (Mark 1:21-45)
No, Aslan is not on the move
I’ve mentioned before that one of my pet hates is the tendency of some Christian adults when they get near a microphone at a conference to announce in awed, whispery tones that “Aslan is on the move.” It’s meant to sound edgy and spiritual. It’s usually in response to some perceived spiritual moment. I want… Continue reading No, Aslan is not on the move
You’ll never walk alone
Today, my mind goes back to those fateful events 37 years ago when 56 people tragically lost their lives in the Bradford City fire disaster, one of them a classmate of mine. The effect of the fire was devastating and far reaching. As well as the 54 Bradford City fans and two from Lincoln who… Continue reading You’ll never walk alone
The call of the kingdom (Mark 1:14-20)
We now begin to see what it means for Jesus to preach about the Kingdom and call people to repentance with a series of examples. – It means calling people to follow him and leave behind other priorities (1:16-20 and 2:13-17) – It means calling evil spirits out of people. Captives are set free (1:21-28)… Continue reading The call of the kingdom (Mark 1:14-20)
Resignation offers, integrity and grace
#Partygate and #Beergate continue to rumble on. In latest developments, Labour leader Keir Starmer has said that he will resign if he is issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice fine for breeching covid regulations. His supporters have suggested that this shows integrity and compares unfavourably with the way that the Prime Minister has refused to… Continue reading Resignation offers, integrity and grace
Why did Jesus get baptised? (Mark 1:6-13)
Mark’s Gospel is shorter than the others with a greater sense of immediacy and urgency. The focus appears to be much mor eon the narrative and so we don’t tend to get the extended conversatinos and teaching we find in Matthew and John. So, when Mark takes a bit of time to flesh out a… Continue reading Why did Jesus get baptised? (Mark 1:6-13)
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