George Floyd, justice and why the optics do matter

I woke yesterday to the news that George Floyd’s killer, Derek Chauvin has been convicted. This is good news because it means justice for Floyd’s family, but it does not deal with the issue of racism.  In fact, it is concerning that some people are still trying to separate out the race issue here and… Continue reading George Floyd, justice and why the optics do matter

Why did the European Super League fail? More lessons in idolatry

It has been fascinating to see the way that the European Super League proposal collapsed as quickly as it was revealed. So, what caused this to happen?  Well various explanations have been given as to what made the difference including: Fan power and an example of collectivist communitarianism. The fans stood up to big business… Continue reading Why did the European Super League fail? More lessons in idolatry

Should children take communion?

I’m reposting a couple of articles from a few years back about baptism and communion -especially as it relates to children. I’m doing this partly because these are topics that are always worth revisiting but also because I’m currently preparing some articles following up further on the question of church culture. In some of the… Continue reading Should children take communion?

Big Family of God?

I’ve written a few articles recently where I’ve talked about the importance of revisiting how we think about and talk about God if we are to see significant cultural change.  I’ve suggested that we need to try and get away from corporate/business imagery and start to talk about the church as body and as family.… Continue reading Big Family of God?

The proposed European Super League exposes our idolatry

The news cycle moves on. What has knocked coronavirus and a royal death off of the headlines this week? That’s right, it’s football and proposals for a European Super League. The plan is for 12 of the richest and largest clubs in Europe to break away from their national leagues to form their own competition,… Continue reading The proposed European Super League exposes our idolatry

When the answer to prayer is not what you expected or hoped for

I was taught as a child that God answers prayer in 3 ways “Yes” , “No” and “Wait” . Well although helpful, that’s a rather one dimensional view. Prayer is a conversation and sometimes the response is not what I expected or even what I would have hoped for.

Race, class and geography (more thoughts on that report)

Just before Easter, the Commission on Race, equality and disparity reported.  The report has proved controversial with people focusing particularly on associated headlines questioning the existence of institutional racism and suggesting that the UK was in fact a positive example of improvements in race relations.  I chose to hold off from making an immediate response… Continue reading Race, class and geography (more thoughts on that report)

How long?

Here is the latest in our series of daily expositions/mediations #TheDailyDose – we are looking at the book of Habakkuk and here are vital words for anyone struggling, fearful, grieving or even angry at wickedness, evil, suffering and persecution. The reading is Habakkuk 1:1-4. We are attempting something new from this week. As well as… Continue reading How long?