Old errors have a habit of recycling themselves. I’ve written recently about the resurgence of Federal Vision theology in the UK and how back in the noughties we faced a triumvirate of to theological errors, FV, the denial of Penal Substitution and Open Theism. Well, I wouldn’t be surprised to discover that Open Theism is… Continue reading Penal Substitution and Impassibility
Posts
Myths and concerns about private Christian education
This is an article I published a few weeks back, as promised, having paused discussion, I intend to return to the subject. I have picked up recently on the debate about VAT being charged on private education which has had an impact on a number of Christian schools. Recently I engaged with this article in… Continue reading Myths and concerns about private Christian education
Flags, culture and a sneering misunderstanding
I have seen a number of reactions to the flags controversy. Here is one example of the more tone deaf variety. I’ve seen others suggesting that you can measure IQ based on the number of flags flying. These all rather miss the point, or maybe prove it. First of all, they forget that because a… Continue reading Flags, culture and a sneering misunderstanding
Dealing with demons and demonic posession today
It is perhaps a generalism that there is a high expectation and reports of demonic possession in non-Western contexts. There may be a couple of reasons for this. First, that we see what we expect to see. Western-secular societies are more likely to see events and phenomena through that lens and so provide natural explanations. … Continue reading Dealing with demons and demonic posession today
Restrictions on street evangelism in Birmingham continue under the radar for the Christian press
In the last few weeks, Birmingham City Council have brought in two Public Space Protection Orders in Birmingham. You can find them here. The first prevents the use of amplification and musical instruments in certain streets in the city centre. It will affect street preachers as well as entertainers and buskers. Our concern is that… Continue reading Restrictions on street evangelism in Birmingham continue under the radar for the Christian press
A Christian School closure and its implications
I note that King Alfred Christian School has closed its doors. This was the school that I wrote about earlier this summer. I came under some pressure for raising questions but surely we should be able to do this as Christians and indeed have a responsibility to challenge robustly. The Telegraph reports that this was… Continue reading A Christian School closure and its implications
The point about free speech is that you don’t get to pick and choose what the issues are
One response I saw from a senior Christian leader to the Krish Kandiah, Thought For the Day episode was that this wasn’t really a “massive Christian liberty or free speech issue.” Now over the years, prominent Christians and Christian organisations have been quick to announce that this or that issue was not only a matter… Continue reading The point about free speech is that you don’t get to pick and choose what the issues are
Can we sing that? The challenge when choosing worship songs
Worship leaders have a challenging task when choosing songs for a couple of reasons. First, song writers may not always have thought through carefully the implications of chosen lyrics or the lyrics may even be influenced by what we might describe as at best “wonky theology.” At the same time, you are also trying to… Continue reading Can we sing that? The challenge when choosing worship songs
Flags
Most summers tend to produce a silly season story but increasingly in recent years that’s been linked to increased tensions around public order. This year’s story is about people putting up St George’s flags and Union Jacks on lamp posts. As is often the case people debating the matter seem to miss the big points.… Continue reading Flags
Godly offspring, Malachi, paedobaptism and large families
One of the popular arguments for paedobaptism is based on 1 Corinthians 7:14 which says: “4 For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. Recently I’ve seen people attempt to… Continue reading Godly offspring, Malachi, paedobaptism and large families
Faithroots 