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
Posts
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
Sharing your faith in the face of death, dying and bereavement
We have been working through a summer series about sharing Jesus with others at our church. One of the things we wanted to get across that this is about the whole of life and so we have picked up on a few examples of life circumstances and how to live for Jesus and speak for… Continue reading Sharing your faith in the face of death, dying and bereavement
It’s not persecution but nor is it neutral
The Public Space Protection Order in Birmingham city centre is not an act of persecution, it doesn’t target Christians because of their faith. However, I’d like to draw your attention to comments I made in an article about a previous situation. “Situations like this may be messier than anyone acknowledges. There may be genuine concerns… Continue reading It’s not persecution but nor is it neutral
Household baptisms, paedobaptism and the Onesimus problem
Why does Onesimus cause a problem for paedobaptists? Well a lot has been made in their argument of the descriptions of converts being baptised with their whole households. The argument is that it would run contrary to the culture for people to be only baptized if they repented themselves. Rather, we would expect them to… Continue reading Household baptisms, paedobaptism and the Onesimus problem
