My friend Alistair Chalmers has written here both extolling the importance of Christians hearing and reading Scripture and opposing the practice of using paraphrases. First of all, I want to offer a hearty amen to his concern for Scripture to be heard and read. One of the strengths of more traditional and liturgical church contexts… Continue reading Bible translations, paraphrases, dynamic equivalence and formal equivalence
Posts
Why we should care about the Peter Mandelson scandal
In this post we are going to think about why we as Christians and churches should be concerned about what has been happening in the controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson’s appointment at the ambassador to the US, his dismissal and the subsequent fall out. First of all, it’s worth saying that there are ways in which… Continue reading Why we should care about the Peter Mandelson scandal
Was Phoebe a leader and teacher in the church? Responding to Preston Sprinkle part 3
In his look at Romans 16, Preston Sprinkle spend a bit of time looking at Phoebe. He observes: “Two facts about Phoebe immediately jump out. First, Paul calls her a “deacon [or servant, diakonon] of the church in Cenchreae.” Second, she was a “benefactor [prostatis] of many people, including” Paul. A third significant point isn’t… Continue reading Was Phoebe a leader and teacher in the church? Responding to Preston Sprinkle part 3
Peter Mandelson, Keir Starmer and Olly Robbins: What we now know and what we can start to learn from this
I’m still following the Peter Mandelson vetting case. I suspect that as we move into committee hearings and debates about process that we have moved beyond where most people’s interest in the subject lies, beyond political anoraks. However, I still think that there is benefit to us pursuing the case a bit further. There are… Continue reading Peter Mandelson, Keir Starmer and Olly Robbins: What we now know and what we can start to learn from this
The crucial gift of curiosity
One of the striking things about the controversy concerning Peter Mandehslon is the seeming lack of curiosity at senior government level. Keir Starmer had indicated that he wanted Mandelson as the US Ambassador. A vetting process had been put in place. However, it remained the case that Mandelson was his personal, political appointment. Furthermore, Starmer… Continue reading The crucial gift of curiosity
All the way my saviour leads me
Today marks 46 years since I put my trust in Jesus. I’m sure I’ve told the story many times. It was a Sunday evening and we were with our parents at Sunbridge Road Mission. The Gospel was preached week by week there but they also had a tradition of marking out one Sunday as “Decision… Continue reading All the way my saviour leads me
Romans 2:25-29
Paul now argues that law keeping and law breaking are central to your status as Jews (circumcised) or Gentiles (uncircumcised). He states that circumcision is of value for those who observe the Law. However, Circumcision without law-keeping is useless, you are considered uncircumcised (v25). In the same way, those who are uncircumcised but keep the… Continue reading Romans 2:25-29
Keir Starmer, Peter Mandelson and questions about culture
It has emerged this week that despite claims and suggestions to the contrary, Peter Mandelson did not pass the necessary security checks before being appointed as the US ambassador. This has created further problems for Keir Starmer as he had previously insisted that due process had been followed. Opposition leaders are now arguing that he… Continue reading Keir Starmer, Peter Mandelson and questions about culture
Why the pulpit might be the place for various interpretative views – sometimes
My friend, Steve Kneale has written here explaining why as a preacher, he would not set out the various options for interpreting a Biblical text when preaching. Instead, he would prefer to keep such discussions to the lecture hall and apply the text as he best understands it in the pulpit. In general, I have… Continue reading Why the pulpit might be the place for various interpretative views – sometimes
Faithroots Survey
Thank you so much to all of you that have completed the survey so far. This is much appreciated. If you haven’t had the opportunity to yet, please can I encourage you to help me out by taking time to fill in the form here This will help me to get a feel for who… Continue reading Faithroots Survey
Faithroots 