The plagues unleased against Pharoah and Egypt may also be seen as Yahweh’s triumph over the gods of Egypt. Like most ancient civilisations, Egypt was polytheistic. The plagues can each be seen as portraying a direct confrontation with those gods.[1] Serpents were of course seen as sacred to many cultures and we might trace back… Continue reading Defeat and judgement for the Egyptian gods
Tag: idolatry
Romans 1:24-32 (notes)
We are now told about three ways that God gave humanity up or handed them over. First, he gave their hearts over to lust (v24), second, he gave them over to “dishonourable passions” . note, it’s their bodies that are given over (v26).[1] Thirdly, he handed over their minds or delivered them to “debased minds”… Continue reading Romans 1:24-32 (notes)
Why do I call ethno-cultural nationalism “idolatry”
I’ve stated previously that what we are terming “ethno-cultural nationalism” is idolatry, that it presents us with a false god and a false gospel. This is perhaps where I’ve had most push back and where I think other Christians, even those criticising marches and demos have been reluctant to tread. I’ve reflected in recent days,… Continue reading Why do I call ethno-cultural nationalism “idolatry”
Why you shouldn’t treat football as trivial
If you know me, then it won’t have escaped your attention that something significant happened in Bradford at the weekend and I was there for it. The significant thing was a football game. It is worth pausing there. Some of you may be choking on your coffee at the suggestion that there is anything significant… Continue reading Why you shouldn’t treat football as trivial
Hearing and understanding
The latest Faithroots Podcast is now on YouTube. We are looking at Luke 8:1-21.
Keir Stamina?
One of the most ridiculous non-stories of the UK General Election campaign so far has been the attempt to focus on individual politicians’ (specifically Keir Starmer) physical stamina. The Tories have been trying to argue that the Labour Leader isn’t up to the hard slog of a six week campaign because of his age. Some… Continue reading Keir Stamina?
What do we do with our fear?
One of the criticisms made of the Church by some is that we allowed fear of the virus and dying from it to overwhelm us and so, we lost sight of the hope we have in Christ. The implications of such critiques is threefold. First, it suggests that the primary problem was fear of the… Continue reading What do we do with our fear?
COVID-19 -did the church get sucked into idolatry and falsehood?
Today, I’m participating on a panel at the Affinity “Covid-19 and the Church” symposium. The aim of the symposium is to seek to learn lessons from the pandemic and the UK church response. Dave Brennan of Brephos wrote this article ahead of the symposium. As he isn’t able to attend on the day, I thought… Continue reading COVID-19 -did the church get sucked into idolatry and falsehood?
Should you watch The Chosen?
Cary and Cooper in their podcast have recently had “The Chosen” in their sights. The Chosen is a recent dramatization of the life of Jesus which has been hugely successful. Like most historical dramatisations, it blends specific historical data (in the case, events and words from the four Gospels) with imagined, or let’s suppose script.… Continue reading Should you watch The Chosen?
Is it really “just” cultural?
One of the pushbacks I’ve seen against the criticism of TGC’s decision to name its new projects after, at the time, living Christian leaders is that it’s a cultural issue. The argument seems to be twofold. First, that it’s just grumpy Brits who are raising concerns, as though that invalidates the concerns raised. Secondly, that… Continue reading Is it really “just” cultural?
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