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”
Tag: 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?
What am I paying for if I open a bank account with you?
The Nigel Farage and Coutts saga highlights something significant about our culture. My friend Steve Kneale also wrote about the saga here and he takes a much stronger line that Coutts were morally wrong to close Farage’s account and were discriminating against him. My position would be that, yes they were discriminating against him but… Continue reading What am I paying for if I open a bank account with you?
Summing up the message of Isaiah
The message of Isaiah can be summed up as follows. First, that we are rebel sinners. We have been unfaithful to God and chosen idolatry over worship and trust in him. Isaiah warns us that we will become like our idols, impotent, hardened, powerless, ignorant. Secondly, the consequence of sin and idolatry is God’s righteous… Continue reading Summing up the message of Isaiah