Papua New Guinea amended its constitution identifying itself as a Christian nation earlier this year. I’ve recently been asked what I make of this and whether or not I can commend it as a good thing. This is really a concrete example of the hypothetical question “wouldn’t you rather have a nation that is built… Continue reading Is it a good thing that Papua New Guinea has declared itself a Christian Nation?
Tag: Law
Can we impose our values onto everyone else?
We may conclude that Christians should be against abortion and euthanasia based on what the Bible teaches us about God, ourselves, creation and new creation. However, does this mean that we can impose this value on the rest of society? If the democratic majority think that assisted dying is okay, or even if this is… Continue reading Can we impose our values onto everyone else?
Why I responded to Matthew Parris’ Times article about euthanasia
Last week I wrote in response to Matthew Parris’ article in the Times where he argued that not only should euthanasia be legalised but that if this led to social pressure on the terminally ill and vulnerable that this would be a welcome thing. My article was published online by Evangelicals Now and I also… Continue reading Why I responded to Matthew Parris’ Times article about euthanasia
South Africa, Israel, genocide and a letter to the Government
This week, a long list of lawyers including barristers, solicitors and even some former Supreme Court judges signed an open letter to the Government, calling on it to act against Israel in response to accusations of possible or potential genocide. The signatories argued that measures should include the suspension of arms sales to Israel and… Continue reading South Africa, Israel, genocide and a letter to the Government
The perfect law
James’ emphasis on practical faith could be mistaken for legalism. How does this fit with the Gospel? Well James now helps us to think about what it means to obey the Law of God, specifically as it relates to favouritism. A look at the text (Read James 2:8-13) The Law is “the royal law” of… Continue reading The perfect law
Is the Christian Sabbath unBiblical?
I’ve written a little about Sunday and Sabbath recently. I don’t seem to be the only one talking about the subject. This article takes a different position to me, arguing that Christians are not under an obligation to observe Sunday as Sabbath. Like the author, Luke Plant, I don’t think that the question is of… Continue reading Is the Christian Sabbath unBiblical?
What kind of church? A free church (1 Corinthians 9)
We sometimes get into disputes about how Christians are to relate to “The Law”. Are we under Law or under grace? Now, for obvious reasons, there doesn’t tend to be much discussion or debate about whether or not we are under any requirement to not murder or steal. So, the focus when it comes to… Continue reading What kind of church? A free church (1 Corinthians 9)
The allegory of Sarah and Hagar
Remember that the argument being made by the agitators in Galatia was in effect that history and God’s Word was on their side. God’s covenant was with the Jewish people and it centred on two things, ancestry through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and Torah keeping. Paul has been systematically pulling apart this claim. A look… Continue reading The allegory of Sarah and Hagar
When the way forward is the way back
We got off the aeroplane at Beijing airport and jumped into a taxi, giving the driver the details of our hotel in the centre of the city. After over half hour of driving, we assumed that we must be getting close to our destination. Except my mum looked out of the window and said “We’ve… Continue reading When the way forward is the way back
Regression – Galatians 4 overview
Paul develops the theme of Law’s temporary responsibility by fleshing out the image of a guardian that looks after the young child. During childhood, it is impossible to tell the difference between children and slaves, both are restricted, both under compulsion, both unable to make decisions for themselves. In other words, prior to the coming… Continue reading Regression – Galatians 4 overview
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