This is a fascinating report from the BBC on Coronavirus on my home city, Bradford. I had already seen some reports of smaller towns and villages which are included within the metropolitan district complaining that they had been included in measures because the local authority did not want to make distinctions within its boundaries. Meanwhile… Continue reading We won’t beat COVID-19 if we don’t understand the problem
Tag: Public Theology
Fighting a pandemic, how have we done so far?
As life begins to return to normal, it is perhaps a good opportunity to look back on the past few months and reflect on how the UK has done so far in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. I say “so far” because we are still not out of the woods yet. The virus is still… Continue reading Fighting a pandemic, how have we done so far?
When did lockdown really start (or “Is Matt Hancock re-writing history?”)
When did the lockdown really start? Does it really matter? Well, potentially yes. You see there’s been some heated discussion in the last week or two about whether or not the Government delayed entering lockdown and whether or not this cost lives? There seem to be two potential answers to this. The common answer is… Continue reading When did lockdown really start (or “Is Matt Hancock re-writing history?”)
So what was that really all about? (Further reflections on John MacArthur and defying the law)
In the light of John MacArthur’s decision to go against California state law on the Coronavirus, another prominent church leader in the States, Tom Buck posted this tweet. I don’t think we have ever really argued that everyone should risk their lives in cross cultural mission going to dangerous places. There has always been a… Continue reading So what was that really all about? (Further reflections on John MacArthur and defying the law)
Reopening and defying the law -why John McArthur has got this badly wrong
Grace Community Church, Sun Valley is a mega-church in California. It’s pastor John MacArthur is prominent, particularly from the conservative end of the spectrum with an international teaching ministry. Last week, they decided to re-open their building for public worship in defiance of State rules during Coronavirus. Their argument was that they must obey God… Continue reading Reopening and defying the law -why John McArthur has got this badly wrong
Stop worshipping at the foot of the magic money tree
It’s the 2017 General Election, the Tories had gone into the campaign, fully expecting a landslide victory but had then proceeded to self destruct whilst Jeremy Corbyn’s campaign had too off with the promise of investment and handouts. Central to the Labour campaign was the commitment to abolish student fees. Then you may remember that… Continue reading Stop worshipping at the foot of the magic money tree
Rishi’s gamble
Will you be off out for your half-priced meal in August? Don’t forget “eat out to help out.” Rishi Sunak has turned into a kind of 21st Century milky bar kid, Nandos Chicken and your Beefeater steak are on him. Yesterday, the Chancellor announced some significant measures to help the economy avoid a deep recession… Continue reading Rishi’s gamble
Why I won’t be joining Christian Concern in taking the Government to court
A number of Christian leaders have joined with Christian Concern For Our Nation in taking legal action against the government for pursuing lockdown and the closing of church buildings during Coronavirus. I want to explain here why I disagree with the action and won’t be supporting it. First of all, on one level, I respect… Continue reading Why I won’t be joining Christian Concern in taking the Government to court
What is the abortion amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill all about?
Today the House of Commons is likely to consider an amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill as it makes its way through parliament. Pro-life campaigners have highlighted this as being one of those most significant moments in the debate about abortion with the amendment potentially sweeping away any outstanding protections for an unborn child. But… Continue reading What is the abortion amendment to the Domestic Abuse Bill all about?
Families, Children and Childlessness (Responding to Kevin DeYoung)
The other day, Kevin DeYoung penned these words in an article for the Gospel Coalition “Here’s a culture war strategy conservative Christians should get behind: have more children and disciple them like crazy. Strongly consider having more children than you think you can handle.”[1] Kevin was writing primarily for a US audience. The concept of… Continue reading Families, Children and Childlessness (Responding to Kevin DeYoung)