Is modern Israel the fulfilment of Biblical prophecy – and should that affect our view of Israel?

There’s a lot of prophecy that points to an age of prosperity and peace for the people of Israel.  Various Scriptures describe a situation where exiles return to the land, many enemies are defeated, the Temple rebuilt, God’s King reigning and the nations looking to Israel’s King for wisdom, teaching and leadership. Well, there seem… Continue reading Is modern Israel the fulfilment of Biblical prophecy – and should that affect our view of Israel?

Please stop playing political football with education

I think there’s been more plans and initiatives to shake up education during my life time than I had hot school dinners back when I was a kid.  I’ve seen GCSEs replace the old GCE/CSE split, the expansion of Universities and introduction of tuition fees.  During my life time, we’ve bounced between child centred learning… Continue reading Please stop playing political football with education

Antisemitism and Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Part revisited

I am returning to a subject that I’ve talked about a few times, the issue of antisemitism especially when it creeps into public life.  I’m returning to it now because it has remained a significant issue and because it particularly related to what happened in the Labour Party between 2016-2019.  When there’s a change of… Continue reading Antisemitism and Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Part revisited

If Sabbath is a creation ordinance, then…

I recently argued that one of the reasons why we should continue to keep a sabbath holy is because it is a creation ordinance.  In other words, our relationship to Sabbath is based not just on the laws given in Exodus- Deuteronomy but relates to something given by God at creation.  “The Sabbath was made… Continue reading If Sabbath is a creation ordinance, then…

Foundations for a Christian perspective on current issues, challenges and controversies around UK healthcare

I spent the first two articles making some observations about two specific examples of the issues and controversies we are currently facing when talking about UK healthcare, the Junior Doctors Strike and debates around funding and privatisation when it comes to the NHS. Now, let’s step back a little and think about how we view… Continue reading Foundations for a Christian perspective on current issues, challenges and controversies around UK healthcare

The NHS, strikes and Junior Doctors’ Pay

One of the issues which keeps coming up with regards to recent NHS pay disputes is that Junior Doctors are able to seek better pay and conditions outside of the NHS, whether through leaving healthcare completely or by moving to another country where pay and conditions are better. I understand that over 10000 medics have… Continue reading The NHS, strikes and Junior Doctors’ Pay

Starting to think through the UK healthcare crisis from a Christian perspective

With NHS strikes having been in the news recently, I think it’s good for us to keep stretching our thinking about the issues involved. I’m going to do this over a few articles.  My reason for doing so, is that I think Christians should be concerned about what happens in terms of society around us. … Continue reading Starting to think through the UK healthcare crisis from a Christian perspective

No papers?  Why might an asylum seeker lack documentation such as passports?

In recent discussions about asylum seekers, especially those coming by boat, a recurring comment was that it was illegal to try and enter the UK without appropriate documentation.  This is correct, and asylum seekers are expected to provide such documentation when turning up for their application to be processed. There are however defences available if… Continue reading No papers?  Why might an asylum seeker lack documentation such as passports?

The Gary Lineker Saga

At the weekend, Gary Lineker was stood down from presenting duties on Match of the Day, numerous other commentators and panellists refused to participate in solidarity. The result in the end was severe disruption to the BBC’s sporting schedule.  Some people might argue that this was generally for the better including those who think there’s… Continue reading The Gary Lineker Saga