Tag: Public Theology

On boycotting the World Cup and judging others

This winter, the FIFA World Cup will happen in Qatar. The decision to host the World Cup there has proved seriously controversial.  There were all the practical questions about it happening at a time of year when major national leagues are mid competition and about the implications of playing in that climate. However, those concerns… Continue reading On boycotting the World Cup and judging others

We can’t expect higher standards from politicians and then stick them on game shows

Matt Hancock, the disgraced former health secretary has been revealed as a contestant on “I’m a Celebrity, get me out of here.”  He follows other politicians into reality TV prepared for ritual humiliation and hoping for a bit more name recognition and celebrity status.  At the tamer end of things we’ve seen Ann Widdicombe, Ed… Continue reading We can’t expect higher standards from politicians and then stick them on game shows

Pensioners are not dependents on State largesse

One of the great challenges of the 21st Century is how we look after an increasing aging population.  We sometimes talk about a demographic time bomb, lower birth rates combined with increased life expectancy mean that the working population is smaller but has to support a much larger population of retired people. We have seen… Continue reading Pensioners are not dependents on State largesse

An overflow of grace for the good of the city

One reason why I think it is right to say that a church exists for the good of the city is that if things are done right, then this simply is the case.  Why do I say that?  Well have a look at Hebrews 6:4-7 with me. It says: We tend to look at those… Continue reading An overflow of grace for the good of the city

Jesus for the good of the city

The other day I wrote a little bit about what it means to seek the good of the city. I was prompted to think about this because we’ve just had a week of prayer as a family of churches in Birmingham and on the Wednesday night, the theme was “For the good of the city”… Continue reading Jesus for the good of the city

For the good of the city

Our church has a list of reasons that we exist. One of them is that we exist “for the good of the city.”  Our church has been planted here in Birmingham with the conviction that we should not just become a “holy huddle.” A challenge is sometimes given to churches “If you ceased to exist… Continue reading For the good of the city

Further reflections on Trussonomics

I’ve been reflecting a little more on the debate around the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s statement last Friday and what is now becoming referred to as “Trussonomics.”  You will remember that my assessment was that it was economically illiterate and politically stupid. Perhaps you thought that harsh. Perhaps not given the even stronger assertions from… Continue reading Further reflections on Trussonomics

“In this day and age?”

I’m increasingly seeing comments along the lines of “We shouldn’t be seeing or y … in this day and age.” Or “It is disgusting that in one of the richest G7 countries that we should be seeing x.” These statements at the moment relate specifically to the pressures that people are starting to face in… Continue reading “In this day and age?”

Has Putin just threatened to nuke us?

The short answer is “no.”  In today’s speech, according to reports Vladimir Putin did two things. The first is that he extended the mobilisation and conscription of people into the Russian armed forces.  Secondly, he is reported to have said:  “Those who try to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the prevailing winds… Continue reading Has Putin just threatened to nuke us?