The world sells us a vision of integrated commitments, of big things broken down to make them compatible with other dreams and aspirations. We are encouraged to change our diets and increase our exercise through piecemeal measures, with minimal cost or inconvenience. The model of paying off big debts in small instalments has migrated from … Continue reading The Pursuit of Harmlessness
It seems that on at least a weekly basis some public figure says something regrettable, is publicly censured for their words, and issues an apology. Whether it is the sexist content of an after dinner speech, or an editorial piece which lapses into the old tropes of racism, it seems that people cannot help but … Continue reading Sorry, not sorry
From as early as I can remember, books, poetry, and literature have mattered to me a great deal. That interest intensified in my teens, and eventually led me to study English as a single honours subject at university - I had no career plans back in those care free, fee-free, days of undergrad education! Lurking … Continue reading Appreciating the arts to the glory of God
I know many pastors who prefer preaching a sermon to leading a service, who would gladly choose the carefully prepared discipline of reflecting on Scripture over shouldering responsibility for the other elements that constitute public worship. This is most likely an issue for those of us who are non-liturgical by tradition and/or conviction, where there … Continue reading The pitfalls and potential of leading in prayer
The 'Ashers Case', in which a Christian-run bakery refused to provide a cake because of its gay marriage affirming message, has become a worldwide sensation. The idea of a 'gay cake', the cultural context of Northern Ireland (known for its politicised Christianity), and the seeming inevitability of the McArthur family finding themselves declared guilty of … Continue reading Half-Baked Logic: some immediate thoughts on the Ashers Case Outcome
Our bereavements become entwined with times and seasons, so that the turning of the leaves or the feel of a month can bring back strong and stirring memories. It will soon be the 14th anniversary of my Dad's passing away, and every time it comes around I can feel that loss in the fibres of … Continue reading Pitied by my Father
In calling out a people to salvation God does not limit himself to a singular demographic, ethnicity, or age group. A healthy local church will bear at least some reflection of the breadth and diversity of backgrounds which a locale enjoys, and this is a blessing as it precludes the generational exclusivism which marks so … Continue reading 3 myths about elderly Christians
