Ian Paul

Ian Paul is a theologian, writer and speaker. Associate Minister at St Nic's, Nottingham and Honorary Lecturer at the University of Nottingham. Mac user and chocoholic. Ian Paul on Google+

What is Jesus’ challenge to the ‘rich’ ‘young’ ‘ruler’ in Mark 10?

by

The gospel lectionary reading for Trinity 20 in this year B is Mark 10.17–31, the story of the so-called ‘rich’ ‘young’ ‘ruler’. But two of these terms are supplied by Matthew and Luke, and Mark has some significant unique elements to the way he tells the story. We continue to read sequentially through this section … Continue Reading

Why does eschatology matter?

by

Mark Bonnington writes: Faith hope and love are the three cardinal (or primary) virtues in the Christian faith. As Paul the Apostle wrote: ‘Faith; hope; love; these three endure’ ‘but the least understood is hope.’ Actually, that last bit is a quote from the late, great, Baptist preacher David Pawson—a gloss on 1 Corinthians 13 … Continue Reading

What is Jesus’ challenge to the ‘rich’ ‘young’ ‘ruler’ in Mark 10? video discussion

by

The gospel lectionary reading for Trinity 20 in this year B is Mark 10.17–31, the story of the so-called ‘rich’ ‘young’ ‘ruler’. But two of these terms are supplied by Matthew and Luke, and Mark has some significant unique elements to the way he tells the story. Why does Jesus appear to challenged someone who … Continue Reading

What’s the problem? What’s the Solution? The problem with ‘racial justice’ appointments

by

John Root writes: The diocese of London is advertising for the post of the newly-created ‘Head of Racial Justice Priority’. Other dioceses (such as Leeds) are considering or have made similar appointments. Why? In this blog, with London as the example, I want to spotlight the potential of such appointments, but especially explore the ways … Continue Reading

Does Jesus allow divorce ‘for any reason’ in Mark 10? video discussion

by

The Sunday gospel lectionary reading for Trinity 19 in this Year B is Mark 10.2–16. I think it is impossible to preach on this passage without dealing with the question of the consequences of Jesus’ teaching for our own attitude to and the Church’s practice in relation to divorce and remarriage, and this will make … Continue Reading

The kingdom is both desperately serious and delightfully accessible in Mark 9 video discussion

by

The Sunday lectionary gospel reading for Trinity 18 in this Year B is Mark 9.38–50. It is a rather unusual reading; it completes the collection of sayings that we began last week, and there is some continuity across the two passages; and it does belong (as we noted last week) to a section of teachings … Continue Reading

Choosing Bishops: A Failure to Discern?

by

Andrew Goddard writes: This article, building on my earlier account, explores issues surrounding this week’s public meeting of the House of Bishops to consider the Crown Nominations Commission’s (CNC) discernment process for diocesan bishops. Although that meeting was welcomingly transparent, the discernment processes leading to the proposals supported by it were much less so. Four areas … Continue Reading