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Joshua Penduck writes: Best of times and worst of times, eh? With such a Dickensian title, this article needs to make an obligatory (read: clichéd) reference to Charles’ great novel. The worst of times are obvious: a Church of England with a declining and aging faithful; a looming financial crisis for many a diocese; and … Continue Reading
This Sunday was traditionally known in the Church of England as ‘Stir-up Sunday‘, a phrase derived from the BCP Collect for the last Sunday before Advent, which in turn inspired the making of Christmas pudding (which needs plenty of stirring): Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, … Continue Reading
The feast of Christ the King focusses on the kingship of Jesus as demonstrated by his victory on the cross. It is slightly unusual to jump to this theme at this stage in the lectionary, which was previously known as the Sunday Next Before Advent, or ‘Stir-up Sunday. But it arises from the decision of … Continue Reading
Tim Murray is one of the pastors at Amblecote Christian Centre in Dudley, West Midlands, and he has written a great book Life Examined: why I am a Christian exploring in an accessible way the reasons for faith. I asked him about why he wrote the book, his approach, and how it can be used well. IP: You have … Continue Reading
David Ison, Dean of St Paul’s, wrote a curious piece last week on the power of feelings. The piece begins with a straightforward observation about the power of feelings in the debates about Britain’s role in Europe. The Leave/Remain divide operates at different levels. During the campaign there were many arguments and claims made on both … Continue Reading
This is the second half of an article; part (i) can be found here. 3. A Spirituality of Conflict and Decision Whilst seeming to be the most ‘reflective’ of the gospels, John is also the one which contains the sharpest conflicts. Jesus is in constant debate with ‘the Jews’—not usually, in fact, the Jewish people … Continue Reading
Ian Paul: theologian, author, speaker, academic consultant. Adjunct Professor, Fuller Theological Seminary; Associate Minister, St Nic's, Nottingham; Managing Editor, Grove Books; member of General Synod. Mac user; chocoholic. Tweets at @psephizo
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