The breadth and depth of monastic influence in the church can be sketched quickly by observing the lineage of attitudes and actions that have been approved by almost all Christians everywhere. If we read the Scripture in our native languages, we benefit from a tradition of biblical translation inspired by the monk Jerome (ca. 342-420). If we sing together the praises […]
For the history of Christian doctrine, Chalcedon was thus vitally important in two ways. It represented a wise, careful and balanced restatement of scriptural revelation. And it also represented successfully the translation of biblical revelation into another conceptual language. Chalcedon was not Pentecost, but because its work faithfully synthesised scriptural history, the Hellenistic world could now […]
In around twenty weeks time, I hope to line up with thousands of others to run in the 2013 London marathon. In the process, I’ve run three half-marathons, but a full marathon is another thing entirely. Over the next few months I’ll be pounding the streets of High Wycombe, trying to build up my stamina […]
Apparently nine million people watched a group of British celebrities camping in an Australian jungle on their TVs last night. Meanwhile, there are far more interesting things happening in rain forests across the world. Give yourself ten minutes to watch this video and see how God is at work. And not a bushtucker trial in […]
I recently had the pleasure of preaching at Portswood Church in Southampton for their world mission Sunday. We looked at a passage to which I seem to be returning with great regularity, these days; Acts 8. For some reason, our podcast player doesn’t seem to be working, but you can download the talk here. http://www.portswood.org/downloads/Sermons/2012/11%20-%20November/18%20AM/18th%20November%202012.mp3Podcast: […]
For the last ten days or so, the media in the UK have given a huge amount of attention to the decision of the Church of England not to legislate in favour of allowing women to become bishops and I thought that it was probably time for me to say a few words, too. My […]
This is an absolutely brilliant reflection on the Aid Industry.
A few weeks ago, I quoted from a piece by Simon Cozens in which he said: And while we love to talk about leadership in churches and in mission, we really don’t like to talk about power. Jesus’ whole life and death was a demonstration that the power of God is made perfect in weakness. […]
The best thing about Twitter is that it has brought me into contact with some remarkable people. A couple of months ago, I spent a day an hour or so with Jason Ramosami, whom I first came into contact with on twitter. Jason is an RE teacher, who is an illustrator in his spare time. […]
This short book (just over a hundred pages) has the potential for being a great help to people struggling with depression. Jane Newman describes her own struggles frankly, honestly and with good humour. She details the impact her depression had on her and on her family; especially on her relationship with her husband. This is […]