Ananova – Churches told to ditch ‘Jesus on a cross’ image: “Churches told to ditch ‘Jesus on a cross’ image……Churches are being urged to drop the image of the Crucifixion and instead highlight the social benefits of filling the pews in an effort to boost Sunday attendance” There is clearly for many an image problem for non-churchgoers. Some of this article outlines the fair points that people need to see church as something socially desirable to do and the admen... Read more
Blair stated to The Observer |: “Look, the essential thing for the government is to give people back the clear sense of our purpose, and that is the absolutely traditional aim of enhancing and expanding opportunity to all of social justice ” Purpose is crucial to us all, but I wonder if the purpose Blair speaks of here is enough. For me my purpose is entwined with my Faith and so I was thrilled to read that whilst I have... Read more
Just minutes from the busy A30 in Cornwall lies an amazing little cottage that Wesley stayed in several times. It is now known as Wesley Cottage There is an unusual feel to the place- part shrine to the memory, part place of worship, part threshold of revival. A priceless picture is there which appears to be based at least on verbal memory of the events of the Wesleys preaching in a pit also in Cornwall. I love the imagery of... Read more
It shouldn’t take a secular newspaper to state the obvious, but it has! Mind you Martyn Lloyd-Jones last century and C H Spurgeon the one before held to similar view. Facing the crisis in the Church of England with at least two views of the way forward- the liberal wing (with shrinking churches, but a more ‘acceptable’ set of views to the modern world) and the conservatives (who have growing churches, alpha and seem to actually believe in the Bible)... Read more
In the latest crisis to hit the Church of England todays Observer statesUK Churches accused of cover-up over sex attacks British church authorities stand accused of covering up a catalogue of sexual assaults on women by clergymen. An investigation by The Observer has uncovered more than 60 cases where women have alleged they were abused by clerics from all denominations. Many victims claim the churches have ignored their suffering while allowing the offenders to go on preaching from the pulpit.... Read more
Mel Gibson seems to have exceeded all expectations with his new film The Pasion. I defy you to watch the trailer at hollywood Jesus without a tear in your eye. This bloody portrayal of Jesus death will shake us out of our complacent overfamiliarity with this story and make us sit up and listen. Empire Online | The Film Website | News To begin with, Gibson attended Mass every morning whilst shooting The Passion just so that he was ‘squeaky... Read more
I hope you strive for perfection and continual improvement. I hope you are not a settler who has decided you have arrived. I hope that you have serious committment to high standards of personal development ethically and in every way. I hope that you are seeing evidence continually that you are developing new skills about becoming a better person. I hope though that you don’t get too frustrated when you feel that you are missing the mark and therefore give... Read more
A few weeks ago I asked, work-curse or call? I can honestly say that whilst it is hard work and involves a significant amount of travel I am truly enjoying it. Some of the people I work with are a real joy, and I feel like for now I have really found the place I fit. If you are thinking of making a move towards a job for which you are truly suited, go for it- I recommend it. I... Read more
In today’s methodist church oubts crowd in on Wesley’s heirs 300 years from his birth it is reported that “‘We have a legacy of withered spirituality in the life of the church which has left many ministers feeling disenchanted with the faith, having neither vision nor hope. If the gospel is to mean anything it has to be dynamic.” Sadly this is not uniquely true of the Methodists. There are many churches that have faith, vision, dynamism and hope. I... Read more
Gay bishop row may spark worldwide schism Funny how splits happen. A denomination that was born out of a desire by a King to divorce his wife may end through the desire of a man to live with another. It is perhaps sad that we have come to such a situation that two men living together are automatically assumed to be gay. It is even sadder in a way that it is of interest to us that they used to... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In