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On forgiveness. (Part 2)

On forgiveness Part 2: The heart of forgiveness is restoring our relationship with God – not seeking to be “let-off” for our mistakes What is it, then, that we are doing when we forgive – and, indeed, when we seek forgiveness? Let’s deal with seeking forgiveness first, as I think that is easier. As withContinue reading “On forgiveness. (Part 2)”

On forgiveness. (Part 1)

(A theological reflection in 9 (rather long) parts) On forgiveness Part 1: True righteousness is complementary with forgiveness; self-righteousness is the opposite of forgiveness In my recent thoughts on the inadequacies of secularism, particularly in comparison to religion, I touched on the importance of forgiveness, and I would like to now explore this more. Firstly,Continue reading “On forgiveness. (Part 1)”

Secularism cannot cope with being wrong. Part 6

Secularism cannot cope with being wrong Part 6: It is the assurance and forgiveness found in religion that our society needs This lack of forgiveness also applies where someone is genuinely in the wrong and realises they need to change their mind. As we said, making mistakes is a part of being human, so thisContinue reading “Secularism cannot cope with being wrong. Part 6”

Secularism cannot cope with being wrong. Part 5

Secularism cannot cope with being wrong Part 5: Our moral judgements are based on our value system, not on facts This does not mean that our moral points of view are worthless – quite the contrary. Because they are not facts, to which we can demand universal acceptance, for only the ignorant and liars denyContinue reading “Secularism cannot cope with being wrong. Part 5”

Secularism cannot cope with being wrong. Part 4

Secularism cannot cope with being wrong Part 4: Secularists’ false claim that their opinions are not beliefs but facts How then are secular people to cope with their lack of assurance and the inadequacy of forgiveness that they are able to receive? It is my view that these realities are an important factor in theContinue reading “Secularism cannot cope with being wrong. Part 4”

Secularism cannot cope with being wrong. Part 3

Secularism cannot cope with being wrong Part 3: The importance of assurance Religious assurance is equally powerful. As well as making mistakes being a part of the human condition, so is the anxiety to live life well. The truth is, of course, that life is difficult. Most people have to struggle to some degree, andContinue reading “Secularism cannot cope with being wrong. Part 3”

Secularism cannot cope with being wrong. Part 2

Secularism cannot cope with being wrong Part 2: The importance of forgiveness Everybody makes mistakes; it is an inevitable part of the human condition. When we do make mistakes, it’s vital that we acknowledge it, say sorry, and make amends as best we can. However, it is not always possible to do this, and evenContinue reading “Secularism cannot cope with being wrong. Part 2”

Secularism cannot cope with being wrong. Part 1

(An analysis of the contrast between secular and religious ideology in 6 parts) Secularism cannot cope with being wrong Part 1: Why is so much modern ideology intrinsically totalitarian? My general theory on secularism is that it promotes an ideology much worse than that which religion promotes. I also have a specific view that secularismContinue reading “Secularism cannot cope with being wrong. Part 1”

Last night I dreamt

Last night I dreamt (A devotional poem, where the object of devotion is, of course, God) Last night I dreamt you spoke to me. And listening in the dark, I knew your voice and loved you. Eyes wide-shining, reflecting night, your whisper stirred my heart to life, As truth spoke to truth, and speaking asContinue reading “Last night I dreamt”

Whiskey. Pebble. Fire.

(This poem came to me the other day. It’s not my usual style of writing, but perhaps it can just about fit under the devotions section) Whiskey. Pebble. Fire. I want to live in a log cabin by the seashore, In Scotland, where it snows every winter, and is generally cold, So I must foreverContinue reading “Whiskey. Pebble. Fire.”