Category Archives: Faith

Sin, grace and freedom : Romans 7 and 8 Part 2: Who is in charge of me – I don’t think it’s me? Paul’s answer was insightful, but I’m not sure that I will support it. He decided that, as he did what he truly didn’t want to do, then, in an important way, itContinue reading “Sin, grace and freedom : Romans 7 – 8. (Part 2)”

This theological reflection – in 7 parts – explores key ideas that Paul raises in his letter to the Romans in chapters 7 and 8, and, in particular to a key passage in chapter 7, verses 15 – 20, which are worth quoting, so that we have them present in mind. I will add versesContinue reading “Sin, grace and freedom : Romans 7 – 8. (Part 1)”

(I am taking the liberty of posting my Easter sermon, and all in one go. The bible reading to go with it is John. 20. 1-18, which is the story of Mary Magdalene meeting the risen Christ after having gone early to attend to Jesus’ body for proper burial) Christianity is the most realistic andContinue reading “Easter sermon 2025 : Christianity is the most realistic and transformative faith we could possibly have.”

The strange distortions of secular ideology: My best possible life! Part 5: The mystery of God’s peace I believe that God has a way of putting everything right. However, I no longer see this as something that is done in heaven – and we will have to wait till then. I believe that the fulfilmentContinue reading “The strange distortions of secular ideology: My best possible life! (Part 5)”

The strange distortions of secular ideology: My best possible life! Part 4: We already have what we long for My answer to this, is (even if my hope of heaven is false) that the purpose of being a Christian is to enter into fullness of life now, in our current mortal life. The gifts receivedContinue reading “The strange distortions of secular ideology: My best possible life! (Part 4)”

The strange distortions of secular ideology: My best possible life! Part 3: Can we manage without heaven? Once we have an inkling of grace, we, though still very weak in the weakness of our human nature, have at least some resources to cope with injustice and to forgive others. Living on planet reality, we haveContinue reading “The strange distortions of secular ideology: My best possible life! (Part 3)”

The strange distortions of secular ideology: My best possible life! Part 2: The assurance of God’s love enables us to accept the truth The religious attitude is completely different. Life is understood as a journey with God as our companion. For Christians, this is understood in threefold form. The love of the Father over-shadows andContinue reading “The strange distortions of secular ideology: My best possible life!(Part 2)”

(A theological reflection in 5 parts) The strange distortions of secular ideology: My best possible life! Part 1: Our best possible life Many people today, especially in the younger generation, seem to have little hope or optimism. It seems to be part of a general malaise in a significant part of Western society at theContinue reading “The strange distortions of secular ideology: My best possible life! (Part 1)”

Assurance for the modern age Part 12: The two ways have drawn so close, and travel in parallel – cannot the final cross-over be made? No matter, you have enough, but long for more. I think we should examine this sense of encounter with God further, for, earlier, I suggested that the (very best) ofContinue reading “Assurance for the modern age(Part 12)”

Assurance for the modern age Part 11: We have a sufficient foundation for life when we have found a plan that meets human needs I feel, albeit with me striving hard to argue on secularists’ behalf, that we have found a secular ideology that is worthy of humanity, thoroughly profound and good. If everyone followedContinue reading “Assurance for the modern age(Part 11)”