Category Archives: Faith

Assurance for the modern age Part 5: We all need to adopt a world-view in which we can hold the myriad things that may happen to us In this respect, one answer to my question about assurance is for some people to argue that it just doesn’t bother them. If I want to navel-gaze andContinue reading “Assurance for the modern age. (Part 5)”

Assurance for the modern age Part 4: Coping with the fragility of what we have Let’s suppose you are fortunate enough to be on track to enjoy all these things: what else might you still be lacking? What are the aspects of the human condition that might still unsettle you? Firstly, there is the fragilityContinue reading “Assurance for the modern age. (Part 4)”

Assurance for the modern age Part 3: A life full of opportunities I can expect to live for 80 plus years in reasonable good health before a decline where I will be well looked after – though things may be difficult in my final few years. I will never go hungry; on the contrary, IContinue reading “Assurance for the modern age. (Part 3)”

Assurance for the modern age Part 2: What foundation is there, then, for atheists in our secular society? My deep concern is for secular minded people who, in their self-confident atheism, have gladly, sometimes triumphantly, abandoned faith in God. They have a certain sort of assurance, in that they are absolutely convinced that they areContinue reading “Assurance for the modern age (Part 2)”

(A long reflection in 12 parts – some stamina will be required!) Assurance for the modern age Part 1: A firm foundation in faith How may people in the modern secular world find peace for their restless hearts? This appears to be a vital, urgent task. I write as a person of faith, who findsContinue reading “Assurance for the modern age. (Part 1)”

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: 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: 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: 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: 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”