If yesterday’s Church of England debate about women bishops told us very much at all, it was to do with what happens when pragmatism and popularity becomes confused with principle.
This post isn’t a comment on the rights and wrongs of women bishops—it’s about how you arrive at the positions you hold, and how you argue for those positions.
I’m not an expert on the ins and outs of how the Church of England’s General Synod works, but here are, as reported in the media — eg: here and here — the three main reasons why the church needs female bishops, and needs them now (or at least within the next year).
These all sound great. But none of them are good.... continue reading
We have a problem with Jesus. Particularly when it comes to evangelism.
The problem isn't with who Jesus is. Though it's a cliche, Jesus is the answer to all our questions and longings. He is the compassionate one the broken want; the forgiving one the flawed need; the strong one the weak can cling to; the challenging one the complacent require. In evangelism, as in all ministry, if we're not talking about Jesus, we're missing the point and we're missing the power.
So what's the problem? It's with the simple word "Jesus". As soon as you read that word in the first sentence of this post, you had a mental sketch of this man in your head. It may have been a picture; may have been some words; may have been a vague idea. It's the same for everyone. Even in our post-Christian culture, Jesus is still so famous that everyone has an idea about him. He may be lots of things, but he’s not a nobody.... continue reading
1. ‘But I Say to You…’ ebook just £4.50 until midday Thursday
Get your e-book copy of ’But I Say to You…’ by John Stott for just £4.50.
2. Life to the Full
A new website and video from Christians in Sport.
3. John Piper: The Infographic
An infographic from Tim Challies about John Piper.
4. 5 Things to Look for in a Good Bible Teacher
Mark Driscoll looks at 5 traits of a good Bible teacher.
5. Do You Feel Tension in the Christian Life?
A great article on the tensions in the Christian life.
6. And finally...
This week's video of the week, in case you missed it before, '’Original Jesus: Trailer’:
Found something that you think should make it on to the On to a Good Thing round-up? Send it to: ontoagoodthing@thegoodbook.co.uk
I don't read The Telegraph often but one of the lead stories today caught my eye: Your child is not a genius. Get over it.
Its basic thesis is this: Being ahead or behind in reading or maths as a child has little bearing on achievement as an adult. So take off the pressure, enjoy your kids and let them grow at their own unique pace. Really, it's not a competition. And, quite frankly, who wants to be a genius anyway?
Intriguing words... You see, I've noticed a trend among many of my friends: Extra tuition, practice papers every week, an abundance of extra curricula activities that will boost their child's chances of getting into a better school or more prestigious university. The diaries of children are a hive of activity and, at times, a melting pot of pressure.... continue reading
Though the fig-tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the sheepfold
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Saviour.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
A survey for the Bible Society, released today, shows that almost three in ten children don't know key Bible stories, or if they do, they don't realise those stories come from the Bible. And it's not just the children and young people (those surveyed were 8 to 15-year-olds) - their parents didn't recognise many of these stories either.
So how do we respond to this kind of news? It's easy to tut about modern standards, shake our heads at the state of religious education in schools, and hark back to "the good old days". But here are three more positive suggestions instead:... continue reading
Bill Nye the 'Science Guy' debates head of Creation Museum on evolution, earth's origin
Christian themes in Disney's hit 'Frozen'
Christian stars Kirk Cameron, Natalie Grant blast Grammy Awards
Scotland's same-sex marriage bill is passed
Israel brings Dead Sea scrolls to life with upgrade of digital archive
Sun lawyer: our Christian group at News UK is allowed to meet every week
Disclaimer: The Good Book Company is not responsible for the content of external sites and does not necessarily agree with the content of articles listed.
It’s a simple scheme: Buy a miniature of what you want god to give you. Offer god the little replica (alongside some lit cigarettes). And then wait to see if he gives you the real thing… Think I’m joking? Absolutely not!
Clearly, I’m not recommending it - but it happens – in Bolivia, to be precise.
At the “festival of miniatures” those desperately seeking love can purchase a mini marriage certificate … those eager to dump their other half can buy a tiny divorce document. Also on sale: mini children, cars, phones, TVs, piles of wood (with which to build a house) and suitcases full of money. Whatever your heart desires can be found on a stall in teeny-tiny form, all ready to take home as a hint for your deity of choice.... continue reading
“I am so angry with him. I need to vent …”
“I think it’s important that you know what she has been doing … “
“Have you heard the latest? I mean, for prayer… “
It’s a temptation to which many of us succumb. For a few it becomes a habitual sin. And when a sermon or a loving rebuke from a friend opens our eyes to the fact we are a gossip, often we need support … But if someone asks for our help after the service, what on earth can we say in response? Here are a few thoughts …... continue reading
This week we are launching the latest title in our "How to ... " series: Eternity Changes Everything. Here's a sneak peak extract to whet your appetite ...
In early 2004, I met a young lady named Emma Hutchinson and promptly fell in love with her. I knew within a couple weeks that this was the girl I wanted to marry and grow old with.
There was just one problem: she was nowhere near so sure! Thankfully, my dogged persistence paid off, and we eventually started dating. As time went on, I became more and more sure that Emma would be an amazing wife—but not nearly so sure that she would actually ever be my wife. So, when, 18 months after we met, I got down on two knees to propose to Emma (yes, I know it’s supposed to be one knee, but I was really nervous) and she said yes, my world changed. We weren’t married yet, but now—at last!—I knew that we would be.... continue reading
