I am on a journey, a journey which is not yet over. Over the years, my ideas, my beliefs, my politics, my heart and my attitudes have changed enormously. But my faith in a living God who loves us and wants a relationship with us has not changed. So I approach this subject with some trepidation and I hope with some humility. [Read more…]
Same sex relationships
August 13, 2018 by 9 Comments
Activating generosity
July 12, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Yesterday we were having a get-together of a support group for a small charity. We were discussing the challenges of supporting our partners work in combating poverty and creating opportunity for people around the world. There is no avoiding the fact that we need money to meet the needs. We discussed “Do we fundraise or do we activate the generosity which we know is out there?” [Read more…]
Paul and Race, Class and Gender
September 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment
There is neither Jew nor Greek,
slave nor free,
male nor female,
for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
(Galatians 3:28 NIV)
Paul is often criticised for being pro-slavery and anti-women. But we need to distinguish between the truths he set out and how it was applied to the culture of the day. As a prophet he saw how things ought to be but he was a child of his culture and although what he said was revolutionary in its day, the full implications of what he said would need to wait for progressive revelation in future generations.
Take for instance the matter of slavery. It would take another 1800 years before men like Wilberforce came along and pointed out that slavery was morally and ethically indefensible. People have always considered that their country was superior and even in much of the 20th century, racism was considered normal. Likewise the world is still adjusting to the idea that men and women are created equal.
In this article we will look further into these words of Paul and seek to apply them to the 21st century.
