Columns

Why Humanists aren’t asking the right question

Jonathan Bartley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:49:16 +0000

Some religious, and specifically Christian, commentators are a bit miffed that the money they have given to the Atheist bus campaign has been rolled over to support another poster drive which raises questions about the religious identity of children in the context of faith schools. It would be interesting to see whether they would support a question about how Jesus might run a school, says Jonathan Bartley.

A can-do approach to climate change

Giles Fraser — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:26:32 +0000

The climate-change campaign needs a sense of can-do enthusiasm, says Giles Fraser. It would be really something if faith leaders were able to help replace gloomy defeatism with a broader version of something Christians call hope.

Give freedom a chance

Jonathan Bartley — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:33:14 +0000

Remembrance commemorations focus only on one, contested, idea of freedom. It needs to change to embrace freedom in all its fullness, says Jonathan Bartley

Urgent action for peace is needed in Sudan

Giles Fraser — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:57:48 +0000

The UK must take urgent and decisive action to reinvigorate the peace processes in Sudan, says Giles Fraser. Only with real international leadership can we hope to realise our commitment to protect the dignity of human life in Sudan.

Transforming remembrance into hope

Simon Barrow — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:36:22 +0000

The best way to honour those who have died as a result of war (as we must do) is to recognise its horror, says Simon Barrow. But we should do this not in order to 'run away', but in order to have the true courage to seek alternatives - to re-member a dis-membered world.

We won't forget you, Harry Patch

Symon Hill — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:07:59 +0000

This is the first November since the death of the “last Tommy”, Harry Patch. But Patch regarded Remembrance Day as "just show business". We can honour his memory by recognising that it's time to change the way that we remember.

Remembering a warrior who became a peacemaker

Savi Hensman — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:19:31 +0000

Martin of Tours was a soldier who became a Christian champion of peace, and his Saint's day is 11 November, the same as Armistice Day, says Savi Hensman. Here is someone who can model for us what Remembrance should be about.

Thought for the Day must reform or die

Jonathan Bartley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:52:56 +0000

Those responsible for Thought of the Day should learn a lesson from history, says former contributor Jonathan Bartley. When an institution does not reform, it loses its authority and credibility.

Anti-gay bill tests core Christian witness

Savi Hensman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:48:02 +0000

What Christians do, or fail to do, regarding the abusive new anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda will affect their ability to witness to a God who does not abandon the abused and exploited, says Savi Hensman.

Free speech and homophobia

Symon Hill — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:56:03 +0000

Those who disagree with the allegedly homophobic views of a Norwich resident suspected of a hate incident have spoken up for her right to express them. Her supporters, on the other hand, have generally not issued statements showing such generosity or understanding.

Setting all God’s people free

Savi Hensman — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:35:01 +0000

The whole people of God, including the clergy, are part of a living church present in communities throughout the world, says Savi Hensman. But the centrality of an empowered laity to a liberating faith can often be lost amidst debilitating church squabbles.

Why the churches should listen to what Nick Griffin said on Question Time

Jonathan Bartley — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:45:13 +0100

Whatever their views about the rights and wrongs of Nick Griffin’s appearance on Question Time last night, church leaders will now have to think long and hard about some of the arguments they employ.

The "white working class" aren't racists

Symon Hill — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:37:23 +0100

The government's initiative for the "white working class" uses a loaded phrase and deflects attention from the real division in British society - between the very rich and the rest of us.

When risk gives way to superstition

Giles Fraser — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:53:35 +0100

Faith in mathematical modelling looks little more than hubris after the recent economic collapse, says Giles Fraser. The unknown cannot be so easily tamed, as any half-decent theologian would know.

Assessing the UK political climate

Simon Barrow — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:07:35 +0100

The die seems cast for the next General Election, says Simon Barrow. But much can still shift if non-Conservative parties, voters and reformers swing into action.