Random thoughts halfway through Xenophon’s Anabasis

So I'm halfway through this book. The title of course caught your attention and drew you in: Anabasis by Xenophon. And my assumption is that most people won't bother to read this book so I'm going to be free with spoilers. Anabasis sounds like fiction, but is historical, and the author is an eyewitness who … Continue reading Random thoughts halfway through Xenophon’s Anabasis →

Wide open spaces…

We visited some of Karuna’s family in Canada over the summer. They live on an acreage a few miles out of town, in the middle of the prairie. It is flat even for someone living in Cambridgeshire. But I think the main thing that I notived is that the landscape is emptier. There are few … Continue reading Wide open spaces… →

Charitable giving in the UK?

I was shocked to read that gift aid to charities in the last tax year only came to £1.6bn. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-charity-tax-relief-statistics/uk-charity-tax-relief-statistics-commentary Multiplying by 4, that suggests giving to charities on which gift aid could be claimed back was only £6.4bn. Now some of you may respond that £6.4bn is a lot of money! It is- I'm … Continue reading Charitable giving in the UK? →

What is wrong with us as a country part 2

https://jotsandscribbles.blog/2024/02/20/what-is-wrong-with-us-as-a-country/ In a previous blogpost (part 1 of this discussion), I suggested that we had a cultural problem in the UK with not realising how rich we are by world and historical standards. This time, I want to suggest that we also have a problem because we think we are richer than we really are. … Continue reading What is wrong with us as a country part 2 →

Book Review: Fred Sanders’ “The Holy Spirit: An Introduction”

This book is part of a new series from Crossway, "short Studies in Systematic Theology". They are intended to help someone who has a basic understanding of Christianity to get a deeper understanding of one doctrine. This one by Fred Sanders is the first in the series and it does an excellent job. It does … Continue reading Book Review: Fred Sanders’ “The Holy Spirit: An Introduction” →

Pushing back the chaos monster

A few years ago, I was helped by seeing Genesis 1 as God pushing back the chaos monster (the sea) to make a space for humanity to live in. The reason I found it so helpful is that life with 4 young kids feels like a relentless battle with the chaos monster. Young children are … Continue reading Pushing back the chaos monster →

Feeling doubts yet strong in faith

(This blog post is an exploration of an issue- I'd welcome feedback, and may end up changing my mind later on.) Different pastors have different personalities. That comes across in preaching style and in pastoral care. It is helpful for there to be a range of personalities and styles, as each may be particularly helpful … Continue reading Feeling doubts yet strong in faith →

Is there such a thing as “Christian music” if there are no words?

A recent conversation has got me thinking- does it make sense to speak of "Christian music" without words being sung? My starting point in thinking about this is Colossians 3:16 "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from … Continue reading Is there such a thing as “Christian music” if there are no words? →

Reflections on The Rule of Saint Benedict

Benedict was a monk in the 6th century, and his rule influenced western monasticism through the medieval period (and on to today). As a spiritual and practical guide to godly community, it seemed like a good idea to read it. One of the values we have tried to live out in Emmanuel Church Northstowe has … Continue reading Reflections on The Rule of Saint Benedict →

The problem with fairness

Everyone likes fairness. It’s a British value: fair play for everyone. From the childhood “It’s not fair” and into national politics, there is an assumption that things should be fair. But there is a problem- and the response to the recent budget (and any budget for that matter) shows it up. The problem is that … Continue reading The problem with fairness →