Guest writer
John Kirkby reflects on giving
1 November 2017John Kirkby pioneered Christians Against Poverty (CAP) in the 1990's in order to help the many affected by debt who found themselves facing eviction and unable to cope. Setting up budgeting systems and negotiating with creditors, John was able to offer vital help to those in need.Four CAP debt centres offering the service opened in 1998. CAP now also tackles the causes of debt and poverty through their CAP Debt Help and CAP Job Clubs. A new service CAP Life Skills, helping people to live well…
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How has the Reformation changed society?
1 September 2017If we believe that all human beings are created equal, that they are free to act according to conscience, to speak freely, to be treated fairly before the law; if we believe that rulers should obey the same laws as their subjects, that oppression should be resisted; that leaders should be held to account, that differences should be tolerated within civil society - then the Reformation is something we must celebrate. The 16th century Reformation went far beyond correcting the doctrines of the…
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The 21st century Reformation – re-painting the fence
1 September 2017"If you have a white fence, and want to keep it white, you have to keep re-painting it." That's the analogy Roy Crowne uses when talking about the Reformation. "If you want to keep the gospel bright and attractive, you have to keep 're-painting' - reviewing and re-presenting it for today's culture," he explains.When HOPE began with Hope08, evangelical churches could often give a clear presentation of the gospel, but many were not engaged with their local communities, so found that they were…
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Does justification by faith still matter?
1 September 2017Calvin Samuel is principal of the London School of Theology. It’s not that many Christians, particularly evangelicals, have stopped thinking that justification by faith is true. It’s rather more likely that we are in danger of no longer viewing this doctrine as vitally important. Indeed, in some parts of the Church, doctrine is all too easily perceived as the “letter that kills” rather than the Spirit which gives life. So, does this doctrine matter and, if so, why and in what ways? First, let’s…
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How did the Reformation change the church?
1 September 2017Well, perhaps. Actually it’s not entirely clear that he did it himself rather than sending a servant. It was a perfectly normal way of communicating – a bit like blogging. And it took a little while before the implications of the 95 short statements –about how the Pope couldn’t forgive sins through granting indulgences – really sank in. Furthermore, Luther wasn’t the first or the only Reformer. Still, 31 October is as good a date as any to mark the beginning of a movement that changed not just…
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Singing in the changes
1 September 2017Two eager Americans approached me outside the Marienkirche in Wittenberg, inviting me to sing Luther’s most famous hymn in the church in which he preached. I duly entered with 20 or so others and sang lustily about God’s victory over the Prince of Darkness. Another box to tick off on the Reformation trail. I was in Germany this year for BBC Radio 3’s Reformation season, re-acquainting myself with the Reformation timeline of my A level studies. I photographed the door of the Castle church on…
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How God set me free from my eating disorder
1 July 2017I’m 39 years old. I grew up in Belfast. I’m the eldest of three children. I’m married with a daughter and a cat. I like crosswords, but not cryptic ones. I watch too much TV. I’ve been a Christian for more than 20 years. And I’ve a long history of struggles with my mental health: lifethreatening anorexia as a child and as an adult; obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); anxiety; depression; self-harm. As you read that paragraph, which part stands out? Maybe none of it. Or maybe, some of my words…
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The plight of knife crime – time to stop and search?
1 July 2017During the spring months, London saw an astronomical increase in knife crime resulting in more than 30 deaths since the beginning of the year and more than 14 during April and May. This by no means considers the numerous amounts of people who have been injured by these crimes. The victims have more often than not been young, although we have also seen this epidemic impact on older members of our community. The profile of the offenders has mostly been young boys or men and the community most…
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Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly… don’t gentrify?
1 July 2017The busy but previously neglected zone 2 enclave of Peckham is having its moment. Whether that moment is one of progress or destruction depends on your perspective. Hailed by publications as remote as American Vogue as a “cultural epicentre” after years of association with “Only Fools and Horses and gang-led crime” (lovely), media interest in Peckham is one dimensional: hot new artists, hot new pop-ups, hot property (prices). Walk down the main roads, however, and you’ll see mostly fast food,…
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