Opinions/reflections - January - June 2022

Why Christians should be concerned about the growing influence of the tech giants

Will these brands continue to serve us, or is there a point at which they become “idols of our time”, with us serving them? By Chris Goswami

Navigating the ecological crisis with the help of Jeremiah

Baptist minister Kevin Durrant introduces his new book Courting Chaos, in which he searches for understanding and hope within the worsening climate crisis, using scripture, art, poetry and environmental activism

Made in God's image?

Let’s mark Martin Luther King Day by asking how we can better value other people in 2022 - and seek an end to the practices and systems that dehumanise so many, writes Nick Megoran

Reflections on my years as College Principal

Rob Ellis retired after 14 years at the helm of Regent's Park College, Oxford last September

Learning from the last two years

We are all desperate to move on from the last two years, but it can also be healthy to reflect on what we have learned during this difficult time, including about what it means to be church. Here are some observations - and questions for you

Love never fails?

We all enjoy the language of love, but are we willing to entertain its horrific costs, like Jesus? Reflections on a focus group, services; and the necessity and challenge of love. By Michael Manning

Salt of the earth: are we losing our flavour?

The challenges facing the Church today are very real, but the temptation to blend in with the world isn’t new. Whose voice are we listening to? By Jill Boniface

2022 will define the shape of church for the future …

Some people like doing church from home. Is this a new face of church for the 21st century? Is it a Fresh Expression of church? Or is it this another face of consumerism and not really “church” at all? By Chris Goswami

Singleness, marriage, and church ministry today

Assistant Principal of Scottish Baptist College Dr Lina Toth introduces her new book, which explores shifts in patterns of family and single living, and their significance for the church’s life and mission

Crisis in Ukraine

In the light of current events in Ukraine, David Kerrigan, author of Prince of Peace in a World of Wars, reflects on how Christians might respond to such shocking and alarming events…

An open letter to His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill, Moscow

From Baptist minister the Revd Dr Keith Clements, former General Secretary of the Conference of European Churches

Ukraine: where is God?

A short reflection on the atrocity of the invasion of Ukraine. It's not intended as an all-embracing answer, just some thoughts about where God is in all of this... By Nick Lear

Ukraine: reflecting on the contrasts

Chaplain Adrian Prior-Sankey offered these thoughts, at the request of the Council Chair, with members of Somerset West and Taunton District Council at the start of a recent meeting

How is your running?

Pain-free, or painful? A discussion opener to assess how your ministry is going, using four categories of running. By William Wade

Child Q and institutional racism

Police strip-searching a 15 year old black school girl without an appropriate adult present is a further example of how society's norms need to be challenged - and the church needs to make its voice heard on this, writes Wale Hudson-Roberts

‘Hosanna! Save now!’ A cry for Ukraine, Palm Sunday

Andrew Roberts explores the true meaning of the Palm Sunday exclamation, Hosanna!

Closing the wound within

'Who am I, if I feel I can no longer minister to others, empty as I am?' By Shaun Lambert

On the two year lockdown anniversary

We need to take time to remember, to grieve, to be thankful, to acknowledge the complex web of memories and feelings that the last two years have produced, writes Jeannie Kendall

Too good to be true

A reflection on Jesus’ dying word on the cross: “It is finished.” By Colin Sedgwick

Challenging the patriarchy

Patriarchy is on the rise and the church needs to resist this, writes Michael Shaw - we need to be on the forefront of instigating a Kingdom of God that is not based on gender, race, or physical ability

The Church is Political: living with our disagreements

How can we love one another in the face of profound disagreement? I believe we can find the resources or practices within our Baptist politics, writes Andy Goodliff, who is delivering the 2022 Whitley Lecture

The Order for Baptist Ministry: ten years old

'We wanted to strengthen the life of those called to serve the church as pastors, so they in turn might strengthen the discipleship of their fellow church members' Founding member Paul Goodliff on a decade of the Order for Baptist Ministry

Was God really there through it all?

Mental health campaigner and author Hope Virgo shares the impact her eating disorder has had on her faith

Another study of Romans?

There are many things that the world desperately needs. Another study of Romans is probably not among them, but I’ve written one anyway - here's why. By Steve Finamore

'Unless it includes everyone, the church cannot be the church'

God calls each and every one of us - so if we put up barriers and exclude certain people whom God is calling, we are not doing God’s work. By Ruth Wilde

What was Jesus hoping to achieve?

New book from retired Baptist minister Roger Amos contributes to the Historical Jesus debate

Dementia, and the power of community

Making simple life-changes is reducing dementia – and friendship is playing a key role, writes Louise Morse of Pilgrim Friends' Society

'A shame so great a Baptist leader has been forgotten'

Philip D. Hill explains why he's written a comprehensive study of the life and thought of the influential 19th century minister Baptist Wriothesley Noel, a Christian leader 'as famous as CH Spurgeon in his day'