Trying to find a new Church when moving

The last few months have been unexpected for everyone, but for me I’ve been working from home most of this year and have the added joy that my wife is now expecting our second child. With this we’re realising that we will likely outgrow our two-bed flat and so we’re looking at potentially moving. Growing …

In Praise of Indifference

I recently listened to a sermon that focused on Romans 14:1-19, which essentially talks about subjects on which people can ‘agree to disagree’. It got me thinking, however, how do we categorise the various beliefs we hold more generally? Particular those things that we can’t afford to disagree on? I won’t break out the contents …

Authority and Idolatry

Recently I've been challenged to think about the role images play in the Christian church. I notice a lot of Orthodox and Catholic polemicists against Protestants in particular discuss the importance of the seven ecumenical church councils. By this they really are placing emphasis on the last, the second council of Nicea which validates the …

Responding to Orthodox criticism of Sola Scriptura

I've recently started listening to the Ancient Faith Radio (an Eastern Orthodox podcast network) series 'Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy'. This is done by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and compares Eastern Orthodox doctrine to other beliefs. For the most part I've found it an interesting listen on the differences between Roman and Eastern Christian beliefs (I'm only seven …

Amusing myself to death

I've been struggling for some time in knowing where I fit in with Christianity. I know I am a Christian of some sort. It is God's truth, love, wisdom and beauty that keep me going, outside of it I am nothing. Despite this the conflict between my personal convictions and trying to work them out have been …

What does Sheffield have to do with Jerusalem?

I recently heard the news that a friend of mine had been accepted for ordination within the Church of England. This would normally be good news but I have not been able to shake the sense of conflict I experienced over the decision. The reason why? To be honest, its because she is a woman. …

Benedicite, omnia opera Domini

O all ye Works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever. O ye Angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever. O ye Heavens, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever. O ye Waters that be above …

Transcript – What are you fighting for?

I listened to this podcast recently and thought it was pertinent in light to my recent thoughts relating to violence in the world. I've posted the Transcript below. I don't know what I think but I found this incredibly moving and powerful. -- In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. …

Are you saved? by Bishop Kallistos Ware

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHGtCHyBrU

Men, women and ministry

I was reading this post advocating egalitarianism earlier today and thinking over the implications of it. For myself I was raised loosely egalitarian and in an existential sense do not see any cause for women to not operate in many of the same categories men do. I am happy to work under and submit to …