It’s always wise advice, that when a horrific tragedy occurs one should refrain from commenting. Not least because in the midst of an emotive situation we don’t know the full circumstances and more importantly to make room for grief, mourning and respect. But we live in a 24 hour news cycle society – we live in a world where it seems as though every politician, … Continue reading Christchurch Commentaries
Books – Some Pastors and Teachers – Sinclair Ferguson – 8/10 This is a long and wonderful book from my colleague, Sinclair. It is really a collection of essays on subjects which are particularly relevant to those of us who are pastors. In fact I would regard it as essential for any minister to have. If yours doesn’t then buy it for him. Sinclair begins … Continue reading Saturday Review 9 – Some Pastors and Teachers; Leaving Neverland; The Briefing; The Dark Side of the Moon; Ting Saboteur
Book – The Chappo Collection – 6/10 David Mansfield’s account of the life and work of John Charles Chapman – universally known as ‘Chappo’ is unique. It’s not a biography, it’s not a critical analysis and it’s not a theological reflection. It is just what is says in the sub-title “Life, Laughter, Leadership, Love in the Lord Jesus Christ” . I started reading this book when … Continue reading Saturday Review 8 – The Chappo Collection; Schindler’s List; The Moral Maze; The Scottish National Gallery; Hemma
This weeks Quantum looks at knife crime, The Birmingham school anti LGBT indoctrination protest; A chilling case of State abuse from Canada; Staying with Canada we look at the potential downfall of Justin Trudeau Jordan Peterson had this extraordinary appearance on Q and A in Australia – Transgender athletes – Sharon Davies – spoke out about the unfairness to women. Meanwhile Twitter banned Suzanne … Continue reading Quantum 32 – Knife Crime; Justin Trudeau; Jordan Peterson in Australia; KFC in China; Sharon Davies›; Birthstrike; Andre Previn
Film – Operation Finale – 7/10 If you have Netflix then don’t miss this film. The story of the capture of Adolf Eichmann is fascinating enough and this film certainly captures that – but it also raises some great questions and teaches some important lessons. Why do people hate the Jews so much? “The history of the Jewish people is steeped in suffering and persecution” … Continue reading Saturday Review 7 – Operation Finale; Owen Vol 9; From Our Own Correspondent; The White Album; Masterchef; Cafe Scilia
This week we cover a range of subjects and questions: The United Methodists defend biblical teaching – thanks to our African brothers and sisters. India and Pakistan fight over Kashmir and terrorism; The Politicians prepare to ditch Brexit Why should take back Samima Begum but will struggle to do so. Listen to the whole cast on the link underneath. We also look at: The … Continue reading Quantum 31 – United Methodists; India and Pakistan; Brexit; The ISIS bride; Justin Smollett; George Pell; Gender; Abortion; The Monkees; Sir James MacMillan
TV – Call the Midwife – 5/10 This is meant to be the ultimate in tea time feel good UK soap opera. It is acted well, the characters and story lines are varied and interesting and the whole production, filming and setting is excellent. However….although this is supposed to be a series that, as the clip below states. ‘warms your heart’, there is much in … Continue reading Saturday Review 6 – Call the Midwife; 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You; Downfall; Beethoven’s Pastoral; The Ralia Cafe
Many moons ago I led a school strike. The cause was just – I thought – we were protesting against the raising of the school-leaving age to 16! I remember leading all 600 pupils in a walk out in front of the school. As the headteacher, Mr Smith, approached me, I noticed that the pupils behind me and my friend had gone strangely quiet. “What … Continue reading Suffer the Striking Children – A Tale of Activism, Indoctrination and Mob Rule
Book – Mary Queen of Scots – Antonia Fraser – 7/10 Given the recent film Mary Queen of Scots – Woke Movie of the Year I thought I would read this biography by one of my favourite writers – Antonia Fraser (her book on Cromwell was very influential in my life!). This is a superb book – although Fraser is clearly biased in favour of Mary … Continue reading Saturday Review 5 – Mary Queen of Scots (Book); The Last Survivors; The Harris Hotel; Macbook Air (2018); The Magic of Boney M
Annabel and I have just returned from a lovely weekend on the Blessed Isles – Lewis and Harris – where I was speaking at the Harris Bible Conference, along with Roger Simpson the Anglican evangelist (now in York but better known to Scots as the former pastor of St P’s and G’s in Edinburgh). We really did have a wonderful weekend – encouraging and … Continue reading Revival, Renewal and Reformation in Lewis and Harris
