I’m not a big fan of self-help books. But in that I appear to be in a minority because they remain phenomenally popular, especially in airport bookshops. The latest in the genre comes from an unlikely source – a Canadian professor from the University of Toronto, clinical psychologist Dr Jordan Peterson. Dr Peterson has gathered quite a following through his psychological analysis of narratives and … Continue reading Is Jordan Peterson the New Messiah?
Solas have just published a new book – (it would be a great Christmas gift) entitled “Why We Still Believe”. Description The West has become permeated with a culture that doesn’t ‘do’ God. Many people assert that we have progressed, while Christians are still clinging to out-dated ideas. In Why We (Still) Believe, fourteen contributors focus on several specific contemporary attacks on Christianity, showing why … Continue reading Why I Still Believe – in Humanity.
What a fascinating afternoon and evening I had yesterday in Edinburgh! In the afternoon I managed to get to the wonderful Edinburgh book festival and listen to Ruth Wishart interviewing the poet, Liz Lochhead. Then I went to a somewhat different event involving Roger Day. Who he? I suspect that many more people who read the title of this blog will be able to identify … Continue reading Edinburgh Contrasts – Liz Lochhead and Roger Day
Light Engaging Darkness – 1. July 24th 2017 This is the first of what I hope will be a weekly round-up of news, views and things I have read – trying to bring the Light of the Gospel to shine on what at times appears to be a very dark world. I read a lot and use a highlighter and Evernote – always with the … Continue reading LED 1 – Boots and Contraception; Champagne Socialism; Gay Blood; The Gender Agenda; The Extremism Trojan Horse and more…
This months In the Market with Janet Parshall was a discussion on Is the Benedict Option the Best Option for Today’s Church? You can hear the program here – Here (on a technical note I think that using Skype for the first time made for a much better sound quality) Previous programmes – Janet Parshall – Post Truth and What is Truth? Continue reading Janet Parshall – the Benedict Option
There is a new ‘cool’ book in town! It’s a New York Times bestseller, endorsed by Russell Moore, Archbishop Charles J.Chaput, and, the ultimate accolade, Carl R.Trueman! How could I resist? Especially as it is subtitled “A strategy for Christians in a post-Christian nation”. With such endorsements, and always wanting to stay up with what’s ‘cool’ in the Christian world – I rushed out … Continue reading Is the Benedict Option the Best Option for Today’s Church?
This article is now on the Premier Christianity website Dear Ricky, Loved your appearance on the Stephen Colbert show – two of my favourite entertainers discussing the most important subject in the world – what’s not to like?! I would like to answer some of the questions you raise in the clip below. I have heard you raise them several times before as though they … Continue reading Ricky Gervais v Stephen Colbert – The Real Answers- An Open Letter
We are currently on a wee break in Kenmore, in the heart of the Perthshire Highlands. And I’ve fulfilled three things on my bucket list. Walked the Birks of Aberfeldy….stunning…not to be missed. Bonnie lassie, will ye go, Will ye go, will ye go, Bonnie lassie, will ye go To the birks of Aberfeldy! Now Simmer blinks on flowery braes, And o’er the crystal … Continue reading The Birks of Aberfeldy, Modern Art, Hygge, the Oldest Living thing on earth and the Best Bookshop in Scotland?
Nine years ago I wrote The Dawkins Letters.…it was a book written by an unknown Presbyterian minister in a small Scottish church and yet the Lord has been pleased to use it. It has been a joy to hear of people who have been helped and some even brought to Christ through it. It became a relative bestseller and has been translated into … Continue reading The Dawkins Letters – A Finnish Appreciation
This months appearance on the Janet Parshall show was as enjoyable as ever! The subject is very important – the increasing publication of books about Jesus (see Krattenmaker’s above) and suggesting we can follow him without being a believer! One difficulty is that far too many Christians think that at least its a good thing that people are talking about Jesus and view these books … Continue reading Confessions of a Secular Jesus Follower – the Janet Parshall show – September
