thinking honestly about life and faith
I am so enjoying Barry Jones’ memoir, A Thinking Reed. Right now I am in the chapter where he reflects on the development of his mind. In part at least, he undertakes this task as a process of self-discovery. He … Read More »
Politicians everywhere have a bad name. It is one of the most despised professions.When Christians read in the letter to Romans, chapter 13, that we are to be subject to governing authorities, as to God, it is often quite problematic. … Read More »
Yesterday I attended the funeral of a colleague’s Dad. He was, as several of the tributes said, a fairly ordinary man: not spectacular in any particular achievement, just a caring family man, who worked hard all his life and was … Read More »
Chapter 6 of A Thinking Reed, Barry Jones’ memoirs, is called ‘Faces’ and is about a lot of the significant people in Jones’ life, including his mentors. But prior to that he introduces a few short cameo sketches, the first … Read More »
I’m reading the autobiogrpahy of Barry Jones (born 1932), called A Thinking Reed.It’s interesting in a lot of different ways, and I think I will write several posts about it.But first I want to note again the value of stories, … Read More »
I have to admit it: I have not succeeded with my plan to post, chapter by chapter, on Luke’s Gospel.No excuses. But I am still following the Year of Luke, in my preaching and reading, so here is something from … Read More »
At last I have had some time to finish Marilynne Robinson’s book Gilead.It is a beautiful tale, and the theme I noted in an earlier post continues to the end.The pastor, John Ames, is a man of deep, reflective faith, … Read More »
It’s been more than a while since I posted.There have been very good reasons. College life has been busy with the end of semester time. The amidst all that we had a tragic event, with the suicide of one of … Read More »
I’ve been enjoying reading Marilynne Robinson’s novel Gilead (published 2004). It’s written as the reflections of a pastor, Rev John Ames, who knows he is soon to die. These reflections are offered to a son who has come late in … Read More »
One of the classic insights of spiritual teachers, over many centuries and across all faiths, is to challenge what has been called spiritual blindness.There is something about religious fervour which actually blinds us to what is evident to others.Somehow, we … Read More »