I’ve been reflecting recently on the language we use when talking about prophecy, and have noticed a trend which has given me pause for thought. How many of these phrases have you heard (or used) recently? I received a download from heaven Getting an upgrade in the prophetic Tuning into the frequency of heaven God…
Category: Culture
I enjoy music, theatre, reading, film and various aspects of culture. And from time to time I will inflict my thoughts about it upon you too.
Maybe now you’ll remember…
The other week I posted about a little Christmas gift from the McNicoll family – a rather fetching hand painted icon and a selection of stickers to help would-be theologians sleep more easily at night. Well, it seemed only fair to repay the favour… So I am thrilled to announce Now that’s what AI Coll…
Reading Roundup: Seven books I read on holiday
One of my favourite things about a summer holiday (apart from family time, swimming, and sampling all the cheese and pastries France has to offer) is getting an opportunity to read. In particular fiction, and books I struggle to get to through the rest of the year. Here are some thoughts on the books I’ve…
Re-Branding Through Baptism: Celebration, Cynicism, and Cautious Hope
So Russell Brand got baptised. Last Sunday, in the Thames. I watched this video of him describing the experience – you may have seen it. It was moving and beautiful to hear him describe the peace he has searched for in many places, and has now come to experience, since accepting Christ as his saviour….
Put on the Suit: Cola, Christ, and the Santa-Verse
I wonder what you’ve made of this year’s flurry of Christmas adverts? Between John Lewis going all Little Shop of Horrors, M&S taking a flamethrower to family festivities, and Aldi giving us thinly-veiled euphemisms from a talking carrot, it’s been an odd bunch! For what its worth, my favourite offering for 2023 is Apple’s short…
Premature eulogies and spineless tributes
There has been a recent flurry of eulogies commemorating the passing of… well, various things, including the church, Christianity, and God himself. A survey by The Times claims that three quarters of Church of England priests think Britain is no longer a Christian country, and many believe the church is on the verge of extinction….
Nine(ish) holiday reads
I’ve just returned from a wonderful holiday in France with the family, and am reintegrating into normal life, and looking ahead to a busy term! One of the highlights about the holiday was an upgrade in our accommodation, which gave us a nicer-than-expected outside seating area, perfect for long afternoons and evenings reading (accompanied by…
Sentienced to Death (A Short Story)
I woke up yesterday in a state of panic. Complete disorientation. You know the feeling, I’m sure. Nothing made sense. Couldn’t tell where I was. Who I was, even. What day it was. It was like awakening from a drunken stupor, with an almighty hangover. So I’m told. Gradually I took in my surroundings and…
Stanley and the Sacraments
My first read of 2023 was Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci. I received it for Christmas and devoured it greedily. It’s a lovely, heart-warming memoir about life, food, memory and family. Whether or not you’re particularly a fan of Stanley Tucci, or knowledgeable about Italian food and culture, it’s just a delight…
On Riding and Reading: A reflection (and confession!) about C.S. Lewis and Cycling.
Since moving to Oxford two years ago, I have been aware of two looming inevitabilities. The first is that I must become a cyclist since, as the road signs around me brag relentlessly, ‘Oxford is a cycling city.’ And the second is that I really must read C.S. Lewis. I put both off until this…
