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….
Category: Writing
Jesus and the Inner Ring
Have you ever been on the outside and wanted in? Have you observed a tight-knit group, and longed to be part of it? Maybe you’ve sought a position at a table, believing that it can give you status, power, opportunities, validation… And sure, perhaps you’ve had to push and strive a little to get invited…
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…
A change of heart for James the Just
I wrote yesterday about the lure of celebrity, and Jesus’ response to his brothers’ advice that: ‘No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.’ (John 7.4) Not only was the brothers’ advice worldly and built on unhealthy motives; it was…
Tempted in every way: Jesus and the lure of celebrity.
‘Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.”’ (John 7.3–4) I’ve read this chapter of John countless times,…
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…
School of the Spirit
In April 2021 Helen and I moved to Oxford, following a series of unexpected prophetic words and dreams. If you’re not bored of having heard the story, you can catch some of it here and my one year update here. It’s been quite a journey, working out precisely why God has called us here, and…
Liam Thatcher 