All history articles
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Magazine Features6 lessons from Celtic Christianity
A lot of what you’ve been told about Celtic Christianity is plain wrong, argues Nick Page. He sets the record straight
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Magazine FeaturesHow the British Isles were evangelised
With a surge in interest in spiritual formation, ancient paths and prayer rituals, Celtic Christianity is enjoying a moment. Richard Roberts shares the fascinating tale of the first missionaries to these shores
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OpinionDiarmaid MacCulloch is the latest victim of the Church's toxic tribalism over sexuality
The eminent church historian seems unable or unwilling to properly engage with Christians who think differently to him, observes Tim Wyatt
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ReviewsReviewed: Diarmaid MacCulloch’s history of sex and Christianity
The acclaimed historian’s new book Lower than the angels: A history of sex and Christianity is not a light read. But it’s a useful contribution to ongoing debates, says our reviewer
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Real Life‘Black Theology is taking Christianity back to its origins’
Anthony Reddie has made history by becoming the first Black professor in the University of Oxford’s theology department. But what is Black Theology, and how can it serve the Church?
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OpinionChristians can’t let history repeat itself when it comes to antisemitism
Complaints of antisemitic abuse among doctors have surged since October 7, with reports of some medics “celebrating Hamas attacks” according to The Times. Following Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day which took place earlier this week, Rev Tim Guttman says Christians must learn from history, and redouble their efforts to stand in solidarity with Jewish people
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Reviews‘Evangelism is the reason for the Church’s existence’ says Pope Francis in new memoir
Pope Francis’ latest book gives readers an insight into how major historical events have shaped and influenced the pontiff, says Catherine Pepinster
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InterviewsIs this the face of Jesus?
Interest in the Shroud of Turin continues to be insatiable. As the Church remembers Christ’s death and resurrection this Easter, a world leading scholar in the study of the Shroud explains why he’s so confident this really is the burial cloth of Jesus
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ReviewsAmazing grace - James Walvin
There are many books on the story of the perennially favourite hymn, ‘Amazing grace’, but few are as wide-ranging as this one. Most focus exclusively on the life of John Newton, a former slave trader turned priest who wrote the words back in 1772, but James ...
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ReviewsThe blind seer and the gift of love - Roger Haydon Mitchell
How often do you think about the Roman Empire? According to TikTok, if you’re a man, it’s anything from twice a week to several times a day. Whether or not there’s anything in that claim, this book makes twice a week look like rookie numbers. The Blind ...
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News AnalysisBringing home a national treasure
A crowdfunding campaign has raised over half a million pounds to bring a tapestry commissioned by Henry VIII and dubbed “the birth certificate of the Church of England”, back to the UK.
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ReviewsLoving our own bones - Julia Watts Belser
“Everything I know about God comes through these disabled bones,” writes Julia Watts Belser, historian of ancient religion, Jewish rabbi and disabled activist. In her latest book, Loving Our Own Bones (Hodder & Stoughton), these three strands of her identity combine in a provocative and scholarly commentary ...
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News AnalysisWhat’s happening in Israel and Gaza, and how should Christians pray?
The murder and kidnappings of civilians by the terrorist group Hamas have been described as “Israel’s 9/11”. Journalist Gavin Drake is a frequent visitor to Israel and Gaza. He explains what has taken place, what might happen next, and how Christians should be praying
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OpinionCharles will be hoping the coronation is free from these amusing mishaps
From sleeping monarchs to rancid anointing oil, past coronations have not always been straightforward. Ian Bradley looks back at a litany of errors
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ReviewsLennon, Dylan, Alice, and Jesus - Greg Laurie with Marshall Terrill
Greg Laurie’s enjoyable book hurtles along like a train, travelling from the gospel roots of rock and roll and terminating at Justin Bieber. The church background of the “million dollar quartet” of Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis sets the scene. Laurie then investigates ...
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ReviewsI, Julian - Claire Gilbert
Julian of Norwich’s 15th-century classic, Revelations of Divine Love, is widely regarded as the earliest manuscript written in English by a woman. But beyond that text, little is known about the remarkable woman who lived as an anchoress (or hermit) bricked into a small cell on the ...
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ReviewsThe Church who hears God’s voice - Tanya Harris
It is a rare to find an academic and prophet with a down-to-earth approach. It is even rarer to have them write an in-depth, yet accessible book about hearing God’s voice today. Tania Harris weaves a fascinating narrative, highlighting key points in history where the pendulum ...
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ReviewsDon’t be put off by the low budget. This film about radical Bible translator John Wycliffe deserves to be watched
A new biopic of John Wycliffe promises to bring the viewer “face to face with a man of true genius”. As Morningstar embarks on a premiere screening tour across the UK, Eddie Arthur says we all owe a lot to this radical translator
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OpinionThe meaning of ‘woke’ is changing. Here’s why Christians should avoid using it
Jessamin Birdsall looks at the evolution of ‘woke’
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Magazine FeaturesChristianity is the air we breathe. Even your objections to Christianity are Christian
Whether we believe in God or not, we all value freedom, kindness, progress and equality. But far from being natural or inevitable, these values are the direct result of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, says Glen Scrivener
