July
Our freedom of speech is under attack. But this case gives Christians hope
Edinburgh Council has admitted that they were wrong to cancel a Christian event on the basis of the beliefs of the keynote speaker
Why Edinburgh Council’s apology is a win for Christians everywhere
Discrimination against Christian organisations is on the rise, but this victory makes it easier for others to fight in the future, says Andrew Owen
Behold the Man: Why Jesus is the answer to our culture’s broken masculinity
According to a new Ofsted report, sexual harassment has become ‘normalised’ in some schools, with 9 in 10 girls reporting sexist name-calling or being sent explicit photos or videos. Alun Ebenezer is the executive headmaster of the Fulham Boys School. He believes the answer to our modern crisis of masculinity can be found in beholding Jesus, the ultimate example of what it means to be a man
As a gay Christian, here’s how I’m marking Pride
David Bennett is a celibate gay Christian and author of A War of Loves. He holds a biblically-traditional ethic and believes Pride month is an opportunity for Christians to pursue humility
Sexually assaulted on a mission trip: how my dream almost ended before it began
Becky Murray’s sexual assault led her to question God’s calling on her life, until she met a nine-year-old girl who made her reconsider
Let's pray that politicians vote with their conscience on foreign aid cuts
Politicians need to know what their Christian constituents think as they debate foreign aid cuts, says Tim Farron MP
3 reasons why you need to watch Anthony Hopkins in The Father
Everyone should watch this film, says Krish Kandiah
Why Christian teenagers are writing to G7 leaders this week
As some of the world’s most powerful leaders arrive in Cornwall, Christian teens are urging them to take action on climate change
The UK’s cut to foreign aid means children around the world will face a bleak future
The Government is coming under increasing pressure to drop plans to cut the foreign aid budget. As the only G7 country currently planning to do so, here’s why Mark Sheard believes the move will result in a major spike in the number of children experiencing violence around the world
Catholic doctor should not have been banned from saving unborn babies
Medical authorities have turned ethical codes upside down by banning Dr Kearney from administering an anti-abortion pill to women who change their minds, say Christian Concern
Jesus wasn’t a diva and neither is Osaka: Why prioritising mental health should always be OK
The tennis star Naomi Osaka has been criticised for not speaking to the media this week. But when it comes to our mental health, boundaries are vital, argues Lauren Windle
Call the Midwife usually helps us see God in all of life. But the writers got it wrong on abortion
Call the Midwife never shies away from the big issues, says Jennie Pollock. But in this case, does the Christian viewpoint have to look like the less compassionate option?
I grew up in an Indian slum. Now, thanks to God, I’m helping others
This World Hunger Day, there are more people than ever trapped in food poverty. Read one man’s story of finding hope in Christ and why he thinks education, as well as food, is essential in breaking the cycle.
Rend Collective’s Gareth and Ali Gilkeson: ‘We’re a worship band for people who DON’T go to church’
Rend Collective’s rise to prominence has been swift. When I first met the band in 2011, shortly after the release of their debut album Organic Family Hymnal, the Irish folk collective were playing to a modest crowd in a small church. They’ve since moved to America, toured massive venues and ...
I’m pleased Marcus Rashford says his good works are inspired by his faith. But I still have questions
As Christians, doing good works is critical, but so is being clear about why we do them, says evangelist Ben Jack
Think before you speak. God loves the person you’re disagreeing with
Following the shooting of Black Lives Matter activist Sasha Johnson, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron urges Christians to lead the way in modelling what it means to disagree well
Arianna Walker: ‘Whatever the problem is, Jesus is the answer’
The CEO of Mercy UK explains how miraculous financial provision has allowed them to run a residential home for vulnerable young women
Should churches remove slavery-tainted statues?
In the midst of a polarised and emotive debate, the Church of England is encouraging ‘balanced, inclusive decision-making’
Professor Rosalind Picard: ‘I used to think religious people had thrown their brains out the window’
A leading expert in Artificial Intelligence talks about her faith journey, life-saving technology and being a woman in science.
Why Christians need to stop bashing the BBC
The BBC and Church of England have more in common than you might think, says comedian Paul Kerensa
‘I don’t believe God gave me fibromyalgia. I do believe he can use it for good’
When Jo Cordell’s health failed, she felt like her body had become her enemy. Here she shares how God met her in the midst of her pain
The Church is losing an entire generation. Here’s what you can do about it
Even prior to Covid-19, the number of children and teenagers attending church services in the UK was in steep decline. But after a year like no other, is the answer going back to the way we’ve always done things, or is it time for a fresh approach?
God told me to build a monument to answered prayer
Seventeen years ago, God gave Richard Gamble an audacious vision: to build a national landmark that celebrated a million answered prayers. Turning that vision into reality has been a long, and often arduous, journey, and it isn’t over yet
Investigation: Are Christians in the UK persecuted?
In recent years there have been a string of high-profile religious freedom cases in the news. But is it really true that Christians in the UK are experiencing persecution? Tim Wyatt speaks to those on both sides of the debate
After my son died from a drug overdose I wanted revenge. But God has healed my heart
Following the tragic death of his son, Robin Crow began an unexpected journey towards faith
How to avoid being punched in the face
The legendary boxer Mike Tyson described the state of our online communications pretty succinctly: “Social media made y’all way too comfortable with disrespecting people and not getting punched in the face for it.”
What Christians need to know about Islam
Habo looked down, deep in thought. I’d just asked her what the most important thing is that Christians should know about Muslims. I waited, knowing I had much to learn from this gentle woman who had endured decades of suffering for the gospel.
Did Jesus die for aliens?
As the US military gets ready to release an unclassified report into UFOs, David Instone-Brewer looks at the biblical evidence for extra-terrestrial life
Fatima: A controversial film guaranteed to spark debate
This 113-minute feature film is controversial from the outset. Even the opening words which appear on the screen – “inspired by historical events” – will likely cause upset.
Stories From The Streets - Dr Luke Randall and Sue Shaw
This book does what is says on the tin: it tells stories of the ministry and experiences of Street Pastors. Written in a clear, simple style the book gives insights into the kinds of situations the volunteers encounter and how they see God at work through their calm, caring presence.
A Most Peculiar Book - Kristin Swenson
There’s much to like about A Most Peculiar Book. Kristin Swenson writes entertainingly, with only the occasional lapse into the sort of academic language that makes reading most theology books like wading through treacle.
Slow Down, Show Up & Pray - Ruth Rice
If you thought this book was about prayer, you are mistaken. It is actually about connecting with God in a meaningful way that contributes to our overall wellbeing.
A Brief Theology of Periods - Rachel Jones
Periods are a hot topic – tax, poverty, endometriosis, sustainable products, the stigma in India where girls often drop out of school. There is now more public menstrual chat than there’s ever been. But a Christian voice is often missing.
Philippa Hanna: My 8 favourite songs
The British singer-songwriter, author and worship leader shares 8 songs which have helped her through the pandemic
Jeff Lucas: The day I met Prince Philip
I only met him once, and it was a brief encounter. Prince Philip visited my youth club when I was ten years old. The preparations were intense. A bathroom was refurbished for his exclusive use. Regrettably, the royal bladder was resilient and he did not make use of the gleaming ...
Why abuse in church is worse than you thought
Michele Guinness shares her story of sexual abuse, and says every Christian must play their part in forging a new culture of respect between men and women
One year since George Floyd: 3 things the Church can do next
Today marks one year since George Floyd was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis
Covid has led to a rise of interest in contacting the dead. Here’s why its so dangerous
Rev Jayne Irlam from the Baptist Deliverance Study Group shares her experiences of ministering to people previously involved in occult practices
Martin Bashir was always a controversial choice for religious correspondent
The fallout from the Martin Bashir scandal should be a moment for the BBC to rethink its commitment to religious reporting, argues Catherine Pepinster
Prince Harry masked his pain with drink and drugs - so did I but God saved me
Drinking to cover up my pain would have killed me if I hadn’t found Jesus, says Emma Heath
Martin Bashir, the BBC and the Diana interview: Why as Christians we should always strive for honesty and integrity
The BBC and Bashir were wrong, but scapegoating them won’t help says Paul Kerensa
3 ways Pentecost speaks to our post-pandemic world
Here’s why Pentecost is more relevant than ever says Ryan Diaz
The CofE’s school hymns guidance panders to populism
Church schools have a duty to be distinctive and offer parents and pupils real choice, says headteacher Alun Ebenezer
What is Pentecost?
Worship leader, Pete James, explains what Pentecost means to him and why we must continue to celebrate it
God loves Israelis and Palestinians. Here’s how we can be praying for them
We might not all agree on the politics, but we should all cry out to God for peace in the Middle East
'I’m still speechless to describe Jesus’ love!' - The faith of Alisson Becker
When Alisson scored Liverpool’s winning goal at the weekend, he gave God all the glory
Friends: The lasting legacy of TV’s most popular sitcom
With just 10 days to go until the Friends reunion, Jamie Cutteridge considers how the show has connected with young and old alike, and what Christians can take away from it
A silent genocide is being waged against Christians in Nigeria. The world must act now
A slow-motion and largely ignored war is taking place in Africa’s most populous nation, and time is running out, says Rev Johnnie Moore
As violence in Israel continues, we all need to pray for peace
Distrust and anger stokes the fire that is consuming Jerusalem, says Angleena Keizer, and everyone suffers because of it
Every election victory is temporary, but God’s kingdom lasts forever
Tim Farron MP reflects on the results of last week’s elections
5 ways to build a truly diverse church
UK churches are still largely segregated according to race and language, says interpretation expert Jonathan Downie. Here’s some lessons we all need to learn if we want to change that
‘I was accused of being a terrorist’ - Read the sermon that school chaplain claims lost him his job
A chaplain at a church school says he was reported as an extremist and forced out of his job after giving a sermon which addressed identity politics and LGBT issues. He’s now taking Trent College to court. Here is the full text of his sermon
Little Mix, social media and self-worth: ‘Understanding our value in God’
As Jesy Nelson does her first interview since splitting from Little Mix five months ago, Philippa Hanna, who toured with the band in 2016, reflects on the power of influence and the pressure of social media
Why this British priest was wrong to claim Israel is not vaccinating Palestinians
The Dean of St George’s College in Jerusalem has told Premier its a “tragedy and a scandal” that Israel has vaccinated its population while no provision has been made for the Palestinians. But Robin Lane says the Dean is mistaken
3 reasons why you should get off the sofa and go back to physical church
As lockdown eases, many churches are preparing to open their doors. But after more than a year of Zoom, many Christians wonder if regular Sunday worship is worth the effort
Remember when Christians took over Wembley? This meeting will be even bigger
Almost ten years on from the National Day of Prayer and Worship at Wembley Stadium, Dr Jonathan Oloyede is planning an even larger gathering
Matt Hancock wants another debate on assisted dying. Christians need to be prepared
Matt Hancock has opened the door to changing the law on assisted suicide, says CARE’s James Mildred, as he urges Christians to oppose the move
Why Christians should vote this Thursday
Christians have good biblical reasons for voting in the biggest set of elections for decades, says Tim Farron MP
Welcoming the stranger: How your church can become 'Hong Kong ready'
As thousands of Hong Kong citizens move to the UK, Dr Krish Kandiah urges us to provide a warm welcome
What porn users need to know
It isn’t just Christians who are campaigning against online porn. Shocking revelations about the industry are causing those outside of the Church to take action too
When prophets fail
Respected leaders in the American Church were convinced God had told them Donald Trump would be re-elected president. Dave Roberts analyses why so many got it wrong, and seeks trusted voices to help us understand the role of the prophetic today
Mindfulness: Why Christians have nothing to fear and everything to gain
I used to sneer at ‘mindfulness’. As a Christian, I thought I was automatically an expert when it comes to the interior, ‘spiritual’ life and there was nothing I could learn about it from the secular world.
Does God suffer with us?
God’s ‘impassibility’ means that God doesn’t experience emotions the way humans do. It comes from the Latin ‘passio’, which is about suffering. Suffering can be seen either in terms of ‘this is very painful’, or in a more technical way – the idea that something is being done to me. ...
Faith After Doubt - Brian McLaren
Brian McLaren’s latest book is an absolute must-read. From the first page until the last, Faith After Doubt is a gripping, honest and practical book for Christian who is experiencing doubt.
The Reset - Jeremy Riddle
Jeremy Riddle knows a lot about worship music – the former Bethel Church songwriter has spent his adult life working and ministering in that world – and so when he suggests that something is deeply wrong, we should pay attention.
Awake & Alive to Truth - John Cooper
The frontman and bassist of the Christian hard-rock band Skillet has aimed this book at those who are confused about what is true.
What if Jesus was serious? - Skye Jethani
What if Jesus Was Serious? is a fun book with a serious message. It is clear, concise, snappy and challenging. The content is entirely based on Jesus’ teachings on the Sermon on the Mount, and a lively illustration accompanies each point.
The Little Book For Really Really Brilliant Grandparents - Rob Parsons & Katharine Hill
What is the role of the grandparent? Rob Parsons and Katharine Hill, long-respected for their work with Care for the Family, answer that question in this little, easy-to-read and altogether delightful book.
Revisiting This Planet - Kevin Max
This is what happens when one of the biggest-selling artists in Christian music reworks the genre’s first landmark album.
Highest Praise - Sincere Praise Gospel Choir
Under the leadership of director and principal songwriter Jennifer Griffith, the Sincere Praise Gospel Choir has been steadily building a following in the UK’s gospel scene (and a number of eastern European countries) since the release of their debut album, Hold Fast, in 2006. The choir is part of the ...
‘The pain is overwhelming’ As India’s Covid crisis deepens, we need Christians to act
As coronavirus cases in India pass 20 million and oxygen shortages push the healthcare system to the brink of collapse, Indian church leader Bishop Joseph D’Souza, issues an urgent plea to Christians around the world
Line of Duty may have felt underwhelming. But its commentary on the nature of evil was spot on
Viewers didn’t get the supervillain they wanted. But Jed Mercurio was making an important theological point, argues Rev Jules Middleton
Should Christians join the social media boycott this weekend?
Sport will go silent on social media this bank holiday weekend after platforms fail to address the issues of online abuse. Here’s why Christians should get involved, says David Chawner of Sports Chaplaincy UK
New worship song aims to help Christians make a difference, wherever they are
A new worship song has been released that encourages Christians to reimagine how God can bring his kingdom in every sphere of life. It makes a change from singing about ourselves, says Derek Walker.
Is your faith real? Try this test on for size
Drawing on the book of Daniel, Jeff Lucas shares a lesson about unconditional faith
It’s one year since church leaders promised to re-examine their attitudes towards racism. So, what’s changed?
12 months on from the tragic death of George Floyd, have church leaders kept their promises?
Guvna B: The pioneering rapper on grief, vulnerability and what it really means to be a man
Following the death of his father, the grime artist and author opens up about faith and doubt
Interest in global mission is dwindling. We need to look to the Lord of the Harvest
Operation Mobilisation’s Matthew Skirton reveals engagement with international mission is falling, and explains how every Christian in the UK can help make a difference
YouTube is the new front line for religious debates. St Paul would have loved it
The modern-day Areopagus is increasingly providing Christians with spiritual content and is an ideal platform for evangelism and debate, says Chris Goswami
What is a 'naked wedding' and why should Christians have one?
An estimated 127,000 weddings were cancelled last year, as couples chose to postpone their nuptials in the face of ever-tightening Covid-19 restrictions. But speaking ahead of National Marriage Week, Charlie and Emily explain how their Christian faith inspired them to go ahead with their special day
Stephen Cottrell: The Archbishop is on a mission to convert you
The Archbishop of York says he wants to bring evangelistic renewal to the Church of England
Reimagining Britain: God’s vision for a post-pandemic world
The Archbishop of Canterbury says we have an unprecedented opportunity to build a global community that reflects God’s heart for the poor and respects our planet. But real change will require courage – from all of us
How God brought our marriage back from the brink
After a period of separation, Claire and Steve Musters were determined to make their marriage work. During a time of rebuilding, they were challenged by their marriage counsellors to think back to what drew them together in the first place. They realised many of their ideas about marriage had been fuelled by cultural rather than biblical ideals – and they don’t think they are the only ones…
How to thrive in adversity
Having lived with a degenerative condition for years, Patrick Regan has grappled with physical and emotional pain. Here he shares lessons in resilience he has learned personally, as well as gems shared by Anne Frank’s stepsister, Eva Schloss, former hostage Terry Waite and retired police commander John Sutherland
Drawers, doors and the key to a healthy marriage
Dr Gary Chapman may have written bestselling books on marriage, but the early years of his own relationship were a mess. Here he reveals how God challenged him to change his attitude towards his wife – and what a difference that made
From stress and desperation to peace and wholeness
For the Epsom-based GP Clare DiPlacito, dealing with other people’s pain and suffering was her job. But when the weight of the past year began to be too much to bear, it drove her to seek solace in God
How to have a career in Christian music
Far and away the most common question I receive in my inbox is: “How do I begin a career in Christian music?”
Should Christians support violent protests?
Q: Some of my Christian friends have been supporting violent protests over racial justice. They cite Jesus’ cleansing of the temple as justification. Do you agree?
A Good Eye: Unlocking Jesus’ commonly-misunderstood idiom
Lois Tverberg unlocks a Jewish idiom that Jesus used, but many of his followers have scratched their heads about
Hope in the Holy Land: This powerful Israel-Palestine documentary will challenge your assumptions
Like many American evangelicals, Todd Morehead believes the return of the Jews to the land of Israel, and the creation of the modern state in 1948 is a fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy (Ezekiel 37; Amos 9:14-15; Isaiah 66:8, etc). Debates rage over the correct interpretation of those biblical passages, ...
Unspoken - Guvna B
When the rapper Guvna B lost his father, the ramifications were substantial. In Unspoken, the 31-year-old explores his own unique experience of grief, and the expectations put on him as the eldest child.
Miles To Go Before I Sleep - Claire Gilbert
If you don’t want to know what it’s like to have cancer, don’t read this book.
Line of Duty: ‘Bent copper’ on facing the real life AC-12 before giving his life to God
At the height of football hooliganism, Simon Pinchbeck was a police officer on terraces of North London, literally fighting for a living. But he soon found himself crossing the line into a life of violent crime. He explains how God turned his life around
What a packet of out of date noodles taught me about mountains and molehills
Our doorbell rang, the welcome announcement that our weekly grocery delivery was arriving on time. A rather jolly chap in a fluorescent yellow tabard (and matching mask, which made him very seeable in the dark) hauled in trays laden with our supplies. The ability to order online and avoid the ...
Dusk, Night, Dawn - Anne Lamott
Anne Lamott is clearly an external processor, her writing a warm stream of consciousness, flowing with beautiful prose and interlaced with snark. In Dusk, Night, Dawn this stream is billed as offering a framework to explore how our lives can be enlarged through renewed commitment to ourselves and those around ...
Dancing With Wisdom - Sunil K. Raheja
If wisdom is not intelligence, knowledge nor common sense, what is it, and how do we get it? Psychiatrist Sunil Raheja tackles these questions in Dancing with Wisdom.
Women In A Patriarchal World - Elaine Storkey
This wonderfully engaging book is a concise chronological study of the many different women who span the Old and New Testaments.
Jesus The Troublemaker - Rev Andy Roland
Novel, textbook, journal and devotional – Andy Roland’s ‘exercise in historical imagination’ is hard to categorise.
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self - Carl Trueman
This is one of the most important books to appear in recent years, says our reviewer
Sing! Global - Keith & Kristyn Getty
We review the new album from Keith and Kristyn Getty
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