Chine McDonald
The M&S Christmas advert isn’t selfish. It’s realistic
Some Christians have expressed their strong dislike for the M&S Christmas ad. But for Chine McDonald, it’s a healthy reminder that we all need setting free from impossible standards, and the need to keep up appearances
The world is in a mess, and I worry about the future. But this gives me hope
In a world filled with war, conflict and increasing anxiety, the Church can offer a better story, says Chine McDonald
What happened when I tried texting Jesus…
Chine McDonald wasn’t sure about an AI chatbot based on Jesus Christ. Here’s how she got on
Will US evangelicalism survive a second Trump term?
As Donald Trump is arrested on charges of plotting to overturn the result of the last US election, Chine McDonald says his evangelical supporters are turning young people off the faith
I used to think adventure tourism was immoral. Now I’m not so sure
What are Christians to make of the billionaires who take trips into space, or to the bottom of the ocean? Chine McDonald gives her view
Belief in God may be falling. But our spiritually curious generation still thinks there's more to life
I recently joined thousands of fans for the London leg of Beyoncé’s Renaissance world tour. I’ve written in these pages before about my love for the Queen Bee, and how I believe much of her artistry over the past few years has pointed her fans towards God.
A church divided on ethnic lines cannot stand
It’s a sobering thought, but the next time the Census religion data is revealed in ten years’ time, the Church in England and Wales is unlikely to have grown. Look ahead to 30 years’ time, and the number of Christians will make for even more grim reading. Unless revival happens, ...
The sceptics were wrong. Religion still dominates the world’s biggest news stories
This month marks 20 years since Alastair Campbell famously told a reporter: “We don’t do God.”
30 years on from Stephen Lawrence, Black Christians are still living with trauma
I was nine years old when Stephen Lawrence was murdered, 30 years ago this April. It was the early 90s, and far-right extremist groups were making a resurgence in many parts of south-east London, including Eltham, where I lived, and where Stephen was killed.
The pro-life cause we’re overlooking
My husband and I have just finished shared parental leave for the second time. This time, I returned to work six months after the birth of our second son as my husband started three months of staying at home to look after him. I’ve been fascinated by the range of ...
‘Farewell, Rob Bell’
We’re twelve years on from ‘Bellgate’ - the furore over the release of Rob Bell’s controversial book on heaven and hell. But Chine McDonald says the questions raised by that episode are more pertinent than ever
My new year's resolution: Stop trying to make church sound attractive
I have spent much of my career trying to improve the Church’s PR. As part of this, I wanted to write an article on why I still go to church and why you should, too. It was going to be one of those numbered lists: for the music, for community, ...
Speaking up about racism is hard, the least we can do for Harry, Meghan and Ngozi Fulani is believe them
After watching the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix documentary and reading newspaper reports of Ngozi Fulani’s experience at Buckingham Palace, Chine McDonald challenges Christians not to turn away in discomfort from the racism that still exists in our society
Church should be inter-generational. Just like our family's Christmas dinner
Around the Christmas dinner table, millions of families will be gathered across generations. It’s one of the things that makes this time of year so special. The great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers, the matriarchs and patriarchs who have seen many festive seasons come and go, tucking into Christmas dinner alongside newborn babies.
Why Christians need to talk about the dark side of motherhood
A few days ago, I was sat in a coffee shop with my four-month-old son. The coffee was getting colder and colder as I bounced my baby up and down on my knee, patted his back and tried to feed him or just distract him from crying.
The Queen's passing is a reminder that death is inevitable. But as Christians, we know it's not the end
The vast majority of Brits are uncomfortable with talking about death. Chine McDonald wonders if the pandemic coupled with the death of our Monarch might change that
When the news is full of darkness, I cling to this truth
For much of last year, the lightbox in my office displayed the words: “All shall be well.” The full quote from Julian of Norwich reads: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well”; the repetition resonant of the constant and regular ...
Why children’s ministry needs a creative revolution
Wonderfully told Bible stories laid the foundation for Chine McDonald’s decision to become a Christian. She says the Church needs to find innovative ways to engage the next generation in the richness of our faith
Why a freshly cooked meal is one of the Church’s greatest evangelistic tools
There are few things that say church and community more than a meal train. If you’ve not heard of it, it’s the practice of providing a rota of meals for church members who are going through a major life occurrence.
Why I’ve stopped using male pronouns for God
When you’ve spent your whole life referring to God as ‘he’, moving away from male pronouns for the divine takes a little getting used to.
The Struggle To Stay - Dr Katie Gaddini
This anthropological study from Dr Katie Gaddini delves into the lives of evangelical Christian women in the US and the UK who find themselves on the fringes of their church traditions, and includes Dr Gaddini’s own journey out of evangelicalism. The book explains how women end up leaving when patriarchy, ...
Greenbelt Festival sits on the fringes of faith. That’s why I love it
Pussy Riot would never have performed at the Christian festivals I attended as a teenager, nor would they ever have been invited. But when it was announced that the Russian feminist punk rock band would be the artists in residence at Greenbelt 2018, it felt apt.
I was taught that charismatic worship manipulates my emotions. But I can't 'explain away' those holy moments
Anyone who has studied theology understands how much of a challenge it can be to your faith. I arrived at university, many years ago, having grown up in conservative evangelicalism and having had little reason – or opportunity – to question its theological teachings. So when I began my study, ...
Please make the effort to say my name
At this year’s Brits, rap artist Little Simz proudly walked on stage to collect her award for best new artist. “My name is Simbiatu Ajikawo. I’m from north London, Islington. I grew up on a council estate, I’m an independent artist and to be here tonight receiving this award is ...
Daughters of Eve: This documentary exposes misogyny in the Church
This film deserves an audience far wider than just those who are already critical of the Church’s patriarchal past, says Chine McDonald
This Here Flesh: A breathtaking piece of contemplative storytelling
This top-rated book deserves a place on your shelf, says Chine McDonald
Don't cling to rigid black and white theology. There's so much of God we don't understand
A few years ago, I was having a particularly challenging time navigating my way through doubts around a decision that I had to make. As I sought guidance from friends and loved ones, some were adamant that I was to go in one particular direction, convinced that the Bible was ...
Queen of the Sciences: Why Theology has never been more needed
So you want to be a vicar? No. A nun? No. An RE teacher? No. This was usually how conversations went when I was a student. It was as if people couldn’t quite fathom why anyone would choose to study theology instead of other subjects deemed more ‘useful’, like medicine, ...
Hoarding vaccines is not loving our neighbour. Christians must do more to ensure vaccine equity
Just seven per cent of the population of Africa have been vaccinated against Covid-19. The inaction of developed countries shows black lives do not matter, and will ultimately prevent us beating the virus, says Chine McDonald
Cathedrals are where heaven and earth meet. We must protect them
When I walked into Liverpool Cathedral a few weeks ago, I audibly gasped. Stepping inside the magnificent building, I was taken aback by its awesomeness. Built between 1904 and 1978, it is the largest cathedral in Britain and the eighth largest church in the world.
8 black theologians you should know about
If we only read theology through the lens of white males, we only ever see God from one angle, says Chine McDonald. This Black History Month, here’s eight black theologians who have - or are - shaping our faith
Every Christian man needs to play their part in fighting misogyny
Those of us who are raising boys have a responsibility to nurture men who will stand up for women, says Chine McDonald
‘Code red for humanity’ - Why the Church needs to take climate action seriously
Chine McDonald explains why she changed her mind on climate change
Beyonce at 40: How the global superstar points us toward God
As Beyonce turns 40 years old this weekend, Chine McDonald explains why the singer is so inspirational
The BBC's Hillsong documentary made me weep. But they aren't the only church to be exposed
There was a moment during the BBC Storyville documentary on Hillsong Church that I broke down and wept. It wasn’t a quiet type of crying – the type where you can easily wipe away a tear – but a cry that roared from somewhere from deep within me. A broken ...
5 times the Bible was woke
The label might be contentious, but Chine McDonald believes Christians have nothing to fear from wokeism
Whatever happened to The Donut Man? I miss him
Despite having a theology degree from the University of Cambridge, I am convinced that much of my enduring Bible knowledge was formed during long childhood car journeys listening to the Donut Man.
What Christians need to know about the 'white saviour' complex
A few years ago, I went on a trip to Israel-Palestine with Christian Aid. I arrived at a mobile clinic where the other journalists and I were surrounded by young Palestinian children who excitedly practised their English on us and asked questions about SpongeBob SquarePants. After spending some time speaking ...
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
Comic Relief is right to stop sending celebrities to Africa
Comic Relief’s brave decision to no longer send celebrities to African nations as part of its fundraising appeals is a welcome move, and will hopefully go some way towards dispelling the myths that exist around Africa, says Chine Mcdonald
Racism and the role of the Church
The death of George Floyd has awakened us to racial injustice, says Chine McDonald, and now Christians must take action to dismantle white supremacy wherever they find it
Why coronavirus is a huge opportunity to love your neighbours
Chine McDonald explains how the coronavirus has led to a deeper level of connection and community among her neighbours
Why John MacArthur's social justice statement makes for baffling reading
Last month, the popular preacher and founder of Grace To You ministries John MacArthur wrote a blog post called "Social Injustice to the Gospel". In the piece he claimed the "detour in quest of 'social justice'" was "the most subtle and dangerous threat" to the gospel. Now, MacArthur has joined over 6,000 other pastors and leaders in signing a controversial statement on the subject. Chine McDonald from Christian Aid responds to the news
The Church needs to reclaim Halloween. Here’s how you can do it
Chine McDonald explains why she changed her mind about Halloween
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