Rev Dr Ian Paul
Rev Dr Ian Paul is Associate Minister at St Nic’s, Nottingham and Managing Editor of Grove Books Ltd. He blogs at psephizo.com.
OpinionWhy I’m pleased about the CofE’s reversal on same-sex marriage
The House of Bishops appears to have reversed direction in the Church of England’s long-standing debate about sexuality and marriage. Dr Ian Paul says following proper procedure is the least bishops can do - and should cause hard questions to be asked about what has already happened
OpinionWhy the Archbishop of York’s migration comments were out of touch
Bishops need to be more careful when talking about migration, says Rev Ian Paul. Loving your migrant neighbour does not mean avoiding the tough political questions
OpinionJustin Welby says he was “a bit thick” to oppose same-sex relationships. But I think he’s abandoned biblical teaching
Justin Welby has once again waded into the Church of England’s debate on same-sex relationships, now claiming his previous views were due to him being “a bit thick”. Rev Ian Paul says Welby has left the CofE more divided than ever
OpinionDoes the Bible prohibit sex before marriage?
A megachurch Baptist preacher in the US has caused controversy after stating sex outside of marriage is morally permissible. In his sermon, Dr Delman Coates said there was “no biblical basis” for abstinence until marriage. In this response, Dr Ian Paul argues that while cohabitation is not specifically mentioned in scripture, it is included within prohibitions against "sexual immorality"
Opinion‘It’s time to step aside’ - an open letter to the Archbishop of York
If the Church of England is to see real change, it needs leaders to be accountable for when things go wrong, says Rev Dr Ian Paul in an open letter to Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York
OpinionRichard Hays (1948-2025): The leading New Testament scholar was a real Christian
Richard B. Hays was one of the most influential New Testament scholars of his generation, says Dr Ian Paul. His radical faith in Christ motivated his scholarship and led him to write a number of game-changing books
OpinionHal Lindsey (1929-2024): The end times theologian who popularised the rapture
The US author Hal Lindsey promoted a dispensationalist view of the end times which continues to hold influence among some evangelicals. But Lindsey’s predictions in his widely read 1970 book The Late Great Planet Earth, haven’t aged well, says Rev Ian Paul
OpinionThe CofE hasn’t changed its doctrine on marriage. It’s still one man and one woman
Despite what some have suggested, the CofE has not changed its teaching on marriage, says Dr Ian Paul. He explains what has - and hasn’t - happened, and why he’ll keep fighting for church doctrine to remain faithful to Jesus’ teaching
OpinionThe CofE is going in the wrong direction on racial diversity. There is a better way
The Church of England should not be adopting the language of Critical Race Theory or importing the US culture war on racism, says Dr Ian Paul
OpinionAre all sins the same?
It’s complicated, says Ian Paul. He explains why the Bible give two different answers, and why it’s important for Christians come to the right conclusions on sexual ethics
ReviewsDoes the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?
Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage? is an outstanding book, says our reviewer
OpinionThe Times survey of CofE priests is deeply flawed. Here’s why
A recent poll by the national newspaper has suggested that a majority of Anglican clergy are in favour of same-sex marriage. But the methodology, and the presentation of its findings, seem far from robust says Dr Ian Paul
Regular ColumnistsPaul does condemn all same-sex activity
Responding to David Instone-Brewer’s claims that God only condemned certain types of homosexual relationships, Ian Paul argues that there is no such basis in scripture
ReviewsThe Bishop of Oxford's surprising case for same-sex marriage is flawed
The Bishop of Oxford, Rt Rev Dr Steven Croft has come out publicly in favour of the Church of England changing its doctrine of marriage to include same-sex partnerships. But having studied the bishop's 48-page booklet, entitled Together in Love and Faith, Ian Paul believes the arguments are unconvincing
OpinionThis MP wants to disestablish the CofE over its teaching on gay marriage. But he’s misunderstood what’s at stake
Ben Bradshaw MP has called for the Church of England to change its treatment of gay people or face disestablishment. But his comments belie a misunderstanding of the Church’s current position, says Dr Ian Paul
OpinionDoes allowing same-sex marriage result in church decline? Here's what the numbers show
There are no growing church denominations in the UK that don’t hold a traditional view on sexuality and marriage, according to a new report. But is it that simple? Dr Ian Paul investigates
OpinionWhat matters most: sin or climate change?
Dr Ian Paul asks: does it have to be an either/or choice?
Reviews‘Bleeding for Jesus’ is a harrowing expose of John Smyth’s abuse. But the book’s conclusion is a theological mess
Andrew Graystone’s new book has been praised by Channel 4’s Cathy Newman for giving a "disturbing, devastating and damning account of abuser John Smyth.” But others are concerned the book has unnecessarily outed some of Smyth’s victims.
ReviewsMysteries of the Messiah claims to reveal biblical treasures. All I found was fools gold
There is nothing more exciting than seeing something new in scripture. But with every new discovery, we need to ask: is what I have ‘discovered’ really there, or is it a figment of my imagination?
OpinionThis film on sexuality isn't controversial, it's biblical
The new short film ‘The Beautiful Story’ about sex within heterosexual marriage has been labelled “anti-gay” by some Christians. On behalf of the Church of England’s Evangelical Council Ian Paul explains why there’s nothing shocking about a message that has been celebrated by Christians for two millennia
