Article in Stretton Focus, June 2017 I recently spent an evening with friends looking at Max Ehrmann’s well-known Desiderata. You know, the one that begins ‘Go placidly . . ..’ and ends ‘strive to be happy.’ As a consequence of being mildly critical, I was challenged to produce my own for URC Voice. Here it […]
A Reserved Place in Hell for …..
Article in Stretton Focus, July 2017 Hell-fire sermons can still be heard in fundamentalist churches, where the Bible is taken literally. The doctrine of Hell can be a powerful incentive for people to say they believe what they are told is necessary for their salvation. However, many churchgoers have abandoned such a belief, as being […]
Boys in skirts show subversion is good for us
Article in Stretton Focus, August 2017 I write from the month of June that might be seen as the annus horribilis of months. It had murderous terrorist attacks in two of our largest cities, and the appalling Grenfell Tower fire with such a huge loss of life. There was a general election resulting in a […]
Who or What is a Christian ?
Article in Stretton Focus, September 2017 The Oxford Dictionary defines Christianity as a religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ, with the qualities of decency, kindness and fairness. All of the following claim to be Christian: • Anabaptists • Anglicans • Amish • Armenians • Baptists […]
Asses and Hogs
Article in Stretton Focus, October 2017 I am attempting to write for URC Voice in the middle of August. The Stretton festival has just finished and the Prom concerts are well under way. We have been able to enjoy a feast of music both nationally and locally. We are fortunate in Church Stretton that we […]
Lest We Forget
Article in Stretton Focus, November 2017 A recipe for War Take 500 teaspoons of marinated hatred. Heat for several years. Fill 2 cups to the brim with ignorance. Mix with 50 spoons of anger. Stir in thoroughly Take 75 grams of secrecy, Sprinkle liberally over a cup of fresh revenge. Add 60 cups of sorrow […]
The Unchanging Constant
Article in Stretton Focus, December 2017 Have you noticed there is more than ever going on? Change is everywhere, and there is more of it all the time. Every week seems to have more in it – more information, more advertising, more contention, more reported violence, more of this, that and everything else. Even Christmas […]
Dead Poets Society
Article in Stretton Focus, January 2016 Dead Poets Society is one of Robin Williams’ best films. In it, he plays John Keating, an old boy of Welton Academy, who returns to the school as the new English teacher. His methods are unorthodox. He instructs his pupils to stand on their desks to get a different […]
Dead Certain
Article in Stretton Focus, February 2016 Sydney Carter would have been 100 years old in this year of 2016. Ian Bradley has written a fine tribute to him, mentioning the hymns by which Carter will be remembered for the next hundred years and longer. These include hymns like Lord of the Dance; When I Needed […]
Polystyrene Chips and Bubble Wrap
Focus on Faith in Stretton Focus, March 2016 One of the real pains in modern life is packaging. It seems ridiculous to have slices of ham sealed in plastic, even if the tear off top sometimes makes access to the ham easier. Move away from food to small items, such as a new toothbrush and […]