Good News in a Changing Environment

Political activity has been at a premium across the UK in the last few years with decisions being taken about the Scottish constitution, the European Union and our own parliamentary representatives at Holyrood and Westminster. As we read this we will no doubt be in the run up to voting in the next round of elections. Regardless of our political persuasions one thing we can all agree on is this; there have been big changes in the political map of the UK.

Off The Shelf: 2016 Review

Changes seems to be the word which best sums up the past year for me on a personal level. There has been the death of a close relative, the birth of my first child (Sophia Jane Paterson), moving house, starting a new ministry role & travel to Singapore. However it also seems an appropriate word when we consider global politics. This time last year I don’t think there would have been many people who would have expected that Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson would have brought the conservative front bench to their knees. Maybe even less likely was “the Donald” winning the US Presidential election (the only president in history to receive a stunner from Stone Cold). It has also been a year of change in popular culture with the departure of many well loved contributors such as Prince, Bowie, Fisher & Rickman.

It has been a year to pay attention to for many reasons and here are things which have greatly shaped me over the last 12 months; here is my 2016.

Exiles in the everyday

Our world thrives on material things. For some parts of the world, predominantly westernised nations, it is to consume and to consume some more. For other parts of the world, predominantly the two-thirds majority world, the idea of such a life and existence is the dream which is flaunted before them. Coupled with this is the fame game. The desire for other people to know our name, for them to hold us in high regard, that is something worth living for! And sadly, even within the church, the lure of the material and the desire for self-aggrandisement is never too far away. 

Off the Shelf: 2015 Review

It’s been an interesting year, has it not? Many things have changed within our society at large and across the ever globalized network of nations which we live amongst. We have witnessed the atrocities of IS in the Middle East, executing people at will and eradicating priceless historical sites and artifacts. We have also seen key “leaders” in churches proactively denying the cross of Jesus and his atonement as the centre point of the biblical gospel. But its not all bad, doom and gloom. We have also seen times of celebration and rejoicing. The 150th anniversary of OMF and its work to tell others about Jesus in East Asia was very special. There was also the return of Star Wars to the big screen causing my inner child great excitement as the force was awakened once again. Another note of great joy for me has been the return to form of BVB 09; Dortmund once again proving to be a force in the Bundesliga after a poor run last season.

Here is my contribution and the things which have influenced me most during the last 12 months; this is my 2015. 

Counter Culture In Social Media

For many people social media has become incorporated into the daily routine of life. It has been a great thing and there are many reasons for this. But how often do we stop to think about how we are using this means of communication? Further still, what we are saying through it and why? Holding to a Luddite mentality is futile. Instead one of the topics Christians need to think through is how to engage with this platform of communication in the full view of an on looking digital society.