Rarely can it be so clearly demonstrated that people, and even whole societies, cannot see what is plainly in front of their eyes. Not only is this a theological truth, illustrated by the atheism believed by intelligent people, but the current BBC2 series Icons is yet another example of this common phenomenon. The aim …
Category: History
Iolaire memories
The centenary of the Iolaire disaster should not pass without comment, although it is a sad way to begin 2019. It was even sadder for those affected in the Outer Hebrides in 1919 awaiting their loved ones' return from the horrors of the First World War. It is appropriate that the centenary is properly commemorated …
Hellenization and Hanukkah
Today is the final day of the Jewish Hanukkah celebration, also known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following its desecration by Antiochus Epiphanes. It is a winter festival, mentioned in the New Testament: 'it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem, and it was …
Brexit ignorance
Some people claim that they did not know the issues at the time of the Brexit Referendum. Having educated themselves a bit more, they joined a massive march in London today to call for a second referendum. It seems that they still need to learn a few more points. 1. What they did not know …
Selective Scottish history
There are some centuries of Scottish history that are overlooked in favour of other ones. This morning I was at a meeting of about 30 senior men who were asked to name the main events in Scottish history. The list of options went all the way from the battle of Bannockburn (1314) to the Highland …
Memory lane – 40 years on
On Friday and Saturday this week I met with 'old' medical colleagues whom I had not met for 40 years. It was the 40th anniversary of the 1978 Gamma Year Club, the Medical class who graduated with me from Glasgow University in 1978. Time had worked on most physiognomies and some were unrecognisable, which was …
Military might, political revolution or Christian love?
Alexander the Great, Napoleon, Hitler and a host of other people sought to aggrandise themselves and build an empire by military might. Karl Marx and his followers want to change the world by political revolution. Jesus Christ is doing it by Christian love, and has been doing it for two millennia, with many more to …
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The politics of compromise
The UK cabinet met for most of today in Chequers to finalise a common document to put before the EU as the basis of the UK's future relationship with the EU after Brexit. It is a historic day, which may yet prove to be a watershed in the process of the UK exiting the European …
Identity politics and perceived racism
Identity politics and perceived racism are combining into an explosive mix. Racism does not exist because there is only one human race. This is one example of the poor use of language in our poorly educated society. Rather, the issue is different ethnicities and how much emphasis one puts upon these. Kenhinde Andrews, the author …
When did the Gospel first reach Europe?
It is common to hear preachers say that the Gospel first came to Europe when Paul responded to the Macedonian call, ‘Come over into Macedonia and help us’ Act 16:9. This is wrong, and it is one of many manifestations of the readiness to copy ideas without checking out if they are true. The Gospel …
