408 years ago today, Galileo's discovery changed our understanding of the solar system forever. His astronomical observations irrefutably confirmed the hypothesis formulated by Copernicus 100 years earlier that the Earth was not the centre of the solar system. This was an Earth-shattering discovery. Between 7th and 13th January 1610, Galileo discovered and observed the four …
Category: History
The liberation of Jerusalem 1917 and 1967
One hundred years ago today, Jerusalem was liberated during the first World War by the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) led by British forces. It was a significant event in the long journey towards recognizing and re-establishing the state of Israel in the native homeland of the Jews. On 11th December 1917 British General Sir Edmund …
70 years of recognition
Today is the 70th anniversary of the international recognition of the right of the state of Israel to exist. This continues to be challenged by many Palestinians. On 29/11/1947 the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 181 (also known as the Partition Resolution) that gave international legitimacy to divide Great Britain’s former Palestinian mandate into …
Two liberating anniversaries today
Liberty is the theme for Reformation Day 2017. There are two liberating anniversaries today - 500 and 100 years ago respectively - and the message from each of them is being forgotten. 500 years ago today Martin Luther sparked the European Protestant Reformation and 100 years ago today the Balfour Declaration was finalised by the …
The dangers of secularism
Secularism likes to promote itself as rational and moral. The problem is that it does not stop there but it seeks to impose its secular morality on others, while complaining that religion does the very same thing with its morality. "It takes one to know one." Human beings try to control others from the moment …
Thoughtcrime is replacing sin
Sin is disappearing from public use. The reason is easy to discern. Sin conjures up the thought of God, which a secular society abominates. Like Sabbath, God's weekly holiday, it reminds people of God. Q. 14. What is sin? A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God. Westminster …
Aggressive secularism
Britain is reaching a tipping point. The language battle has been one of several tools in the armoury of aggressive secularism. There are others. After softening up British society for many decades, we have now reached the critical tipping point of legislative enactment. Although Brexit is important, it risks taking people's eye off the ball. …
America’s next total solar eclipse 2024
8-4-24 is the date of America's next total solar eclipse. Yesterday's rare American coast-to-coast total solar eclipse was the first total solar eclipse in history to be experienced by so many human beings. Yet a similar event is only seven years away on 8th April 2024. One of my nephew's emigrated to Toronto, Canada, yesterday, …
America’s total solar eclipse today
A total solar eclipse will bisect the USA today for the first time in 99 years. It could be the most viewed total solar eclipse in history. Millions will experience it for the first time, but another one will cross America in another direction seven years later on 8th April 2024. The midday Moon, usually …
Big Ben falls silent at noon today
Big Ben is taking a rest for four years while its clock tower is refurbished. Its iconic bong will not be heard except when it will be reactivated on special occasions such as heralding the New Year in the UK. It will fall silent after announcing 12 noon on Monday 21st August 2017, or more …
