The clue is in the name. Football is about manoeuvring a ball with one's feet. Some are good at it and others are not. The range of skill is great, from very good to mediocre and even bad and very bad. The footworking skill of good footballers is being spoiled by the armwrestling tactics of …
Before or from the foundation of the world?
There are many misquotations of Scripture that need to be corrected. I will gather over time a list of them here and put them into biblical order for easy consultation, but beginning with the one in the title of this blogpost. I will also supply mnemonics or the rationale which will help people to remember …
Continue reading Before or from the foundation of the world?
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 should 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 …
A disgrace to football
It is a disgrace to football to witness the number of teams in the Russian World Cup 2018 who physically wrestled Harry Kane to the ground to prevent his reaching the ball in the penalty area, even in front of the referee in England's win against Colombia last night. This is not football, far less …
Hebrew or Aramaic?
Bible commentators and academics are in the habit of describing the native language spoken by Jesus and His contemporaries as Aramaic or Syro-Chaldaic. Those who wish to show their academic credentials will do the same. This is servile copying of academia. The New Testament repeatedly calls it Hebrew Lk 23:38, Jn 5:2, Jn 19:13,17,20, Act …
Dishonest dialogue
Everyone forms their own opinions but most are very poor at defending them. They assert their opinions but if debate becomes too awkward for them, they simply walk away. They do not want to change their opinions nor to have them exposed, even to themselves. This is because they do not engage in honest dialogue. …
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 examples of the readiness to copy ideas without checking out if they are true. The Gospel …
Locking in aggressive political gains
The co-convener of the Scottish Greens in the Scottish Parliament has said that those who disagree with homosexual marriage should be prevented from becoming MSPs. During the debate on passing the Historical Sexual Offences (Pardons and Disregards) (Scotland) Bill he argued against political parties selecting candidates who do not accept homosexual activity. The BBC reported …
Saul of Tarsus’ miscarriage
Some years ago I wrote a blogpost 'Was the rich young ruler actually Saul of Tarsus?' It is one of my most-viewed blogposts to date and some people have commented on it, but without reading the Bible commentary that could be downloaded from the blogpost. So it might be helpful to simply state in summary …
Donald's Thoughts 