The Bible translator William Tyndale had one wish. He wanted a Bible simple enough that even a ploughboy could read it. For such thinking he was burned at the stake as a heretic. Tyndale argued for the Bible to be available not only in Latin, the language of the church,
Continue readingWhen I was a school governor one of my biggest headaches was learning the incredible number of acronyms used in the educational system. For instead of being a help they proved to be an astonishing hindrance as they tended to confuse than to clarify whatever was being discussed. One of
Continue readingI know you know the missing word, and I know you know that I know the missing word too. ‘Lest we forget’ matters. In World War One 65 million men were mobilized to fight and 1 in 3 were either killed or injured. Wilfred Owen immortalised them as those ‘who
Continue readingWhen does wearing a bracelet make all the difference to your life? It’s when you live what it says. I’m not speaking about lucky charms or Pandora bracelets but a little strip of cloth. The cloth actually says very little, it only has four letters on it; ‘WWJD’. Yet, if
Continue readingDon’t worry this surreal question has nothing to do with the hot weather we’ve been having, but do you understand the question? I used to use a hot shoe but now I have no need for one; instead I use my phone. If this only adds to your confusion, a
Continue readingAll I can say is that when I gave it a try the answer was inconclusive. Curiosity may have killed the cat but such tasting and seeing describes the way the Bible wants us to engage deeper with God; to use its language, to see if the Lord is good.
Continue readingNow that’s a statement that just asks to be challenged isn’t it? It’s a perspective voiced if someone requests a vegetarian meal instead of a ‘normal’ one. It’s a view expressed if someone asks for a decaffeinated coffee instead of a ‘normal’ one. You know what I mean. Yet, if
Continue readingTwice in one morning I was asked, why is it called Maundy Thursday? The answer I gave was close, but no cigar. I thought ‘Maundy’ described the sense of mourning because Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples; close, but no cigar. The word Maundy is an Anglo-French reworking
Continue readingIf you visit a city that has an artists’ quarter you’re likely to see artists drawing caricatures. In Montmartre, in Paris, I’ve stood admiring their skill and sense of humour as they’ve grotesquely distorted the features of those sitting before them who then, amazingly, paid them for the pleasure. Artists
Continue readingThe 1994 film ‘Four Weddings and a funeral’ has a very colourful opening scene; though it’s not as colourful as I’d remembered it. The first 90 seconds or so has Hugh Grant, who plays Charles, swearing constantly because he’s late for the first wedding in the film. However, when I
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