Matthew Parris, a columnist with The Times newspaper

I was fascinated and pleased to read that Matthew Parris, a columnist at The Times newspaper wrote

“Now a confirmed atheist, I’ve become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts.”

He goes on to say “Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people’s hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.”

Couldn’t agree more. As one who has over the years campaigned for justice for developing nations – for Fair Trade, cancellation of debt and for political reform – I see the value of these but have long held that only the power of God can bring lasting change.

A truly refreshing, objective bit of media critique. Read more at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/matthew_parris/article5400568.ece

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I know this song has been out for ages but I love it so much I thought I’d post it up here.

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Teachers are now allowed to answer questions on creationism but must make clear it has no underpinning scientific principles.

New government advice is in response to a strong campaign in schools by the Christian group ‘Truth in Science‘ which promots intelligent design (ID), a Creationism offshoot. The advice is intended to avoid the US situation where pressure from the religious Right has forced science teachers to begin lessons in ID. Creationism, the Biblical theory that The Earth was created by God in six days, has been controversial. Pupils taking Biology GCSE with exam board OCR this year became the first students in mainstream education to answer questions on the theory in a science exam. The new guidance says teachers should respond ‘positively and educationally’ to questions about Creationism and be ‘respectful of students’ views, religious or otherwise’. However teachers should instil in pupils aged five to 14 the outlines of evolutionary theory and focus on it for GCSE and A-level.

Article reproduced from the Prayer In Action web site. See http://www.prayerinaction.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=878&Itemid=222

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In their enthusiasm to (rightly) defend the truth and warn about counterfeits I see a lot of teaching in the Church, and Christian web sites, about the danger of Eastern Religions. By this is meant the likes of Buddhism, Hinduism etc. But think about this for a minute:

Christianity is an Eastern Religion.

As it says in the Psalms, ‘Selah’ (pause and think about that).

Christianity originated in the East – the Middle East – in Israel, not New York, London or Belfast. Let’s remember that ’salvation is of the Jews’ (John 4 v.22). Jesus was a Jew, not a white Westerner. At the roots of our faith is an Eastern Religion. Let’s remember to obey Scripture and ‘pray for the peace of Jerusalem’ (Psalm 122). Jesus is the Peace of Jerusalem and peace in Israel will only be found in Him.

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