Refresh: Arguing for the Sake of Heaven – Why we need Curious Conversations
Today’s Refresh was originally posted in May 2021, and if anything is more relevant today than when it first appeared. I especially love the Jonathan Sacks insight that it is better to lose an argument, for when we do, we gain new knowledge, whereas when we win an argument, we simply have an established view reinforced. It’s a refreshing take. Roll on the losses! Arguing for the Sake of Heaven: Why we need Curious Conversations I wonder if you, like me, are finding the polarising conversations taking place in the public square shrill, tiresome and destructive. We have lost the art of...
Read MoreFour things I’m Happy to be Accused of…
It’s a fractious age. Politics has always been divisive, but oh my, that has gone to new levels. Religion has been our second great divide, but even here, the arguments have sharpened and tolerance levels are low. While denominational divides are no longer seen as important, defining the kind of Christian you are is starting to matter, as versions of the Christian faith are becoming widely divergent. This is especially so when religion and politics bubble together in the same pot. A toxic mix of self interest gets God’s name attached to it, even though it is screamingly obvious...
Read MoreRefresh: Option B – When Life Doesn’t Run to Plan
Resentfully lamenting that our life dream has not come true can blind us to the new opportunities setbacks sometimes birth. Though rarely chosen, Option B can turn out to be better than option A. This post originally appeared in Feb 2022, and I am struck by how relevant it remains… Option B: When Life Doesn’t Run to Plan In their very readable book, Option B, Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant explore how to build resilience and find joy when option A for our life is no longer available. For Sheryl Sandberg it started when she discovered her husband Dave collapsed on the gym floor...
Read MoreNature, Nurture; Genes or Environment; Free Will or Predestination?
It was my very first assignment at University. The topic: “Discuss the nature, nurture controversy.” It was an interesting start to my academic career. My opening effort was awarded a modest 68%, my lecturer accusing me of mild bias, though not clarifying towards which side. My later efforts were better rewarded, but I still remember this opening gambit with some affection, perhaps because the question is as unanswerable now as it was back in 1975 – oh my goodness yes, it was 50 years ago! It doesn’t really matter if your field is medicine, genetics, politics, ethics,...
Read MoreRefresh: From Platforms to Altars – Rediscovering Servant Leadership
The importance of servant leadership can’t be overstated. In a world where the focus is on the size of our platform, this post from April 2022 reminds us that it’s the altar we serve from that actually matters. If you want to dive into the topic more, have a listen to the discussion on “The Leader as Servant” on the Stirrers and Saints Podcast. From Platforms to Altars: Rediscovering Servant Leadership You know as well as I do that the list of fallen Christian leaders is growing at an alarming rate. Many have been high fliers, leaders who were widely lauded and...
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