Bože! independent catholic ideas, identity & theology
Grace Catholic London
Menodora, Netrodora, Nymphodora
These three sisters lived as ascetics on a mountain. Many of the ill and infirm in the region were being healed by their prayers. The local governor was not terribly keen on this effective marketing strategy, and had the women summoned, and demanded that they abandon the faith. Naturally they refused, and were tortured and [...]
New Book
After many months of indecision I have finally published my MA thesis on the emergence of the Virgin Mary as a figure of female asceticism in the third and fourth centuries. You can pick up a copy by clicking here. Primarily through the writings of Origen and Athanasius I trace the development of the image [...]
“Persecution”? – Oh, I don’t think so!
There has been a mini-media storm here in the UK cultivated by a number of Christian figures and organisations claiming that “we” [Christians] are persecuted in Britain. Um . . . er. . . . yeah. . . .not so much, no. When I consider that Chinese Christians are imprisoned, Indian Christians are murdered, and [...]
Christianity A History On Channel 4
Over the past few weeks Channel 4 has offered a series they call “Christianity A History” where different personalities from different perspectives explore a particular element of Christian history. The series began with Howard Jacobson’s look at “Jesus the Jew”. Michael Portillo’s installment examines the interplay between the church and the Roman empire. Robert Beckford [...]
Flash Of Inspiration
This is one of my quick “sketches” in preparation for something more patiently done, or as in this case, exploring a new technique or tool. Sometimes, words are . . . . not quite right – I’m all for images! Tweet
Real Protest Or . . . .
I’ve been thinking about this bus driver who, last week (I think it was) refused to drive one of London’s new “Athiest busses” because he’s an Evangelical Christian. The story has been reported now on both sides of the Great Pond, but here are two references (A and B) for you to look at and [...]
Theophany 2009
For God had to manifest himself in a new way – this is how one of the Fathers describes the incarnation. Theophany has come – the manifestation of the Trinity, and of Christ’s purpose in the World. God has come to us in a new way a physical way, one that demonstrates his inexorable solidarity [...]
Ikon Sketching
I’ve been doing some sketches for an ikon I’ve got it narrowed down to two – Ignatius of Antioch (one I’ve always wanted to do and never have), and a Theotokos. Who knows, I might do both. Tweet
Faith & Art In Context – What Context?
Yesterday the Times carried an article stating that Cardinal O’Connor “called for the National Gallery to surrender a Renaissance masterpiece [the baptism of Christ by Piero della Francesca] – because it is a “work of faith” rather than art.” He went on to comment that works such as this 15th century painting ought to be [...]
Movement Within The Movement: Common Cause At Christmas
There are various ways that we “commune” with people not physically present at liturgical celebrations – and by this I mean that we establish, or re-enforce our relationship with them – this is, afterall what sacramentalism is all about – connecting with another. Inspired by Jordan Stratford’s recent posting of the Advent Conspiracy vid on [...]
Looking Toward The Feast
It’s that time of year again – when our community here in London starts looking at which charity we’re going to highlight and make a contribution to for the feast of the Nativity. It’s been our custom for a number of years now to pick one or two and share their work with you – [...]
Bendy Buses & Pascal’s Wager
There was a rather fun article on the BBC late last week detailing a new campaign (starting in January) by the British Humanist Association encouraging people to reject religion. Posters (not sure if they are actually posters, but hey) will appear on the sides of the much loathed “bendy buses” around the city declaring in [...]
New Diggs! Normal Programming Resuming!
After a few weeks of testing the new system on my personal blog and site; and spending some time thinking about the best method of consolidation and presentation, I’ve finally begun the process of moving the blog, the web pages, and the Indie Voices Archive to its new home. I’m hoping that I’ve given consideration [...]
Happy New Year!
. . . Well almost. I’m a few day’s late I know, but the sentiment is there all the same. The liturgical new year began on Monday and, at the time, I did not have immediate access to the net. New year, new ideas, new experiences . . . renewal generally. Hey, I like it. [...]
Situs Evaporatii – update
Since the evaporation of my web sites I’ve been “challenged” to look at other options. The option provided by my ISP is unsuitable – however, I’m now looking at an option which would allow me to combine blog and web site and streamline reader’s visits. Thank you for your patience – while this process is [...]
Seeking Explanation
Over the past few months I’ve been mulling over the question: “Why believe”. Increasingly I like my partner’s answer to the question: because Christ’s teaching is compelling. That it is. But I am not entirely satisfied with this answer alone. So I’ve been very interested in the increasingly vocal debate – here in the UK [...]
London Area Visitors . . . .
Regular visitors from the London area might like to know that my local community/mission site has been updated (and usually is updated regularly). You can visit it by clicking here. Tweet
All Is Not Lost – Welcome 2008
No, I’ve not abandoned you! A belated Nativity post will appear soon; a timely Theophany post is also coming. Also my community is participating in this year’s Clergy Letter Project by producing a video exploring issues of science and religion (that won’t appear until the second week of February). So, “What did baby Jesus bring [...]
Playing With the Numbers, Getting the Message Out
Thursday I posted a video in which I mentioned that many of the people I’ve interviewed thus far for the Indie Voices Archive highlighted as one of our weakenesses that we are not very well known – and we don’t do a very good job of getting our message out. This is true afterall, but [...]