Scattering the proud in the imagination of their hearts; putting down the mighty from their seat; exalting the humble and meek; filling the hungry with good things — an Advent address written to outline the task before a progressive, liberal-religious, free-thinking community following Thursday’s General Election (2019)
READINGS The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) in David Bentley Hart’s translation (2017) And Mary said, ‘My soul proclaims the Lord’s greatness, and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour, because he […]
Advent and Christmas for Free Spirits – The bloom and magic of things that are nearest
READINGS: Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, […]
A few thoughts about the role an ontology of motion and a performative new-materialism plays in my work as minister at the Cambridge Unitarian Church
The park opposite the Cambridge Unitarian Church this morning In recent days I’ve had the opportunity to talk at length with a member of the Unitarian congregation here in Cambridge […]
If anything will level with you water will—a meditation on flows, folds and fields, the material conditions of nature as she appears
Mary C. Durst, Bathing at Hunstanton Cliffs, Norfolk, 1888 READINGS Isaiah 26.4 Trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock. […]
The great mutual blindness darkened that sunlight in the park—A Remembrance Sunday memorial address and prayer for all those killed in war, including those who were, or still are, our enemies
Blue skies and sun in the park opposite the church this week To see a pdf copy of the order of service please click on this link. OPENING READING Matthew […]
Jesus’ proclamation about the need to show love, not indulgence—Dad’s Army, Knud Ejler Løgstrup and the ethical demand
The main cast of characters in Dad’s Army INTRODUCTION A couple of weeks ago I had occasion to answer a question in the conversation after the address by using a […]
In this cockeyed world there are shapes and designs, if only we have some curiosity, training, and compassion and take care not to lie or to be sentimental—Some reflections following the discovery of the 39 men and women found dead inside a refrigerated lorry on an industrial estate in Essex.
The Mann Gulch fire, 1949 Luke 12:54-57 Jesus said to the crowds: ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, “It is going to rain”; and […]
What porcupines can tell us about loving our neighbour who is also our enemy
An Old World Procupine (Photo: Andrew Butko) INTRODUCTION After last week’s address I had a very interesting and helpful conversation with C about what might any actual attempt to follow […]
The subjunctive of potentiality—a meditation on some words by Robert Musil pushing against the rhetoric and reality of nationalism
READINGS Matthew 5:43-45 NRSV [Jesus said:] You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies […]
Short-circuiting the parable of the mustard seed—a harvest meditation giving thanks for all the children involved in the School Strike for Climate movement
Jan Luyken from the Bowyer Bible. Photo: Harry Kossuth INTRODUCTION Today is our Harvest Festival, a time when, as the author of Exodus in Tyndale’s memorable English we give thanks […]