http://bethinking.org.uk/feed.xml Latest updates to bethinking.org.uk. Brought to you by UCCF: The Christian Unions. Bethinking.org brings together some of the best possible resources to help you to understand, defend and communicate the Christian faith. Copyright 2010 UCCF: The Christian Unions Christianity en-uk UCCF: The Christian Unions no Copyright 2010 UCCF: The Christian UnionsJesus,God,Gospel,UCCF, Christian,Union,Church,UCCF,Apologetics,Bible,uccf:thechristianunionsReligion & Spirituality/Christianitywebmaster@bethinking.orgUCCF: The Chrstian UnionsJesus,God,Gospel,UCCF, Christian,Union,Church,UCCF,Apologetics,Bible,uccf:thechristianunionsLatest updates to bethinking.org.uk. Brought to you by UCCF: The Christian Unions. Bethinking.org brings together some of the best possible resources to help you to understand, defend and communicate the Christian faith.Latest updates to bethinking.org.uk. Brought to you by UCCF: The Christian Unions. Bethinking.org brings together some of the best possible resources to help you to understand, defend and communicate the Christian faith.http://bethinking.org.uk/feed.xmlhttp://bethinking.org.uk/Images/feeds/Latest_Thumb.jpg John Dickson, of the Centre for Public Christianity, interviews Karin Sowada on the relationship between archaeology and the Bible. Karin has been a politician in Australia, is Assistant Curator of the Nicholson Museum at Sydney University and is a resear http://bethinking.org.uk/bible-jesus/introductory/archaeology-and-the-bible.htm John Dickson, of the Centre for Public Christianity, interviews Karin Sowada on the relationship between archaeology and the Bible. Karin has been a politician in Australia, is Assistant Curator of the Nicholson Museum at Sydney University and is a researcher in Egyptian archaeology with Macquarie University in Sydney. She has carried out excavation work in Jordan, Egypt and Israel and is a specialist in the foreign relations of Egypt and the N... Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:45:24 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-706 Briefing Sheet Session 1: Science and Knowledge of God This briefing sheet is a part of the Faraday Institute's Test of FAITH resources. Go to Test of Faith - an introduction Christians take God’s revelation in Jesus and the Bible as the basis for http://bethinking.org.uk/science-christianity/introductory/science-and-knowledge-of-god.htm Briefing Sheet Session 1: Science and Knowledge of God This briefing sheet is a part of the Faraday Institute's Test of FAITH resources. Go to Test of Faith - an introduction Christians take God’s revelation in Jesus and the Bible as the basis for their knowledge of God. For example, by reading about Jesus we can know that God is merciful and also that he hates evil. We can also see the glory of God displayed in what he has created. ... Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:28 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-698 Dr John Dickson concludes his series of three talks on the problem of pain. Go to Part 1 of the series. Go to Part 2 of the series. For more by Dr Dickson on this topic, get hold of his book If I were God, I'd end all the pain (Matthias Press, http://bethinking.org.uk/suffering/introductory/taking-your-suffering-to-god-part-3.htm Dr John Dickson concludes his series of three talks on the problem of pain. Go to Part 1 of the series. Go to Part 2 of the series. For more by Dr Dickson on this topic, get hold of his book If I were God, I'd end all the pain (Matthias Press, 2001).   © 2004 John Dickson This resource is reproduced by the kind permission of Dr John Dickson. Dr John Dickson concludes his series of three talks on the problem of pain. Go to Part 1 of the series. Go to Part 2 of the series. For more by Dr Dickson on this topic, get hold of his book If I were God, I'd end all the pain (Matthias Press, 2001).   © 2004 John Dickson This resource is reproduced by the kind permission of Dr John Dickson. John Dickson Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-709 Dr John Dickson continues his series of three talks on the problem of pain. Go to Part 1 of the series. Go to Part 3 of the series. For more by Dr Dickson on this topic, get hold of his book If I were God, I'd end all the pain (Matthias Press, 200 http://bethinking.org.uk/suffering/introductory/taking-your-suffering-to-god-part-2.htm Dr John Dickson continues his series of three talks on the problem of pain. Go to Part 1 of the series. Go to Part 3 of the series. For more by Dr Dickson on this topic, get hold of his book If I were God, I'd end all the pain (Matthias Press, 2001). © 2004 John Dickson This resource is reproduced by the kind permission of Dr John Dickson. Dr John Dickson continues his series of three talks on the problem of pain. Go to Part 1 of the series. Go to Part 3 of the series. For more by Dr Dickson on this topic, get hold of his book If I were God, I'd end all the pain (Matthias Press, 2001). © 2004 John Dickson This resource is reproduced by the kind permission of Dr John Dickson. John Dickson Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-708 Loving the bomb Author: James Musson Keywords: Fear, courage, significance, war, obsession, addiction Film title: The Hurt Locker Director: Kathryn Bigelow Screenplay: Mark Boal Starring: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty Distributor: http://bethinking.org.uk/culture-worldview/introductory/the-hurt-locker.htm Loving the bomb Author: James Musson Keywords: Fear, courage, significance, war, obsession, addiction Film title: The Hurt Locker Director: Kathryn Bigelow Screenplay: Mark Boal Starring: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty Distributor: Summit Entertainment (USA); Optimum Releasing (UK) Cinema Release Date: 26 June 2009 (USA); 28 August 2009 (UK) DVD Release date: 28 December 2009 (UK); 12 January 2010 (USA) Certificate: R (U... Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:00:08 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-705 God and suffering at the movies A SERIOUS MAN Directors: Joel & Ethan Coen Cert. 15 Running time: 105 minutes Writer/directors Joel and Ethan Coen’s latest cerebral masterpiece is a fable on the purpose of morality, and the reasons for serving http://bethinking.org.uk/suffering/introductory/a-serious-man.htm God and suffering at the movies A SERIOUS MAN Directors: Joel & Ethan Coen Cert. 15 Running time: 105 minutes Writer/directors Joel and Ethan Coen’s latest cerebral masterpiece is a fable on the purpose of morality, and the reasons for serving an apparently cold and distant God who seems to ignore our triumphs, yet punish our failures. Set in 1967, Larry Gopnik is a Jewish professor of physics in St. Louis Park, Minnesota (the filmmak... Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:00:45 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-701 A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Roots understanding the breaking-point [Back to Contents] Postmodern culture is a stran http://bethinking.org.uk/culture-worldview/intermediate/a-long-way-east-of-eden-7-roots.htm A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Roots understanding the breaking-point [Back to Contents] Postmodern culture is a stranger to profundity. We've seen the 'modern/postmodern' story: generation succeeds generation, pursuing (at least till recently) one 'god-replacement' after another; and none of it quite meets our... Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:59:59 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-652 No one home to call Author: Sophie Lister Keywords: Growing up, alienation, relationships, family, drug abuse, mental illness, sexuality, death Programme title: Skins Writer: Russell Bryan Elsie, Jamie Brittain, Jack Thorne, Ben Schiffer, Daniel Ka http://bethinking.org.uk/culture-worldview/introductory/skins.htm No one home to call Author: Sophie Lister Keywords: Growing up, alienation, relationships, family, drug abuse, mental illness, sexuality, death Programme title: Skins Writer: Russell Bryan Elsie, Jamie Brittain, Jack Thorne, Ben Schiffer, Daniel Kaluuya Devised by: Jamie Brittain, Bryan Elsie Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Mike Bailey, April Pearson, Hannah Murray, Joseph Dempsie, Larissa Wilson, Mitch Hewer, Dev Patel Broadcaster: E4, Chann... Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:46:55 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-704 Briefing Sheet Session 1: Mechanism and Meaning [1] This briefing sheet is a part of the Faraday Institute's Test of FAITH resources. Go to Test of Faith - an introduction We understand things by asking questions, and the answer we get usually depends http://bethinking.org.uk/science-christianity/introductory/mechanism-and-meaning.htm Briefing Sheet Session 1: Mechanism and Meaning [1] This briefing sheet is a part of the Faraday Institute's Test of FAITH resources. Go to Test of Faith - an introduction We understand things by asking questions, and the answer we get usually depends on the type of question we ask. The goal of science is to understand the way the world works by asking questions about the mechanisms behind the things we see happening. Sometimes people call t... Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:00:24 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-697 Now and Zen SPIRITUALITY WITHOUT GOD Buddhist Enlightenment and Christian Salvation By Harold A. Netland & Keith E. Yandell Paternoster. 230 pages. £14.99 ISBN 978-1-84227-642-6 This excellent text is written by two American evangelical schola http://bethinking.org.uk/other-religions/introductory/spirituality-without-god.htm Now and Zen SPIRITUALITY WITHOUT GOD Buddhist Enlightenment and Christian Salvation By Harold A. Netland & Keith E. Yandell Paternoster. 230 pages. £14.99 ISBN 978-1-84227-642-6 This excellent text is written by two American evangelical scholars who are expert in both philosophy and Buddhist thought. It is an exercise in inter-religious apologetics, that is, they not only point out the similarities and major differences between Chri... Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:00:38 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-700 Briefing Sheet Session 1: The Christian Roots of Science This briefing sheet is a part of the Faraday Institute's Test of FAITH resources. Go to Test of Faith - an introduction It sometimes feels as if science is about as far away from faith as you ca http://bethinking.org.uk/science-christianity/introductory/the-christian-roots-of-science.htm Briefing Sheet Session 1: The Christian Roots of Science This briefing sheet is a part of the Faraday Institute's Test of FAITH resources. Go to Test of Faith - an introduction It sometimes feels as if science is about as far away from faith as you can get, because it’s done without reference to God. When we look at history more closely, though, we realize that science is based on a series of basic ideas or assumptions that came largely from ... Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:00:34 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-696 “I’m being taken over”: Popular music and the fear of the impersonal “It takes a worried man to sing a worried song.” So croons popular singer Paolo Nutini in a song on his latest album Sunny Side Up (May 2009). In doing so he reveals the serious s http://bethinking.org.uk/who-am-i/introductory/im-being-taken-over.htm “I’m being taken over”: Popular music and the fear of the impersonal “It takes a worried man to sing a worried song.” So croons popular singer Paolo Nutini in a song on his latest album Sunny Side Up (May 2009). In doing so he reveals the serious side to the glossy pop culture of the twenty-first century. In the era of the iPod, Spotify and free music downloads, song lyrics are fast becoming one of the most important windows into the though... Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:59:59 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-689 What religion really means Have we got it all wrong? THE CASE FOR GOD What religion really means Karen Armstrong The Bodley Head. 376 pages. £20.00 ISBN 978-1-847792-034-8 Karen Armstrong was a Roman Catholic nun for seven years before she fou http://bethinking.org.uk/who-are-you-god/introductory/the-case-for-god.htm What religion really means Have we got it all wrong? THE CASE FOR GOD What religion really means Karen Armstrong The Bodley Head. 376 pages. £20.00 ISBN 978-1-847792-034-8 Karen Armstrong was a Roman Catholic nun for seven years before she found she could no longer believe Catholic doctrines. She left her order and is now a highly acclaimed writer and spokesperson on religious issues with at least 15 books to her name. She writes well,... Sat, 13 Feb 2010 06:00:43 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-702 Introduction to Test of FAITH The relationship between science and faith is often represented as a battleground. The claim is that science has pushed God into the margins. But is the truth more complex? Talking to leading scientist-believers, Test of FAI http://bethinking.org.uk/science-christianity/introductory/test-of-faith-an-introduction.htm Introduction to Test of FAITH The relationship between science and faith is often represented as a battleground. The claim is that science has pushed God into the margins. But is the truth more complex? Talking to leading scientist-believers, Test of FAITH probes the issues at the heart of this debate. Has science really murdered God? Or is the God question being redefined in new ways by science? Does the possibility of a Creator remain an inera... Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:59:59 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-690 Introduction Although there is overwhelming evidence that the New Testament is an accurate and trustworthy historical document, many people are still reluctant to believe what it says unless there is also some independent, non-biblical testimony t http://bethinking.org.uk/bible-jesus/intermediate/ancient-evidence-for-jesus-from-non-christian-sources.htm Introduction Although there is overwhelming evidence that the New Testament is an accurate and trustworthy historical document, many people are still reluctant to believe what it says unless there is also some independent, non-biblical testimony that corroborates its statements. In the introduction to one of his books, F.F. Bruce tells about a Christian correspondent who was told by an agnostic friend that "apart from obscure refe... Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:17:31 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-686 Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 4 of this series, Dr Guinness considers how to persuade those wh http://bethinking.org.uk/what-is-apologetics/advanced/the-essence-of-apologetics-part-4-persuading-the-hard-hearted.htm Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 4 of this series, Dr Guinness considers how to persuade those who appear 'hard-hearted', to awaken an awareness of their need for the Gospel through various creative means. Part 1: What is the essence of apologetics? Part 2: A Biblical basis for the esse... Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 4 of this series, Dr Guinness considers how to persuade those who appear 'hard-hearted', to awaken an awareness of their need for the Gospel through various creative means. Part 1: What is the essence of apologetics? Part 2: A Biblical basis for the esse... Os Guinness Sat, 06 Feb 2010 06:00:59 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-683 A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. One By One Our Gods Have Failed Us Can we do without God in the twenty-first century? [ http://bethinking.org.uk/culture-worldview/intermediate/a-long-way-east-of-eden-6-our-gods-have-failed-us.htm A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. One By One Our Gods Have Failed Us Can we do without God in the twenty-first century? [Back to Contents] At the end of the millennium, our western culture feels, as Thomas Hardy suggested, like a cemetery of dreams. And the dreams have died at a moment of global environmental cris... Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:59:59 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-651 Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 3 of this series, Dr Guinness considers how to communicate effec http://bethinking.org.uk/what-is-apologetics/advanced/the-essence-of-apologetics-part-3-how-to-communicate.htm Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 3 of this series, Dr Guinness considers how to communicate effectively in apologetics. Part 1: What is the essence of apologetics? Part 2: A Biblical basis for the essence of apologetics Part 3: How to communicate in apologetics Part 4: Persuading the ... Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 3 of this series, Dr Guinness considers how to communicate effectively in apologetics. Part 1: What is the essence of apologetics? Part 2: A Biblical basis for the essence of apologetics Part 3: How to communicate in apologetics Part 4: Persuading the ... Os Guinness Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:48:04 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-682 One of us Author: Sophie Lister Keywords: Empathy, incarnation, greed, environment, colonialism Film title: Avatar Director: James Cameron Screenplay: James Cameron Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoë Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez Dis http://bethinking.org.uk/culture-worldview/introductory/avatar.htm One of us Author: Sophie Lister Keywords: Empathy, incarnation, greed, environment, colonialism Film title: Avatar Director: James Cameron Screenplay: James Cameron Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoë Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox Cinema Release Date: 17 December 2009 (UK); 18 December 2009 (USA) Certificate: PG-13 (USA); 12A (UK) Contains moderate violence and intense battle scenes The s... Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:33:31 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-685 Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 2 of this series, Dr Guinness considers whether there is a Bibli http://bethinking.org.uk/what-is-apologetics/advanced/the-essence-of-apologetics-part-2-a-biblical-basis.htm Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 2 of this series, Dr Guinness considers whether there is a Biblical basis for apologetics, from both Old and New Testaments. Part 1: What is the essence of apologetics? Part 2: A Biblical basis for the essence of apologetics Part 3: How to communicate... Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 2 of this series, Dr Guinness considers whether there is a Biblical basis for apologetics, from both Old and New Testaments. Part 1: What is the essence of apologetics? Part 2: A Biblical basis for the essence of apologetics Part 3: How to communicate... Os Guinness Sat, 23 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-681 A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Love After God: 'Has it not become colder?' [Back to Contents] 'Maybe there's a God, http://bethinking.org.uk/culture-worldview/intermediate/a-long-way-east-of-eden-5-love-after-god.htm A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Love After God: 'Has it not become colder?' [Back to Contents] 'Maybe there's a God, maybe there isn't. It doesn't matter much.' But as we've seen, it does matter. And the long-term loss – and gain!– to us looms largest in the area of life that has become central to our culture... Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:37:58 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-650 Since Evil Exists, How can I Believe in a Loving God? Readings: Acts 14:8-22; Luke 13:1-5 The events of this past week leave us all numbed and confused as the appalling pictures from Haiti are beamed into our homes. This poor nation, humiliated by th http://bethinking.org.uk/suffering/intermediate/since-evil-exists-how-can-i-believe-in-a-loving-god.htm Since Evil Exists, How can I Believe in a Loving God? Readings: Acts 14:8-22; Luke 13:1-5 The events of this past week leave us all numbed and confused as the appalling pictures from Haiti are beamed into our homes. This poor nation, humiliated by the ludicrous pomposity of Papa Doc and ill-served by incompetent and corrupt administrations since, rates among the outstanding examples of failed states. Gang warfare ruled the streets, crime was... Since Evil Exists, How can I Believe in a Loving God? Readings: Acts 14:8-22; Luke 13:1-5 The events of this past week leave us all numbed and confused as the appalling pictures from Haiti are beamed into our homes. This poor nation, humiliated by the ludicrous pomposity of Papa Doc and ill-served by incompetent and corrupt administrations since, rates among the outstanding examples of failed states. Gang warfare ruled the streets, crime was... Peter May Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:26:39 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-684 Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 1, Dr Guinness considers reasons that some people are wary of apol http://bethinking.org.uk/what-is-apologetics/advanced/the-essence-of-apologetics-part-1-what-is-it.htm Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 1, Dr Guinness considers reasons that some people are wary of apologetics and highlights some of the limitations that can apply to apologetics. As we listen, it is worth considering to what extent these criticisms and limitations of apologetics apply to our own... Dr Os Guinness presents a four part introduction to the essence of apologetics. Although these talks were given some years ago, they contain a timeless explanation of apologetics. In Part 1, Dr Guinness considers reasons that some people are wary of apologetics and highlights some of the limitations that can apply to apologetics. As we listen, it is worth considering to what extent these criticisms and limitations of apologetics apply to our own... Os Guinness Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:00:07 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-680 Nativity redeemed Author: Holly Price Keywords: Christmas, nativity, Jesus, Christianity, belief, celebration, culture, schools, rivalry, ambition Film title: Nativity! Director: Debbie Isitt Screenplay: Debbie Isitt Starring: Martin Freeman http://bethinking.org.uk/culture-worldview/introductory/nativity.htm Nativity redeemed Author: Holly Price Keywords: Christmas, nativity, Jesus, Christianity, belief, celebration, culture, schools, rivalry, ambition Film title: Nativity! Director: Debbie Isitt Screenplay: Debbie Isitt Starring: Martin Freeman, Ashley Jensen, Jason Watkins, Marc Wootton Distributor: E1 Entertainment (UK) Cinema Release Date: 4 December 2009 (UK) Certificate: U (UK) Contains no material likely to offend or harm I... Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:00:27 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-678 A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Truth after God 'There are no facts' [Back to Contents]    'What about the http://bethinking.org.uk/truth-tolerance/intermediate/a-long-way-east-of-eden-4-truth-after-god.htm A Long Way East of Eden by Pete Lowman was first published in 2002. We are grateful to the author for his work in preparing it for publication on bethinking.org. Truth after God 'There are no facts' [Back to Contents]    'What about these conventions of language? Are they really the products of knowledge, of the sense of truth? Do the designations and the things coincide? Is language the adequate expression of all reali... Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +0000 56E-DA4-A64-4BF-649