Category: Topical Talks

Anything relating to topical things, whether it’s religion, politics or something else that’s likely to divide opinion.

Ordinary Theology – Taking It Seriously

Theology; a word that confuses most. Even within academic circles, people aren't really sure what theology is all about. Truth be told, there are a number of different ways to approach answering the question: "what is theology?" For most, it would suffice to say that it is an academic subject which focuses on the religious belief and ideas found within major religion, namely in this case, Christianity. But there's a problem with this. Whilst it is entirely accurate to say that theology is an academic Continue reading [...]

Nick Clegg – Setting the Record Straight

As the United Kingdom comes to terms with the reality of the 300 year old Union remaining intact, the possibilities for all countries within the British Isles provide political commentators, analysts and those with a casual interest with an exciting prospect. David Cameron, on Friday morning, made a promise that may seem quite surreal. English votes for English laws, once and for all answering the West Lothian Question. The idea of not only Scots, but Irish, Welsh and English people voting for legislation Continue reading [...]

The Importance of Liberal Theology: A Response to Theo Hobson

It's been a hellishly long time since I've written anything to the blog, and the second podcast episode is way overdue; I apologise for this. The summer holidays have actually been fairly busy for me this year! With moving house, being in Ibiza for a week and spending most of my time in Scarborough with my girlfriend, I haven't quite found the right moment to record episode two of The Word Podcast. Whilst on holiday in the beautiful town of Cala Llonga in Ibiza, I continued reading a recent publication Continue reading [...]

Science & Religion: Bridging the Gap

Following yesterday's article regarding the importance of religious studies in schools, I felt it important to address one of the potential issues regarding society's growing attitude towards religion as a whole. It may be seen that the growth and expansion of scientific knowledge has led to religion being placed on the back burner when it comes to knowing about the world. The essay below attempts to counter this assumption by discussing the links between the theory of natural selection, and Continue reading [...]

In Defence of Religious Studies

The importance of religious studies as an academic discipline is something for which I have argued many times in the past, however it is a culmination of events and conversations this week that have compelled me to explain and cement the absolute necessity of religious studies to have a place in our schools' classrooms. There have been numerous news reports over the last couple of years commenting on the steady decline of religious studies across British schools. Attending an interview this week Continue reading [...]