All Opinion articles – Page 2
-
OpinionAre doctors over diagnosing mental health conditions and turning biblical, anthropological problems into illness in the process?
‘Commentators argue that, unlike physical disease, mental health diagnoses are typically not based on tests like blood work or scans. Rather, they stem from the standardized categorization of behaviours and other symptoms. The challenge, they suggest, is that once someone is “labelled” with a particular diagnosis, they may mistakenly believe they have an inherent biological flaw - which can ironically hinder their recovery,’ says Ann-Louise Graham.
-
OpinionIs bio-hacking on your checklist for a first date?
’The Bible teaches us that we are to honour God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and while seeking to improve our health is not inherently wrong, we must not elevate any practice above our relationship with God,’ says Jemimah Wright.
-
OpinionCaring for maternal health is more than simply a medical, or social issue, it’s also a Kingdom issue
‘This year’s World Health Day campaign also urges us to think beyond the delivery room. The importance of the mother’s wellbeing does not end after childbirth. Many women experience postpartum depression, anxiety, trauma and physical complications long after their babies are born,’ says Dr Sarah-Louise Hurst.
-
OpinionGREAT SEXPECTATIONS: How do I set boundaries with a toxic friend?
In our fortnightly column ‘Great Sexpectations’ we answer your questions on sex, relationships and intimacy. Drop us an email on womanalive@premier.org.uk and ask us anything. Here, Dr Kathrine McAleese answers a reader who wants to know how to deal with a difficult friend.
-
OpinionHave you heard of the ‘She-Bible’?
‘For veracity and integrity it’s important to know that there are far more original manuscripts for the Bible than for many approved works by contemporary Greco-Roman authors,’ says Jenny Sanders.
-
Opinion‘I have been praying the rosary in Rome for the Pope’s recovery and I will continue to pray for him as I play Mary Magdalene at The Passion of Jesus in Trafalgar square this Easter’
‘During my father’s health journey, I had been dedicating my rosary prayer to his healing. On a recent trip to Rome, my intention turned to praying for the Pope’s recovery, asking for Mother Mary’s intercession,’ says Stephanie Pena.
-
OpinionTo combat the spirit of division, God gave Philippa Hanna a song for unity
‘A spirit of division seemed to be striking its rod into every corner of society—even within church groups and denominations. As the guys from church and I sat together that day, we prayed for God to give us a song for his people—something that embodied the true heart of the Church,’ says Philippa Hanna.
-
OpinionAs audiences celebrate Lady Gaga’s musical resurgence, Christians should steer clear of its dark subject matter
‘Lady Gaga is a visually captivating human karaoke machine, but the offerings on Mayhem her seventh studio album, make one wonder if she’s designated “demonic” as her genre de rigueur,’ says Hope Bonarcher.
-
OpinionMy encouragement to fast this Lent
‘More than a mere discipline, fasting is an invitation to an embodied spirituality, a practice that acknowledges our faith is not just spiritual or intellectual, but deeply lived in our bodies,’ says Jamie Phear.
-
OpinionWhat we know of the faith of actress, Tamsin Greig
‘Tamsin’s ability to balance comedy with drama has made her a versatile talent, landing roles in a wide range of projects, including Episodes and Friday Night Dinner. Her performances often explore themes of human connection, vulnerability, and resilience—qualities that align with a personal faith,’ says Jemimah Wright.
-
OpinionHere’s how to celebrate Mother’s Day if you’re struggling with heartbreak from baby loss
Having lost two children at birth, Funke Oham wrote a book about her experience and now shares tips on how to navigate the pain.
-
OpinionSeeking restoration rather than division this Mother’s Day
‘Relationships are messy. In many ways, life might be so much easier if we didn’t have to interact with others. Yet God, in his wisdom, chose us to live in community. I don’t know about you, but I have become increasingly aware of a trend of cutting ‘toxic’ people out of our lives,’ says Danielle Finch.
-
OpinionAn open letter to my ex mother-in-law this Mother’s Day
Woman Alive editor, Tola-Doll Fisher, writes a tribute to her ex mother-in-law who always showed her love and compassion.
-
OpinionMarriage is not the only pathway to reduced loneliness
‘The American Family Survey suggests that while marriage plays a significant role in combating loneliness and achieving life satisfaction, it is not the sole factor. In fact, church attendance is another key means to tackling loneliness, and this applies to all Christian women, whether married or single,’ says Ann-Louise Graham.
-
OpinionHow God made me a mother - adopting a baby boy as a single Christian woman
‘Every child I had the privilege of pouring into fuelled my desire to be a mother even more. So at the age of 36 and still single, I trusted that God would make a way to see my desire fulfilled,’ says Sue Gray.
-
OpinionIf Jesus was a health researcher he would first close the gender health gap
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month and Michelle Tant says: ‘As a midwife I am very interested in female reproductive health but a condition which negatively impacts the lives of millions of women globally should interest us all.’
-
OpinionGREAT SEXPECTATIONS I am in the ‘Sandwich Generation’ and drowning
In our fortnightly column ‘Great Sexpectations’ we answer your questions on sex, relationships and intimacy. Drop us an email on womanalive@premier.org.uk and ask us anything. Here, Dr Sarah-Louise Hurst answers a woman who feels pulled in every direction.
-
OpinionWhat we can learn about faith from Charlie Sheen and Denise Richard’s daughter, Lola
‘Watching her speak about Jesus and what he has done for her is so refreshing. She is not apologetic, or embarrassed about naming Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. Instead she simply appears grateful for what he has done in her life,’ says Woman Alive deputy editor, Jemimah Wright.
-
OpinionThe Bible references old age, but has little on the role of grandparent
‘This is a role over which one has absolutely no control. Nobody invites you to become a grandparent! Reactions vary hugely, from delight, to dismay at becoming ‘old’ to everything in between,’ says Rosemary Hector, as she shares some of her experiences of becoming a grandparent.
-
OpinionRemember that your clergy partners need support during divorce
Broken Rites is an interdenominational group offering mutual support and information to divorced and separated spouses and partners of clergy and recognised ministers. Julie Robinson shares how the group helped her in her time of need.
