All Opinion articles – Page 59
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OpinionRegifting shouldn’t be controversial, it should be celebrated
Got a present you aren’t going to use? Writer Lauren Windle explains why she thinks we should all be giving unwanted gifts a ‘second life’.
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OpinionChristmas is horrific for those held in modern slavery, but we help break them free and so can you
It’s estimated that more than 100,000 people are being held in modern slavery in the UK. Justice and Care’s Charlotte Trefusis, explains what Christmas is like for someone who is trapped.
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OpinionI didn’t return to work after having my baby and I have no regrets
Mum-of-three, Sarah Jones, always knew she wanted to stay home with her children and set up her family and finances so that she could. Now, six years in, she explains why, despite not being able to afford the insta-worthy house and regular manicures, she wouldn’t change a thing.
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Opinion‘Omicron anxiety’ is understandable, but in all this uncertainty there’s one thing that’s guaranteed
Boris may have promised us Christmas, but nothing feels certain at the moment. Concious that many of us are struggling with the idea of potential lockdowns, restrictions and the risk of illness, author Kate Patterson reminds us that, while the world is uncertain, God’s love isn’t.
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Opinion'Golden couple' Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin are splitting - but what about the unhelpful pedestal we put them on?
Many people were rocked by the news that celibacy advocates and Christian celebrity couple Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin are separating. But Tola Doll Fisher asks why it’s so much more appealing for us to follow a highly visible, beautiful, golden couple than the Bible.
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OpinionAs Billie Eilish speaks out about the dangers of porn, the church needs to realise lust isn’t just a ‘male problem’
Billie Eilish offers an important reminder that it’s not just men who are affected by porn, it’s women too. Lauren Windle explores what the church can do about it.
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OpinionShould Christians be boycotting Amazon this Christmas?
With constant controversy surrounding Amazon, including the death of six of their warehouse employees last week, Christians are asking whether they should keep shopping with the e-commerce giant. Writer Lauren Windle weighs up the pros and cons.
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OpinionWhy the proposed conversion therapy ban is potentially dangerous for the work of churches
The government’s proposals for a broad ‘conversion therapy’ ban could result in criminalising the ordinary work of churches. Dr Sharon James explains that the new law could include some prayer, preaching and pastoral care.
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OpinionWhy do churches need to be eco-friendly anyway?
As we put up Christmas trees, write our cards and buy gifts, there is a growing call that we need to do this in a more ethical and sustainable way. While we may accept changes that we can make in our own lives and shopping habits, Helen Stephens, Head of Eco Church, asks does it really need to extend to our churches?
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OpinionMany female clergy donned the popular BELIEVE jumper from Marks and Spencer this Christmas, Revd Lucy Brierley explains why
‘If you take “Christ” out of “Christmas” you’re left with just “M&S”!’ jokes Revd Lucy Brierley, as she explains why a bright Marks’ jumper became the unofficial clergy uniform this festive season.
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OpinionAs deaf dancer Rose Ayling-Ellis wins Strictly, we explore why hearing people need to help deaf people to be heard
The Strictly Come Dancing final 2021 was an historic moment in television, and it was especially significant for the deaf community. Deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice defied all expectations by winning the trophy on the night, and they deserved every inch of the glitterball!
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OpinionA Big problem: Allegations about Sex and the City’s Chris Noth do so much more than taint the show’s revamp
Following the release of And Just Like That, two women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault against actor Chris Noth, aka Mr Big. Writer Lauren Windle discusses what this means for the alleged victims and the show
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OpinionAll the best Christmas TV to look forward to over the winter holiday
Everyone knows the TV bosses up their game over the festive period in a bid to get our attention, here’s Lauren Windle’s round up of the best telly on offer this Christmas.
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OpinionChristmas as a single person is hard… but you’re not on your own
Dreading facing your family festivities without a partner again this year? Don’t worry, we know how you feel.
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OpinionThe shepherds would have been dismissed as unreliable witnesses
Uncouth, unclean and tattily dressed, the shepards would have been the last people you’d want to vouch for you, and yet Jesus revealed himself to them first. Rosemary Hector reflects on the radical nature of the way Jesus came to earth.
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OpinionJesus doesn’t owe you happiness this Christmas… but he did come to be with you in the dark times
As Christians we can sometimes be tricked into believing that Jesus came to make us happy. Writer Rachael Newham explains how the prosperity gospel has crept into our thinking, when really Jesus’ promise is far greater.
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OpinionI watched Sex And The City before I was a Christian… the first time
The Sex And The City reboot And Just Like That sees the writers ‘up the ante’ to keep present day viewers on their toes, pushing the already sexually expressive characters to their limits. Writer Lauren Windle asks, if we need to ramp up the old classic, or if it was already shocking enough.
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OpinionI don’t think your church should serve mulled wine at the carol service…and I promise I’m not just being the fun police
Determined to jazz up your church event with a tipple or two? Lauren Windle would urge you not to. Here’s why…
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OpinionFour ways to test whether you’ve heard God
Are you hearing from God or the enemy? Or are you simply listening to your own heart’s desires? Amy Boucher Pye shares her top tips for discerning the still, small voice of God.
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OpinionLet your favourite carol speak to your heart this Christmas, invites The Salvation Army
Rebecca Goldsmith from the Salvation Army asks us to pause this Advent, and consider afresh the meaning of the well-loved carols we all sing during this season.
