Ekklesia | Columns | The Jonathan Bartley Column

Are Christians facing discrimination?

Jonathan Bartley — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:42:43 +0100

Constant Christian claims of discrimination don't hold water, says Joanthan Bartley. They are used to excuse privilege, and evade the more demanding self-giving dynamic of the Gospel.

Why Christianity remains a novel idea

Jonathan Bartley — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:44:48 +0100

The Gospel has been much talked about but practically sidelined under Christendom, says Jonathan Bartley. Rediscovering the radicalism of Jesus' message is vital to the recovery of a proper public role for Christian faith.

Christianity needs a new public profile

Jonathan Bartley — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:53:52 +0000

The church is running out of justifications for the various anomalies it clings onto, and it is just a matter of time before they go completely, says Jonathan Bartley. We cannot proclaim the message of God's liberating future by clinging to the past.

Turning economics upside-down

Jonathan Bartley — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:47:52 +0000

What would happen if just a small proportion of the £1.25 trillion in consumer debt we all owe on was defaulted upon or suddenly called in? Jonathan Bartley looks at economic revolutions, and revolutionizing economics from the standpoint of the Gospel.

The real offensiveness of Christmas

Jonathan Bartley — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:14:09 +0000

Christmas is offensive, and always will be, says Jonathan Bartley. It legitimates the undermining of those in authority. But it is also about looking after not just those who are “deserving” of love, but those who appear disreputable and unworthy.

Why does government want to court the churches?

Jonathan Bartley — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:11:31 +0000

Among secular groups there is puzzlement and annoyance that government continues to 'pander' to weakened churches. This is because, says Jonathan Bartley, they have not grasped the mutual interests involved. These are as much a threat to the churches as an advantage.

Making sense of religion in America

Jonathan Bartley — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:49:53 +0100

Those hoping that when George W. Bush departs the Oval Office, religion will accompany him are likely to be disappointed, says Jonathan Bartley, if a book by the former Guardian religious affairs correspondent is right.

Looking for grace in place of mortgage

Jonathan Bartley — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 10:24:18 +0100

Recent stock market turmoils have disturbed the faith of financiers and scuppered the vulnerable, says Jonathan Bartley. Rather than accept that profit must always be the motivator, institutions can be built around alternative values.

We need more peaceful troublemakers

Jonathan Bartley — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 23:02:16 +0100

The sixtieth anniversary of India's independence reminds us, says Jonathan Bartley, that the nonviolent activism of Gandhi and the the peaceful and environmental 'awkward squads' point to a more hopeful form of politics and social change.

Why can't a church school keep faith with disabled children?

Jonathan Bartley — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 17:28:03 +0100

Britain's schools, including those run by faith groups, talk of inclusion. But Jonathan Bartley's wheelchair-bound son Samuel has found that the church and education authorities are reluctant to put their money where their mouth is.

Is 'Christian nation' rhetoric aiding the far right?

Jonathan Bartley — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 01:52:28 +0100

The uncomfortable fact is that the church's Christendom ('Christian country') assumptions put it into the position of arguing the same political point about national identity as the BNP. A different way forward is needed.

When the Saints go marching out

Jonathan Bartley — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 11:05:38 +0100

Jonathan Bartley reflects on the legend of St George, his subversive story, and how he has been co-opted by the powerful

Beyond a sweet and sticky Jesus

Jonathan Bartley — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 08:39:22 +0100

In the brutality of the crucifixion, the political and religious order that put Jesus to death was laid bare. But the church has sweetened and sanitised its saviour far more than chocolatiers can ever do, says Jonathan Bartley.

Remembrance is not enough

Jonathan Bartley — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 21:53:38 +0000

As the bicentenary of the end of the transatlantic slave trade approaches Jonathan Bartley says we are enslaved until Africa is free

How will they know we are Christians?

Jonathan Bartley — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 14:38:52 +0000

The announcement that there will be no opt-out for Catholic adoption agencies from the Sexual Orientation Regulations, has been interpreted as posing a threat to the involvement of churches in public life.