Tag Archives: Jesus

Girard, Jesus and the defence of the scapegoat

In my last post I described the story about the second century healer Apollonius of Tyana, and how René Girard analysed it as a scapegoating process. Girard then proceeded to contrast it with a story about Jesus, which sticks in … Continue reading

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What did Jesus actually do?

This is a summary of what Jesus was up to between his baptism by John and his final journey into Jerusalem. It was my sermon for All Hallows Leeds last Sunday. It draws on the scholarship of the last 50 … Continue reading

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May you flourish in the new year

When I was half my present age, we would take our children to a local park. We’d carefully hold hands, looking both ways as we crossed the road. Then, as we got to the park entrance, we’d say something like … Continue reading

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The meanings in Christmas carols

Christmas carols. I love the tunes. But the more theology I read, the more unhappy I become with the words. There are exceptions, but most fit the medieval version of Christianity where the baby Jesus is a divine being along … Continue reading

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Who creates wealth? God?

When, around the year 200, Clement of Alexandria wrote Which Rich People Can Be Saved?, most Christians thought they couldn’t. When Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson publicised their trips into space, the assumption was the opposite: all that wealth was … Continue reading

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Jesus and worry

As I look back on my life I realise how many times I have worried unnecessarily. If only I had trusted God completely, I would have saved myself so much turmoil. I gather Nicky Gumbel said this. It’s the kind … Continue reading

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Gold, frankincense and myrrh but no nappies

The symbolism of the wise men’s gifts Continue reading

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Jesus insults his host

How Jesus undermined the inequality system of his day Continue reading

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Why did Jesus send out missionaries?

Comparing the Jesus movement with Cynics Continue reading

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Why did Jesus make that fateful journey to Jerusalem?

If Jesus did that then, what should we be doing now? Continue reading

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