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Gadaffi and Goliath

Gadaffi and Goliath

When David slew Goliath with a sling we are told that all Israel rejoiced at his death. When I read such words I can’t quite understand, I can’t get excited about any human beings death. I think it is hard for those of us who have lived in stable democracies all our lives to imagine [...]

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Turning Swords into Ploughshears

Turning Swords into Ploughshears

This afternoon, I had the privilege of attending Jolyon Mitchell’s Inaugural Lecture, marking his appointment as Professor of Communications, Arts and Religion in New College Edinburgh. Jolyon has been given a well earned honour by Edinburgh University. He has worked tirelessly to bring academic credibility to his subject and has sought to inspire theologians and [...]

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Could  Brad Pitt’s ‘World War Z” be a parable?

Could Brad Pitt’s ‘World War Z” be a parable?

I believe the powers that be in Philadelphia are not too pleased, to say the least, that Brad Pitt’s potential blockbuster, “World War Z is being filmed here in Scotland. So why did he not use Philadelphia? Well from what I can read it would appear that the City of Philadelphia dithered when it came [...]

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A Field of Miracles

A Field of Miracles

I can never forget the picture that I saw on a Mega Church wall on one of my visits to the United States. It simply read ” You Build It : They Will Come.” Underneath was a picture of Noah waiting for the animals to arrive. It has stayed in my mind because I fear [...]

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Irish PM Blast Vatican…  but we Presbyterians shouldn’t be too smug!

Irish PM Blast Vatican… but we Presbyterians shouldn’t be too smug!

Taoiseach Enda Kenny who told the Dail yesterday that the culture of the Vatican was dominated by ‘dysfunction, disconnection, elitism, the narcissism’. Photo: Dara Mac Donaillaoiseach Enda Kenny (file). Photo: Dara Mac Donaill

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Murdoch Still Owns Good News For the World

Murdoch Still Owns Good News For the World

I watched BBC Newsnight once again dissecting the the fall out of the News International scandal. Its getting to the stage of being ridiculous, so much important news being missed or not reported in depth. Anyway at the end of one interview the question was asked what is happening to all of our Institutions in [...]

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Who says you can’t party forever?

Who says you can’t party forever?

We live in quite a unique little town. Now I know that many people think the same about where they live. And I think its only right that they should . Looking at the community in which you live and celebrating the good things about that community must surely add to what the social commentators [...]

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Beam into Bogle in the Morning

Beam into Bogle in the Morning

Can’t believe it’s that time again. Time for me to look out my favourite songs and get my play list ready. Yes make sure you tune into Bogle on Valley FM 87.7 this coming Monday morning at 9.00am -10.00am and keep doing it every morning including Thursday. The show is going to be great. I [...]

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Meet the Man From Bethlehem

Today Sheena Orr our trainee minister flies out, along with a number of other ministers and theologians to visit Israel. During this visit Sheena will have an opportunity to reflect on the current political and religious divides in the Holy Land and perhaps bring back a more informed point of view for all of us [...]

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Roll Away the Stone… but Whose Got It?

Roll Away the Stone… but Whose Got It?

It wasn’t quite T in the Park but the Roll Away The Stone event, was a brave attempt during what will be a very contentious Assembly Week to celebrate some of the outstanding things that the Church of Scotland and the church in Scotland do to serve the nation. One quick witted minister speaking of [...]

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