My son is not a compliant shopper. He starts screaming the minute we cross the threshold of the store, and sometimes refuses to stop until we leave again. Here’s the thing: it is the most appropriate response to the trauma that is Christmas shopping. He is only doing on the outside what I am doing... Continue Reading →
The Great Lie
One of the greatest lies of modern times is that happiness, like the Holy Grail, can be sought and – with the right formula, of course – found. Much of popular culture consists of some type of attempt to lure us into chasing the elusive rainbow of happiness, with promises of a pot of whatever... Continue Reading →
To Nathan on His Second Birthday
My Beloved Nathan I can’t believe it took me two years to write this, but in a way I am glad it did. When you discover a treasure of immeasurable worth, it gives time infinitely greater value. These past two years have left me enriched beyond my wildest imaginings. For as long as I can... Continue Reading →
A Lament for a Broken World
After the tragedy of September 11, 2001, Jeanette Winterson – my favourite writer, and one of the great thinkers of modern times – wrote an article for the New York Times (http://www.jeanettewinterson.com/journalism/twin-towers/) that profoundly shifted the way I thought about forgiveness and love. She admits she is not Christian, but even so, I think she... Continue Reading →
Big Poo
If you love experiences that spike your adrenaline levels, get a two-year-old child. It is, I think, a matter of time before some aspiring imperialist tyrant harnesses the destructive force that is the two-year-old boy. A reasonably small horde of toddlers could unleash havoc on a scale that quite belies their tiny frames. A couple... Continue Reading →
Unlearning Part 2
Whatever you believe about God, you are wrong. At least to some degree. It is unavoidable that you will see God as you are, not as He is. The key to understanding the phenomenon lies in accepting how extremely limited your perspective is. I am aware that Wikipedia is not considered an authoritative source, but... Continue Reading →
The Seeds of Freedom’s Tree: Why I Am a Patriot
I am proud to call myself a patriot. Not the where-do-I-sign-up-to-have-my-brains-blown-out-for-my-country type. It doesn’t take a genius to recognise the flaws in that interpretation of the term. Nor am I the my-country’s-sportsteams-are better-than-yours type of patriot, although I follow the progress of our national teams with great fervour. And despite the fact that if I... Continue Reading →
Unlearning – Part 1
You can lead a man to knowledge, but you cannot make him think. Every teacher eventually learns the truth of this. Those who can survive this revelation and still find a sense of purpose in what they do, often manage to stay in teaching. Many others drop out when they realise the futility of much... Continue Reading →
Guilty by Association
There are perhaps none so gullible as Christians. Any marketer will tell you that. You simply have to put the label “Christian” on a book or cd, and they will buy it. I am horrified by much of what is screened on TBN and similar television channels, or by much of what is sold in... Continue Reading →
Just my opinion
There is a disturbing trend developing in society. When confronted with a logically superior argument, one simply has to say: “Well, that’s my opinion.” The idea is that these simple words trump all other arguments. They entirely dismiss years of experience in the field, they disdainfully disregard relevant learning, they have the power to override... Continue Reading →
Vapors In The Wind 