The political scene appears to have its own set of rules. One of them seems to be: ‘never admit that your political opponent is right and you’re wrong’; another one: ‘never own up to your misdeeds unless you’re totally exposed’; and yet another one: ‘when you’ve run out of arguments, stick a label on your political opponents or call them…
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Last week the moderator of the Church of Scotland challenged the Kirk to find 100,000 new members by 2025. His wish has been deemed ambitious; by some, even over-ambitious. One of several ways suggested to achieve this outcome is by redefining the membership; another one is by reaching out through the internet. His proposals have been scorned by the moderator…
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Released last Monday, the new-old Band Aid Christmas single, recorded by famous musicians in order to raise money to fight the Ebola crisis, turned out to be a bit controversial. The first million pounds was earned within five minutes, which was really impressive. On the other hand there were suggestions or even thinly veiled accusations that wealthy white musicians (including…
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Among my many flaws and vices is a particular one that I can do nothing about: I tend to look down on people. Literally. With my 6 foot 4 inches I tower above many. It gives an awful sense of inequality. On the other hand, I feel a bit envious of those having much more hair on their heads than…
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Most of the time when you come to this church, you go and occupy the same place. Some of us – like the organist or myself – do that for obvious reasons. The rest of us? When I was a teenager, I tended to take up a place behind the pillars in order to remain somehow invisible to the officiating…