Disabled Jesus, part 1a A Wounded Saviour: Disability theologian Nancy Eiesland coined the term "the Disabled God" upon realising that the resurrected Jesus, who still bore the wounds of the crucifixion in his hands and side, represents a God who understands and lives within the experience of impairment. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger …
Continue reading Jesus’ Scars: A Symbol of Empathy and Strength
Lent 2026 - Disabled Jesus Lent is a season for reflection. During Lent this year, I will celebrate, if that is the right word, the 20th anniversary of my being disabled. I'll be looking at the Passion of the Christ from the perspective of Trauma theology. This is how it will go - Nine posts …
Continue reading Exploring Disability in the Passion of Christ
A love song Songs in the New Testament, part 2 - 1 Corinthians 13 I am writing this two days before St. Valentine's Day 2026. If you think a song of love is out of place in the Bible, think again. The Bible is a collection of holy writings that includes an erotic love song …
Continue reading The Power of Love: Lessons from 1 Corinthians
Witnesses to Jesus - The Father Who is Jesus? part 59 - John 5:31-47 The story of John chapter 5. Jesus healed a disabled man on the Sabbath. To make it worse, he went into a superstitious place with Pagan overtones to do it. The authorities tried to arrest the man for carrying his bed, …
Continue reading The Father as Witness: Insights from John 5
Witnesses to Jesus - John the Baptist and Moses Who is Jesus? part 58 - John 5:31-47 Courtroom dramas are one of the genres that Hollywood thrives on. Here are a few quotes: "I mean there is no justice. The rich win; the poor are powerless." The Verdict."You can’t handle the truth." A few good …
Continue reading The Role of John the Baptist in Jesus’ Defence
Autism in a TV drama I reviewed the first series of Patience last year. This year she is back, I watched the final episode last night, with eight episodes in the second series, rather than the six of series one. Most of the regulars are back, too; the most obvious is one of the main …
There will be no more Sabbaths Who is Jesus? part 57 - John 5:19-30 If you have read the previous three posts on John's Gospel, you will notice something missing in Jesus' response to the Judeans. Their main concern is not what Jesus addresses. It’s not a typical "elephant in the room" situation; instead, Jesus …
Continue reading Understanding Jesus’ Role in Judgment and Life
The Apprentice Who is Jesus? part 56 - John 5:19-30 I have never been an apprentice. My father, however, has a story he tells about an apprenticeship he went on. After returning home tired, his mother asked what he was doing to be so tired. It turns out he was doing. The next day, she …
Continue reading The Role of Apprenticeship in Jesus’ Teachings
The song that says it all Songs in the New Testament, part 1 Over the last 6 years, I have explored the songs in the Old Testament, beginning with the Psalms and Lamentations, continuing with the 10 songs used by Jews on special occasions, and ending with a candid look at the Song of Songs. …
Continue reading Understanding Paul’s Hymns: A Study on Humility
What is meant by the Sabbath? Who is Jesus? part 55 - John 5:1-18 Noah's Ark is a toy now most often seen in museums. The popularity of this toy is that, because it was based on the Bible, it was the only toy a child would be allowed to play with on a Sunday. …
Continue reading Exploring John 5: Jesus, the Sabbath, and Healing
Making an ass of myself 