Opinion pieces do not reflect the views of Understanding Theology itself. They are included to provide readers with an understanding of the different debates and disagreements that are a part of Theology.
By Frederik Seidelin Twelve years ago, in September 2005, the Danish conservative newspaper Jyllands-Posten published ‘Muhammad’s face’, an article whose alleged purpose was to discuss the issue of Danish media’s self-censorship with respect to Islam. The article was illustrated by 12 cartoons commissioned by the editor to portray Islam. A few of the cartoons seemed to […]
by Samuel Mellish St. Sepulchre-without-Newgate of Holborn, the supposed ‘National Musicians’ Church’ has closed its doors to “non-religious hiring”, undermining a strong history of hosting and nurturing musical talent. Despite previously welcoming groups such as the London Youth Choir, and housing the ashes of the founder of the Proms, Sir Henry Wood, the Reverend David […]
By Samuel Mellish A damning report entitled The State of the Nation has been released by the Religious Education Council of England and Wales. Its most prominent findings include figures suggesting that 800,000 secondary students, making up just over a quarter of secondary state school attendants, were not provided with RE (Religious Education) classes, with […]
The following article brings together two people to talk about a certain issue. They speak for themselves and their short pieces exploring the issue are put next to each other. The aim is to encourage you, the reader, to engage and evaluate their arguments; and maybe even respond with your own piece. The issue on […]
by Frederik Seidelin In some situations—certainly in the English-speaking world—people who are not normally particularly religious suddenly become very devout, or at least express themselves in a devout manner. If someone posts on social media about serious illness of their own or in their family, a string of responses from friends invariably appears saying that […]
by Samuel Mellish Last week, over 150 evangelical Christians signed and endorsed a document known as the Nashville Statement. Its name taken from the city in which it was finalised, apparently continuing the ‘Christian’ tradition of doctrinal statements and councils relating to the places of their conception. The document consists of 14 articles, each containing […]
by Theo Poward Theology’s place in the academy is often questioned. This is largely because of its perceived irrelevance. The reason for this is linked to both the decline of organised religion in the west coupled and a greater appreciation of the plurality of different religious traditions. Theology is ‘The study of God,’ what does […]
By Frederik Seidelin This year, we are celebrating the fifth centenary of Martin Luther’s fateful writings in Wittenberg which started a movement that swept across the Christian world—particularly Northern Europe—and changed Christianity permanently and profoundly. To this day, the established Lutheran church in Denmark (‘Folkekirken’, which is Danish for ‘the People’s Church’) is deeply entrenched […]
