Trident Debate
In your April edition Mr Stirling of Helensburgh compares possession of Trident to the necessity of a law-keeping policeman’s truncheon.
Does he not find it odd that of the earth’s 196 countries, only nine (to the best of our knowledge) find this weapon of mass annihilation necessary to guarantee security? And if, to correct an amazing deficit, those truncheons were globally on sale, most countries would define and prioritise ‘security’ in such terms as health, social services, education and the eradication of poverty.
Secondly, how does the past record of the nine justify such imperial powers?
The US, as self-appointed global policeman, eagerly supported by allies such as the UK and France, continues to throw its considerable weight around many parts of the world; and in particular is currently repeating unparalleled destruction throughout the Middle East and North Africa. International laws, so hopefully, put in place after World War Two, are casually ignored; and western civilisation is only at the start of experiencing the farreaching effects of the humanitarian and refugee crises resulting from those appalling military excesses.
President Eisenhower, in his farewell speech, warned that the greatest threat to our future lay in unwarranted influence of the military-industrial complex. What of his country 55 years later? It has been calculated that a successor, President Obama, in his last year in office, was responsible for dropping three bombs each hour of every day, all very lethal devices.
The fact that many of the consequent civilian deaths were caused by drones, directed from thousands of miles away, as if in some satanic computer game, makes the insanity even more nauseating.
Let’s leave the last word on police truncheons to Shakespeare. He didn’t rate them too highly in Measure for Measure when he said:
‘The marshal’s truncheon nor the judge’s robe Become them with one half so good a grace As Mercy does.’
Murdo M Grant, Rosemarkie, Ross-shire
Thanks to Dr Simpson
I hope you will pass on my sincere thanks to the Very Rev Dr James Simpson for all his words, his grace, his hope, and especially his joy, which he has shared with so many people over the last ten years.
When I would receive the magazine each month, I would search for his column first, as I knew it would challenge me, it would touch me, it would make me laugh, it would make me think. I don't know how many times, when I had finished reading his piece, I would think to myself “I wish I had written that.” He provided a treasure trove to this preacher of thoughts, ideas, stories, and insights to share with others. He will be greatly missed.
If his writings over the last ten years were to appear in book form, it would be a tremendous gift and resource.
I continue to give thanks for what Life and Work brings me each month. And to think it all came about (my subscribing) because I stopped in the parish church on Iona one dreary afternoon and begin reading a copy of it which was out for anyone to peruse. Thom M Shuman, Transitional Pastor, Galloway Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Ohio Associate Member, Iona Community
It is a matter of regret to me that I have read the last monthly article to be contributed to Life and Work by the Vey Reverend Dr James Simpson.
I have always enjoyed reading his contributions over the years, particularly for their basis on Christian precept, good sense, diversity, and understanding of the human condition.
I found it interesting that in his contribution to the April Life and Work he chose the subject ‘Bethlehem and Calvary ‘ and referred, among others, to Simon of Cyrene, who is mentioned in three Gospels and described as the father of Alexander and Rufus, yet remains a man of mystery. Why was he there on the ‘Via Dolorosa ‘? Why was he selected to carry the Cross? What did life have in store for him after the Crucifixion? Why is his presentation in many different art forms so diverse ?
It is probable that we will never know the answers to these questions. However, the position of Simon of Cyrene is secure in the history of Christianity as a helper of Jesus in his last hours. Ian W Thomson, Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire
May I express my gratitude to the Very Rev Dr James Simpson for his contribution to the magazine over the past ten years?
He has certainly earned the right to retirement, but will be greatly missed for his couthy commentary on a myriad of subjects. Dennis R Burt, Glasgow
What a wonderful article from James Simpson (Mystery of Life and God – March).
For many years, as young people, we were taught through calendars, cards etc the well known lines ‘nearer God’s heart in a garden’. It didn’t seem to make sense – was it intellectually honest? At long last we realise that the garden is Gethsemane. How many of us have pre-set ideas which we learned years ago? No wonder some of us are in exile from the church of our childhood.
Perhaps we need to be more informed and update ideas. But also, let us be open to more information, more ideas, more methods in keeping with the modern world. How many people in the church have been enthusiastic only to be told by those in charge: ‘We’re too busy’ or ‘That’s no use in this area. We need more helpers.’ Are these really the reasons? No one can deny that groups, concerts, clubs are beneficial, especially for elderly people during the day. But where are the under fifties? Maybe we need to spend less time on the federal system of the church and take more risks, be courageous and ‘believe that God is greater than the rules’. I sometimes think about Mary, the mother of Jesus (before his birth) who had courage and trusted God, in spite of what other folk might have thought. Look what followed!
Are we prepared to take risks to try to pass on the wisdom and riches of the Biblical stories to the next generations and so to advance God’s kingdom? Or are we trying to restart our church life of the past?
Just as when we were young, people are searching for meaning today – what would it take to make Christianity ‘not only attractive but absolutely irresistible and compelling again’. Dorothy Mackay, Aberdeen
End ‘Demon’Stigma
The article on the often hidden problem of mental illness in the March edition was welcome.
However, quite apart from the stigmatisation that people suffer in secular society, there is also a particular problem within the religious context.
Often in the Bible Jesus heals people, who are clearly suffering from some form of mental illness by casting out demons.
What can the church say to those struggling with mental illness who hear people just like themselves described as ‘demon possessed’?
The single most immediately useful thing that the church can do for mentally ill people is to affirm unequivocally that it no longer holds this view. Christabel JS Bannerman, Thurso, Caithness
Motherwell Notes
I loved Professor John Hume’s article about Dalziel St Andrew’s Parish Church. It certainly is a place of renewal and an example to us all.
I have great respect for John Hume and so was just a wee bit surprised that, in his opening remarks he failed to mention St Patrick’s or South Dalziel by name.
Remembering its roots and praising God for them, South Dalziel celebrated its birthday on St Patrick’s Day every year and was, for 217 years, a missionary base in Motherwell. Though no longer a place of worship, it lives on as South Dalziel Historic Building.
None of us believes in the sticks’n’stanes idiom that names never hurt. Getting them wrong can hurt a wee bit too. Phyllis Wilson, Minister of South Dalziel 1994-2006
Minister to the Rescue
The BBC spectacle of a luckless reporter trying vainly to suppress the intrusion of a determined toddler during a live interview reminded me, years ago, during a domestic mother and son game of hide-and-seek, our young son had a brilliant hiding place – a closed linen basket in a locked bathroom.
Consternation ensued. Salvation came with our resourceful minister who climbed through the window and released Ali Baba. Holy relief all round.
Jean E Bolton, Port Seton, East Lothian
Cartoon: Bill McArthu
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