Would you Adam & Eve it?

C Magazine is marking the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth by looking at the relationship between science and Christianity and how his theories have shaped and challenged it, particularly in relation to our education system.

The evidence for evolution by natural selection is overwhelming, only enhanced by recent advances in genetics. But new research commissioned by Christian Think Tank, Theos, reveals that anti-evolutionary views enjoy significant support in the UK. Only 25% of British adults think that evolution is ‘definitely true’, with another quarter thinking it is ‘probably true’. The Director of Theos, Paul Woolley, said: ‘Unfortunately Darwin is being used by certain atheists today to promote their cause with the result that given the false choice of evolution or God, people are rejecting evolution.’(source Church Times). However, at  the Natural History Museum’s celebratory exhibition last year the theme of a seminar was Science and Faith and the response of the young audience was that science had destroyed faith...so, what is the contradiction between faith in God and the evolutionary development of the cosmos?

Missing Men?

Onward Christian Soldiers, Guide me O thou great Redeemer and Amazing Grace are some of the ‘proper macho hymns’  men want to sing in church, according to a survey by ‘Sorted’ magazine. The survey also revealed that men don’t like hugging, holding hands or sitting in circles discussing their feelings in church. Managing editor and publisher, Steve Legg, said:  “Jesus recruited a bunch of ordinary blokes before he started his ministry. They spent three years together doing stuff. He sat down and ate with them and built relationships.” Steve is ‘fed up with sentimental lovey-dovey songs’ and churches ‘decorated like Laura Ashley showrooms.’

These concerns are echoed by Diocesan Sport Ambassador, Tim Friend, who is particularly concerned about men who currently go to church but are in danger of giving up because they aren’t engaged – and those who want to check out the Christian message following a Saturday night sports event where they hear the Gospel in a relevant and engaging way, but then go to a church and can’t relate to it...

Booming in Baghdad: Interview with Canon Andrew White

Bullet-proof vest? Check. Helmet? Check. Special forces and bodyguard escort? Check. Armour-plated car? Check. When was the last time you needed any of these to get to church? If your name isn’t Canon Andrew White, better known as the Vicar of Bagdhad, then it’s unlikely you will have experienced these extreme security measures. He is unique amongst men in that he serves in the middle of a war zone in the most dangerous, but thriving, parish in the world.

He came onto my professional radar in March, when I was passed a copy of a letter he sent to Bishop George, thanking him for choosing St George’s as beneficiary for his 2009 Lent Appeal. It was just one line: ‘All five of the people I baptised this year have been killed and things continue to be very difficult for Christians in Iraq,’ followed by another stunner: ‘Yet I still say it is the best parish I have ever had,’ and I was captured. My first thought was that our churches have no idea what persecution is; my second was: I want to meet this man, writes Jane Wyles.

Next stop Somerset!

After 10 years in post as Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, Bishop George will leave the diocese in very good shape for the future. With his focus on mission and encouraging the church to be ‘out there’ in the public square, he has seen through some significant changes since he arrived in September 1999, on the eve of a new millennium, writes Rachel Farmer.

From his first arrival in the diocese, by train (see photo), and initial introductions he announced he would be ‘looking, listening and learning’ and when asked about ‘risk taking’ he said he was always prepared to take risks in mission. His first year was spent in an energetic trek around the diocese, when he visited each of the then 15 deaneries for a day, spending time in the community and insisting he wanted to see ordinary people in their workplaces. The visits ranged from factory floor tours, schools and hospitals to farmer’s fields and even a picnic on the back of a trailer!

Now, I suggested, it was time for him to be ‘reflecting, reading and resting’, but there wasn’t much sign of the latter as I caught up with him for a few questions in his office the other week!

Read these stories and much more - get a copy of C Magazine from your local church or contact Nicola Marsh 01636 817219, email nicola@southwell.anglican.org