The Simon Barrow Column

Rather than moaning about religious output on the BBC and elsewhere, Christians would do better to look at how - and what - they are communicating themselves, says Simon Barrow. In a mixed belief era the church cannot expect privileged coverage, but it has unparalleled opportunities to engage in a vibrant media environment.

Modern political discourse often denies the centrality of wealth and poverty to the concerns it addresses, says Simon Barrow. It is in denial. But so are Christians when they fail to see the centrality of wealth and poverty to the biblical narrative and to the Gospel vision.

Will the government introduce a piece of legislation within the life of this parliament that requires a public referendum on the introduction of an Alternative Vote electoral system for Westminster after the next election? Simon Barrow explores the current political terrain.

Many people working in faith schools are working for community cohesion, but policies based on religious selection, discrimination and segregation work against them, says Simon Barrow. A different ethos and approach is needed.

The die seems cast for the next General Election, says Simon Barrow. But much can still shift if non-Conservative parties, voters and reformers swing into action.

Forms of religion and ideology which neatly categorize people as good or bad according to whether they were in ‘the right group’ or believe ‘the right things’ are dangerous, says Simon Barrow. They also contradict the basic trajectory of the Christian message.

Christians have moved from non-engagement to engagement in politics, says Simon Barrow, but often in domineering and selfish ways. To argue for church as alternative community is not to advocate either 'secularism' or 'religionism', but the recovery of authentic Christianity in a plural environment.