Theology was known as the ‘Queen of the Sciences’. The Roman Catholic Church transformed the cathedral and monastic schools into universities, starting with Bologna, Italy in 1088. It sought the highest form of learning, to provide an intellectual and spiritual foundation for all other knowledge.  Secular humanism now declares humans can figure out life for […]

On this Sunday we are in the middle of our summer holidays.  It’s good to know that we still use such a deeply religious word ‘holy days’ to describe this period of fun and relaxation! The idea of a holy rest goes very deep in the Bible.  In fact it goes back to the time […]

There’s a gospel story that I’d miss if it wasn’t there. I’m thinking of Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane. The story shows Jesus flinching at the prospect of the cross, while the disciples slept. My prayer is often like Jesus’ prayer; a struggle between my will and God’s. “Father”, Jesus prays, “if it is possible, let […]

Just beyond the east end of Buckfast Abbey—Devon’s active Benedictine monastery—lies the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Completed in 1966, this modern space is anchored by a striking stained glass window that towers over the sanctuary (an image of this is inside this window). The window was designed by Dom Charles Norris, a resident monk who became […]

A child’s world creates thoughts and wishes expressing beliefs, desires, questions and doubts.  Wise, naïve, reverent or not, they are addressed to God with hope and trust: Dear God, These touching extracts raise serious questions for adults in developing a mature faith. Do we still hold on to child-like beliefs? Have our personal Christian beliefs […]