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On the Shoulders of Giants

Donald M Mackay 1922-1987

Donald Mackay was born in Lybster, attending Wick High School for his secondary education followed by St Andrews University and King’s College London where he gained his PhD. During that time he was involved in radar research, so vital for the allied cause in WWII. Later…

by Alan J F Fraser

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Interpretation of the Creation Narratives

There are a number of different views of the creation stories held by individuals, churches and denominations, some of which are held strongly which can cause disagreement if not division. Nevertheless, when the different views are considered together in a spirit of humility it becomes obvious there is considerable overlap as well as space for different opinions to be held together in Christian fellowship. It is anticipated that this summary may be useful to individuals and churches who are seeking harmony and reconciliation rather than entrenched positions. It should help to show that certain issues need not be as divisive as imagined. Unity in big picture truths rather than dogmatism in regard to more incidental aspects will assist the healing process if such be required.

by Professor John Spence

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Augustine, Creation and COP26

The recent UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, in November 2021, has served to focus international attention on major environmental

concerns of our time. Under the rubric of ‘Together for Our Planet’, the ambitious, though worthy, goals of COP26 were stated as being:

1) to secure global net-zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach;

2) to adapt to protect communities and natural habitats;

3) to mobilise finance;

4) to work together to deliver.

‘To work together to deliver’ in this important field is no mean challenge, and will require the use of every available resource. In a spirit of openness and friendly solidarity, reflections from the perspectives of diverse world views should be welcomed to the conversation. In this connection, there remains a need for the further development, at both theoretical and practical levels, of a Christian environmental ethic. Since the 1970s, many Christian theologians have become more attentive to environmental issues. Much work remains to be done.

by Very Rev Dr Angus Morrison

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Walking in the way of holiness

I was listening to a programme on the BBC World Service the other day about how modern life is changing our feet. Among other things, they pointed out that, through much of human history, most of us walked with bare feet on rough, uneven ground.

by Dr Murdo Macdonald

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A Time to Weep

I was interested to note recent reports that scientists have managed to grow human tear ducts in the lab- and not only that, but have induced them to cry! (I’m sure it’s the first time that science has caused tears- nor will it be the last)

by Dr Murdo Macdonald

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Dare mighty things

Many of you, like me, would have been transfixed a couple of weeks ago, as the latest Mars rover made its terrifying descent to the surface of the red planet — and the amazing technology which meant that we were able to watch it all live streamed on the NASA website…

by Dr Murdo Macdonald

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The Challenge of 2021

It is the beginning of 2021 a number that sounds futuristic! Well it does to me, as someone who can remember the news flash on the TV of President Kennedy being assassinated in 1963! Before writing this I re-read my blog post from the beginning of last year entitled “The Drama of 2020.” Little did I realise that a Global Pandemic was only two months away…

by Rev Dr Russel Moffat

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A Terrible Beauty is Born

Is it just me or has Andrew Marr become the king of the prophets of doom? Witness the scene. Easter Sunday morning, 9am. With his accustomed confidence in asserting the issue of the day, emphasised by that downward thrust of the right hand, Marr lays into the words “the grim, grim situation that we face.” They resound like gun fire. ‘Grim ‘ is bad enough without the double dose. Not a flicker of hope or optimism in the despair-filled cloud of Marr’s determination to make us feel as bad as possible.

What it is to be without hope!

by Iain Morris

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Faith: Radar in the Fog

I confess to being a bit of a rationalist. I love apologetic arguments for the Christian faith. I’m attracted to philosophical debate although I’m not that sophisticated in engaging in it myself and, lastly, I have had a lifelong interest in the interface of science and religion. Yet I live in a culture which seems to have rejected its Christian roots and foundation…

by Rev Dr Russel Moffat

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The Drama of 2020

Well we are into a New Year and its designation sounds like something from a science-fiction movie. Of course 2020 vision is being able to see with clarity and precision (although I need to go to Specsavers soon!) so the question is will human beings manage that this coming year, given the challenges we face globally, nationally and even personally?

by Rev Dr Russel Moffat

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Darwin and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

Deism is alive and well. It exists in the Church, amongst members of the public, and is still to be found in intellectual circles. I have lost count of the number of conversations I have had with people, some of whom are religious and some who are not, where the idea of God that they ascribed to was very definitely the God of Deism.

by Rev Dr Russel Moffat

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The Believing Brain

Linked here is a review of Shermer’s popular book “The Believing Brain” by Eugene A Curry. It is excellent: everything one would hope for in a critical review. It is fair, balanced, informative and penetrating in its analysis.

by Rev Dr Russel Moffat

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