The state as parent

Sometimes I have pointed out on this blog that the only logical basis behind some state actions in modern times is the idea that the state is the real parent, and that biological parents are only temporarily being granted that role by kind permission. They can't be explained any other way. The state officers pushing those laws and interventions seem to believe this.

I am well aware that many Christians think that this is scare-mongering or far-fetched.

It's worth pointing out, then, that the Scottish government has, in fact, taken the next logical step - proposing that this understanding (or we should say, monstrous, totalitarian power grab) be codified in law. This view, far from being far-fetched, will be the law of the land in Scotland if they get their way.

Here's an update on their plans - a legal view expressed that this conflicts with the UN charter of human rights. Let's hope that this legal opinion gains currency: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/top-lawyer-snps-state-guardian-for-children-unlawful/

"Your life is over when you have children"

http://themattwalshblog.com/2014/01/10/your-life-is-over-when-you-have-kids

Should Christians Embrace Evolution? Now available as an ebook in the UK

IVP's book "Should Christians Embrace Evolution?" - which in 2011 was one of World Magazine's two books of the year ( http://www.worldmag.com/2011/06/books_of_the_year) is now available as an ebook.

Here's the Kindle link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Should-Christians-Embrace-Evolution-Scientific-ebook/dp/B009VJC4NC

Or direct from the publisher (multi-format): http://www.thinkivp.com/9781844749003

Here's Tim Challies' review: http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/should-christians-embrace-evolution.

Of course I am biased, but I believe this is still the "go-to" book for a solid and yet readable multi-author scientific and theological response to the question posed in the title.

Free ESV Audio Bible

In case you didn't already know, and in case you have enough bandwidth to download it (it comes in 8 downloads, the smallest of which is 80 megabytes, so may be tricky in the third world), ChristianAudio.com are giving away the ESV Bible in audio format this month: http://christianaudio.com/free/

Incoherent arguments for criminalising smacking

"Because in law you are forbidden from striking another adult, and from physically chastising your pets, but somehow there is a loophole around the fact that you can physically chastise your child."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25529744

Is Ms Atkinson aware that the law also forbids you to imprison another adult in their bedroom, restrict their movements to the "naughty step", impose curfews on them, and so on?

If the ideas behind the absurd arguments of the brigade who want to criminalise smacking were followed through, then it would make parenting itself illegal. When parental powers are reduced, who takes up the slack? Answer: highly paid state officers like "children's commissioner" Ms Atkinson.

We presume that she gets up to other things too, but, as she spends her time arguing that ordinary parenting should be criminalised, the state rewards Ms Atkinson with over £140,000 of taxpayers' money every year (http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/csv/occ%20senior%20staff%20data%20march%202011.csv).

Emmanuel

Somehow I can't recall hearing the carol "Mary did you know?" until this year.

It's great to hear a carol that's both beautiful and has got some good theological meat in it.

http://www.metrolyrics.com/mary-did-you-know-lyrics-kenny-rogers.html

This child that you've delivered
Will soon deliver you

...

Mary did you know that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?

...

Did you know that your Baby Boy
Is Heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
Is the great I am

* * *

Do you know? Happy Christmas!

What Protestants should be protesting

http://www.ligonier.org/blog/what-do-protestants-protest

(N.B.: I haven't read the recommended book, and so was not endorsing that particular sentence, as I suspect it advocates Presbyterian ecclesiology, which I, obviously, don't!).