Christianity
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On Matrescence and Birthing myself
Becoming a mother is not the unifying ‘one-size-fits-all’ journey that popular culture would have us believe. Mothers are required to work out their identity as women, who they have been and who they are becoming all in the shadow of the myth of the Perfect Mother. It is therefore refreshing that within the last 18 months conversations about matrescence have begun to move into more mainstream thoughts and conversations (see: Lucy Jones’ book ‘Matrescence: On the metamorphosis of pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood’ and Zoe Blaskey ‘Motherkind: a new way to thrive in a world of endless expectations’). Matrescence – a word my spell check does not recognise – is the…
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Dancing in chains of traumatic suffering: a life-style in discipleship?
I reflect on the paradox of performing a discipleship ‘dance’ during ongoing suffering and trauma. The metaphor of the dance has been used extensively to describe the dynamic relationship between God and the disciples. It has been growing in popularity liturgically and academically over the past decade. Many studies reveal that dance therapy is promising for the alleviation of psychological trauma but is very dependent on the therapist, patients and their groups (Tomaszewski et al, 2023). However, most people I know in the UK dance exclusively during joyful and celebratory occasions. In pastoral ministry, I have recently realized that the very notion of Human-Divine ‘dance’ as a model of authentic…
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Abortion, the Brazilian Supreme Court and the National Conference of Brazil’s Bishops
In these times of troubled seas, there is no respite, no possibility of hiding from conflicts, of not falling into the abyss of accusations and divisions, especially when confronted with certain problems that life insists on presenting to us. Dialogue, mutual understanding, real solidarity and love for our neighbour are at risk of becoming empty words, especially in the mouths of those who consider themselves to be their representatives. Forgive me, readers, for insisting on the same theme I addressed weeks ago.[1] New chapters of this old story have taken place, new divisions have arisen even within the CNBB (National Conference of Brazil’s Bishops). Disagreements and different opinions have manifested…
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Faith, Pain, and Healing
A Journey with Stage Four Endometriosis through the Lens of Practical Theology Introduction My spirituality and religious beliefs played a major role in my coping with endometriosis and helped me navigate this complex health condition. My journey with endometriosis using Osmer’s four core tasks of practical theology reflects on the role of spirituality, faith communities and healthcare professionals in Nigeria, the limitations of the healthcare system and the benefit of increased awareness and advocacy for endometriosis. Endometriosis happens when endometrial tissue is present outside the uterus, resulting in symptoms (Usmani, 2022) of pain chronic pain such as dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation, dyspareunia or pain during sexual intercourse, chronic pelvic pain…
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Reflections on Theology, Victim Blaming, Misogyny and the Church of England
Four decades and still no progress or change – so what is next? When it comes to sexual violence, particularly against women, victim blaming occurs when blame is shifted from the perpetrator to the victim. This happens across society and culture, media, religion, justice, and public health. Victim blaming often focuses on the woman’s behaviour, character, or situation, which minimises the offender’s responsibility. Recent media reported examples include the Rochdale grooming gangs where the Deputy Mayor said that “victim blaming led to failings” and that “an attitude of victim blaming’ meant authorities failed to protect young girls from sexual abuse”.[1] In addition, in 2022 the BBC highlighted that the Past…
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Who’s Afraid of Salome? A Biblical Drama that made Opera History
The Metropolitan Opera’s 2024-2025 season is filled with classics and beloved titles mixed with contemporary settings and newer stories. One title in particular has caught my eye: a brand new production of Richard Strauss’s Salome. Bible scholars may recognize the name “Salome” from more than one context: One narrative depicts a follower of Jesus who was present at his crucifixion. Another narrative tells of a young princess’s role in the murder of John the Baptist. Characteristic qualities certainly place these two women apart, but the leading lady of Strauss’s opera takes her queues from the second of the set. Strauss even used the beautiful name, “Salome,” a feminine rendition of…
