Imagine there’s no Heaven

Next Sunday we start a series of talks (me first) based on John Lennon’s song, Imagine. I do like the song musically etc., grew up with it – but it just says so many things that I don’t think of as actually utopian. CS Lewis had entirely the opposite view: Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither. I’ve been to the top of some impressive mountains, sat on idyllic beaches in various places, bought some cool stuff. But you always end up after the latest adventure or acquisition with the same question – “What’s next?” That longing for something more, better, above…where/Who does that come from? We’re not home yet. Where’s John Lennon now? Lewis said in Mere Christianity something to the effect that if people have no desire for heaven, then their presence there would only spoil it so why would God force them to go? (pg 63) The point is not that God will refuse you admission to His eternal world if you have not certain qualities of […]


Why is fat so easy?

Just been out on my cycle for 23 miles. No, the picture above isn’t me – but I want to get some of the weight off that’s so quickly accumulated over this festive season. A very western ‘disease,’ – creeping chubbitum. Why is it so easy to put weight on? I can usually take it off okay (blood, sweat and tears), but as you get older it seems to get harder not to end up looking like you’re wearing an inflatable rubber ring under your shirt. that stuff about turning 40 was true for me! Now I’m not paranoid about it. I know God loves every inch of me (so if I put on some more inches will he love me more?). I like the fact that God looked on the fat portions and was pleased… and nobody’s ever going to mistake me for an anorexic, but I just feel so much better when I’m not carrying around Christmas pudding. So tomorrow, I’ll start the New Year running.