Extremist violence in Africa continues to rise, driven less by ideology than by governance failures, exclusion, and poverty. This blog analyses the roots of terrorism, critiques Western interventions, and highlights community-based peacebuilding as a more sustainable path. Drawing on biblical principles of justice and compassion, it calls for partnerships rooted in trust, equality, and local ownership.

If you’re concerned about the uncritical rise of AI, Jeremy Peckham’s Cambridge Paper: “Living Virtuously with AI Chatbots” is a essential reading. He explores how AI challenges our virtue, relationality, and humanity, warning against emotional dependence on digital companions. Peckham urges Christians to cultivate good habits, protect relationships, and ensure technology serves us, not replaces us.

Europe’s leaders still fail to connect the dots between their foreign policies and the migration crises they decry. From Libya to Iran, Turkey to Syria, short-term deals and profit-driven diplomacy deepen the very causes of displacement. Until Europe adopts a relational approach that recognises human dignity and interdependence, its policies will keep fuelling the chaos they claim to solve.

Gen Z faces rising loneliness, fewer friendships, and a shrinking zest for life. Remote work, while comfortable, often intensifies disconnection, erodes discipline, and detaches us from embodied community. Digital work promises flexibility but risks leaving young people unfulfilled. The Church can offer an alternative: rhythms of rest, embodied worship, and real human presence that nurture meaning and belonging in a disconnected world.

The Bible calls us to love the foreigner, not as a vague ideal, but with concrete action. Ancient Israel’s laws treated migrants as equal under the law, safeguarded their welfare, and invited them into national life. These principles still challenge us today: to build border policies rooted in justice, compassion, and the dignity of every person.

In a culture quick to expose religious hypocrisy, we must also reckon with the double standards in media and popular morality. Rev Dr Ian Stackhouse challenges the seductive veneer of progress and freedom, exposing a new, secular hypocrisy, one that punishes missteps while celebrating the very behaviours it condemns. What happens when a society forgets how to blush?

Douglas Murray’s refusal to acknowledge the grotesque scale of suffering in Gaza undermines his otherwise sharp analysis. His support for Israel veers into moral complicity when it ignores the disproportionate force used. True solidarity, as Rabbi Jonathan Sacks reminded us, demands self-criticism, not blind allegiance. War may have its time—but so does justice, restraint, and responsibility.

Christian Nationalism emphasises a national, Christian identity above all others, claiming Christianity as the defining feature of the nation. It places trust in political power over God. Though not uniquely American, its most visible expression is in the U.S., where rhetoric around Christianity and national identity has gained traction among leaders and citizens alike.

Adolescence is compelling fiction, not sound policy. While it highlights real concerns about male alienation and online radicalisation, its narrative lacks the nuance needed to shape law. The Church, uniquely equipped with a vision of godly masculinity and relational depth, must step in—not with sweeping regulations, but with purpose, discipleship, and a hope strong enough to transform lives.

At the start of 2020, I attended Gateway Church under Pastor Robert Morris, unaware of his abusive past. His recent conviction leaves us questioning how leaders like him escape accountability. Many churches face similar scandals, highlighting the urgent need for reform, transparency, and justice in Christian leadership structures.

Alcohol is deeply embedded in society, fueling business deals and social interactions. However, its harms are undeniable—contributing to violent crime, domestic abuse, and rising deaths. The Bible permits alcohol but warns against drunkenness, advocating temperance. Policies should encourage moderation by promoting public awareness, and enforcing existing laws to curb excessive drinking in social spaces.

Artificial intelligence is a powerful gift of technology. It is a tool which helps us to solve some of the most complex technical challenges facing people today, from cancer screening to famine prediction. But the Bible also illuminates the ruts and potholes ahead of us in the road towards its good use. We should remember that artificial intelligence will make us more powerful, but never more moral, and that the deception embedded in its name can tempt us to shift responsibility, and neglect our love of others. We must always remember the ‘artificial’ in artificial intelligence. 

The financial world is shifting rapidly, but as Christians, we are called to steward our resources with wisdom. In Money Matters, Dr Paul Mills provides a clear roadmap to financial health, rooted in Scripture. By embracing biblical principles, we can break free from a debt-driven culture and build a stable financial future.

Maximilian Kolbe’s sacrifice at Auschwitz is well-known, but Naoko Abe’s book reveals his lesser-known years as a missionary in Japan. Through the lives of Tomei Ozaki, a Nagasaki survivor, and Masatoshi Asari, a peace-driven botanist, she uncovers Kolbe’s lasting influence, weaving history, faith, and reconciliation into a compelling narrative.

Meta’s shift to Community Notes over independent fact-checkers is a politically performative but positive step toward decentralising power. Rooted in a biblical principle of shared responsibility, this system encourages accountability across perspectives. However, challenges remain, including its slow response to misinformation and limited scope. Ultimately, it's a ‘least worst’ option in a fragmented world where trust in institutions is eroding.

Cambridge Papers' latest article by Krisztina Mair explores the growing interest in spiritual phenomena, particularly among younger generations, and the rise of alternative spiritualities like witchcraft. Drawing on early Church teachings, it highlights the importance of reclaiming classical Christian theology to navigate today's spiritual landscape.

President Trump’s second term begins with bold policies, blending commendable actions like protecting women’s spaces and ending DEI mandates with concerning moves like monetising power through memecoins. While his optimism and some biblically-aligned decisions are praised, his hubristic tone, foreign policy aggression, and financial exploitation raise red flags. The week’s events promise a turbulent, transformative presidency ahead. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride.

As I reflect on elderly care in Britain, I see profound injustice in a system that prioritises profit over dignity. The costs are extortionate, with agencies reaping profits while carers and families bear the burden. Society must shift from fear-driven priorities to relational care, empowering families and fostering intergenerational support rooted in fairness and compassion.

Justice demands impartiality and accountability, principles rooted in Old Testament law. Yet recent events in the US and UK undermine this: blanket presidential pardons, selective law enforcement, and unjust policing reveal systemic partiality. Christians must pray, advocate, and work for justice, recognising that without impartial law, respect for the rule of law and societal trust will erode.

The dinner table, once a symbol of unity, now reflects the divides of our era—political tension, generational shifts, and social media echo chambers. This holiday season, let’s prioritise relationships over differences. Inspired by Jesus’ walk to Emmaus, where connection overcame chaos, we’re reminded to listen, empathise, and value each other above opinions. Connection starts here.