The Queen: Why celebrate her platinum jubilee?

the queen

With the Platinum Jubilee and associated holiday coming closer it is perhaps a good time to reflect on the idea of ‘lifelong service’ which the Queen placed at the heart of her vows when she began her reign. The tendency to respect others who embody some positive and admired characteristic is one we can recognise. … Continue reading The Queen: Why celebrate her platinum jubilee?

Anxiety over Brexit – Deeper issues?

anxiety over Brexit

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. British people have been expressing unease about the state of their country. One possible reason may be that nothing much else is happening in politics because of anxiety over Brexit. The prospect of economic recession is reducing confidence among many about their future prospects. At the time of writing, the governing party is … Continue reading Anxiety over Brexit – Deeper issues?

Israeli-Palestinian conflict – Ethics?

Israeli-Palestinian conflict

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. We all know there is mutual resentment and antagonism in the Middle East. Rhetoric on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is incredibly heated. All involved in the region have been subject to the horror of dreadful actions. Feelings of protest, anger and fear have often got out of hand. When shouting … Continue reading Israeli-Palestinian conflict – Ethics?

The Queen – Why so popular?

the Queen

By Stephen Russell-Lacy The British public, generally speaking, show deference to royalty and are scandalised, yet fascinated, by any of its human failures. However, after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, the royals were perceived, in the tabloid press, as cold and unfeeling when they did not participate in the outpouring of general grief. … Continue reading The Queen – Why so popular?

Immigration – What principles apply?

immigration

In recent years, many people in Britain and elsewhere in Europe have been outraged by the mass poverty of the bottom billion inhabitants of the world. A policy of reducing immigration is often seen as mean spirited or even racist, discriminating against poor people who happen to be of a different culture and ethnicity. Alongside … Continue reading Immigration – What principles apply?

Refugees – How many to take in?

refugees

Over a million people crossed into the European Union in 2015 triggering disagreement about how best to deal with the crisis. The problem of what to do with refugees was likely to get more intense in 2016. Rifts have emerged between governments willing to accept these people and other governments trying to discourage their arrival. … Continue reading Refugees – How many to take in?

Western world – worthy of praise or shame?

Western world

People in developing and third world countries have gazed upon the Western world from a much better position in recent years.  This has happened through their hugely expanded access to mobile phones, internet, radio and television. They have reacted both positively and negatively.  On the one hand, they very understandably desire to enjoy some of … Continue reading Western world – worthy of praise or shame?

Suicide bomber – Why no paradise?

suicide bomber

Several factors probably help us understand why a desperate individual might choose to be a suicide bomber and blow themselves up to murder others – a history of exploitation by Western powers, Israel’s existence, government oppression, poverty, lack of education, and alienation. But what some fanatical preachers tell young people about their destiny is also … Continue reading Suicide bomber – Why no paradise?

Social responsibility – Importance of religion?

social responsibility

We are each conscious of our own sensations, thoughts and feelings. My thoughts are my own thoughts and yours are yours. Having this sense of individual consciousness we each feel separate from others. I live from and for myself and you live from and for yourself. It has been suggested that this sense of individuality … Continue reading Social responsibility – Importance of religion?

IS – How to see Islamic State fighters?

IS

Self-named IS (Islamic State) fighters partly formed out of al-Qaeda in 2013. They were responsible for a humanitarian crisis: an estimated 1.2 million terrified and homeless Iraqis, having fled from them to the mountains, were exposed to soaring heat, often without anything to eat or drink. Most Muslims are completely blameless. But the extremists behave … Continue reading IS – How to see Islamic State fighters?