GadgetVicar

And lastly: Little Boots @ Glasto

Tenori-on and Stylophone! Electro-poptastic.

Also at Glasto: Neil Young - Rockin' in the Free World

It never ends but is quite wonderful - you have to love all that distortion and feedback.

Flo @ Glasto

Flo @ Glasto. Whadya think?

Chris Moyles on Baptism & Church

Hat Tip Lorraine. It's fascinating how unaware people are now about what actually happens in church, the meaning of baptism "in the pit", and the basic tenets of Christianity. We have a lot of work to do in terms of engaging with people. But, hey, in this instance, Mr Moyles has got a little taste of joy and grace.

Why the Bible is a Big Fat Lie and I'm an Idiot for Believing It - Bart Ehrman Interviewed by Stephen Colbert

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Bart Ehrman
colbertnation.com
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U2 - No Line On The Horizon

It's kind of sneaked up on me, but U2's new recording, No Line On The Horizon is released on Monday. Being bedridden for a few days this week allowed me to investigate further. Listened to the whole thing pre-release on Spotify. It's a grower, with some great songs, and a whole lot of deep spiritual stuff going on. Highlights for me are 'Magnificent' and 'Breathe'.

Then tonight, I discovered they've been busy boys at the BBC. See them perform on the Radio 1 Live Lounge here. Then watch them perform on the roof of the BBC Centre in Langham Place by pressing the red button on your digital telly (and how wonderful to see the many people gathered on the steps of All Souls - if U2 want to play an impromptu gig in Glasgow, they're welcome to use St Silas' steps as a venue).

Also got invited to a U2 Album launch party next Saturday night. The band won't be there of course (or will they?) but we're invited to dress up as band members! Methinks this might be taking fandom a bit too far.

Now, where did I put my wrap-around "fly" glasses?

Elbow on the Beeb

Quite by accident, we discovered that Elbow have recorded a live version of their album, The Seldom Seen Kid, with the BBC Concert Orchestra for BBC Radio 2. It can be seen on digital TV by pressing the red button. Or online here. A beautiful and uplifting rendition of the whole album.

A taster of what  is to come as we see them play live in Edinburgh next month.

Life is for Sharing

I saw this premiered during the Celebrity Big Brother eviction on Friday night. A fantastic bit of marketing and a wonderfully joyful celebration of life and creativity. I was in Liverpool Street Station on the 9th January. I wonder whether I would have joined in if it had happened that day?

Maybe there is a wee lesson in there for the Church in how to communicate Jesus, who is Life?

Empty Cross

The BBC are running a story on a church which has taken down a crucifix outside its building because it is too scary. The sculpture will be replaced with an empty stainless steel cross.

In the video interview, the representative of the Evangelical Alliance supports the change and is asked if such a move is "watering down the message".

I remember a senior Anglican evangelical cleric commenting on why the crucifix is an inappropriate symbol for Christians, as the cross is empty. Jesus, having suffered, is now risen. I'm not sure I entirely agree with that. It's helpful to be reminded of, and to contemplate, the suffering of Jesus, especially in times like these. A crucifix might help one do that.

In this instance the question might be, "Does the taking down of the crucifix represent a diminishing of what that congregation believes about the importance of the cross, or is it simply an attempt to communicate or market the Christian message in a more attractive way?"

Christmas With Scotland's Other National Drink