Martyn Whittock
The extraordinary faith and courage of the Martyrs of Japan
Today, as many Christians continue to face severe persecution and martyrdom around the world, the example of the Martyrs of Japan and the communities of "Kakure Kirishitan" there remind us of the extraordinary faith and courage of such fellow-believers, writes Martyn Whittock.
The saint at the heart of the war in Ukraine
Who was St Vladimir/Volodymyr and how did he come to occupy such a contested place in the hearts and minds of two nations that are now locked in bitter warfare? The answer involves Vikings far from home, a reluctant Byzantine princess, the creation of a hybrid national identity, and conversion to Christianity.
Who is the Valentine behind Valentine's Day?
The day associated with love and romance has Christian roots but they are something of a puzzle.
Strange visitors - the significance of the magi
One of the strangest aspects of the beginning of the life of Jesus is found in the account of the visit of the magi.
Are war clouds gathering over Eastern Europe?
The ongoing Russian military build-up may well be a very dangerous game of 'diplomatic high-stakes poker'.
A crucifixion in Cambridgeshire
The grave of the crucified man was discovered during excavation, in advance of a new housing development, by Albion Archaeology.
The enduring legacy of St Columba
1,500 years after the birth of St Columba, historian Martyn Whittock considers the legacy of this Irish-born monk on Christianity in Britain.
The oldest Christian monastery in the world?
The discovery of an ancient monastery in Egypt is a reminder of the plight of Christian communities in the cradle of Christianity.
The real Thanksgiving
What occurred in 1621 was a moment of celebration that briefly united different people and cultures in celebration and gratitude for the produce of the land. That is worth remembering.
One nation under God and one religion under God?
The actual history of the US and its constitutional origins may make for surprising reading.
What the Church has got wrong about the end times - and how it can get it right!
Since the Church has a record of getting end times prophecies wrong, how should we approach this subject to try to avoid the errors of the past?
Eschatological beliefs do not justify environmental inaction
Some current end-times teaching has led to passivity in the face of global challenges, writes Martyn Whittock.
How should the UK protect human rights?
Our shared humanity means that we all have a stake in the issue of human rights, their definition, protection and enforcement.
Hidden in plain sight: Nympha and the other women leaders in the early church
There are several first-century women leaders to be found in the letters of Paul. Who were they and why are they significant?
The toll of the pandemic on our nation's children and young people has been huge
When we recall the total damage and loss caused by Covid-19, let us never forget the huge cost in terms of lost opportunities, stress and mental health to our young people.
Abortion in the USA: What is happening in Texas?
Abortion has raised deep and conflicting moral and constitutional questions in the US concerning the beginnings of life, personal freedom, and rights. And any constructive dialogue between the proponents of the two positions is almost impossible.