Dr Michael Schluter and Matthew Ferguson’s article, intended for EU policymakers, presents a relationships-centred approach to address Europe’s demographic decline. The article presents that current policies focus too heavily on economic incentives, failing to address social, cultural, and ideological factors that impact family decisions. Key recommendations include prioritising family policy, reducing time pressures on parents, promoting the co-location of extended families, restructuring corporate responsibility to support family life, and reorienting education to emphasise relational values. They advocate a shift toward “relational rights,” balancing individual and communal responsibilities, to foster a supportive environment for family growth.
The enactment of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 drew significant attention globally. Despite the controversy, the Act adds little new, primarily extending existing hate crime laws. However, concerns arise regarding free speech and the broad interpretation of "hatred." For Christians, evaluating such laws critically, through a biblical lens, remains essential to safeguarding both truth and conscience.
Without being aware of it, everyone views the world differently based on their perspective. For instance, a microwave can be evaluated financially, environmentally, personally, or relationally. These lenses apply in all areas of life, including business, education, and international relations. Christians should prioritize the relational lens, as Christianity emphasizes relationships—within the Trinity, with others, and with God.
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.
As the bill for euthanasia legalisation enters Parliament, I find myself unsettled. Beyond concerns of coercion or manipulation, euthanasia represents a chilling hopelessness—a reliance on brutal autonomy. Enshrining individual control over life’s end misses the richness of end-of-life care's compassion, nuance, and dignity, eroding the boundary between ethical care and hastened death.
Our vision is to teach Christians the Relational worldview based on its biblical foundations, and its implications for private and public life, so that Christians can more effectively bring about transformation of their societies and demonstrate both the credibility and the heart of the gospel.
