Sofia
One Humanism? Many Humanisms
Martin Spence reports from an Oxford conference on “religious humanisms” — and finds himself persuaded that humanism might, after all, come in the plural.
Author: Martin Spence
In Conversation, Events
Magical Thinking
In this conversation we explored the nature of magic and magical thinking, and considered
why so many people find it so attractive.
Sofia
Bonhoeffer: His theology
In the previous issue of Sofia I outlined the course of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life, dwelling in particular on his years of resistance to the Nazis in the 1930s and 1940s. In this article I focus...
Sofia
Bonhoeffer: His Life
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s execution by the Nazis. A Lutheran pastor and theologian, he opposed the regime and joined a plot to assassinate Hitler. A new film portrays his life...
Sofia
The Sea of Faith Steering Group
At the 2024 Sea of Faith AGM a motion changed the ‘tag line’ statement of purpose of the network. For the health of the network, it would be good for more members to engage with...
Sofia
Listen! A Discussion of the Sea of Faith
The conference at Gladstone’s Library in late September – entitled Listen! A Discussion of the Sea of Faith – was the last of three events marking the fortieth anniversary of the Sea of Faith television...
In Conversation, Events
Our 40th Anniversary Conferences
In our June session, Ian Stubbs introduced the topic ‘Assisted dying – My Death, My Decision’
In Conversation, Events
A Passion for Churches
Why is it that people who never worship in church can still love church buildings? Martin Spence explores these puzzling questions.
Sofia
Forms of Transcendence
Martin Spence led the discussion at the SOF Annual Zoom Conference on Terry Eagleton’s talk on the Death of God. Here he gives his own response to Eagleton. It was clear from the start that...
Sofia, Reviews
Martin Spence reviews Dancing with Mortality by Bert Clough
Dancing with Mortality: Reflections of a Lapsed Atheist by Bert Clough. clough self publishing (2020). Pbk. 120 pages. £9. This little book is a series of brief reflections on themes previously addressed in sermons by...