One thing people can’t say about 2026 is that it hasn’t started with a proverbial bang, as well as stuff happening around the world that we don’t hear about, with undoubtedly a lot more to come. We did hear about Venezuela, which I recently wrote about (see here) for the first time and now my news feeds are awash with goings on in Iran, even though (unsurprisingly) the BBC have been tardy in reporting. I have written about Iran six times, over 10 years!
Continue readingC.S. Lewis and “That Hideous Strength”
In order to keep the main article short and not give away too many spoilers, in case readers have yet to read C.S.Lewis’ “That Hideous Strength”, I include at the end an “APPENDIX – Questions and Answers to/from Meta AI”, with pertinent information I found to be helpful in coming to understand the book.
Continue readingObserving Philip Yancey’s fall from grace; what lessons can we learn?
Over the past few days, a surprising number of posts have appeared on my social media feed, often by those who, as far as I can make out are, Christian leaders or commentators, many with their own large following, particularly in the USA. It concerns Philip Yancey.
Continue readingTwo funerals in a day: Graham Jones and Martin Templeman
As I have commented, more than once in my forays into the blogosphere, I am now at an age when people I once knew well, respected highly and over a long period, die. When I can, I then get to attend their funerals with the primary aim to pay my respects and as a bonus I get to meet folk I knew in the past, often having not seen them for a long time. Yesterday, for the first time, I had that experience twice. The words of John Donne sounded in my ear!
Continue reading2025/26 Ashes Test Cricket (2)
The latest Ashes Test Cricket series has just ended with Australia being emphatic 4-1 winners. In this part 2, having opened up the subject in part 1 (see here) I give my thoughts concerning what has transpired, what went wrong (and right) and hopes for the future.
Continue readingTrumpwatch 75 – Venezuela
When ten years ago I began my Trumpwatch series, recognising Donald J Trump to be a/the significant figure of my time, I little realised I would still be blogging about him by virtue of the fact he continues to be at the centre of something significant. Just over two weeks since posting my 74th instalment, I am posting my 75th, and on a subject not covered previously – Venezuela. Less than three days into a New Year, it looks like it won’t be a peaceful one.
Continue readingJohn Barber’s December 2025 blog update and New Year greeting
Check out below for click onable links to articles I posted on my website since the last time I sent out to my “friends who may be interested” e-distribution list (please let me know if you want to be added to or removed from that list).
Continue readingRing out the old (2025), ring in the new (2026)
In response to my enquiry, AI informed me that ““Ring out the old, ring in the new” is a famous line from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem In Memoriam A.H.H., (specifically, section CVI), traditionally recited on New Year’s Eve to bid farewell to the past year’s troubles and welcome the new year with hope, calling to banish grief, strife, and falsehood while embracing truth, peace, and nobler ways of life, symbolizing renewal and progress.”
Continue readingThoughts arising from our Christmas Day 2025 – The Kings Speech
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that, once upon a time, watching what was then titled: “the Queen’s Speech” was one of the regular activities that took place on Christmas Day. As I recall, my own household consisted of both royalists and those who weren’t.
Continue readingThoughts arising from our Christmas Day 2025 – time with the family
Who cares – some may ask? But for those who are mildly interested or better – here goes …
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