Category: Comment & Analysis

The art of good and evil

An artist who stabbed a man to death is having two of his paintings exhibited at the Ulster Museum in Belfast. Although no stranger to brawling and prison, powerful connections enabled his notorious behaviour for years; and his talent for producing psychologically complex, deeply spiritual masterpieces helped sustain him. At present, there is a steady…

An experience of ‘conversion therapy’

‘Conversion’ is a word known in the sphere of religion for many centuries. Christianity is an evangelical religion, and converts are welcome – even sought. But in recent years ‘conversion’ has taken on a new meaning. Framed within the concept of ‘conversion therapy’ it has come to signify trying to change a person’s sexual orientation…

The collapse of the House of Paisley

It was projected that shocks were afoot before Northern Ireland went to the polls last Thursday. Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s hastily announced British General Election allotted just over a month for incumbents and political hopefuls to begin the all too familiar trek around their constituencies and commence disturbing unsuspecting homeowners. Some were quietly…

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When God and politics collide

As I crossed the Boyne Peace Bridge, en route to the pro-life rally in Dublin the other day, an old tale sprang to mind: King Billy, fresh from the battle, was crossing the river, when the boatman asked: “Who won?” And King Billy retorted: “Why do you care? You will still be a boatman”. These…