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Team Talk
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Becoming a Christian
There is no set formula to becoming a Christian, but many people have found saying this prayer to be a helpful first step to a relationship with God
Lord Jesus Christ, I am truly sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. Please forgive me. I now turn from everything that I know is wrong. Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free. Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Holy Spirit. Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me for ever. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen
Extract from Why Jesus? by Nicky Gumbel published by Alpha International, 2011. Used by kind permission of Alpha International
’ talk Team talk ‘TEAM TALK Disclaimer: this article talks about The Crown
Claire Brine gives her take on a story catching the attention of War Cry reporters
EVEN though fans will have to wait until Wednesday (9 November) to catch the latest series of The Crown, the Netflix drama about the monarchy has been the subject of much public discussion in recent weeks. Last month Dame Judi Dench made headlines after writing a letter to The Times, setting out her concerns at how freely the show ‘seems willing to blur the lines between historical accuracy and crude sensationalism’.
While the Oscar-winning actress described the programme as ‘brilliant’, and called herself a ‘believer in artistic freedom’, she added that ‘a significant number of viewers … may take its version of history as being wholly true’ – and that troubled her. Consequently, she urged Netflix to carry a disclaimer at the start of every episode, pointing out that the accounts of the events depicted in the drama were fictionalised.
Reading Judi’s letter in full, I felt that her request was reasonable and her tone fair, but what struck me most was her evident concern for the royal I need to extend family. She argued that if certain scenes featuring King Charles were to be compassion to others broadcast as programme-makers had suggested, the depictions could be ‘wounding’. She asked Netflix to consider ‘a family and a nation so recently bereaved’ of their Queen.
As I reflected on Judi’s words – which highlighted to me the great responsibility of creating a fictional drama about real people – I found myself asking the question: How would the royal family feel if they were watching this programme?
It prompted me to assess my own feelings on the matter. How would I feel if a fictionalised account of my life was turned into entertainment for millions of viewers? Would I want to know that there were people out there considering my perspective – and encouraging others to do the same?
I would. And if I want to be treated with such compassion and understanding, then undoubtedly I need to be willing to extend such compassion and understanding to others. The Christian in me needs to put into practice the teaching of Jesus, who said: ‘Treat others just as you want to be treated’ (Luke 6:31 Contemporary English Version).
It’s a way of life that could change our real-life story for good.
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