Who I am
I'm Derek Williams and I’ve spent most of my life in various forms of Christian
communications. I was the founder-editor of Third
Way magazine in 1977. Since then I have edited other journals; written,
edited or contributed to over 20 books; and acted as a writer, editor and media
and PR adviser for a variety of Christian organisations. I am an ordained
Anglican but have never been a “vicar”; any paid roles in churches have been as
a specialist of some kind. I now live in England’s south midlands, am semi-retired, and
married with semi-detached adult children. I try to grow vegetables, live simply, and take photos.
Why and when I’m blogging
Why? Because it’s fun! I’m curious about God, the universe and
everything. I like to explore social, topical, and theological issues and
relate them to principles I find in the Bible. I also like to relate those
principles to everyday life. So the subjects are wide-ranging, based on recent issues or whatever I'm reading or thinking about at the time.
While I draw on past reading and study, each blog is fresh,
not a recycled article or talk. There can never be an end to our exploring;
there is always more to discover.
I try to package my thoughts in simple, concise ways. It
helps my thinking if I write them down, and I find that people with different
backgrounds to mine can sometimes get something from them too. I hope you do.
When? When I've got something to say that I've had time to think about for a while. Hopefully there will be two posts a month but no hard promises; new ones will be announced on Twitter @DerekTFTD.
When? When I've got something to say that I've had time to think about for a while. Hopefully there will be two posts a month but no hard promises; new ones will be announced on Twitter @DerekTFTD.
Why “GentlerWord”
Today’s world tends to be shouty, confrontational,
impatient. But instant, opinionated, simplistic or judgemental pronouncements
rarely plumb the depths of reality, and are often misleading. I believe there’s
a better, gentler and more respectful way of grappling with life’s complexities.
I’m offering reflections, not opinions. They’re thought-provokers, not the last word. So you’ll find
questions for consideration on your own or with others after each one.
I hope you enjoy what you read, and find it stimulating. If you do, please encourage others to look at the site themselves.
Derek,Are you the editor of a great book called The Bible Chronicle? If so i have a question for you - the inside front page says all the Bible quotations are from the NIV. However, this isn't the case and I need to know where the translation on pg 330 of Matthew 11: 28-30 came as i think it is a wonderful translation but I can't find it in any of the various translations I have access to."Come to me when you'r tired and weighed dow and I'll give you rest. Take my harness on your shoulders instead of pulling your own burdens by yourself. I'll treat you gently and kindly, and you'll get a deep-seated peace."
ReplyDeleteAny help you can give me with this would be greatly appreciated.
David Young
dyoung884@gmail.com
Yes, I'm the author of Bible Chronicle and I'm really glad it's still proving useful. I've replied to David via direct email. Unfortunately, I can't remember who wrote the paraphrase he refers to - I think it was probably a joint effort by the editorial team!
DeleteDerek: this is interesting. I am currently editing a paraphrase of the New Testament and my version of Matthew 11:28-30 is:<28>‘Come to me, all of you who are worn out, overwhelmed and weighed down by the stresses and strains of life. I will relieve you of these heavy burdens. <29>Submit to me; live your life harnessed to me. Follow me and become my apprentices. Let me teach you and train you because I am sensitive and humble in heart and you will find spiritual strength and refreshment. <30>Following me is a delightful joy, not a chore or heavy burden.’ Martin Manser
ReplyDelete