Happy birthday, Prof Bradley!
Today, could I invite readers to join me in wishing a happy 70th birthday to Revd Prof Ian Bradley, honorary Church of Scotland Chaplain, born on 28 May 1950.
I first knew Ian by his books, particularly The Penguin Book of Hymns (1990) a much-thumbed resource on my shelf, with the words of 150 hymns, in each case with wonderful thumbnail sketches of the authors, circumstances of composition, melodies associated, subsequent histories and on occasion, the Bradley opinion shining through. Quite a number of my sermons have been leavened with a choice fact from this source. In December services, this is supplanted by The Penguin Book of Carols (2000), on the same pattern and just as entertaining.
In theology I have been enlightened by his God is Green (1990), an early statement of the church’s growing environmental focus, a renewed theology of creation, and recognition that a good deal of Christian theology disparaged non-human creation, and even perpetuated pollution, waste and cruelty. The prescience of this text is shown in the fact that a revised edition is coming out shortly.
If ever a student asks me what liberal theology is, I point them towards Ian’s Grace, Order, Openness and Diversity (2010) which is, alas, becalmed in my office and so not to hand right now. Nevertheless the title gives a good sense as to the themes of the work, and to all that Ian finds positive in liberal approaches to thinking about God and the world.
There are around 30 books to Ian’s name – earlier in this Companionship series, I mentioned his book The Fife Pilgrim Way: In the Footsteps of Monks, Miners and Martyrs, which I still hope to be my guide (of sorts) when I undertake to walk the way. Other titles explore his many interests – spirituality, musical theatre, Gilbert and Sullivan, spas, Victorians, Celtic Christianity, monarchy, the United Kingdom, Argyll and Protestantism.
In the University, Ian has shared his research as a gifted teacher, has been a kind and supportive colleague and companion to many, and has offered vocal support to a number of G&S productions. He retired from his role as Professor of Cultural and Spiritual History at the end of 2017. He has served the church not least in fine preaching, and we were blessed with his reflections on Thomas in his zoom sermon on 19 April, Blessed are the Doubters, available here: https://sermons.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/2020/05/12/blessed-are-the-doubters/
He has been the honorary Church of Scotland Chaplain for many years and has supported my predecessor and me in contributions to worship, pastoral care, discussions, panels and meetings, in laughter, and for a time as Principal of St Mary’s College. He will retire from his chaplaincy role on 31 August this year, and it will be odd not to hear his whistling preceding him up the stairs in Mansefield quite so often. We will miss him.
Many happy returns, Ian!
Following yesterday’s email with a list of online worship opportunities, a couple of people responded with further options.
Revd Dr Rob Whitman, minister with Dundee Unitarians, got in touch to say that they have been doing a send out service which is also conducted on Zoom. The Dundee Unitarian website is here https://dundeeunitarians.wordpress.com/ And you are welcome to contact Rob at [email protected]
And a member of the mailing list wrote to say that Holy Trinity Church of Scotland in St Andrews is sending weekly by email or print the full order of service printed with all hymns, prayers and address in full. It’s particularly good for people without internet knowhow/access. Details from Revd Marion Paton, Locum Minister at 07714 749 988 or the church office which is 01334 478317. Their website is http://www.holyt.co.uk/
Further suggestions of online worship and religious services are welcome.
Yours,
Donald.