Comment

Columnists and commentators focus a Christian lens on the news stories of the day. Comment is one of four key themes covered by Seen & Unseen.

Explainer
  1. Comment
  2. Community
A black and white close up of the weather-beaten and wrinkled face and beard of a homeless man.

The rough sleeper: an icon of injustice

Jon Kuhrt
Each rough sleeper is a raw illustration of injustice. On an awareness day for both homelessness and mental health, Jon Kuhrt reflects on the root causes and yet sees hope.
6min read
Column
  1. Comment
  2. Humility
A cropped image of the face of RIshi Sunak with colours of a flag behind him

Why radical humility challenges personality politics

George Pitcher
Amid the political party conferences, George Pitcher searches for the flickers of radical humility.
4min read
Essay
  1. Comment
  2. Film & TV
A plastic wind-up Snow White toy stands to the right of the photo, with hands clasped waiting

Disney: 100 years of waiting for Prince Charming

Lauren Windle
Reflecting on the Disney centenary, Lauren Windle finds herself dis-enchanted with Prince Charming and reflecting on what might be a better kind of attraction.
5min read
Editor's pick
  1. Comment
  2. Identity
A head and shoulders portrait consisting of large disc-like pixels that obscure the real person..

The trouble with identity politics

Graham Tomlin
Identity politics reflected two great longings, a desire for uniqueness, and a need to belong. It’s time to ditch it.
5min read
Article
  1. Comment
  2. Middle East
A protester holds a red placard bearing the name and image of Mahsa Amini

The harsh reminder of our common humanity

Krish Kandiah
Iran’s latest sanctions on protestors are a harsh reminder of the importance of diversity, solidarity and our common humanity, writes Krish Kandiah.
4min read
Article
  1. Comment
  2. Time
A notebook is open at two blank pages. a pen rests across the page.s.

The challenge of filling your blank page or keeping it empty

Ian Hamlin
The start of a sabbatical sets Ian Hamlin thinking through the tension between contemplation and action.
4min read
Column
  1. Comment
  2. Community
A barber stands between two clients, a father and son, a neon sign shines behind.

From the barber’s chair: what makes a whole community

Adrian Urquidez and Neal Presa
Cutting hair during COVID taught Californian barber Adrian and long-time client Neal some lessons about relationships. A new column.
8min read
Column
  1. Comment
  2. Middle East
A destroyed airliner lies on the apron of a war-torn airport.

Cynical twists that make wars unjust

George Pitcher
The dodgy deals and human shields of a past war still disgust George Pitcher, who questions if just war criteria remain fit for today.
4min read
Article
  1. Comment
  2. War & peace
a dirt barricade blocks a cross roads, behind which stands a roadside cross

How to shape peace today

Christine Schliesser
On International Day of Peace, Christine Schliesser counts today’s conflicts, deliberately imagines peace, and recalls an old song.
4min read
Article
  1. Comment
  2. Sport
A rugby ball sails towards a player in a striped jersey from the foot of a kicker who has a leg and an arm extended out.

Why are sportspeople so superstitious?

Jonny Reid
Routine and rhythm help performance, but sporting superstition begs a question, writes Jonny Reid. Who do we really think is in control?
4min read
Column
  1. Comment
  2. War & peace
A mother cradles a child while another stands close by. They wear winter clothes of the 1940s and are amidst others waiting.

Looking evil in the face

George Pitcher
After viewing a new documentary on the Holocaust in Ukraine, a harrowed George Pitcher ponders his duty not to look away.
4min read
Article
  1. Awe and wonder
  2. Comment
A model of a human heart on a short stand.

The heart of the matter

Michael Henein
Heart doctor Michael Henein steps back to consider the unseen and unique wonders of the human body’s design.
6min read