John Baxter
This site is written mainly with friends in mind with whom I enjoy exchanging views and as a way of setting out my ideas. This makes it more of an anthology than a blog and here I summarise what you will find under the various “pages” listed along the top.
Often I write simply to try and sort out my own thoughts and feelings, but if this leads you to comment – for or against – I am delighted to make the site more a base for discusion rather than just an expression of my own opinions, so please send me an email . I will reply and add your comments to the site. (preserving your anonymity unless you wish to be quoted) John December 2011
I also founded and edited www.wincantonwindow.co.uk until October 2011.
I now write and contribute to it. Iam also an enthusiastic photographer and artist and my work can be seen at www.getshot.co.uk
Home Page BLOG Reacting to events. Magisterial musings. Self indulgent? Propably.
BUDDHA WAY A brief introduction to Theravada Buddhism. Samsara – Rebirth. A personal interpretation.
OPEN R.E. Open RE and Fundamentalism – the Threat. Explores how Open Religious Education can reduce this. Written first after the London Bombings and sent to leading Lib Dems – who read and commented. NC, VC, DH. RE Recommendations for David Laws when he was LD spokesman on Education in 2009. Beginning to look dated or prophetic as Baroness Varsi has been saying how the Coalition is “doing religion.”
POEMS A collection written over many years.
ETHICAL ISSUES Murder by Another Name? An examination of Abortion and the “pro-life” rejection of it. Who Suffers? A short summary rejecting the pro-life approach sent to many MPs
Mortality Short paper. Early stage. Long way to go.
RELIGION - Christianity and Supernaturalism. My attempt to make sense about what I think has happened to Christianity. First draft in 93, last revised 2008, but further revisions possible. Have discovered my basic approach is similar to that of Karen Armstrong , although she is much cleverer and more erudite. I still however think my experience as a teacher together with some exposure to African and primal religion and to Theravada Buddhism has taken me to places she has not reached – though has reached many places I have not.
Clearing the Way. Thoughts on religion in a predominantly post-theistic culture.
The Papal Visit 2010 and Dialogue with Jack Valero of Catholic Voice.
POLITICAL Ideas for an an Environmental Volunteer Corps, A short paper against the Olympic Games,and a careful reflection on South Africa after a three week visit in March 2010.
TAKE HEART An Afternoon in the Summer Sun. An account of my heart attack in 2006. followed by a description of my triple bypass operation in Bristol, The CABG Patch. The NHS at its best. A life-changing experience.
WORLD VIEWS So often ideas and movements can be made clearer by the use of diagrams.
email john@johnbaxter.org
John
JOHN BAXTER
For the last seventeen years (until 2010) I have worked as a professional photographer, qualifying in 96 with a Licentiate from the British Institute of Professional Photography. I remain a camera addict – specialising in portraits and local journalism, but I also enjoy drawing, painting and am hooked on digital imaging. See my site www.getshot.co.uk
For 25 years I taught about religion and ethical issues in schools. (RE)
I studied Theology, Religious Studies, Education and Philosophy at Rhodes (SA), Oxford and Bristol Universities. I have also studied Art and Art History, and have held photographic and painting exhibitions of my work. I have also written and photographed for local papers and some specialist journals. I foundeded and edited the Wincanton Window for two years until October 2011.
I was born in South Africa. Went to Bishop’s in Cape Town. Attracted to the High Anglican and liberal tradtion, I found the Church’s witness against apartheid inspiring. However in the end I found belief in God increasingly problematic. Then, after a period of doubt and some confusion I was drawn to the Buddhist tradition some 25 years ago. Today I would describe myself as a non-supernaturalist, transcendant post-theist – if that does not sound too pretentious. Perhaps it does.
As a specialist teacher of Religious Education I was for some years on the National RE Teachers Commitee and then became a member of the Devon SACRE which developed the RE curriculum for Devon schools. I am committed to an open approach to Religious Education which includes providing accurate understanding and respect for all the main religions and the opportunity to examine and discuss important religious and ethical issues. Personally I find I am relentless in constantly re-examining the views I am inclined to hold. If you wish to label me you will need to read what I have written. Politically I am a Liberal and continue to to be an active supporter of the Liberal Democrats.