AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question Hi, I was wondering what are some of the biggest differences you see with the churches and their movements in the U.S. compared to those overseas. For example in Scotland.
Answer Hi Matt,
On reading your question, I was tempted to simply tick the box that is available to me, to say that this was outwith my expertise. However, that seems to me to be too impersonal - hence this brief response (I won't flatter it by referring to it as an answer!!)
Unfortunately, I know very little about the church in the U.S. of A. as the last time I attended one was way back in the 1960s when I was in the British Merchant Navy. However, I do recall an welcome and open-ness that was (sadly) unfamiliar to me.
Today, one main difference between the situation in the USA and Scotland would be in the attitude to issues such as the blessing of a civil partnership. Although this does happen (in my opinion, wrongly) in Scotland, it would appear that it is much more common in the States.
The one thing about which I am curious, is the reason for your question!! Perhaps you will feel free to share that with me!?!
Meanwhile, my apologies that I have not realy given you an answer of any worth. I do hope that you can find out the information you seek from someone who has recent experience of the church world-wide than I have.
Blessings
C.Brian Ross (Rev)
P.S. One thought that has just occurred to me is that the persecuted church is growing, both numerically and, as far as I can make out, spiriually, that the church in the "west". "The blood of the martyrs is (still) the seedbed of the church" (Augustine?)
