Welcome to Etheldreda.net

Regarding the website’s name…

First, and most simply, Etheldreda (pronounced Ethel-dreeda) is an unusual and intriguing word, so seemed like a great name for a website.

In fact, Etheldreda is an actual name, which literally means ‘noble strength’. That’s interesting, since any good we might do as Christians is entirely dependent upon the grace and sovereign ‘power’(2 Corinthians 12:9) of our Lord, always remembering that ‘we have this treasure in clay vessels’(2 Corinthians 4:7). So the name can be seen as a fitting reminder of that total dependency, and in a sense therefore as both a prayer and a plea as well.

In addition, however, the website has this name because its author is someone who appreciates various aspects of the monastic tradition, although is probably best described as simply a New Testament believer, and non-denominational. In fact, I’ve found a particular affinity with the puritans and their successors. Even so, perhaps unusually given that fact, I also have this interest in the best practices from the monastic tradition, hence naming the site after St Etheldreda, rather like churches etc. are often named after someone from Christian history. As an aside to this project, I like to encourage other Christians to reflect on and consider their/her example and way of life, alongside some other key points of relevance (see the ‘Etheldreda?’ links for more details).

However, the main content of Etheldreda.net is a collection of short blog-like posts (or expositions/reflections) on Bible texts. Their distinctive characteristic, consistent with these puritan and monastic interests, is the way in which they’ve been prepared – using this helpful spiritual discipine already mentioned, which is a fusion between puritan expository technique, traditional monastic lectio divina and a medical way of thinking, hence ‘Prescriptions from God’s word’. As mentioned above, I like to encourage other Christians to take a look at this spiritual discipline for themselves (see the ‘Prescriptions?’ links for more details) – and perhaps come to their (your?) own conclusions about its usefulness.

Otherwise, I’ve gathered together this collection of Bible texts, to study/meditate on them, and write up the distilled essence of my findings (prescriptions – Rx), for three reasons:-

Firstly, for careful application to myself, so that through many hours of slow, considered, Bible study and prayerful meditation, I might know and serve God better, thus assisting my walk with Him through life.

Secondly, I hope this spiritual discipline will furnish my mind with helpful thoughts to share with others during life’s journey, whenever the opportunity arises (including, since 2018, via Etheldreda.net @etheldredanet on Xtwitter).

Thirdly, I make the full text-based fruits of my work available here, on Etheldreda.net, in the prayerful hope that others might find what I’ve prepared of some interest, use or benefit.

So, to access the ‘prescriptions’ prepared so far, go via the ‘Rx so far’ links, where they’re presented in Bible book order. You can scroll up and down to pick one that you’d like to read, from a random starting point in the sequence. Alternatively, to see what’s new, click on the ‘Blog’ links, where you can scroll down to see the history of the website as well. Or you can use the search feature on the navigation above to search for anything on this website.

Again as above, if you’re visiting Etheldreda.net and are not yet a Christian, may I draw your attention to the ‘Christian?’ links, if you’re interested in finding out more regarding what a Christian is, or perhaps even how to become one.