Join Jo Frost and Peter Lynas as they chat about all things sexuality and gender with Dr. Preston Sprinkle in the first-ever live recording of the Being Human podcast.   Known for his work with the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, Preston shares his top tips and insights for navigating these conversations in Christian spaces.   Highlights include the importance of speaking up, the experiences of LGBT people within the church and the differences in approach between US and UK law. Prepare to be welcomed and challenged compassionately.    Want to explore more about what the Bible says about sex, sexuality and gender?   Check out our video series Relationships Matter: Course - Evangelical Alliance  Follow our socials for more conversations https://linktr.ee/beinghumanlens   Follow Preston  https://linktr.ee/Prestonsprinkle    Chapters  00:00 Welcome and introduction  00:44 First live recording experience  01:28 Reflections on discussion  05:00 Getting to know Preston Sprinkle  06:36 Preston's academic and personal motivations  08:02 Future of sexuality and gender conversations  16:22 Understanding different perspectives  21:02 LGBT stories in the church  23:39 ‘Silence is not an option’  24:21 Navigating church conversations on sexuality and gender  25:39 How to speak up as a church leader  28:06 Gender conversation shifts in the UK and US  34:51 Theological anthropology and transgenderism  36:47 Balancing public engagement and pastoral care  41:37 Final reflections and prayer requests 

In the season six finale, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas explore the major cultural shifts shaping our view of the future. From Bryan Johnson’s anti-aging pursuits to Elon Musk’s space ambitions, they unpack what these stories reveal about our hopes and fears. The episode also delves into AI’s growing influence on politics and society. Jo and Peter contrast these secular visions with the Christian narrative - one rooted in hope and purpose. They close with practical tips - using simplicity and Sabbath rest as ways to stay spiritually grounded in an increasingly fast-paced and uncertain world. 00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts 00:18 Welcome and Podcast Overview 01:23 Exploring Hope, Progress, and the Future 03:02 The Myth of Progress and Cultural Shifts 07:33 Health, Longevity, and Technological Advances 12:34 AI and the Future of Humanity 15:13 Transhumanism and Technological Utopias 19:52 Cultural Reflections and Influences 29:35 Christian Perspective on Hope and Eschatology 33:34 The Importance of Eschatology 34:46 Misconceptions About Heaven and Earth 35:46 Living in the Now: Balancing Faith and Life 38:33 The Practice of Sabbath 40:47 Simplicity and Submission in Discipleship Related links: 'My ultimate goal? Don't die' - Bryan Johnson article in The Guardian, 14 September 2023 Elon Musk’s Space X Mars & Beyond : https://www.spacex.com/humanspaceflight/mars/ More on TESCREAL https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TESCREAL Netflix’s Black Mirror Justin Brierley in conversation with Anthony Bradley: Why men are returning to church. Emily Maitlis interviews Charlie Brooker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV1iF9wMS0g

In this week’s episode, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas explore the urgent issue of the 'discipleship deficit' amidst the growing number of young people coming to faith. They discuss the challenges of discipling in a complex world with its constant changes in cultural values and societal shifts. The conversation delves into the need for new methods of discipleship to bridge the cultural disconnect and align with the gospel's teachings. The discussion highlights the importance of community and worship while suggesting Biblical practices like digital abstinence to navigate this transformative time. They pull on threads from the gospels and early church practices and provide insights for today’s church to better support this exciting rise in spiritual interest.      00:00 Introduction: The Missional Moment 00:30 Welcome to Being Human 01:53 Exploring the Discipleship Deficit 04:03 Cultural Shifts and Their Impact 07:22 The Role of Community in Faith 11:19 Discipleship in a Complex World 18:33 Jesus' Encounters and Lessons 25:22 Practical Steps for Discipleship 33:03 Conclusion

In this episode of Being Human, hosts Jo Frost and Peter Lynas discuss the increasing interest in Christianity among Gen Z and young men, exploring the profound cultural and spiritual shifts underlying this trend. They highlight the rising curiosity in faith, supported by empirical data and real-life stories.   Delving into the intellectual journeys sparked by public figures like Jordan Peterson and Russell Brand they look at how these influences shape individuals' exploration of Christianity. They also examine how these cultural shifts align with biblical narratives, emphasising the importance of witnessing and interceding.   The episode concludes with practical advice for anchoring spiritual growth in daily practices and fostering a supportive community for new believers.    00:00 Introduction: The Growing Interest in Faith  00:38 Exploring the Cultural Shifts  01:31 The Quiet Revival: Is It Real?  02:41 Focus on Young Men and Gen Z  05:35 Public Figures and Faith  09:21 Generational Trends in Faith  14:27 The Role of Intellectuals and Public Discourse  19:14 Biblical Stories and Their Relevance  28:41 Witnessing and Intercession  35:24 Conclusion    Links to items discussed  The Rest Is History Podcast  Joe Rogan interviews Wesley Huff, January 7, 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwyAX69xG1Q  The Times, Gen Z survey January 25, 2025  Bible Society report, ‘The Quiet Revival’ April 2025:  https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival  Dominion – Tom Holland.   Giles Coren article in The Times, This Lent I will turn atheism into ashes   The Best of Friends – Phil Knox 

Join Jo and Peter in a new episode of Being Human as they reflect on the concept of the 'vibe shift' and its far-reaching effects on today’s cultural and social dynamics. They explore real-life examples from changes in corporate culture and political realignments to the evolving ways people express their faith in public. Through their discussion, they emphasise the importance of grounding oneself in scripture and liturgy to navigate these shifting cultural landscapes, offering a stable foundation in Jesus. Tune in for an engaging exploration of how to live truly and fully human in today's ever-changing world.   00:00 Introduction: Cultural shifts 00:30 Welcome to Being Human 01:20 Exploring the Vibe Shift 03:21 Cultural Examples of the Vibe Shift 14:23 Faith and the Vibe Shift 26:15 Practices for Navigating in Changing Times   Links mentioned Santiago Pliego: pliego.substack.com/p/vibe-shift Alison P. Davis New York Magazine article: A Vibe Shift Is Coming. Will any of us survive it? www.thecut.com/a-vibe-shift-is-coming

Jo and Peter return to unpack freedom, chatting through insights on the topics of free speech, social justice and asking if it's okay to stop others from exercising their freedom to protect your own. Explore the dynamic exchange between Jo Frost and Peter Lynas as they delve into cultural conversations and biblical practices to explore what freedom, faith, and being truly, fully human looks like today in our latest podcast episode! Tune in for an engaging discussion that resonates with current debates and timeless truths.  00:00 Introduction: Absolute freedom is a myth   00:33:  JD Vance and free speech  01:35:  What is freedom?   02:12:  Freedom and Individualism   06:58: Are our freedoms under threat?  07:03: Coercion and Assisted Suicide  10:57: Freedom in the Digital Age  13:42: Biblical Perspective on Freedom  25:41: Christian Practices for Freedom 

In the first episode of the Being Human podcast season six, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas dive into the widespread feeling of chaos in today's world, exploring its implications on personal, cultural, and societal levels. Chatting through the different cultural stories, from politics to technology that contribute to this sense of chaotic madness, they pull on the threads of the God story to help us make sense of what’s happening and ask how practices such as fasting, hospitality, and worship can bring order and peace.   Time stamps  00:00 Introduction: It’s a mad, mad world  00:47 Exploring Cultural Stories  01:55 Understanding Chaosity  04:08 Global and Technological Chaos  10:48 Personal and Community Chaos  13:24 Biblical Perspective on Chaos  25:54 Christian Practices for Order  36:10 Conclusion and Call to Action 

In the final episode of the season, hosts Jo Frost and Peter Lynas discuss the intricate relationship between health, wellness, and what it means to be truly, fully human. Exploring the cultural stories that shape our view of health and wellness, they delve into topics such as nutrition, sleep, body image, and mental well-being. As with all episodes in this season, Jo and Peter use the Being Human lens to analyse these aspects through the aspects of presence, significance, participation, and connection. They highlight the cultural contradictions surrounding health and wellness and emphasise the importance of community, hospitality, and generosity for a holistic and healthier life. Practical applications like fasting, simplicity, and hospitality are recommended to cultivate wholeness and better health. 00:00 Season Finale Announcement 01:13 Today we’re chatting health and wellness 02:23 Recap on the Being Human lens 04:07 The importance of sleep 07:50 Health span vs. Life span 09:17 Holistic health and wellness 12:57 What does the God story tell us about healthy bodies? 19:18 Health inequality and the challenge of dignity and respect 23:33 Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit 24:26 Participation and the sedentary lifestyle 26:27 Health data and health tracking 29:22 The influence of social media on health 31:27 Connection through food and relationships 34:45 Health as a justice issue 37:33 Practices for health and wellness 43:51 That’s a wrap!

In this episode Jo and Peter welcome their friend and head of public policy, Alicia to the conversation. This time ethnicity is placed the centre of the lens and through significance, connection, presence and participation, they track some of the major cultural shifts in this vital and global conversation. From the murder of George Floyd in the US to the case of Child Q in the UK, they lament over the prevalence of injustice, while looking to the God Story for a more hopeful narrative. Alongside personal stories the conversation touches on how Christians might seek wisdom when it comes to language and ideas like intersectionality. And admits a culture that so often only wants to deconstruct, they look to the opportunity for hospitality, relationship and rebuilding in Jesus’ name to bridge divides. They ask what can the story found in scripture tell us about difference, identity and community when it comes to thinking about ethnicity?   Part one (00:00) 00:07 Welcome and introductions with Alicia.  01:43 Framing today’s topic: ethnicity and identity.  06:17 Looking at language: race, ethnicity and nationality.  12:18 Putting ethnicity in the centre of the lens.  13:18 Significance and the murder of George Floyd.  18:19 Why we might struggle to recognise our own sin and prejudice. 21:12 The God story: liberation, redeeming identity and the story of Hagar.    Part two (26:17) 26:20 Connection, Christian global community and building peace. 30:01 Friendship and combatting the fear of misspeaking. 33:11 Biblical mandate: being sanctification and made holy. 36:11 Presence: Child Q as a moment of reckoning. 41:28 Deconstruction, intersectionality and rebuilding in Jesus's name. 45:35 The good shepherd. 48:05 Participation: migration and the mandate of hospitality. 52:55 Practicing gratitude. 54:12 Practicing study and intercession.  

In this episode of Being Human, Jo and Peter are joined by their twenty-five-year-old team member Emma to discuss the generational shift in perspectives on work, rest, and play. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, they explore how different age groups approach work-life balance, purpose, and identity. Diving into the world of intergenerational workplace dynamics, the impact of digital culture, hobbies, mental health and the quest for a meaningful rest vs work ethic, they draw on the wisdom of the God Story to seek a better narrative. The episode wraps up with three practical spiritual habits – rest, solitude and communion - for navigating these challenges.   Part one (00:00)  00:40 Meet Emma: behind the scenes to on the mic.01:10 Today’s topic: generational perspectives on work, rest, and play. 02:39 Gen-z, millennials, Gen-x and boomers: understanding the generational categories.  05:06 The Being Human lens: a way to explore the cultural stories. 07:06 Participation: what does each generation look for in work? 14:31 Play and rest: hobby and volunteering culture across generations.  16:40 The God Story: purpose and gifting.  Part two (19:58) 20:00 Significance: does your identity come from your work?   25:52 Anxious generations: shifts in work perception and uncertainty. 29:05 Work, identity, and rest: a biblical perspective.  33:30 Connection: gen-z in the digital age and conflict in relationships.  38:50 Presence and place: flexibility and the future of work. 45:15 A better story with three spiritual practices: rest, solitude and communion.  49:22 Finishing up: do get in touch!  

We are taking a short break in the season, but while you wait for the next episode why not join us for our webinar series? Join us for three 60-minute online webinars on June 11, 18 and 25 with Jo and Peter as they explore Being Human as a new apologetic for the 21st century and unpack its resources for your church. These interactive webinars will cover a range of topics: from the cultural stories of our day, to the narrative of the God story, as well as research on the different kinds of attitudes you might find in your church, and how we can be reaching out more to one another. We would love to see you there. Find out more here: https://beinghumanlens.com/being-human-webinars-june-2024

In this episode Jo and Peter use the apologetics tool - the Being Humans Lens - to chat all-things artificial intelligence (AI). They ask: does AI know us better than we know ourselves? Can AI really become a source for our relationships? And how might we draw on the wisdom of the God Story when it comes to navigating the future of tech?  Through exploring significance, connection, participation and presence the conversation covers AI’s benefits and challenges, from ChatGPT and self-driving cars to ethical dilemmas and the potential for deep fakes. They also consider the environmental impact of AI and the questions around ethical frameworks to guide its development. Ultimately, we dive back to the better story found in the pages of scripture for a hopeful perspective on integrity, empathy and wisdom in this digital age.   Part one (00:00)  01:06 Welcome back and introducing today’s topic: AI 03:03 Putting AI at the focal point of the Being Human Lens. 05:01 Significance: AI bias, data and ethics. 12:45 The God story: Genesis and wisdom.   Part two (17:03)  17:06 AI and connection: how do we build an ethnical framework?  25:36 Loneliness: is AI really a source for relationship?  27:31 Biblical empathy and ethics: relational beings in a digital world. 29:27 Real vs fake: presence and digital deconstruction.  35:38 The environmental cost of AI.  38:10 A better story: stewarding God’s creation, pursing truth and encounter.  40:51 Participation and creativity: does AI really know us better than we know ourselves?  44:50 ‘Hypersuasion’: AI's influence on our choices.  49:08 Wisdom and integrity in the age of AI.  51:12 Three spiritual habits: digital abstinence, worship and examen.

In this episode climate change is at the focal point of the Being Human lens. Jo and Peter chat through presence, significance, connection and participation as they tackle one of the biggest issues facing humanity today. How might we shift some of culture’s most dominant climate conversation from blame and hopelessness, to care and stewardship?   From micro stories of London’s ultra-low emission zone to larger macro-stories of rising sea levels and climate refugees, they consider the importance of human equality, and issues of local and global justice. All the while bringing the conversation back to the better story found in the pages of scripture – how do biblical themes like sabbath, jubilee and stewarding land help reframe these debates? As followers of Jesus, how might we think about some of the disagreements surrounding tackling climate change and consider the role of both personal and collective responsibility.    Part one (00:00) 00:59 Welcome to back and a reminder that we would love to hear from you. 01:33 Climate Change: opening up the conversation and uncovering the why behind taking care of the planet. 05:13 Looking at UK: local and national climate issues and policy. 09:42 The Being Human Lens and putting climate change at the focal point. 11:13 Presence: being here now matters. Looking at some of the macro stories on climate change.  16:12 Acknowledging a historical misreading of the bible and reframing the whole earth as God’s temple.   Part two (19:02) 19:04 Significance and equality of human life when thinking about climate and creation. 23:03 Sabbath, Jubilee and the promised land: exploring the biblical story. 27:19 Who is our neighbour? Exploring connection, justice and peace.  31:53 Greta Thunberg and the future generations. 34:02 A more hopeful story: being in relationship with the giver of the land. 36:39 Participation – individual vs collective responsibility?  44:39 Personal practical practices towards environmental stewardship – study, simplicity and fasting.  45:18 Collective practices: practicing advocacy and communion.  

This episode explores the limits and boundaries of human life, particularly when it comes to abortion and euthanasia. Jo and Peter use the Being Human lens as a tool to help us think faithfully and compassionately about the start and end of life, recognising these are hugely contested areas in public debate.   They take a look at the law surrounding abortion and euthanasia as well as stories from around the world on where these debates are bubbling up across the media. The conversation touches on justice and autonomy from women, dignity in suffering, and the deeply personal dilemmas individuals face. They bring us back the story of God and his people, taking note of the role of the early church in caring for babies and the promise of hope woven throughout scripture. The episode lands on how we might navigate these conversations well in our own lives and sharing a better story through practices of hospitality, different forms of prayer and gratitude.    Part one (00:00) 01:24 Diving into the debate: are there limits on life? Both entry to life and exiting from life are two of the most contested areas in public debate.  02:46 Stories of abortion and euthanasia in UK media and policy.  06:03 The Being Human Lens: a tool for this discussion.  07:49 Understanding statistics and the law around abortion in the UK.  12:37 Significance and abortion: considering a woman’s autonomy over her own body and the life of a baby. 14:05 Moving to euthanasia – why is it such a hot topic at the moment?  16:00 Dignity and death: having compassion for those suffering and the promise of hope in the Christian story.  Part two (21:59) 22:00 Connection: How does the start and end of life affect our relationships with each other, with God and with our world?  24:38 Is abortion the pinnacle of the justice for women or is it perpetuating further injustices in new forms? 28:06 Navigating the euthanasia debate in Canada 32:58 The early church: revisiting ancient values and practices of our forefathers. 35:20 Presence and the recognising the cost of caring for our loved ones.  41:03 Participation and the story of Sarah and Paul Williams. Does purpose necessitate being human?  47:21 Practising and inhabiting a better story: hospitality, gratitude, intercession and examen prayer.   Interested in taking this conversation further? Take a look at some resources and organisations mentioned in the episode:   Both Lives Matter Home for good  Safer families  Perfectly Human: Nine Months with Cerian (Shaming the Strong) by Sarah Williams 

If every human being is made in the image of God, but we are each rooted into a particular place and culture, how might we as Christians better engage in conversations on migration, asylum and refugees? In this episode Jo and Peter discuss this global issue and why it should matter to us all. From political slogans and dramatic headlines, the conversation starts by peeling back some of misconceptions and complexity of this issue; investigating who’s coming into UK and for what reasons. Jo and Peter then once again use the Being Human lens to help offer a fresh perspective asking how might significance, connection, presence and participation impact our understanding of human dignity, interculturalism, borders and citizenship? How can we see the pages of Scripture as one large story of migration, displacement and finding home? Part one (00:00)01:11 Welcome back and introducing the big issue for episode four: the complex world of migration, asylum, and refugees.02:03 Announcement: Peter and Jo are hosting a mini-series of webinars! Chatting all-things Being Human from the Lens, to our cultural landscape to understanding who is in our churches and how we might reach them. Look out for more information coming soon.03:05 Small boats, international students and economic migrants: getting the lay of the land on who actually is arriving into the UK each year.  09:09 Coming back to the Being Human Lens: why is migration and asylum important to the conversation about being human today?12:10 Starting with significance – how does dignity, identity, and equality affect a perspective on migration?16:42 From the Old to New Testament: seeing the bible as one large a story of migration. And how might that challenge our perspective. Part two (20:17)20:20 People don’t migrate in isolation: recognising the importance of families, dependants and connection. 24:07 The complexities of local connections and global compassion. Are we equally connected to everyone in the world? Is our responsibility to family, community, nation or the globe?26:46 Lessons from Beyonce's latest album and exploring how might we think about borders.30:20 We are particular people in particular places – respecting both the culture we might be from and the one we are visiting or inhabiting.37:38 Pushing back on the unhelpful soundbites and toxic language surrounding this issue, what might it mean to participate positively in this conversation? 41:23 Coming back to the story of God as one that centres on displaced people – how might be understand inclusion and welcome of the foreigner, but also the call to be distinct?44:43 Gratitude, study, and you guessed it...hospitality. Three habits for we might inhabit this better story for engaging with migration, refugee and asylum. Read Luke Bretherton's article on Immigration and the moral status of borders here. 

In episode three, Jo and Peter tackle one of the most contested topics in our culture today – the trans debate. They explore the complex questions surrounding sex, gender and being embodied humans. With the transgender and feminism conversations often feeling charged and toxic, it can be difficult to know how to engage when this issue can affect us personally and divide opinion so quickly.    So, this episode provides a hopeful look at what it means to be human when it comes to such a contested issue.  Engaging with topics like the Barbie movie, gender and sport, controversies surrounding those in the public eye – like JK Rowling or Dylan Mulvaney – and the treatment of transgender children, this episode looks at where we find the gender debate bubbling up across culture today. Jo and Peter, using the Being Human lens, keep bringing it back to God Story; how it speaks to feminism, equality, human dignity and understanding the importance of our bodies.  This conversation reminds us of importance of thinking through our theology and recognising the significance and dignity of one another, particularly when we might disagree.    Show notes   00:00 Welcome back to Being Human and catching up on Peter’s chocolate and sugar sacrifices in preparation for a mountain marathon  02:20 ‘I am kenough’: exploring the cultural phenomenon of last year’s Barbie movie and questions it posed about what it means to be a woman and a man.   05:14 From JK Rowling to Dylan Mulvaney, introducing one the most contested issues of today: male, female, sex and gender identities.   11:46 Looking through the Being Human lens and kicking off with significance: who matters, and do we matter when it comes to our bodies? Navigating the often-emotive topic of trans rights and human rights.  20:03 Recognising the significance and dignity of one another, particularly when we disagree.   23:41Feminism meets Christianity: in the book of Genesis, are women really just “an afterthought”?     Part two (26:25)  26:25 Finding common ground: when different sides of the trans debate seek to cancel, push out and disown one another, is there a possibility of reconciliation when it comes to our connections to one another?    40:05 Presence and reflecting on the Cass Review: a key moment for the conversation on transgender care for children.   44:03 Recognising bad theology and reclaiming good theology when it comes to thinking through our bodies and our spirits.   46:45 How might we attempt to participate in the gender identity conversation when it so fraught with emotion, sensitivity and difference?  53:00 Theological study, fasting and hospitality: three practices for navigating cultural conversations and reorientating us back to God.   

What is the impact of social media on mental health, especially kids and young people? Jo and Peter share from their own experiences as parents attempting to navigate how to wisely use and limit social media in their own lives and the lives of their kids. Being Human 502 is taking a deep dive on the online space and explores the impact it’s having on particularly the minds of young people. Although social media can be a force for good, the way in which our tech competes for our attention is something we all can relate to. Jo and Peter open up the conversation with the tragic story of teenager Molly Russell and shed light on the dark side of the online world. From self-image and filters to the power of algorithms, they explore the rise of anxiety, depression and loneliness which has been reportedly linked to social media use. What role can both parents and individuals play in navigating these challenges for our kids, friends and ourselves? And as we look at these issues through the Being Human lens, what does the God Story have to offer us in the face of these challenges? How can we use the apologetic tool of the Being Human lens to help shape a better story for our mental health and online lives? This episode rounds-off with personal tips and habits for healthy and balanced engagement with social media. Part one (00:00) 02:17 Welcome back and teeing up the question that Jo and Peter get asked the most – what is the impact of social media on the mental health of our young people? And what do we do about it? 03:40 The Molly Russell Case: a wake-up call and an opportunity to open up the conversation. 05:46 Putting today’s conversation in the focal point of the Being Human Lens and asking is there a better story when it comes to our engagement with social media and understanding mental health?   07:16 Exploring significance and identity in the digital age. What impact does an all-loving, all-knowing God have into a social media swirl that perpetuates self-doubt and insecurity?   Part two (18:08) 18:12 From dating apps to algorithms to Ted Lasso - looking at connection and social media’s impact our relationships with one another.  23:54 ‘I can buy myself flowers’: exploring the cross over between the drive for self-love and experience of loneliness in modern connections.  27:52 With filters, deep-fake and AI how might we navigate the blurred lines between online and real life? 38:22 Finding balance: strategies for healthy engagement with social media. Adopting small habits that lead to significant change over time. 49:45 Finishing up – championing mental health support and community engagement.   Keen to develop your own habits of healthy social media use? Read 5 Ways to Cut Back on Social Media from PCMag. 

Welcome back to season five! Jo Frost and Peter Lynas return, exploring what it means to be human in 2024.   In this first episode, Jo and Peter are chatting all things elections, democracy and nationalism. With four billion people headed to the polls this year, how does the God story affect our engagement with politics? From Taiwan and India to the Trump vs Biden rematch and our own issues on domestic soil, this is shaping up to be a big year.   This season we’re going to be using the Being Human Lens, which focuses on four core aspects of humanity: significance, connection, presence, and participation, as a framework to help think through these big issues. Amongst divisive issues like abortion and Israel-Palestine, the concerning rise of Christian nationalism and the votes of young people in the UK – is it possible for our connections, place, and participation to play a positive role in our lives and politics? We’re asking how we as followers of Jesus can model a better story when it comes to disagreeing well and being others-orientated, as well as exploring some everyday spiritual habits to help us follow the way of Jesus as we engage with our democracy.     Part 1 (00:00)  00:00 Welcome to season five: exploring what it means to be human in 2024! 01:41 This season, we are taking the big issues of our day and looking through the Being Human Lens to understand how we form and shape our humanity. 03:24 With four billion people heading to the polls this year, lets deep dive on elections, democracy, and nationalism. From Taiwan and India to the Trump vs Biden rematch and our home soil: the elections we can anticipate this year.  09:53 Refresher: what is the Being Human Lens? How might we use it to understand our world?  12:26 Israel-Palestine, US polarisation and exploring significance in divisive political landscapes. How might an identity in Christ affect our engagement in politics?   Part 2 (20:37) 20:54 Connection in democracy: building coalitions and community amidst a society that emphasises the needs of the individual above others.  28:58 Nationalism and migration – is it possible for place and presence to play a positive role in our lives and politics?  36:36 As Christians, how might we creatively and compassionately participate in democracy beyond just voting? 42:30 Intercessory prayer, digital abstinence, and hospitality: everyday spiritual habits to help us grow into the likeness of Jesus as we engage with politics.  

We have reached the end of season four! After a season of listening and learning from a variety of people, ideas and experiences, Jo and Peter sit down together and pull out some of the threads and themes woven throughout this season.     This season spanned a wide range of topical subjects, from young people and mental health to class and heritage, to identity and power, revealing a resounding common theme of crisis. Our world and sometimes our own faith feels fragile and fractured. So, in this episode Jo and Peter take three of the major cultural stories – secularism, expressive individualism and postmodernism, and ask: ‘what do we mean by each, why are these stories here, and why are they creating crisis?’.   Ultimately, the hope-filled news is that these cultural stories exist within a wider and deeper one. A good, true and beautiful story of what it means to be human, that we are invited into to bring about cultural renewal.     Although season four has come to a close, you can dig even deeper by reading Jo and Peter’s book and staying up to date with the latest content on our website.     Part one (00:00)  02:29 – The wrap up episode: reflecting on what we’ve heard and noticing commonalities within the themes of the cultural stories throughout the podcast season.   06:00 – Why are we feeling as though we are living in crisis? Increasingly people are reevaluating the story they are living, but what if there is another story that doesn’t inhabit crisis?   08:27 – Exploring story one: Secularism. Why aren’t we as secular as we pretend to be and the lack of coherency this story offers.      Part two (15:30)   15:43 – Exploring story two: Expressive individualism — what do we mean by this, why is it here and why is it creating crisis?   19:00 – Some of the challenges of expressive individualism, and why receiving an identity from God and belonging to Him is so important in light of this story.   21:10 – Exploring story three: Postmodernism. Understanding the goodness that can be found in this story – from calling out power abuse to tearing down injustice. However, there are challenges to this story that leave us fumbling, searching for truth 29:30 – Our cultural stories run within the larger, wider one that God shares with us. As kingdom-carriers, we are to be a light to the surrounding world, to partner with Him to bring about cultural renewal.  

Are we becoming more anxious as a society? And how can following Jesus build resilience in the face of increasing mental fragility? In our final interview of the season, Jo and Peter are joined by Will van der Hart. Anglican priest, author, coach and pastoral specialist, he brings a breadth and depth of knowledge to conversations surrounding faith and mental health. Having suffered from PTSD and an acute anxiety breakdown following his involvement in the London 2005 bombings recovery, Will is now a leading voice on equipping leaders to look after their emotional health. This interview covers a lot of ground, spanning from deep theology to psychology to cultural commentary, as well as practical advice on building resilience. Ultimately, Will shares that belonging to Jesus can help us in the way we view our psychological health and our ability to battle shame. If you would like to explore more of the themes of this episode, do check out Christian mental health charity Mind and Soul Foundation, where Will is a director. Will’s book, talks and further resources can all be found there. Part one (00:00)00:35 – Two very different stories to get to know Will: an all-inclusive holiday gone wrong, and the impact the 2005 London bombings had on his mental health.05:14 – Will's own experience of complex PTSD and anxiety led to a ministry integrating and advocating for faith and mental health. But in wider society, are we becoming more anxious or are we just talking about anxiety more?13:00 – As Christians, do we recognise that we are truly forgiven and free? What is ‘disassociated guilt’ and why is it ‘the culture war of old’?19:00 – “If it's not a paradox, then it's probably not God”. Learning to hold the mind, spirit and body together in unity, even if that causes tension. Part two (21:10)21:20 – The power of ‘unbelonging’: much of today's cultural stories surrounding ‘the self’ are rooted in a deep desire for belonging and fear of shame.27:00 – Why belonging to Jesus can benefit our psychological health.29:00 – Unpicking the challenges that Christian leaders are facing and dismantling the ‘catastrophe of leadership narrative’.35:30 – To build resilience against a culture of shame, we must share grace often and seek a soft heart in the centre of the church.40:00 – Where to go next – Will’s books and further resources, as well as an important reminder for prioritising recreation.