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In this episode of Being Human, Katherine and Peter explore two big cultural trends happening at the same time: rapid AI acceleration and a growing desire to “go analogue.”
They talk about how AI is already improving everyday tasks but how it is beginning to replace entry-level work like junior lawyers, leaving younger people unsure how to start careers. They discuss the rise of AI therapy and companionship highlighting that AI can mimic language but not real relationship.
As a response, they unpack trends like digital detoxing, “friction-maxxing,” trad wives, and renewed interest in ancient, rooted forms of spirituality. They look at how Christians can engage wisely and point people towards Jesus.
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After many years of decline, male church attendance appears to be on the up. It's official – the boys are back!
In this episode, Katherine and Peter look at some of the high-profile men exploring Christianity and what is causing this trend as Christian footballers are casting their crowns, praying and worshipping before and after matches and celebrity converts are encouraging others to explore Christianity.
Delving deeper into the cultural stories, they uncover the consumerist mindset around 'bolt-on' spirituality where the wellness world uses prayer alongside supplements and routines as a way to self-optimise.
The conversation then shifts to political trends which sparks discussions about Christian nationalism and the rallies associated with Tommy Robinson.
Show notes:
00:00 Expressions of faith in pop culture00:55 Men Returning to Church01:26 Supplements and tracking your existence02:54 Footballers sharing faith07:46 Wellness and self-optimisation11:30 Self-help, discipline and Jordan Peterson's rules14:04 Prayer as a life hack15:23 Consumer church mindset15:40 Young men and right-leaning politics17:18 Defining Christian nationalism18:31 Algorithmic influence19:35 Tommy Robinson rallies22:06 Charlie Kirk funeral fallout23:12 Discipling brave and bold believers23:53 Where do we find our identity?24:57 Discipling young men in your church27:34 Our resources and the next episode -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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Crystals, tarot, manifesting and “Witchtok.” Alternative spirituality has become mainstream.
In this episode, Katherine and Peter explain the differences between manifesting and prayer, how crystals are used for specific intentions and why women seem to be turning to alternative spirituality. They also share stories of people buying spells from “Etsy witches,” using horoscopes on dating apps and the rise of Witchtok.
They discuss the roots of this trend - secularism, individualism, and postmodernism and the pick-and-mix spirituality it has created. They conclude by highlighting both the opportunities and challenges for churches: clearer teaching about Jesus, better discipleship and readiness to address occult involvement, including deliverance and spiritual warfare.
Show notes:
00:00 Alternative spirituality is now mainstream01:42 Gen Z spirituality stats04:06 Celebs on manifesting05:09 Manifesting vs Visualising08:38 Manifesting vs Prayer10:06 What are crystals?12:51 Witchtok has gone viral14:54 Etsy Witches and wedding spells16:40 Why are people engaging in spirituality?17:20 Cultural stories of spirituality18:11 the burden of manifesting19:00 Pick'n'mix spirituality20:12 No rules, no authority22:47 Crystals, manifesting then Jesus?25:35 What's the church's role in this?29:59 Jesus is the only way31:04 What about the men?33:37 Spiritually curious? Try Ethos35:42 Next episode: the boys are back! -
We're back with Season 8 of the Being Human podcast! In this episode, Peter Lynas is joined by new co-host Katherine Brown to explore "spiritual curiosity" across popular culture. From feminists and historians to podcasters and footballers it seems like many people are curious about faith. They discuss the Bible Society’s “Quiet Revival” report and its retraction, while pointing to other research and many UK stories of people praying, buying Bibles, and simply showing up at church. The episode also highlights challenges like pick-and-mix spirituality and online-only discipleship and stresses the value of local church community. Finally, they introduce Ethos, a digital pathway which includes a quiz, personalised insights and suggested Christian practices to help spiritually curious people explore the way of Jesus.
00:00 Celebs are spiritually curious
01:19 Welcome to Being Human
01:42 Meet the new co-host
03:11 The Jordan Peterson effect
05:18 Theo Von and prayer
06:39 Bryan Johnson tries prayer
08:21 Steven Bartlett is spiritually curious
11:24 Feminist author Louise Perry becomes a Christian
13:11 Ayaan Hirsi Ali: from Islam to Christianity
15:08 The Alex O'Connor effect
17:02 Quiet Revival or a loud awakening?
19:44 Stats and stories of people coming to church
23:29 Cultural shifts in faith
26:45 Pick-and-mix spirituality
28:10 Online discipleship challenges
30:27 Why local church matters
32:56 What's next?
35:18 Ethos: for the spiritually curious
37:20 Connect with us online
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It's our final episode of Being Human Season 7. Jo Frost, Peter Lynas and special guest Katherine Brown (Being Human’s engagement lead) complete the mini-series with some big announcements.
We get to know Katherine as she makes her Being Human podcast debut by sharing her story of becoming a Christian at drama school and how she ended up at Being Human. Revisiting the Quiet Revival, the team probes further into some of the themes, trends and motivations for faith exploration. The team use the Being Human Lens to explore how spiritual practices are becoming a popular gateway to faith as things like sabbath, fasting and digital detoxes become commonplace in our culture.
Connect with us on social mediainstagram.com/beinghumanlensConnect with Joinstagram.com/jofrostieConnect with Peterinstagram.com/peter.lynasConnect with Katherineinstagram.com/katherinexbrownRead more about how spiritual practices are leading people to Jesushttps://beinghumanlens.com/articles/spiritual-practices-are-leading-people-to-jesus Do your values and behaviours align? Sign up to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with Ethosbeinghumanlens.comPhil Knox's Missional Trends for 2026Missional Trends 2026 - Evangelical AllianceFind out more about the Evangelical Allianceeauk.orgShow notes:00:00 Welcome and Introductions02:23 Get to know Katherine Brown04:50 Continuing the conversation on the Quiet Revival06:30 Faith exploration journeys15:42 Is there a formula for discipleship?16:51 Jo's next adventure at OCCA20:07 Ethos explained23:38 He tried fasting and found Jesus28:18 Ethos teaser and sign up29:42 The journey to faith through spiritual practices31:36 Jo's final hurrah and plans for Season 8 -
In this episode, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas jump in to the Quiet Revival research. Unpacking the trends they are seeing emerge between men and women's approaches to faith. Men seem to take a "Jesus plus politics" approach whereas women are taking a "Jesus plus spirituality" approach. Sharing their observations from traveling and hearing stories, they chat about differences across nations and how the church can be equipped to navigate and disciple all of these newcomers.
Shownotes00:00 Welcome to Being Human: what is the 'Quiet Revival'?
02:21 Bible Society & YouGov Stats: Why the numbers surprised everyone
03:30 Other research confirms the trend (Bibles, students, Belief in Britain)
05:32 Where it’s showing up: regions, church types, and size effects
07:23 Baptisms, attendance, and ‘It’s not my church’
09:41 Public male converts & the politics question: What’s driving it?
10:29 Fear narratives: ‘Where are the men?’ and the discipleship challenge
11:55 Men’s pathways: solo faith, podcasts, and right-leaning baggage
15:15 Women’s pathways & ‘Jesus+’: experiential spirituality vs logic
18:00 Why are women’s stories quieter? Influence, platforms, and blind spots
22:02 Discipling the newcomers: From ‘Third eye’ stories to core formation
24:34 Openness Is Rising, now the church must disciple well
25:30 Identity, community & nationalism: flipping the lens
25:55 How to respond: share your local church story
27:13 Digging deeper: why the ‘quiet revival’ is happening
28:14 Chaos, deconstruction & openness to the Christian story
29:23 From Tom Holland to Jordan Peterson: intellectual, community & spiritual pathways
30:16 Is fear driving faith? What our research found about anxiety & hope
33:28 Viral moments & messy catalysts: funerals, livestreams and unexpected seekers
35:01 Google as evangelist: why SEO, online clarity & welcome matter
36:11 So what do we do? Step into the missional moment
37:54 A real-life nudge: the devotion book that opened a Jesus conversation
39:54 Discipleship in real time: handling messy journeys and public voices
41:56 Final landing: be a non-anxious presence and nurture what the Spirit grows
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In this episode of Being Human, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas take a deep dive into the controversial public figure Tommy Robinson, examining his conversion to Christianity and asking how it compares with the well-known faith journey of historian Tom Holland (Dominion).
The conversation explores the growing influence of Christian nationalism in the UK, Robinson’s cultural impact, and the wider debates shaping British society today, including Islam, immigration, national identity, and free speech.
Jo and Peter go on to ask some of the biggest questions facing the UK right now:
Can Britain still be called a Christian nation?What cultural, political and spiritual forces are redefining that identity?How should the church respond in an age of polarisation, especially when fear often shouts louder than hope?00:00 Introduction and welcome
00:27 Exploring fear in relationships
01:36 The tale of the two Tommys
02:03 Tom Holland's journey to Christianity
07:42 Tommy Robinson's perspective
17:45 Fear and identity politics
20:39 Christian Nationalism: definitions and debates
23:52 Tommy's provocative questions
24:45 Christianity's influence on society
25:36 The role of Christianity in modern cities
26:35 Challenges and critiques of Christian values
29:15 Fear vs. hope in Christian response
29:54 Addressing violence and fear
31:14 Christian citizenship and identity
38:06 Navigating fear and relationships
42:51 Conclusion and call to action
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Jo Frost and Peter Lynas are back with the seventh season of the Being Human podcast - Fear Makes The World Go Round - focusing on the chaos of the world today and its impact on our human story. They chat about how global instability, health anxieties, and geopolitical chaos are shaping our lifestyles and invoking fear responses. Delving deeper, they explore the rise of new leadership styles and the deconstruction of international norms. It's not all doom and gloom as they conclude with the story of Daniel as an example to living with a supernatural hope in the face of turbulent times. Jo also shares her upcoming departure to the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, marking this mini-series as her final contribution as a co-host.
00:00 Welcome to Season Seven00:23 Introduction to the mini- series02:18 Fear makes the world go round04:26 Health and Wellness Trends06:33 Geopolitical chaos08:21 Raising families when the future seems bleak11:11 The spheres of fear in our society12:54 Hope in the midst of chaos14:20 New leaders and deconstructed norms20:23 A fear response27:04 Fighting fear and finding hope30:59 Living the countercultural Christian story34:05 Conclusion -
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
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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 2023Elon Musk’s Space X Mars & Beyond : https://www.spacex.com/humanspaceflight/mars/More on TESCREAL https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TESCREALNetflix’s Black MirrorJustin 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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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
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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.
- Visa fler
