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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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Saknas det avsnitt?
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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.
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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.
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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 MatterHome 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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We take a break from the interviews for this one-off special episode marking the release of our co-hosts Jo and Peter’s book: Being Human: A new lens for our cultural conversations.
Who am I? Does my life matter? What will make me happy? From our politics to churches, from media to the marketplace, from everyday mundane moments to the conversations held on this podcast, we all ask life’s big questions about what it means to be human. So, Jo and Peter dive into this fundamental question, their new book and the wider Being Human project.
If you have enjoyed this season so far and are interested in taking the conversation further, visit beinghumanlens.com to order your copy of Being Human, check out our small group video series and find out how to stay up to date with future resources.
Part one (00:00) 01:50 – Recapping the season’s standout moments so far and introducing today’s episode – a book launch! 05:32 – What drew Jo to the cultural conversation about being human? When Jesus didn’t seem like good news – recognising the growing disconnect between evangelism and the questions the world is asking today. 08:45 – What drew Peter to the cultural conversation about being human? Jesus stood in the meeting place of the God story and cultural stories. But as disciples today, whether it’s on social media or at the school gate, do we really feel equipped to do the same?
Part two (13:45) 13:40 – The ‘what’ behind the Being Human project: the journey from an idea to Jo and Peter’s book and wider initiative. 18:32 – The Jenga tower and oak tree – why drawing on everyday analogies is so helpful in understanding the cultural climate we find ourselves in. 23:00 – Introducing the book and a new lens – a new way to engage with our cultural conversations, using four key aspects of humanity: significance, connection, presence, and participation. 31:15 – To bridge the discipleship gap, we must live out the biblical vision for humanity in everyday habits and practices. 33:00 – Beyond the book: opportunities to take the Being Human project further, with the small group series, personas workshop, and much more to look out for in the future.
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Is the tide turning on a belief in God? Are we witnessing a wave of curiosity towards the Christian story?
In this episode, Jo and Peter sit down with the renowned author and former host of the Unbelievable? podcast, Justin Brierley, to delve into his latest book, The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God.
Join our co-hosts as they explore the journey Justin undertakes in his book, where he uncovers the unexpected resurgence of belief in God in an age supposedly characterised by scepticism and secularism. He considers what might it look like for the world to be ‘re-enchanted’ by the God story in new and imaginative ways, and the thought-provoking questions his book raises about the intersection of science, reason, and spirituality in our modern world.
For more conversations like this one, Justin also co-hosts the Re-Enchanting podcast. To listen to this and order your copy of his latest book, head to: justinbrierley.com
Part one (00:00) 01:54 – Are we looking at the birth of a new cultural tide where people are ready to hear the Christian story once again? Introducing Justin’s new book: The surprising rebirth of belief of God. 05:43 – The rise and fall of the mid-2000s ‘new atheism movement’ – why many people are no longer satisfied with atheism. 10:50 – “When people stop believing in God, they don’t believe in nothing; they believe in anything…” Atheism opened a void that was filled by numerous other stories on life, meaning and purpose, that took people in all kinds of directions.
Part two (13:21) 13:36 – Since the Enlightenment, there has been a ‘disenchanting’ of the world – what does this mean? What problems does it pose? And does the Christian story have anything to offer? 18:47 – What story are you living for today? And other questions that might shift how we share the story of God in today’s culture. 22:45 – Christians have often sold the God story short, but what might it look like to re-enchant a world that is looking for meaning, belief and imagination? 27:27 – With a rise in cynicism towards the church, it’s important to recognise our own flaws while not becoming disenchanted with our own story. 31:15 – From Tom Holland to Jordan Peterson, how can we be careful about how we engage with so called ‘secular prophets’?
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Many parts of the church are sick because so often it does not follow its Lord. How do we come to terms with abuse and misuse of power within the body of Christ?
In this episode, Jo and Peter are joined by Dr Diane Langberg for a timely conversation on power, balancing justice and forgiveness, and honouring the stories of the oppressed.
Dr Langberg is globally recognised for her 52 years of clinical work with trauma victims from war-survivors to church leaders. She has trained caregivers on six continents in responding to trauma and to the abuse of power, and now she is invited to speak and train all over the world. Her newest book, Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church, brings her decades of experience into light.
To discover more about Dr Langberg’s work and read her latest books, head to dianelangberg.com
As followers of Jesus, we all have a responsibility to bring darkness into the light. If you are affected by anything in this episode and wish to seek further help, we do recommend checking out the resources of Christian safeguarding charity thirtyone:eight.
Part one (00:00)00:45 – From meeting with Vietnam war veterans to hearing women’s stories of sexual abuse – Dr Langberg’s journey to investigating the church as a place of abuse.5:40 – As someone who has been the listening ear to stories of suffering for decades, what has kept you on the path with Jesus?6:39 – If power is part of being made in the image of God, why does the church have such a complicated relationship with it? What can good and holy power look like?12:35 – Beginning to dismantle a system-protection mindset: holding leaders in respect, without making them untouchable.
Part two (15:16)15:29 – How we engage with a seemingly growing and fruitful church, while remembering that what is happening on the surface doesn’t always indicate a good and pure heart.20:40 – How do we navigate the church as a place of justice for the abused, but also a place of forgiveness and grace? We can look to the cross where the cost of forgiveness was truly shown.24:55 — Humility and restoration doesn’t necessarily mean a return to positions of authority and power. How can leaders steward power well?29:00 – Looking towards the life of Jesus and His relationship with the temple – keeping our faith in Jesus strong while dealing with stories of church abuse in the right way.32:00 – For anyone listening today who has suffered in the church, some words of comfort, hope, and resilience from Dr Langberg.
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Being a disciple of Jesus is not about becoming like the people around us, it’s about becoming more like Him – so why are most western churches predominantly middle class?
Having grown up in relative poverty in a deprived seaside town, Natalie Williams’ life was changed when she became a Christian at age 15. Now she is the chief executive of Jubilee+, a national Christian charity that seeks to equip Christians and churches to alleviate poverty and injustice in their communities. Natalie joins Jo and Peter in this episode for a conversation on class, culture and learning to celebrate difference and diversity.
As the co-author of several books, including Invisible Divides which explores some of the barriers to belonging in the church, Natalie is passionate about recognising the image of God in everyone, and how the church can practically become a place of overflowing mercy.
To hear more about Natalie, discover her books and the work of Jubilee+, head to their website.
Part one (00:00)00:56 – Introducing Natalie: from the teenager who wasn’t looking for faith, to the woman who now champions the power of Jesus to change the world through His church.04:04 – Understanding class barriers and belonging: are we to conform to the image of a middle-class Christian? Or to the image of Jesus?07:34 – Learning to reconcile class differences with a God who doesn’t want us to move away from our cultures and contexts, nor ignore our differences.11:36 – Trying to unpick values that reflect God vs values that reflect culture, learning first from the Bible and then one another.
Part two (17:34)17:34 – Class, gender, singleness – how can we better understand multiple and intersecting barriers to belonging?21:00 – Becoming thick-skinned yet soft-hearted – learning to recognise the plank in our own eye and host spaces where people feel they are welcome.29:50 – Practically, how do we maintain communities of difference?
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As Western culture becomes more and more secular, are we increasingly ‘living in exile’ as Christians? If so, how can we better understand our identity, our home, and one another?
We welcome Damilola Makinde to the Being Human podcast. Her background spans law, public policy, preaching, and worship leading. Damilola is originally from London but having grown up within a Nigerian diaspora in Ireland, her experience of tri-cultural heritage has contributed to the powerful and prophetic voice she holds today.
In this episode, she draws on her own story of ‘living in exile’ but finding home in the presence of God. Join us as we discuss how our culture impacts our understanding of who God is and our relationship with Him, the challenge of discipleship in more secular environments, and Damilola’s hope to see revival and renewal in our day.
Damilola is a member of the Being Human team, you can find more about her at beinghumanlens.com
Part one (00:00)03:40 – Growing up in a Nigerian diaspora; being deeply formed and shaped by a country, yet not living in it.06:50 – Finding similarities between Damilola’s tri-cultural heritage and the experience of Christians in the West. What does ‘living in exile’ look like?11:00 – Home is the ability to recognise the presence of God wherever you are. So, although living in exile can be painful, we can find hope in its promise of home.
Part two (16:38)16:45 – Understanding secularism as a climate that diminishes our view of God.18:45 – Before we can understand who we are, we need to understand God as ‘other’ and holy. But what do we do when we find ourselves in environments that over- or under-emphasise the otherness of God?24:55 – The challenge of discipleship within a secular context is to be responsive to the culture around us but remain reflective of the gospel.
Part three (28:50)28:56 – Revival is when people respond to Jesus on His own terms – are we seeing signs of this today and if so, how should we respond?33:30 – The cultural stories of today are bringing us to our knees, and yet this is exactly where we need to be to see revival and receive a fresh revelation of who God is.38:01 – Damilola’s hope and prayer for anyone listening today – that as we are transformed, we too become agents of God’s transformation for the world.
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To be human is to search after a home. For Rachel Gardner, this is found in community.
As well as an author, speaker, and activist, Rachel is the youth resourcing lead at an intergenerational church plant in Blackburn. With a background in youth work, Rachel is passionate about young people finding their voice – and redeeming relationships.
In this episode, Jo, Peter and Rachel focus on the ‘connection’ aspect of being human. They ask: how have things changed for young people? What impact has the online world had on ideas around love and safety? And what opportunities can the church look out for to redeem young people’s understanding of Jesus?
Deep connection has always required self-sacrifice, but in today’s culture love is expressed as a self-first love. However, one of Christianity’s most captivating offers to humanity is a genuine offer of belonging: that all of us can be one family in Christ.
Interested in finding out more about Rachel? Follow her on Twitter @RachelGardnerRA or read one of her latest books The Sex Thing and The Girl De-Construction Project.
Part one (00:00)00:49 – Meet Rachel: stories of finding home in community and finding family through adoption. 04:17 – How has the nature of connection to one another changed? Each generation is extraordinarily bold and innovative in finding connection. Today we see this innovation through the ideas of expressive individualism and a new heroic narrative.08:30 – Instagram and the online world prevent young people from being able to work out who they are in the fullness of a kind and up-close community.11:00 – A poor understanding of safety, combined with a poor understanding of connection, is a toxic combination, particularly for young women and girls.
Part two (14:15)14:20 – The compelling nature of a narrative of “God loves you” is so warmly appreciated, but the closer that love comes, the more suspicious many people become. What are the challenges of communicating the gospel today?19:09 – The remedy to these challenges – finding the stories of sacrificial love in our culture today.21:00 – If we are part of communities that are discipled as much by secularism as by Christianity, how do we begin a conversation about redeeming the idea of desire? 24:30 – God’s invitation – told throughout the God story – is for us to come close and be known. When we are drawn to God’s holiness, we learn that He can cope with our desires and fears.28:30 – As parents, church members and leaders, we must be incarnate communities in order to welcome and embrace young people.
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The Bible is a fuller and richer story than we might tend to think. Within it, all other stories find their place. But is it possible to truly make sense of the world with a biblical perspective?
Introducing professor and author of Biblical Critical Theory, Chris Watkin. As a scholar in the relationship between the Bible and philosophy, his groundbreaking book seeks to place biblical ideas alongside the cultural theories of our day.
Chris joined the podcast for a conversation on the power of stories, philosophy and disrupting culture’s disagreements. He chatted with Jo and Peter as they explored some of the ideas of Biblical Critical Theory, a book that the late Tim Keller had “eagerly anticipated for years”.
Interested in reading Biblical Critical Theory or more of Chris’ work? Head to thinkingthroughthebible.com
Part one (00:00)02:20 – How do ideas become viable, visible and valuable to us? Introducing critical theory and the way it shapes the stories we tell and our view of the world.06:23 – Discovering the kinship between Christians and philosophers. Whether we agree or disagree, it's important to make space to ask the big questions of today.09:23 – The God story isn’t just one story added alongside the many others trying to explain our world. Rather, it is the story within which all other stories exist.11:08 – How do we make sense of the world with a biblical perspective – do we need a lens or a map?
Part two (15:09)15:55 – How does the Bible disrupt our culture’s comfortable dichotomies? When there is a tendency to pit human dignity against human humility, the Bible balances them in harmony.21:57 – Is it possible to tell the story of sin in a way that makes sense in cultural conversations?26:35 – The Christian story ‘out-cynics’ the cynic and ‘out-hopes’ the optimist.
Part three (30:54)31:05 – The implications of new creation and revelation. What are we being redeemed for?34:01 – Putting this into practice: what difference can biblical critical theory have in our daily lives?
- Visa fler
