Who wants to live for ever: Heaven, Mars or life in the cloud?
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
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44:12
Help! How do we disciple all these new Christians?
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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33:54
Why Is Gen Z Finding Jesus?
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
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36:24
The vibe shift is coming for us all
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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33:31
Unpacking Freedom: Cultural stories and biblical practices
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
Join Jo Frost and Peter Lynas for a conversation asking what it really means to be human. Listen in as they discuss some of the biggest issues of our day, all the while exploring how we can ensure that it’s God’s story that ultimately defines who we are and how we live our lives.
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