Glen Scrivener reflects on 500 episodes of The Speak Life Podcast. They discuss the changing faith conversation, the importance of perseverance, the contrast between a totalitarian God and a loving God, and the comedy of Easter. They address the Ravi Zacharias scandal and the wisdom of Lori Ann Thompson. They also talk about wounds and restoration within the church community, perceiving God, the appeal of organized religion, and reaching out to younger generations.
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Quick takeaways
Many Western values, such as equality and human rights, have a theological foundation derived from Christianity.
The power of the church community to support and care for its members during times of crisis is a powerful form of evangelism.
Attempting to replace God with substitutes like art or humanist values has failed to provide a satisfying alternative, leaving a void in society.
Deep dives
The Influence of Christianity on Western Values
The podcast explores the idea that many Western values, such as equality and human rights, are derived from Christianity. It argues that without a theological foundation, these values may not have emerged in the way they did. The interviewee emphasizes that the belief in human rights is as much of a theological belief as the resurrection of Jesus, and that it requires a leap of faith. The discussion also delves into the concept of a God-shaped hole, suggesting that attempts to replace God with politics or other ideologies may be problematic. Overall, it highlights the significant role that Christianity has played in shaping Western ethics and society.
The Power of Community in Times of Crisis
The episode recounts a personal experience of a family going through a traumatic event, where the community of the church provided a tremendous support system. It emphasizes the power of the church as a unified body, rallying around those in need, offering prayers, support, meals, and even sleepovers for the children. The conversation highlights the importance of community, the significance of prayer, and the visible witness it can present to those outside the church. The resilience and faith exhibited during times of crisis is seen as a powerful form of evangelism that often speaks louder than words.
The Debate on Same-Sex Marriage within Christianity
The controversial issue of same-sex marriage within the Church of England is discussed. The interviewee's perspective is that the underlying problem is not same-sex attraction, but a broader issue of faithfulness to Christ. The emphasis is placed on the church being a true family, bound together by the waters of baptism, and living out a faithful life together. The conversation challenges the notion of church as a place for weekly lectures and instead highlights the importance of embodying Christian values in everyday life. The interviewee advocates for a holistic approach to sexuality and relationships, centered around faithfulness to Christ.
Recognizing the Need for a God Substitute
The podcast discusses the idea that as a society moves away from religious beliefs, there is still an innate desire for something to fill the void left by the absence of God. The guests in the podcast highlight that attempts to replace God with other substitutes like art, literature, or even humanist values have ultimately fallen short in providing a satisfying alternative. The conversation explores the notion that removing God from the equation has had significant consequences, leaving us without a robust framework for guiding our understanding of goodness, truth, and beauty.
Rebuilding Trust in the Body of Christ
In a conversation with an abuse survivor, the podcast delves into the distinction between the concept of Christendom and the body of Christ. The guest expresses deep wounds inflicted by the Church and her journey towards healing and restoration. Despite the harm caused by individuals within religious institutions, she emphasizes the importance of differentiating the actions of imperfect followers from the true essence of Christ. The conversation highlights that while institutionalized religion may have failed, there exist genuine believers and communities who exhibit Christ-like love, creating a path for healing and restoring faith in the body of Christ.
Glen Scrivener reflects on 500 episodes of The Speak Life Podcast. Media Producer Thomas Thorogood asks him about how the faith conversation has changed in the past decade.
Episodes referenced in this conversation:
- University CU Missions – SLP1 - Atheism 2 of 4: What Atheists Get Right – SLP18 - Interview With James Cary - SLP198 - How Christianity Got Dominion Over The World (An interview with Tom Holland) - SLP269 - Douglas Murray | We're Moving From One Belief System To Another | Facing The God-Shaped Hole | RESET - SLP329 - Lori Anne Thompson: In Her Own Words || SLP350 - My Child Almost Died - Paul Feesey || SLP382 - Louise Perry on The Case Against the Sexual Revolution || SLP419 - Bishops, Marriage and the Failure of the Church || Paul Blackham and Glen Scrivener || SLP445 - Konstantin Kisin: Can We Have Western Values Without Christianity? || SLP462
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