Being Human

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

Jo Frost and Peter Lynas tackle the pressing 'discipleship deficit' caused by a surge in new believers. They discuss the need for innovative discipleship methods that bridge cultural gaps and resonate with today’s youth. The conversation emphasizes the vital role of community and worship, alongside practical tips like digital abstinence for nurturing faith. By revisiting early church practices and adapting to shifting societal norms, they provide insights to better support today’s spiritual seekers.

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

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the complexities of freedom in today's world. Explore the tension between individual liberties and societal constraints, especially in the context of free speech and social justice. The conversation raises crucial questions about the limits of freedom and how we negotiate personal choice with the protection of vulnerable communities. With references to biblical perspectives and contemporary debates, the hosts examine what it truly means to be free in a digital age filled with misinformation.

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