In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss a recent TikTok trend that involves the promotion of intergenerational estrangement. The buzz language tied to this trend is “going no contact” - when young adult children (specifically Millennials and Gen Z) attempt to solve family issues by essentially ending the relationship and cutting ties with their parents. What many don't think about is how this is in direct violation of one of God's Ten Commandments. Episode Links Dr. White is in the midst of a series on the Ten Commandments at Mecklenburg Community Church (Meck) called “Ten,” and the installment on the fifth commandment is particularly relevant to today's conversation - the command to honor your parents. There are sadly so many who struggle following through with this commandment, feeling that their parents are deserving of anything but honor. But so often it's because people misunderstand the deeper significance of what it means to follow through with this command. You can find all the installments of this series at Church & Culture HERE. There are two other series that Dr. White delivered at Meck that are also very helpful if this is something that you are struggling with. The first is called “Father Figure” and explores the importance of fathers in our lives and in our world, how to fill father-shaped holes in your life, how to find healing from a dysfunctional father, and the real nature and dynamic of God as Father. The second is called “The Sins of the Fathers: Breaking Generational Patterns of Dysfunction,” with installments designed to help you process this pivotal dynamic that is so decisive to a healthy, whole life. What sparked this episode is an article written by Theara Coleman in The Week titled “'No contact': Family estrangement is on the rise for young people choosing peace.” She writes how people who would advocate for family estrangement are attempting to normalize this behavior in today's culture, hoping that "eliminating the stigma would allow ‘more people to get out of unhealthy family relationships without shame.'" In reality, this is merely an excuse to avoid the hard work of fighting to protect familial bonds. Clinical psychologist Joshua Coleman conducted a study on this in his book Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict. He believes that a lot of the issues stem from changed notions about what constitutes traumatic experiences. And David Brooks wrote an article in The New York Times titled “What's Ripping American Families Apart?” that is worth the time to read. His research shows how this trend of estrangement is much more pervasive in the United States than other countries around the world. For those of you who are new to Church & Culture, we'd love to invite you to subscribe (for free of course) to the twice-weekly Church & Culture blog and check out the Daily Headline News - a collection of headlines from around the globe each weekday. We'd also love to hear from you if there is a topic that you'd like to see discussed on the Church & Culture Podcast in an upcoming episode. You can find the form to submit your questions at the bottom of the podcast page HERE.

In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss the human desire to live forever. Earlier this year, Netflix released a documentary called “Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever” about a 47-year-old man named Bryan Johnson, who is on a mission to extend his life beyond all known limits in order to have more time with his son. He is so passionate about this, he invests more than $2 million annually to continue to drop his biological age. He's not alone in this endeavor. Episode Links As Dr. White mentioned, for people who have a naturalistic worldview, this life is everything. It's the only life. For the Christian, we know that there is so much more to this life. Kara Bettis Carvalho wrote an article in Christianity Today titled “Bryan Johnson Is Going to Die,” which prompted today's conversation. You can read her article HERE. While focusing on health and wellness is important, people often take it to extremes like Johnson. What's most important is that we treat our body well as it was entrusted to us by God. Therefore, we must not fall into the traps of fixating on our bodies nor desecrating them; rather, we are called to consecrate them. Christianity is more than a worldview or a philosophy. It promises an actual relationship with the living God, allowing the power and presence of God to course through our veins - bringing us back from the living dead. The truth is that the same power that raised Jesus can raise us now. This is something that Dr. White explored in a series given at Mecklenburg Community Church called “The Waking Dead.” You can find that at Church & Culture HERE. For those of you who are new to Church & Culture, we'd love to invite you to subscribe (for free of course) to the twice-weekly Church & Culture blog and check out the Daily Headline News - a collection of headlines from around the globe each weekday. We'd also love to hear from you if there is a topic that you'd like to see discussed on the Church & Culture Podcast in an upcoming episode. You can find the form to submit your questions at the bottom of the podcast page HERE.

The conversation dives into Starbucks' pivot back to being a 'third place' for community. With a nostalgic reflection, it contrasts this with the church's loss of its central role in people's social lives. The discussion highlights the need for physical spaces that nurture connections in a digital age. By drawing parallels between church outreach and Starbucks' strategies, they emphasize the importance of fostering real community, even in larger congregations. Ultimately, it calls for a renewed focus on the core mission of the church in today's evolving culture.

The hosts dive into the shifting landscape of wedding traditions, questioning the modern disregard for sacred customs. They explore marriage's biblical roots in Genesis, highlighting its divine significance. There's a discussion on the symbolism behind traditional wedding elements and what they mean for Christian couples. The contrast between traditional and personalized officiants adds another layer, as they ponder the implications of this evolution on the essence of marriage today.

Natural disasters provoke a wide range of responses about God's role. Some feel anger, others seek explanations, while many find strength in faith. The discussion explores theodicy, examining how suffering intersects with free will and divine love. It emphasizes growth through adversity and the empathy that arises from shared pain. Personal stories highlight resilience, illustrating how faith can transform tragedy into hope and connection with the divine. This thought-provoking dialogue invites deeper reflection on the complexities of suffering.

A notable trend reveals an increasing number of women distancing themselves from organized religion, particularly within Generation Z. The discussion highlights dissatisfaction with the church's treatment of women and sexism in theological teachings. Efforts to promote inclusivity and female leadership roles are seen as crucial for the future of faith communities. Furthermore, the podcast explores how churches can appeal to younger generations by balancing masculine and feminine contributions, emphasizing the need for respect and representation.

The hosts dive into the cultural shift in churches, where ideology is overtaking theology. They discuss the implications of prioritizing sports over spiritual development for children. The conversation also tackles the evolution of church engagement through hybrid ministry models. Additionally, they explore the crisis surrounding the doctrine of humanity in light of AI and genetic engineering. Ultimately, there’s a focus on finding hope and renewal within the church amid the challenges presented by upcoming societal changes.

This engaging discussion revolves around keeping Christ at the heart of Christmas amid rising consumerism. The speakers explore practical tips for celebrating meaningfully, even for those unfamiliar with Christian traditions. They delve into the rich symbolism of decorations and emphasize the importance of family dynamics, providing strategies for navigating challenging gatherings. Additionally, they highlight the significance of generosity during the season, encouraging traditions that honor Christ through giving and service.

The discussion explores the gripping phenomenon of near-death experiences, sharing both awe-inspiring and haunting accounts from those who have faced clinical death. Insights reveal common themes of joy and divine encounters, juxtaposed with nightmarish experiences. The conversation delves into cultural interpretations and the biblical view on death and the afterlife, emphasizing the eternal nature of the soul. Additionally, it examines how these experiences challenge and shape personal beliefs about mortality and spirituality, inviting listeners to reconsider their views on life beyond death.

The discussion dives into the provocative question of whether salvation can be lost, probing biblical interpretations and the concept of apostasy. It touches on the rising number of 'nones'—those with no religious affiliation—and the growing trend of faith deconstruction. Delving into the emotional toll of loved ones losing their faith, the hosts emphasize the importance of compassionate dialogue for reconnection. The conversation also highlights salvation as a personal journey of acceptance and the vital role of perseverance in one's spiritual life.