Matters of Life and Death

Delve into the wonder of creation and its theological significance. Discover how some traditions view the world with suspicion and the call for believers to celebrate God's gifts. Explore how music and sports can serve as expressions of worship. Reflect on how creation embodies truth, goodness, and beauty, and the importance of enjoying it. Engage with the idea that beauty is central to God’s character and how it inspires both worship and scientific inquiry, while also addressing the need for churches to embrace creation's awe.

Dr. Rosslyn Perkins, a seasoned GP and medical educator, dives into the complexities of menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) from a Christian perspective. She addresses the skepticism some Christians have about using HRT and its implications on faith. The discussion covers the history of HRT, its risks versus benefits, and the importance of individualized health decisions. Rosslyn emphasizes the need for open conversations about menopause in churches, encouraging support for women experiencing this natural phase of life.

Delve into the provocative world of designer babies and the ethical dilemmas they present. Explore the allure of selecting genetic traits, from beauty to intelligence, and the cultural anxieties driving this trend. The podcast scrutinizes the implications of modern 'liberal eugenics,' from embryo selection to its impact on disability perceptions. A Christian perspective frames children as gifts rather than commodities, challenging the commodification of life. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on parenting, genetics, and the essence of what it means to be a child.

Nigel Biggar, a prominent Christian ethicist and Priest, delves into the ethics of colonialism and the complexities of Christian nationalism. He discusses the moral implications of historical actions, arguing that colonialism isn't just a matter of history but also ethics. Biggar defends a form of patriotism that aligns with Christian love for one's country while warning against toxic nationalism. He critiques the secular shift in Britain and emphasizes the significance of nations in moral theology, illuminating the intertwined legacies of faith and governance.

Psalm 139 is one of the most famous and most quoted chapters of the whole Bible. Some indeed have even constructed an entire Christian ethic of the unborn child from its famous central verses. But what do we think David is trying to say in this beautiful and mysterious poem? What can it teach us about how we should view fetuses in the womb, and have some gone too far in trying to use this psalm as the lynchpin of the anti-abortion movement? And, as we approach Christmas, does it shed fresh light on the marvel and mystery of the incarnation too? • You can send in your questions for us to discuss on the podcast, or ideas for future episodes, to molad@premier.org.uk • Subscribe to the Matters of Life and Death podcast: https://pod.link/1509923173 • If you want to go deeper into some of the topics we discuss, visit John's website: http://www.johnwyatt.com • Find some of Tim's journalism and sign up for free to his weekly church news newsletter The Critical Friend: https://tswyatt.com • For more resources to help you explore faith and the big questions, visit: http://www.premierunbelievable.com

In this intriguing discussion, Dr. Daniel Maughan, an Oxford consultant psychiatrist specializing in psychosis, explores the unsettling notion of 'AI psychosis.' He examines how prolonged interactions with AI chatbots could distort reality and exacerbate psychotic symptoms. Maughan emphasizes the risks of AI reinforcing harmful beliefs and contributing to suicide contagion. He advocates for the importance of real-life human connections in mental health recovery while pondering AI's limited role in therapy, sparking crucial conversations about technology and our minds.

John Wyatt, an experienced physician and ethicist, dives deep into the controversial topic of assisted dying. He critiques the UK’s proposed bill, raising concerns over euphemistic language and the implications for patient autonomy. Wyatt candidly compares international statistics on assisted death and examines the medicalization of dying. He challenges the ethical distinction between suicide prevention and assisted dying, warning against the risks of coercion. Ultimately, he advocates for compassionate care that acknowledges human dignity without resorting to killing.

A listener in the United States has written in pondering the, ahem, sensitive issue of circumcision. In America it’s been commonplace as a medical procedure for newborn boys for generations, while in the rest of the world it’s almost exclusively a Jewish or Muslim religious rite of initiation. Does circumcision actually offer any real medical benefits? Following the growing pressure to stamp out female genital mutilation, once known as female circumcision and largely tolerated across North Africa and the Middle East, some are now looking at male circumcision with fresh eyes. Should we be much more sceptical about religious minorities performing this ritualised and irreversible procedure on non-consenting babies by non-medically trained community leaders? Or is defending the rights of Jews and Muslims on circumcision one plank in a broader effort to protect our religious liberty to continue with practices and teachings wider society now reviles? • You can send in your questions for us to discuss on the podcast, or ideas for future episodes, to molad@premier.org.uk • Subscribe to the Matters of Life and Death podcast: https://pod.link/1509923173 • If you want to go deeper into some of the topics we discuss, visit John's website: http://www.johnwyatt.com • Find some of Tim's journalism and sign up for free to his weekly church news newsletter The Critical Friend: https://tswyatt.com • For more resources to help you explore faith and the big questions, visit: http://www.premierunbelievable.com

Julie Maxwell, a community paediatrician and deputy director at Lovewise, shares her expertise on gender dysphoria in children. She discusses the rising cases and the impact of social media on youth identity. Julie critiques the weak evidence for puberty blockers and the complexities surrounding detransitioners. She emphasizes the importance of compassionate engagement from a Christian perspective, urging listeners to support vulnerable children while addressing the challenges within parental and school dynamics.

A groundbreaking technique allows researchers to create human embryos using DNA from skin cells, opening doors for same-sex and infertile couples to have genetically related children. The hosts discuss the ethical implications of manipulating human biology, comparing cells to Lego blocks. They also delve into a listener’s question about the meaning of Jesus' promise of greater works, emphasizing its context and cautioning against unrealistic expectations of miraculous healing. Finally, they highlight the importance of submitting to God's will in prayer and the mystery of faith.