Matters of Life and Death

Last week’s episode about the parliamentary wrangling over the UK’s assisted suicide bill prompted a fair amount of disagreement from listeners who felt we were wrongly accusing members of the House of Lords of bad faith. We read out some emails and consider different ways to interpret the logjam in the Lords caused by the 1000+ amendments tabled to the controversial bill. Then we move on to the incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, who has just been confirmed in the role. As well as the first woman to lead the Church of England, Mullally also had an earlier career as a nurse, rising to become the most senior nurse in England aged just 37. What difference might this experience make to how she leads the church, and could she help rebuild bridges between the increasingly secular NHS and the churches which were once the foundation of healthcare in Britain’s past? • 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

Last year, the democratically-elected MPs of Britain’s House of Commons passed by a margin of 23 votes a bill to introduce assisted suicide for the first time. Before it can come into force, the bill has to also be approved by the UK’s unelected upper chamber of parliament, the House of Lords. Here it has started to founder, as opposition grows and the parliamentary procedure is gummed up by a thousand separate amendments. For those of us who think assisted dying will be a disaster, is this kind of political dirty war the right way to go to stop a bad bill becoming law? Or should we admit defeat and allow a bill approved in a free vote by the representatives of the people to pass, rather than tear up democracy in the process? What could be lost as collateral damage in the increasingly ugly battle over assisted suicide? And what are the Christian roots of the tradition of giving our lawmakers the freedom to vote their consciences on ethical issues like this, anyway? Our last podcast after the assisted dying bill was first approved by the House of Commons: https://www.johnwyatt.com/the-assisted-suicide-bill-has-been-passed-by-parliament-what-comes-next/ John’s briefing on the legislation, circulated to all MPs ahead of the original vote: https://www.johnwyatt.com/leadbeaterbill/ • 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

Elly Hanson, a clinical psychologist who advised the John Smyth review, explains how evangelical culture can enable abuse. She outlines how hierarchies, patriarchy, loyalty and grooming create vulnerability. Short, sharp takes on boarding-school pipelines, spiritual manipulation, and whether conservative communities can reform without losing convictions.

Our four-part series on the deeper narrative of the Bible comes to an end with New Creation. Just as with the beginning of the story, this final chapter is often overlooked in many churches and the Christian narrative is compressed simply to fall and redemption. But losing sight of our future hope and where the story ends is hugely detrimental to our ability to think through ethical issues well. So what do we believe about resurrection, ascension, heaven, the second coming and new creation, and how should that shape our thinking as Christians? • 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

Our series on the theological foundations of Christian ethics and the grand narrative of the Bible has reached the third chapter – redemption. How is the story of what Christ accomplished on the cross a uniquely Christian approach to the problem of evil, and what light does it shed on our approach to everything from artificial intelligence to reproductive medicine? In this episode we discuss the mysteries of the cosmic universal story of redemption – with a lamb slain from the foundation of the world alongside a real historical man dying in a real place and time once and for all. And we try to think through why this redemption story seems to be retold time and time again across our secular culture, from Marvel superhero films to Harry Potter, and why it remains so compelling and yet also strangely impossibly optimistic. • 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

The discussion dives deep into the concept of the Fall and the nature of evil. It contrasts secular views of human goodness with a nuanced Christian perspective. Topics include how technology amplifies both virtues and vices, and the limitations of secular explanations for personal malevolence. The hosts reflect on Genesis 3, exploring the origins of evil and the doctrine of total depravity. They argue for the necessity of restraints on technological power, and ultimately present a paradox of Christianity—realistic about human brokenness yet hopeful for redemption.

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.