Matters of Life and Death

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.

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.