Matters of Life and Death

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.

Of all orthodox Christian doctrines, the trinity is perhaps the one which most languishes understudied and underappreciated. Many of us see it as a baffling paradox, a riddle without an answer. Only of interest to egg-headed nerds and without any practical application to day-to-day Christian life. But have we been getting this wrong all along? Could reflecting on what it means to say we believe in one God in three persons actually unlock a whole raft of insight and appreciation for not just who our God – Father, Son and Spirit – but also lots of other elements of Christian belief and practice? • 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

John Heathershaw, a Professor of International Relations at the University of Exeter, dives into the complexities of Christian nationalism and its implications for today's political landscape. He critiques the idolatry of nation-states intertwined with Christian rhetoric, urging a prophetic stance for the church rather than political entanglement. He addresses Western liberalism's Christian roots and the danger of tech-driven echo chambers, advocating for churches to engage inclusively with disaffected communities and model dialogue over division.

In this enlightening discussion, Prof. Bob White, an eminent geophysicist and former director of the Faraday Institute, dives into the complex relationship between natural disasters and faith. He explains how plate tectonics contribute to earthquakes and volcanoes, while highlighting humanity's responsibility in the face of such dangers. Bob addresses profound questions about suffering, asserting that natural forces can coexist with a good God. He also explores the interplay of science and Christianity, urging a thoughtful approach to climate change and resilience in faith.