Matters of Life and Death

We in the UK have been startled by the sudden announcement from the prime minister that our general election, due at the end of the year, would actually be held in six weeks’ time in early July. In this episode we reflect on why Christians are so politically engaged in Britain, with research suggesting they are much more likely to vote, join a party, and campaign than the general public. Why has modern Christianity become so thoroughly pro-democracy, even as our secular states veer further and further from Christian values? Do we need a more robust theology of politics and government in response to the many 21st century countries challenging its supremacy? And is modern technology, in particular AI, threatening the foundations we need to make democracy work? • Tim has written more about research into how British Christians vote and why in his Substack newsletter here: https://tswyatt.substack.com/p/the-bible-and-the-ballot-box • AI and epistemic risk paper: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4805026 • The Evangelical Alliance survey of Christians and politics https://www.eauk.org/general-election/thinking-faithfully-about-politics • Research by the Theos thinktank on a similar topic https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/research/2024/05/15/religion-counts-do-the-religious-vote • 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 • For more resources to help you explore faith and the big questions, visit: http://www.premierunbelievable.com

Exploring the debate of autism as a disability or superpower. Erin, diagnosed with autism, shares her journey and advocacy in the church. Historical impact of neurodiversity, rising diagnosis rates, and church support. Navigating friendships, identity, and online spaces for neurodiverse individuals. Ethical implications of genetic testing and society's response to autism diagnosis.

AI friendship apps raise concerns about addictive behaviors and pseudo-intimate relationships with computers. Discussion on the Mike Pilavachi/Soul Survivor abuse scandal involving high profile Christian leaders. Exploration of AI companions in film, human connections vs. technology, and unveiling abuse in the Christian community.

Nick Spencer, senior fellow at Theos, discusses controversial topics like contact with aliens, curing depression, animal personhood, and mass vaccination in his book Playing God. The podcast explores how Christianity can engage with these issues in the 21st century.

Exploring the proposed law in Scotland for assisted dying, the podcast discusses the flaws and potential consequences. It delves into the philosophical and ideological reasons behind the push for euthanasia. The episode raises questions about societal progress, moral implications, and the role of Christians in a post-legalization world.

The podcast discusses abusive relationships and coercive control within the church, featuring insights from expert Natalie Collins. Topics include escaping abuse in a church community, gendered dynamics of abuse and violence, financial dynamics in relationships, and the impact of coercive control on abortion decisions.

Our first topic in this Q&A episode is a recent study which found that in 2023, the first full calendar year after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade and the constitutional right to an abortion, total abortions actually increased. Despite 21 states enacting full or partial abortion bans, more women not fewer are ending their pregnancies. How can this have happened, and what might it tell the pro-life movement about its tactics and priorities if it seeks to make abortion not simply unlawful, but unthinkable? Next we respond to a listener who is wondering if we might have got food culture a bit wrong in a church setting? Hospitality and sharing meals together is a huge part of Christianity, but is it possible to do so while making fresh, nutritious food from scratch? Should Christians be wary of ultra-processed food? Have we accidentally baptised our existing middle-class preferences for organic produce and home-made recipes, and pretended it is somehow more virtuous or moral? The Guttmacher Institute's research on abortion statistics: https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/despite-bans-number-abortions-united-states-increased-2023 • 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 • For more resources to help you explore faith and the big questions, visit: http://www.premierunbelievable.com

Christian psychiatrist Daniel Maughan discusses the rise of ADHD diagnoses, over-diagnosis concerns, and societal influences. They explore ADHD in the workplace, challenges of accurate diagnosis, and the intersection of investigative journalism with medicine. The podcast also delves into the use of cognitive enhancement drugs, ethical considerations, and the Christian perspective on bioethics.

We’re both away for our Easter breaks, so this week we’re bringing you a classic episode from the MOLAD archive, when we were joined by the former leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron to discuss social media and politics. Research suggests UK members of parliament like Tim get sent thousands of offensive tweets every single day. Why have social networks become such toxic, hateful places? Is this a technology problem to be solved with better moderation, a policy issue solved by government regulation, or a spiritual affair reflecting the sinfulness of the human heart? And should Christians avoid these online worlds to remain unpolluted, or stick around to act as salt and light regardless? We also dig into why Tim’s time as leader of the Lib Dems came unstuck so badly and whether there is a ceiling on the ambitions of Christian politicians who will not compromise on their convictions. • 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 • For more resources to help you explore faith and the big questions, visit: http://www.premierunbelievable.com

Discussing the rise of new obesity drugs like Wegovy, the morality of treating obesity with pharmaceuticals, and the implications for personal responsibility and free will. Exploring the intersection of sin, morality, and neuroscience, and the challenges of using prescription drugs for severe obesity cases.