Matters of Life and Death

Discussing the unexpected legal ramifications in Alabama where embryos in IVF storage are considered children, leading to clinic closures. Exploring the clash between anti-abortion language and fertility treatments. Addressing gender dynamics in the church and societal attitudes towards infertility treatments.

This week we’re bringing you a classic episode from the MOLAD vault. Medical Assistance in Dying is Canada’s euthanasia programme. It started in 2016 with a Supreme Court decision but has since rapidly expanded and liberalised. The latest battleground is over mental health. The government has committed to changing its laws so that people suffering solely from mental health conditions can request doctors end their lives, but in January was forced to delay the roll-out of this for a second time over concerns the healthcare system was not equipped to properly assess a new wave of mentally unwell people for an assisted death. In the face of this news, it seemed like a good idea to return to an episode we first broadcast over a year ago, featuring a Christian psychiatrist from Canada. In it we discuss Canada’s slippery slope since euthanasia was legalised, and what it is like to practice medicine in a system where vulnerable unwell people can now be offered a quick death rather than compassionate, long-term treatment. • 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

The podcast explores the cultural fascination with psychedelic drugs, from Silicon Valley executives to Americans trying ayahuasca. It questions the implications for spirituality and the brain. Discussions include the history of psychedelics, their therapeutic potential, and ethical concerns. The dialogue also delves into the authenticity of spiritual encounters in Christianity and the importance of community in spiritual exploration.

A listener seeks advice on using dating apps as a single Christian due to limited options at church. The podcast also delves into the rise of AI robocalls in elections, exploring the implications of technology in politics. The discussion touches on relationships, consent, deep friendships, and the dangers of deep fake technology in shaping public opinion and trust in democracy.

Delving into the deeper narrative of the Bible, the podcast discusses topics like resurrection, ascension, heaven, and new creation, urging Christians to consider the future hope of their faith. It explores the significance of scars in resurrected bodies, challenges traditional views on end times, and examines the impact of Christian beliefs on medical care decisions. From exploring eschatology to environmental stewardship, the podcast prompts listeners to engage with these thought-provoking topics.

A discussion on the ethical implications of unused eggs from egg freezing procedures and the need for better contraception. Exploring regulatory time limits on embryo freezing, ethical concerns in IVF, and the concept of personhood. Delving into the moral landscape of abortion, contraception efficacy, and ethical considerations among Christians.

Exploring the gender gap in the church and the challenges faced by single Christian women in finding partners. Discussing the disparity in church attendance between genders and questioning its validity. Examining the tension between sacrifice and comfort in Christianity and the appeal of martyrdom. Delving into the stereotypes and frustrations associated with the gender gap in the church. Exploring the dynamics of all-male and all-female groups and the experiences of being the only man in a predominantly female group. Discussing the rise of Christian dating apps and cultivating healthy attitudes towards relationships.

The podcast delves into the contradictions in society's approach to suicide prevention and euthanasia, discussing different criteria for rational suicide and questioning who should have the authority to decide. It also explores the challenges of finding unbiased news sources and emphasizes the importance of trust in determining truth. The hosts discuss the significance of a free press, the rise of algorithm-based news outlets, and the trend of journalists starting their own independent newsletters. The chapter also explores the role of media in society, highlighting the growing partisanship and lack of trustworthiness in the media. Overall, the podcast explores truth, contradictions, and the future of our current world.

Exploring the increasing popularity of egg freezing, the podcast discusses ethical considerations, social disparities in maternal age, the cultural war over maternal age, and the consequences of delayed fertility. The hosts question societal expectations and emphasize the importance of individual decision-making.

A final classic episode to see us through the Christmas and New Year break. Today we’re returning to an interview with NHS geneticist Melody Redman. Each of us carries around in our cells about 20,000 different genes – a unique set of biological code which shapes how our bodies develop. As scientists better understand genes and how they work, genetics is becoming a more and more important field of modern medicine, particularly in diagnosing conditions. But this comes with a brand new set of ethical challenges to think through. We go on to talk about a new NHS programme in England which is piloting whole genome sequencing of newborn babies. Why are scientists and doctors interested in collecting a child’s entire set of genes and storing them for the rest of their life? What medical benefits might result from this, and what ethical challenges does it throw up? Just because we can now do this, should we? We also consider some of the risks of our increasingly geneticised world and how as Christians we can hold onto our identity in Christ rather than lapsing into genetic determinism. • Find out more about the Newborn Genomes Programme here - https://www.genomicsengland.co.uk/initiatives/newborns • The group Unique helps support people and families affected by rare chromosomal and genetic disorders - https://rarechromo.org/ • 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