
English L'Abri
Lectures old and new from workers and guest lecturers at English L'Abri, a residential study center and community open to guests seeking a welcoming place to ask life’s many questions. For more information, visit englishlabri.org englishlabri.substack.com
Latest episodes

Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 38min
The Second Sexual Revolution: Disintegration (Phillip Johnston, Hope Church Greatham)
Phillip Johnston, a former worker at English L'Abri and now with Hope Church in Greatham, dives deep into the disintegration movement of the 20th-century sexual revolution. He contrasts historic sexual codes with contemporary dilemmas, revealing how modern norms have eroded intimacy and trust. Johnston discusses the impact of technology on relationships, the complexities of hookup culture, and the evolving nature of marriage. He emphasizes the consequences of disintegration, urging a return to ideals of love and connection.

Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 36min
The Paradox of Limitations (Lacey Shelton, L’Abri Worker)
To be human is to be limited. Many of the most triumphant moments of history have occurred, however, when mankind has found a way to exceed beyond these limitations and grasp that which seemed impossible. Yet in our day-to-day lives, we all experience the angst derived from expecting to live beyond our limits and many have found relief in accepting these limitations as God’s plan for humanity. Still, the Christian faith encourages supernatural living, and seemingly-impossible sacrifice. So what can we do? How do we humbly accept our limitations and also exercise our call to glorify God with our gifting and achievements? Should we embrace the sacrifice of living beyond our limits?Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit englishlabri.substack.com

Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 36min
Why Does Nature Matter? Why Belief Counts for Tree Frogs (Peter Harris, A Roche)
Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit englishlabri.substack.com

Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 18min
Tacit Knowledge in Crisis (Krisztina Mair, Lecturer in Philosophy, Ethics, and Apologetics, Oak Hill College)
Krisztina Mair, a Lecturer in Philosophy, Ethics, and Apologetics at Oak Hill College, dives into Michael Polanyi's concept of tacit knowledge. She explores how this idea can help us navigate today's uncertainty and ideological divisions. The discussion highlights the significance of personal commitment and tradition in our understanding of truth. By linking modern media, like Ted Lasso, to philosophical themes, Mair emphasizes the importance of community, curiosity, and embodied experiences in shaping knowledge and restoring coherence in public discourse.

Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 35min
What on Earth is Heaven? Ecological Implications of the New Creation (Jim Paul, L’Abri Worker)
The discussion delves into the ecological implications of the new creation concept, highlighting how spiritual beliefs connect with pressing ecological issues. It emphasizes the narrative of hope through renewal rather than replacement, urging a Christ-centered approach to nature. The importance of virtues like gratitude in stewardship is explored, along with the need for responsible practices in agriculture. Personal reflections on the deep bond between humanity and creation encourage a transformative response to environmental crises.

Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 22min
George MacDonald and Reformed Influences on His Life (Joyce McPherson, Covenant College, Professor of English)
Joyce will incorporate her research on MacDonald's love for Pilgrim's Progress as well as the influence of Thomas Chalmers's sermons.Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit englishlabri.substack.com

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 29min
The Theology & Philosophy of Ageing - Dr. Charles Taliaferro, Professor St Olaf College & Author
How should we think of ageing? Is it the same as getting older? Is ageing or getting older good? Is being young and youthful the same thing? Does Christianity offer insights about ageing that are different from our secular culture?Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit englishlabri.substack.com

Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 39min
All Artists Are Liars (Revd Dr Mark Meynell, Director Langham Partnership)
Truth-telling through illusions and the suspension of disbelief. Mark will play around with a pan-arts approach and show that every art form is inevitably an illusion but that is necessary for their truth-telling.Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit englishlabri.substack.com

Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 40min
Is God in Nature? (Jim Paul, L’Abri Worker)
How we think of nature is vitally important for shaping our relationship with the natural world. Many Christians are functional materialists in their attitude to nature, whilst many environmentalists tend towards pantheism. This lecture aims to help us understand a biblical view of the relationship of God with his creation, one which will help us better care for and love our world. Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit englishlabri.substack.com

Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 25min
A Doubtful Saint : The Life and Work of Philip Yancey (Lacey Shelton, L’Abri Worker)
Philip Yancey is one of the highest-selling evangelical authors in the modern era, with over 15 million English books in print. He has made an impressive career writing about his doubts and questions of faith. Yancey recently released a personal memoir, which his wife labelled a ‘prequel’ to all of his other books. Together, we will look at Yancey’s life story and his large body of work, and consider his reputation as a beloved spiritual guide for the doubting and suffering. Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit englishlabri.substack.com