The Speak Life Podcast

John Lennox, mathematician and Christian apologist, offers a concise take on AI, consciousness and biblical perspectives. He questions claims that AI has true agency and contrasts simulation with personhood. He warns about technological utopianism, surveillance risks and transhumanism, and urges ethical engagement rooted in Christian hope.

A lively recap of a London event in a ruined chapel exploring whether love, meaning and happiness can be found without God. Discussion contrasts Epicurean pleasure-seeking with Stoic virtue and examines nihilism and a modern connection crisis. The conversation returns to Acts 17 and proposes a third way centered on good news and resurrection as the source of lasting meaning.

In a riveting discussion, philosopher and atheist Sam Harris challenges journalist Ross Douthat on the nature of belief. Harris demands mathematical proof within scripture to convince skeptics, while Douthat defends the Bible's moral story as a guiding force. They debate whether God would include advanced science in revelations and explore Christianity's historical role in fostering scientific inquiry. The conversation highlights the balance between faith, freedom, and the moral teachings of Jesus that continue to inspire modern figures.

The discussion centers on Scott Adams' journey towards faith in his final days, including a provocative statement about converting to Christianity. The host compares this to Pascal's wager, dissecting its implications for modern belief. There's a poignant reading of Adams' last note, expressing acceptance of Jesus, which sparks reflections on the role of digital rituals in today's faith landscape. The conversation also delves into the nature of true faith, emphasizing that salvation is about relationship, not just profession, and highlights the transformative power of facing death.

Glenn Scrivener dives into a discussion sparked by Rhett McLaughlin and Alex O'Connor about saving Christianity from its own followers. He explores Rhett's priorities of faith, truth, and Jesus, while critiquing the overemphasis on Enlightenment reasoning in apologetics. Scrivener emphasizes that faith should be a trusting assurance, not solely based on evidence. Additionally, he highlights the risks of personal experience and argues for a Christ-centered view that integrates fact and value. The conversation challenges listeners to see all reality through Jesus' lens.

Glen Scrivener dives into the rising trend of people returning to church, seeking refuge from cultural chaos. He discusses a fascinating shift in narratives, where society has pivoted from a pro-Jesus stance to an anti-Hitler view. Scrivener links modern values like human rights and compassion back to Christianity, critiquing contemporary rights discourse for being overly slogan-driven. He illustrates how various cultural movements reflect a longing for Christian foundations, ultimately presenting Jesus as the unwavering anchor amid societal change.

Harrison Clewes, a former right-wing activist turned evangelist, shares his transformative journey from nationalist movements to embracing Christianity. He discusses Tommy Robinson's Christmas carol event, exploring the cultural significance and the openness to faith he witnessed there. Harrison reflects on how class shapes distrust in the church and how the gospel can bridge those divides. He offers insights into engaging politically diverse communities and emphasizes the need for practical discipleship to welcome newcomers into faith.

Anthony Scott Logan, an entrepreneur and CEO of Noir, shares his transformative journey to Christian faith. He reveals how a quest for meaning led him to investigate various religions, unexpectedly uncovering connections that challenged his skepticism. Logan recounts the profound impact of his baptism, initial struggles with prayer, and experiences of answered prayers and small miracles. He emphasizes the need for churches to foster deeper discussions and how sharing his testimony on social media has sparked interest in faith among listeners.

Dr. Andrew Ollerton, an expert in Bible teaching and apologetics, dives into the surge of interest in the Bible today. He discusses who’s reading and buying Bibles, and how seekers are increasingly using Christian language. Ollerton highlights the renewed cultural conversations around the Bible expected in 2025. He also tackles common challenges faced by newcomers, such as navigating ancient laws and the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. His insights encourage both seekers and Christians to engage thoughtfully with Scripture.

Glenn Scrivener, a Church of England minister and public speaker, dives deep into the controversial figure of Jordan Peterson. He discusses Peterson's viral exchanges and his views on free speech, tracing his rise amid cultural tensions. Glenn explores how Peterson's interpretations of the Bible, particularly his Genesis lectures, influence contemporary thought. He critiques the idea of identity in today's society, emphasizing belonging over mere rule-following. The conversation wraps up with insights on how Christianity can engage with, rather than oppose, such thinkers.