The Speak Life Podcast

Send us a textGlen Scrivener comments on Rhett McLaughlin's recent discussion about Christian faith.Original conversation on Rich Roll's podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVUhmyqZl7k&tCheck out the 321 course and The 321 Podcast at: 321course.comSubscribe to the Speak Life YouTube channel for videos which see all of life with Jesus at the centre: youtube.com/SpeakLifeMediaSubscribe to the Reformed Mythologist YouTube channel to explore how the stories we love point to the greatest story of all: youtube.com/@ReformedMythologistDiscord is an online platform where you can interact with the Speak Life team and other Speak Life supporters. There’s bonus content, creative/theological discussion and lots of fun. Join our Discord here: speaklife.org.uk/discordSpeak Life is a UK based charity that resources the church to reach the world. Learn more about us here: speaklife.org.ukSupport the show

Dive into the enigma of Divine Hiddenness and its implications for belief in an all-loving God. Explore why sincere seekers often feel distanced from the divine and how geographic variations shape faith perceptions. Discover challenging questions about human resistance to experiencing God and the paradox of encountering the divine implicitly. Delve into Kierkegaard's parable about humility and glory, culminating in the revelation of Jesus as the bridge to true connection amidst hiddenness.

In this engaging discussion, agnostic philosopher Joe Folley, known for his YouTube channel Unsolicited Advice, dives deep into morality and the nature of God. He explores the concept of divine hiddenness and how even believers can feel distant from God, referencing figures like Mother Teresa. The conversation touches on the moral implications of suffering and evil, raising powerful examples that challenge traditional views. They also debate the influence of Christianity on Western ethics and contemplate whether moral truths can exist independently of God.

Explore the implications of AI slop as it spreads misleading information online, with a spotlight on Kurzgesagt's findings. Discover how AI's quest for attention complicates truth, and why this trend could challenge atheistic arguments. Delve into Alvin Plantinga's evolutionary critique that questions the reliability of our cognitive faculties, suggesting our beliefs might just be evolutionary byproducts. Ultimately, the discussion raises the need for a higher intelligence to uphold truth in both AI-generated content and human understanding.

A thought-provoking conversation unfolds as Glen Scrivener comments on a roundtable exploring the 'meaning crisis.' Alex O'Connor argues this dilemma stretches back to the human condition itself. Greg Koukl challenges naturalism, emphasizing our innate hunger for meaning. The discussion raises intriguing questions about whether God grounds meaning or renders it arbitrary. Strategies for overcoming feelings of meaninglessness are discussed, offering listeners a variety of remedies from philosophy to faith.

In this engaging discussion, Louise Perry, an insightful author and commentator on sex, gender, and culture, challenges modern notions of sexual liberation. She critiques the idea of sex as mere recreation, arguing it diminishes its true meaning. Louise reflects on how contemporary feminism may have led to a commodified view of sex. She shares her personal journey to Christianity, highlighting how Christian ethics can offer a path back from sexual disenchantment. The conversation navigates complex ideas about freedom, consent, and the sociological truths behind sexual norms.

Historian Tom Holland joins the conversation to unravel the complex dance between the sacred and the secular throughout history. He explores why Western societies so uniquely separate religion from public life, referencing the 'WEIRD' framework. Holland and Glen Scrivener discuss the origins of modern secularism and examine how figures like Augustine shaped our understanding of this divide. They also delve into contemporary fears surrounding Christian nationalism, contrasting political power grabs with a vision of governance grounded in goodness and truth.

Emily Jashinsky, the Washington, D.C. correspondent for UnHerd, delves into the complex legacy of Charlie Kirk, contrasting his early small-government ideals with his later focus on faith and cultural renewal. She discusses the dangers of polarization and how social media amplifies extremes, warning against the risks of mischaracterization. Jashinsky also explores the potential for spiritual renewal to counter nihilism and reflects on how tragedy might prompt a return to faith, offering a hopeful perspective on coexistence amid division.

Explore the six pervasive social media deceptions that are reshaping culture. Discover how algorithm-driven feeds distort narratives and create misjudgments about real-world events. Dive into the impact of meme culture linked to real violence and the outrage amplified by algorithms. Discuss the vital role of embodied church communities as a remedy to these online distortions. Stay tuned for insightful resources and opportunities to engage further!

Glen Scrivener dives into the surge of church attendance sparked by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. He discusses personal journeys and the emotional awakening many experience when facing good and evil in society. The podcast critiques the trend of elevating cultural icons over spiritual truths, urging a return to genuine worship of Jesus Christ. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their faith beyond politics, emphasizing the importance of establishing true relationships with God amidst societal turmoil.