Being Human

Jo Frost and Peter Lynas are back with the seventh season of the Being Human podcast - Fear Makes The World Go Round - focusing on the chaos of the world today and its impact on our human story. They chat about how global instability, health anxieties, and geopolitical chaos are shaping our lifestyles and invoking fear responses. Delving deeper, they explore the rise of new leadership styles and the deconstruction of international norms. It's not all doom and gloom as they conclude with the story of Daniel as an example to living with a supernatural hope in the face of turbulent times. Jo also shares her upcoming departure to the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, marking this mini-series as her final contribution as a co-host.

00:00 Welcome to Season Seven
00:23 Introduction to the mini- series
02:18 Fear makes the world go round
04:26 Health and Wellness Trends
06:33 Geopolitical chaos
08:21 Raising families when the future seems bleak
11:11 The spheres of fear in our society
12:54 Hope in the midst of chaos
14:20 New leaders and deconstructed norms
20:23 A fear response
27:04 Fighting fear and finding hope
30:59 Living the countercultural Christian story
34:05 Conclusion

Join Jo Frost and Peter Lynas as they chat about all things sexuality and gender with Dr. Preston Sprinkle in the first-ever live recording of the Being Human podcast.  

Known for his work with the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, Preston shares his top tips and insights for navigating these conversations in Christian spaces.  

Highlights include the importance of speaking up, the experiences of LGBT people within the church and the differences in approach between US and UK law. Prepare to be welcomed and challenged compassionately. 

 

Want to explore more about what the Bible says about sex, sexuality and gender?  

Check out our video series 
Relationships Matter: Course - Evangelical Alliance 

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https://linktr.ee/Prestonsprinkle 

 

Chapters 

00:00 Welcome and introduction 

00:44 First live recording experience 

01:28 Reflections on discussion 

05:00 Getting to know Preston Sprinkle 

06:36 Preston's academic and personal motivations 

08:02 Future of sexuality and gender conversations 

16:22 Understanding different perspectives 

21:02 LGBT stories in the church 

23:39 ‘Silence is not an option’ 

24:21 Navigating church conversations on sexuality and gender 

25:39 How to speak up as a church leader 

28:06 Gender conversation shifts in the UK and US 

34:51 Theological anthropology and transgenderism 

36:47 Balancing public engagement and pastoral care 

41:37 Final reflections and prayer requests

In the season six finale, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas explore the major cultural shifts shaping our view of the future. From Bryan Johnson’s anti-aging pursuits to Elon Musk’s space ambitions, they unpack what these stories reveal about our hopes and fears. The episode also delves into AI’s growing influence on politics and society. Jo and Peter contrast these secular visions with the Christian narrative - one rooted in hope and purpose. They close with practical tips - using simplicity and Sabbath rest as ways to stay spiritually grounded in an increasingly fast-paced and uncertain world.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts

00:18 Welcome and Podcast Overview

01:23 Exploring Hope, Progress, and the Future

03:02 The Myth of Progress and Cultural Shifts

07:33 Health, Longevity, and Technological Advances

12:34 AI and the Future of Humanity

15:13 Transhumanism and Technological Utopias

19:52 Cultural Reflections and Influences

29:35 Christian Perspective on Hope and Eschatology

33:34 The Importance of Eschatology

34:46 Misconceptions About Heaven and Earth

35:46 Living in the Now: Balancing Faith and Life

38:33 The Practice of Sabbath

40:47 Simplicity and Submission in Discipleship

Related links:

'My ultimate goal? Don't die' - Bryan Johnson article in The Guardian, 14 September 2023

Elon Musk’s Space X Mars & Beyond : https://www.spacex.com/humanspaceflight/mars/

More on TESCREAL https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TESCREAL

Netflix’s Black Mirror

Justin Brierley in conversation with Anthony Bradley: Why men are returning to church.

Emily Maitlis interviews Charlie Brooker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV1iF9wMS0g

In this week’s episode, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas explore the urgent issue of the 'discipleship deficit' amidst the growing number of young people coming to faith. They discuss the challenges of discipling in a complex world with its constant changes in cultural values and societal shifts.

The conversation delves into the need for new methods of discipleship to bridge the cultural disconnect and align with the gospel's teachings.

The discussion highlights the importance of community and worship while suggesting Biblical practices like digital abstinence to navigate this transformative time. They pull on threads from the gospels and early church practices and provide insights for today’s church to better support this exciting rise in spiritual interest.   

 

00:00 Introduction: The Missional Moment

00:30 Welcome to Being Human

01:53 Exploring the Discipleship Deficit

04:03 Cultural Shifts and Their Impact

07:22 The Role of Community in Faith

11:19 Discipleship in a Complex World

18:33 Jesus' Encounters and Lessons

25:22 Practical Steps for Discipleship

33:03 Conclusion

In this episode of Being Human, hosts Jo Frost and Peter Lynas discuss the increasing interest in Christianity among Gen Z and young men, exploring the profound cultural and spiritual shifts underlying this trend. They highlight the rising curiosity in faith, supported by empirical data and real-life stories.  

Delving into the intellectual journeys sparked by public figures like Jordan Peterson and Russell Brand they look at how these influences shape individuals' exploration of Christianity. They also examine how these cultural shifts align with biblical narratives, emphasising the importance of witnessing and interceding.  

The episode concludes with practical advice for anchoring spiritual growth in daily practices and fostering a supportive community for new believers. 

 

00:00 Introduction: The Growing Interest in Faith 

00:38 Exploring the Cultural Shifts 

01:31 The Quiet Revival: Is It Real? 

02:41 Focus on Young Men and Gen Z 

05:35 Public Figures and Faith 

09:21 Generational Trends in Faith 

14:27 The Role of Intellectuals and Public Discourse 

19:14 Biblical Stories and Their Relevance 

28:41 Witnessing and Intercession 

35:24 Conclusion 

 

Links to items discussed 

The Rest Is History Podcast 

Joe Rogan interviews Wesley Huff, January 7, 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwyAX69xG1Q 

The Times, Gen Z survey January 25, 2025 

Bible Society report, ‘The Quiet Revival’ April 2025:  https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival 

Dominion – Tom Holland.  

Giles Coren article in The Times, This Lent I will turn atheism into ashes  

The Best of Friends – Phil Knox