The assassination of the Christian apologist and debater, Charlie Kirk, has shaken western civilisation to its core. Even many who opposed his views have come to recognise that the moment had unusual significance not only for freedom of speech but also for Christian engagement in politics.
What lessons can be learned from the aftermath? Are there things we need to realise about left-wing ideology and its connection to violent change? If a winsome debater like Kirk is seen as a threat because he successfully challenged secular ideologies, what does that say about the grounds of reasonable debate going forward? Is this a moment for Christians to become quieter about the socio-political implications of Christianity, or bolder? And how should the Gospel shape our response?
Andy and Aaron deal with all this and much more in another jam-packed episode of Pod of the Gaps!
Resources ...
* Charlie's website: https://www.charliekirk.com
Rather than ask for support for Pod of the Gaps, if you'd like to support Turning Point, the organisation Charlie founded, you can do so here: https://tpusa.com
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Episode 97 - Migrants, Asylum Seekers, and Flags
Immigration continues to be one of the most important socio-political talking points in western societies today. This is especially so in Britain, where various controversial events in recent times highlight the growing concerns of the populace.
Too often, genuine conversation about the problems of mass immigration are shut down without due reflection even on the numbers, let alone more particular issues around the influx of hugely divergent cultural norms into very different societies. The assumption that westerners cannot care about the preservation of their own peoples or cultures without incurring the charge of being racist or xenophobic only tends to make the tensions worse.
How should Christians think and speak about these issues? What does loving our migrant neighbour look like in the context of national decline? How can we reach the asylum seeker in front of us whilst questioning or critiquing current immigration policies? And with the growing profusion of British flags appearing in public spaces, what Gospel opportunities does this open up for Christians to speak about where our true identity is found? Andy and Aaron fly the flag on this issue in their usual style, seeking to tread that fine line between inspiration and cancellation for your listening enjoyment!
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Episode 96 - Can We Make Britain Christian Again (Live from Cedarwood)
As modern Britain is mired in confusion over its multicultural identity, growing Islamisation, and moral decline, surprising numbers of people are re-looking to Christianity as the country's foundation.
But is Britain a Christian nation? Was it ever a Christian nation? What makes (or breaks) a Christian nation? What can churches and individuals do to work towards the Christianisation of Britain today? Is it a helpful term ... or a hindrance?
In this special episode of Pod of the Gaps recorded live at the 2025 Cedarwood Festival, Aaron and Andy discuss these questions alongside special guest David Stretton-Downes, followed by a Q&A with the audience.
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Episode 95 - Evangelism: Overcoming Fear and Fatigue (with special guest Mark Greenwood)
Why do many Christians today lose heart for evangelism? Are we fatigued by negative responses? Are we fearful of stepping outside our comfort zone? Do we overcomplicate it by listening too much to the "wisdom" of this world?
In this special live episode recorded at Cedarwood Festival, Andy and Aaron are joined by Rev. Mark Greenwood, evangelism director for Elim Pentecostal Church, to wrestle through these questions. Mark shares some of his testimony, how it continues to inspire his approach to evangelism today, and how we can think through the challenges of evangelism on a more practical level.
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Episode 94 - Evangelism: Building Bridges or Breaking Barriers?
When it comes to evangelism, a surprising number of Christians find themselves fearful, lethargic, confused, and out of their depth. We can find it hard to make clear connections to the Gospel, or to see the light of Christian truth in relation to the everyday interests of strangers and neighbours alike.
Is this due primarily to a lack of conversational wisdom or a lack of spiritual boldness? Andy and Aaron both spoke on the different sides of this "coin" at the 2025 Cedarwood Festival. They reflect here that what may appear to be opposing perspectives can actually be complementary, challenging us to overcome cowardice whilst making the best use of our witness, ever mindful of what God can do even in the midst of our most feeble efforts.
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An occasional podcast featuring Aaron Edwards and Andy Bannister. Each episode sees the two friends take a contemporary issue in culture and explore it from a Christian perspective.
Featuring banter, philosophy, culture, theology, bad jokes, apologetics, and more — the podcast aims to help Christians think wisely about the challenges of living in the 21st century.
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Theological and Political Disclaimer
The content of this podcast does not represent the views of any institutions, colleges, networks, churches, or secret government organisations with which we are affiliated or employed."
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