Matters of Life and Death

Brian Brock, professor of moral and practical theology who works on Christian ethics and disability studies, explores Martin Luther's responses to 16th-century plagues. The conversation covers Luther's duty-based ethics, pastoral care and nursing, quarantine and prudence, when it is right to flee or stay, and how churches might recover moral nuance for future pandemics.

A leaked UK medical database sparks a debate about data privacy, de-identification limits and reidentification risks. They examine how linked DNA and health records power research yet expose volunteers. The conversation probes altruism behind data donation, consent challenges for genomic leftovers and ethical dangers like predictive selection. It closes by weighing knowledge’s promise against limits urged by faith.

Krish Kandiah, theologian, writer and founder of the Sanctuary Foundation, reflects on Christian responses to migration and asylum. He recounts refugee campaigns and hosting schemes. He discusses why some groups get more sympathy, media influence, limits of hospitality, safe legal routes and practical steps to tackle criminal traffickers and improve integration.

Our conversation today begins with a report into the significant deterioration of healthcare systems across the Western world in the six years since the covid pandemic. Regardless of billions being poured into them, public satisfaction and health outcomes are steadily declining in hospitals around the world in the aftermath of the covid crisis, as a “doom loop” of waiting lists, more sick patients, and burned out staff cycles round. And it’s not just healthcare: large parts of the modern state seems fragile or crumbling under the strain prompted by our series of geopolitical shocks in recent years, from pandemics and trade wars to shooting wars and energy crises. We then reflect on why it might be harder to encourage people into working for their government or local council these days, and if the church has a role to reinspire interest in public service. Or has the church too become trapped in the hyper-individualism and grasping obsession with self-fulfilment which characterises 21st century culture? Read The Economist article which inspired our conversation here: https://www.economist.com/international/2026/04/09/hospitals-are-stuck-in-a-deadly-doom-loop • You can send in your questions for us to discuss on the podcast, or ideas for future episodes, to molad@premier.org.uk • Subscribe to the Matters of Life and Death podcast: https://pod.link/1509923173 • If you want to go deeper into some of the topics we discuss, visit John's website: http://www.johnwyatt.com • Find some of Tim's journalism and sign up for free to his weekly church news newsletter The Critical Friend: https://tswyatt.com • For more resources to help you explore faith and the big questions, visit: http://www.premierunbelievable.com

We’ve considered the possible ‘re-enchanting’ of society and shift in the zeitgeist towards the supernatural and mysterious in previous episodes, and also looked at whether the church has neglected the reality of spiritual evil and demonic forces. But what the about the positive, hope-filled side of the immaterial realm – should we be trying to lean into that too? In this episode we think through a few parts of the book of Revelation, much neglected or even misunderstood in modern evangelicalism, and what we can learn from the glimpses of heaven John was given in his vision. Because the book is not just about the end times, but what is going on right now – in all its kaleidoscopic, baffling, dazzling weirdness – in the throne-room of the Almighty, and our prayer has always been that what happens in heaven would come to pass here on earth too… • You can send in your questions for us to discuss on the podcast, or ideas for future episodes, to molad@premier.org.uk • Subscribe to the Matters of Life and Death podcast: https://pod.link/1509923173 • If you want to go deeper into some of the topics we discuss, visit John's website: http://www.johnwyatt.com • Find some of Tim's journalism and sign up for free to his weekly church news newsletter The Critical Friend: https://tswyatt.com • For more resources to help you explore faith and the big questions, visit: http://www.premierunbelievable.com

Daniel Maughan, a consultant psychiatrist in Oxford specializing in psychosis and ADHD, explains ADHD biology and why diagnoses are rising. He outlines how assessments work and the limits of private testing. They discuss stimulant treatments, non-drug options, and whether cognitive enhancement for performance raises ethical and Christian discernment questions.

For decades now, the number of young people diagnosed with some kind of additional needs – whether it’s autism, ADHD, anxiety or any number of other ailments – has been steadily rising. Coming out of the covid lockdowns, schools saw numbers of those requiring extra support rocket even further. In the UK, the government is wrestling with how to reform a system which is approaching collapse, as local councils are nearly bankrupted trying to pay for the adjustments and support such children need. In this episode, we talk with Naomi Fox, the founder of an expanding network of church-based therapy centres for children with additional needs, about this slow-burning crisis and how her charity Growing Hope is trying to help. Is this an area of outreach the church should prioritise, or is it best left to the state or private healthcare providers? How do you balance providing free therapy to anyone who needs it and also offering out the hope ultimately only found in Jesus? And should believers speak out more for vulnerable children, who sometimes seem overlooked in our political discussions? Find out more about Growing Hope - https://growinghope.org.uk/ • You can send in your questions for us to discuss on the podcast, or ideas for future episodes, to molad@premier.org.uk • Subscribe to the Matters of Life and Death podcast: https://pod.link/1509923173 • If you want to go deeper into some of the topics we discuss, visit John's website: http://www.johnwyatt.com • Find some of Tim's journalism and sign up for free to his weekly church news newsletter The Critical Friend: https://tswyatt.com • For more resources to help you explore faith and the big questions, visit: http://www.premierunbelievable.com

Tim Cross, retired British Army Major General turned lay minister and leadership writer. He talks about reconciling Christian faith with military command. Short reflections cover conversion in service, moral complexity of combat, just war questions, technology and AI in warfare, and care for soldiers' souls.

They discuss why many young people now prefer being “spiritual” over “atheist,” embracing astrology, crystals, witchcraft and mindfulness. Historical ideas of disenchantment and modernity are explored. The conversation weighs whether this re-enchantment is a chance for churches or a spiritual risk and surveys different Christian responses and approaches to formation.

Justin Brierley, podcaster and journalist who hosts Unbelievable and wrote The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God, explores whether a Quiet Revival is drawing young men back to church. He discusses evidence from studies and Bible sales, social and cultural drivers like Covid and social media, the role of influencers and political overlap, and how churches might welcome seekers from unexpected places.