Matters of Life and Death

Even sober-minded experts are getting excited about solar power. Respectable estimates suggest the price of energy derived from sunlight will continue to drop spectacularly as the number of panels installed worldwide continues to explode exponentially. In the relatively near future we may move into an era of energy abundance, where we have not just decarbonised our existing energy sources but are also able to cheaply generate ten or even a hundred times more energy. How should Christians feel about a future society with green, clean energy ‘too cheap to meter’? Can we see in this potential bounty God’s extravagant blessing, as we bring forth from his creation huge amounts of resources to tackle poverty, water shortages, climate change and more? Or is this a secular example of an ‘over-realised eschatology’, and foolishness in believing that once again sinful humans can bring about heaven on earth? • The Economist: 'The exponential growth of solar power will change the world' https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/06/20/the-exponential-growth-of-solar-power-will-change-the-world • Matt Yglesias: 'The case for more energy' https://www.slowboring.com/p/energy-abundance • 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 • For more resources to help you explore faith and the big questions, visit: http://www.premierunbelievable.com

The podcast discusses Julian Assange's release from prison and his role as a controversial figure in journalism. It explores the definition of journalism and the Christian case for publishing leaked documents. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists, the importance of whistleblowers in upholding transparency, and the challenges of investigative journalism in safeguarding sources.

Richard Cheetham, a retired Church of England bishop, discusses bridging the gap between science and religion in the church. He explores integrating science in theological training and the importance of engaging with science for mission. The podcast highlights initiatives to promote understanding and dialogue between science and Christian faith, emphasizing the enrichment science brings to faith.

Tim’s been away this last week on holiday so we’re bringing you an episode from the Matters of Life and Death vault today. There is a looming ‘demographic timebomb’ – a growing mass of elderly and increasingly chronically ill people in many developed nations, expected to place huge strain on public resources. The policy debates around this issue often emphasise the importance of not ‘being a burden’ on others, with some even suggesting there could be a ‘duty to die’ by assisted suicide for those who become old and infirm. Why does our contemporary culture have such a horror of the idea of becoming dependent on our families or the state? And what does the Christian story have to say about the value of dependence versus autonomy, especially as we near the final seasons of our lives? Secular society is leaning towards technology to solve this problem. But can the smart home or robotics really save us from having to care for our elders ourselves? And if this isn’t the whole answer, what does the church have to bring to the table? • 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 • For more resources to help you explore faith and the big questions, visit: http://www.premierunbelievable.com

This week we interview the writer Andy Crouch on a question which has been everywhere in recent months: are smartphones damaging our children? A growing number of writers and thinkers are arguing that our digital technology, most notably social media and smartphones, are responsible for rocketing rates of mental illness and epidemics of bullying among young people. Andy has written three recent books exploring how Christian families can put in place good habits around tech and screens, and explains his convictions around how to keep tech in its proper place. How can we ensure the key formational environments of home, school and church are centred around spiritually healthy interpersonal relationships and not lost to endless scrolling? Or is a radical neo-Luddism both unattainable and needlessly ostracising for our children? • Find out more about Andy and how to get hold of his books here https://andy-crouch.com/ • 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 • For more resources to help you explore faith and the big questions, visit: http://www.premierunbelievable.com

Exploring public opinion on polygenic embryo screening in IVF, questioning the ethical implications of choosing traits for children. Delving into the NHS's hefty bill for brain-damaged babies, sparking conversations on maternity care quality and legal compensation. Discussing societal concerns on genetic selection and the challenges in providing equitable care for disabled children.

We in the UK have been startled by the sudden announcement from the prime minister that our general election, due at the end of the year, would actually be held in six weeks’ time in early July. In this episode we reflect on why Christians are so politically engaged in Britain, with research suggesting they are much more likely to vote, join a party, and campaign than the general public. Why has modern Christianity become so thoroughly pro-democracy, even as our secular states veer further and further from Christian values? Do we need a more robust theology of politics and government in response to the many 21st century countries challenging its supremacy? And is modern technology, in particular AI, threatening the foundations we need to make democracy work? • Tim has written more about research into how British Christians vote and why in his Substack newsletter here: https://tswyatt.substack.com/p/the-bible-and-the-ballot-box • AI and epistemic risk paper: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4805026 • The Evangelical Alliance survey of Christians and politics https://www.eauk.org/general-election/thinking-faithfully-about-politics • Research by the Theos thinktank on a similar topic https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/research/2024/05/15/religion-counts-do-the-religious-vote • 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 • For more resources to help you explore faith and the big questions, visit: http://www.premierunbelievable.com

Exploring the debate of autism as a disability or superpower. Erin, diagnosed with autism, shares her journey and advocacy in the church. Historical impact of neurodiversity, rising diagnosis rates, and church support. Navigating friendships, identity, and online spaces for neurodiverse individuals. Ethical implications of genetic testing and society's response to autism diagnosis.

AI friendship apps raise concerns about addictive behaviors and pseudo-intimate relationships with computers. Discussion on the Mike Pilavachi/Soul Survivor abuse scandal involving high profile Christian leaders. Exploration of AI companions in film, human connections vs. technology, and unveiling abuse in the Christian community.

Nick Spencer, senior fellow at Theos, discusses controversial topics like contact with aliens, curing depression, animal personhood, and mass vaccination in his book Playing God. The podcast explores how Christianity can engage with these issues in the 21st century.