There are things that everyone knows about God. These things can be known through 'general revelation' things that everyone can see, feel and experience and do not rely on 'special revelation' such as the Bible. The reality of how we all live and experience our lives reveals God, if we only choose to notice.
If we are to open our minds and hearts to the mystery, awe and wonder of God, how can we know that the path we are on is the 'true' path? How can we discern the truth - not just 'our' truth? More importantly, what is the 'truth' pointing to?
When it comes to knowing, our culture holds us to the “defective default,” a mode of thinking that treats knowledge simply as information. This default mode excludes most of the ways we know in our day-to-day lives. Think about all the important things you know – say about how you feel about your family or loved ones. This knowledge doesn’t come from ‘data’ or ‘information’ but from experience and relationship. If we stay trapped by the cultural norm that knowledge equals information, we exclude...
As we delve deeper into our discussion, we explore the intricate interplay between the brain's hemispheres and their profound impact on our existence. The symbiotic relationship between the methodical, logical left hemisphere and the holistic, intuitive right hemisphere informs our perceptions, influences culture, and deepens spiritual consciousness. The predominance of 'left-brain' oriented thinking in Western society may lead to a diminished richness in life, as it often neglects the subtle ye...
Renowned psychiatrist, neurologist and philosopher Iain McGilchrist 's exploration of the left and right hemispheres of the brain, argues that the left hemisphere tends to reduce the idea of the divine into a rational, abstract concept, often associated with rules, doctrines, and dogmas. This reductionist view can lead to a mechanistic understanding of the divine, devoid of the richness and depth that spirituality often entails. McGilchrist suggests that when the left hemisphere dominates, it ca...
By prioritizing face-to-face interaction, promoting authenticity and vulnerability, encouraging mindful use of technology, implementing community building initiatives, cultivating empathy and compassion, and embracing diversity and inclusion, the church can be a powerful antidote to the growing global social isolation. Rather than instrumentalising relationships or taking the easy option of engaging with those with whom we find it easy or convenient to do so, we need to re-elevate the sacredness...
The way God wants us to live is perhaps never been more polarised against where the world is heading. That distinction is our opportunity, the opportunity for the church, to be the light on the hill. Maybe it’s never been as great as it is now.
Amidst the celebration of digital connectivity, concerns about its unintended consequences have emerged and are increasingly acknowledged. We’ve seen a significant rise in social isolation stemming from excessive screen time and reliance on virtual interactions. Research indicates that despite the illusion of constant connection afforded by social media, rates of loneliness and feelings of disconnection have surged in recent years – to the point that it’s a major societal challenge. We increasin...
In an era where technology permeates every aspect of daily life, the discussion around its impact on human relationships and social isolation has become increasingly pertinent. At the heart of this debate lies a paradox: while we are more connected than ever through digital means, many argue that we are simultaneously more disconnected on a personal level. There are undeniable benefits that technology has brought to interpersonal communication. Platforms like social media, messaging apps, and vi...
The rate of change in society driven by numerous technology factors is significant. With the proliferation of AI converging with other technological advances such as genetic engineering and quantum computing, the speed of change we will see over the next decade is of the scale that most of us won’t comprehend. Although there are plenty of reasons to be fearful as the world changes so radically, our Christian worldview isn’t changing. It’s so important we don’t find our self-worth, security and s...
How can Christians respond to questions about the historical accuracy and reliability of the Bible in an age of skepticism and scientific discovery? It's probably no surprise that the Bible is the most popular book of all time, with at least 100 million Bibles being sold or gifted every single year. Join us for a great discussion where we are reminded about what the Bible is and is not and how, as Christians, we can have confidence that Scripture is the lamp for our feet and the light for our pa...
Confidence in Convictions, Humility in Delivery Balancing confidence and humility is indeed a challenge, but it's a key aspect of embodying the paradoxical mindset seen in early Christianity. Seek Understanding Before Being Understood: Approach conversations with a genuine desire to understand others' perspectives. This shows humility and respect, even if you maintain confidence in your own beliefs. Open-mindedness Without Compromising Core Values: Maintain an open mind and a willingness to lear...
In this episode of Thrive Perspectives we delve into the realm of defending and understanding our faith without losing the essence of belief. In a world often consumed by the demand for empirical evidence, join us as we discuss the importance of apologetics— not as a quest for tangible proof but as a guide to a deeper connection with the divine. We seek to unravel the threads of apologetics, revealing how it serves as a compass in a skeptical world but without losing sight of the spiritual journ...
Explaining or even trying to understand God and spiritual mysteries or experiences through language faces inherent limitations due to the nature of both language and spirituality. Language is a ‘closed system’ and faith, spirituality and the mystery of God is an ‘open system’. Language is bound by the constraints of time and space, whereas faith and spiritual experiences involve a sense of timelessness and connection beyond physical boundaries. Trying to describe such experiences using language ...
How do we ensure that we prioritise unity within the church in a culture where people have such strong opinions? Focus on Core Beliefs By focusing on shared beliefs in the core teachings of Christianity, we can find common ground despite differences in peripheral opinions. Biblical Principles Reflect on passages that emphasise love, humility, and forgiveness as principles to guide interactions with others who hold different opinions. Respectful Dialogue Engage in respectful and open dialogue. Th...
Just some of the listener questions we endeavour to discuss in this episode: What do you mean when you say God grasps us, rather than us trying to hold on to God? Especially when I feel like I'm only just holding on. I've been discouraged watching others who I thought had a strong faith in God de-church or deconstruct. Did God get it wrong and not show up? Where does it leave them - they seem happy / fulfilled in their decision. How much can you doubt God and still be saved? Surely doubt and fai...
Relationship with God: Prayer should be seen as a means of developing and deepening our personal relationship with God. It allows us to communicate with God, express our thoughts, emotions, and desires, and seek intimacy with the divine. Submission and Alignment: Prayer can be an act of surrender and submission to God's will. It is an acknowledgment that God's plan is perfect and that we are seeking to align our own desires and intentions with God's perfect purpose. Seeking Guidance: We turn to ...
In a Christian worldview, prosperity should be seen as a multifaceted concept that extends beyond mere financial wealth. True prosperity, in the Christian view, includes a deep and abiding relationship with God. It involves a sense of spiritual fulfillment, peace, and a strong faith in God. It's about seeking first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). Prosperity in a Christian worldview involves healthy and loving relationships with family, friends, and the broader community. It is about practicin...
What is God's purpose for my life? What informs my values and beliefs? Consult Scripture. What passions and talents has God given you? Allow time to reflect and discern. Be open to change. Learn from your experiences. Accept that you might not always have clarity. If you continue to seek God and live in relationship with Him, then nothing - no wrong decision you make - can thwart the purpose of God for your life.
Is faith a 2nd rate kind of knowledge? Or even just blind belief? How do we find God in the ordinary? What do we do in the dry periods where it seems that God is distant? There's an opportunity for us to 'reach' for God, when we perhaps feel that He's not 'reaching' into our lives. In fact He’s never distant. He’s constant, and we can learn to recognise God at work, in our 'every-day'.
Feeling like God is distant or not present in your life at times is a common experience for many people, including those who have a strong faith. But God isn’t ‘out-there-somewhere’. God is all around us, much like the air that we breathe, which we don’t notice, because it’s always there! Faith is not solely based on feelings. It's about trust and commitment, about making a decision about what you will build your life on, even in times of doubt. Many people find that their faith grows stronger a...
How do we KNOW? For many outside a faith context, things can only be known and are only considered real, if we can identify empirical evidence of their existence. This perspective asserts that only those things that can be observed, measured, and tested through the senses or empirical methods are worthy of consideration as real. Our need to 'be in control' - the god complex - make this and attractive perpective to our human nature. However, this presupposition is flawed. Human perception and int...
Engaging with people from different religious backgrounds requires understanding, respect, and effective communication. Using common "bridges" can help facilitate meaningful conversations and build connections. Although we know that Jesus is the only way to true reconciliation with God and freedom in Him, it’s important that we find areas of shared ‘truth’ to build bridges where we can share our experience of God and His incredible gift of salvation through Christ.
Within a Christian worldview, there is an ongoing tension between the need for doctrines to provide a solid theological foundation and the recognition that many aspects of God and divine truth are mysterious and unknowable. To strike a balance: 1. Humility: Christians should approach their doctrinal beliefs with humility, acknowledging the limitations of human understanding and being open to the mystery of God's nature. 2. Faith and Trust: Emphasise the importance of faith and trust in God's cha...
Jesus IS the answer: Salvation and Forgiveness Love and Compassion Hope and Purpose Healing and Restoration Justice and Redemption
According to the Bible, all human beings are considered to have a sinful nature due to the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden. This means that everyone is capable of both good and bad actions. Romans 3:23 states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." From this perspective, no one is inherently a "good guy" in an absolute sense. And moreover, we are equally capable of being the “bad guy”. Nevertheless, the Bible also offers the message of redemption and the potential for t...
The concept of collective responsibility is clearly demonstrated through the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the forbidden tree, they were held responsible for their actions. However, their disobedience also brought consequences upon the entire human race, as sin and its effects entered the world. The biblical concept of collective responsibility highlights the fact that individuals are not isolated entities but are part of a broader in...
Human identity is inextricably linked to the importance of a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This relationship shapes one's identity and influences their values, purpose, and moral framework. Additionally, Christians are called to love and serve others, seeing them as fellow bearers of the divine image.
While as Christians we appreciate the potential benefits of progress, we must also hold a realistic perspective on its limitations. We know that human efforts alone cannot bring about complete restoration or utopia on earth. Instead, we look forward to the final consummation of history when Christ returns, establishing a new heaven and a new earth, where true and everlasting progress will be realized. A Christian worldview offers a nuanced understanding of the myth of human progress. Whilst we c...
The question of why a loving God would allow suffering and pain is a complex and deeply theological one. God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving, and he created the world to be perfect and free from suffering and death. However, when Adam and Eve sinned, they brought a curse upon the world, which resulted in disease, and other forms of suffering. Suffering and pain need not be meaningless but can be used by God for a greater purpose. The Bible teaches that suffering can produce persever...
