But Jesus never offered a discounted version of discipleship.

Jesus calls us to be holy. To be set apart. Holiness means we won’t always fit neatly into the expectations of the crowd, and that “set apart” life can feel expensive when belonging is the currency of our age.

How can we live set-apart in a culture, where the highest good is often staying accepted, staying comfortable, and staying unbothered.

The question isn’t whether following Jesus will cost you… but what you’re willing to pay.

He warned that following him would be costly—that the road is narrow, the crowd is small, and comfort is never guaranteed. Yet today, the pressure many Christians feel isn’t open persecution, but the quiet expectation to blend in, stay agreeable, and keep conviction private.

Our culture tells us to be ourselves—right up until our beliefs challenge the accepted script. Acceptance is rewarded. Dissent is costly. And faithfulness can feel isolating.

In this episode of Thrive Perspectives, we explore why conformity has such a powerful hold on us, how social pressure shapes what we believe, and why Jesus’ call still demands courage. If discipleship means denying ourselves and following him, what does that look like in a world that prizes comfort above conviction?

• The Madness of Crowds. Douglas Murray. - Are we living through the great derangement of our times?
• Brave New World
• Inventing the Individual: The Origins of Western Liberalism - Book by Larry Siedentop

Long before trust was placed in governments, markets, or systems, it was formed through the life of the church. A gospel vision of shared responsibility and care gave rise to schools, hospitals, and networks of support—places where people learned to trust that they were not alone, that the vulnerable mattered, and that community carried responsibility together.

That legacy still underpins Western society, even as our culture has shifted toward individualism and self-reliance. So what happens when a world built on communal trust begins to forget the source that formed it?

Explore how the church shaped our instincts of trust and responsibility—and why recovering a gospel-shaped vision of community matters now, more than ever.

• The Weirdest People in the World: How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous : Henrich, Joseph: Amazon.com.au: Books
• Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World - Book by Tom Holland
• Inventing the Individual: The Origins of Western Liberalism - Book by Larry Siedentop

Why can we know the Bible well and yet remain unchanged?

What if the real battleground of faith isn’t the mind, but the heart—our loves, habits, wounds, and hopes?

In this episode, we sit with the unsettling questions behind belief and ask what it really means to be shaped by Christ rather than simply be informed about Him.

But what if sharing your faith isn’t about pressure at all? What if it’s about honesty, love, and being yourself?

When we hear someone challenge us to “be an evangelist” many of us immediately picture street preaching, awkward conversations, or a pressure‑cooker expectation to “win souls.” Join us as we discover that the biblical imperative is both broader and more grounded than that—and honestly, far more human.

• The Life and Words of Jesus - In The Life and Words of Jesus, we explore the profound historical impact of Jesus—his teachings, his life, and the enduring ripple effects that reach into our present. This isn’t just a collection of opinions; it’s a journey through the words of Jesus himself and those who walked alongside him.

Does believing in a sovereign God lead to freedom or fatalism?

What is the purpose of our prayers and how do our choices really matter?

Whether you’re wrestling with suffering, stress and anxiety or searching for purpose, this episode is for you. Join us as we explore how God’s sovereignty isn’t just a doctrine—it’s an invitation to trust, to act, and to love deeply.

Does sovereignty imply meticulous control, or can sovereignty include divine restraint?

How do we reconcile God’s sovereign initiative in salvation with the call for people to respond freely?

So, what happens to those who’ve never heard the name of Jesus? Is the door to salvation locked, or does divine mercy reach further than we think? Can sincere seekers—no matter where they’re from or what they know—find grace?

This discussion may just challenge our assumptions, spark curiosity, and invite us to rethink the boundaries of faith and hope.

When we say we believe in God is it a mere intellectual agreement or a cultural label?

Is believing a deep, life-changing trust—or just a vague opinion? Is “believing” in Jesus simply about agreeing with certain facts, or is it something far more demanding and transformative?

What if belief isn’t passive, but a call to action, surrender, and ongoing commitment?

Why do we find ourselves drawn to posts that make our blood boil? Is it outrage—or is it something deeper, something in us that craves the rush of being provoked?

When you scroll past that headline designed to enrage, do you pause… or do you dive in? And when you dive in, what happens to your spirit?

Does anger sharpen your sense of justice—or does it cloud your vision of grace?

Could it be that rage bait isn’t just about algorithms and attention, but about temptation? About the subtle lure to trade patience for reaction, gentleness for hostility, love for division?

How do we resist being baited into battles that fracture community and harden our hearts?

And what might it look like to respond—not with rage—but with wisdom and humility?

In this episode of Thrive Perspectives, we’re not rushing to tidy answers. Instead, we’re opening up the questions. What does it mean to “hear” God? How do we discern between divine guidance and human imagination? And what role does Scripture, prayer, community, and mystery play in shaping our understanding of God’s voice?

Perhaps the question isn’t just how God speaks, but how we learn to listen.

What if the thing you want isn’t the thing you need?

Can you ever know yourself without surrendering your desires?

Can our desires be trusted? Are they a compass or a distraction? A whisper from God or a trick of the flesh?

Perhaps real joy doesn’t come from masking the brokenness but comes from meeting it, naming it, and discovering that God is already there.

• Enlightenment Now
• Brave New World

This isn’t a call to abandon happiness. It’s an invitation to reorder it.

What if the good life isn’t found in feeling good, but in becoming good? What if joy is not the prize—but the echo of a life lived with purpose?

• The Misery of Chasing Happiness | Psychology Today

When does engagement become entanglement?

Are we salvaging a sinking ship—or are we being drawn into a false hope in human progress?

Are we engaging to serve, love, and witness—or to gain power, security, or identity?

Are we humble, prayerful, and distinct—or are we blending in, compromising, or losing our prophetic voice?

Is our ultimate hope in Christ and his kingdom—or in the myth of progress, politics, or institutional reform?

Maybe the ship is sinking—but our role isn’t necessarily to patch every hole. It’s to bear witness to another kingdom, even as we love and serve those on board. We’re not called to save Babylon, but to seek its peace while pointing to the New Jerusalem.

Join us as we discuss the ideas of postmodernism and how it confronts many of the assumptions of the Enlightenment, and opens an opportunity to embody truth in ways that resonate with postmodern sensibilities.

In the late 19th century, as the world embraced the rational and reasoned approach to all things, Nietzsche called for a radical consistency of thought: without God, there can be no inherent morality, no ultimate meaning, and no divine purpose. He envisioned a humanity, that creates new values and meaning, rejecting the moral and spiritual truths that Christianity upholds. In every way, Nietzsche’s idea sits in direct contradiction to Christ.

Yet, in the 21st Century, the predominant worldview still tries to keep a foot in both camps. We like the sense of right & wrong, of the sacred, of looking out for those less fortunate than ourselves, of purpose beyond ourselves . . . and yet this is all founded in Abrahamic traditions and diametrically opposed to what Nietzche advances.

These ideas have, and continue to inform our understanding of knowledge, reality, and the human person. Join us as we discuss these ideas and how they shape our worldview today, even as Christians.

1517, Martin Luther, a German monk, nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church. What was he challenging, and why did it ignite such a widespread theological debate?

The Reformation was more than just a religious movement. It called for a return to biblical Christianity, emphasizing God's Word as the ultimate authority.

The Reformation also had profound political and social repercussions. It challenge established ecclesiastical authority and paved the way for modern concepts of state governance and individual rights.

Join us as we explore the enduring legacy of the Reformation. How did this movement forever change the course of history?

We’ll discuss the ancient world, where natural inequality and rigid caste systems were the norm. We'll uncover how civilizations preserved order through familial loyalty and religious practices, and how the concept of the individual was virtually non-existent.

But amidst this backdrop, a revolutionary movement began to take root. We'll discuss how Jesus and the early Christians sowed the seeds of a new identity, where all individuals were invited to become members of a new family the body of Christ, transcending traditional roles and embracing the primacy of individual choice and conscience.

We'll also touch on the early church's radical approach to leadership and community, where men, women, slaves, and children were all involved in discussions and decision-making. Discover how the Christian movement preserved these principles and laid the foundation for our modern values of equality, human rights, and justice.

• Inventing the Individual: The Origins of Western Liberalism - Book by Larry Siedentop

From the creation story in Genesis to the writings of Paul in the New Testament, the Bible offers a rich tapestry of perspectives on men, women, leadership, and relationships. Some passages have been used to reinforce what might be called - traditional roles, while others challenge this and empower both men and women in unexpected ways.

So, what do these texts really say? How have they been interpreted across different cultures and denominations? And what can we learn from them today, in a world where conversations about gender continue to evolve?

We’ll explore historical contexts, theological viewpoints, and the ways these ancient scriptures shape modern beliefs. This episode is sure to spark thought-provoking conversation.

In this, the first of a two part series, we ask the questions: What does the Bible say about the roles of men and women? How have interpretations of biblical teachings evolved over time? And what do these perspectives mean for believers today? We'll explore key passages, historical contexts, and theological insights to better understand gender roles from a biblical perspective.

Whether you're deeply rooted in faith or simply curious about how religious teachings intersect with modern life, this conversation is for you.

• The Resurrection of the Son of God

Could it be that the true purpose of these laws wasn’t about legalism, but about instilling a worldview?

What if it was designed to cultivate a paradigm—a way of thinking—that would shape a people, a culture, and even future generations?

In this episode we take a closer look at key passages, historical contexts, and real-world applications that reveal the deeper intent behind the Mosaic Law – moving beyond the letter and stepping into the spirit of the law.

We’ll discuss how, as Christians, we can speak into people's lives with love rather than judgment—focusing on lifting others up and guiding them with the value of love as our foundation. After all, the essence of Biblical ethics is not merely about rules, but about reflecting God's love and purpose in those rules, in all that we do.

Join the Thrive Perspectives team as we explore how Biblical principles transcend rigid do's and don'ts, inviting us instead into a dynamic relationship with God's design for a flourishing and purpose-driven life.

You see, this isn't a text about perfection or performance; it’s about intention. It’s about the heart of humanity and the values and virtues that guide us.

In this episode of Thrive Perspectives, we discuss how the Bible invites us into something deeper: not just a morality of action but a transformation of the heart.

• Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World - Book by Tom Holland
• The Triumph of Christianity: How the Jesus Movement Became the World's Largest Religion - Book by Rodney Stark
• Inventing the Individual: The Origins of Western Liberalism - Book by Larry Siedentop

The Bible does not tell its story the way we tell history. It is theological.

When we say that the Bible is 'theological,' we mean that it tells its story in a way that emphasises the significance of events from a religious or spiritual perspective, rather than just presenting historical facts.

We must be cautious about defending the Bible according to modern notions of factuality. The Bible gives us facts, but it selects facts according to significance and presents a pattern of events that might clash with what a secular historian might come up with. All records of history do this.

The Bible is true in that it highlights what is most important in history for us all.

Reading the Bible as a grand narrative or ‘story’ rather than merely a system of theological ideas and values is crucial for understanding its overarching message and the continuity of God's plan throughout history.

Christians will encounter ridicule and persecution; Jesus told us as much. While it's valid to feel offended by mockery, it's important to be cautious before claiming to represent divine offence. The Gospels do not depict Jesus as angry or offended towards sinners for their sins; instead, his offence and anger is reserved for those who failed to live up to their professed righteousness.

We see through the Gospels that the things that upset Jesus the most were:

1. Hardness of heart (Mark 3:1–5)
2. Selfish ambition (Mark 8:31–38)
3. Spiritual arrogance (Luke 9:51–55)
4. Self-centeredness (Matthew 23:10–12)
5. Hypocrisy and fake religiosity (Luke 11:37–54)

Before we take umbrage on behalf of God, it's wise to reflect on the numerous ways we each fall short of God's optimal plan for our lives. This introspection will help us understand and align our actions more closely with the values and teachings of Jesus, the very thing we hold sacred.

Books Referenced Life After Life – Raymond Moody https://amzn.asia/d/07ANqwVR After - Bruce Greyson https://amzn.asia/d/07ANqwVR Imagine Heaven - John Burke https://amzn.asia/d/07ANqwVR Heaven is Real – Todd Burpo https://amzn.asia/d/07ANqwVR

Longing to Know - Esther Lightcap Meek. https://amzn.asia/d/3yal3XW

In this episode we reference the follwoing books: The Divided Brain and the Search for Meaning Iain McGilchrist

The Master & His Emissary Iain McGilchrist

The Anxious Generation Jonathan Haidt

The Surprising Revival in the Belief of God Justin Brierley

REFERENCES: Iain McGilchrist https://channelmcgilchrist.com/

Oliver Sacks https://www.oliversacks.com/

The Master and His Emissary https://channelmcgilchrist.com/master-and-his-emissary/

How to Change Your Mind [Netflix] https://www.netflix.com/au/title/80229847

Books Mentioned in this PodCast. Life 3.0 - Max Tegmark The Coming Wave - Mustafa Suleyman, Michael Bhaskar Brave New World - Aldous Huxley

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 path.

During the PodCast we reference the YouTube Channel - Inspiring Philosophy.

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 learn from others. This doesn't mean compromising your core values but being open to different perspectives can foster humility. Embrace Intellectual Humility: Acknowledge that your understanding may not be exhaustive, and there is always room for growth. Intellectual humility allows for a confident yet humble engagement with differing opinions. Choose Words Wisely: Use language that reflects confidence without being dismissive or arrogant. Avoid absolutist statements and express your opinions as beliefs open to discussion. Model Graceful Disagreement: Demonstrate how to disagree gracefully. Disagreements can be respectful and constructive rather than combative. This reflects both confidence in your beliefs and humility in your approach. Share Personal Growth Experiences: Communicate instances where you've grown or changed your perspective. This vulnerability demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn, even when confident in your beliefs. Build Bridges, Not Walls: Focus on building bridges of understanding rather than constructing walls of division.

Referenced Resources from this episode: Biblical Critical Theory - Christopher Watkins Bishop Barron

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. This involves actively listening to others, expressing opinions with humility, and being open to different perspectives. Constructive conversations can contribute to a culture of understanding. Cultural Sensitivity Recognise and respect cultural differences understanding that people may have diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Seek to foster empathy and unity.

Ultimately, we should seek to nurture an environment where love, understanding, and shared faith outweigh differences in opinion.

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 faith are pulling in different directions? I even feel angry with God for allowing me to go round in circles of doubt.

Human perception and interpretation of reality are subjective and influenced by various factors, including cultural biases, individual experiences, and cognitive limitations. Concepts like love, justice, and consciousness, for example, cannot be empirically quantified, but they are considered integral aspects of human experience and reality.

From a Christian worldview perspective, the existence of God is understood and affirmed through various philosophical, theological, experiential, and scriptural arguments. Belief in the existence of God is fundamentally a matter of faith, but that does not necessarily mean ‘blind faith’. There is a ‘reasonable-ness’ to the foundation of our faith and our knowledge of God.

The unique characteristic of the Christian worldview, includes belief in the supernatural, the importance of faith, historical events, personal experiences, and non-empirical dimensions of reality. While empirical evidence is valuable in certain contexts, it does not have the exclusive rights to knowledge and truth.

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 character and promises, even in the face of unresolved mysteries and paradoxes. 3. Pursuit of Truth: Seek to understand and articulate doctrinal beliefs while being aware of the complexity of divine truths and avoiding dogmatism or rigidity. 4. Embrace Mystery: Embrace the mystery as an essential part of the divine reality and be open to encountering God in ways that go beyond rational comprehension.

Doctrine provides a framework for understanding essential theological truths within a Christian worldview, but it must be acknowledged that many aspects of God and divine truth transcend human understanding. Embracing both doctrine and mystery with humility and faith allows for a richer and more profound Christian spirituality.

A Christian worldview offers a nuanced understanding of the myth of human progress. Whilst we can acknowledge the value of advancements in various areas of life we must emphasise the need for moral and spiritual transformation. We must recognise the limitations of human efforts and look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of progress through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

This separation from God has dire consequences, including physical death and eternal separation from Him (Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:14-15). However, the Bible also teaches that God desires to restore the relationship between Himself and humanity. He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross (John 3:16, Romans 5:8), and through faith in Him, we can be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-21. The human spiritual predicament, therefore, is one of being lost, in need of salvation, and unable to save ourselves. We require a divine solution to our sin problem, and this solution comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

The biblical message is one of hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation, but it begins with recognizing our spiritual predicament and our need for a Savior.

Books Referenced in this episode: It Didn't Start With You by Mark Wolynn New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress by Steven Pinker

In this episode, Matt references the following: A Secular Age - Charles Taylor Francis Bacon The Waning of Materialism The Royal Institutution - Quantum Fields: The Real Building Blocks of the Universe Gerald Shcroeder - The Hidden Face of God

One common view is that right and wrong are determined by a divine being or beings, such as God. In this view, morality is based on religious beliefs and teachings, and ethical principles are seen as commands given by a higher power.

Another view is that right and wrong are based on natural law or human reason. According to this perspective, certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the circumstances or cultural norms. This view holds that moral principles are objective and universal, and can be discovered through reason and reflection.

Some argue that right and wrong are socially constructed, meaning that they are shaped by cultural norms and values. In this view, ethical principles are not fixed or absolute, but are rather determined by the society in which they are developed and practiced.

Ultimately, the question of what informs right and wrong is a complex one that cannot be easily answered. It is shaped by our Worldview - whether we try to conform our faith within our culture or whether we see our culture as a subservient part of the much bigger divine story.

Referenced by Matt in this Episode: Tom Holland - Dominion

There are a number of elements that make up each of our worldviews - our beliefs about certain aspects of reality: • epistemology: beliefs about the nature and sources of knowledge; • metaphysics: beliefs about the ultimate nature of reality; • cosmology: beliefs about the origins and nature of the universe, life, and especially humankind; • teleology: beliefs about the meaning and purpose of the universe, its inanimate elements, and its inhabitants; • theology: beliefs about the existence and nature of God; • anthropology: beliefs about the nature and purpose of humankind in general and, ourselves in particular; • axiology: beliefs about the nature of value, what is good and bad, what is right and wrong.

In this first episode, Matt, Conal and Stuart, refer to a dual axis worldview. To help you understand you might like to draw a large + sign on a piece of paper. We will then be speaking to the horizontal axis and the vertical axis You can view our brief explainer video HERE https://youtu.be/BLy01RL8wXA.

Thank you to Richard J.from the Sunshine Coast Australia for the question! We tried something very different for this episode. Matthew came in pretty "cold" to the recording and DJ just threw one of YOUR great questions to him! Discussion ensues!

Remember we cannot keep making these podcasts without your generous support! 1} Pray! Pray for God's blessing and direction. 2} Share! Please share your favourite episodes with someone who would be encouraged. 3} Give! Head over to our SUPPORT page and become a monthly supporter Along with helping us keep your favourite podcasts "on the air" you will also be invited to our exclusive private Facebook Supporters Group.

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Listen to the previous Perspectives episodes: Spiritual Beings Part 1. Spiritual Beings Part 2. The Big Picture Who rules the world?

"2 Corinthians 10:3-5 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

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Plus there is a new LISTENERS SPECIAL OFFER! An incredible 50% off the empowering "Deeper Places Video Series" with the use of the coupon code "thrive" at check out - you can order that series online here.

Remember we cannot keep making these podcasts without your generous support! 1} Pray! Pray for God's blessing and direction. 2} Share! Please share your favourite episodes with someone who would be encouraged. 3} Give! Head over to our SUPPORT page and become a monthly supporter Along with helping us keep your favourite podcasts "on the air" you will also be invited to our exclusive private Facebook Supporters Group.

You can bookmark, like and follow THRIVE online on: Our home on the internet: www.ThriveToday.tv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveTodayPage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivetoday.tv/

You can bookmark, like and follow THRIVE online on: Our home on the internet: www.ThriveToday.tv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveTodayPage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivetoday.tv/

Matthew chapter 5 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Luke chapter 14 34 “Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? 35 Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!”

Mark chapter 9 49 “For everyone will be tested with fire. 50 Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”

Colossians chapter 4 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

DJ and Matt talk about some great new features in the excellent Sons of Korah APP!

Key passages on the GIFTS of the Spirit: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Romans 12:6-8 Ephesians 4:11-16 1 Peter 4:10-11

Key passages on the FRUIT of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 Ephesians 5:8-11

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Matthew also ask's DJ about his new Christian Radio Station called THE TELLY you can have a listen and join in the fun around the world- www.TheTelly.live

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Dr Bernie Power is an incredibly humble man- he holds degrees in Science, Arts and Theology. His doctorate focused on the Hadith. He has spent over twenty years as an Interserve partner living and working among Muslims in Asia and the Middle East. Currently he lectures in Islamic Studies at the Melbourne School of Theology, Australia. Bernie is a prolific writer, having authored three books, and contributed to several others, as well as dozens of journal, magazine and newspaper articles. His desire is to help Christians and Muslims understand more about each other and what they believe. www.berniepower.com
Bernie is generously offering YOU a 33% discount and offer the book for $9 plus $3 postage!!! {for australians - a little bit more for postage around the world} You just need to email Bernie on his email and mention the podcast! bpo26554 @ bigpond .net.au If you have any issues with contacting Bernie - contact the team over at www.ThriveToday.tv

Matthew mentions the book "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver. DJ mentions the satarical musical "The Book Of Mormon" by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

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OPINONS! We all have them... but what do we do with very strong convictions about events and stories that are happening around us? More importantly, what about a friend or loved one has very different opinons and convictions? Can we love someone who believes in "conspiracy theories"? Can we fellowship with someone who believes the "mainstream narratives"? Matthew and DJ walk through this very sensative and divisive subject on this episode of Thrive Perspectives. Please get in touch and tell us your thoughts, feedback or questions on our website here: https://thrivetoday.tv/contact/

Matthew references: "Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation" by James K.A. Smith - Goodreads

The Roles of Art: Educate: stretching the imagination. Elevation: see "The Happiness Hypothesis" By Jonathan Haidt Expression: understanding where culture is at.

Matthew mentions: Adam Lee - Australian Artist

The brutal grotesque works of Francis Bacon and Peter Booth

We talk about Ravi Zacharias. The reporting by Christianity Today has been really exhaustive. Ravi's ministry has released a very honest and complete statement. Christian leaders respond to Ravi here.

We also talk about Hillsong New York Pop Pastor Carl Lentz. His sexual sin and fall from ministry. Carl was always controversial and popular with the world.

This is a very honest discussion about how do we respond when people like this fall away.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Atheism

"Four Horsemen"

The 'Four Horsemen of the New Atheism' clockwise from top left: Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, and Sam Harris.

We mention the incredible Douglas Wilson of https://canonpress.com/

and the American analytic philosopher and Christian theologian: William Lane Craig of https://www.reasonablefaith.org/

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On this episode we have a special guest - self proclaimed "legal nerd" & passionate christian Kier Scott join Matthew Jacoby and DJ Paine to discuss a topic that is being heatedly discussed around Australia.

New laws have been introduced into the state of Victorian Parliament to ban practices that seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Change or suppression practices (also known as conversion practices) are any practices directed at an individual that attempt to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Further reading about the "Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill 2020" -

https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/bills/change-or-suppression-conversion-practices-prohibition-bill-2020

https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/catholics-and-presbyterians-say-no-other-church-voices-muted-on-vic-conversion-practices-bill/

https://lawandreligionaustralia.blog/2020/12/03/further-information-about-victorian-conversion-practices-bill/#more-8111

https://www.acl.org.au/tags/conversion

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Doctor Clay Jones holds a doctor of ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is a Visiting Scholar for the Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology. Clay has written two books we highly recommend: Why Does God Allow Evil?: Compelling Answers for Life’s Toughest Questions (2017) and Immortal: How the Fear of Death Drives Us and What We Can Do About It (2020).

Please head over to our website and get in contact. ThriveToday.tv

Doctor Clay Jones holds a doctor of ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is a Visiting Scholar for the Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology. Clay has written two books we highly recommend: Why Does God Allow Evil?: Compelling Answers for Life’s Toughest Questions (2017) and Immortal: How the Fear of Death Drives Us and What We Can Do About It (2020).

Please head over to our website and get in contact. ThriveToday.tv

Matt's further reading list: "Can God Be Trusted? Faith and the Challenge of Evil" - by Stackhouse, J. G., Jr.
(2nd ed.; Downers Grove: IVP, 2008).

"God, Freedom, and Evil" by Plantinga, Alvin. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1977).

"Evil and the Justice of God" by Wright, N. T. (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2006).

DJ's further reading list: "The Weight of Glory" + "The Problem of Pain" + "Till We Have Faces" - all by C.S. Lewis

"Why Does God Allow Evil? Compelling Answers for Life’s Toughest Questions" by Dr Clay Jones

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The Spirtual Realm & Spiritual Beings.... Part 2. {if you missed Part 1 - listen to Episode 13 here.

We mention Dr Michael Heiser and his book "The Unseen Realm". {Matt mentions the review he read on TGC}

We also mention the great work from The Bible Project and their Spiritual Realm series.

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We mention Dr Michael Heiser and his book "The Unseen Realm". {Matt mentions the review he read on TGC}

We also mention the great work from The Bible Project and their Spiritual Realm series.

Our two trekkers through all things spiritual look at the different religions views of death and then look at an overview of what is presented and outlined in the Bible.

Please get in contact with us at www.thrivetoday.tv

Join with Matt and DJ - two white Australian men - as we think out loud about racism and the concept of "race".

Matthew referrs to:

"The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity" - by Douglas Murray (Author)

“The special mark of the modern world is not that it is sceptical, but that it is dogmatic without knowing it.” — G.K. Chesterton, March 15, 1919, Illustrated London News

The state of modern commentary and discussion: https://youtu.be/-95LSWzmsu0

DJ quotes and refers to this clip: "The Diversity of Sex, Gender, and Sexual Orientation" by Dr Eric Strong - a clinical associate professor of medicine at Stanford University, and a practicing hospitalist. https://youtu.be/2yM_P6WdRJU

We recommend the resource of "Living Out" for those christians experiencing or living with Same Sex Attraction.

Questions? Comments? Please head here.

Plus follow @DJPaine for more information about his Bible 6 month chronological read through!

send us your questions over at www.thrivetoday.tv

Mathew references:

"The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief" is a bestselling book by [Francis Collins].(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Collins)

"The Folly of Scientism" by Austin L. Hughes.

On our fifth episode of Thrive Perspectives - Matthew Jacoby and DJ Paine cover the diet of our entertainment....

here is the actual text message Matthew sent DJ about the idea: " I want to talk about our media diet and our minds. Address entertainment addiction and how media causes mental hyperactivity and narrative dysphoria. The ethics of content too and the issue of intellectual passivity. Relevant now because I think people are now likely to be watching more TV etc than ever and it causes us to fall into a state of vegetation. I want to address this in the of the need to “be still and know God.” And the effect this has on prayer and our engagement with scripture. How does that sound?"

Bertrand Russell

The New Atheists: These authors include Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens.

"Empirical" knowledge.

Scientism?

Hebrews 11:5-6 "It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Romans 1:18-20 "But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."

Alvin Plantinga and Reformed epistemology.