Being Human

The Discipleship Deficit: Who's guiding the spiritually curious?

In the final episode of this season, Peter and Katherine ask whether today’s surge in spiritual curiosity is hiding a discipleship deficit: many people are encountering Jesus through online content without anyone guiding them into ongoing faith. They share personal discipleship stories and highlight the vital role relationships has to play in the discipleship journey. They discuss the rise of online “baby Christians,” including a former tarot reader who publicly converted to Christianity, and note survey findings that 40% of people come to Jesus without someone present at the moment of faith. The conversation explores why local church community matters, how the online world can be a great tool for evangelism and practical ways churches can respond by offering community, intergenerational relationships, clear signposting, and helping new believers connect to a local church. 00:00 Intro 00:59 Discipleship deficit 01:52 Discipleship stories 03:50 What is discipleship? 04:52 Online conversions 08:23 From screen to church 12:00 Why church matters 14:40 Social media formation 15:31 Healthy online boundaries 23:15 Churches in the digital age 30:20 Intergenerational relationships 32:33 Final takeaways Find a church here: https://www.eauk.org/churches If you're spiritually curious and looking for meaning, try Ethos a new digital pathway designed just for you: https://ethos.beinghumanlens.com/

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AI Therapists, Trad Wives, and the Pope: our rapidly changing world

In this episode of Being Human, Katherine and Peter explore two big cultural trends happening at the same time: rapid AI acceleration and a growing desire to “go analogue.” They talk about how AI is already improving everyday tasks but how it is beginning to replace entry-level work like junior lawyers, leaving younger people unsure how to start careers. They discuss the rise of AI therapy and companionship highlighting that AI can mimic language but not real relationship. As a response, they unpack trends like digital detoxing, “friction-maxxing,” trad wives, and renewed interest in ancient, rooted forms of spirituality. They look at how Christians can engage wisely and point people towards Jesus.

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The boys are back in town; a return of men to the church

After many years of decline, male church attendance appears to be on the up. It's official – the boys are back! In this episode, Katherine and Peter look at some of the high-profile men exploring Christianity and what is causing this trend as Christian footballers are casting their crowns, praying and worshipping before and after matches and celebrity converts are encouraging others to explore Christianity. Delving deeper into the cultural stories, they uncover the consumerist mindset around 'bolt-on' spirituality where the wellness world uses prayer alongside supplements and routines as a way to self-optimise. The conversation then shifts to political trends which sparks discussions about Christian nationalism and the rallies associated with Tommy Robinson. Show notes: 00:00 Expressions of faith in pop culture 00:55 Men Returning to Church 01:26 Supplements and tracking your existence 02:54 Footballers sharing faith 07:46 Wellness and self-optimisation 11:30 Self-help, discipline and Jordan Peterson's rules 14:04 Prayer as a life hack 15:23 Consumer church mindset 15:40 Young men and right-leaning politics 17:18 Defining Christian nationalism 18:31 Algorithmic influence 19:35 Tommy Robinson rallies 22:06 Charlie Kirk funeral fallout 23:12 Discipling brave and bold believers 23:53 Where do we find our identity? 24:57 Discipling young men in your church 27:34 Our resources and the next episode

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Crystals, Tarot cards and Manifesting: Exploring the rise of alternative Spirituality

Crystals, tarot, manifesting and “Witchtok.” Alternative spirituality has become mainstream. In this episode, Katherine and Peter explain the differences between manifesting and prayer, how crystals are used for specific intentions and why women seem to be turning to alternative spirituality. They also share stories of people buying spells from “Etsy witches,” using horoscopes on dating apps and the rise of Witchtok. They discuss the roots of this trend - secularism, individualism, and postmodernism and the pick-and-mix spirituality it has created. They conclude by highlighting both the opportunities and challenges for churches: clearer teaching about Jesus, better discipleship and readiness to address occult involvement, including deliverance and spiritual warfare. Show notes: 00:00 Alternative spirituality is now mainstream 01:42 Gen Z spirituality stats 04:06 Celebs on manifesting 05:09 Manifesting vs Visualising 08:38 Manifesting vs Prayer 10:06 What are crystals? 12:51 Witchtok has gone viral 14:54 Etsy Witches and wedding spells 16:40 Why are people engaging in spirituality? 17:20 Cultural stories of spirituality 18:11 the burden of manifesting 19:00 Pick'n'mix spirituality 20:12 No rules, no authority 22:47 Crystals, manifesting then Jesus? 25:35 What's the church's role in this? 29:59 Jesus is the only way 31:04 What about the men? 33:37 Spiritually curious? Try Ethos 35:42 Next episode: the boys are back!

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Why the most secular generation in history is turning to God

We're back with Season 8 of the Being Human podcast! In this episode, Peter Lynas is joined by new co-host Katherine Brown to explore "spiritual curiosity" across popular culture. From feminists and historians to podcasters and footballers it seems like many people are curious about faith. They discuss the Bible Society’s “Quiet Revival” report and its retraction, while pointing to other research and many UK stories of people praying, buying Bibles, and simply showing up at church. The episode also highlights challenges like pick-and-mix spirituality and online-only discipleship and stresses the value of local church community. Finally, they introduce Ethos, a digital pathway which includes a quiz, personalised insights and suggested Christian practices to help spiritually curious people explore the way of Jesus. 00:00 Celebs are spiritually curious 01:19 Welcome to Being Human 01:42 Meet the new co-host 03:11 The Jordan Peterson effect 05:18 Theo Von and prayer 06:39 Bryan Johnson tries prayer 08:21 Steven Bartlett is spiritually curious 11:24 Feminist author Louise Perry becomes a Christian 13:11 Ayaan Hirsi Ali: from Islam to Christianity 15:08 The Alex O'Connor effect 17:02 Quiet Revival or a loud awakening? 19:44 Stats and stories of people coming to church 23:29 Cultural shifts in faith 26:45 Pick-and-mix spirituality 28:10 Online discipleship challenges 30:27 Why local church matters 32:56 What's next? 35:18 Ethos: for the spiritually curious 37:20 Connect with us online

Spiritual practices are leading people to Jesus

It's our final episode of Being Human Season 7. Jo Frost, Peter Lynas and special guest Katherine Brown (Being Human’s engagement lead) complete the mini-series with some big announcements. We get to know Katherine as she makes her Being Human podcast debut by sharing her story of becoming a Christian at drama school and how she ended up at Being Human. Revisiting the Quiet Revival, the team probes further into some of the themes, trends and motivations for faith exploration. The team use the Being Human Lens to explore how spiritual practices are becoming a popular gateway to faith as things like sabbath, fasting and digital detoxes become commonplace in our culture. Connect with us on social media instagram.com/beinghumanlens Connect with Jo instagram.com/jofrostie Connect with Peter instagram.com/peter.lynas Connect with Katherine instagram.com/katherinexbrown Read more about how spiritual practices are leading people to Jesus https://beinghumanlens.com/articles/spiritual-practices-are-leading-people-to-jesus Do your values and behaviours align? Sign up to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with Ethos beinghumanlens.com Phil Knox's Missional Trends for 2026 Missional Trends 2026 - Evangelical Alliance Find out more about the Evangelical Alliance eauk.org Show notes: 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 02:23 Get to know Katherine Brown 04:50 Continuing the conversation on the Quiet Revival 06:30 Faith exploration journeys 15:42 Is there a formula for discipleship? 16:51 Jo's next adventure at OCCA 20:07 Ethos explained 23:38 He tried fasting and found Jesus 28:18 Ethos teaser and sign up 29:42 The journey to faith through spiritual practices 31:36 Jo's final hurrah and plans for Season 8

Is fear driving people to faith? Looking at the Quiet Revival

In this episode, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas jump in to the Quiet Revival research. Unpacking the trends they are seeing emerge between men and women's approaches to faith. Men seem to take a "Jesus plus politics" approach whereas women are taking a "Jesus plus spirituality" approach. Sharing their observations from traveling and hearing stories, they chat about differences across nations and how the church can be equipped to navigate and disciple all of these newcomers. Shownotes 00:00 Welcome to Being Human: what is the 'Quiet Revival'? 02:21 Bible Society & YouGov Stats: Why the numbers surprised everyone 03:30 Other research confirms the trend (Bibles, students, Belief in Britain) 05:32 Where it’s showing up: regions, church types, and size effects 07:23 Baptisms, attendance, and ‘It’s not my church’ 09:41 Public male converts & the politics question: What’s driving it? 10:29 Fear narratives: ‘Where are the men?’ and the discipleship challenge 11:55 Men’s pathways: solo faith, podcasts, and right-leaning baggage 15:15 Women’s pathways & ‘Jesus+’: experiential spirituality vs logic 18:00 Why are women’s stories quieter? Influence, platforms, and blind spots 22:02 Discipling the newcomers: From ‘Third eye’ stories to core formation 24:34 Openness Is Rising, now the church must disciple well 25:30 Identity, community & nationalism: flipping the lens 25:55 How to respond: share your local church story 27:13 Digging deeper: why the ‘quiet revival’ is happening 28:14 Chaos, deconstruction & openness to the Christian story 29:23 From Tom Holland to Jordan Peterson: intellectual, community & spiritual pathways 30:16 Is fear driving faith? What our research found about anxiety & hope 33:28 Viral moments & messy catalysts: funerals, livestreams and unexpected seekers 35:01 Google as evangelist: why SEO, online clarity & welcome matter 36:11 So what do we do? Step into the missional moment 37:54 A real-life nudge: the devotion book that opened a Jesus conversation 39:54 Discipleship in real time: handling messy journeys and public voices 41:56 Final landing: be a non-anxious presence and nurture what the Spirit grows

Scared the UK is becoming an Islamic nation? Tommy Robinson/Tom Holland and Christian nationalism

In this episode of Being Human, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas take a deep dive into the controversial public figure Tommy Robinson, examining his conversion to Christianity and asking how it compares with the well-known faith journey of historian Tom Holland (Dominion). The conversation explores the growing influence of Christian nationalism in the UK, Robinson’s cultural impact, and the wider debates shaping British society today, including Islam, immigration, national identity, and free speech. Jo and Peter go on to ask some of the biggest questions facing the UK right now: Can Britain still be called a Christian nation? What cultural, political and spiritual forces are redefining that identity? How should the church respond in an age of polarisation, especially when fear often shouts louder than hope? 00:00 Introduction and welcome 00:27 Exploring fear in relationships 01:36 The tale of the two Tommys 02:03 Tom Holland's journey to Christianity 07:42 Tommy Robinson's perspective 17:45 Fear and identity politics 20:39 Christian Nationalism: definitions and debates 23:52 Tommy's provocative questions 24:45 Christianity's influence on society 25:36 The role of Christianity in modern cities 26:35 Challenges and critiques of Christian values 29:15 Fear vs. hope in Christian response 29:54 Addressing violence and fear 31:14 Christian citizenship and identity 38:06 Navigating fear and relationships 42:51 Conclusion and call to action

Fear makes the world go round: is power trumping truth?

Jo Frost and Peter Lynas are back with the seventh season of the Being Human podcast - Fear Makes The World Go Round - focusing on the chaos of the world today and its impact on our human story. They chat about how global instability, health anxieties, and geopolitical chaos are shaping our lifestyles and invoking fear responses. Delving deeper, they explore the rise of new leadership styles and the deconstruction of international norms. It's not all doom and gloom as they conclude with the story of Daniel as an example to living with a supernatural hope in the face of turbulent times. Jo also shares her upcoming departure to the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, marking this mini-series as her final contribution as a co-host. 00:00 Welcome to Season Seven 00:23 Introduction to the mini- series 02:18 Fear makes the world go round 04:26 Health and Wellness Trends 06:33 Geopolitical chaos 08:21 Raising families when the future seems bleak 11:11 The spheres of fear in our society 12:54 Hope in the midst of chaos 14:20 New leaders and deconstructed norms 20:23 A fear response 27:04 Fighting fear and finding hope 30:59 Living the countercultural Christian story 34:05 Conclusion

Speaking up on sexuality and gender - Live Interview with Dr. Preston Sprinkle

Join Jo Frost and Peter Lynas as they chat about all things sexuality and gender with Dr. Preston Sprinkle in the first-ever live recording of the Being Human podcast. Known for his work with the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, Preston shares his top tips and insights for navigating these conversations in Christian spaces. Highlights include the importance of speaking up, the experiences of LGBT people within the church and the differences in approach between US and UK law. Prepare to be welcomed and challenged compassionately. Want to explore more about what the Bible says about sex, sexuality and gender? Check out our video series Relationships Matter: Course - Evangelical Alliance Follow our socials for more conversations https://linktr.ee/beinghumanlens Follow Preston https://linktr.ee/Prestonsprinkle Chapters 00:00 Welcome and introduction 00:44 First live recording experience 01:28 Reflections on discussion 05:00 Getting to know Preston Sprinkle 06:36 Preston's academic and personal motivations 08:02 Future of sexuality and gender conversations 16:22 Understanding different perspectives 21:02 LGBT stories in the church 23:39 ‘Silence is not an option’ 24:21 Navigating church conversations on sexuality and gender 25:39 How to speak up as a church leader 28:06 Gender conversation shifts in the UK and US 34:51 Theological anthropology and transgenderism 36:47 Balancing public engagement and pastoral care 41:37 Final reflections and prayer requests

Who wants to live for ever: Heaven, Mars or life in the cloud?

In the season six finale, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas explore the major cultural shifts shaping our view of the future. From Bryan Johnson’s anti-aging pursuits to Elon Musk’s space ambitions, they unpack what these stories reveal about our hopes and fears. The episode also delves into AI’s growing influence on politics and society. Jo and Peter contrast these secular visions with the Christian narrative - one rooted in hope and purpose. They close with practical tips - using simplicity and Sabbath rest as ways to stay spiritually grounded in an increasingly fast-paced and uncertain world. 00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts 00:18 Welcome and Podcast Overview 01:23 Exploring Hope, Progress, and the Future 03:02 The Myth of Progress and Cultural Shifts 07:33 Health, Longevity, and Technological Advances 12:34 AI and the Future of Humanity 15:13 Transhumanism and Technological Utopias 19:52 Cultural Reflections and Influences 29:35 Christian Perspective on Hope and Eschatology 33:34 The Importance of Eschatology 34:46 Misconceptions About Heaven and Earth 35:46 Living in the Now: Balancing Faith and Life 38:33 The Practice of Sabbath 40:47 Simplicity and Submission in Discipleship Related links: 'My ultimate goal? Don't die' - Bryan Johnson article in The Guardian, 14 September 2023 Elon Musk’s Space X Mars & Beyond : https://www.spacex.com/humanspaceflight/mars/ More on TESCREAL https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TESCREAL Netflix’s Black Mirror Justin Brierley in conversation with Anthony Bradley: Why men are returning to church. Emily Maitlis interviews Charlie Brooker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV1iF9wMS0g

Help! How do we disciple all these new Christians?

In this week’s episode, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas explore the urgent issue of the 'discipleship deficit' amidst the growing number of young people coming to faith. They discuss the challenges of discipling in a complex world with its constant changes in cultural values and societal shifts. The conversation delves into the need for new methods of discipleship to bridge the cultural disconnect and align with the gospel's teachings. The discussion highlights the importance of community and worship while suggesting Biblical practices like digital abstinence to navigate this transformative time. They pull on threads from the gospels and early church practices and provide insights for today’s church to better support this exciting rise in spiritual interest. 00:00 Introduction: The Missional Moment 00:30 Welcome to Being Human 01:53 Exploring the Discipleship Deficit 04:03 Cultural Shifts and Their Impact 07:22 The Role of Community in Faith 11:19 Discipleship in a Complex World 18:33 Jesus' Encounters and Lessons 25:22 Practical Steps for Discipleship 33:03 Conclusion

Why Is Gen Z Finding Jesus?

In this episode of Being Human, hosts Jo Frost and Peter Lynas discuss the increasing interest in Christianity among Gen Z and young men, exploring the profound cultural and spiritual shifts underlying this trend. They highlight the rising curiosity in faith, supported by empirical data and real-life stories. Delving into the intellectual journeys sparked by public figures like Jordan Peterson and Russell Brand they look at how these influences shape individuals' exploration of Christianity. They also examine how these cultural shifts align with biblical narratives, emphasising the importance of witnessing and interceding. The episode concludes with practical advice for anchoring spiritual growth in daily practices and fostering a supportive community for new believers. 00:00 Introduction: The Growing Interest in Faith 00:38 Exploring the Cultural Shifts 01:31 The Quiet Revival: Is It Real? 02:41 Focus on Young Men and Gen Z 05:35 Public Figures and Faith 09:21 Generational Trends in Faith 14:27 The Role of Intellectuals and Public Discourse 19:14 Biblical Stories and Their Relevance 28:41 Witnessing and Intercession 35:24 Conclusion Links to items discussed The Rest Is History Podcast Joe Rogan interviews Wesley Huff, January 7, 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwyAX69xG1Q The Times, Gen Z survey January 25, 2025 Bible Society report, ‘The Quiet Revival’ April 2025: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival Dominion – Tom Holland. Giles Coren article in The Times, This Lent I will turn atheism into ashes The Best of Friends – Phil Knox

The vibe shift is coming for us all

Join Jo and Peter in a new episode of Being Human as they reflect on the concept of the 'vibe shift' and its far-reaching effects on today’s cultural and social dynamics. They explore real-life examples from changes in corporate culture and political realignments to the evolving ways people express their faith in public. Through their discussion, they emphasise the importance of grounding oneself in scripture and liturgy to navigate these shifting cultural landscapes, offering a stable foundation in Jesus. Tune in for an engaging exploration of how to live truly and fully human in today's ever-changing world. 00:00 Introduction: Cultural shifts 00:30 Welcome to Being Human 01:20 Exploring the Vibe Shift 03:21 Cultural Examples of the Vibe Shift 14:23 Faith and the Vibe Shift 26:15 Practices for Navigating in Changing Times Links mentioned Santiago Pliego: pliego.substack.com/p/vibe-shift Alison P. Davis New York Magazine article: A Vibe Shift Is Coming. Will any of us survive it? www.thecut.com/a-vibe-shift-is-coming

Unpacking Freedom: Cultural stories and biblical practices

Jo and Peter return to unpack freedom, chatting through insights on the topics of free speech, social justice and asking if it's okay to stop others from exercising their freedom to protect your own. Explore the dynamic exchange between Jo Frost and Peter Lynas as they delve into cultural conversations and biblical practices to explore what freedom, faith, and being truly, fully human looks like today in our latest podcast episode! Tune in for an engaging discussion that resonates with current debates and timeless truths. 00:00 Introduction: Absolute freedom is a myth 00:33:  JD Vance and free speech 01:35:  What is freedom? 02:12:  Freedom and Individualism 06:58: Are our freedoms under threat? 07:03: Coercion and Assisted Suicide 10:57: Freedom in the Digital Age 13:42: Biblical Perspective on Freedom 25:41: Christian Practices for Freedom

Being Human in the chaos of Trump, tech bros and global crisis

In the first episode of the Being Human podcast season six, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas dive into the widespread feeling of chaos in today's world, exploring its implications on personal, cultural, and societal levels. Chatting through the different cultural stories, from politics to technology that contribute to this sense of chaotic madness, they pull on the threads of the God story to help us make sense of what’s happening and ask how practices such as fasting, hospitality, and worship can bring order and peace. Time stamps 00:00 Introduction: It’s a mad, mad world 00:47 Exploring Cultural Stories 01:55 Understanding Chaosity 04:08 Global and Technological Chaos 10:48 Personal and Community Chaos 13:24 Biblical Perspective on Chaos 25:54 Christian Practices for Order 36:10 Conclusion and Call to Action

Health and wellness

In the final episode of the season, hosts Jo Frost and Peter Lynas discuss the intricate relationship between health, wellness, and what it means to be truly, fully human. Exploring the cultural stories that shape our view of health and wellness, they delve into topics such as nutrition, sleep, body image, and mental well-being. As with all episodes in this season, Jo and Peter use the Being Human lens to analyse these aspects through the aspects of presence, significance, participation, and connection. They highlight the cultural contradictions surrounding health and wellness and emphasise the importance of community, hospitality, and generosity for a holistic and healthier life. Practical applications like fasting, simplicity, and hospitality are recommended to cultivate wholeness and better health. 00:00 Season Finale Announcement 01:13 Today we’re chatting health and wellness 02:23 Recap on the Being Human lens 04:07 The importance of sleep 07:50 Health span vs. Life span 09:17 Holistic health and wellness 12:57 What does the God story tell us about healthy bodies? 19:18 Health inequality and the challenge of dignity and respect 23:33 Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit 24:26 Participation and the sedentary lifestyle 26:27 Health data and health tracking 29:22 The influence of social media on health 31:27 Connection through food and relationships 34:45 Health as a justice issue 37:33 Practices for health and wellness 43:51 That’s a wrap!

Race and ethnicity

In this episode Jo and Peter welcome their friend and head of public policy, Alicia to the conversation. This time ethnicity is placed the centre of the lens and through significance, connection, presence and participation, they track some of the major cultural shifts in this vital and global conversation. From the murder of George Floyd in the US to the case of Child Q in the UK, they lament over the prevalence of injustice, while looking to the God Story for a more hopeful narrative. Alongside personal stories the conversation touches on how Christians might seek wisdom when it comes to language and ideas like intersectionality. And admits a culture that so often only wants to deconstruct, they look to the opportunity for hospitality, relationship and rebuilding in Jesus’ name to bridge divides. They ask what can the story found in scripture tell us about difference, identity and community when it comes to thinking about ethnicity? Part one (00:00) 00:07 Welcome and introductions with Alicia. 01:43 Framing today’s topic: ethnicity and identity. 06:17 Looking at language: race, ethnicity and nationality. 12:18 Putting ethnicity in the centre of the lens. 13:18 Significance and the murder of George Floyd. 18:19 Why we might struggle to recognise our own sin and prejudice. 21:12 The God story: liberation, redeeming identity and the story of Hagar. Part two (26:17) 26:20 Connection, Christian global community and building peace. 30:01 Friendship and combatting the fear of misspeaking. 33:11 Biblical mandate: being sanctification and made holy. 36:11 Presence: Child Q as a moment of reckoning. 41:28 Deconstruction, intersectionality and rebuilding in Jesus's name. 45:35 The good shepherd. 48:05 Participation: migration and the mandate of hospitality. 52:55 Practicing gratitude. 54:12 Practicing study and intercession.

Generational perspectives on work, rest and play

In this episode of Being Human, Jo and Peter are joined by their twenty-five-year-old team member Emma to discuss the generational shift in perspectives on work, rest, and play. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, they explore how different age groups approach work-life balance, purpose, and identity. Diving into the world of intergenerational workplace dynamics, the impact of digital culture, hobbies, mental health and the quest for a meaningful rest vs work ethic, they draw on the wisdom of the God Story to seek a better narrative. The episode wraps up with three practical spiritual habits – rest, solitude and communion - for navigating these challenges. Part one (00:00) 00:40 Meet Emma: behind the scenes to on the mic. 01:10 Today’s topic: generational perspectives on work, rest, and play. 02:39 Gen-z, millennials, Gen-x and boomers: understanding the generational categories. 05:06 The Being Human lens: a way to explore the cultural stories. 07:06 Participation: what does each generation look for in work? 14:31 Play and rest: hobby and volunteering culture across generations. 16:40 The God Story: purpose and gifting. Part two (19:58) 20:00 Significance: does your identity come from your work? 25:52 Anxious generations: shifts in work perception and uncertainty. 29:05 Work, identity, and rest: a biblical perspective. 33:30 Connection: gen-z in the digital age and conflict in relationships. 38:50 Presence and place: flexibility and the future of work. 45:15 A better story with three spiritual practices: rest, solitude and communion. 49:22 Finishing up: do get in touch!

Being Human webinars: join us this June

We are taking a short break in the season, but while you wait for the next episode why not join us for our webinar series? Join us for three 60-minute online webinars on June 11, 18 and 25 with Jo and Peter as they explore Being Human as a new apologetic for the 21st century and unpack its resources for your church. These interactive webinars will cover a range of topics: from the cultural stories of our day, to the narrative of the God story, as well as research on the different kinds of attitudes you might find in your church, and how we can be reaching out more to one another. We would love to see you there. Find out more here: https://beinghumanlens.com/being-human-webinars-june-2024