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Thrive: Perspectives

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In a culture obsessed with comfort, dopamine hits, and curated joy, we’ve been sold the idea that happiness is something we can chase, hack, or buy. In fact you might say that we live in a happiness cult, we worship happiness, and it’s become our ‘idol’. But what if that chase is precisely what’s making us anxious, disconnected, and spiritually thin?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
How far do we go in investing in systems that are, in some ways, opposed to God’s kingdom?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.
In this episode of Thrive Perspectives, we’re peeling back the layers of a truth that’s both unsettling and liberating: our natural resistance to God. Whether you're a lifelong believer or just beginning to explore faith, this conversation invites honesty, because the tension isn’t just “out there”—it’s in us. Even as Christians, called to surrender, we often find ourselves resisting the very grace we profess to follow.
Why do we resist the very presence we crave? What does it mean to be drawn toward God while holding back from the mountain’s edge? And how can spiritual knowing emerge not from mastery, but from surrender?
Postmodernism questions many of the assumptions that undergird Western Christianity, but it also invites a return to deeper, more relational expressions of faith. Postmodernism’s critique of sterile rationalism may actually clear space for a more embodied, awe-filled spirituality.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.
Today we’re diving into the controversial and provocative ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche who boldly declared "God is dead," challenging the very foundation of Christian belief. 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.
In today's episode from our series on Big Ideas that Changed the World, we're diving deeper into the fascinating world of modern thought. We break down the complex ideas about knowledge from the 18th and 19th centuries that still shape how we understand truth today. So, join us as we explore the evolution of Western thought and its significant impact on our thinking.
There was a time when mystery wasn’t a problem to be solved but a truth to be honored. When our place in the universe wasn’t something to escape or redefine, but to accept as sacred, given, and good. So what drove the change from wonder to skepticism, from reverence to rationalism, from listening to the heavens to harnessing the world for our own ends. What led us away from embracing the divine order… to questioning everything, mastering everything—even each other? How did the philosophy of splitting reality into mind and matter impact our understanding of the world, our existence and purpose?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.
Have you ever wondered how a single act of defiance could reshape the course of history? In1517, 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?
In today's episode, we explore The Christian Revolution, a profound shift that redefined the ancient world's understanding of equality, individualism, and human dignity. 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
In todays discussion we’re tackling a topic that has sparked centuries of discussion, interpretation, and debate—gender roles as presented in the Bible.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 today's episode, we're diving into a topic that has shaped societies, relationships, and personal identities for centuries—gender roles. But we're not just looking at culture or tradition; we're exploring these roles through a Christian worldview.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.
In this episode of Thrive Perspectives we embark on an extraordinary journey to explore one of the most pivotal events in history—the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Was it merely a story passed down through generations, or is there solid evidence to support the claim that Christ rose from the dead? Together, we'll delve into historical documents, eyewitness accounts, and theological perspectives to uncover the truth behind this monumental event. Whether you're a skeptic, a seeker, or a believer, this episode invites you to join the conversation and consider the evidence that has shaped the foundation of Christianity.The Resurrection of the Son of God
Throughout history, laws have shaped societies—not just in governance but in thought, ethics, and identity. One of the most influential legal codes in human history, the Mosaic Law, has often been viewed as a rigid list of rules governing every aspect of life. But is that the whole story?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.
If the Bible is a guide designed to help us navigate life within a values system crafted by a God who created us, loves us and only wants the best for us, then how do we seek wisdom rather than rigidly follow directives, understanding that God's principles are meant to lead us into truth and grace? 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.
So often, we open the pages of Scripture expecting a rulebook, a step-by-step manual for life. But what if that's not what it was ever meant to be? What if approaching the Bible as a list of do's and don’ts, not only misses its heart, but also disconnects us from the virtues and values it’s trying to bring to 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.
The influence of the Christian story on Western culture is profound and pervasive, even among those who reject its religious aspects. This is because the Christian story has shaped the moral and ethical framework of Western society for centuries. Concepts such as human dignity, justice, compassion, and the sanctity of life are all derived from biblical teaching. Even the very democracy we guard so tightly, is a result of the teachings and actions of the church. Even if individuals do not consciously acknowledge the biblical origins of these values, they have been ingrained in the cultural and societal norms that influence their beliefs and behaviours. Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World - Book by Tom HollandThe Triumph of Christianity: How the Jesus Movement Became the World's Largest Religion - Book by Rodney StarkInventing the Individual: The Origins of Western Liberalism - Book by Larry Siedentop
God does not change, but his purposes unfold – this is what creates linear history.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.
As Christians, we’ve been given the greatest story ever told and been invited to be a part of it. But is that how we view, read and apply our reading of the Bible? What difference then does it make to understand the Christian faith as a story?
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.
Every worldview, whether religious, philosophical, or secular, is essentially a narrative or ‘story’ that people accept on faith. These stories provide a framework for understanding the world, guiding our reasoning and interpretation of life events.
For example, a Christian worldview is based on the biblical story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. This story shapes how Christians understand their purpose, morality, and destiny.
Similarly, a secular humanist might base their worldview on the narrative of human progress and rationality, believing in the power of science and reason to improve the human condition.
These stories, although often unacknowledged, influence our values, decisions, and actions. So how do we go about authenticating the truth of a 'story' or meta-narrative? Ultimately, the authenticity of a meta-narrative can only be validated by living it out.