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Thrive: Perspectives
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Thrive: Perspectives

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This is Thrive: Perspectives. An ever-growing discussion about the issues that shape our lives with your guide Dr Matthew Jacoby. www.thrivetoday.tv
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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 increasingly hear warnings about the pervasive nature of technology, its role in fragmenting attention spans, eroding privacy boundaries, and exacerbating feelings of social comparison and inadequacy. There’s a massive opportunity for the church to counter this culture and demonstrate a different kind of community. Will we seize this opportunity? What might it cost us?
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 video calls have allowed people to stay connected across vast distances, fostering relationships that might otherwise have been impossible. Furthermore, the accessibility of information and resources online has facilitated the sharing of experiences and knowledge, enriching human interactions in previously unimaginable ways. However, concerns about the darker side of technology's influence emerge. One of the primary issues highlighted is the phenomenon of social isolation stemming from excessive reliance on digital communication. While individuals may have hundreds or even thousands of online "friends" or followers, studies suggest that this virtual connectivity often fails to fulfill the deeper human need for genuine connection and intimacy. Instead, it can lead to feelings of loneliness, alienation, and a sense of inadequacy as people compare their lives to carefully curated online personas. While there is consensus that digital connectivity offers unprecedented opportunities for communication and collaboration, there is also a shared recognition of the importance of nurturing authentic connections offline. Strategies such as setting boundaries around technology use, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing face-to-face interactions are proposed as ways to mitigate the negative effects of social isolation in an increasingly connected world. As Christians, how can we respond and model authentic, intimate relationship - as we were created to be.
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 significance in this world. This isn’t our destination. Books Mentioned in this PodCast. Life 3.0 - Max Tegmark The Coming Wave - Mustafa Suleyman, Michael Bhaskar Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
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 path. During the PodCast we reference the YouTube Channel - Inspiring Philosophy.
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 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
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 journey. How do we share our faith, or engage in meanignful debate with those who are not yet believers, without trying to explain our faith and God as if from the 'outside'.
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 is simply not always possible or may distort the true essence of the mystery of God. Metaphors and allegories become important tools for expressing the inexpressible.
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. 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.
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 faith are pulling in different directions? I even feel angry with God for allowing me to go round in circles of doubt.
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 prayer when seeking guidance, wisdom, or discernment in making important decisions. Through prayer, God can provide insights and direction in our lives. Intercession: Prayer also plays a role in interceding for others. We can pray on behalf of those who are suffering, in need, or facing challenges. God can respond to these intercessory prayers by providing comfort, healing, or assistance to those in need. Gratitude and Thanksgiving: Prayer is an opportunity to express gratitude and thanksgiving to God for the blessings and provisions in our lives. Personal Transformation: We should view prayer as a means of personal transformation. Through prayer, we can seek forgiveness, experience spiritual growth, and cultivate virtues such as patience, humility, and love. Partnership with God: While God has a perfect plan, we should see prayer as a way to partner with God in the realisation of His plan. God invites our cooperation and participation in His work on Earth.
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 practicing the love and compassion taught by Jesus, which is often summarized as loving one's neighbour as oneself (Matthew 22:39). Christians are encouraged to be generous and to share their resources with those in need. Prosperity is often connected to the idea of giving to others and helping those who are less fortunate. The Bible teaches the value of contentment, which means being satisfied with what one has rather than constantly pursuing material wealth. The Apostle Paul said, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:11). Humility is a significant aspect of Christian prosperity. It involves recognizing one's dependence on God and not becoming prideful or self-centered. Christians will find prosperity in serving others and living out their God-given purpose. This includes using one's talents and resources to make a positive impact on the world. Prosperity in the Christian worldview is closely linked to the concept of stewardship, which means responsible management of the resources and talents that God has entrusted to each of us. As Christians we believe in the hope of eternal life with God. This hope can bring a sense of enduring prosperity, even in the face of temporal challenges.
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 and deeper through these periods of challenge and uncertainty, but that doesn’t make it easy. Recognising that God is not something or somebody we can ‘control’ but is far outside our ability to comprehend. God is much bigger, in every way, than we imagine. Relationship with God is not like any human relationship. God’s focus with us is on growth, not comfort, but that’s hard to accept when we just want God to ‘show-up’ and make us feel ‘something’.
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 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.
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 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.
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 transformation. It teaches that through repentance, forgiveness, and faith in God's grace, individuals can experience reconciliation and be empowered to live in alignment with God's standards of righteousness. Ultimately, the biblical perspective recognises the fallen nature of all of humanity, our propensity to be “bad” along with the gift of redemption, and the importance of aligning one's actions and attitudes with God's teachings to pursue righteousness. It offers a framework for understanding judgment in light of God's character and commands rather than solely relying on our own flawed human evaluation where we see the "good guys" versus "bad guys."
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 interconnected humanity. A Christian Worldview emphasizes the need for individuals to consider the consequences of their actions on others and to work together for the betterment of all of humanity.
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