Thrive: Perspectives

Welcome to this secound episode in a series, where we continue to delve into the enigmatic realm of demons and the demonic as seen in the Bible. We review the numerous accounts of Jesus confronting and casting out demons, shedding light on the spiritual battles detailed in the New Testament and also how these originated and are seen in the Old Testament. In this episode we begin to look at the spectrum of demonic activity and influence - from foothold to stronghold - from oppression to possession.

Welcome to this first episode in a series, where we will delve into the enigmatic realm of demons and the demonic as seen in the Bible. We'll explore the numerous accounts of Jesus confronting and casting out demons, shedding light on the spiritual battles detailed in the New Testament and also how these originated and are seen in the Old Testament. Join us as we seek to understand the historical and theological context of these encounters and what they reveal about the power and authority of Jesus and our faith in Him.

The desire to safeguard what one holds dear is a natural human instinct. It is a human impulse to want to protect what’s sacred to you. 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: Hardness of heart (Mark 3:1–5) Selfish ambition (Mark 8:31–38) Spiritual arrogance (Luke 9:51–55) Self-centeredness (Matthew 23:10–12) 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.

The question of the purpose of life on earth in light of Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) is indeed profound and thought-provoking. From a Christian perspective, NDEs are seen as affirming several key theological concepts, such as the survival of consciousness after physical death, the existence of a supernatural realm, and the presence of a supreme being of unfathomable love. However, the purpose of life on earth remains significant.

For both Christianity and atheism, with the growing verifiable data gathered from millions of 'near death experiences' (NDE) something fundamental and non-negotiable appears to be at stake. Yet only atheism need fear NDEs. The more evidence that accumulates and the more it is corroborated, the stronger the case that human consciousness survives bodily death, permanently weakening the atheistic position. For Christianity, by contrast, the more evidence that accumulates and the more it is corroborated, the stronger the case for the pillars of the faith. As this evidence becomes more robust with each decade and with each life-saving advance, it may be increasingly difficult to escape the conclusion that some NDEs do indeed reflect reality. If so, thoughtful examination of near-death experiences will deepen, not destabilise, Christian theology.

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are profound experiences that occur to people who are on the brink of death or who have suffered a severe trauma where death is imminent. In many cases, these people are pronounced dead. These experiences often involve a variety of sensory and emotional elements, such as seeing a bright light, feeling a sense of peace and detachment from the body, moving through a tunnel, or having a life review. Some individuals report encounters with deceased loved ones or spiritual beings. Research into NDEs seeks to understand the patterns and themes of these experiences, as well as their long-lasting effects on individuals' attitudes towards life and death. How do these verifiable experiences align with what the Bible teaches and, as a Christian, how and why should we engage with this topic? 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

Though Christian faith and doctrine often transcend our finite human comprehension, they are not irrational or void of any ‘reason’. Faith provides the foundation for belief, while reason offers a tool for understanding and articulating that belief. Faith is foundational to reason and reason can serve to confirm faith – but faith can not be gained through 'reason'. The tension between faith and reason is not a simple dichotomy but a complex interplay.

There are things that everyone knows about God. These things can be known through 'general revelation' things that everyone can see, feel and experience and do not rely on 'special revelation' such as the Bible. The reality of how we all live and experience our lives reveals God, if we only choose to notice.

If we are to open our minds and hearts to the mystery, awe and wonder of God, how can we know that the path we are on is the 'true' path? How can we discern the truth - not just 'our' truth? More importantly, what is the 'truth' pointing to?

When it comes to knowing, our culture holds us to the “defective default,” a mode of thinking that treats knowledge simply as information. This default mode excludes most of the ways we know in our day-to-day lives. Think about all the important things you know – say about how you feel about your family or loved ones. This knowledge doesn’t come from ‘data’ or ‘information’ but from experience and relationship. If we stay trapped by the cultural norm that knowledge equals information, we exclude things like belief, values, emotion, application, and imagination, in short many of things that it means to be human. How can we be free from the culture trap where we can only ‘know’, if it can be reasoned through the application of logic and critical thinking, data and information? We have leaned so heavily on facts, proofs, arguments, presuppositions, on tactics and techniques, that we have forgotten the simple encouragement of Jesus—“Come and you will see” Longing to Know - Esther Lightcap Meek. https://amzn.asia/d/3yal3XW

As we delve deeper into our discussion, we explore the intricate interplay between the brain's hemispheres and their profound impact on our existence. The symbiotic relationship between the methodical, logical left hemisphere and the holistic, intuitive right hemisphere informs our perceptions, influences culture, and deepens spiritual consciousness. The predominance of 'left-brain' oriented thinking in Western society may lead to a diminished richness in life, as it often neglects the subtle yet profound connections that weave through our lives and relationships. To fully embrace the divine, a shift in thought is imperative, moving from a reliance on tangible proof to embracing a sense of wonder and reverence that transcends empirical evidence. 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

Renowned psychiatrist, neurologist and philosopher Iain McGilchrist's exploration of the left and right hemispheres of the brain, argues that the left hemisphere tends to reduce the idea of the divine into a rational, abstract concept, often associated with rules, doctrines, and dogmas. This reductionist view can lead to a mechanistic understanding of the divine, devoid of the richness and depth that spirituality often entails. McGilchrist suggests that when the left hemisphere dominates, it can lead to a shallow, overly structured understanding of God, characterized by rigid beliefs and divisions. This can result in religious fundamentalism or atheism, both of which he sees as products of an imbalanced approach to spirituality. On the other hand, when the right hemisphere is nurtured and valued, individuals can experience a more profound connection with the divine. This connection is characterized by a sense of unity, empathy, and reverence for the mysteries of existence. In this episode we discuss McGilchrist's work and consider the importance of integrating both hemispheres in our understanding of God and spirituality. We discuss how it’s important to honour both the rational and the intuitive, recognizing the limitations of language and embracing the richness of lived experience. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, one that transcends the confines of rigid dogma and opens up to the vastness of a relationship with Him. 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

By prioritizing face-to-face interaction, promoting authenticity and vulnerability, encouraging mindful use of technology, implementing community building initiatives, cultivating empathy and compassion, and embracing diversity and inclusion, the church can be a powerful antidote to the growing global social isolation. Rather than instrumentalising relationships or taking the easy option of engaging with those with whom we find it easy or convenient to do so, we need to re-elevate the sacredness of every person. It will cost us something. It should cost us something. The question is are we willing to pay the price to be the church God calls us to be, the light in an increasingly dark world.

The way God wants us to live is perhaps never been more polarised against where the world is heading. That distinction is our opportunity, the opportunity for the church, to be the light on the hill. Maybe it’s never been as great as it is now.

Amidst the celebration of digital connectivity, concerns about its unintended consequences have emerged and are increasingly acknowledged. We’ve seen a significant rise in social isolation stemming from excessive screen time and reliance on virtual interactions. Research indicates that despite the illusion of constant connection afforded by social media, rates of loneliness and feelings of disconnection have surged in recent years – to the point that it’s a major societal challenge. We 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'.