Speaking at a gathering of religious leaders, Pope Leo argued that war can never be waged in God’s name. But how do his words sit alongside the Crusades, backed by previous Popes? And what about today, with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth using Christian language to frame the conflict with Iran? Can war ever be justified in religion’s name? Esther spoke to Anabaptist theologian and peace activist Simon Jones about whether war is ever justified.
A new survey from the Institute for Family Studies suggests committed Christians are having more sex in their marriages, and reporting higher levels of satisfaction. So what's behind that? And how do we talk more openly about sex without feeling awkward? Psychosexual therapist Fiona Eaton joined Esther Higham to explore sex, intimacy in later life, and why praying together seems to help in the bedroom...
If you had to prepare for three days without power, water, or food, would you head to the supermarket first, or start to pray? The Government’s Be Ready campaign is urging households to stock up on essentials. But is this sensible preparation or scaremongering? And where does trusting God fit in? Rev Jules Middleton and Peter John from Ready UK joined Premier’s Esther Higham to explore faith, fear and being prepared.
What can someone else's diary do for our own faith? With the diaries of Pope Francis set to be published, Rev Canon Dr Jennifer Smith, Methodist Superintendent at the Wesleyan Chapel, joined Esther to explore what we might learn from his personal reflections, and how John Wesley's diaries, written nearly 300 years ago, are still shaping her own faith today.
YouVersion has taken its Bible app to the big screens of Piccadilly Circus, partnering with UK ministries to celebrate Global Bible Month. But does advertising faith in mainstream spaces really work? And how do you grab the attention of passers-by? Esther Higham spoke to David Hill, founder of Try Praying, and advertising creative director Chas Bayfield, behind the iconic 1999 "Che Jesus campaign", to find out.
Violent scenes broke out in several German cities as thousands protested over the rising cost of living. In Frankfurt, shops were looted, 54 people were arrested, and more than 100 police officers were injured. With similar protests across Europe, Esther spoke to Andy Flannagan, Executive Director of Christians in Politics, about how the Church can respond to the anger on the streets and tackle its underlying causes. And could we see similar scenes in the UK?
It’s one of our favourite Psalms. In Psalm 139, David reflects on how God knows us before we’re born. But can we remember life before birth? Paul McCartney seems to think so! Research suggests experiences in the womb can affect us emotionally and physically. But can we really remember them, and could exploring them help us understand ourselves and past trauma? Esther spoke to Sue Monckton-Rickett, Chair of the Association of Christians in Counselling.
The Church of England has published new guidelines for prayer ministry to help churches “avoid unsafe or abusive practices”. So how can we pray boldly and safely without restricting the work of the Holy Spirit? Esther spoke to the Revd David O’Brien, Bishop of Truro David Williams, and Lori Lawlor, founder of Spirit Cafe, which offers healing prayer outside church services.
Bristol has become the first UK city to restrict ultra-fast fashion adverts on council-owned spaces. Do Christians need to catch up? Esther spoke to Orla Moxon of BMS World Mission about the human cost of cheap clothing and a new ethical shopping resource, before speaking to Sam Mabley, founder of Bristol-based Yes Friends, about making ethical fashion affordable and whether Christians should be buying better.
In October, we’ve heard warnings of catastrophic risks from AI, alongside news of incredible AI-assisted medical breakthroughs. So should we be excited or terrified? As AI continues to transform our lives, how should Christians respond? And what does our faith have to say? Esther spoke to Chris Goswami, founder of the AI Christian Partnership, and Steve Cox, former leader of Christians in Media, about the good, the bad and the downright weird stories emerging from the world of AI.
We’ve all been there – trapped on a bus or train as someone blares music or videos from their phone. Do you seethe quietly, pray for patience or ask them to turn it off? Andy Burnham has backed £100 fines for noisy phone use on buses, while train by-laws carry penalties of up to £1,000. So how can Christians bring peace to a stressed-out carriage? Esther spoke to Jon Kuhrt, CEO of the charity Hope into Action and a regular public transport user, for a quick 101 on bus etiquette!
“Be your best self”, “live and let live”, “keep calm and carry on”. We all have sayings that we've grown up with, but do they always align with biblical truth? Acclaimed author and theologian Michael Keller joined Esther to challenge some of our favourite cultural idioms and discuss his new book, co-authored with his late father, the renowned theologian Timothy Keller.
Comedy writer, stand-up theologian and history buff James Cary took Esther back to 871 AD and the story of King Alfred, exploring his Christian faith and its role in shaping his rule. Following our discussion about Christian nationalism, James also reflected on the links between Christianity, British history and national identity.
What is Christian nationalism – and should we be concerned about it? New research from Theos finds that while 80% of those whose views most closely align with Christian nationalism identify as Christian, just 13% attend church weekly. Esther discussed what the term means with Dr Nick Spencer, author of Beyond Christian Nationalism, Chine McDonald, Director of Theos, and Danny Kruger, Reform MP for East Somerset.
Do you have to be a Christian to play Jesus? With The Chosen returning for its sixth season next month, Esther Higham spoke to Jonathan Roumie about taking on the role of the Messiah. We then heard from Freddie Goymer, an actor and director with Saltmine Theatre Company who has played Jesus several times, about what it's like to portray the Son of God and the remarkable full-circle moment he experienced performing in a Passion play.
