English L'Abri
Lectures old and new from workers and guest lecturers at English L'Abri, a residential study center and community open to guests seeking a welcoming place to ask life’s many questions. For more information, visit englishlabri.org.
Episodes
Reflections on the Quiet Revival (Jim Paul, English L'Abri worker)
In April 2025, the Bible Society published a report which showed a 'Quiet Revival’ in UK churches, with a surprising increase in young people attending church. Since then, the results of this study have been discredited. Nonetheless, there does currently appear to be a cultural change in attitudes to Christian faith in the UK and Europe, with many anecdotes of young, unchurched people coming to fa
The Rashomon Effect: Narratives of Doubt and Consensus from the Age of the Book to Game (Dr. Mike Sugimoto, Professor of Asian Studies at Pepperdine University in California)
What does it mean for a society or individual to believe things in common, when contemporary society is marked increasingly by customized news sources, a collapse of consensus, loss of societal authority, and the normalization of doubt? Rashomon, the 1951 landmark film by Akira Kurosawa, shook the notion of a single narrative account of a crime by presenting multiple, conflicting viewpoints — mark
Freedom from the Lie of Proof (Chris Swanson, President, Gutenberg College, USA)
Our culture's crisis of confidence in knowledge is the culmination of a long history of the search for certainty. The Bible's picture of knowing, however, rests on fundamentally different assumptions and thus restores our confidence in seeking and knowing the truth.Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, v
Holding on to Hope and Meaning. Walking with Viktor Frankl and Hobbits (Eli Kappelgaard, Psychologist)
How do we hold on to hope and a sense of meaning when life is difficult? We’ll explore what the psychiatrist Viktor Frankl discovered in his search for Meaning and look into how it can be relevant today in our everyday lives.Dr. Frankl was imprisoned in a concentration camp during WWII and fascinated by the power of hope for humans as meaning-seeking beings and Professor of Sociology, Please note
Beginning the Conversation: Disability and The Kingdom of God (Ali Kendall, friend of English L'Abri)
Amy Julia Becker, a Disability Theologian says “I’ve come to believe that if I understand God’s logic around disability, I’ve come to understand God’s logic about humanity.”Drawing on personal experiences of parenting a child with Downs Syndrome and Autism and supporting a husband with a chronic health condition, Ali introduces us to the work of Disability Theologians to explore questions such as:
Our Bodies: Necessary liability or meaningful gift? (Joel Barricklow, English L'Abri worker)
“My hope is to put forward a positive vision of what God created our bodies for. Why did God give us bodies?” - Joel BarricklowPlease note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questi
What if I don’t experience the God I’m supposed to believe in? (Zack Eswine, Author, Speaker, Pastor Founder “Sage Christianity”)
In this lecture, we identify three common barriers that rob our felt sense of God and rediscover where God might be found. Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions
Grace in the Making: Art, Faith, and the Practice of a Creative Life (Alastair Gordon, Artist & Author)
What does it mean to live creatively in a world shaped by pressure, productivity, and performance? Drawing on his forthcoming book, Grace In the Making, Alastair leads us in exploring the relationship between art, faith, and the slow work of becoming.Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri
My Ark of the Covenant (Liviu Mocan, Sculptor)
Internationally acclaimed Romanian sculptor, Liviu Mocan, explores some of his works to show how art can be a window between heaven and earth — an ark where we can meet with the presence of God.Click here to view the presentation deck from the lecturePlease note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri
Wellness Culture: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (Joel Barricklow, English L'Abri worker)
This lecture explores the promises, products, and people of 'Wellness Culture'. After a brief history of the movement, we explore how capitalism, science, and technology have shaped it in the 21st century. We'll then articulate an alternative understanding of health and wellness seen in Christianity—a much more accessible, inclusive, and hopeful vision, particularly for those in society who need h
Utopian Dreams/Dystopian Nightmares — finding Christian hope for the future (Jim Paul, English L'Abri worker)
While some dream of a society where perfect justice is enacted or where technology allows us to live in pleasure and plenty, others foretell nightmares of climate catastrophe, cultural collapse or Artificial Intelligence making humans obsolete. Amidst these competing utopian/dystopian futures, what does it look like to have Christian hope?Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not
The Strongest Force in the World: The Spiritual Formation of Corrie ten Boom (Marta Crilly, Head of Public Services, Burns Library, Boston College)
In 1944, fifty-two year old Dutch watchmaker Corrie ten Boom was arrested by the Gestapo for sheltering Jews. After surviving Ravensbruck and losing most of her family, she embarked on a three decade ministry, sharing a message of love, forgiveness, and hope. Who was Corrie ten Boom and how did she become the kind of person who builds secret rooms, undermines Nazis, survives a concentration camp,
One Day I'll See You Face to Face: Encountering the Stranger (Ingvild Hellenes, L'Abri worker)
People are more important than things. And yet our lives are full of interactions with invisible strangers who make our things. Who are they? And how do we treat them? This lecture will focus on how we can dignify these strangers in the face of consumer culture, new technologies, fear, greed and the lure of convenience.Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represe
Ascension in Art: Using images to explore a neglected area of our theology (Nigel Halliday, Art historian)
This lecture covers different artistic interpretations of Jesus’ Ascension, from early Eastern Orthodox icons to Renaissance and Baroque paintings, highlighting how artists have grappled with the theological implications of the Ascension. The lecture also encourages reflection on the visual representation of theological concepts and the role of art in understanding and interpreting religious event
Redemptive Hiding: Visual and Verbal Poetics in Bruegel & Dostoevsky (Christina Eickenroht, PhD student, St. Andrews)
What have the cluttered landscapes of Pieter Bruegel the Elder to do with the complex plots of Fyodor Dostoevsky? In each, we find subtle allusions to the holy, hidden and tucked away in the least likely of places. Why do these artists hide the holy? And what are the implications for theology and the arts in our age?.Lecture Resources: PowerPoint deckPlease note that the ideas expressed in this le
Embracing Dominion in an Age of AI (Phillip Johnston, Hope Church Greatham)
At the heart of the Bible’s understanding of what it means to be human is the concept of dominion: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over all the earth’” (Genesis 1:26). This lecture will explore how human dominion is misunderstood, corrupted and blocked in our age of artificial intelligence, and why it must ultimately be embraced.Lecture
Searching for Home: belonging, identity, and finding our place (Jo Swinney, A Rocha)
What does home mean in a world of fracture and individualism, when moving house, job and even country is common, and even if we stay, the places we love are changing around us? All of us have a profound need to belong. In this talk Jo explores how the longing for home shapes the way we live, love and worship. Through storytelling, cultural reflection, and gentle spiritual insight, Jo invites us to
Bonus: The Doors of the Ocean - Hope for the Hurting. An Interview with John O'Callaghan (Author, Newcastle, Australia)
In this special episode Evan Shelton interviews John O’Callaghan about his book The Doors of the Ocean - Hope for the Hurting. John’s book features poetry, prose and photography focussed on the theme of suffering. For those outside Australia, an e-version of the book can be purchased from Amazon. Our apologies that the audio is muffled at times. Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture
Christ: The Key to the Scriptures (Alastair Roberts, Author and Lecturer)
The New Testament presents Christ as the one in whom the deeper meaning of the Scriptures is disclosed. How does Chrsit transform the way that we hear the words of Scripture? Does this do violence to the literal meaning of the biblical texts?Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Li
It’s Complicated: Jane Austen’s Families (Dawn Merz, Lacey Shelton - L’Abri Workers, Christa Johnston - Austen Enthusiast)
This year marks the 250th Anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. While much attention is given to Austen’s romances, her novels are rich in depictions of the deeply formative nature of family relationships, for good and for ill. Join us to discuss how her characters—and we—are shaped by the messy, the healthy, and everything in between.Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not neces
Living Faith with Both Sides of the Brain (Jim Paul, L’Abri Worker)
In his most recent books The Master and His Emissary (2009) and The Matter with Things (2021), psychiatrist and neuroscientist Ian McGilchrist has explored the meaning of the asymmetry between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. His thesis is that we are in a period in history where the West has become obsessed with the reductionistic, decontextualised, algorithmic thinking of the left br
The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola (Sue Halliday, Retired Professor of Marketing, Trained Spiritual Director)
The Spiritual Exercises offer an experiential process of pondering (originally in a silent retreat of some 30 days) the Bible story, focusing on observing in prayer how the creation and fall led to Jesus’ incarnation and earthly ministry, His redeeming sacrifice, resurrection and ascension. The aim is to integrate the personal, social and spiritual dimensions of life, and so arrive at a renewed Ch
Substantial Healing Through Practising Resurrection (Hadden Turner, Writer)
Though we live in a beautiful world, we don’t have to look far to see that creation is groaning. And much of this groaning is under the weight of our sinful desires and actions. How can we as Christians be a force for the substantial healing of our sin stained world and become a blessing to Creation? This lecture will explore how the agrarian philosophy of Wendell Berry can help form us into the k
Sheep’s Guts Haling Men’s Souls — an exploration of the power of music (Evan Shelton, L'Abri Worker)
Composer Sir James MacMillan describes music as “the most spiritual of the arts” and yet the making and hearing of music is such a physical, embodied event. This lecture will explore how music reveals spiritual realities and interacts with the supernatural, how the simple act of setting air in motion can so deeply affect our hearts. In a world saturated by music like never before, we will seek to
The Call to Childlike Maturity (Priscilla Leigh, Life Coach, Youth Leader HTB)
The Bible calls us to live in several realities that can at best seem like a confusing tension sometimes, at worst a contradiction. Two such realities we are called to hold together are maturity and childlikeness. How do we do that well? This talk is a practical discussion on how we navigate this straddle.Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views o
The Intimacy Deficit (Ed Shaw, Ministry Director at “Living Out” & Pastor of Emmanuel City Centre Bristol)
To flourish as human beings, we each need to be connected to creation, others, ourselves, and our Creator. In this lecture Ed unpacks material from his latest book ‘The Intimacy Deficit’Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains ov
The Secret Chord: Honesty, Truth and Beauty in the Arts (Andrew Petersen, recording artist, songwriter, producer, filmmaker, publisher, author)
Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other sub
Bonus - William Blake and the Power of the Imagination (Mark Vernon, psychotherapist, writer, former Anglican Priest)
Mark Vernon provides a fresh route into Blake, taking him at his word. Exploring his writings, artwork and life, Vernon illuminates Blake’s vivid worldview and shows how his thinking is still relevant for us today.Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.o
The Story of Scripture: Seeing the Bible as One Unfolding Story of Redemption (Anna Ochoa, MA Biblical & Theological Studies)
The entire Bible, both Old and New Testament, can be seen as one unfolding narrative of redemption told by One Author. However, the Bible can often be mystifying in its various genres and ancient context—in other words, very much not like a story when one tries to read it through! This lecture traces the speaker’s journey through seminary and learning to track with, treasure, and translate for tod
The Second Sexual Revolution: Disintegration (Phillip Johnston, Hope Church Greatham)
The Western world has been shaped by two sexual revolutions. In a previous lecture, we saw how early Christianity ushered in the first revolution with a cosmic sexual code that overturned the oppressive sexual code of the ancient world. In this lecture, we'll explore how the sexual revolution of the twentieth century overturned the Christian code, resulting not in liberation but in disintegration
The Paradox of Limitations (Lacey Shelton, L’Abri Worker)
To be human is to be limited. Many of the most triumphant moments of history have occurred, however, when mankind has found a way to exceed beyond these limitations and grasp that which seemed impossible. Yet in our day-to-day lives, we all experience the angst derived from expecting to live beyond our limits and many have found relief in accepting these limitations as God’s plan for humanity. Sti
Why Does Nature Matter? Why Belief Counts for Tree Frogs (Peter Harris, A Rocha)
Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other sub
Tacit Knowledge in Crisis (Krisztina Mair, Lecturer in Philosophy, Ethics, and Apologetics, Oak Hill College)
We will explore how Polanyi’s concept of tacit knowledge offers a path forward in an era of uncertainty and ideological division. As truth becomes increasingly contested, Polanyi’s insights remind us that knowledge is not merely objective data but a lived, embodied reality shaped by tradition, trust, and personal commitment. We will examine how reclaiming tacit knowledge can help restore coherence
What on Earth is Heaven? Ecological Implications of the New Creation (Jim Paul, L’Abri Worker)
Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other sub
George MacDonald and Reformed Influences on His Life (Joyce McPherson, Covenant College, Professor of English)
Joyce will incorporate her research on MacDonald's love for Pilgrim's Progress as well as the influence of Thomas Chalmers's sermons.Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore
The Theology & Philosophy of Ageing - Dr. Charles Taliaferro, Professor St Olaf College & Author
How should we think of ageing? Is it the same as getting older? Is ageing or getting older good? Is being young and youthful the same thing? Does Christianity offer insights about ageing that are different from our secular culture?Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at l
All Artists Are Liars (Revd Dr Mark Meynell, Director Langham Partnership)
Truth-telling through illusions and the suspension of disbelief. Mark will play around with a pan-arts approach and show that every art form is inevitably an illusion but that is necessary for their truth-telling.Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.or
Is God in Nature? (Jim Paul, L’Abri Worker)
How we think of nature is vitally important for shaping our relationship with the natural world. Many Christians are functional materialists in their attitude to nature, whilst many environmentalists tend towards pantheism. This lecture aims to help us understand a biblical view of the relationship of God with his creation, one which will help us better care for and love our world. Please note tha
A Doubtful Saint : The Life and Work of Philip Yancey (Lacey Shelton, L’Abri Worker)
Philip Yancey is one of the highest-selling evangelical authors in the modern era, with over 15 million English books in print. He has made an impressive career writing about his doubts and questions of faith. Yancey recently released a personal memoir, which his wife labelled a ‘prequel’ to all of his other books. Together, we will look at Yancey’s life story and his large body of work, and consi
Leading and Following in the Spiritual Footsteps of Jesus (Peter S Williams, Christian Philosopher & Author, Southampton)
Peter presents his recent work on Christian leadership. What makes someone a "leader"? What does leadership have to do with spirituality, rhetoric and values? What is the specific nature of "Christian leadership"? And what resources does "Christian leadership" have to offer that can mitigate against the abuse of leadership?Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily rep
We are ALL Children of the Jesus Revolution (Rev. Glen Scrivener, author, speaker and director of the ministry Speak Life)
Whether we consider ourselves Christian or not, the Jesus movement is the most disruptive, influential and enduring revolution in history. Even critiques of Christianity turn out to be thoroughly Christian critiques. What does that mean for a culture that considers itself to have moved on from institutional Christianity? And what opportunities does the church have to proclaim Christ in a post-Chri
The Two Realities of Gender (Phillip Johnston, Hope Church Greatham)
After forty-plus years studying the understanding of womanhood throughout time, philosopher Prudence Allen confidently asserts that there are but ‘two fundamental principles of gender relation.’ Grasped together, they bring harmony. Grasped in isolation, there is frequently pain and injustice. This lecture will unpack the two realities of gender from the early pages of Scripture and encourage us t
If God exists, why isn’t it more obvious? (Max Baker-Hytch, The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics)
Some philosophical reflections on the problem of divine hiddenness.Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L’Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is
A Place at the Table (Peter Harris and Jo Swinney, A Rocha)
Since Peter and Miranda Harris co-founded A Rocha in 1983, it has grown into an international family of Christian conservation organisations. After Miranda’s tragic death in 2019, their daughter Jo found her mother’s diaries in which she described the beginnings of A Rocha in their home in Portugal at which there was always ‘A Place at the Table'. These stories became the inspiration for Jo’s rece
Reawakening the Path to Friendship (Ingvild Hellenes, L’Abri Worker)
Statistics of people reporting that they are feeling lonely is going up, and the number of people in cities living on their own is on the rise. Justin Whitmel Earley writes in his book Made for People, “The current of modern life is to become busier, wealthier people who used to have friends”. Is loneliness our future or can we move towards connection and friendship? In this lecture we will look
Panpsychism, Cosmic Consciousness and the Logos Made Flesh (Jim Paul, L’Abri Worker)
Panpsychism is the theory that consciousness (or mentality) is fundamentally present throughout the natural world. It has been gaining popularity across a variety of disciplines, from author Phillip Pullman, to neuroscientist Iain McGilchrist, to philosopher Phillip Goff. Jordan Peterson’s ideas on consciousness intersect with panpsychism and it has a following amongst ecologists who want to advoc
The Surprising Good News About Sin (Evan Shelton, L’Abri Worker)
Sin has “surprising collateral benefits” writes Watkin. Chesterton said sin’s results were “pathos and brotherhood, and a thunder of laughter and pity”. In this lecture we will re-explore a core L’Abri theme, Living in the Shadow of the Fall and apply this truth to some of the current dilemmas facing our society.Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the
What Money Can't Buy: a reflection on different kinds of capital (Josué Reichow, L'Abri South Brazil)
In this lecture, we will explore the world of economics from a different angle. Borrowing upon the language of economics, we will be looking at transactions that do not require money and what they tell us about what it means to be human, discussing how they can enlarge our understanding of social life. From this perspective, our very categories of poor and rich are challenged and put in a differen
The Christian Mind and the Roots of the University (Peter Merz, L’Abri Worker)
Although now spread all around the globe, universities first came into being in the middle ages in Western Europe and nowhere else. What was it about mediaeval Western Eruope’s culture that allowed for the rise of these particular communities of learning? This lecture will examine the roots of the university in relation to key aspects of the mediaeval Christian mind, namely its emphasis on rationa
An Evening in Honour of George MacDonald (Dawn Merz, Grace Pepper, Lacey Shelton - L'Abri Workers)
This December marks the 200th anniversary of George MacDonald's birth. He is regarded by many as the father of modern fantasy literature, and wrote books that have baptised many people's imaginations, including C.S. Lewis, who said that he thinks he has "never written a book in which I did not quote from him". We want to spend an evening introducing him to those of you who might not know much abou
Why Can't I Feel My Faith? (Dr Tom Smiley, Psychologist)
For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit englishlabri.substack.com
Understanding the Times (Marsh Moyle, English L'Abri)
Marsh facilitates a discussion which seeks to examine some of the societal transitions that have taken place over the past 150 years and ask the question, “What do these transitions mean for us today?”For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of
The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God (Justin Brierley, Broadcaster, Speaker, Author)
Despite the increasing secularisation of the West, Justin Brierley believes we may be seeing a renewed interest in faith, even in our post-Christian culture. Having hosted conversations between Christians and skeptics for over 18 years, Justin will be speaking on why new atheism has grown old and secular intellectuals are considering Christianity again.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Li
The First Sexual Revolution: Liberation (Phillip Johnston, Hope Church Greatham)
The Western world has been profoundly shaped by two sexual revolutions. The first brought liberation, the second disintegration. This lecture will take us to the first century CE to explore the liberating effects of the first sexual revolution in light of the rise of early Christianity.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousa
Generative Beauty (Rebecca M. cross-cultural church planter in London)
“Be the change you wish to see in the world,” declared Mahatma Gandhi. There is a profound awareness of the need for change as individuals reflect on the impact of global and system challenges as well as community challenges. People cannot just “be the change” until they themselves are first changed. Beauty is a powerful catalyst for change that begins with the individual, expanding to the communi
Enslaved by the Good: Identifying the Idols of Our Hearts (Joel Barricklow, L’Abri Worker)
Far from primitive stone figures, the biblical idea of an idol is an extremely sophisticated concept. It helps us understand how even the best people, ideas, and goals can actually come to control our lives. Given this, how can we identify the idols of our hearts? When do good things become something that enslave us? And ultimately, how can we be freed towards lives even more full of good things w
A Biblical Theology of Written Scripture (Dirk Jongkind, Senior Research Fellow, Tyndale House, Cambridge)
Why do we have the New Testament in written form? What was the rational that drove the writers of the four gospels and the letters that comprise the New Testament? In this lecture, Dirk Jongkind seeks to answer these questions. For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over one thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about th
Christian Spirituality at the Cutting Edge of Contemporary Culture (Peter S. Williams, Christian Philosopher & Apologist)
What's happening at the cutting edge of culture today, and what does it mean for the mission of the church? Christian philosopher Peter S. Williams will explain the nature of spirituality and culture and unpack the relationship between Abrahamic pre-modernism, modernism, postmodernism and metamodernism.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contain
King Arthur and the Dangerous Dream of Christendom (Caleb Woodbridge, Writer & Editor)
According to the legends, King Arthur was the Christian king of a Christian kingdom. But as the story has been retold in a post-Christendom culture, that's often been radically reinvented. How can the legend of Arthur help us think about the tension between the two cities, the city of man and city of God? How does the Arthurian mythos give us an index of changing attitudes to Christendom? From Ge
Frontline Philosophy: Mothers and Friends (Esther Meek - Philosopher, Author)
It is in the regard and delight filled gaze of mothers, fathers, and family that we receive the essential philosophical dimensions fundamental to our entire lives. The mother’s rapturous smile of welcome, beheld first by the newborn, forms us philosophically. Throughout our lives, the noticing regard of friends continues this essential philosophical service. We’ll explore how this “frontline philo
A Better Paganism (Jim Paul, L'Abri Worker)
I have been fascinated by the recent conversion to Christianity of two high profile eco-activists (apologies for the imprecise term) - Paul Kingsnorth and Martin Shaw. Both have found their longings for a spirituality of nature, as well as their critique of modernity, satisfied in Jesus Christ. Using CS Lewis’s essay ‘A Christmas Sermon for Pagans’, I want to explore what has drawn these two to Ch
UK book launch of Ellis Potter’s latest book “Comprehensive Spirituality”
Eliss Potter is a former L’Abri Worker, Pastor and Evangelist. This lecture, based on his book “Comprehensive Spirituality”, explains a holistic view of what it means to live a spiritual life as a Christian.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over one thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevan
Doorway to Artistry (Esther Meek)
Everyone is a philosopher and everyone is an artist, but our modern mindset discredits both philosophy and artistry. This lecture offers a philosophical reorientation to who we are, what reality is, and how it is we are involved with it, particularly in our artistry.Note: Unfortunately this recording is missing the first ten minutes of Esther’s lecture. Our apologies for this.For more resources, v
Parenting and Cinema (Joel Wilson)
I’m a filmmaker and a dad. What were the key things that shaped your worldview as a child? Did one of your parents taste in music impact how you saw the world/your values/your style? How about films? Did your carer take you to watch films? What impact did that have on you? As a parent who loves cinema there's a temptation to try to get my daughters to watch what I believe are key formative films.
Remember the Lord, your God (Lili Reichow - L'Abri workers South Brazil)
How often do we forget who God is, what He has done, and what He has promised to those who love Him. To be able to remember the Lord seems essential to a healthy Christian life. In this talk, we will reflect on how memory and faith intersect, as we seek to grow in the knowledge of our God.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over one tho
Deconversion Part II (Andy Patton)
Five hundred years ago losing one’s faith would have been unimaginable, but today it is commonplace (and even celebrated). To many, the Christian faith seems unbelievable and life seems filled with reasons to set it aside. Both belief and doubt have become increasingly fragile as individuals inhabit a liminal space between the two. What are the factors that have contributed to this shift? Can fait
Love and Agreement (Priscilla Leigh)
It seems that our culture often confuses love and agreement and as a result, more than ever, we are seeing a spreading “cancel culture” and the liberal use of the term “hate speech” where the word “discourse” would perhaps have sufficed in times past. In this lecture, Priscilla shares some thoughts on this matter and a helpful framework with which to consider love and agreement.For more resources,
Therapist Dan Siegel: What is Interpersonal Neurobiology? (Dr Richard Winter)
Dan Siegel is a very influential psychiatrist/therapist in the USA. He loves to weave together insights from many disciplines and has written numerous books on how we can change our brains, families, and culture: Brainstorm: the power and purpose of the teenage brain, Parenting from the Inside Out, Mindsight, The Yes Brain Child… We will be exploring his ideas and finding significant places of agr
The Apocalypse in an Hour (Phillip Johnston)
The Bible’s final book was given to reveal, not conceal. This lecture will walk through the entire book of Revelation and seek to reclaim it as such. For a head start, read Daniel 7 and Matthew 23-24:35 beforehand.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over one thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and
Integrating Reason and Imagination (Marsh Moyle)
Artists are imaginative and scientists are more rational. Is that a true observation or merely an unreflected assumption? What happens if the imagination and reason do not work together? What does healthy integration lead to? These are some of the questions Marsh Moyle will explore in this lecture.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains ove
Hope and Necessity: A Theology of Hope (Sarah Pawlett-Jackson)
Sarah Pawlett-Jackson will compare two types of “fundamental hope”, drawn from the writings of Rebecca Solnit and Rowan Williams. In particular, we will look at how these two accounts differ in their claims about the relationship between hope and necessity. While both accounts are insightful, one of them provides a more philosophically robust foundation.To view a transcript of this lecture, listen
Is Intelligent Design “Science”? (Peter S. Williams)
Peter will introduce an overview of his latest book, “An Informed Cosmos: Essays on Intelligent Design", examining the key theoretical and empirical claims of “ID” and reviewing the discussion about whether “ID” is “science”.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over one thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the r
Imagining the New Creation (Jim Paul)
How art and literature help us imagine God’s good future. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit englishlabri.substack.com
What is the Mark of a Christian? (Dawn Merz)
What would you associate with the word "Christian"? A church building? A cross? A political party? Kindness? Closed mindedness? Scandals? Hospitality? In one of his smallest but, arguably, most important publications, Frances Schaeffer issues a call to all Christians to be known by one thing. While revisiting this book, Dawn will explore failure, forgiveness, the tension between truth and love,
BOOK LAUNCH! Rumours of a Better Country (Marsh Moyle)
Hyper-individualism and consumerism are failing to satisfy our hunger for meaning. We face an identity crisis in which real community is increasingly hard to find. The culture wars have been painful and polarising and have proved a poor way to agree any kind of moral standards. Is it even possible to find a vision for goodness that can bring us together?Rumours of a Better Country addresses our hu
Why machines can't think (Stefan Lindholm)
There is a lot of hype these days about what AI can do and perhaps in the near future be able to do. Questions arise: Will humans be out of work? Will human dignity and unicity be compromised with the rise of real thinking machines? Stefan argues that there are solid theological and philosophical reasons why a machine will never be able to think and that the greater problem is that we think that t
What does it mean to be a man? (Phillip Johnston)
Since the rise of the MeToo movement in the mid-2010s, masculinity has reentered the cultural conversation with force. On the left, masculinity is often seen as a problem and rarely referenced without “toxic” as a descriptor. Men simply need to shape up and stand down. On the right, a pro-male movement has bubbled up in response. Men simply need to own their dominance and take charge. Does Christi
The Pursuit of Excellence and the Perils of Perfectionism (Richard Winter)
This lecture looks back at the ideas in Richard Winter’s book, “Perfecting ourselves to Death” and its relevance today.The slides to this talk are available here.This lecture is also available on all major podcasting platforms! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit englishlabri.substack.com
Being Human in an A.I. World (Thorsten Marbach)
Artificial Intelligence is progressing more rapidly than most of us expected. Chatbots have become scarily good at answering questions or generating just about any genre of text. A.I. image generation, video generation and voice cloning are making great strides. How do we evaluate and navigate such changes? What do such developments mean for our human identity, agency and relationships?The slides
Aren't They All Just Dead White Males? (Peter Merz)
The books known as ‘the classics’ can seem intimidating, boring or culturally oppressive. However, they tend to represent the most psychologically and thematically complex, as well as the most technically accomplished and aesthetically satisfying, depictions of the reality in which we find ourselves. In spending time with these works throughout our lives, they and their authors become our teachers
