The Being Human book: why, how and what?

We take a break from the interviews for this one-off special episode marking the release of our co-hosts Jo and Peter’s book: Being Human: A new lens for our cultural conversations. 

Who am I? Does my life matter? What will make me happy? From our politics to churches, from media to the marketplace, from everyday mundane moments to the conversations held on this podcast, we all ask life’s big questions about what it means to be human. So, Jo and Peter dive into this fundamental question, their new book and the wider Being Human project. 

If you have enjoyed this season so far and are interested in taking the conversation further, visit beinghumanlens.com to order your copy of Being Human, check out our small group video series and find out how to stay up to date with future resources. 

Part one (00:00)  
01:50 – Recapping the season’s standout moments so far and introducing today’s episode – a book launch! 
05:32 – What drew Jo to the cultural conversation about being human? When Jesus didn’t seem like good news – recognising the growing disconnect between evangelism and the questions the world is asking today. 
08:45 – What drew Peter to the cultural conversation about being human? Jesus stood in the meeting place of the God story and cultural stories. But as disciples today, whether it’s on social media or at the school gate, do we really feel equipped to do the same? 

Part two (13:45) 
13:40 – The ‘what’ behind the Being Human project: the journey from an idea to Jo and Peter’s book and wider initiative. 
18:32 – The Jenga tower and oak tree – why drawing on everyday analogies is so helpful in understanding the cultural climate we find ourselves in. 
23:00 – Introducing the book and a new lens – a new way to engage with our cultural conversations, using four key aspects of humanity: significance, connection, presence, and participation. 
31:15 – To bridge the discipleship gap, we must live out the biblical vision for humanity in everyday habits and practices. 
33:00 – Beyond the book: opportunities to take the Being Human project further, with the small group series, personas workshop, and much more to look out for in the future.