The Whole Life Podcast

Nick Page: Busting Christmas myths

We all know what the first Christmas looked like, right? The stable, the donkey, the fluffy lambs, the shepherds and wise men all gathered round the manger…But it's no secret that in the two millennia since Jesus was born, the reality of the story has often been buried under a snowdrift of myths, adaptations, and memes. There's nothing wrong with a good Christmas tradition, but if we want to get to the earth-shattering, life-changing truth of Christmas, we need to clear off some of that snow and look at the people and places that were actually there.And it's not just the biblical story that needs a fresh look. From Coca-Cola's monopoly on Santa's origin story to why Christmas Day falls on 25 December, there are plenty of myths to bust.Luckily, in this Christmas episode – and the last episode of season 2 – Paul and Grace are joined by Nick Page, Christmas mythbuster extraordinaire. Nick is the author of 'Christmas: Tradition, Truth, and Total Baubles', which explores our yuletide traditions, and rummages through the sleigh-full of festive fake news that gets passed around each year.Together, they chat about how we can get back to the amazing reality of the season - and let it change our whole lives.Find out more about Nick's work at nickpage.net

Naomi Alade: Performing in 'Six' and finding faith in theatre

The theatre is one of our oldest art forms. It has a unique power to unpick what it means to be human, to expose what's really going on in society, and to deliver an emotional gut-punch. It's also full of kingdom character and opportunities. The Bible is often described as a unified story in six acts, and Jesus himself was in one sense a highly skilled 'performer' – holding huge crowds with carefully crafted stories that revealed deeper truths about his listeners and the world he was in. So how can the theatre contribute to God's mission on earth – and how does it echo his character?To dive into the wonderful world of the West End, Paul and Grace chat to actor, singer, and dancer Naomi Alade, a cast member in the musical 'Six'. She shares her journey into the performing arts, what it looks like to be distinctively Christian in an often challenging space, and how theatrical productions can bring glory to God.Naomi trained in musical theatre at the University of West London and has been working in the industry for the last three years. As well as 'Six', she's appeared in 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical', 'Eugenius!', and the Robin Hood pantomime. Follow her on Instagram @naomialade1

Jon Kuhrt: Why have so many social action charities lost their Christian roots?

In the UK today, few people would say that social action isn't a central part of the church's mission. Whether it's providing food banks, debt advice centres, night shelters, winter 'warm banks', or any other kind of assistance, the church is rightly seen as a major national player in the fight against poverty.But despite that, many of the UK's biggest social action charities have lost the distinctively Christian character with which they were founded. Organisations that were founded on sharing the message and the practical love of Jesus have lost the former, and as a result, people can forget that the latter is rooted in the love of God, not just altruism. In fact, talking about the Jesus who inspired your social action is often seen as bad manners.How should we respond to this lopsided cultural landscape, where the church's provision is appreciated but the gospel roots of social action are forgotten or rejected?Paul and Grace dive into this complex but crucial issue with Jon Kuhrt, CEO of Hope into Action. Jon has worked with people affected by homelessness for over 30 years, and is a former government adviser on how faith groups can address rough sleeping. Listen in to hear Jon's wisdom, and read more from him at gracetruth.blog

Elle Limebear: It's time to say goodbye to anxiety

The UK is facing an epidemic of poor mental health. Even if you've never experienced depression or anxiety yourself, chances are you've got plenty of friends or family who have. For so many of us, poor mental health is a constant spectre hanging over our lives, making the simplest of tasks into a battle, and stopping us truly thriving.The Christian story can speak amazing healing into this darkness – but the church's record on mental health is far from spotless. Too often, people managing mental ill health can feel shamed or pressured, as though they're at fault for not believing enough in God's promises, or as though being a Christian should mean always being joyful and happy.So how do we sensitively and fruitfully bring the gospel of hope and redemption into the conversation about mental health? To explore this crucial topic, Grace and Paul chat to Elle Limebear, songwriter, worship leader, artist, and author of 'Say Goodbye to Anxiety'.Find out more about Elle's work at ellelimebear.co.uk

Mark Sayers: Navigating Faith in a Shifting Culture

Right now, for the first time in about 1400 years, Christians in the British Isles are living in a non-Christian culture. Yes, the remnants of Christian influence are all around us – but by and large, our society rejects the authority of the church, the Bible, and God himself. At the same time, cultural norms are changing at breakneck speed. Digital technology has rewritten the rules of social interaction, political discourse is degenerating fast, and sexual and moral codes are being rewritten in the name of selfish individualism.All in all, it can be a bewildering time to try and live for Jesus.  How should we respond to this culture we find ourselves in? Draw battle lines, engage caps lock, and fight to the last?Well, according to Mark Sayers, author of A Non-Anxious Presence, there is a better way. Rather than being overwhelmed by cultural change, Christians can offer a more peaceful, wise way forward. Because we know the one who never changes, we can be a non-anxious presence - bringing kingdom perspective and service into the world, moulding culture to be more kingdom-like. Listen in as Mark chats with Paul and Grace about all things cultural engagement.Mark Sayers is the author of several popular books, including Disappearing Church, Reappearing Church, and The Road Trip that Changed the World. He also hosts the Rebuilders podcast, and leads Red Church in Melbourne, Australia. Find out more at marksayers.co