Thrive: Perspectives ThriveToday.TV

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