Dia-Logos: Seeking Christ's Perspective on the News

Dia-Logos Podcast
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Drawing on over 50 years of global experience, we operate at the intersection of faith and world events. Rather than just observing important global shifts, we interpret them through a biblical lens, offering the Church distinct perspectives to foster understanding and meaningful engagement. We are not the ultimate authority, but Christ is, so we seek to align our perspectives on world events to His, as found in His Word.

  1. 10h ago

    Dia-Logos Podcast Ep23 - Unpacking the European Protests and the Search for Meaning

    Across Europe, starting with high school blockades in France and spreading through Germany, Belgium, Serbia, and beyond, a wave of protests has erupted. Driven largely by Gen Z, demonstrators are pushing back against the cost of living, economic uncertainty, and a status quo that feels deaf to their concerns. In this episode of the Dia-Logos Podcast, host Brad Kirsten connects with Richard Baird, Dia-Logos Church and Culture Consultant, to examine these sweeping protests and explore the deeper spiritual undercurrents moving through this generation. In this episode, Brad and Richard discuss: ✅ The Drivers of Unrest: Analyzing the economic frustrations, service delivery failures, and political disconnect fueling the protests across Europe. ✅ Understanding Gen Z: Exploring the unique characteristics of digital natives born between 1995 and 2009—their diverse worldview, hyper-connectivity, and deep-seated desire for social justice. ✅The "Quiet Revival": Examining reports of renewed interest in Christianity among young adults, the disillusionment with new atheism, and why Gen Z is increasingly open to spiritual exploration. ✅ A Kingdom Perspective: How the church can respond to this generation's search for truth, authenticity, and community with robust, life-transforming answers rather than clichéd responses. Tune in for a thoughtful, faith-centered look at the intersection of modern socio-political movements and the spiritual awakening stirring within the next generation.

    Dia-Logos Podcast Ep23 - Unpacking the European Protests and the Search for Meaning

  2. Oct 28

    Dia-Logos Podcast - Ep 22 - What Syria and Lebanon Can Teach Us About Christ with Mike Burnard

    Light in the Ruins: Faith, Gratitude, and the Growing Kingdom in Syria and Lebanon. When you cross into a nation recovering from 13 years of war, the border guards don’t say “welcome” - they say “good luck.” But amidst devastation and shrinking numbers, a vibrant, resilient, and deeply grateful faith is flourishing. In this episode of the Dia-Logos Podcast, host Brad Kirsten connects with Mike Burnard, analytical strategist and investigative journalist for Dia-Logos, following his recent return from Syria and Lebanon. Mike shares eye-opening insights from visiting local believers and pastors on the ground. In this episode, Mike shares: ✅ The Mission Field Re-examined: Why missions wasn’t born in the West or Israel, but in Syria—and why the goal of visiting is to encourage local believers rather than lead from outside. ✅ The Shrinking Church & Growing Kingdom: How an 83% drop in traditional Christian populations runs alongside an extraordinary wave of conversions, including among unreached groups like the Druze.The ✅ "Gratitude Meetings" of Aleppo: How believers in completely destroyed cities meet weekly not to ask or complain, but simply to give thanks for life, worship, and daily bread. ✅ Middle Eastern Hospitality: Challenging Western stereotypes by experiencing the warmth, generosity, and open doors of locals in the streets and refugee camps. ✅ Lessons for the Global Church: Why darkness cannot overpower light, and how shifting from suspicion to radical love can transform our own communities and nations. Tune in to gain a fresh, kingdom-centered perspective on faith, resilience, and hope in the heart of the Middle East.

    Dia-Logos Podcast - Ep 22 - What Syria and Lebanon Can Teach Us About Christ with Mike Burnard

  3. Oct 21

    Dia-Logos Podcast - Ep 21 - Israel’s Election and the Forgotten Christian Voice

    The latest episode of the Dia-Logos Podcast examines the upcoming 27 October 2026 Israeli Knesset election through the perspective of the shrinking Christian minority in Gaza and the West Bank. Host Brad and guest Stefan van der Berg discuss firsthand accounts from the region and highlight the political disenfranchisement of Palestinians who hold no vote in the national election.

    Dia-Logos Podcast - Ep 21 - Israel’s Election and the Forgotten Christian Voice

  4. Oct 15

    Dia-Logos Podcast - Episode 20 - Peacemaking in the War Zone with Dina Katanacho

    What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus in the very land where the gospel began, while navigating the complex intersections of faith, identity, war, and a patriarchal culture? In this episode of the Dia-Logos Podcast, host Brad Kirsten connects with Dina Katanacho, General Secretary and Director of the Arab-Israeli Bible Society (AIBS) in Nazareth. Serving around 1.8 million Arab citizens of Israel, Dina brings an eye-opening perspective as a female Christian leader living in a region impacted by decades of conflict. In this episode, Dina shares: ✅ Unpacking Complex Identity: What it truly means to be a Palestinian, Arab, Israeli, Christian woman, and why her ultimate identity is found as a "pro-Christ" peacemaker. ✅ Ministry in a War Zone: How the Bible Society responds to trauma and war by teaching kingdom ethics, biblical forgiveness, and healing over political division. ✅ Combatting School Bullying: The tragic story of Jonathan that inspired a groundbreaking anti-bullying program now reaching thousands of students across 15 schools in Israel. ✅ The H-O-P-E Framework: How Scripture offers Healing, calls us to be Our neighbor's lovers, raises Peacemakers, and drives Evangelism. ✅ A Historic Translation: The creation of the first-ever Galilean Arabic New Testament, bringing the spoken dialect of Jesus’ home region directly to modern youth and seekers across the Middle East. Tune in to discover how light, love, and the Word of God are actively transforming lives in the heart of the Holy Land! You can connect with Dina at Dinakatanacho@yahoo.com

    Dia-Logos Podcast - Episode 20 - Peacemaking in the War Zone with Dina Katanacho

  5. Oct 8

    Dia-Logos Podcast -Ep 19 - Transforming Communities One Story at a Time with Challenge Good News Paper

    What if a simple newspaper left on a kitchen table, found in a dustbin, or picked up in a public restroom could completely transform a life? In this episode of the Dia-Logos Podcast, host Brad Kirsten sits down with Cobus and Ilze Beukes, who lead the distribution, promotion, and management of Challenge Good News Paper in Southern Africa. Starting in Perth, Australia, Challenge has grown into a powerful, non-offensive "24-hour evangelist", a non-denominated gospel message dressed as a newspaper. In this episode, Cobus and Ilze discuss: ✅ Unstoppable Reach: How Challenge reaches communities, 140 correctional facilities, military bases, and rural areas across South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and 5 other nations. ✅ Incredible Testimonies: Heartwarming first-hand stories of lives turned around—including a drug-addicted son reading a story on a kitchen table and a pastor's brother finding hope in a Swaziland restroom. ✅ Community Transformation: How distributing the newspaper in struggling communities has revived churches, Sunday schools, and local morale. ✅ Multiple Languages & Formats: Why incorporating Sotho, Zulu, Xhosa, Shona, and Afrikaans makes the gospel accessible to everyone. ✅ How to Get Involved: How local churches, outreach projects, and individuals can get physical or digital copies to share in their own communities. Tune in to discover how everyday believers are taking hands to bring hope and the life-changing power of Jesus to Southern Africa!

    Dia-Logos Podcast -Ep 19 - Transforming Communities One Story at a Time with Challenge Good News Paper

  6. Sep 30

    DL Podcast - Ep 18 - Navigating the Season We Live In: Helen Burnard on A Journey Through the Landscape

    How do believers navigate a world fractured by global conflict, political polarization, social media anger, and rapid technological shifts? In this compelling episode of the Dia-Logos podcast, host Brad Kirsten chats with veteran mission consultant Helen Burnard to discuss her timely new book, A Journey Through the Landscape. Drawing from 45 years of global ministry alongside her husband Mike, Helen shares candid insights on why the church feels so divided and confused today. Together, they explore what it means to hold life's tensions, resist trading in the world's "anger currency," regain true moral clarity, and navigate modern phenomena like AI psychosis and digital addiction. Whether you are feeling disillusioned by global tensions or searching for a grounded, Christ-centered perspective in this chaotic season, this conversation offers practical wisdom, deep hope, and spiritual resilience. To order a copy, please Whatsapp +2782 865 7389

    DL Podcast - Ep 18 - Navigating the Season We Live In: Helen Burnard on A Journey Through the Landscape

  7. Sep 23

    Dia-Logos Podcast - Ep 17 - Navigating Faith, Loss, and Unity in Siberia

    In this episode of the Dia-Logos Podcast, host Brad Kirsten chats with Riko Viviers, Eastern Slavic Specialist Consultant for Dia-Logos. After completing his engineering studies, Riko set out on a short-term mission outreach to Russia that turned into a 25-year career in Siberia’s remote Yakutsk region. In this episode, Riko shares: ✅ Life on the Siberian Frontier: What it’s like living and ministering in Siberia’s Far East, learning the Russian language, and connecting with indigenous communities. ✅ The Post-Soviet Spiritual Landscape: How the collapse of the Soviet Union created a spiritual hunger, followed by decades of modernization and shifting cultural values. ✅ Ground-Level Impact of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Rare first-hand insights into how remote eastern communities face mobilization, military losses, economic hardship, and fuel shortages. ✅ The Voice of the Local Church: How Russian and Ukrainian believers navigate pastoral care, prophetic witness, and the call for Christian unity under strict legal constraints. ✅ A Siberian Romance: The heartwarming story of how God brought Riko and his Yakutian wife, Mariaana, together amidst cold winters and shared ministry passions. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that offers a kingdom perspective on conflict, faith, and perseverance in one of the most remote regions on Earth.

    Dia-Logos Podcast - Ep 17 - Navigating Faith, Loss, and Unity in Siberia

  8. Sep 16

    Dia-Logos Podcast - Ep 16 - Rugby, Rivalry, and Faith: Inside the Boks & All Blacks Series

    Four intense test matches between the world's top two rugby powerhouses are in the books, with the Springboks taking the series 3-1. But beyond the 31 total tries, the 1,127 bone-crunching tackles, and another trophy in the cabinet, what did this historic series teach us about leadership, sportsmanship, and faith? In this episode of the Dia-Logos podcast, host Brad connects with analytical strategist and investigative journalist Mike Burnard to reflect on the deeper moments that defined the series, from players and staff praying together on bended knee after the final whistle, to young primary school kids emulating their heroes on local fields. In this episode, we discuss: ✅ Leadership and Humility: How leaders like Siya Kolisi demonstrate that true strength doesn't make a lot of noise. ✅ The Power of Example: How the visible faith of international sports stars creates a ripple effect for the next generation. ✅ Overcoming Division: Using sportsmanship as a model for bridging cultural, political, and societal divides. ✅ Wearing Your "Jersey": What John 13:34 and Psalm 133 teach us about unity, love, and representing our convictions in a divided world. Whether you're a die-hard rugby supporter or simply looking for an inspiring perspective on character, passion, and unity, this conversation offers a fresh look at what happens when rivals find common ground.

    Dia-Logos Podcast - Ep 16 - Rugby, Rivalry, and Faith: Inside the Boks & All Blacks Series
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Drawing on over 50 years of global experience, we operate at the intersection of faith and world events. Rather than just observing important global shifts, we interpret them through a biblical lens, offering the Church distinct perspectives to foster understanding and meaningful engagement. We are not the ultimate authority, but Christ is, so we seek to align our perspectives on world events to His, as found in His Word.

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