Are we the pinnacle of civilisation, or have we forgotten more than we realise? In the first episode of Gerry & Pete, we tackle lost civilisations, the Lindsay Clancy case, and Israel and Gaza through an openly Christian perspective. Three subjects, plenty of questions, and no confidence that the accepted explanation is always the right one.

We begin with Graham Hancock, his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, and his theories about ancient civilisations destroyed by catastrophe. From the Amazon to the Egyptian pyramids, we explore claims about lost technology, forgotten knowledge and the possibility that human history has involved collapse as well as progress. How might these ideas connect with Genesis, Noah’s flood and the Bible’s account of early civilisation? We don’t agree with everything Hancock says. But dismissing a question is considerably easier than answering it.

Next, the conversation turns to the deeply disturbing Lindsay Clancy case and the moral questions surrounding criminal responsibility, mental illness and the insanity defence. Responding to commentary from Alan Dershowitz, we discuss punishment, rehabilitation, capital punishment and the difference between justice and vengeance. What should Christians want from a justice system? And how do we speak about repentance and forgiveness when the suffering involved is almost impossible to comprehend?

That leads to one of Christianity’s most challenging claims: forgiveness through Jesus Christ is available even to people whose actions horrify us. We consider what genuine repentance means, why forgiveness does not remove the need for safeguarding, and why grace can be much harder to accept when it is offered to somebody else.

Finally, we turn to British policy towards Israel, proposed sanctions, the Palestinian question and the two-state solution. We question media narratives, discuss antisemitism and diplomacy, and explore biblical themes of covenant, judgement, restoration and the Messiah. Along the way, we distinguish support for Jewish people from blanket approval of every decision made by an Israeli government.

Gerry & Pete brings Christian commentary to current affairs, history, culture and the questions beneath the headlines. Expect biblical discussion, occasional disagreement and a willingness to follow an awkward question a little further than polite conversation normally permits.

Whether you’re interested in Christian apologetics, biblical history, Graham Hancock’s ancient apocalypse theories, justice and forgiveness, or a Christian perspective on Israel, join us for this opening conversation.

Listen, subscribe, and share your thoughts. What have we missed, and which question should we take up next?

Theme music licensed:

Licensor's Username:

https://pixabay.com/users/music_for_videos-26992513/

Licensee:

u_g25wtqjoiy

Audio File Title:

Cool Jazz Logo