Recent debate in the US over the classification of Latter-day Saints in the military has renewed questions about whether Mormonism is part of historic Christianity. Michael Thomas spent 14 years as a Mormon before becoming a Christian in 1986 and now chairs Reachout Trust, a charity that evangelises to different religious groups. He spoke to Mal Pope to explain what's similar and what's very different.
Following the death of MOBO founder Kanya King after a battle with colon cancer, and after Jeremy Clarkson revealed he is now in remission from prostate cancer, questions about illness, faith and support are back in focus. Psalm 23 reminds us that God is with us in the darkest valleys. But what does pastoral care really look like during a cancer journey? Mal Pope was joined by Baptist minister Andy Percey and Marcia Jones, who runs a women's ministry, who have both faced cancer personally.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban under-16s from using social media from next spring. The proposal has sparked debate, with some young people joking that they'll have nothing left to do but "stare at a wall". But if the plans do go ahead, how should parents, churches and communities respond? Michael heard from some young people about their views before speaking to experts in youth ministry about the challenges and opportunities a social media ban could bring.
Next month, retired nurse Chris Faldon will set off on an extraordinary challenge. At the age of 66, he'll walk 700 miles across Zambia – the equivalent of walking from Edinburgh to Paris – raising money for a faith-based hospital serving some of the country's poorest communities. But before he embarked in July, he stopped to chat with Michael about how it would affect him not just physically, but spiritually!
With recent cases of a junior analyst at Southampton Football Club claiming he "didn't really have an option" but to spy on the club's Championship rivals, to Peter Murrell admitting in court to embezzling more than £400,000 from SNP party funds, are we too quick to trust those who lead—and too slow to challenge them? Michael Fanstone was joined by Paul Anderson-Walsh, CEO of ENOLLA Consulting, Rachael Ita, Senior Pastor at New Life Church.
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16) The Bible repeatedly calls us to pray — yet in times of unrest and violence, like we’ve seen in Northern Ireland this week, we can so easily forget. Peter Lynas, UK Director of the Evangelical Alliance, joined Michael Fanstone to help us reflect on these events — and to pray.
Sales of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses are rising sharply, with reports suggesting over 7 million were sold last year. The glasses look like regular eyewear but contain built-in cameras, microphones and AI assistants, allowing users to record, take photos, and respond to voice commands — often without those nearby being aware. Professor Pete Phillips joined Michael Fanstone to discuss the implications of this growing trend.
As the war in Ukraine continues, modern conflict is increasingly being shaped by cyber capability, drones, satellite intelligence and digital surveillance rather than traditional battlefield tactics. In Deuteronomy, the Bible warns: “Cursed is the one who attacks his neighbour secretly.” Premier’s Michael Fanstone discussed how technology is reshaping warfare and military strategy with Major General Timothy Cross CBE and Professor of Political Geography, Nick Megoran.
Rev Dr Carver L. Anderson joins Michael to explore the trailblazers of the Christian faith — past, present, and future — as they mark the anniversary of William Wilberforce’s abolition speech. From biblical pioneers like Abraham and Esther to history-shaping figures like Martin Luther King Jr., they ask what it really means to be part of God “doing a new thing” in our world today.
Today marks 81 years since VE Day, but a new survey for the Royal British Legion found that two in three Gen Z adults don’t know it marked the end of WWII in Europe. Why does remembering the war still matter—especially for Christians? Lord Richard Dannatt, former Head of the British Army, joined Michael Fanstone to reflect on what we need to remember, why it’s not about blaming young people, and how the legacy of those events still shapes us today.
Andy Lester, Head of Conservation at A Rocha UK, joins Michael to reflect on Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, his impact on the UK church, and whether the naturalist broadcaster is more open to faith than we might think.
A 45-year-old man has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after two Jewish men were stabbed in north London. Police are reviewing events nationwide after the UK terror threat level was raised to “severe,” meaning an attack is highly likely. But is it enough to curb antisemitic attacks, and how should Christians respond? Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central, and David Burrowes, Parliamentary Director for Conservative Christian Fellowship, joined Michael.
Shop prices are rising again, partly due to the conflict in the Middle East. As finances tighten, households cut spending, and charitable giving is often among the first to go, despite deep personal commitment. What does this mean for Christian charities, and how are believers responding to the pressure? Jenny Herrera, Executive Director of Acts 435; Andy Bevan from CREO Ventures; and Daniel Jones, Chief Purpose Officer of Stewardship, joined Michael to share what they're seeing!
Oil prices have surged past $126 a barrel amid fears of Middle East disruption, boosting North Sea activity. But life offshore remains harsh: workers face high fatality risks, isolation, long shifts, poor sleep, and time away from family, with some reports suggesting elevated suicide rates. So how can Christian faith endure or grow in such conditions? Michael spoke to former rig worker-turned-minister Colin Webster to better understand if faith can survive on an oil rig.
If adding more entertainment brought more people through the doors, would it be worth it? Or is the message of the Gospel meant to stand on its own? From comedy and drama to something as unexpected as magic—where should the line be drawn? Is there even a line at all? Tom Elliot is an evangelist and entertainer. He spoke to Mal Pope about his unusual path, his new tour and whether the church should ever lean more into entertainment to reach people.
