Ep. 322 Brian McLaren Returns - The Polycrisis and Imagining a Better Future

Brian McLaren returns to Shifting Culture to explore his new speculative novel The Last Voyage - a prophetic work of fiction set in a world unraveling from ecological collapse, authoritarianism, and cultural despair. But this isn"t a story of resignation. It"s a call to imagine differently. We talk about the role of art as prophetic witness, how fiction can shape moral imagination, and why we must move beyond systems built on extraction and scarcity. Brian unpacks the concept of polycrisis, the dangers of authoritarian momentum, and the urgent need for new ways of thinking, living, and organizing - rooted in interdependence and care. We also dive into generational shifts, character dynamics, and what it looks like to resist old paradigms by becoming a different kind of presence in the world. Brian McLaren is a bestselling author, internationally acclaimed speaker and outspoken advocate for "a new kind of Christianity". Named one of Time magazine"s 25 most influential Evangelical Christians, McLaren was a pastor for over 20 years. He is a frequent guest on radio and television programmes, and an in-demand blogger on faith and public policy (brianmclaren.net). @brianmclaren Brian"s Book: The Last Voyage Brian"s Recommendations: The Structure of World History Children of Time Ministry for the Future Subscribe to Our Substack: Shifting Culture Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTube Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Subscribe today at shiftingculture.substack.com for early, ad-free episodes and more! Support the show