Theroux's manosphere documentary and the Archbishop on abortion

In this week’s episode of Cross Section, Alicia Edmund, Danny Webster and Peter Lynas sit down to discuss the leading political and cultural stories. 

In the introduction they discuss some headlines that have caught their eyes. This includes the assisted suicide vote in Scotland, a mass wedding at Lakepointe Church in Dallas and Kent cricket club’s decision to employ a faith healer to perform a spiritual cleanse.  

The main conversation then turns to Louis Theroux’s latest documentary, ​‘Inside the Manosphere’ (which can be found on Netflix). The team reflect on the fact that the men interviewed are so financially driven. Has it brought a new lens to the conversation around the manosphere? These men seem to feed off controversy; what is the benefit or harm in platforming such controversial figures? As we engage with this conversation as Christians, we must stay rooted in the biblical story. As more young men come into our churches, how are we engaging with them? 

For the final conversation, the team turn to this week’s debate in the House of Lords on the decriminalisation of abortion. They reflect on the way media suggests that the UK has been impacted by abortion debate in the US and whether the Archbishop of Canterbury will vote. 

0:00 – Welcome  

2:11 – Assisted suicide vote in Scotland  

3:20 – Mass wedding at Lakepointe Church  

5:34 – Louis Theroux and the manosphere  

12:36 – Christian response to the manosphere  

20:22 – Abortion and decriminalisation vote  

25:09 – Archbishop of Canterbury and the vote  

32:51 – Closing thoughts and encouragement