#35

Social media connects us more than ever before—so why do so many of us still feel so alone?

In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden sits down with Ashlynn McKay Lurkens, social media influencer, and podcast producer, for a candid look at the beautiful and broken realities of life online. From influencer culture and identity formation to adolescent anxiety and digital discipleship, this conversation unpacks the pressures and possibilities of social media in the modern age.

Join us as we explore: Why comparison and curated content can be toxic for young minds How the rise of screens is shaping the next generation’s mental health Practical boundaries for healthier social media engagement The role of Christian wisdom in a hyper-connected world

Whether you're a parent navigating tech with your kids or a content creator seeking meaning beyond metrics, this episode offers grace, insight, and tangible takeaways. As Ashlynn reminds us, “Social media isn’t the enemy—but it’s not always real, either.”

🔗 Resources mentioned:

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
• Explore How to Know a Person by David Brooks

#34 Social media touches nearly every part of our daily lives—but is it helping us love better, or hurting our ability to connect meaningfully?

In this thought-provoking solo episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the power, pitfalls, and potential of social platforms through a biblical lens. From endless scrolling to the search for validation, Paul challenges listeners to evaluate their digital habits in light of Jesus’ command to love our neighbors—online and off.

Join us as we explore: The addictive nature of social media—and why we touch our phones 2,600 times a day How social media can be both a relational gift and a cultural curse What Jesus’ Golden Rule looks like in a digital world (Matthew 7:12) Practical reflections on how to scroll with purpose, not passivity

Reflections on How to Know a Person by David Brooks Key insights from Jonathan Haidt’s research on teen mental health and tech use

Whether you’re an influencer or a casual scroller, this episode will challenge you to think more deeply about the role of social media in your life— and consider what it might mean to live your faith out loud, even in the comment section.

#33 What if your deepest sense of identity doesn’t fit within the traditional framework of the church—but your love for Jesus still burns bright?

In this honest and moving episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden sits down with author and speaker Greg Coles for a vulnerable conversation about faith, identity, and what it means to live as a single, gay Christian committed to the authority of Scripture.

Together, they explore: Greg’s personal story of discovering his same-sex attraction and reconciling it with his Christian faith The tension between authenticity and orthodoxy in today’s church How the church can better welcome LGBTQ believers without compromising biblical convictions The beauty of chosen singleness and the calling to faithful community

As Greg says in the episode, “My identity in Christ doesn’t erase my sexuality, but it gives me a lens to live it out in love, truth, and hope.”

Whether you’re wrestling with your own identity or seeking to love those who are, this episode is a masterclass in nuance, empathy, and theological faithfulness.

Dive deeper with Greg’s resources: • Single, Gay, Christian – Amazon | GregoryColes.com • No Longer Strangers – Learn More • The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender – CenterforFaith.com

Follow Greg on Instagram, Twitter/X, or visit GregoryColes.com

Tune in now and join a conversation that’s changing the way the church loves and leads.

#32 Same-sex attraction is one of the most emotionally charged and spiritually complex conversations in the modern church. What does it mean to hold fast to biblical convictions while extending the radical love of Jesus?

In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden invites listeners into a grace-and-truth-filled conversation about LGBTQ+ identity, specifically same-sex attraction. Rather than choosing between condemnation or full affirmation, Paul explores a third way—rooted in Scripture, compassion, and the image of God in every person.

Join us as we explore: Why same-sex attraction is not inherently sinful What it means to be a single, gay Christian pursuing Jesus How the church can walk with LGBTQ+ believers in love and honesty Why “love your neighbor” (Matthew 22:39) must guide this dialogue

Resources Mentioned in This Episode: • Preston Trail’s belief statement on same-sex attraction: prestontrail.org/finalthought • Single, Gay, Christian by Gregory Coles: Amazon | Author’s Website

Can you be gay and still faithfully follow Jesus? Let’s talk about it—with courage, clarity, and compassion.

Listen now and join the conversation.

#31 Is divorce the unforgivable sin—or can God bring beauty out of brokenness?

In this vulnerable and redemptive episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden tackles the topic of divorce with wisdom, truth, and compassion. Drawing from Scripture and real-life reflections, Paul explores the pain of divorce, the purpose of marriage, and the surprising grace of a God who never gives up on us—even when our relationships do.

Join us as we unpack: God’s original design for marriage: “You first. You only. You always.” (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4–6) The true cause of divorce: hardness of heart (Matthew 19:8) The staggering emotional and spiritual cost of broken vows Why divorce is never the end of the story—God still redeems and restores

Whether you’re married, divorced, or walking with someone through heartbreak, this conversation will equip you with biblical truth and grace to navigate one of life’s most difficult realities.

Listen now and be reminded: God is still Emmanuel—God with us—even when marriages fall apart.

How should Christians respond when someone's gender identity doesn’t match their biological sex? Is it loving to affirm? Is it faithful to confront? Is there a better, more Jesus-like way?

In this important episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, Pastor Paul Basden dives into one of today’s most sensitive and controversial topics: the “T” in LGBTQ. From the cultural spotlight on Caitlyn Jenner to the theological implications of gender dysphoria, Paul challenges listeners to approach this issue not with fear or anger—but with both grace and truth.

Join us as we explore: What Scripture says about sex, gender, and our bodies (Genesis 1:27; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Why gender dysphoria is real and deeply painful for many How Christians can love transgender individuals without compromising biblical convictions Why listening, compassion, and time are critical to long-term healing and understanding

What if the church could be a place where transgender individuals are met not with shame, but with friendship, prayer, and patient hope?

Listen now and join the conversation. Let’s move beyond fear—and toward faithfulness.

#29 Is poverty a result of personal failure—or a symptom of a broken system? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the deeply human and deeply biblical dimensions of poverty, challenging us to think beyond politics and toward compassion.

Join us as we explore: Global and national poverty statistics that demand attention Why God’s Word speaks so directly—and urgently—about the poor (Jeremiah 5:28, Isaiah 58:6-7, James 2:1-6) What Jesus meant when he said he came to bring “Good News to the poor” (Luke 4:18) How followers of Christ can move from helplessness to practical, grace-filled action

Is poverty just a fact of life—or is it something God calls us to fight against? Tune in for a challenging, hopeful conversation that reframes how we see the least of these.

Listen now and join the conversation.

#28 Is science the enemy of faith—or a reflection of God’s creativity? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations with Christians, host Paul Basden explores the often-tension-filled relationship between science and Christianity, offering a refreshing take that honors both Scripture and scientific discovery.

Join us as we explore: What science really is—and why Christians should care How Psalm 111:2 and Proverbs 25:2 encourage curiosity and discovery Why humility is essential in studying the universe God made (Romans 11:34, 36) How believers can approach science not with fear, but with worship

Whether you’ve questioned how science fits with your faith or want to engage these conversations with more wisdom, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen now and discover how curiosity and reverence can go hand-in-hand in God’s world.