Unbelievable?
Join Ruth Jackson, Andy Kind, Vince Vitale, Billy Hallowell, and Roger Bolton, the fresh voices of the acclaimed radio show and podcast Unbelievable?
Together, they delve into compelling questions like: Is there evidence for God? Can we trust the Bible? Did Jesus rise from the dead?
Bridging the gap between Christians and skeptics, this is a conversation starter that you won’t want to miss.
Get the Unbelievable? podcast or watch on YouTube!
Email the show: unbelievable@premier.org.uk
Unbelievable?
Is the Problem of Suffering the strongest argument against God? David Robertson vs Stephen Law hosted by Andy Kind
Can the reality of suffering disprove a good God? Oxford Philosopher Dr. Stephen Law and Christian minister Rev. David Robertson debate the problem of evil, the evil God hypothesis, and whether suffering is evidence for or against theism.
Did Jesus Really Die and Rise from the Dead? David Instone-Brewer v Ijaz Ahmed hosted by Andy Kind
Heading into Easter, we explore if the resurrection is key to Christianity and how it’s viewed in Islam. Rev Dr David Instone-Brewer and Islamic apologist Ijaz Ahmed debate Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and divinity.
Why I Changed My Mind on Christian Sexual Ethics? Rev Dr Christopher Landau vs Rev Charlie Bell hosted by Andy Kind
Joining Andy Kind are Rev Dr Christopher Landau, author of Compassionate Orthodoxy and Sexuality, who defends the Church’s traditional teaching with pastoral conviction - and Rev Dr Charlie Bell, author of Queer Holiness, who calls for a theology that embraces LGBTQ+ inclusion as central to holiness.
Are Christians too caught up in the Culture Wars? Ben Chang vs Jonty Langley hosted by Andy Kind
Are we trapped in an endless culture war? Have Christians become more focused on politics than the person of Jesus? Are terms like cancel culture and postmodernism helping us understand the world, or just fuelling division?
Should We Help People Live - Not Die? Assisted Dying and the Terminally Ill Adults Bill | Dr Susan Marriott & Prof Keith Brown
How close are we to legalising assisted suicide in the UK? Should dying be offered as a course of treatment by NHS doctors? Joining Andy Kind on Unbelievable are Dr Susan Marriott, a trained medical doctor and Head of Public Policy at the Christian Medical Fellowship UK, and safeguarding expert Prof. Keith Brown who spoke on this topic when the bill first came to Parliament.
Is there good evidence to believe in God? Ed Atkinson vs Sara Stevenson hosted by Andy Kind
Premier Unbelievable? Podcast hosts a lively debate on God’s existence in Aylesbury, UK, featuring Sara Stevenson and atheist Ed Atkinson. They discuss morality, human values, and belief methods, examining whether there’s solid evidence for God.
Does science point toward or away from God? Phil Halper vs Professor Paul Ewart (Oxford Physics) hosted by Sam McKee
Dive into the ultimate debate: Can science truly bring us closer to understanding God, or does it push us further away? Join Sam McKee with experts Paul Ewart & Phil Halper for a journey through the cosmos and beyond in our latest podcast episode
Islamic blasphemy law in Britain? Andy Bannister and Tim Dieppe hosted by Andy Kind
As the UK government announced the launch of a new Islamophobia council to define ‘anti-Muslim hatred/ Islamophobia’ on February 28th, the start of Ramadan, one thing is clear: This is a hot-button issue that raises serious questions about free speech, blasphemy laws, and the balance between protecting religious sensibilities and upholding open dialogue in a liberal society.
Is God’s hiddenness proof he isn’t there? Live Debate Theist Dr Max Baker-Hytch vs Atheist Dr Julian Baggini
If God exists, why isn’t His existence obvious to everyone? In today’s Unbelievable? debate, public philosopher Julian Baggini and Oxford University’s Dr. Max Baker-Hytch go head-to-head on the problem of divine hiddenness.
Faith vs. Science: does DNA editing challenge God’s plan/existence? Nick Spencer vs Sam McKee
In this gripping episode of Unbelievable? we’re diving into one of the most controversial and thought-provoking debates of our time: the future of human evolution. 🧬 Will Genetic Engineering Reshape Humanity? Will AI Make Us Gods? 🌍 Can Faith Keep Up? 🤖 With the power of AI and genetic modification at our fingertips, are we playing God— or simply fulfilling our human potential?
Does Suffering disprove God? Simon Edwards v Harry Amos
Can belief in a loving God withstand the reality of suffering? In this special live debate hosted in front of a live student audience in partnership with Youth For Christ in Aylesbury, Unbelievable? brings together two compelling voices to tackle one of the most profound questions in philosophy and theology: does suffering debunk the existence of a God? Can a good God allow such suffering? And does God send good people to hell?
Is the universe fine-tuned for life? Luke Barnes vs Martin Bauer with Philip Goff [recorded on location at Durham Uni]
Is the universe fine-tuned for life? And does physics point to God? Tune in to the Unbelievable? Podcast for our debate this week which was filmed in front of a live audience at the University of Durham, with Prof. Philip Goff moderating.
Is the Universe 5 minutes old? Did the universe begin with a cause? Dan Linford vs David Lu Debate the Kalām Cosmological Argument
How do we know the age of the Universe, really? Today’s guest suggests atheists should believe our world is actually 5 minutes old… no, seriously!!
Does God Exist? The Ontological Argument Debate 🤔✨ Dr Gavin Ortlund vs AOC favourite agnostic Joe Schmid
In this thought-provoking episode of Premier Unbelievable, host Vince Vitale is joined by two brilliant minds to unpack the ontological argument for the existence of God: ✨ Dr. Gavin Ortlund – President of Truth Unites, theologian, author, and YouTuber and 🎓 Joe Schmid – Philosophy PhD student at Princeton, metaphysics expert, creator of Majesty of Reason and Alex O’Connor’s favourite young agnostic.
Does Christianity need to recover its confidence? with Rupert Shortt and Nick Spencer
Towards the end of this discussion, Roger Bolton’s guests acknowledge a profound hunger for Christianity. So, how did we get here? How can Christianity recover its confidence? Have Christian leaders, in their pursuit of relevance, lost sight of the true distinctiveness of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ?
Islam vs Christianity: Do We Worship the Same God? with Dr. Andy Bannister & Abdullah Al Andalusi
In a world filled with questions about faith, truth, and the future, can Islam and Christianity find common ground, or do their beliefs reveal irreconcilable differences? Dr. Andy Bannister, a Christian apologist and author, and Abdullah Al Andalusi, an Islamic thinker and activist, go head to head in this week’s episode of the Unbelievable? Podcast - coming together for a powerful discussion on the big questions shaping our world today.
Science vs Faith: Can We Find Truth and Trust in a Divided World? with Dr. Francis Collins & Phil Halper
In a world splintered by distrust across science, faith, and politics, is it possible to find common ground on the sources of true wisdom? Dr. Francis Collins, a world-renowned geneticist and Christian, believes we must, and his new book, The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust, aims to rekindle these values. Collins argues that a foundation of humility, truth, and morality — not partisan loyalty — should guide our judgement. But in an age where allegiance often outweighs evidence, can this vision truly take hold?
What’s the Point of Existence? God, Atheism, and the Meaning of Life 🌍
Join an electrifying debate exploring life’s ultimate questions: What’s the purpose of existence? How do God and atheism shape our understanding of the cosmos, consciousness, and meaning?
God vs Science Debate with Peter Atkins and Keith Fox
Ruth Jackson returned to school to host this lively debate between Peter Atkins, renowned atheist and scientist, and Keith Fox, Christian biologist and theologian. In front of a live young audience, they explore one of the most profound questions: Is religion, just wishful thinking? Atkins and Fox tackle the big questions at the intersection of science, faith, and ethics, including: Are we just matter? Can science explain everything, or are there questions beyond its scope? Will further advancements in technology—like space exploration, genetic modification, and AI override any need or belief in God? From the accusation of “playing God” in genetic engineering to the nature of consciousness in artificial intelligence, this conversation challenges assumptions about what it means to be human and the role of faith in a scientific world.
Catholic vs Protestant debate - “Should Christians pray to Mary?” Trent Horn v Leonardo De Chirico hosted by Andy Kind
What divides Catholics and Protestants theologically? How does the role of Mary and the authority of scripture shape the faith journeys of believers in these traditions?
Should We Have the Right to Die? The Assisted Dying Debate in the UK Neil McKain vs Prof Keith Brown
As the UK prepares for a crucial parliamentary debate on the Assisted Dying Bill, the Unbelievable? podcast delves into this emotionally charged issue. Unlike in countries such as the USA, Canada, and the Netherlands, assisted dying remains illegal in the UK—but that could soon change.
The Divine Debate: Is Morality Rooted in God? Atheist Stephen Law vs Matthew Su hosted by Ruth Jackson
Is faith necessary for a moral life? Is belief in God essential for a meaningful moral framework, or can secular philosophy provide all the answers? This week on Unbelievable?, host Ruth Jackson welcomes two dynamic thinkers to explore the profound debate of God’s role in our moral universe.
Variations in Scripture: do they matter? 🧐 New Testament Scholars Mike Licona and Darrell L. Bock explain
New Testament scholars Mike Licona and Darrell L. Bock dive into the Bible’s rich complexities, covering divine inspiration, authorship, and textual variations 📖✨. They discuss how understanding the Bible as both divinely inspired and humanly transmitted influences its authority and interpretation. Topics include the formation of the Old and New Testaments, challenges in translation 🌍, and the development of core doctrines like the Trinity ✝️. Gain insights into how cultural context shapes interpretation and how differing Gospel accounts add perspective without undermining Scripture’s message.
Should Christians vote for Trump?
In a nation divided and with a pivotal election on the horizon, how should Christians engage with politics? 🤔 How much should our faith influence our public life? What’s truly at stake when we step into the political arena?
The Great Morality Debate: Secularism vs. Christianity with Dr Michael Shermer and Rev. Glen Scrivener
This week on Premier Unbelievable?, we tackle one of the most fundamental questions in philosophy:
Can Tarot & Astrology Open you to EVIL Forces? 🔮👻 Ex-Psychic Jenn Nizza and Horror Filmmaker Toby Watts debate Halloween, demons and horror
In this Halloween special, we examine the intersection of the occult, Halloween, and Christian perspectives on spiritual matters. Is Halloween merely harmless fun, or does it carry deeper, more sinister implications? Can activities like tarot readings and astrology open the door to evil forces? What does Christianity teach about demons—and is it possible for Christians to be possessed?
Buffer zones: protecting women or an overreach against free speech? Should silent prayer be banned? Lois McLatchie Miller vs Jan MacVarish hosted by Andy Kind
Should silent prayer be banned? This week on Unbelievable we’re touching on a sensitive and deeply complex issue that affects both women and men— abortion. Specifically, we’ll be discussing buffer zones outside abortion clinics, which have sparked intense debate around the world, including in the UK, where new legislation comes into effect on October 31, 2024. These zones will make it illegal to influence someone’s decision to access abortion services, including activities like prayer, within a 150-meter radius of clinics.
Christian Philosopher Vince Vitale Stunned by Free Will Showdown: Alex O’Connor vs. Alex Carter
Recently on Unbelievable you may have seen Ruth Jackson host an energised debate about free will between Alex O’Connor – host of the Within Reason podcast and the highly popular YouTube channel, Cosmic Skeptic – and Dr. Alex Carter – who is the Academic Director for Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Cambridge, Institute of Continuing Education.
Science, faith and the future of humanity Denis Alexander v Julian Baggini hosted by Andy Kind
In this episode of Unbelievable?, host Andy Kind brings together two thought-provoking voices to explore the intersection of science, faith, and the future of humanity.
Have evangelical leaders sold out to a progressive secular agenda? Megan Basham vs Krish Kandiah hosted by Billy Hallowell
In this episode of Unbelievable host Billy Halliwell moderates a debate between author and journalist Megan Basham and social entrepreneur Krish Kandiah.
🌍✨ Should we edit the human genome, or is that playing God? 🧬 John Wyatt vs Sam McKee hosted by Andy Kind
With the revolutionary gene-editing technology CRISPR—winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry 🏆—we now have the power to potentially eradicate diseases that have caused untold suffering. But where should we draw the line? 🤔
Classic Replay: Is AI Replacing Humanity? 🚨 The Future of AI vs. Humanity Unveiled! 🌍🤖 Anil Seth vs Nigel Crook
Could AI one day replace us? Join Nigel Crook, AI & Robotics expert and author of Rise of the Moral Machine, and Anil Seth, award-winning author of Being You: A New Science of Consciousness, as they explore the fascinating worlds of ChatGPT, robotics, and the future of AI. Together, they dive deep into the ethics, data, and the big questions AI presents for the human race. 💭🤯
Free Will vs. Determinism: Who’s Really in Control?Alex O’Connor vs Prof Alex Carter hosted by Ruth Jackson
Are we the masters of our fate or just dancing to the universe’s tune? 🤔 This week on Premier Unbelievable, Ruth Jackson moderates a gripping debate on one of philosophy’s oldest questions: Do we truly have free will?
Why Doesn’t God Stop Suffering? Stephen Woodford vs Sharon Dirckx Debate Hosted by Ruth Jackson
Round two on Unbelievable! Dr. Sharon Dirckx vs. Stephen Woodford heats up the debate on Christianity’s impact on human values.
What is ‘truth’ in a post-truth world? Live debate with Kristi Mair vs Dr Shaun Stevenson
Welcome to this week’s Unbelievable? Podcast! 🎙️ Today, we dive into some profound and challenging questions surrounding the concept of truth in our modern, post-truth world 🌍. Recorded live, this episode features an engaging debate between two distinguished scholars: Kristi Mair 📚, Apologist, Author, and Lecturer at Oak Hill Seminary, who is completing her PhD in Philosophical Theology, and Shaun Stevenson 🧠, a Lecturer in Philosophy at MMU with a particular interest in the philosophy of death.
Are all religions HISTORICALLY verifiable? 📜 Christian vs. Muslim ⚡️
Welcome to today’s Unbelievable Debate, recorded live at St Michael’s Aylesbury, where two distinguished scholars, Robert Scott and Muhammad Yasir Al-Hanafi, engage in a thought-provoking debate on the historical verifiability, truth, and societal contributions of their respective faiths: Christianity and Islam.
Gen Z's Faith Crisis: why young Christians are saying goodbye?! with Mary Jo Sharp and Harry Amos hosted by Billy Hallowell
Although the number of nones in the USA has flatlined in recent years, deconstruction is still on the mind of many young people. This week a Christian apologist - raised without any religion, and a Christian who moved to agnostic atheism debate how we can reengage young people.
Does the Bible condone slavery? #NoQuestionOffLimits Amy Orr-Ewing, Ben Thomas, & Ben Chang hosted by Ruth Jackson
Joining us on the panel is the renowned public theologian and author of several books including Why Trust The Bible? Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing, Dr. Ben Thomas, an international speaker and consultant anaesthetist from OCCA the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, and Dr. Ben Chang, an A&E doctor and author of Christ and Culture Wars.
“Why didn’t God heal my Dad’s cancer?” (and other questions) with Amy Orr-Ewing, Ben Thomas, Ben Chang hosted by Ruth Jackson
Ever find yourself asking tough questions of God? Struggling to see His goodness and wondering, “Are you really there, God?”
Can we know God? Phil Sumpter vs Berel Dov Lerner hosted by Andy Kind
Explore the intricate and enlightening conversation between scholars Beryl Dov Lerner and Phil Sumpter as they delve into Jewish and Christian interpretations of scripture, covenants, and theological modesty. This engaging debate asks ‘Can we know God?’ and sheds light on the nature of God, the divine-human relationship, and the crucial role covenants play in both traditions.
Life after doom: how to live a life of wisdom, resilience & love in unpredictable times with Brian McLaren hosted Andy Kind
How do we live well with nations, ecosystems, economies, religions, and other institutions in disarray? Unbelievable host Andy Kind seized the chance to talk with writer and activist Brian McLaren. Once banned reading for a young Andy Kind when he first embraced his faith, McLaren now joins him for a face-to-face conversation. Have we crossed tipping points towards an inexorable tide of doom?
Is belief in an evil God more plausible than belief in a good God? Stephen Law vs Jack Symes hosted by Vince Vitale
Did you hear the one about the three philosophers? Yes, on Unbelievable? 👀 🧠 🎙️In this episode, Oxford philosopher Stephen Law, the main proponent of the Evil God Challenge, argues that the evidential problem of evil challenges the belief in a good God. ⚡️
Unbelievable? Psycho-Physical Harmony: can natural selection alone explain experiential rationality? Philip Goff v Dustin Crummett hosted by Andy Kind
Why do we tend to go for an experience that feels good and when something feels bad, we tend to avoid it? Why are conscious experiences and behaviour paired together in the most rational way? The Unbelievable podcast unpacks the mystery of psycho-physical harmony with Philip Goff, Professor Philosophy at Durham University (an atheist) as he debates Dustin Crummett, a Christian philosopher.
If God is the creator and doesn’t make mistakes, what about trans people? (and other questions) Sexuality, Miracles, and Evolution: Tackling tough questions
If God is the creator and doesn’t make mistakes, what about trans people? 👀 Are miracles real and can they ever be medically verified? 🔥 In today’s episode we’re taking you to the second half of the recording of a live event we call NO QUESTION OFF LIMITS which we hosted with Spring Harvest last month.
Unbelievable? God, Government and Trump: how should Christians navigate politics? Shane Idleman in conversation with Billy Hallowell
How do we speak the truth and balance love with causing offence? Join us on Unbelievable for a challenging episode dedicated to exploring how and whether Christians can engage in politics for the greater good.
Is God anti-gay? (and other questions) Live Q&A with Amy Orr-Ewing, Jesse Fellingham, Ben Thomas and Ruth Jackson
Where is God in my friend’s suicide? 😭 Is God anti-gay? 👀 Do Christians and Muslim’s worship the same God?… 🔥 ☪️ ✝️ In today’s episode we’re taking you to the recording of a live event we call NO QUESTION OFF LIMITS.
Unbelievable? Is gentleness possible in politics? with Michael Wear and Roger Bolton
Can we rediscover the moral compass in politics? With crucial primaries taking place in the USA and an election in the UK on July 4 we are asking what should be the standard for behaviour of elected officials? And who decides? The discussion is hosted by BBC veteran broadcaster Roger Bolton.
Unbelievable? Kathy Keller on anniversary of Tim Keller’s death
As we approach the one year anniversary of apologist Tim Keller’s death on May 19th, we sit down with his wife Kathy Keller, author and speaker in her own right, to discuss a number of listener’s questions
Unbelievable? Proof of the afterlife? John Burke and Dr Eben Alexander MD hosted by Billy Hallowell
Everyone from Madonna to top neuroscientists and millions of other people around the world report personal, unforgettable near-death experiences or NDEs. Do these NDE accounts prove the existence of a loving God? This week on Unbelievable? Pastor and author John Burke, who has studied and examined over 1,000 accounts of near-death experiences, explains these reports provide faith-building evidence of God and the Bible.
Unbelievable? How can an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God coexist with the presence of evil and suffering in the world? Sharon Dirckx vs Stephen Woodford hosted by Vince Vitale
This week’s episode dives deep into one of the most challenging philosophical questions humanity has grappled with for centuries: the problem of natural evil. Hosted by Vince Vitale the show delves into the complexities of evil that seem inherent to the fabric of our world – earthquakes, famines, diseases – phenomena that sometimes shake our faith in a benevolent God.
Unbelievable? Is there as much reason to believe in an evil God as a good God? Max Baker-Hytch vs Asha Lancaster-Thomas hosted by Vince Vitale
In the discussion on the plausibility of an all-evil God versus an all-good God, Dr. Max Baker-Hytch delivered a compelling argument that encapsulated the essence of the debate. He highlighted the inherent scepticism that arises when considering the ‘evil God’ hypothesis, pointing out that if such a malevolent deity were to exist, it would provide ample reason to doubt the reliability of our cognitive faculties.
Unbelievable? Why do humans try to play God? Nick Spencer vs Emily Qureshi Hurst hosted by Andy Kind
For too long, the ‘science and religion’ debate has fixated on creation, evolution, cosmology, miracles and quantum theory, and not enough on the essence of what it means to be human. But this is a mistake argues one of our guests today, Christian academic Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at Theos, in his new book ‘Playing God: science, religion and the future of humanity.’ Back on the show is Emily Qureshi-Hurst expert on the philosophy of time.
Unbelievable? Jesus and Modern Politics with Tom ‘NT’ Wright, Preston Sprinkle and Billy Hallowell
It’s no secret that modern American Christians are deeply divided over politics. This division raises important questions about the influence of Scripture on political beliefs. To make sense of this, we invited renowned scholar NT Tom Wright, theologian, professor and star of the “Ask NT Wright Anything Podcast” along with New York Times bestselling author Dr. Preston M. Sprinkle host of the Theology in the Raw podcast.
Unbelievable? The resurrection: Fact or fiction? Harry Amos vs Joe Boot hosted by Ruth Jackson
Did Jesus really rise from the dead? Is there any good evidence to support the resurrection? Are alternative explanations more compelling? Can we trust the biblical narratives? Ruth Jackson hosted a live debate at a school with the help of Aylesbury Youth for Christ. She was joined by Rev Dr Joseph Boot, founder and president of the Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity, and Harry Amos, who moved from Christianity to “agnostic atheism” while studying philosophy, politics and economics and blogs about his experience at The Book of Amos.
Unbelievable? Did it really happen: the Resurrection? with Mike Licona vs Larry Shapiro hosted by Andy Kind
The question of the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection has been repeatedly investigated, probed, and discussed. This week on Unbelievable we will add to the debate by asking ‘Did it really happen – the Resurrection of Jesus?’ dissecting the narratives of Jesus’ death and Resurrection. We’ve got two eminent scholars – who are good friends but with diametrically opposed beliefs on the authenticity of this pivotal event that forms the basis for the Christian worldview.
Unbelievable? Should Christians play politics? Michael F. Bird vs Stephen Wolfe hosted by Billy Hallowell
With crucial elections happening in the UK and USA this year Unbelievable is diving back the debate into politics and faith with some paradigm shifting thinkers and theologians. Strap in for this mini-series starting with Michael F. Bird (Deputy Principal & New Testament scholar at Ridley College, Australia) and Stephen Wolfe (author of ‘The Case for Christian Nationalism’).
Unbelievable? Is God’s love truly for all - universalism or eternal damnation? Andrew Hronich vs Jerry Walls hosted by Dr. Sean McDowell
Top apologist, Biola professor, and author Dr. Sean McDowell guest hosts Unbelievable on the topic, ‘Does God truly love everyone?’. Most Christians would say yes. At the heart of Christianity is a declaration that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son to make salvation possible for every single person. But there are very strongly held views across the spectrum about what happens when we die?
Unbelievable? Where is God to be found when you are told your cancer is terminal? Steve Legg, Allan Finnegan and Andy Kind
Where is God to be found when facing the no-joke reality of a terminal diagnosis for cancer? Two comedians, who are both Christians, are facing just this challenge. This discussion between Steve Legg and Allan Finnegan hosted by Andy Kind will transform the way you think about terminal illness. This uplifting show explores why two men in the prime of life feel closer to God than before they received their devastating diagnoses.
Unbelievable? If God exists why does he allow suffering? The most googled questions with Bruce Miller, Ruth Jackson & Billy Hallowell
In the second of two shows on the most googled questions about God, Ruth Jackson continues her conversation with Bruce Miller, author of The 7 Big Questions: Searching for God, Truth, and Purpose.
Unbelievable? Can Christians watch occult and horror content? Exploring Faith and Entertainment Jenn Nizza vs Peter Laws, hosted by Billy Hallowell
Occult-inspired imagery and storylines pervade much of popular culture. Horror has become mainstream. The debate is on entertainment choices for Christians. Should Christians watch whatever they want?
Unbelievable? The most googled questions with Bruce Miller: Does life have a purpose? Is Christianity true?
Bruce Miller, author of The 7 Big Questions: Searching for God, Truth, and Purpose, tackles two huge questions: is Christianity too narrow and is Jesus really God? He also explores whether Jesus really rose from the dead.
Unbelievable? Is Jesus God? with Abdulla Galadari and Joshua Sijuwade
This week on Premier Unbelievable, the question of whether Jesus is God is explored, a topic that often divides Muslims and Christians. The show revisits a conversation featuring Dr. Abdulla Galadari, author of ‘Quranic Hermeneutics,’ and Dr. Joshua Sijuwade, a Visiting Lecturer at the London School of Theology.
Unbelievable? What is truth? Mack Stiles and Dan Barker with host Andy Kind
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Premier Unbelievable! This week, brace yourselves for a captivating dialogue between two individuals with starkly divergent perspectives on Christianity, the existence of God, and the very essence of truth.
Unbelievable? Should abortion be decriminalised? Lois McLatchie vs Ellie Lee hosted by Andy Kind
This week in the UK, discussions are taking place in Parliament around various aspects of the Criminal Justice Bill. One of the most contentious areas is around a couple of tabled amendments that would remove offences that make it illegal for a woman to perform a self-abortion at any point through to birth.
Unbelievable? Does secular humanism or Christianity offer a brighter future? Sara Stevenson vs Neil McKain
Andy Kind hosts today’s Unbelievable where the debate topic is Does Secular Humanism or Christianity offer a brighter future for the UK?
Unbelievable? Why do women often feel unequal to men in the church? with Liz Cooledge Jenkins and Andy Kind
Today on Unbelievable? Andy Kind hosts the first part of an occasional series on the topic of women in the church, how women are portrayed in the Bible, and questions around women in ministry. Why do women often feel unequal to men in Church? There are plenty of differing views and we will cover a number of them in the coming months.
Unbelievable? Does free will exist? Alex Malpass vs Tim Stratton. Hosted by Andy Kind
This week on Unbelievable we return to the topic of free will. Following the debate between Ben Shapiro and Alex O’Connor, Christian apologist Tim Stratton got in touch to say he took issue with some of Alex’s arguments against free will.
Unbelievable? Can Christians do comedy? with Milton Jones, Allan Finnegan and Andy Kind
In this episode, top British comedian and writer Milton Jones and Baptist minister, comedian and semi-finalist of Britain’s Got Talent, Allan Finnegan, offer a captivating behind-the-scenes glimpse into their world.
Unbelievable? Is there an expiry date on CS Lewis 60 years after his death? With Rev. Prof. Alister McGrath and Ruth Jackson
Ruth Jackson hosts this special edition of Premier Unbelievable? with Oxford scholar and C. S Lewis expert Dr. Alister McGrath.
Unbelievable? Should faith and politics mix? | Peter Wehner, Jonathan Rauch with Vince Vitale
Vince Vitale hosts this timely discussion around faith and politics, with Pete Wehner, journalist and senior fellow at Trinity Forum and Jonathan Rauch who is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute. The topic is Should faith and politics mix?
Unbelievable? What is the purpose of the universe? with Richard Swinburne, Philip Goff & Vince Vitale
Richard Swinburne and Philip Goff debate why are we here? Is it time we moved on from both God and Atheism, as Goff suggests in his new book Why? The Purpose of the Universe? Unbelievable Host Vince Vitale guides us through as Goff argues that the traditional God is a bad explanation of cosmic purpose. Instead, he explores a range of alternative possibilities for accounting for cosmic purpose, from the speculation that we live in a computer simulation to the hypothesis that the universe itself is a conscious mind.
Unbelievable? Is religion good or bad for society? Ben Shapiro v Alex O’Connor The Big Conversation – Episode 7 | Season 5
In this bonus episode of The Big Conversation’ formidable Daily Wire host and renowned political thinker Ben Shapiro goes head-to-head with Oxford graduate of philosophy and theology, now international public speaker and debater, Alex O’Connor. Hosted by Andy Kind, Shapiro and O’Connor debate Is religion good or bad for society? What is the concept of free will? Does it even exist? What about the idea of the self, and the foundations of morality in society, and do we all have to agree on them?
Unbelievable? 60 years after his death, are CS Lewis and his God still relevant?
Ruth Jackson hosts a discussion about a 20th Century British writer and lay theologian who is arguably one of the most influential voices in modern Christianity. On November 22nd 1963, Clive Staples Lewis – Jack to his friends – died in Oxford, England. However, 60 years after his death, is CS Lewis still relevant?
Unbelievable? Bart Ehrman vs Richard Bauckham: Can we trust eyewitness testimony in the biblical accounts?
Today we are dipping into the concluding part of a conversation between noted Bible scholar Bart Ehrman and Richard Bauckham who debate each other with Justin Brierley in the hosting seat. This show was recorded following the publication of Ehrman’s 2016 book “Jesus Before the Gospels”.
Unbelievable? Gay Christians, God and the Church | David Bennett, Taylor Telford & Billy Hallowell
This week’s Unbelievable features an insightful discussion featuring two individuals with contrasting LGBTQI+ faith journeys as they delve into the intersection of faith, sexuality, and the Bible. The debate is between two Christians, one gay and one queer, who have arrived at distinctly different interpretations of the Bible’s teachings on sexual ethics, marriage, and human relationships.
Unbelievable? How much has Christianity contributed to antisemitism?
Welcome to the latest episode of Unbelievable? where we confront the challenging relationship between Christianity and anti-Semitism, shedding light on Christianity’s role in the troubling history of prejudice. The show embarks on a profound journey through the intricate history of Biblical Israel and its contemporary implications in the strife-ridden Middle East. In a region marked by breathtaking violence and conflicting narratives, we strive to make sense of both current and historical bloodshed.
Unbelievable? Is Halloween harmless fun?
Get ready for a spine-tingling edition of Unbelievable. Hosted by Billy Hallowell, we’re diving headfirst into Halloween hysteria. Is it all innocent fun or something more sinister? Join the conversation with ex-healer Angela Ucci, pastor Ray Comfort who after being petrified of Halloween decided to use it to tell people about Jesus. Rounding up the discussion Unbelievable welcomes Matt Arnold, editor of The Christian Parapsychologist Journal. We’ll uncover the mysteries, explore the spiritual realm, and ask the big question: should we celebrate?
Unbelievable? Why I believe in God: John Lennox interviewed by Amy Orr-Ewing
In a Premier Unbelievable special, celebrating his 80th birthday, the indomitable Christian apologist, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics, and renowned ethicist, Dr. John Lennox, engages in a candid and unreserved interview with fellow apologist and Oxford-educated theologian, Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing.
Unbelievable? Is there a conflict between religion and science?
Can you be a serious scientist and believe in God, and even believe in miracles?
Unbelievable? Should our AIs and robots have souls?
Should we be fearful or make friends with our robot helpers? And how can humans flourish in this brave new world? One of our guests today on Unbelievable believes the hidden power of humans is that we are imperfect yet essential?
Unbelievable? Do animals have souls?
Do we need to reconsider the moral status of animals? What does the Christian worldview tell us about animals? Do we change our attitudes towards animals if we believe they have capacity for pain and pleasure, challenging anthropocentric views, advocating for animal rights, promoting vegetarianism and critiquing speciesism? Or closer to home people often ask ‘will I see my doggie if I get to heaven?’.
Unbelievable? The Robot Race - Part 2: How should humanity flourish in an AI world? - Nigel Crook & Anil Seth
The Big Conversation - Episode 6 | Season 5
Unbelievable? Coming to faith through Dawkins - Part 2: Is there a new New Atheism? Alister McGrath & Alex O’Connor
In the second part of their discussion based on the book Coming to Faith Through Dawkins, theologian Alister McGrath and YouTuber Alex O’Connor discuss where we may be heading in regards to religion and atheism.
Unbelievable? The Robot Race - Part 1: Could AI ever replace humanity? - Nigel Crook & Anil Seth
The Big Conversation - Episode 5 | Season 5
Unbelievable? Coming to faith through Dawkins - Part 1: has New Atheism failed? - Alister McGrath & Alex O’Connor
Unbelievable? delves back into history and asks Did new atheism fail? with one the world’s best-known theologians Alister McGrath debating Oxford-educated philosopher and wildly successful YouTuber Alex O’Connor.
Unbelievable? Richard Dawkins & Francis Collins Debate (Replay) + Clash with Richard Swinburne + New Big Conversation Episodes Reveal!
We revisit a riveting dialogue from Season 4 of The Big Conversation, from 2022.
Unbelievable? Cancer and Christianity: The final Tim Keller Q+A
Tim Keller was a renowned thinker, writer and speaker who was dubbed New York’s ‘pastor to skeptics’. This week his online memorial was watched by tens of thousands around the world. We return to one of his last live shows hosted by Ruth Jackson and Justin Brierley when Tim answered audience questions on his journey with pancreatic cancer, his transformed prayer life and his book ‘Forgive’.
Unbelievable? The Mystery of Existence: Where did natural environments and complex organisms came from? Part 2 with Richard Dawkins, Jessica Frazier, Silvia Jonas, Richard Swinburne
Uncover profound insights on the origin of life in part two of Unbelievable’s riveting debate, ‘The Mystery of Existence’.
Unbelievable? The Mystery of Existence: Why is there something rather than nothing? Part 1 with Richard Dawkins, Jessica Frazier, Silvia Jonas, Richard Swinburne and Jack Symes
Unravel the greatest mystery of all, ‘Why is there something rather than nothing?’, in Premier Unbelievable’s riveting two-part show ‘The Mystery of Existence’.
Unbelievable? Sharon Dirckx vs Emily Qureshi-Hurst • Do consciousness and near-death experiences point to an afterlife?
The Big Conversation - Episode 4 | Season 5
Unbelievable? Should we deconstruct or reconstruct? with Olivia Jackson, Preston Ulmer and Vince Vitale.
Unbelievable takes on the often-misunderstood topic of deconstruction in the sense of deconstructing Christian faith or becoming exvangelical is another phrase you might have come across.
Unbelievable? Is violence ever justified? The dilemma of Nigeria’s Christians with Hassan John and Roger Bolton
This week, Unbelievable host Roger Bolton speaks to Archdeacon Hassan John, an Anglican minister from Jos in northern Nigeria who has lived through much of the violence. A former journalist, he is now a church leader and campaigner for religious liberty, who tries to bring reconciliation between Christians and Muslims in the region. Hassan recalls harrowing tales of near-miss encounters with Islamic extremists and on-going anti-Christian violence which continues to tear apart communities. He also discusses how he and other Christians attempt to work with Muslim in their communities to prevent the violence.
Unbelievable? Philip Ball & Nick Spencer • Can Science and Religion Tell us What it Means to be Human?
The Big Conversation - Episode 3 | Season 5
Unbelievable? I lost nine years of my life: Transgender to Transformed | Laura Perry Smalts shares her life-changing story with Billy Hallowell
Even in a time of culture wars and controversy about everything, there are few subjects as difficult to discuss as transgender rights. In less than a decade the number of young people identifying as trans has exploded, and with it the number of arguments about the subject. In British schools nearly 80% of teachers report trans-identified or non-binary students in their classroom.
Unbelievable? From Porn Star to Pastor: Joshua Broome’s Journey of Redemption
Joshua Broome in conversation with Billy Hallowell
Unbelievable? The occult, demons and exorcism: Is modern-day deliverance ministry biblical? With ex-psychic Jenn Nizza, pastor Mike Signorelli hosted by Billy Hallowell
Is the occult just harmless fun? Or are there hidden dangers to alternative spirituality, satanism, and even new age practices? Increasingly the debate is not about good vs evil but my truth vs your truth.
Unbelievable? Bart Ehrman vs Peter J Williams, 2009: Misquoting Jesus: Can We Trust The Gospels? (plus new Big Conversation reveal)
We’re revisiting a pivotal debate from 2009: Bart Ehrman’s first appearance on Unbelievable?, debating Peter J Williams on whether we can trust the gospel accounts and, specifically, how New Testament scripture has been transmitted.
Unbelievable? Tim Keller: Life, Death, and Legacy with Lecrae, Pete Wehner, Krish Kandiah | Christian Witness in a Culture War
Join us on Unbelievable presented by Ruth Jackson as we delve into the extraordinary life and work of the late Dr. Timothy J. Keller, a humble yet ambitious church leader who shaped faith in the modern world. Unbelievable? show host Ruth Jackson is joined by three guests who knew and worked with Keller. Lecrae, Grammy award-winning hip-hop artist and actor; Dr. Krish Kandiah, author and social activist; and Pete Wehner, journalist and senior fellow at Trinity Forum all offer candid insights into the profound ways Keller impacted their lives both personally and through his extensive body of work.
Unbelievable? The Abortion Debate: Life, Equality, and Choice
Get ready for a riveting episode of Unbelievable? part of our ongoing series Rights of Life and Death. Today in The Abortion Debate: Life, Equality, and Choice, we’re diving headfirst into the contentious and thought-provoking topic of abortion.
Unbelievable? Assisted dying, assisted suicide, or murder: should doctors who save lives be given the power to end them? hosted by Roger Bolton, with Dr. Ellen Wiebe and Dr. Mark Pickering.
Should anyone be eligible for medical assistance in dying?
Unbelievable? Is it Rational to be a Christian? - Stephen Woodford vs Justin Brierley
In 2019, Justin Brierley swapped his moderator’s chair for being a debater in a live show recorded in front of a student audience at Oxford University. He engaged atheist Stephen Woodford who runs the YouTube channel Rationality Rules on the question ‘Is it rational to be a Christian?’
Unbelievable? King Charles and the Church: The Disestablishment Debate with Dr. Jonathan Chaplin & Catherine Pepinster hosted by Roger Bolton
This week on Unbelievable’s Coronation special Roger Bolton asks how important is the established Church of England to the fabric of life in the United Kingdom and beyond?
Unbelievable? Rod Dreher & Louise Perry • Christianity, the Sexual Revolution and the future of the West
The Big Conversation - Episode 2 | Season 5
Unbelievable? Is God Dead? - Dr. John Lennox and Dave Rubin’s Big Conversation
This week we play Justin Brierley’s personal favourite episode: the discussion he hosted live in California, between Christian apologist John Lennox and US talk show host Dave Rubin, from 2019.
Unbelievable? Celebrating 17 years - Justin Brierley, Ruth Jackson, and Vince Vitale
The Unbelievable? show has been broadcasting for over 17 years. Justin Brierley and Ruth Jackson take a retrospective tour through highlights from the show from day one to some of the most significant debates that have been hosted, before being joined by Dr. Vince Vitale for a special announcement by Justin.
Unbelievable? Bart Ehrman & Justin Bass • Did Jesus of Nazareth rise from the dead?
The Big Conversation - Episode 1 | Season 5
Unbelievable? Ask William Lane Craig Anything
Renowned Christian thinker William Lane Craig answers listener questions on a live edition of the show. He responds to questions on philosophy, Adam & Eve, suffering, the worst argument for God and more. Plus we hear from Jeremiah J Johnston on the 7 best reasons to believe in the resurrection.
Unbelievable? A skeptical churchgoer asks ‘Is Christianity too exclusive?’ Grace Hill & Eric Huffman
Show listener Grace Hill grew up in church but has always had lots of skeptical questions, especially around whether Christianity is too exclusive when it comes to honest seekers in other faiths. She recently found a church home where she could ask her questions - The Story Church in Houston, TX founded by Pastor Eric Huffman, host of the Maybe God podcast.
Unbelievable? Optimism or extinction? What’s the future of humanity? John Hands & Perry Marshall
Secular scientist and academic John Hands has been described as a ‘polymath’. His 2016 book Cosmosapiens received wide praise for its analysis of human evolution since the beginning of the universe. His new book ‘The Future of Humankind’ looks ahead to what lies in store for homosapiens.
Unbelievable? Where does order in nature and the cosmos come from? Stephen Meyer & Saleem Ali
Prof Saleem Ali of the University of Delaware is author of ‘Earthly Order: How natural laws define human life’ and describes the way order in the universe drives order in human and social settings. He engages with Dr Stephen Meyer of the Discovery Institute, whose book ‘The Return of The God Hypothesis’ makes the case that order in nature points to a divine mind.
Unbelievable? Does God speak today through dreams, visions & prophecy? Tania Harris & Jim Osman
Tania Harris, founding director of God Conversations and author of ‘The Church who hears God’s Voice’ makes a biblical and experiential case for the ongoing activity of the Spirit communicating through dreams, visions and prophecy. She engages with cessationist pastor Jim Osman. author of ‘God Doesn’t Whisper’, who argues that people who claim to hear God’s voice are misled and that the Bible is the only way in which Gods revelation comes to us today.
PREVIEW: The Big Conversation Season 5!
Subscribe for early access to this episode at thebigconversation.show
Unbelievable? The Asbury Revival: A new move of God? Timothy Tennent, Alisa Childers & Gavin Ortlund
Thousands have been flocking to Asbury University in Kentucky after a chapel service turned into a 24/7 revival outpouring. Justin is joined by guests as he asks: What are the true marks of revival? What are the blessings and concerns that accompany this student-led awakening?
Unbelievable? Sexuality, Gender & Identity: 2 views on LGBT and the church - Andrew Bunt & Charlie Bell
Andrew Bunt, Emerging Generations director at Living Out and author of ‘Finding Your Best Identity’, is a same-sex attracted Christian who has chosen celibacy and believes marriage is male-female. Charlie Bell, a gay Anglican vicar who also works as a psychiatrist, is the author of ‘Queer Holiness’ and wants to see gay marriage accepted in the church.
Unbelievable? Death to Deconstruction: Josh Porter & Jon Steingard on whether exvangelicals can reconstruct their faith
Punk singer-turned-pastor Josh Porter charts his own journey of reconstructing his Christian faith in the book ‘Death to Deconstruction: Reclaiming faithfulness as an act of rebellion’. He discusses deconstruction, the Bible, the problem of evil and more with Jon Steingard, former lead singer of Hawk Nelson who underwent his own journey of deconstruction in 2020.
Unbelievable? Uninvented: Are the stories of Jesus too unusual to have been made up? Mike D’Virgilio vs Matthew Taylor
‘You just can’t make this stuff up!’ That, in a nutshell is the contention of Mike D’Virgilio’s book ‘Uninvented: Why the Bible could not be made up and the evidence that proves it’. He says that the life of Jesus doesn’t read like made up stories, myths and legends.
Unbelievable? Miracle healing - does it happen today? Craig Keener, Peter May & Joshua Brown (Plus Alanzo Paul on Reboot)
Can a skeptical doctor be persuaded that there is medical evidence for modern day healing?
Unbelievable? ChatGPT, AI and the future - John Wyatt Q&A on living faithfully in a technologically confusing world
Justin and Ruth were joined by research scientist Dr John Wyatt on a live show to talk about AI, robotics and technology. Listeners asked questions about machine consciousness, the potential dangers of AI and how to raise children in a tech world.
Unbelievable? Paranormal hauntings and exorcism - a Christian and skeptic in discussion.
Matt Arnold, editor of the Christian Parapsychologist Journal and Dr Cal Cooper, a psychologist and paranormal researcher, speak to Justin about how they interpret account of ghosts, exorcism and apparitions as a Christian and skeptic.
Unbelievable? Tim Keller Q&A on cancer, prayer and forgiveness
Tim Keller is a renowned thinker, writer and speaker who has been dubbed New York’s ‘pastor to skeptics’. In a live online show hosted by Ruth Jackson and Justin Brierley he answers audience questions on his journey with pancreatic cancer, his transformed prayer life and his new book ‘Forgive’.
Unbelievable? James KA Smith speaks on how to inhabit time & Trevin Wax shows Justin around CS Lewis’ house The Kilns
Justin presents an end of year show featuring a conversation with theologian and philosopher James KA Smith on his new book ‘How To Inhabit Time’ recorded at the Everything Conference. Justin also caught up with Trevin Wax in Oxford who gave him a tour of CS Lewis’ home The Kilns.
Unbelievable? Intellectual and supernatural conversions - Christmas special with Nico Tarquinio & Martin Shaw
Justin interviews two guests with remarkable stories of adult conversion to Christianity.
Unbelievable? Should praying outside abortion clinics be banned? Ann Furedi & Lois McLatchie
A Public Order Bill in UK Parliament proposing ‘buffer zones’ could potentially criminalise pro-life activity or even silent prayer outside abortion clinics.
Unbelievable? How to overcome tribalism in politics and the church - Patrick Miller & Keith Simon
‘Truth Over Tribe: Pledging allegiance to the lamb, not the donkey or the elephant’ is the name of the new book by Patrick Miller and Keith Simon. They are both church pastors in the USA who started the Truth Over Tribe podcast to combat polarisation in politics, culture and Christianity.
Unbelievable? John Lennox on science, faith and the evidence for God
Justin is joined by Prof John Lennox to talk about his debates with well-known atheists and to introduce a new online apologetics course: ‘Science, Faith and the Evidence for God with John Lennox’.
Unbelievable? Sean McDowell live Q&A on sexuality, transgender and culture war questions
Apologist and author Sean McDowell joined Justin along with hundreds of Unbelievable? listeners for a live show talking about Sean’s new book ‘A Rebel’s Manifesto’ and taking questions on LGBT, same-sex marriage, transgender, divorce, theology and more.
Unbelievable? Were colonial-era missionaries good or bad for Africa? Victor Simz & Jonathan Wilson
Were Victorian missionaries a tool of oppression, exploitation and empire as some critics claim? Or did they leave a legacy of education, healthcare and eradicating inhumane practises?
Unbelievable? Can Christianity or Humanism save the planet from climate change?
As COP 27 gets underway Justin is joined by Christian climate campaigner Rachel Mander and Humanist activist Lori Marriott. They agree on the science and what needs to be done but have different views about which worldview provides the better moral foundation for the work of climate change action.
Unbelievable? A Christian and an Atheist walk into a bar… Andy Kind & Andy White on comedy, faith and searching for God
Stand up comedians Andy Kind (the Christian) and Andy White (the Atheist) join Justin to talk about comedy and faith and discuss Andy Kind’s new book ‘Hidden In Plain Sight: Clues you may have missed in the search for meaning’.
Unbelievable? Michael Gungor & Evan Wickham: Millennials, music and mystical deconstruction
Michael Gungor and his wife Lisa were pioneers in the Christian music scene, building a loyal fan base through Gungor’s music and podcasts such as The Liturgists. However, Michael’s recent turn towards an increasingly progressive, msytical and deconstructed interpretation of faith has left many Christians confused.
Unbelievable? How a top surgeon found his life purpose on a hospital ship - Mark Shrime
Mark Shrime tells Justin Brierley about his journey of faith and career as a surgeon, which now sees him deliver life-saving treatment around the world with Mercy Ships. Mark is the author of ‘Solving For Why: A surgeon’s journey to discover the transformative power of purpose’.
Unbelievable? Rethinking Kingdom work in the Global South & North - Joseph D’Souza & Andrew Scott
Joseph D’Souza, bishop of the Good Shepherd Church network in South Asia and Andrew Scott of Operation Mobilisation join Justin to talk about a new paradigm for mission work in the Global South and how it impacts church and culture in the Global North.
Unbelievable? Are religious funerals ‘empty and platitudinous’? Ian Dunt & Andy Bannister
The Queen’s state funeral was watched by billions of people and marked by deep Christian symbolism. However, during the ceremony, atheist journalist Ian Dunt tweeted that he found it “empty and platitudinous, a cardboard shield against existential despair”.
Unbelievable? Can the Canaanite conquest be reconciled with a God of love? Paul Copan vs Randal Rauser
How should we understand Old Testament accounts of warfare and violence where God seems to command the slaughter of men, women and children?
Unbelievable? Covid, Churches and the Frankfurt Declaration: Jamie Franklin & John Stevens debate Christian liberty and government overreach
As the global pandemic subsides, the way the Covid lockdowns were implemented in churches still divides Christians. The Frankfurt Declaration has been signed by church leaders who are concerned that civil and religious liberties are being eroded by Government overreach.
Church abuse, leadership scandals & RZIM: Rachael Denhollander, Amy Orr-Ewing, Mike Cosper & Diane Langberg
Four guests and hundreds of attendees gathered with host Justin Brierley for the live webinar event ’Falling From Grace: Addressing Power, Leadership, and Abuse in the Church.
Unbelievable? Angels, visions and near death encounters - Dale C Allison on whether skeptics can take religious experiences seriously
From rapturous joy to inexplicable terror, angelic encounters to near death experiences, New Testament scholar Dale Allison has researched a wide range of phenomena in his new book ‘Encountering Mystery: Religious Experience in a Secular Age’. He tells of his own experiences and explains why they are more common than many people realise, and why skeptics shouldn’t dismiss them out of hand. Justin also brings listener questions from atheists and believers.
Unbelievable? Remembering Queen Elizabeth II - NT Wright, Gavin Ashenden & Ruth Jackson
As the world marks the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Justin Brierley presents a special edition of Unbelievable? speaking to New Testament scholar NT Wright about his memories of the queen when he preached for her as Bishop of Durham. Former chaplain to the queen Gavin Ashenden asks whether the end of her reign marks the end of Christendom in the UK, and Ruth Jackson reflects on the hope that comes with grief.
Unbelievable? Are the public ready to move beyond the science vs faith conflict? Nick Spencer & Katherine Mathieson
Katherine Mathieson, director of the Royal Institution and Nick Spencer of Theos discuss the recent report ‘Science and Religion: Moving away from the shallow end’, which surveyed the British public’s attitudes towards science and faith. They explore questions such as: Why does the public believe there is a conflict? How has New Atheism played into the debate? Is science the only way of knowing truth?
Unbelievable? The 2 men who invented the war between science & faith - Tim O’Neill, Dave Hutchings & James Ungureanu
In the 19th Century John Draper and Andrew White conjured up one of the most successful and enduring myths of the modern world - the supposed historical conflict between science and faith.
Unbelievable? My bipolar experience: Can Christianity offer a better approach to depression?
Author and academic James Mumford recently wrote an article for The New Atlantis magazine about his experience undergoing therapy at a clinic for bipolar disorder and his concerns about its value neutral approach. He engages with psychologist Roger Bretherton, creator of The Character Course, on what role faith can play for those struggling with depression.
Unbelievable? Is Progressive Christianity a false gospel? Randal Rauser & Doug Groothuis
Theologian Randal Rauser defends ‘progressive’ Christians such as Rob Bell, Richard Rohr and Brian Mclaren, against ‘heresy hunters’ in his new book ‘Progressive Christians Love Jesus Too’ a response to Alisa Childers’ book ‘Another Gospel?’.
Unbelievable? Mikhaila Peterson & Jon McCray (Whaddo You Meme) • Are Millennials and Gen Z ready to believe in God?
Almost half of Millenials and Gen Z in the USA identify as ‘nones’ (having no religious affiliation). Mikhaila Peterson who runs a popular Youtube channel and Podcast talks about her own recent journey to faith along with the journey of her father, renowned psychologist Jordan Peterson.
Unbelievable? The Mystery of Consciousness - Panpsycast event with Rowan Williams, Anil Seth, Laura Gow, Philip Goff & Jack Symes
We’ve teamed up with the Panpsycast podcast to bring you this week’s episode of Unbelievable? ‘The Mystery of Consciousness’ was a live audience event recorded at the Tung Auditorium in Liverpool. The panellists are Rowan Williams, Anil Seth, Laura Gow and Philip Goff, moderated by Panpsycast host Jack Symes.
Unbelievable? Lord Martin Rees & John Wyatt • Robots, Transhumanism, and Life Beyond Earth
The Big Conversation - Episode 5 | Season 4. Is Artificial Intelligence a friend or foe of human flourishing? Does faith have any part to play in the robotics revolution, and the race to upgrade our bodies and even escape our planet? What does the future hold for humans?
Unbelievable? Overturning Roe: A victory for life or step back for abortion rights? Lois McLatchie vs KS
Following the landmark reversal of Roe vs Wade by the US Supreme Court, pro-life advocate Lois McLatchie and pro-choice guest KS debate the legal and ethical implications.
Unbelievable? Graham Oppy & Guillaume Bignon • Rationality, Religious Experience and the Case for God
The Big Conversation - Episode 4 | Season 4
Unbelievable? Shane Claiborne vs Kyle Thompson - Mass shootings, gun violence and the USA 2nd Amendment
Recent mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo, NY have brought the issue of gun violence and mass shooting in the USA back into the spotlight.
Iain McGilchrist & Sharon Dirckx • Brain science, consciousness & God: Is there a master behind our mind?
What does the science of brain chemistry and consciousness tell us about the nature of our mind and our cosmos?
Unbelievable? God Unmuted Conference highlights - Glen Scrivener, Alister McGrath and guests plus John Lennox
Justin presents talks and clips from panel discussions at Unbelievable? the Conference 2022, live from The British Library in London. Glen Scrivener on ‘Why Christ Alone Can Win The Culture Wars’, Alister McGrath on ‘How to transform our culture and not be consumed by it’, and snippets from panel discussions on transgender and vocation.
Rowan Williams & Paul Kingsnorth • Conversion, culture and the cross: Are we ready to believe in God again?
The Big Conversation - Episode 2 | Season 4
Classic Replay: William Lane Craig vs Peter Atkins debate
From October 2011, the full recording of the final debate of the UK Reasonable Faith Tour: William Lane Craig is a Christian philosopher, Peter Atkins is an atheist scientist. In this their second encounter, they debated arguments for and against the existence of God.
Unbelievable? Are the gifts of the Spirit still in operation? Cessation vs Continuation: Doug Wilson & Michael Brown
The charismatic church is the fastest growing part of the global church. But not all Christians believe gifts of tongues, prophecy and healing are for today.
Unbelievable? Richard Dawkins & Francis Collins • Biology, Belief and Covid: Can science and faith be reconciled?
The Big Conversation - Episode 1 | Season 4
Original sin vs original goodness: Katharine Birbalsingh & Steve Chalke on educating children
Katharine Birbalsingh has been described as ‘Britain’s strictest headteacher’. Twitter erupted when she tweeted that ‘original sin’ was responsible for the fact children need to be habituated into choosing good over evil.
Unbelievable? Cultivating virtue - A christian and atheist perspective. Dominic Done and Julian Baggini
Dominic Done is the author of the book ‘Your Longing Has A Name’ in which he explores the seven virtues listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7 - Goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, Godliness, mutual affection and love.
Unbelievable? Has woke theology gone too far? Calvin Robinson & Robyn Henderson-Espinoza
Anti-woke Anglican ordinand Calvin Robinson engages with Transqueer Latinx theologian Dr Robyn Henderson-Espinoza on whether ‘woke’ theology is creating a more inclusive faith or a dangerous diversion from historic Christianity.
Lee Strobel on the Case For Heaven PLUS Alister McGrath, Lisa Fields, Jeff Vines and Sharon Dirckx conference preview
Justin interviews some of the contributors to Unbelievable? 2022 including theologian Alister McGrath, African-American apologist Lisa Fields, US pastor Jeff Vines and neuroscientist Sharon Dirckx. Lee Strobel also chats to Justin about his new documentary film The Case for Heaven
Unbelievable? Is there historical evidence for the bodily resurrection of Jesus? Justin Bass & Dale Allison
New Testament scholars Dale Allison and Justin Bass discuss their different approaches to the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection.
Are Star Wars and superhero movies a gateway to the Gospel? Frank Turek vs Paulogia
Frank Turek’s book ‘Hollywood Heroes’ argue that the fictional stories of Harry Potter, Star Wars and the Marvel movies all point to the the true story of Jesus, the ultimate hero. Paul Ens, a comic book and Star Wars fan who runs the counter-apologetics channel Paulogia, responds.
Did Christianity give us our belief in equality, compassion and consent? Bart Ehrman vs Glen Scrivener
Glen Scrivener’s book ‘The Air We Breathe: How We All Came to Believe in Freedom, Kindness, Progress & Equality’ makes the case that our belief in modern human rights & values are a direct product of the Christian story that shaped the West.
Is Intelligent Design advancing or in retreat? Casey Luskin & Adam Shapiro
Casey Luskin of the Discovery Institute, and editor of ‘The Comprehensive Guide to Science and Faith’ argues that the Intelligent Design movement is gaining new converts and has never been stronger. Science historian Adam Shapiro, co-author of ‘Science and Religion: A very short introduction’ responds.
Philip Yancey live Q&A on faith, doubt and the future of the US church
Prolific Christian author Philip Yancey joined Justin and several hundred guests for a live Q&A on his life, work and faith. They talk about his recently published memoir ‘Where The Light Fell’ and his new paraphrase of John Donne’s writing ‘A Companion in Crisis’, as well as taking questions on suffering, prayer, the Ukraine and the future of the US evangelical church.
The surrogacy industry: John & Tim Wyatt on the ethics of paying for pregnancy
This episode was recorded shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine. Prior to the outbreak of war, Ukraine’s lax surrogacy laws have made it a major destination for so-called ‘reproductive tourism’ for infertile and same-sex couples who wish to have a baby.
Putin’s Holy War: The religious roots of the Ukraine invasion - Fr Cyril Hovorun and Clifford Longley (+ Sergey Rakhuba)
Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is more than just a geo-political conflict. The Russian leader believes in the spiritual destiny of a united ‘Holy Rus’ that goes back to the conversion of Vladimir the Great in 984.
Hinduism, Caste & Christianity: Joseph D’Souza and Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd
Bishop Joseph D’Souza from the Good Shepherd Church in India and Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd, political theorist and human rights activist, discuss the current political and religious climate in India and the situation for Christians and the Dalit and Shudra castes.
Is there a future for godless congregations? Paul VanderKlay and James Croft
Humanist leader James Croft leads a thriving godless congregation in an otherwise declining network of Ethical Societies. Does their story mirror that of many declining churches in the west?
John Lennon, Bob Dylan and God: Steve Turner and Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart, lead guitarist for Sleeper, examines the spiritual journeys of Bob Dylan and John Lennon in his new book ‘Dylan, Lennon, Marx & God’.
Send Proof: Is there medical evidence for miracles? Craig Keener, Michael Shermer and Elijah Stephens
Elijah Stephens, director of the documentary Send Proof, joins Justin to discuss his investigation into supernatural healing claims. Miracle researcher Craig Keener shares extraordinary stories - but is it enough to convince atheist skeptic Michael Shermer?
Unbelievable? If the tomb is empty: Joby Martin on sponsoring 14,000 Compassion kids
Pastor Joby Martin, pastor of The Church of Eleven22 and author of ‘If The Tomb is Empty’ tells Justin the story of how the church has sponsored over 14,000 children through Compassion.
Can a doubter find a place in church? Preston Ulmer and Gaia McDermott
Preston Ulmer author of ‘The Doubters Club’ and ex-Christian Gaia McDermott who hosts the ‘Face The Sun’ podcast, discuss how to explore doubt and questions inside and outside the church.
Unbelievable? Do extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence? Jonathan McLatchie vs Jonathan Pearce
‘Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence’ is often used as a maxim by skeptics against modern miracle claims and Biblical miracles.
Unbelievable? Should ’Gay Conversion Therapy’ be banned? Jayne Ozanne vs Peter Lynas
The UK Government has published proposals to ban ‘gay conversion therapy’. Should such a law be welcomed by churches as a protection for LGBT+ people, or a cause for concern at the potential criminalisation of prayer? Peter Lynas of the UK Evangelical Alliance and Jayne Ozanne of the Ban Conversion Therapy coalition debate the proposed legislation.
Unbelievable? Suffering & God in the Intensive Care Unit: Dean Mayes & Dan Paterson
Could the story of Christianity really be true? How do we make sense of suffering if so?
Unbelievable? Tom Holland on Christianity, persecution and the cross
Historian Tom Holland tells how his experiences among persecuted Christians and Yazidis in Iraq impacted his own intellectual and personal journey with Christianity.
Unbelievable? Christmas for skeptics and an atheist finds God via Dawkins: Rebecca McLaughlin, Peter Byrom and Ruth Jackson
Justin hosts a ‘Christmas Cracker’, with Rebecca McLaughlin author of ‘Is Christmas Unbelievable?’, Peter Byrom tells his story of going from atheism to faith via Richard Dawkins, and a catch up with co-presenter Ruth Jackson and baby Eden-Grace!
Unbelievable? John Lennox on God, science, atheism and Against The Tide
Justin hosts a Premier Unbelievable? Live Q&A with Prof John Lennox. In partnership with Kharis Productions and Pensmore Films, producers of Against The Tide, the movie documentary of John’s life .
Unbelievable? How should humans live in an inhuman world? Alan Noble and Kelly Kapic
Why are we increasingly anxious, stressed and obsessed with identity? What can Christianity offer to re-humanise us?
Unbelievable? James White vs William Lane Craig: Calvinism vs Molinism on the problem of evil
Calvinism and Molinism are two very different ways of understanding God’s sovereignty. But which one best addresses the problem of evil?
Unbelievable? Why are Christian musicians deconstructing? Audrey Assad and Fr Chris Foley
There have been many stories of Christian musicians deconstructing or deconverting in recent years. Justin is joined by Catholic singer/songwriter Audrey Assad who revealed earlier this year she is no longer a practising Christian. Fr. Chris Foley of the band Luxury explains his own journey and why he has remained in the faith, becoming a priest in the Orthodox Church, along with two other band members.
Unbelievable? Is toxic masculinity a problem in the church? Kyle Thompson and Martin Saunders
Kyle Thompson of men’s ministry Undaunted Life says we need to champion biblical masculinity in a church that is too feminised. Martin Saunders, author of ‘The Man You Were Made To Be’ says we need to leave behind gender stereotypes and help young Christian men make sense of masculinity in today’s world.
Unbelievable? Do we need to rethink the Koran and the Trinity? Abdulla Galadari and Joshua Sijuwade
The deity of Jesus is a doctrine that typically divides Muslims and Christians. However, Dr Abdulla Galadari, author of ‘Quranic Hermeneutics’ believes the Koran doesn’t reject the Gospels’ view of Jesus - it interprets them.
Unbelievable? What does the science of climate change say? Hugh Ross and Antonia Godber
With COP26 the United Nations climate change conference underway in Glasgow, Justin is joined by climate change campaigner Antonia Godber and scientist Hugh Ross of Reasons to Believe.
Unbelievable? CS Lewis on screen - Max McLean and Norman Stone on The Most Reluctant Convert movie
Max McLean, who has played the role of CS Lewis on stages across the world, talks to Justin Brierley about his new biopic ‘The Most Reluctant Convert’ and CS Lewis’ famous journey from atheism to Christianity. Justin also talks to the film’s director Norman Stone.
Unbelievable? Should Christians practise Yoga? Mike Shreve and Chris James
Two former high-level Yoga practitioners, Mike Shreve and Chris James, tell their stories of converting to Christianity and engage the question of whether Christians should practise Yoga.
Unbelievable? CRT and Woke Christianity - Owen Strachan vs Jermaine Marshall
Is the church too woke or just broke?
Unbelievable? Abortion and the Texas heartbeat bill - Stephanie Gray Connors vs Rev Bromleigh McCleneghan
The Texas ‘heartbeat’ bill, prohibiting termination after 6 weeks gestation has put abortion law in the spotlight recently.
Unbelievable? Confident Christianity - John Lennox, Amy Orr-Ewing, William Lane Craig and more
Justin introduces Confident Christianity: Evidence for God. Answering Objections - an online apologetics course from Unbelievable?
Unbelievable? Should people of faith support assisted dying? Rabbi Jonathan Romain vs Dr Mark Pickering
A new bill to allow assisted dying is being debated in the UK parliament. Should people of faith support those with terminal illness being able to end their own life?
Unbelievable? The Vegan debate: Should Christians eat meat? Greg Boyd and Joshua D Jones
Veganism is increasingly popular in culture. Church leader Greg Boyd (vegetarian transitioning to vegan), and church leader Joshua D Jones, (who loves his meat), debate the ethical, environmental and scriptural case for eating meat versus vegetarianism.
Unbelievable? Are psychedelics a path to spiritual enlightenment? Ashley Lande vs Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes
There has been a revival of interest in psychedelics & hallucinogenic drugs. But are they a path to enlightenment or a spiritual dead end?
Unbelievable? 2 scientists, a 3 year dialogue and 1 conversion - Steve Robinson and Victoria Lim
Dr Stephen Robinson and Dr Victoria Lim entered into a 3-year email dialogue as a Christian and agnostic working in science. They tell Justin Brierley what happened.
Unbelievable? Kristin Kobes Du Mez on masculinity, Mark Driscoll and the future for US evangelicals
Kristin Kobes Du Mez is the author of the bestselling book ‘Jesus and John Wayne: How white evangelicals corrupted a faith and fractured a nation’.
Unbelievable? Do meaning, truth and love make sense without God? Rationality Rules vs Simon Edwards
Christian apologist Simon Edwards, author of ‘The Sanity of Belief: Why faith makes sense’, debates atheist YouTuber Stephen Woodford (aka Rationality Rules) on whether atheism or Christianity makes best sense of our beliefs about meaning, truth and love.
Unbelievable? Did Adam & Eve exist? William Lane Craig and Joshua Swamidass
How should Christians understand the Adam & Eve story in Genesis? Is it scientifically plausible that humanity can be traced back to a first human couple? What does it mean for the concept of ‘Original Sin’?
Unbelievable? Egalitarian and Complementarian views on Biblical Womanhood - Beth Allison Barr and Rachel Green Miller
What is the Biblical Womanhood movement and is it actually biblical?
Unbelievable? Jackie Hill Perry Q&A: Same sex attraction, transgender, racism and more
Jackie Hill Perry author of ‘Gay Girl, Good God’ and ‘Holier Than Thou’ talks to Justin about life, faith and why she turned her back on her lesbian identity when she became a Christian in this broadcast of a recent livestream in which she answered viewers questions too.
Unbelievable? Giles Fraser and Amy-Jill Levine - Judaism & Christianity: Can we recover the Jewish Jesus?
Jesus was a Jew. But has Christianity become divorced from its Jewish roots? How should we understand the shared story and differences of these two great religious traditions?
Unbelievable? Ancient wisdom and the meaning crisis - John Vervaeke and Sohrab Ahmari
The West is experiencing a meaning crisis says cognitive science and psychology professor John Vervaeke. He discusses the solutions with Catholic convert Sohrab Ahmari, author of ‘The Unbroken Thread: Discovering the wisdom of tradition in an age of chaos’.
Unbelievable? Is Revelation bonkers? Brett Davis and Glenn Packiam
Revelation is one of the most mysterious and strange books in the Bible. Is it mapping out end times events? Is it just tripping? Or is it something else?
Unbelievable? Premillennial vs Amillennial debate on Christ’s return - Daniel Goepfrich & Chris Date
Debate has raged over the timeline of Christ’s return. Daniel Goepfrich holds to ‘premillennialism’ - that Christ will return before a 1000 year reign of peace, Chris Date holds to ‘amillennialism’ - that there will be no literal 1000 year reign.
Unbelievable? Paul Davies and Jeremy England - The Origin of Life: Do we need a new theory for how life began?
The Big Conversation - Episode 5 | Season 3. Two leading voices in Origins of Life research, Paul Davies and Jeremy England, discuss whether a new understanding of physics could be the key to unlocking the mystery of how life first emerged. But where does this leave the concept of God as creator?
Unbelievable? Gunter Bechly vs Joshua Swamidass – For and Against Intelligent Design
Dr Gunter Bechly is a palaeontologist who became convinced that Darwinian evolution cannot explain the fossil record. He debates Intelligent Design with computational biologist Dr Joshua Swamidass who affirms an evolutionary account.
Unbelievable? Stephen C Meyer and Brian Keating - The Return of the God Hypothesis
Stephen C Meyer of the Discovery Institute says that 3 key scientific advances in cosmology and biology have reignited the case for God. He discusses the claims in his new book ‘The Return of the God Hypothesis’ with Brian Keating, Professor of Physics at the University of California, San Diego.
Unbelievable? Sabine Hossenfelder and Luke Barnes - The fine-tuning of the Universe: Was the cosmos made for us?
The Big Conversation - Episode 4 | Season 3. Many physicists have pointed out the extraordinary ‘fine tuning’ of the physical laws of the universe that have allowed life to develop within the cosmos.
Unbelievable? Should we rethink worship in a Covid age? Tim Hughes, Lucy Brierley, Muyiwa Olarewaju and Graham Nicholls
The pandemic has changed the way churches deliver worship online and in person. Justin is joined by church and worship leaders Tim Hughes, Muyiwa Olarewaju, Lucy Brierley & Graham Nicholls, to talk about lessons learned and what the future may look like. Originally broadcast as part of Spring Harvest 2021: Unrivalled.
Unbelievable? 2021 Conference highlights - NT Wright, Tom Holland, Clare Williams, Sean and Josh McDowell
Justin presents highlights from the recent Unbelievable? Conference 2021: How to tell the greatest story ever told, featuring NT Wright, Tom Holland, Clare Williams, Sean & Josh McDowell and Ruth Jackson.
Unbelievable? NT Wright and Douglas Murray - Identity, myth & miracles: How do we live in a post-Christian world?
Episode 3 | Season 3 of The Big Conversation. Social commentator Douglas Murray engages theologian NT Wright on whether Christianity still makes best sense of the world in a post-Christian age, and how to address the growing meaning and identity crisis in the West.
Unbelievable? Should Christians embrace the Enneagram? Todd Wilson & Marcia Montenegro
The Enneagram has become a wildly popular personality tool in secular and spiritual circles. But is it a theologically valid way of understanding human psychology? Pastor and theologian Todd Wilson, author of ‘The Enneagram goes to church’ believes the Enneagram can be a transformative tool for churches. Ex-new ager Marcia Montenegro, author of ‘Richard Rohr and the Enneagram Secret’ believes it is a spiritual deception.
Unbelievable? Why the Bible makes sense of modern life - Tom Holland & Andrew Ollerton
It’s still the bestselling book in the world. But can the Bible speak to modern life in the way it has to past generations?
Unbelievable? Nick Bostrom and Ros Picard - God, AI & the future of humanity: Is technology the key to immortality?
Episode 2 | Season 3 of The Big Conversation. Prof Nick Bostrom, director of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University and Prof Rosalind Picard, director of the Affective Computing Research Group at MIT debate the philosophical and spiritual questions raised by AI. Could AI become conscious? Are we living in a simulation universe? Could technology be the key to immortality?
Unbelievable? Do Muslims & Christians worship the same God? Andy Bannister & Archbishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon
It’s often claimed that, despite their religious differences, Muslims and Christians still believe in and worship the same creator God.
Unbelievable? Is Christianity a trick of the mind? TikTok hypnotist Zach Pincince and Christian illusionist Bryan Drake
TikTok star Zach Pincince lost his faith after developing a career in hypnotism and growing doubts about whether Jesus rose again. He engages with Christian evangelist and stage illusionist Bryan Drake on whether religious belief is down to our suggestibility and debates the evidence for the resurrection.
Unbelievable? Bishop Robert Barron and Alex O’Connor (Cosmic Skeptic) – Christianity or Atheism: Which makes best sense of who we are?
Bishop Robert Barron of Word on Fire and Alex O’Connor of the Cosmic Skeptic channel discuss the evidence for God, the nature of faith and the problem of suffering in the first episode of The Big Conversation season 3.
Unbelievable? Beyond Belief: A youth worker’s doubt and deconstruction – Logan Walker and Ben Jack
Former Christian youth worker, Logan Walker, shares some of the reasons for losing his faith. Evangelist Ben Jack from the Message Trust responds to some of Logan’s doubts and provides some of his own thoughts on these difficult topics.
Unbelievable? Alister McGrath on John Polkinghorne, Shelby Abbott on doubt and Mark Clark on Jesus
Justin and Ruth present 3 interviews in this week’s show.
Unbelievable? Is free speech on campus being cancelled? Julia Rynkiewicz, Ryan Christopher & Alison Scott-Baumann
Julia Rynkiewicz was suspended from her midwifery course at Nottingham University because of her support for the pro-life organisation Students for Life.
Unbelievable? Is Christianity a white man’s religion? – Dr Vince Bantu and Dr AJ Varmah
Why do we often picture a Caucasian Jesus with blonde hair and blue eyes? Why are many of the early church fathers depicted as white when they weren’t? Has African Christianity been hijacked? Dr Vince Bantu of Fuller Theological Seminary and Dr AJ Varmah of the Holy Qubtic Church join Ruth Jackson to discuss these important questions and look at how we can correct the distorted image of Eurocentric Christianity.
Unbelievable? The Ravi Zacharias scandal: Dr Diane Langberg, Glen Scrivener and Steve Baughman on lessons we need to learn
A recent report about Ravi Zacharias has shipwrecked a global ministry and the legacy of one of the most influential Christian apologists has been swept away. Justin and Ruth are joined by Christian psychologist Dr Diane Langberg, a specialist in trauma abuse, and Rev Glen Scrivener, an evangelist with Speak Life, to discuss how we safeguard against more scandals in the future. The focus was on supporting victims, ensuring accountability and the problem with pedestals.
Unbelievable? Richmond Wandera – Christianity, witchcraft and the prosperity gospel in Uganda
Richmond Wandera, a pastor in Kampala, Uganda and listener of Unbelievable? talks to Justin about the history of Christian revival in Africa, elections and Covid in Uganda, witchcraft, secularism and the problem of the prosperity gospel in churches. He also share his story of coming from the slums of Kampala through to theological education and church leadership in a show in partnership with Compassion.
Unbelievable? Are demons and exorcism for real? Billy Hallowell and Michael Shermer
There’s been a rise in the demand for exorcism from church priests in recent years.
Unbelievable? Transgender people and the church – Preston Sprinkle and Christina Beardsley
Rev Christina Beardsley is a transgender priest in the Church of England and author of numerous resources on trans experience in the church. She engages with Preston Sprinkle, author of ‘Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say’ who takes a grace-filled but traditional Christian approach to sexuality. They discuss how churches should engage with trans people, theological questions of ‘bodily’ and ‘gender’ identity, and the issue of Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria.
Unbelievable? Is the Bible as bad as atheist memes claim? Dan Kimball vs Michael Wiseman
The online atheist world is awash with memes that critique passages from the Bible.
Unbelievable? Can faith survive an evolutionary account of humanity and religion? – Andrew Halestrap and Sam Devis
Sam Devis is a former Christian and produces a podcast called When Belief Dies. One of the triggers for his faith deconstruction was reading Yuval Noah Harari’s ‘Sapiens’ and the consequent questions this raised, particularly around evolution. Andrew Halestrap is emeritus professor of biochemistry and senior research fellow at Bristol University and was previously the national chair of Christians in Science. They join Justin to discuss faith, proof and the relationship between science and God.
Unbelievable? Is the US Church in the grip of political idolatry? Shane Claiborne & Johnnie Moore
Following the pro-Trump riots and storming of Congress at Capitol Hill, many fear white evangelicals in the USA are in the grip of political idolatry in their support of the outgoing president.
Unbelievable? Are Scandinavian countries a secular paradise? Christian Lomsdalen and Stefan Gustavsson
It’s often been argued that the prosperity and welfare of Scandinavian countries such as Denmark, Norway and Sweden are proof that secular societies do better than religious ones.
Unbelievable? JRR Tolkien, Jesus and Lord of the Rings - Holly Ordway & Michael Jahosky
JRR Tolkien was a devout Catholic and friend of CS Lewis. Justin is joined by Michael Jahosky author of ‘The Good News of the Return of the King: The Gospel in Middle Earth’ and Holly Ordway, author of ‘Tolkien’s Modern Reading: Middle Earth beyond the Middle Ages’.
Unbelievable? Christmas special
We look back over 2020 and share some of our highlights, favourite clips and lessons we’ve learnt along the way. Plus, author Nick Page debunks some Christmas myths and we hear stories of people who came to faith largely through apologetics.
Unbelievable? The Christmas story: fact or fairytale? Lydia McGrew vs Jonathan Pearce
Atheist blogger Jonathan Pearce is the author of ‘The Nativity: A Critical Examination’. He believes the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke are pious fiction. Christian thinker Lydia McGrew, author of ‘The Mirror or the Mask?’ defends the historicity of the Nativity accounts.
Unbelievable? William Lane Craig answers your questions on God, universalism and the best atheist arguments
Renowned Christian philosopher William Lane Craig joins Justin and Ruth for a live-stream show taking audience questions on salvation, God, atheism, evidence, and much more.
Unbelievable? Is the God of the Bible a capriciously malevolent, misogynistic, sadomasochistic bully? Dan Barker vs Martin Kuhrt
Richard Dawkins famously describes the God of the Old Testament as ‘jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully’.
Unbelievable? When leaders fall. Karen Swallow Prior & RC Sproul Jr on recent high-profile moral failings
In recent years, numerous high-profile Christian leaders have resigned following revelations of moral failure, including Carl Lentz, Jerry Falwell Jr and Bill Hybels. Others have posthumously been subject to allegations of sexual misconduct, including Jean Vanier and Ravi Zacharias (an independent investigation is ongoing).
Unbelievable? Intelligent Design on trial. 15 years on from Kitzmiller-Dover – Mike Behe and Joshua Swamidass
In 2005 a high profile trial saw the Dover School District taken to court for promoting Intelligent Design (ID) as an alternative theory to evolution in classrooms. 15 years on Mike Behe a prominent biochemist and ID advocate who took the stand as a defence witness, talks about what the case meant for the ID movement.
Unbelievable? Was Jesus a great moral teacher or something more? Julian Baggini and Skye Jethani
Atheist philosopher Julian Baggini and Christian author Skye Jethani discuss whether the teachings of Jesus Christ can be separated from his claims to divinity.
Unbelievable? Conversion and de-conversion: Why atheists become Christians and Christians become atheists. Jana Harmon and Joel Furches
Justin talks to Jana Harmon about her PhD research on adult atheist conversion to Christianity and presents stories from her new ‘Side B Podcast’. Joel Furches, who is researching de-conversion, also joins the conversation.
Unbelievable? Is raising kids Christian indoctrination?
Richard Dawkins once said that bringing up children in a particular faith is tantamount to child abuse. We invited humanist Hannah Timson and Christian Tim Alford to discuss this issue.
Unbelievable? Prof Alister McGrath answers your Qs on science, faith, doubt, CS Lewis, Dawkins and more
Oxford professor Alister McGrath recently joined Justin, Lucy and Ruth for a livestream to take listener questions on science and faith and to talk about his new memoir ’Through a Glass Darkly’.
Unbelievable? Is Critical Race Theory compatible with Christianity? Neil Shenvi & Rasool Berry
‘Critical Race Theory’ is a way of understanding racism through the dynamics of oppressed and oppressor groups. Neil Shenvi believes its worldview is at odds with the Gospel and is concerned at its embrace in evangelical circles. Rasool Berry, teaching pastor at The Bridge Church NYC believes many Christians are overreacting to CRT. While not adopting it wholesale, he believes CRT can help Christians in the pursuit of reconciliation and justice. At the end of the show Justin is joined by new team member Ruth Jackson to talk about future plans for Unbelievable?
Unbelievable? Should Christians vote for Trump? Eric Metaxas vs David French
Christian commentator David French debates Christian radio host and author Eric Metaxas on whether Christians should vote for Donald Trump in the US Elections in November.
Unbelievable? Where is God in all the suffering? Amy Orr-Ewing and Jon Steingard
Amy Orr-Ewing, co-director of OCCA and author of ‘Where Is God In All The Suffering?’, discusses the problem of pain with Jon Steingard, whose own doubts around Christian faith were triggered by seeing the suffering of children in Uganda.
Unbelievable? Debating Wrath, Sin and Penal Substitution – William Lane Craig and Greg Boyd
Did God punish Jesus in our place on the cross? William Lane Craig’s new book ‘Atonement and the Death of Christ’ is a major new defence of Penal Substitutionary Atonement. He discusses the doctrine of atonement with Greg Boyd who has been a critic of PSA and an advocate of the Christus Victor view of the cross.
Unbelievable? The Reason For God - Tim Keller debates atheist Norman Bacrac
In this ‘classic replay’ Justin shares the 2009 radio debate in which New York pastor Tim Keller defended his best-selling book ‘The Reason For God’ opposite UK atheist Norman Bacrac.
Unbelievable? Coronavirus conspiracies, politics and rebel churches – Mark Sayers, AJ Roberts, Ruth Jackson and Lucy Brierley
Six months on from Justin’s first lockdown show looking at Coronavirus he’s joined again by virologist AJ Roberts from California, Australian church and culture guru Mark Sayers, his wife Rev Lucy Brierley and new Unbelievable? team member Ruth Jackson.
Unbelievable? Is free will an illusion? And does it matter? Dan Barker vs Braxton Hunter
Notable atheists like Sam Harris and Daniel Dennett claim we live in a deterministic universe and that free will is an illusion. But does losing human free will pose a problem for justice, morality and even the very act of reasoning itself?
Unbelievable? The Great Awokening, Cancel Culture and JK Rowling: David French and Jonathan Pearce
Is a quasi-religious left wing ‘cancel culture’ shutting down free speech, or is the right wing just as much to blame?
Unbelievable? Is the UK Church racist? Chine McDonald, Gavin Calver and Joe Aldred
In the second of two shows dealing with racism and the church, Justin Brierley hosts a discussion on the UK Church between Chine McDonald of Christian Aid, Gavin Calver of The Evangelical Alliance and Bishop Dr Joe Aldred of Churches Together in England.
Unbelievable? Racism, white supremacy and Black Lives Matter: George Yancey and Drew Hart
Is the approach and ideology of Black Lives Matter and anti-racism advocates such as Robin DiAngelo, a help or a hindrance in combating racism in the USA?
Unbelievable? Are there many paths to God? John Hick vs Chris Sinkinson – Classic Replay
Theologian John Hick (1922-2012) was well known for his defence of pluralism - the view that all religions stem from one ‘Ultimate Reality’.
Unbelievable? Nabeel Qureshi and Yahya Seymour - Converting to and from Islam – Classic Replay
Nabeel Qureshi first appeared on Unbelievable? in 2009 for a dialogue on his conversion from Islam to Christianity with Muslim convert Yahya Seymour. Justin shares this replay of their conversation and reflects on the ministry of Nabeel who died in 2017 from cancer.
Unbelievable? A Skeptic in Narnia – Laura Miller and Michael Ward – Classic Replay
Laura Miller loved the Narnia stories as a child, but felt she had been hoodwinked when she discovered their Christian symbolism as an adult skeptic. She engages in a discussion on the enduring appeal of Narnia with leading CS Lewis scholar Michael Ward in this replay of their 2009 dialogue.
Unbelievable? John Lennox answers you questions on AI, science, faith and atheism
Prof John Lennox answers viewer questions in a livestream Q&A hosted by Justin and Lucy Brierley. He talks about his new book ‘2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity’ and addresses issues around science, technology, faith, atheism and the Bible.
Unbelievable? Francis Spufford and Philip Pullman on why Christianity makes surprising emotional sense – Classic Replay
Prize-winning author Francis Spufford discusses his book ‘Unapologetic: Why despite everything Christianity can still make surprising emotional sense’ with famed atheist writer Philip Pullman in this replay of their 2012 conversation.
Unbelievable? The Jesus of Islam and Christianity: Can we reconcile the two? Mustafa Akyol and Richard Shumack
Does Islam or Christianity go back to the true person of Jesus? Richard Shumack, author of ‘Jesus through Muslim Eyes’ and Mustafa Akyol, author of ‘The Islamic Jesus’, debate the issues.
Unbelievable? Rob Bell and Adrian Warnock debate heaven, hell and Love Wins - Classic Replay
Justin introduces a classic debate from the Unbelievable? archive in which megachurch pastor Rob Bell defended his controversial 2011 book ‘Love Wins’ opposite Adrian Warnock.
Unbelievable? Another Christian worship leader loses his faith? Jon Steingard and Sean McDowell
Jon Steingard of the band Hawk Nelson is the latest in a number of Christian personalities who say they’ve renounced their faith. Jon joins Justin along with Christian thinker Sean McDowell who has written a response blog to Jon’s Instagram announcement.
Unbelievable? Do faith and politics mix? Tim Farron and Polly Toynbee
Tim Farron is an MP and former leader of the Liberal Democrats. His Christian faith came under scrutiny during the 2017 UK General Election, leading to his resignation as party leader. His autobiography ‘A Better Ambition: Confessions of a faithful liberal’ (SPCK) tells his story.
Unbelievable? Francis Collins answers your questions on science and faith
Dr. Francis Collins is a renowned geneticist who oversaw the Human Genome Project and is currently the director of the National Institutes of Health, USA responding to Covid-19.
Unbelievable? Christianity, Psychology and Compassion - Paul Gilbert and Roger Bretherton
Is Christianity a positive force for compassion in the world? Prof Paul Gilbert and Dr. Roger Bretherton join Justin for a conversation on psychology, the brain, Christianity and what makes us choose compassion over callousness.
Unbelievable? Christendom’s response to plague and pandemic: Tom Holland, Mike Bird and Rev Marcus Walker
Historian Tom Holland, author of ‘Dominion’ recaps his debate with AC Grayling and talks about his recent article for The Telegraph arguing for the Christian roots of the response we are seeing to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Unbelievable? Are martyred apostles good evidence for the resurrection? Sean McDowell vs Paulogia
Would the followers of Jesus have been willing to suffer and die for something they knew to be false? Can we be historically confident they were martyred at all?
Unbelievable? Where do atheists get their meaning from? Zach Broom and Michael Brady
Zach Broom is the author of ‘Without God: Science, belief, morality and the meaning of life’ in which he claims that many of our most basic intuitions don’t make sense in the absence of God.
Unbelievable? Why doesn’t God end Coronavirus and mend the world? Justin Brierley
In a bonus mid-week episode Justin shares his own thoughts on why God doesn’t step in to stop ‘natural evils’ like coronavirus, plague and natural disasters.
Unbelievable? Is it time to end the war on drugs? Peter Hitchens vs Christina Dent. Plus William Lane Craig and Amy Orr Ewing on God, atheism and Covid 19
Peter Hitchens and Christina Dent, two Christians with very different views on drug legalisation, debate whether or not decriminalisation is the way to combat drug abuse.
Becky Pippert: Evangelism during COVID-19
Evangelist Becky Pippert, bestselling author of ‘Out Of The Saltshaker’, talks to Justin Brierley about how Christians can be a faithful witness to Christ during the COVID-19 lockdown and about her new book ‘Stay Salt: The world has changed. Our message must not’.
Unbelievable? God vs Stephen Hawking – Dave Hutchings, David Wilkinson and Phil Halper
‘God, Stephen Hawking and the Multiverse’ is the name of a new book by physics teacher David Hutchings and Prof David Wilkinson of Durham University. They discuss Hawking, his science, the big bang and what it means for the God question with atheist Phil Halper, who runs the Sky Dive Phil channel on YouTube.
William Lane Craig: Refuting atheist Coronavirus memes
Renowned Christian thinker William Lane Craig tells Justin Brierley how to respond to online atheists during Covid 19
Unbelievable? Is the resurrection unbelievable? Jonathan McLatchie vs David Johnson
Christian apologist Jonathan McLatchie and atheist sceptic David Johnson debate the evidence for the resurrection in an Easter weekend edition of the show.
Unbelievable? John Lennox: Where is God in a Coronavirus world?
In a midweek bonus episode Justin talks to Oxford professor and Christian thinker John Lennox about his new book ‘Where is God in a Coronavirus World?’.
Unbelievable? Lockdown special feat. Nicky Gumbel, Megan Cornwell, Andrew Wilson, Esther O Reilly, Will van der Hart and NT Wright
Justin speaks to Christians leaders, thinkers and theologians from lockdown in the UK and USA with a variety of responses to Coronavirus.
Unbelievable? An evening with NT Wright live in London
Justin recently hosted An Evening with Tom Wright at Westminster Chapel in London (pre-Coronavirus restrictions!). In this podcast special Tom delivers a talk on ‘Jesus, Paul and the Question of God’ and then sits down with Justin to answer audience questions
Unbelievable? Coronavirus: How will it change the church and the world? AJ Roberts, Mark Sayers and mystery guest
In a special edition of the show, recorded from home, Justin looks at the present Coronavirus crisis, how the pandemic will change global society and how the church can respond.
Unbelievable? Antinatalism - should we let humans go extinct? David Benatar vs Bruce Blackshaw
David Benatar is the world’s leading ‘antinatalist’ philosopher. His controversial book ‘Better Never To Have Been’ argues that the suffering of existence always outweighs any potential good and that it is morally wrong to bring new human beings into the world. A small but growing community of Antinatalists believe that we should stop reproducing and allow humanity to go extinct.
Unbelievable? The Genealogical Adam and Eve – Joshua Swamidass and Nathan Lents
Joshua Swamidass is the author of ‘The Genealogical Adam and Eve: The surprising science of universal ancestry’. He says that the book could end the war between evolution and creation as it reveals the scientific basis for why everybody on earth could be descendants of a single human couple within the last several thousand years.
Unbelievable? Origins of Life Debate Round 2 - James Tour vs Lee Cronin
Prof of Nanotechnology James (Jim) Tour & Glasgow biology Prof Lee Cronin debate contemporary Origins of Life research and whether Lee’s laboratory is on the way to discovering it.
Unbelievable? God, Gay Christians and the Church - Brandan Robertson and David Bennett
Two gay Christians on either side of the ‘Side A and Side B’ view, join Justin to talk about their stories and why they take different views on sexuality and the gospel.
Unbelievable? 2 views on the God of Love and the Problem of Evil - Thomas Jay Oord and John C Peckham (+ Greg Koukl)
If God is all-powerful and all-loving, why is there so much evil in the world? Two Christian thinkers with different solutions to this age-old question join Justin.
Unbelievable? The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: John Mark Comer and Rachel Holmes
Portland pastor John Mark Comer joins Justin to talk about slowing down our lives in our high-tech, anxiety-prone world.
Unbelievable? Hinduism, conversion and religious freedom
Tensions between Hindus and other religious groups in India have been growing in recent years as the BJP Government and Hindu nationalists have advocated for anti-conversion laws.
Unbelievable? The argument from reason - Cosmic Skeptic and Max Baker-Hytch
Can we make sense of our rational capabilities on an atheist naturalist worldview?
Unbelievable? Controversies in Jesus studies – John Dickson, Lydia McGrew and Jonathan McLatchie
In the first part of the show Australian Bible scholar John Dickson talks to Justin about his new book ‘Is Jesus History?’ They discuss Jesus mythicism and Bart Ehrman’s views on oral tradition.
Unbelievable? Glen Scrivener vs Matt Dillahunty - Can atheism deliver a better world?
In the 6th and final episode of The Big Conversation series Season 2, Justin is joined by Matt Dillahunty of The Atheist Experience and Glen Scrivener of Speak Life.
Unbelievable? Douglas Murray and Esther O’Reilly - The Madness of Crowds and Christian atheism
Douglas Murray, author of ‘The Madness Of Crowds: Gender, race and identity’ joins Justin and Christian blogger Esther O’Reilly.
Unbelievable? USA Conference 2019: Ruth Jackson, John Lennox, Mary Jo Sharp, AJ Roberts, Brian Brodersen and Bobby Conway
In a holiday special, Justin presents the audience Q&A panel session from Unbelievable? USA at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. He is joined by Ruth Jackson, Mary Jo Sharp, AJ Roberts, Brian Brodersen, John Lennox and Bobby Conway as they take a variety of questions from the audience.
Unbelievable? Christmas Special – Dean Mayes, Jess Lester and Rupert Shortt share their stories
In a special holiday edition of the podcast Justin is joined by three friends of the show to share their stories. He also announces the date of Unbelievable? the Conference 2020 – with NT Wright as keynote speaker. Sat 9 May. Put it in your diary!
Unbelievable? Do we have an immaterial soul? Richard Swinburne vs Luke Janssen
Prof Richard Swinburne is one of the most influential Christian philosophers in the world. In his new book ‘Are we Bodies or Souls?’ he sets out his argument for the existence of the soul.
Unbelievable? Tom Holland vs AC Grayling - Did Christianity give us our human values?
Historian Tom Holland debates atheist philosopher AC Grayling in a lively edition of The Big Conversation.
Unbelievable? Peter Hitchens vs Adam Rutherford: The Rage Against God (Classic Playback)
Justin re-airs a classic show from 2010 in which Peter Hitchens debates with atheist scientist Adam Rutherford about his book The Rage Against God.
Unbelievable? How on Earth did life begin? Lee Cronin, Perry Marshall and Denis Noble on the origins of life
Can chemistry crack the mystery of the origin of life? Or does the information required for Life to begin point beyond naturalistic explanations?
Unbelievable? Dave Rubin and John Lennox - A conversation on God, atheism and modern culture
Recorded in front of a live audience in California, Justin hosts a discussion between Christian thinker Prof John Lennox and YouTube personality Dave Rubin in the 4th episode of The Big Conversation Season 2.
Unbelievable? Is it rational to be a Christian? Justin Brierley debates Rationality Rules at Oxford University
Just swaps his moderator’s chair for being a debater in this week’s live show recorded in front of a student audience at Oxford University.
Unbelievable? Does consciousness point to God? Sharon Dirckx and Philip Goff
The mystery of mind and consciousness are causing some philosophers to move away from physicalist explanations to theories such as ‘panpsychism’.
Unbelievable? Peter J Williams and Bart Ehrman – Are the Gospels historically reliable?
Arguably, no individual has influenced the course of history more than Jesus of Nazareth. But, can we trust the accounts of his life, death and resurrection?
Unbelievable? Does the story of evolution match the story of Genesis? Niamh Middleton and Andrew Parker
The first two chapters of Genesis are among the most contested in the Bible when it comes to evolution and faith. Justin is joined by a Christian and agnostic who both claim to show a significant overlap between the Genesis account and evolutionary history,
Unbelievable? Has the church misunderstood St Paul? Steve Chalke vs Phil Moore
Church leader Steve Chalke isn’t afraid of causing controversy in the evangelical circles he once moved in. His new book ‘The Lost Message of Paul’ claims that the church has misunderstood the theology of St Paul when it comes to faith, hell and Christian universalism.
Unbelievable? Sir Roger Penrose and William Lane Craig – Debating God and the Universe
The Universe: How did it get here and why are we part of it? Celebrated cosmologist Sir Roger Penrose talks to renowned Christian philosopher William Lane Craig about God and the Universe in the 2nd episode of the 2019 season of The Big Conversation.
Unbelievable? Why be a Christian? Cosmic Skeptic debates Justin on faith, morality and determinism
In this podcast special Justin sits down with atheist Alex O’Connor who runs the popular YouTube channel Cosmic Skeptic.
Unbelievable? Do we live on a young or an old earth? Ken Ham vs Jeff Zweerink
Ken Ham is the founder of Answers In Genesis. They promote a Young Earth Creation view of science and scripture, believing the earth is only 6000 years old. They also run the Ark Encounter attraction in Kentucky - a life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark.
Unbelievable? Alister McGrath and Bret Weinstein – Religion: Useful fiction or ultimate truth?
Is religion an evolutionary adaptation that has helped the human species to thrive? Or is there a basis to belief in God that goes beyond biological explanations?
Unbelievable? Deconstruction, doubt and finding faith again - Lisa Gungor and Alisa Childers
‘Deconstruction’ has become a buzz word for many people questioning Christian faith. But what happens when we try to reconstruct?
Unbelievable? Joshua Harris, purity culture and the church: Jessica van der Wyngaard and Sean McDowell
20 years ago Joshua Harris was the poster boy of the evangelical ‘purity movement’ having authored the bestselling book ‘I Kissed Dating Goodbye’. Today, Harris regrets writing the book, and has also recently changed his mind about Christianity.
Unbelievable? 2019 Conference highlights - Krish Kandiah, Kristi Mair, Paul Spears, Sarah Lumgair and more
Justin presents a selection of highlights from this year’s Unbelievable? The Conference 2019 in London, including Krish Kandiah on Creating Better Conversations, Kristi Mair on reaching millennials, Sarah Lumgair on Islam and much more.
Unbelievable? Is God the cause of the Universe? Andrew T Loke vs Alex Malpass
Andrew Loke is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Hong Kong Baptist University and the author of ‘God and Ultimate Origins: A Novel Cosmological Argument’ in which he makes a number of philosophical arguments for God as the cause of the Universe.
Unbelievable? CS Lewis, Tolkien and Barfield: How the Inklings made sense of faith - Mark Vernon and Malcolm Guite (+ Michael Ward and Daniel Ray)
The Inklings were a group of academics, authors and poets who met regularly in Oxford to discuss each other’s work and included Christian intellectuals such as CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and Owen Barfield.
Unbelievable? Bruxy Cavey and Paul Carter: An Anabaptist and Reformed pastor discuss their differences
Is Bruxy a heretic? Bruxy Cavey is teaching pastor at The Meeting House in Ontario, one of the largest churches in Canada. As the church has grown, some of Bruxy’s doctrinal positions have been strongly criticised by certain Reformed voices. The word ‘heretic’ has even been used.
Unbelievable? Is faith about belief or trust? And why does it matter? Travis Dickinson vs Brian Blais (+ Ben Jacobs of Genexis)
Mark Twain wrote ‘Faith is believing what you know ain’t so’. Travis Dickinson, co-author of ‘Stand Firm: Apologetics and the Brilliance of the Gospel’, says that both Christians and atheists often adopt a faulty definition of faith. It is less about beliefs, and more about ventured trust on the basis of evidence.
Unbelievable? Should Christians embrace Transhumanism? Micah Redding vs Nigel Cameron
Transhumanism is ‘the theory that the human race can evolve beyond its current physical and mental limitations, especially by means of science and technology’. So, will robotics and AI technology eliminate the need for a human body? And is that something Christians should embrace or resist?
Unbelievable? God Is Stranger: a Christian and agnostic on the search for faith – Krish Kandiah and Tom Newman
Krish Kandiah is a theologian, activist and author of books including ‘God is Stranger: What happens when God turns up?’ which has been nominated for this year’s Michael Ramsey Prize.
Unbelievable? Youth special: Kids ask questions about God – David Robertson and Hannah Timson respond
Kids ask great questions. Ahead of the youth stream at Unbelievable? The Conference 2019, Justin interviews some young people about their questions for God. Rev David Robertson and humanist Hannah Timson give their responses.
Unbelievable? Should Christians rethink disability and healing? Damon Rose, Zoe Heming and Ian Paul
Damon Rose produced a BBC radio documentary and article about his experience of being a blind non-believer who is sometimes approached by Christians to pray for his healing.
Unbelievable? The sacking of Israel Folau - guilty of a foul or victim of religious censorship? Laurence Wilkinson and Nick Heath
International sporting star Israel Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia after sharing an image on his Instagram and Twitter that read: ‘Warning - Drunks, Homosexuals, Adulterers, Liars, Fornicators, Thieves, Atheists, Idolators. Hell Awaits You. Repent! Only Jesus Saves’. Folau is now pursuing legal action.
Unbelievable? Is abortion a human right? Ryan Christopher vs Barbara Ntumy
Recent pro-life legislation in certain US states has reignited the debate about access to abortion. In the UK activists are lobbying for abortion to be decriminalised in Northern Ireland. So, is abortion a healthcare right? Or should the rights of the unborn child also count?
Unbelievable? The limits of the universe and science – Marcelo Gleiser and Stacy Trasancos
Astrophysicist Marcelo Gleiser was recently awarded the Templeton Prize for his work in physics and cosmology, and the meaning and mystery in science and faith. As an agnostic, he made headlines by saying that ‘atheism is inconsistent with the scientific method’.
Unbelievable? Should we unhitch Christianity from the Old Testament? Andy Stanley vs Jeff Durbin
Andy Stanley is lead pastor of North Point Ministries, one of the largest churches in the USA. His preaching and new book ‘Irresistible: Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World’ has caused controversy by stating that the Bible should not be the foundation of Christian faith.
Unbelievable? When Faith Fails - Dominic Done and Andrew Whyte on dealing with doubt
Is doubt the enemy of faith? Dominic Done’s new book ‘When Faith Fails: Finding God in the shadow of doubt’ tells of his own journey of faith and doubt. He engages with ex-believer Andrew Whyte, whose doubts led him to abandon Christianity.
Unbelievable? A Christian and Muslim response to Secularism – James White and Abdullah Al-Andalusi
Muslim parents in Birmingham recently made headlines for protesting the teaching of LGBT issues in lessons at their primary school. So should Muslims and Christians who share common values join forces to respond to an increasingly secular world?
Unbelievable? Religious Fictionalism: Can you be a believer who doesn’t believe? Kristi Mair and Philip Goff
Philip Goff attends church even though he doesn’t believe in the doctrines of Christianity. He calls himself a ‘religious fictionalist’, believing that the practise of faith is more important than believing in supernatural claims.
Unbelievable? An agnostic tries church + Pedro Garcia’s conversion to Christianity
In a podcast special Justin introduces the projects of two listeners inspired by the Unbelievable? show.
What Christians believe...in 90 Seconds!
Evangelist Glen Scrivener gives a 90 second gospel presentation during his interview on Premier Christian Radio’s The Profile.
Unbelievable? Is God just Santa for grown ups?
Glen Scrivener gives his 90 second answer…
Glen Scrivener on biblical sex
Glen Scrivener gives his 90 second answer…
Unbelievable? What happens when you die?
Glen Scrivener gives his 90-second answer.
Is Jesus just a myth?
Glen Scrivener gives his 90 second answer…
Unbelievable? Are the miracles of Jesus unbelievable? Michael Shermer vs Luuk Vandeweghe
Atheist sceptic Michael Shermer debates Chrisitan apologist Luuk Vandeweghe on whether the miracles of Jesus recorded in the gospels can be treated as historically reliable.
Unbelievable? Did God raise Dr Sean George from the dead? Sean George, Hans Vodder and Bradley Bowen
Recorded live at the North West Miracles Conference, medical doctor Sean George tells his story, along with medical evidence, of how his heart stopped for an hour and 25 minutes, before his wife’s prayer brought him back to life again.
Unbelievable? Does God predetermine everything? Chris Date and Leighton Flowers debate scripture
Chris Date is a Calvinist who believes in the ‘meticulous divine providence’ of a God who predetermines every aspect of the Universe. Leighton Flowers used to be a Calvinist but now believes that God achieves his purposes while allowing genuine human freedom.
Unbelievable? Why William Tyndale’s Bible changed the world: Melvyn Bragg and Ben Virgo
Renowned British broadcaster Melvyn Bragg joins Justin to talk about why, as a non-believer, he holds the Bible in such high regard. His recent book ‘William Tyndale: A Very Brief History’ traces the life and legacy of the reformer William Tyndale whose English translation of the Bible laid the foundation for the King James Version.
Unbelievable? Is Identity Politics the new religion? James Lindsay, Esther O Reilly and Neil Shenvi
Social justice, woke politics, intersectionality, patriarchy, white privilege and diversity. Critical Theory and Identity Politics have created a lot of buzzwords and debate lately. Atheist James Lindsay believes it amounts to a religion in itself. He tells of the hoax ‘grievance studies’ project he helped to pull off and engages with Christian thinkers Esther O Reilly and Neil Shenvi on whether Identity Politics amounts to a form of religion.
Unbelievable? How should the Church respond to Transgender? Peter Lynas and Jenny-Anne Bishop
Justin is joined by transgender Christian Jenny-Anne Bishop and Peter Lynas of the Evangelical Alliance. Recently some feminists and sports personalities have raised concerns about transgender. There has been a huge surge in young people being referred for transition. Churches are also navigating how they respond.
5 Scientists Converted by the Evidence for God
These former atheist scientists now believe in God because of the evidence
Unbelievable? Don’t be meme! Randal Rauser and David Smalley debate 5 Christian and atheist memes
We debate the good, the bad and the ugly of Christian and atheist memes - images shared on social media with funny/snarky objections to the other side. Christian theologian Randal Rauser and atheist podcaster David Smalley debate 5 zingers, including one by atheist comedian Ricky Gervais.
Unbelievable? Are tongues, prophecy and charismatic gifts for today? Andrew Wilson & Simon Arscott
Justin hosts a debate between a Charismatic and Cessationist Christian. Church leader and theologian Andrew Wilson, author of the new book ‘Spirit and Sacrament: An invitation to Eucharismatic worship’, says that the gifts of tongues, healing and prophecy are still active in the church.
Unbelievable? Is scientism the new religion? JP Moreland vs Stephen Law (+ 2019 conference opens)
To mark the opening of ticketing for Unbelievable? The Conference 2019 (Sat 20 July), Justin hosts a dialogue between Christian philosopher JP Moreland Stephen and atheist philosopher Stephen Law.
Unbelievable? Debating abortion clinics - Sue Thayer (ex-Planned Parenthood) vs Ann Furedi (BPAS)
This programme covers sensitive issues and includes descriptions of abortion procedures. Listener discretion advised.
Unbelievable? Comedy, Christianity and being offensive - James Cary and Katy Brand
Is it ok to make jokes about religion? Where is the line between poking fun and being offensive? Justin is joined by Christian guest James Cary, BBC comedy writer and author of ‘The Sacred Art of Joking’, alongside comedian Katy Brand who recently told her story of being a former believer in her stand-up show ‘I was a teenage Christian’.
Unbelievable? John Lennox vs Peter Atkins - Can Science Explain Everything? Live Debate
Justin hosts a lively debate between John Lennox and Peter Atkins in front of a student audience at the University of Southampton. They debate whether science can answer all the questions we need to answer or whether some questions such as miracles, purpose and human morality require a supernatural explanation.
Unbelievable? Andy Bannister vs Peter Singer: Do we need God to be good?
Atheist moral philosopher Peter Singer and Christian thinker Andy Bannister on ‘Evolution, morality and being human: Do we need God to be good?’. They debate human rights, dignity, disability, the moral argument for God, suffering and much more.
Justin Welby • Thy Kingdom Come, tongues, Brexit, LGBT and church unity
Justin Welby the Archbishop of Canterbury speaks to Premier’s Justin Brierley about the evangelism and prayer initiative Thy Kingdom Come, praying in tongues, Brexit, politics, being the leader of the Anglican Church, and how he deals with controversy surrounding LGBT issues.
Debating an Atheist who took Christ out of Christmas Carols
Christian evangelist Glen Scrivener says that atheist musician TyLean Polley’s Christ-less carols can’t offer true comfort and joy.
Michael Brown: From heroin-shooting Jewish rock kid to messianic Jesus follower
Dr. Michael Brown grew up in a Jewish family but was shooting heroin by the time he was 15 as part of a rock-and-roll lifestyle. He tells Justin Brierley how An encounter with Jesus changed his life and led him to study the Hebrew scriptures to become an evangelist to Jews.
#MeToo and the Church: Egalitarian vs Complementarian • Natalie Collins & Phil Moore
Does egalitarian and complementarian theology help or harm men and women in the church? Natalie Collins a gender justice specialist and author of ‘Out Of Control: Couples, conflict and the capacity for change’ supports an egalitarian approach to male and female roles. For the Out Of Control conference https://www.nataliecollins.info/outof…
Unbelievable? 400 years of cosmology & faith - Dr Allan Chapman & Lord Martin Rees (+ Frank Viola)
Dr Allan Chapman is an Oxford historian, fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a Christian believer. His new book ‘Comets, Cosmology and the Big Bang: From Halley to Hubble’ traces 400 colourful years of astronomical advance and the faith of those involved.
Unbelievable? Are we raising a ‘snowflake’ generation? Jonathan Haidt & Andrew Wilson
Although he writes from a secular perspective, Jonathan Haidt’s books on moral psychology such as ‘The Righteous Mind’ have been praised by many evangelical Christians. His latest title is ‘The Coddling Of The American mind: How good intentions and bad ideas are setting up a generation for failure.’
Unbelievable? #MeToo and the Church: Egalitarian vs Complementarian • Natalie Collins & Phil Moore
Does the church need a #MeToo moment? Does egalitarian and complementarian theology help or harm men and women in the church?
Unbelievable? Unlikely: How a Christian evangelist & secular, gay mayor became friends. Kevin Palau & Sam Adams (+ John Dickson)
Justin chats to Kevin Palau of the Luis Palau Association, and Sam Adams, the first openly gay mayor of Portland. They talk about how they worked together, despite their differences, to make a difference in the city of Portland, and the lessons they have learned.
Unbelievable? The science behind Christmas: Mark Kidger & Gillian Straine (+ NT Wright)
In a Christmas special Justin is joined by priest and physicist Revd Gillian Straine and agnostic astronomer Mark Kidger of the European Space Agency. They discuss the scientific theories for the star of Bethlehem, who the Magi were and how scientists reconcile the miracles of Christmas with science. And… cute kids alert! We hear the Christmas story retold by 6 and 7yr olds.
Unbelievable? Render unto Caesar - Should the church keep out of economic politics? Andy Walton vs James Price
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby gave a keynote speech at the UK Trade Union Congress in September 2018 calling for the government to change its tax and welfare policies in order to support the neediest in society.
Unbelievable? Debating the Statement on Social Justice – Jarrod McKenna & James White
Are ‘social justice warriors’ a danger to the Gospel? In August 2018 a group of conservative Christians in the USA, led by John MacArthur, released The Statement On Social Justice And The Gospel to take a stand against the church being influenced by “questionable sociological, psychological, and political theories presently permeating our culture”. Some of the affirmations and denials in the document caused controversy among both evangelicals and progressives for its statements on political activism and racism.
Unbelievable? Bart Ehrman vs Peter J Williams – debating ‘Misquoting Jesus’
In a ‘classic playback’ edition of the show, Justin re-airs the debate he hosted with agnostic Bible scholar Bart Ehrman opposite Christian Bible scholar Peter J Williams.
Unbelievable? How should gay Christians express their sexuality? David Bennett & Justin Lee
In his new book ‘A War Of Loves’, David Bennett tells his story of being an atheist gay activist who experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity.
Unbelievable? The agnostic and the Bishop on searching for Christ in literature and life - Lord Richard Harries & Sir Anthony Kenny
Lord Richard Harries, former Bishop of Oxford is the author of ‘Haunted by Christ: Modern writers and the struggle for faith’ (SPCK). Philosopher Sir Anthony Kenny, former master of Balliol college Oxford, is the author of ‘Brief Encounters: Notes from a philosopher’s diary’ (SPCK) which recounts anecdotes from a life meeting significant personalities.
Unbelievable? Is War justified by Christianity and Nature? Michael Ruse vs Nigel Biggar
As Remembrance services take place to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1, Justin is joined by atheist guest Prof Michael Ruse and Christian guest Prof Nigel Biggar to discuss Darwinism, Christianity and just war theory.
Unbelievable? Andy Bannister vs Peter Singer – Do we need God to be good?
ustin is joined for the 6th episode of The Big Conversation by moral philosopher and atheist Peter Singer, professor of bioethics at Princeton University, and Christian theologian Andy Bannister of Solas Centre for Public Christianity.
Unbelievable? Halloween and horror films - Peter Laws & Michael Cummins
Should Christians take part in Halloween festivities? And is it ok to watch grisly horror films? These are the two questions debates by Peter Laws and Michael Cummins ahead of Halloween.
Unbelievable? A tale of two doubters: Austin Fischer & Ed Atkinson
Austin Fischer is a church pastor who tells the story of his own struggle with doubt in the book ‘Faith In The Shadows: Finding Christ in the midst of doubt’ and how he has kept his faith.
Unbelievable? Is Jesus the Jewish Messiah? Michael Brown vs Jonathan Romain
Michael Brown is a Messianic Jew and hosts The Line Of Fire radio show in the USA. He engages with liberal UK Reform rabbi Jonathan Romain on whether Jesus fulfilled the role of Messiah.
Alex O’Connor vs Cameron Bertuzzi Why is there something rather than nothing?
YouTube atheist Alex O’Connor (aka Cosmic Skeptic) debates apologist Cameron Bertuzzi of Capturing Christianity.
Michael Ruse vs John Lennox • Science, faith, and the evidence for God
John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University & Michael Ruse, Professor of Philosophy at Florida State University, go head to head in the 4th episode of The Big Conversation. Filmed in front in front of a live audience in London, they debate science, faith and the evidence for God.
Sean McDowell vs Hemant Mehta - what the other side gets wrong - Unbelievable? USA dialogue
Justin Brierley hosts Christian guest Sean McDowell and atheist blogger Hemant Mehta at a live recording of the Unbelievable? Podcast at Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon on Fri 31 August 2018.
NT Wright & Tom Holland • How St Paul changed the world (Full Show)
Justin Brierley is joined by leading New Testament scholar NT (Tom) Wright and popular historical writer Tom Holland to discuss how the apostle Paul changed the world as described in Wright’s recent book Paul: A Biography.
Hugh Ross vs Peter Atkins • Debating the origins of the laws of nature
Justin Brierley is joined by Astrophysicist and President of Reasons To Believe, Dr Hugh Ross and professor of physical chemistry Dr Peter Atkins to discuss whether the origins of the laws of nature lie in God or in ‘nothing’
Unbelievable? Daniel Dennett vs Keith Ward: Are we more than matter? Mind, consciousness and free will
In the 5th episode of The Big Conversation, Justin is joined by atheist guest Daniel Dennett and Christian guest Keith Ward.
Unbelievable? Hitchens vs Hitchens debate on War and God - podcast special
In this podcast special edition of the show Justin broadcasts the 2008 public debate between Christopher Hitchens and his brother Peter Hitchens.
Unbelievable? Peterson vs Harris, atheism and the alt-right – Esther O’Reilly and James Croft
Thousands of people recently attended four high-profile debates on religion and atheism between psychology professor Jordan Peterson and atheist writer Sam Harris.
Unbelievable? Live USA show: Sean McDowell & Hemant Mehta debate what atheists and Christians get wrong
Justin is joined by Christian apologist Sean McDowell and ‘Friendly Atheist’ blogger Hemant Mehta for a live audience edition of the show recorded at Westside A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
Unbelievable? Can Islam overcome sexism and violence? Ed Husain vs Beth Grove
Ed Husain was once a Muslim extremist. Today he is still a Muslim but says the Islam he once practised is a distorted version of the faith. In his new book The House of Islam: A Global History he argues that his religion needs to return to a once-golden age of pluralism, tolerance and diversity.
Unbelievable? Can Justin defend his own book? feat. David Johnson, Andrew Knight & Randal Rauser
Justin joins the debate fray himself this week as he tag teams with Christian apologist Randal Rauser to defend Unbelievable? the book against two atheist critics David Johnson and Andrew Knight.
Unbelievable? Debating the Kalam Cosmological Argument - Stephen Woodford (Rationality Rules) vs Blake Giunta
Keep kalam and carry on… In the second of two ‘deep dive’ shows into philosophical arguments for God, Justin is joined by atheist YouTuber Stephen Woodford (aka Rationality Rules) and Christian apologist Blake Giunta, creator of the Belief Map website.
Unbelievable? Why is there something rather than nothing? Alex O Connor & Cameron Bertuzzi debate the Argument from Contingency
In the first of two philosophical ‘deep dive’ shows debating famous ‘cosmological’ arguments for God, YouTube atheist Alex O Connor (aka Cosmic Skeptic) debates apologist Cameron Bertuzzi of Capturing Christianity.
Unbelievable? Theistic evolution, biology and purpose – Denis Alexander & Perry Marshall (plus Dominic Done)
Dr Denis Alexander is a notable British proponent of theistic evolution – the view that Christianity and Darwinian evolution are perfectly compatible. Many atheist biologists claim that evolution has disproved the idea of purpose in biology. Denis’ new book ‘Is There Purpose in Biology? The cost of existence and the God of love’ sets out how he believes Christians can still discern God’s purposes in evolutionary history.
Unbelievable? Faitheism: Why can’t atheists and Christians get along? Krish Kandiah & Terry Sanderson
Krish Kandiah’s new book ‘Faitheism: Why Christians and Atheists have more in common than you think’, aims to elevate the conversation between both sides.
Unbelievable? NT Wright and Tom Holland: How St Paul changed the world
Renowned New Testament scholar NT (Tom) Wright returns to Unbelievable? to talk about his latest book Paul: A Biography (SPCK). Joining Wright is historical writer Tom Holland, author of popular books on the rise and fall of the Roman empire such as Rubicon and Dynasty.
Steven Pinker vs Nick Spencer • Have science, reason and humanism replaced faith?
Harvard atheist Steven Pinker debates the future of humanity with Nick Spencer of Christian think-tank Theos.
Can we make sense of evil without God?
Hannah Timson of Humanist Students UK and Sharon Dirckx of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics join Justin Brierley on Unbelievable? to discuss whether a good God would allow evil.
Debating God: Jordan B Peterson, Steven Pinker, Daniel Dennett and more
The Big Conversation is a unique video series from Unbelievable? featuring world-class thinkers across the Christian and atheist community. Exploring science, faith, philosophy and what it means to be human.
Unbelievable? Live! in California: Ryan Bell vs Sean McDowell
Justin presents a live audience edition of the show from Church Everyday in Northridge, California. He’s joined by atheist Ryan Bell, a former Christian pastor who took ‘A Year Without God’ after coming to doubt his faith, and Sean McDowell a Christian thinker who tells his own journey of doubt and coming to a conviction that Christianity is true.
Unbelievable? Live in Canada – A Christian and atheist debate the foundation for human rights
Justin Brierley hosts a public dialogue between Christian Andy Bannister and atheist humanist Justin Trottier, live on stage at the Apologetics Canada conference in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Unbelievable? Leaving Islam: A Christian and atheist tell their stories. Abdu Murray & Aliyah Saleem
Aliyah Saleem was a Muslim at one time but is now an atheist. She tells her story and those of other former Muslims in ‘Leaving Faith Behind’.
Unbelievable? Derren Brown & Rev Richard Coles: Can we have meaning without God?
In the third Big Conversation episode, Justin is joined by illusionist Derren Brown and popstar-turned-media-priest Rev Richard Coles.
Unbelievable? Justin Brierley vs atheist David Smalley on Dogma Debate
In a podcast special Justin goes head to head with atheist podcast host David Smalley debating Justin’s arguments for Christianity in his book “Unbelievable? Why after, ten years of talking with atheists, I’m still a Christian”.
Unbelievable? Steven Pinker vs Nick Spencer: Have science, reason & humanism replaced faith?
In the second Big Conversation episode, Justin is joined by Harvard professor of psychology Steven Pinker and Nick Spencer of Christian think-tank Theos.
Unbelievable? Is there scientific evidence for Old Testament miracles? Colin Humphreys & Bob Price
Sir Colin Humphreys is a Cambridge scientist with an interest in Biblical studies. His book ‘The Miracles of Exodus: A Scientist’s Discovery of the Extraordinary Natural Causes of the Biblical Stories’ makes the case that events like the parting of the Red Sea, the stopping of the Jordan river and the sun standing still in Joshua all have a basis in scientific facts and natural causes. The miracle is in the timing of the events by God.
Unbelievable? Jordan Peterson vs Susan Blackmore: Do we need God to make sense of life?
Launching The Big Conversation debate series, Justin is joined by Canadian psychologist Jordan B Peterson who has risen to fame in recent months for his political, social and religious views. He engages with atheist psychologist Susan Blackmore on the psychology of belief.
Unbelievable? Where did the laws of nature come from? Hugh Ross vs Peter Atkins
Justin is joined by Christian astrophysicist Hugh Ross, founder of Reasons to Believe, and atheist scientist Peter Atkins of Oxford University, to debate whether the laws of nature came from ‘nothing’ or from God.
Unbelievable? Highlights from #JustAsk: Rob Parsons, Glen Scrivener, Sharon Dirckx, Ken Samples & more
Justin presents selected highlights from last weekend’s Unbelievable? The Conference 2018 #JustAsk.
Important announcement! The Big Conversation is coming.
Justin presents a mid-week bonus podcast to make an important announcement about the forthcoming Big Conversation series.
Unbelievable? Is John’s Gospel historically accurate? Lydia McGrew & Craig Evans debate
Christian philosopher Lydia McGrew has recently accused evangelical scholars such as Mike Licona and Craig Evans, of undermining the historical reliability of John’s gospel. She cites Evans’ interactions with Bart Ehrman in debate as giving away too much ground to a sceptical view.
Unbelievable? Is Christianity sexist? Paula Gooder & Francesca Stavrakopoulou
New Testament scholar Paula Gooder joins Justin to talk about her new book ‘Phoebe: A Story’ a fictional account of the life of the woman that St Paul entrusted with delivering his letter to the Romans. But have the ensuing centuries lost sight of the role of women such as Phoebe in the early church?
Unbelievable? How Can I Believe? John Cottingham & Richard Norman
Christian guest John Cottingham is a philosopher whose new book ‘How Can I Believe?’ offers advice on why belief in God can make sense and the human quest for the transcendent.
Unbelievable? Why would a good God allow evil? Sharon Dirckx & Hannah Timson
Sharon Dirckx of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics discusses the problem of suffering with Hannah Timson, head of Humanist Students UK. Hannah explains how she lost her faith in her late teens, in part because of the issue of suffering.
Unbelievable? Jordan Peterson, William Lane Craig & Rebecca Goldstein debate the meaning of life. A Podcast special.
A recent dialogue event at Wycliffe College, Canada saw Jordan B Peterson, Rebecca Goldstein and William Lane Craig in conversation on the question “Is there meaning to life?”
Unbelievable? Can faith survive cancer and science? Gillian Straine & Alom Shaha
Rev Gillian Straine is an Anglican priest with a background in science. She tells the story of how she dealt with the spiritual and medical challenges of being diagnosed with cancer aged 21, as told in her book ‘Cancer: A Pilgrim’s Companion’.
Unbelievable? Bart Campolo & Sean McDowell: Why Bart lost his faith, why Sean kept his
Bart Campolo is the son of high-profile Christian speaker, author and sociologist Tony Campolo. Bart became a Christian in his teens and went on to run an inner city Christian youth ministry. However Bart recently announced that he had lost his faith altogether and become a Humanist chaplain.
Unbelievable? Is death a tragedy for atheists, is resurrection wishful thinking for Christians? Glen Scrivener & Michael Collett
In this Easter weekend edition of the show Justin hosts a dialogue between evangelist Glen Scrivener (who is speaking at Unbelievable? 2018) and atheist journalist Michael Collett. Glen’s recent book ‘Divine Comedy, Human Tragedy: What is life?’ is an evangelistic book on why Christianity makes sense of the tragedy of death.
Unbelievable? Does Calvinism excuse sinners and make God guilty? Guillaume Bignon & Paul Franks
alvinist theology holds that everything is pre-ordained by God. Critics say that such a deterministic view makes God morally responsible for evil and means that sinners can’t be blamed for their wrongdoing – after all they were predestined to do it.
Unbelievable? Live in Canada. Andy Bannister & Justin Trottier debate the foundation of human rights
Justin hosts a public dialogue between Christian Andy Bannister and atheist humanist Justin Trottier, live on stage at the Apologetics Canada conference in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Unbelievable? Do we need to rethink petitionary prayer? Mark Karris & Steve Jeffery
Mark Karris is author of ‘Divine Echoes: Reconciling prayer with the uncontrolling love of God’. He believes Christians often have the wrong idea both about asking for things in prayer and the God they are asking.
Unbelievable? Mythicism debate: Did St. Paul believe in a real or ‘celestial’ Jesus? Richard Carrier vs Jonathan McLatchie
One of the leading voices in ‘Jesus mythicism’, Richard Carrier, joins Justin on the show. He debates his theory that the apostle Paul only believed in a ‘celestial’ spiritual version of Jesus, not a flesh-and-blood man.
Unbelievable? Debating ID – Can evolution explain the bacterial flagellum? Jonathan McLatchie vs Keith Fox
A bacterial flagellum acts as the outboard motor on a bacteria. But is the complex arrangement of parts that enable it to do its job a result of design or evolution? Michael Behe first opened the debate on the ‘irreducible complexity’ of biochemical machines in his 1996 book Darwin’s Black Box.
Unbelievable? Debating embryonic stem cells & biotechnology - Fuz Rana & Robert Stovold
Stem cells are an early development form of cells with the potential to turn into any part of the human system. They are used medically for regenerative therapy to treat many conditions. However stem cells have traditionally been harvested from early-stage embryos causing concerns for those who believe life begins at conception.
Unbelievable? Is it time to ditch the label ‘evangelical’? Frank Schaeffer, Randal Rauser & Sam Hailes
In the age of Trump, the term ‘evangelical’ is increasingly associated with right-wing political views and fundamentalism. So is the evangelical label a lost cause? Randal Rauser argues we should hold on to the term while Frank Schaeffer, son of the late Francis Schaeffer, argues we should ditch the evangelical movement his famous father helped to create.
Unbelievable? Can we find God in a suffering world? Richard Harries & Michael Ruse (+ Jordan B Peterson debate preview)
Lord Richard Harries is the former Bishop of Oxford and a life peer in the House of Lords. His book ‘The Beauty And The Horror: Finding God in a suffering world’ (SPCK) delves into art, history and literature to show why Christianity can make sense of both the beauty and the tragedy of life.
Unbelievable? Boyd & Copan pt 2 - debating Amalekite destruction & Ananias and Sapphira
In the second part of their debate Greg Boyd and Paul Copan continue their conversation about Boyd’s new book The Crucifixion Of The Warrior God in which Boyd sets out a new way of reconciling Old Testament violence with the love of God shown on the cross.
Unbelievable? Old Testament violence: Greg Boyd & Paul Copan
Greg Boyd’s new 2-volume book The Crucifixion Of The Warrior God is a new theological approach to understanding Old Testament violence and warfare through the cross of Christ.
Unbelievable? The Tim Farron affair: Are evangelicals no longer welcome in politics? David Robertson & Jonathan Bartley
During his time as leader of the Liberal Democrat party, Tim Farron was repeatedly questioned about his views on homosexuality and gay sex. When he resigned he said “To be a political leader and to live as a committed Christian, has felt impossible for me”. On a recent Premier Christian Radio interview he reignited the controversy by stating that he regrets saying that gay sex was not a sin.
Unbelievable? Meet a Street Epistemologist: Pascoe Rapacci vs Cameron Bertuzzi
Street Epistemology has become popular among many atheists as a conversational way to interrogate people’s spiritual beliefs. Popularised by atheist philosopher Peter Boghossian in his book “A Manual For Creating Atheists” the movement is now seeking to create 10,000 street evangelists for atheism.
Unbelievable? Is apologetics a dead end? Sean McDowell & Myron B Penner
Myron B Penner wrote ‘The End of Apologetics: Christian witness in a postmodern context’. He argues that rational defence of the Christian faith can become a form of idolatry and that modern believers need to rethink their relationship with apologetics.
Unbelievable? Debating The Atheist Christmas Carol Album. TyLean Polley & Glen Scrivener
Is it ok to take the Christ out of Christmas carols? That’s what TyLean Polley has done with The Atheist Christmas Album. She explains why she’s produced an album of classic carols to secular lyrics.
Unbelievable? Hinge: an atheist & Christian seek the truth about Jesus. Plus Jarrod McKenna interview
Hinge is a brand new documentary style podcast co-hosted by atheist Cory Markum and Christian pastor Drew Sokol. Justin plays out the first episode of Hinge and talks to Cory and Drew about their project to look into the evidence for the historical Jesus.
Unbelievable? Was Jesus a failed apocalyptic prophet? Matthew Hartke & Andrew Perriman
After becoming disillusioned with failed prophecies at the charismatic church he was part of, Matthew Hartke lost his faith altogether when he become convinced Jesus himself was a failed apocalyptic prophet.
Unbelievable? 5 Proofs of the Existence of God – Ed Feser vs Arif Ahmed
Ed Feser is a Catholic philosopher whose latest book ‘Five Proofs of the Existence of God’ presents five classical arguments that he believes present compelling evidence for theism.
Unbelievable? Why we left Mormonism. Lynn Wilder & Corey Miller talk to current Mormon James Holt
Lynn Wilder and Corey Miller are among 4 scholars who tell their story of leaving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the new book ‘Leaving Mormonism’.
Unbelievable? Justin tells the story of Unbelievable? Audiobook chapter 1 bonus episode
With the release of the audiobook version of “Unbelievable? Why, after ten years of talking with atheists, I’m still a Christian”, show host Justin Brierley plays the Introduction and Chapter 1 on this bonus episode.
Unbelievable? Debating science and spiritual practices – Rupert Sheldrake vs Susan Blackmore
Rupert Sheldrake is often regarded as a maverick in science. He had his TED talk on the “Science Delusion” banned after other scientists objected. In his new book “Science and Spiritual Practices” he makes the case for the proven scientific benefit of religious practices.
Unbelievable? Is miracle healing for real? Ken Fish vs Frances Janusz + 2 healing stories
Christians as well as sceptics are often dubious of miracle healing claims. Ken Fish trained under John Wimber and now travels the world with Kingdom Fire Ministries to heal and train people. He believes thinking christians should embrace the miraculous as part of their faith and that it can serve as a sign to sceptics of Christ’s power.
Unbelievable? Is Science Mike right about God, evidence and the benefits of believing? Mike McHargue & JD Walters
Mike McHargue (aka Science Mike) joins Justin again to revisit his book ‘Finding God In The Waves’ about his deconversion to atheism and reconversion to Christian faith.
Unbelievable? Does God or Naturalism best explain the Universe? Sean Carroll vs Luke Barnes
Eminent cosmologists Sean Carroll and Luke Barnes join Justin for an extended edition of the show debating naturalism, Theism, Big Bang cosmology and fine tuning.
Unbelievable? Why atheists should go to church - Andy Hill & Glen Scrivener (+ Bruxy Cavey)
ndy Hill is an atheist who swapped hard-partying for pushing a buggy after his child was born. At a loose end with his son, he popped into a local church one day… and has continued going since. He discusses with Christian evangelist Glen Scrivener why, even though he doesn’t believe, he thinks atheists like him should try churchgoing.
Unbelievable? Do Genesis and genetics support a young earth or long-term evolution? John Mackay vs Keith Fox
Australian young earth creationist John Mackay joins Justin along with theistic evolutionist Keith Fox to debate evolution.
Unbelievable? Why I became a Protestant. Why I converted to Catholicism. Chris Arnzen & James Bogle
To mark the 500th anniversary of The Reformation, Justin interviews two converts. One left his Catholic background for Reformed Baptist faith, the other went from Anglican to staunch Catholic.
Unbelievable? Can secularism save the West? Peter Hitchens & Andrew Copson
Andrew Copson of Humanists UK is the author of new book ‘Secularism: politics, religion and freedom’. He engages with Mail on Sunday journalist Peter Hitchens on whether secularism is the best future for the West, the ‘myth’ of neutrality, Islam and gay cakes. Juno the puppy also features.
Unbelievable? Rodney Stark Q&A + Nabeel Qureshi remembered by David Wood
n the first half of today’s show Justin puts listener questions to eminent sociologist of religion Rodney Stark, author of ‘The Rise of Christianity’ and ‘Reformation Myths’.
Unbelievable? Ask Alvin Plantinga Anything - answering your questions
Alvin Plantinga is being awarded the 2017 Templeton Prize in honour of his lifetime contribution to philosophy. The influential thinker has been at the forefront of the revival of philosophical arguments for God as well as making important contributions to the science and faith debate.
Unbelievable? Debating out-of-body and near-death experiences: Susan Blackmore & Graham Nicholls
As as student Susan Blackmore had an out-of-body experience that convinced her of the paranormal. However, after years of research, she came to the conclusion that such experiences are a purely brain phenomenon and not evidence of anything supernatural. Her new book ‘Seeing Myself: the new science of out-of-body experiences’ tells her story.
Unbelievable? Debating the Unbelievable? book… Round 2. Justin Brierley & Mike Rand
Justin gets a second interrogation from retired agnostic police officer Mike Rand who returns to continue the conversation with the show host about his Christian faith and new book ‘Unbelievable? Why, after ten years of talking with atheists, I’m still a Christian’.
Unbelievable? Is the Trinity in the Old Testament? Glen Scrivener vs Musharraf Hussain
Evangelist Glen Scrivener of Speak Life engages with Imam Musharraf Hussain on whether the Old Testament scriptures support the Christian view of God as Trinity or the Islamic view of Tawhid - the indivisible oneness of God.
Unbelievable? The politics of UK & US evangelicals - Hatcher, Walton, Zmirak & Flannagan (…plus Skye Jethani)
White Christian evangelical voters played a significant part in electing Donald Trump to the White House and have traditionally been aligned with the US Republican Party. But UK evangelicals have very different political habits according to Prof Andrea Hatcher, author of “Political and Religious Identities of British Evangelicals”.
Unbelievable? Live at Creation Fest: Why I am a Christian, Why I am a Humanist – Andy Bannister & Mark Preedy
Justin presents a live audience edition of the show from the Creation Fest UK event in Wadebridge, Cornwall. He is joined by Christian apologist Andy Bannister and Mark Preedy of Cornwall Humanists.
Unbelievable? Moses and the Exodus - Archaeological Fact or Fictional Fable? Ted Wright vs Bob Price
Critics of the Old Testament say that the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt is a myth and that no archaeological evidence outside scripture exists for the story.
Unbelievable? Does Science need God? David Hutchings, Tom McLeish & Suzie Sheehy
David Hutchings is a physics teacher and prof Tom McLeish chairs the Royal Society’s education committee. They are both Christians and have co-authored the book ‘Let there be Science: Why God Loves Science and Science needs God’ arguing that the Christian worldview has fuelled many of the greatest leaps forward in science.
Unbelievable? Can science, God (or both) explain the human quest for meaning? Alister McGrath & Colin Blakemore
Former atheist biologist-turned-Christian theologian Alister McGrath returns to the show. His new book ‘The Great Mystery’ argues that we need both science and faith to understand our place in the universe and the quest for human meaning.
Unbelievable? An ex-abortionist & pro-choice doctor debate - Haywood Robinson vs Wendy Savage
Warning: This programme contains descriptions of abortion procedures.
Unbelievable? Grill Paul Copan
Christian philosopher Paul Copan joins Justin to field a variety of questions sent in by show listeners.
Unbelievable? Does God Exist? Ireland debate - William Lane Craig vs Daniel Came
In a podcast special Justin shares the audio from the debate that took place in Dublin, Ireland between Christian philosopher William Lane Craig and atheist philosopher Daniel Came.
Unbelievable? Justin gets interrogated. Former police officer Mike Rand grills Justin on his faith and new book.
To mark the publication of his new book Unbelievable? Why, after ten years of talking with atheists, I’m still a Christian this week the tables are turned on Justin as he gets interviewed by agnostic show listener (and former police officer) Mike Rand.
Unbelievable? Why are there differences in the Gospels? Mike Licona & Richard Burridge
Differences between the same stories, words and timelines in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John have been noted since the early days of the Church. Critics claim the differences put the historical reliability of the Gospels into question.
Unbelievable? Does evil prove God exists? Frank Turek vs Alex O Connor (aka Cosmic Skeptic)
Christian apologist Frank Turek is an author, speaker and radio show host well known for engaging sceptical students. In this show he dialogues with young atheist Alex O Connor who runs the popular Cosmic Skeptic YouTube channel.
Unbelievable? Conference 2017 highlights: John Lennox, Beth Grove, Andy Bannister & more
Justin presents highlights from this year’s Unbelievable? the Conference in London, including John Lennox’s opening address and the Panel Q&A.
Unbelievable? Buddhism, Christianity, Nirvana & Salvation - Alex Crowe & Ken Samples
Alex Crowe is a Buddhist who engages with Ken Samples author of ‘God Among Sages: Why Jesus is not just another religious leader’ that compares and contrasts Jesus with founding figures from all the main religions.
Unbelievable? Why, after 10 years of talking with atheists, I’m still a Christian. Justin Brierley
Justin’s new book “Unbelievable? Why, after ten years of talking with atheists, I’m still a Christian” is now available for pre-order. Justin airs the talk and Q&A he gave at the book launch at Unbelievable? the Conference 2017 titled “Not So Unbelievable”.
Unbelievable? Is porn harmful to society? Matt Fradd, Charlotte Rose and Adam Scarborough
Online pornography is a multi-billion dollar industry. But what effect is its proliferation having on those who consume it? Matt Fradd, author of The Porn Myth, argues that science is showing that widespread porn addiction is adversely affecting relationships, sexuality and society.
Unbelievable? When atheists ‘sincerely disbelieve’ - Michael Collett & Gary Habermas
Michael Collett is a journalist for ABC News in Australia. He recently wrote a popular online article titled “God and the problem of sincere disbelief” which charted his own loss of faith from Christianity to atheism.
Unbelievable? The Reformation: return to truth or tragic mistake? James White vs Peter D Williams
2017 marks 500 years since Martin Luther kickstarted the Protestant Reformation. But was the split between the Catholic and Protestant church a return to truth or a tragic mistake?
Unbelievable? Did Jesus die on the cross? James White vs Yusuf Ismail (plus Lydia McGrew interview)
The Qu’ran states that Jesus did not die on the cross, but rather ‘it was made to appear’ so. Yet, historians cite Jesus’ death by crucifixion as one of the best attested facts of the ancient world.
Unbelievable? Are Christians free to express their faith? Joe Boot vs Terry Sanderson
Joe Boot is a theologian and apologist based in Canada who will be speaking at the forthcoming Our God Reigns conference in North London on Sat 22 April.
Unbelievable? Can atheists believe in human rights? Peter Tatchell vs Andy Bannister
Andy Bannister of Solas CPC will be speaking at Unbelievable? The Conference 2017 and is behind a number of short films critiquing atheism.
Unbelievable? Does God Exist? William Lane Craig vs Michael Nugent
Justin presents the audio of a recent debate between Christian philosopher William Lane Craig and atheist Michael Nugent of Atheist Ireland.
Unbelievable? Did God Create Humanism? Theo Hobson & Andrew Copson
Did God Create Humanism? Theo Hobson & Andrew Copson
Unbelievable? Ask John Lennox Anything – on atheism, mathematics, CS Lewis and much more
Oxford mathematician and Christian thinker John Lennox will be the keynote speaker at Unbelievable? the Conference 2017 on Sat 13th May. He joins Justin to respond to a variety of questions sent in by show listeners including “What would convince you to become an atheist?”, “How do you stay cool in debates?” and “Tell us about being taught by CS Lewis”.
Unbelievable? Krishna, Christ and Hinduism debate – Ken Samples and Dipen Rajyaguru
‘God Among Sages: Why Jesus is not just another religious leader’ is a new book by Ken Samples of Reasons To Believe that compares and contrast Jesus with founding figures from all the main religions. Krishna is a key figure in the Hindu religion. Ken debates with Dipen Rajyaguru of the Hindu Council UK.
Unbelievable? Why is God hidden? Justin Schieber and Blake Giunta
If God exists why doesn’t he make his existence more obvious to everyone? Atheist philosophers such as John Schellenburg have argued that God’s ‘hiddenness’ from non-believers who would otherwise want to be in a relationship with him is evidence that God does not exist. Justin Schieber return for a philosophical edition of the show to defend this objection against God.
Unbelievable? What happened to evolution at the Royal Society? Stephen Meyer & Perry Marshall
A meeting of top biologists from around the world at the Royal Society last November was convened to study new trends in evolutionary theory. It has led to speculation that the Neo-Darwinian paradigm is in crisis and is becoming widely rejected in the scientific community.
Unbelievable? Does the moral argument for God work? Cory Markum vs John Cranman
Christian apologist John Cranman presents his version of the Moral Argument arguing that God is the best explanation of the existence of objective moral values and duties.
Unbelievable? Are atheists stealing from God? Frank Turek vs David Smalley
Frank Turek is a Christian apologist, author and host of the US radio call in show Cross Examined. His book ‘Stealing From God: Why atheists need God to make their case’ argues that skeptics steal from a Christian worldview to make their case for atheism.
Unbelievable? Should Christians embrace or reject Theistic Evolution? Wayne Rossiter & Denis Alexander
Wayne Rossiter was an atheist biologist who experienced an adult conversion to Christianity. He also changed his mind about evolution and his recent book ‘Shadow of Oz: Theistic Evolution and the Absent God’ argues that those who claim Darwinian evolution is compatible with Christianity are being misleading.
Unbelievable? Was Jesus created as an ancient myth? Richard Carrier vs David Marshall
David Marshall is a Christian thinker and author whose latest book “Jesus is no Myth!: The fingerprints of God on the Gospels” aims to refute claims by authors such as Bart Ehrman, Reza Aslan and Richard Carrier that the Gospels borrowed from other religious figures and mystery religions of their day to create their picture of Jesus.
Unbelievable? An Atheist and a Christian walk into a bar… Justin Schieber and Randal Rauser
Randal Rauser is a Christian theologian and philosopher, Justin Schieber is an atheist philosopher. They’ve written a conversational book together called “An Atheist and a Christian Walk into a bar… Talking about God, The universe and everything” (Prometheus).
Unbelievable? My friend the atheist churchgoer - Joe Ogborn & Tom Hallam
Joe Ogborn is a Christian who has been going to church in Cambridge with his friend Tom Hallam for several years. But Tom is an atheist.
Unbelievable? How I lost my child but kept my faith - Jessica Kelley
In a New Year’s Eve special, Justin interviews two women involved in theology and apologetics in different ways.
Unbelievable? The Star of Bethlehem - Fact or Fiction? Colin Nicholl, Aaron Adair & Mark Kidger
In a Christmas Eve edition of the show Justin is joined by Christian guest Colin Nicholl, atheist Aaron Adair and agnostic Mark Kidger, each of whom has written a book on the star of a Bethlehem from different perspectives.
Unbelievable? Was Hitler anti-Christian? Richard Weikart vs Richard Carrier
Hitler is often claimed to have been an atheist or a Christian by believers and skeptics eager to put the dictator in the other’s camp. Christian historian Richard Weikart argues he was neither in his new book “Hitler’s Religion: The twisted beliefs that drove the Third Reich”.
Unbelievable? Finding God in the Waves – Mike McHargue and Benn Watts
Mike McHargue – known as ‘Science Mike’ - was a Christian who lost his faith then found it again through science. He tells his story of coming back to faith through an experience on a beach and how he now puts science and Christian faith together.
Unbelievable? Does God Exist? David Wood vs Michael Shermer debate
In this podcast only edition of the show you can hear a public debate that took place between Christian apologist David Wood and atheist Michael Shermer.
Unbelievable? Is design in nature undeniable? Doug Axe vs Keith Fox
Doug Axe is a molecular biologist who says that his work on molecular systems convinced him that life is designed, rather than a result of unguided evolution. He lays out the evidence in the book ‘Undeniable: How biology confirms our intuition that life is designed’ and why his intelligent design conclusions got him into trouble as a researcher in Cambridge.
Unbelievable? Should modern biology make us rethink theology? Luke Janssen vs Fuz Rana
Luke J Janssen once took a literalistic view of the creation story in scripture. But his studies in biology, genetics and evolution made him change his mind on how Christians should think. His book “Standing on the shoulders of giants: Genesis and Human Origins” says the church needs to rethink much of its doctrine in light of modern biology.
Unbelievable? What happened on the cross? NT Wright & Tom Schreiner. 500th podcast episode.
NT (Tom) Wright’s new book “The Day the Revolution Began: Reconsidering the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion” says that the cross was about much more than Jesus absolving us of sin.
Unbelievable? Ask NT Wright anything - Listener Q&A
Justin is joined for the first of two shows by renowned Bible scholar NT (Tom) Wright. He answers a variety of questions sent in by both sceptical and Christian listeners. Topics include John’s gospel, the resurrection, innerancy and hell.
Unbelievable? Tim Keller vs Jeremy Rodell - Do humans make sense without God?
NYC’s pastor-to-the-sceptics Tim Keller debates atheist Jeremy Rodell. Tim’s new book ‘Making Sense of God: An invitation to the sceptical’ is a prequel to his bestselling 2008 book ‘The Reason For God’.
Unbelievable? Should Christians vote for Trump? Christina Rees, John Zmirak, Eric Metaxas & Tony Campolo
As the most bitter and controversial US election in history approaches its conclusion, Justin is joined by Christians of varying political persuasions. Donald Trump’s nomination has split evangelicals, but Hillary Clinton is also disliked by many in both parties. Former chair of Women And The Church, Christina Rees debates with John Zmirak, senior editor at conservative blog Stream.org.
Unbelievable? What does Revelation say about Hell? Chris Date & Rob Wiesner
Revelation remains a closed book of the New Testament to many Christians. In this episode Justin is joined by Chris Date and Rob Wiesner to talk about the nature of Revelation and what it actually says about Hell and judgement.
Unbelievable? Why I changed my mind about Christian history - Tom Holland & Larry Hurtado
Historian Tom Holland recently penned an article for The New Statesman on why he changed his mind about Christianity. Holland is the author of popular books on ancient empires and says his research made him realise how unique Christianity was in its infancy. He claims that, despite secular arguments that Christianity hinders moral progress, the West actually owes its values of equality and human dignity to the religion.
Unbelievable? Multiverse Show 2: Fine-tuning fights back! Luke Barnes & Max Andrews
Following a recent show in which both guests argued in favour of the multiverse, Justin is joined by Luke Barnes, an Australian physicist whose new book ‘A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos’ makes the case for the fine tuning of our universe for life and is co-written with Geraint Lewis. Luke is sceptical of the ability of multiverse theory and its ability to solve the riddle of fine tuning and explains why.
Jesus - Lunatic or Lord? Alister McGrath
With over 1.5 million downloads last year, Unbelievable? is the apologetics podcast everyone is talking about. Even Richard Dawkins has been on it!
Unbelievable? Kierkegaard: A Single Life - Stephen Backhouse & Jane Williams
Justin hears about the unusual life of Soren Kierkegaard in a theological edition of the show. Author Stephen Backhouse explains how the 19th Century theologian/philosopher has shaped the modern world and today’s Christian faith.
Unbelievable? Who’s afraid of the Multiverse? Jeff Zweerink & Skydive Phil
The word ‘multiverse’ has been on the lips of both physicists and apologists in recent years. In this show Justin is joined by atheist Phil Harper and Christian astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink of Reasons To Believe.
Unbelievable? Live! in California: Ryan Bell & Sean McDowell on ‘Why I am an atheist / Why I am a Christian’
Justin presents a live audience edition of the show from Church Everyday in Northridge, California. He’s joined by atheist Ryan Bell, a former Christian pastor who took ‘A Year Without God’ after coming to doubt his faith, and Sean McDowell a Christian thinker who tells his own journey of doubt and coming to a conviction that Christianity is true.
Unbelievable? Derren Brown show 2: discussing miracles and healing
Justin continues his conversation with illusionist and atheist Derren Brown. They discuss his latest stage show Miracle where Derren appears to be able to heal people and even ‘slay’ them in the spirit. Does his ability to produce manufactured miracles show that healing claims are a con? They also discuss where the burden of evidence lies when it comes to miracles and God.
Unbelievable? Derren Brown discusses Christianity, atheism and the resurrection
Derren Brown, the UK’s most famous illusionist and mentalist, was once a Christian. In the first of a two part special, he talks to Justin Brierley about why he lost his faith, and about his latest stage show Miracle in which he plays the persona of a healing evangelist. Justin and Derren also discuss the resurrection of Jesus, atheism and finding meaning in life. Next week’s show sees them discuss in detail the content of the Miracle stage show.
Unbelievable? Is belief in God ‘properly basic’? Tyler McNabb vs Stephen Law
Today’s show debates philosopher Alvin Plantinga’s reformed epistemology and his view that Christians have a ‘properly basic’ belief in God. Can Christians be justified in their belief in God apart from argumentation?
Unbelievable? Challenging Muslims with the Gospel – Jay Smith & Beth Grove
Jay Smith has led a Christian ministry engaging face to face with Muslims in London for over 20 years using polemics and apologetics. As he leaves the UK to undertake an international role Beth Grove will be leading the work in London through the newly established Pfander Centre for Apologetics. They talk about the joys and challenges of reaching Muslims in the UK, those they have seen convert, why the nature of the debates have changed and the new arguments critiquing the historicity of Mecca, Mohammed and the Koran.
Unbelievable? Did Hume Demolish Miracles? Michael Ruse vs Gary Habermas
Do extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence? The 18th century philosopher David Hume is credited with originating the phrase often used by atheists and sceptics. In a second show, Christian philosopher Gary Habermas and atheist philosopher Michael Ruse debate whether Hume established that it is irrational to believe in miracles.
Unbelievable? Is atheist naturalism coherent? Gary Habermas vs Michael Ruse
Gary Habermas is Professor of Philosophy and Apologetics at Liberty University. Michael Ruse is Professor of Philosophy of Science at Florida State University.
Unbelievable? Religious experience, relationships & apologetics - Richard Morgan & Frances Janusz
Richard Morgan was an atheist for many years before a sudden epiphany (via the Richard Dawkins website) brought him to Christian faith. He enjoys dialoguing online with other atheists but finds apologetics limited in how far it can persuade people. 8 years on from his conversion he takes an ‘apophatic’ approach to his faith and believes relationships are far more important than argument and evidence.
Unbelievable? The Conference 2016 Highlights show + Unbelievable Live in the USA
Justin presents some highlights from this year’s Unbelievable Conference including the opening address by evangelist J.John, and snippets from the Reaching Young People, Rules of Engagement and What If They Ask Me? Seminar streams. The show concludes with highlights from the Panel Q&A at the end of the day.
Unbelievable? The Ex-atheist & the Ex-Christian – Holly Ordway & Vanessa James
Holly Ordway is Professor of English and Director of the M.A. in Apologetics at Houston Baptist University. She was a happy atheist, but was converted to Christianity through apologetics and her love of literature. Vanessa James is a musician who was a committed Christian until a few years ago when she lost her faith and became an atheist.
How a Dice can show that God exists
Is the universe that produced us just a result of a chance roll of the cosmic dice? Justin Brierley, presenter of the apologetics debate show Unbelievable? explains why his dice (yes we know it should be ‘die’ really) proves otherwise.
How a Dice can show that God exists
Is the universe that produced us just a result of a chance roll of the cosmic dice? Justin Brierley, presenter of the apologetics debate show Unbelievable? explains why his dice (yes we know it should be 'die' really) proves otherwise.
Unbelievable? Were the apostles martyred for their faith? Sean McDowell vs Ken Humphreys
The argument that ‘the followers of Jesus wouldn’t have suffered and died for a lie’ is often used as evidence for the resurrection. But in recent years attacks have been mounted on whether the martyrdom accounts of the apostles are reliable.
Unbelievable? Is God a God of wrath? Joshua Ryan Butler & Brian Zahnd
How should Christians interpret scriptures that describe the ‘wrath’ of God? Did God punish Jesus on the cross? Are we punished for our sins or do we merely suffer the ‘consequences’ of them?
Unbelievable? Should we Stay or should we Go? Christians debate the EU referendum
Hear the live debate in Woking with 4 speakers putting the Christian case for and against the UK leaving the European Union.
From Hopeless Addict To Passionate Evangelist
A series of terrible tragedies in his early years led to Peter Gladwin’s addictions to gambling and alcohol. Having lost all hope, he came close to suicide. Then, one telephone call changed everything
Sally Phillips- How I Became a Christian
The comedy actress known for her roles in Miranda and Bridget Jones talks about her Christian conversion and her campaign for Down’s syndrome equality
Unbelievable? Grill Greg Koukl - Questions on prayer, atonement & God’s hiddenness
Christian apologist Greg Koukl joins Justin ahead of an apologetics event in London in July. They take calls from atheist listeners on whether prayer makes sense if God already know what we’ll ask for, whether penal atonement is just, and why God remains hidden.
Unbelievable? How should the church treat LGBT people? Preston Sprinkle & Brandan Robertson
Preston Sprinkle, author of “People To Be Loved: Why homosexuality is not just an issue” joins Justin in studio. He dialogues with Brandan Robertson, a young gay evangelical who became gay affirming last year.
Unbelievable? Grill James White + Larry Taunton on bible study with Christopher Hitchens
Reformed apologist James White joins Justin again, this time to take calls from listeners on whether the apostles preached Jesus’ divinity, whether God is the author of evil, and whether Calvin wasn’t reformed enough.
Unbelievable? Is Open Theism a heresy? James White vs John Sanders
John E Sanders is one among a number of evangelical theologians such as Greg Boyd who have embraced Open Theism – the view that God does not necessarily have foreknowledge of all future events and that the future is open. Many evangelicals believe Open Theism is a heresy – denying the omniscience of God and going against Biblical teaching.
Unbelievable? Why Can’t Mike Believe? David Robertson & Mike Rand
Mike Rand is an agnostic who has been listening to Unbelievable? for several years. He is attracted to aspects of the Christian faith but has certain intellectual objections which he hasn’t found satisfactory answers to yet.
Unbelievable? Is human life intrinsically valuable? Peter Singer, Richard Weikart & Susan Blackmore
Richard Weikart, professor of history at California State University, joins Justin to talk about his new book ‘The Death of Humanity’. He says the loss of belief in the value of human life is leading to disastrous consequences for society.
Unbelievable? A Tale of Two Megachurches – When Justin met Joel Osteen & Rob Bell
In this podcast-only edition of the programme, Justin Brierley delves into the archives to air a radio documentary which was first broadcast in 2009. He and his family went on a US road trip to visit two megachurches and meet their pastors.
Unbelievable? Have atheists got the wrong God? Rupert Shortt vs Jeremy Rodell
In his new book ‘God Is No Thing’ Rupert Shortt argues that many ‘new atheists’ have a faulty view of God that doesn’t take seriously the philosophical arguments that thinkers like Thomas Aquinas gave many centuries ago for the existence of God.
Unbelievable? Ehrman vs Bauckham Part 2: Can we trust eyewitness testimony?
Justin hosts the second part of a debate between noted Bible scholars Bart Ehrman and Richard Bauckham. Ehrman’s new book “Jesus Before the Gospels” makes the case that eyewitness testimony is very fallible and that the stories about Jesus that were written down in the Gospels would have changed shape over time.
Unbelievable? Are the Gospels based on eyewitness testimony? Bart Ehrman vs Richard Bauckham
Bart Ehrman’s new book “Jesus Before the Gospels” makes the case that the stories about Jesus would have changed and evolved before they were written down as the Gospels.
Unbelievable? Did Jesus’ followers believe he was God? Yusuf Ismail vs Jonathan McLatchie
In Islam, Jesus is regarded as a prophet. Muslims commonly claim that the Christian belief in Christ as co-equal with God is a corruption of Jesus’ message and that his first followers did not regard him as the Son of God.
Unbelievable? A Jewish sceptic investigates the resurrection: Michael Alter vs Jonathan McLatchie
Michael Alter is a Jew who spent a decade researching the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus after being challenged to investigate it. The result is his book ‘The Resurrection: A critical enquiry’. He was not eventually persuaded by the evidence he found. Part of his research responds to the so-called ‘minimal facts’ surrounding the story often cited by apologists.
Unbelievable? Is the fine-tuning of the Universe evidence for God? Robin Collins vs Peter Millican
Science has revealed that the fundamental constants and forces of the cosmos appear to be exquisitely fine-tuned to allow a universe in which life can develop. Is God the best explanation of the incredibly improbable odds of the universe we live in being a life-permitting one?
Unbelievable? Should Christians save sex for marriage? Dianna E Anderson & Sarah Long
Most evangelical churches teach young people that sex should be saved for marriage. But Dianna E Anderson’s book ‘Damaged Goods’ claims that the purity culture of the American church she grew up in can be damaging for young people and that sexual relationships before marriage are permissible for Christians.
Unbelievable? Does the problem of evil presuppose God? Josh Parikh vs Cory Markum
The problem of evil and suffering is a key objection to the existence of a loving God. But what if the very existence of moral ‘evil’ requires a God?
Unbelievable? Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God? Joseph Cumming & Nabeel Qureshi
A Wheaton college professor was recently threatened with dismissal after claiming that Muslims and Christians worship the same God.
Unbelievable? Was Christopher Hitchens right about religion? Peter Hitchens, Ed Turner & Peter Harris (plus Unbelievable? 2016 announced)
Until his death from cancer over four years ago, Christopher Hitchens was one of the preeminent figures of new atheism: a prolific writer who was eloquent, witty and in great demand for his speaking and debating.
Unbelievable? From Christian to Jewish to atheist – Luke Griffiss-Williams & Richard Harvey
Luke Griffiss-Williams has an interesting faith journey. Having been an evangelical Christian, doubts about the deity of Jesus led him to convert to Judaism. But further doubts about the historicity of the Old Testament led him to become an atheist.
Unbelievable? Are Christians happier than atheists? Ann Morisy & Craig James
The latest survey from the UK Office of National Statistics shows that religious people are happier than atheists. http://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Christians-more-happy-than-atheists
Unbelievable? Is belief in Divine punishment good or bad for us? Dominic Johnson and Peter S Williams
Dominic Johnson’s new book ‘God is Watching You: How the fear of God makes us human’ makes the claim that belief in divine punishment has arisen because of the evolutionary advantage it brings in creating cooperative, moral societies.
A Christian & an Atheist debate the purpose of suffering
Atheist philosopher, Julian Baggini and Christian apologist, Vince Vitale sat down with Justin Brierley to share their perspectives on the purpose of suffering.
Unbelievable? Devil’s Advocate Debate - Michael Ruse the theist vs Randal Rauser the atheist
It’s sometimes said that the best way to understands your opponent’s position is to put yourself in their shoes. Justin hosts an unusual edition of the show, in which his Christian and atheist guests swap roles.
Unbelievable? Is gay marriage bad for children? Bobby Lopez, James Croft & Jacob Clark
As gay marriage is legalised in countries around the world, some studies claim to show that rearing children in same sex families can be harmful. Bobby Lopez was raised by two lesbian mothers but today campaigns for the right of children to be raised by a biological mother and father.
Unbelievable? Is peace between Israel & Palestine possible? Salim Munayer, Lisa Loden & Andrew Sibley
Justin is joined by Palestinian Christian Salim Munayer and Jewish Christian believer Lisa Loden, authors of ‘Through My Enemy’s Eyes’, as they discuss the prospects for peace in Israel.
Unbelievable? Is it time for Evolution 2.0? Perry Marshall vs PZ Myers
Perry Marshall is an online marketing strategist with a background in computer engineering. His new book ‘Evolution 2.0: Breaking the deadlock between Darwin and Design’ claims to show a ‘third way’ which proves evolutionary changes are neither random not accidental but are targeted, adaptive and aware.
Unbelievable? Christmas special: Santa, the star & the atheist who loves Christmas. Colin Nicholl, Phil Vischer, Ruth Jackson, Nick Pandolfi & David Suchet
Justin is joined by a glittering array of guests for a Boxing Day edition of the show. Colin Nicholl author of ‘The Great Christ Comet’ discusses why he believes the Bethlehem star was a comet. Phil Vischer (creator of VeggieTales) and Ruth Jackson of Premier Childrenswork magazine debate whether we should encourage children’s belief in Father Christmas.
Unbelievable? Is the UK’s Christian heritage history? Peter Hitchens vs Terry Sanderson
A recent report on faith and public life in the UK recommended cutting back the role of Christianity to make space for other faiths and humanist points of view.
Unbelievable? Why do evangelicals lose their faith? Os Guinness & Rodney Wilson
Christian author and cultural critic Os Guinness’ new book called “Fools Talk: Recovering the art of Christian persuasion” is aimed at helping Christians develop a confident and winsome approach to engaging those who are closed to faith. He engages with ex-evangelical Rodney Wilson who has researched the reasons why evangelical Christians lose their faith in his book “Killing God” as they discuss the cultural and doctrinal barriers to embracing Christian faith.
Unbelievable? Ask me any question - 10th anniversary celebration edition
Unbelievable? has turned 10 years old! Justin answers a ton of questions sent in by listeners about the show, the guests and his own beliefs. We also hear some memorable moments from shows over the years, birthday greetings from selected friends and audio from the very first edition of the programme.
Unbelievable? Is Christianity holding Northern Ireland back? David Robertson vs Michael Nugent
This week’s episode is a podcast-only special featuring the audio of a recent debate between David Robertson of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity and Michael Nugent of Atheist Ireland.
Unbelievable? Is ISIS Islamic? Jeremiah J Johnston, Craig Evans, Inayat Bunglawala & Adnan Rashid
Following the terror attacks in Paris, Justin is joined by Christians and Muslims to debate whether Islamic State represents a true interpretation of Islam.
Unbelievable? Has science explained away God? David Glass, Peter Atkins & James Croft
Some atheists say that, as scientific explanations for the natural world multiply, God has become unnecessary as an explanation. David Glass who is researching the objection says this is not the case. God can act as an explanation alongside scientific ones.
Unbelievable? Can we build a godless, flourishing society? Alex Gabriel & Rich Park
Alex Gabriel is an atheist and Rich Park is a Christian. They enjoyed lengthy conversations in the pub while they were students at Oxford University.
Unbelievable? 2 views on suffering – Warfare vs Blueprint – Kurt Jaros & Ken Brownell
Is suffering planned as part of God’s sovereign will? Or is God not to blame, as suffering is the result of an ongoing cosmic spiritual battle?
Unbelievable? Is God the best explanation for apparent design in nature? – Jonathan McLatchie & Cory Markum
Jonathan McLatchie is a Christian currently studying cell biology at PhD level and an advocate of Intelligent Design (ID). Cory Markum is an atheist and a blogger at the Atheist Republic website. Cory critiques whether design and God are a good explanation in biology, while Jonathan defends ID.
Unbelievable? Revisiting the resurrection - Ed Atkinson vs Tony Costa
Ex-Christian Ed Atkinson has been investigating the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus following the “Summer of Scripture” debate between James Crossley and Gary Habermas.
Unbelievable? Who invented the universe? Alister McGrath & Jim Al-Khalili
Theologian Alister McGrath’s new book ‘Inventing The Universe’ weaves his own story of conversion from atheism to Christianity while studying science as a student, into the questions that modern science continues to provoke around God, atheism and meaning.
Unbelievable? Do Mormons believe in Grace? Bill McKeever & James Holt
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormonism) differs from mainstream Christianity in various ways. Some Christians, including Bill McKeever of Mormonism Research Ministry, say that LDS believers have an unbiblical view of Grace - the free gift of forgiveness by Christ.
Unbelievable? Homo Naledi and the Adam & Eve debate
Homo Naledi is one of the most significant hominin (human ancestor) fossil discoveries in history. But what are the implication of these hominid species in the evolutionary record for creation, and Adam and Eve?
Unbelievable? Up the Ladder in Hyde Park – Muslims & Christians in debate
he feature “Up the Ladder in Hyde Park”, originally broadcast in 2008, sees Justin meet Muslims and Christians engaged in rowdy debates at Speakers Corner in Hyde Park, London.
Unbelievable? Can Christians & atheists stop fighting? Randal Rauser & Alom Shaha
Christian theologian Randal Rauser’s new book “Is the atheist my Neighbour?” says that Christians often fail to extend respect and love towards atheists.
Unbelievable? Should China’s future be atheistic humanism or Christianity? John Lombard vs David Marshall
China is experiencing rapid Christian growth, with more Christian believers today than members of the Chinese Communist party.
Unbelievable? The Rainbow Through The Rain – A POW’s story in the Far East
The Rainbow Through The Rain tells the story of Geoffrey Mowat, the grandfather of Justin Brierley. Geoff was a Prisoner of War under the Japanese during World War 2, which included time spent under brutal conditions in the construction of Burma’s ‘Death Railway’. Through the experience Geoff developed a call to ministry in the church of England. When the programme first aired ten years ago it won First Prize in the Sandford St Martin Religious Broadcasting awards. The programme was recently rebroadcast to mark 70 years since the formal surrender of the Japanese to the Allies, bringing an end to World War 2 in the Far East,
Unbelievable? Can atheists have Meaning without God? Michael Ruse & Andy Bannister
Atheist philosopher Michael Ruse joins Justin as we spend a second week looking at Andy Bannister’s new book ‘The atheist who didn’t exist’.
Unbelievable? Is atheism a belief system? Andy Bannister vs Ed Turner
Andy Bannister is the author of ‘The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist’. Its amusingly titled chapters include ‘The Scandinavian sceptic (or: Why atheism is really a belief system)’.
Unbelievable? The case from science for & against God – Peter Atkins vs Zachary Ardern
Young Christian biologist Zahary Ardern goes up against longstanding atheist scientist Peter Atkins as each present their case for and against God.
Unbelievable? New Testament listener Q&A - Gary Habermas & James Crossley
Christian Bible scholar Gary Habermas and agnostic New Testament scholar James Crossley return to answer questions sent in by Unbelievable? listeners.
Unbelievable? Do the minimal facts support the resurrection? Gary Habermas & James Crossley
Christian philosopher and historian Gary Habermas has been at the forefront of the ‘minimal facts’ approach as evidence for the resurrection of Jesus.
Unbelievable? Ehrman vs McGrew - Round 2 – Do undesigned coincidences confirm the Gospels?
Bart D Ehrman and Tim J McGrew return to debate research by McGrew on the so-called ‘un-designed coincidences’ between different Gospel accounts that give them the ring of truth.
Unbelievable? Bart Ehrman vs Tim McGrew - Round 1 - Can we trust the Gospels?
Well known critical bible scholar Bart Ehrman discusses whether the Gospels are reliable historical records of Jesus’ life with Christian apologist and academic Tim McGrew.
Unbelievable? Can Christianity be true if Christians can’t agree on doctrine? Andrew Whyte vs Nabeel Qureshi
Andrew Whyte lost his faith after realising the diversity of Christian beliefs. He has developed a series of Youtube videos on the way Christians disagree about various doctrines and we hear some of the audio from them.
Unbelievable? John Lennox Premier Lecture - Going Against the Flow
Mathematician and Christian thinker John Lennox gave the Premier Lecture for the 20th Anniversary of the Radio station on June 10th.
Unbelievable? Jean Vanier & Students roundtable discussion
Philosopher and theologian Jean Vanier recently won the Templeton Prize for his 50 years as founder of L’Arche, an international network of Christian communities for people with and without intellectual disabilities.
Unbelievable? Caitlyn Jenner & Transgenderism: trans & ex-trans Christian debate
Gender Dysphoria is a condition in which a person feels their body does not match the gender they identify with.
Unbelievable? Does archaeology support the New Testament? Shahar Shilo & Byron McCane
A conversation on whether modern archaeology support the New Testament accounts. Two experts join Justin to talk about exciting recent finds and the kind of discoveries that both confirm and cause us to see in a new light certain parts of the Gospel accounts of Jesus.
Unbelievable? Does prayer make sense? David Wilkinson vs Ed Atkinson
David Wilkinson, Principal of St John’s College Durham and a physicist by background, addresses why prayers go unanswered in his new book When I Pray What Does God Do?.
Unbelievable? Is faith good for science? Ruth Bancewicz & Eugenie Scott
Ruth Bancewicz of the Faraday Institute, Cambridge describes how the Christian faith of present day scientists has positively influenced their work in her new book “God in the lab: How science enhances faith”.
Panel Discussion ∕∕ Unbelievable? Conf. 2014
How far can reason and evidence take us to Christ? Panel discussion hosted by Justin Brierley.
Unbelievable? Are Muslims turning to Christ around the world? David Garrison, Imam Musharraf Hussain & Nazam Guffoor
David Garrison, author of ‘A Wind in the House of Islam’ says that movements of Muslims becoming Christians are occurring globally in unprecedented numbers.
Unbelievable? The Islamic vs Christian view of God. Abdurraheem Green vs Jonathan McLatchie
What is God like? Muslims believe in Tahweed (oneness), Christians in the Trinity (three in one).
Craig, Hazen, Zweerink: Is Atheism Winning the Battle for Science? at Unbelievable? Conf. 2014
Dr William Lane Craig, Jeff Zweerink and Craig Hazen engage in a panel discussion on the battle for science
Unbelievable? Why Isn’t Tony a Christian? David Robertson & Tony Smollett
Justin chairs an open ended conversation between two Scots. Church leader David Robertson and atheist Tony Smollett.
Unbelievable? Why do young people leave church? Drew Dyck & Ben Watts
Ben Watts lost his faith and left his church in his late teens. He explains why, and engages in a discussion with Drew Dyck, author of ‘Generation Ex-Christian: Why young adults are leaving the faith and how to bring them back’.
Unbelievable? Does Scripture forbid same-sex relationships? Robert Gagnon vs Jayne Ozanne
Prof Robert Gagnon has become a well-known voice advocating the traditional biblical view on sexuality. In a highly charged show he debates the scriptural issues on sexuality with Jayne Ozanne, the director of Accepting Evangelicals who came out as gay earlier this year.
Unbelievable? The argument from consciousness to God - C’Zar Bernstein vs Arif Ahmed
In a philosophical edition of the show we debate whether humans are both a soul and a body, and does that provide evidence for God?
Unbelievable? Has the Big Bang gone bust? Phil Harper & Jeff Zweerink
Recent news headlines suggested that the theory of the Big Bang in which the universe had a beginning point, has been overturned. If it’s true, and the universe is eternal after all, would it consign cosmological arguments to the dustbin?
Unbelievable? Is the Turin Shroud the burial cloth of Christ? Alan Whanger vs Hugh Farey
Two guests with different views on the authenticity of the Turin Shroud join Justin to debate following his feature documentary on the Shroud.
Unbelievable? Have we misread the Adam and Eve story? John Walton vs Stephen Lloyd
John Walton, professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, Illinois, has authored the book The Lost World of Adam and Eve. He argues that Adam and Eve were intended as archetypes for humankind, and the story is not mean to be taken as an account of our material origins.
Unbelievable? Justin Welby evangelism interview & lecture
In a podcast special, we hear Premier’s Dave Rose interview the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, on how Christians can be more effective evangelists.
Unbelievable? Grill an apologist – members of UK Apologetics respond to sceptic callers
Ruth Preston, Calum Miller and Peter S Williams of the UK Apologetics Facebook group and blog take a variety of questions from callers.
Unbelievable? Debating the Ontological Argument - Peter S Williams & Peter Millican
Can God be proved by definition? That’s the claim of the Ontological Argument for God’s existence.
Unbelievable? Is the church failing gay Christians?
Church leader Steve Chalke is well known for his support of same-sex relationships. Ed Shaw is a same-sex attracted Christian whose traditional biblical convictions have led him to remain celibate. They discuss how churches should treat those in their congregation who are LGBT.
Steve Chalke and Ed Shaw ∕∕ Is church silence failing gay Christians?
Steve Chalke of Oasis Trust explains why he believes evangelical churches need to start a conversation on changing their theology on homosexuality to avoid tragic consequences for young, gay Christians.
Ed Shaw of Living Out is a same-sex attracted Christian whose Biblical convictions have led him to remain celibate. He says evangelical churches needs to talk about homosexuality but shouldn’t change their theology.
Unbelievable? Is Genocide a Skeleton in God’s closet?
Joshua Ryan Butler, author of ‘The Skeletons in God’s Closet’ discusses hell, judgement and holy war with Jeff Cook.
Jesus the Liar: Peter S Williams at Unbelievable? Conf. 2013
Was Jesus who he said he was? A presentation by Peter S Williams with Fuz Rana
Opening Address ∕∕ Alister McGrath ∕∕ Unbelievable? Conf. 2013
Alister McGrath // “Joy, Meaning, and Purpose: What our culture needs to hear from Christians” The first in a whole series of seminars taken from The Unbelievable? Conference 2013. Now running in it’s 3rd year, The Unbelievable? Conference is an apologetics event aimed at equipping Christians to better defend their faith in a secular culture. We hope you enjoy these videos!
Jesus Legend: Amy Orr-Ewing at Unbelievable? Conf. 2013
Can we trust the Biblical account of Jesus? A presentation by Amy Orr-Ewing
Jesus the Lunatic: Alister McGrath at Unbelievable? Conf. 2013
How do we show the world a reasonable case for Christ? Presentation by Alister McGrath
If CS Lewis met Dawkins: Peter S Williams at Unbelievable? Conf. 2013
How would he respond to the New Atheists? A presentation by Peter S Williams
CS Lewis, the Storyteller: Alister McGrath at Unbelievable? Conf. 2013
Can we make apologetics more imaginative? A presentation by Alister McGrath
Online Apologetics ∕∕ Kurt Jaros ∕∕ Unbelievable? Conf. 2013
How do I present the case for faith online? A presentation by Kurt Jaros
Science ∕∕ Fuz Rana ∕∕ Unbelievable? Conf. 2013
Is it on the side of Christianity? Presentation by Fuz Rana
Trevor Stammers on abortion at Unbelievable? Conf 2013
How should Christians respond? A presentation by Trevor Stammers
CS Lewis and Suffering: Amy Orr-Ewing at Unbelievable? Conf. 2013
How do we answer the problem of pain? A presentation by Amy Orr-Ewing
Unbelievable? Paula Gooder answers your Bible Questions
Paula Gooder answers your Bible Questions
Is God a Moral Monster? David Instone-Brewer at Unbelievable? Conf. 2011
How to understand Old Testament stories of killing in the Name of Yahweh
Is There Evidence For God? Lennox & Robertson at Unbelievable? Conf. 2011
Arguments for God’s existence that you need to know
Can I Trust The Bible? David Instone-Brewer at Unbelievable? Confernce 2011
Answering common objections to the reliability of the New Testament
How Do I Respond To Islam? Jay Smith at Unbelievable? Conf. 2011
Three questions on God, Jesus and the Trinity that Muslims ask
How Do I Make The Case For Faith? David Robertson at Unbelievable? Conf. 2011
How to use apologetics and evangelism in a sceptical world
Has Science Buried God?: John Lennox at Unbelievable? Conf. 2011
Responding to Dawkins, Hawking and the New Atheism
Opening Address ∕∕ John Lennox ∕∕ Unbelievable? Conf. 2011
What are we apologising for?
Is There Evidence For The Resurrection? Jay Smith at Unbelievable? Conf. 2011
Why we can trust the Gospel accounts of Jesus rising from death
Dear Stephen, I Believe In Oscar Wilde’s God
Justin Brierley responds to the viral anti-God video by Stephen Fry.
Unbelievable? Why does God allow suffering? Vince Vitale & Julian Baggini
Following atheist Stephen Fry’s viral anti-God video, the question of how a good God could allow suffering has come into focus again.
Suffering Debate ∕∕ Unbelievable? with Justin Brierley
The full version of the debate on suffering. Justin is joined by Julian Baggini and Vince Vitale, as they go head to head on this most important question. Why Suffering?
Unbelievable? The Outsider Test Pt 2 & James Emery White on the ‘Rise of the Nones’
In a continuation of last week’s show David Marshall & John Loftus continue to debate whether Christianity is rationally tenable and unique among world religions.
Has Science Buried God? John Lennox
Responding to Dawkins, Hawking and the New Atheism
Unbelievable? Does Christianity pass the Outsider Test? David Marshall vs John Loftus
Atheist John Loftus has challenged Christians with the ‘Outsider Test of Faith’. He believes that if Christians examined their own faith with the same level of scepticism they do other faiths, they would reject it.
Unbelievable? Does Humanism need God? Angus Ritchie vs Stephen Law
The term ‘Humanism’ is often seen as synonymous with atheism. But a recent Theos report titled: ‘The case for Christian Humanism: why Christians should be Humanists and Humanists should be Christians’ claims to show that atheism is ill-equipped to support the fundamental tenets of Humanism.
Unbelievable? Does mathematics point to God? William Lane Craig vs Daniel Came
In 1960 physicist Eugene Wigner wrote a paper on the ‘unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics’. Christian philosopher William (Bill) Lane Craig has recently been developing arguments concerning the ‘applicability’ of mathematics as evidence for God as part of his wider research on abstract objects.
Unbelievable? Should Christians rethink Hell? Dr Al Mohler & Chris Date debate the traditional & conditionalist view
Following an article in the New York Times about scholars who adopt an annihilationist (also called ‘conditional immortality’) view of hell rather than the traditional ‘eternal conscious torment’ view, Justin is joined by two evangelicals to debate the issue.
Unbelievable? Explaining your faith (to a church-going atheist) - John Pritchard, Andrew Nightingale & Mark Roques
Rt Revd John Pritchard is the recently retired Bishop of Oxford and the author of ‘How to Explain Your Faith’. He joins Justin along with church-going atheist Andrew Nightingale and Christian philosopher and storyteller Mark Roques as they discuss what Andrew loves about the church he attends but why he finds it difficult to believe the claims of Christianity
Unbelievable? Did Isaiah prophesy a Virgin birth? Alistair McKitterick & Robert Stovold
We hear it every year at Christmas in in our services. Matthew Chapter 1, quoting the prophet Isaiah - “look the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel”.
Unbelievable? Keith Ward and Michael Ruse debate the evidence for God
Keith Ward is the former Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford University. His new book The Evidence for God picks up on various aspects of human experience as proof of a spiritual realm.
Unbelievable? The curious case of Eben Alexander: near death and out-of-body experiences
Eben Alexander is a neurosurgeon whose book Proof Of Heaven became a bestseller. It documented his visions of heaven while in a coma which had shut down much of his brain.
Unbelievable? Brian McLaren & Andrew Wilson debate Jesus and the Bible
Emerging Church leader Brian McLaren and evangelical leader Andrew Wilson debate whether we need to rethink scripture in a podcast special hosted by Justin.
Unbelievable? Putting Christianity on Trial – Mark Lanier vs Paul Beaumont
Mark Lanier is a successful US trial lawyer. He’s also a keen theologian and apologist and has used his skills as a lawyer to make the case for Christ in ‘Christianity on Trial’.
Unbelievable? Scientific evidence versus religious belief – Jonathan McLatchie & Elliot George debate
Elliot George is a retired science teacher whose new book “Godbuster: Exorcises all known gods” claims that science is about evidence whereas religion is about ‘belief’(and should therefore be rejected).
Unbelievable? Just War vs Pacifism - Nigel Biggar & Stanley Hauerwas
It’s 100 years since the outbreak of WWI. Two of the world’s leading Christian thinkers on Just War & Pacifism join Justin to discuss their different views on whether war is ever justified.
Unbelievable? Has defending scripture made us unable to read it? Peter Enns & David Instone-Brewer
Bible scholar Peter Enns was fired from his position at Westminster Theological Seminary after his views on scripture were deemed to be too liberal. He has continued to question evangelical views of scripture in his book ‘The Bible Tells Me So: Why defending Scripture has made us unable to read it’.
Unbelievable? Meet Tam the witch - A Wiccan & Christian Discuss Halloween
As Halloween approaches Justin meets Tam, a Wiccan who explains what he believes and the significance of Halloween (or Sam’hain) to the witchcraft community.
Unbelievable? Abort it and try again? Ann Furedi & James Mumford debate abortion and disability
When Richard Dawkins tweeted ‘abort it and try again’ to a follower who raised a question about pregnancy and Downs Syndrome, there was a public outcry. Yet each year over 1000 pregnancies are terminated in the UK because of screening for Downs Syndrome.
Unbelievable? Animal suffering and God - Michael Murray vs Phil Harper
Christian Philosopher Michael Murray wrote a book in 2008 making a defence of God in the face of millennia of animal suffering. He presents his arguments to atheist Phil Harper (aka Skydivephil).
Unbelievable? What’s got evangelicals interested in the Orthodox Church?
Several high profile evangelicals have converted to The Orthodox Church in recent decades. Is it just for the cool beards and robes? In this discussion we find out about the history of the Orthodox Church and some of its distinctive features.
Unbelievable? Is atheism a fool’s bet? Rethinking Pascal’s Wager
Blaise Pascal was a 17th century Christian philosopher and mathematician who said that we all bet our life on the existence of God. So, you are better off believing in God because you’ve everything to gain if it’s true and little to lose if it’s not. But you’ve plenty to lose if you bet on God not existing and it turns out that He does.
Unbelievable? Abortion: A woman’s choice or a baby’s life?
The abortion debate reared its head again this summer after controversial tweets by Richard Dawkins made the news.
Confessions of a Compulsive Thinker
A presentation by Dr. Ken Samples of Reasons To Believe
Justin Brierley Interviews Hugh Ross
From Unbelievable The Conference 2012 Dvd
Justin Brierley Interviews Ken Samples
Taken from ‘Unbelievable The Conference 2012’ Dvd
Confessions of a Former Atheist: Unbelievable? Conference
Talks given by Daniel Rodger, Peter Byrom and Hugh Ross
Evangelism In A Sceptical World: Ross & Lennox at Unbelievable? Conf. 2012
A presentation by Hugh Ross and John Lennox at Unbelievable? The Conference 2012
Evangelism in a Mutli-Faith World: Green & Samples at Unbelievable? Conf. 2012
Presentation by Michael Green and Ken Samples at Unbelievable The Conference 2012
Confessions from the Mission Field: Michael Green & Krish Kadiah at Unbelievable? Conf. 2012
A presentation delivered at Unbelievable The Conference 2012
Panel Discussion ∕∕ Unbelievable? The Conference 2012
Reclaiming Reason from Atheism
Opening Address ∕∕ Unbelievable? Conf. 2012
Evangelist and Apologist, Michael Green opens Unbelievable? The Conference 2012
Evangelism Remixed: Bonnie Yule-Khuene & Krish Kandiah at Unbelievable? Conf. 2012
Presentation delivered at ‘Unbelievable The Conference 2012’
Q&A ∕∕ Hugh Ross ∕∕ Unbelievable? Conf. 2012
Lunchtime Q&A with Hugh Ross
God & Science: Hugh Ross at Unbelievable? Conf. 2012
Cosmic Reasons for Christ - A presentation by Hugh Ross at Unbelievable The Conference 2012
C.L.E.A.R. Reasons why Christianity Makes Sense: Ken Samples at Unbelievable? Conf 2012
A presentation by Dr. Ken Samples of ‘Reasons To Believe’ at Unbelievable? The Conference 2012
Unbelievable? Debating the history of atheism - Nick Spencer & Julian Baggini
Nick Spencer is the author of Atheists: The Origin of the Species. He explains the origins of various strands of atheism and why the New Atheism of today is constructed on a myth of its own.
Unbelievable? Graham Ward & Sue Blackmore on the biology of belief - Unbelievable?
Graham Ward is Oxford Regius professor of Divinity. His new book ‘Unbelievable’ explores the biology and psychology of belief. Atheist professor of psychology Susan Blackmore joins the discussion in the first part of the show.
Unbelievable?: Is our universe more likely on atheism or theism? Calum Miller vs James Croft
Two young, intelligent thinkers join Justin to debate whether atheism or theism makes best sense of the universe.
Unbelievable?: Do we need to reclaim the Jewish Jesus?
A discussion on whether the Western church has lost the Hebraic roots of its faith and why anti semitism has been a factor in the church.
Unbelievable?: Israel, Palestine & the Gaza conflict - Salim Munayer & Steve Maltz
There have been thousands of casualties in Gaza this summer as Israel’s military have responded to Hamas rocket attacks. A Messianic Jew and a Palestinian Christian join Justin to talk through the history of the Israel/Palestine conflict and what the way forward may be for peace.
Unbelievable?: How do we solve world poverty? Wayne Grudem vs Richard Glover
Wayne Grudem is a theologian known for his conservative approach to both doctrine and economics. His new book The Poverty of Nations: A Sustainable Solution (co-authored with economist Barry Asmus) makes the case that pouring aid into developing countries is a failed strategy.
Unbelievable?: The Unbelievers Movie - Gus Holwerda & Graham Veale
The Unbelievers is a film documentary following atheists Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss on a world speaking tour. We hear some clips from the film as its atheist producer Gus Holwerda interacts with Christian guest Graham Veale. They debate atheism’s ‘rock stars’ and whether their arguments against religion stand up.
Unbelievable? The Conference 2014 highlights show
We hear highlights from this year’s Unbelievable? Conference, including the opening address by Os Guinness, Ruth Jackson on reaching young people, Craig Hazen on the resurrection, William Lane Craig & Jeff Zweerink on science and atheism, Jay Smith on Islam, Tim McGrew on the Gospels and part of the Panel Q&A.
Unbelievable: The Flying Spaghetti Monster & New Atheism - Graham Veale & Rory Fenton
Graham Veale is the author of “New Atheism: A Survival Guide” which looks at some of the popular objections of new atheism, including the ‘Flying Spaghetti Monster’ parody of God.
A French atheist-turned-theologian discusses his conversion
Guillaume Bignon was a French man living a happy and godless life until recently when a series of events led him on an intellectual journey towards Christianity. Today he is a theologian. He discusses his story with Wade Padgett, who went in the other direction, becoming an atheist after years as a Christian. What role does evidence and experience play in conversion, and is belief in God ‘properly basic’ as Guillaume claims?
Is the Mormon gospel the Biblical gospel?
Lynn Wilder was a temple-recommend holding Mormon who taught at Brigham Young University in Utah. She describes what led her to abandon the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and embrace Biblical Christianity.
Os Guinness & the ex-Christian
Os Guinness is an international Christian speaker, author and social critic. He is a keynote speaker at Unbelievable? The Conference 2014.
Why does God allow Evil? Clay Jones vs Richard Norman
Clay Jones is Associate Professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola university and former host of the Contend for Truth national call-in radio show. He is speaking at Unbelievable? the Conference 2014 on why God allows suffering.
Paradoxology - Krish Kandiah & Tony Smollet
Krish Kandiah is a speaker and author passionate about church mission. His latest book is Paradoxology: Why Christianity was Never Meant to be Simple. He aims to show why some of the paradoxes of Christian faith can be a path to truth.
Does the Bible support modern science? Jeff Zweerink & Steve Jones
Jeff Zweerink is a Christian Physicist with Reasons To Believe and will be speaking at this year’s Unbelievable? the Conference www.premier.org.uk/reasonablefaith
Hans Kung vs Peter D Williams - Does the Catholic Church need to modernise?
As Pope Francis enters his second year of papacy, Justin is joined by Hans Kung, one of the most influential and controversial Catholic theologians in the world.
Bible Debate #3 : Steve Chalke & Andrew Wilson
Did God punish Jesus in our place?
Justin meets N.T. Wright #3
Why did God ask Abraham to kill Isaac?
Bible Debate #2 : Steve Chalke & Andrew Wilson
The second of 4 podcast specials in which Oasis church leader Steve Chalke debates his view of Scripture with Andrew Wilson of New Frontiers.
Justin meets N.T. Wright #1
How do I begin reading the Bible?
Justin meets N.T. Wright #2
Why was Jesus more than just a Jewish Rabbi?
Justin meets N.T. Wright #4
Isn’t Jesus’ resurrection just a legend?
Bible Debate #4 : Steve Chalke & Andrew Wilson
Are same-sex relationships allowed?
Rob Bell debates Andrew Wilson
Rob Bell debates Andrew Wilson on gay marriage.
Justin meets N.T. Wright #7
Is the God of the Old Testament less loving?
Justin meets N.T. Wright #5
How should we read the story of Creation?
Justin meets N.T. Wright #6
Is there evidence for Jesus’ life and death?
Interview: John Lennox
Professor John Lennox is a top Oxford Mathematician. He is also a committed Christian. He chats to Justin Brierley about his debates with Richard Dawkins, his own journey of faith and why Christianity makes sense of science, life and the Universe.
Unbelievable? The Conference 2014
Premier Christian Radio and Biola University present Unbelievable? The Conference 2014 – Reasonable faith in an uncertain world.
Interview: Alister McGrath
Alister McGrath, scientist and theologian, talks to Justin Brierley about his journey to Christian faith from atheism and his work defending Christianity against Dawkins and the new atheists.
Why I Believe - Os Guinness
Justin Brierley talks to Os Guinness, author and social critic.
Interview: Tim Keller
Tim Keller is a New York Pastor and the best-selling author of “The Reason for God”. He chats to Justin about the doubts he has dealt with in his own Christian journey and the reason for the hope he has.
Peter Boghossian vs Tim McGrew - A manual for creating atheists
Peter Boghossian teaches philosophy and is the author of ‘A Manual for Creating Atheists’. He believes that faith is a ‘false epistemology’ (way of knowing things) and even describes it as a ‘virus of the mind’.
Healing on the Streets debate - David John & Geoff Lillis
David John leads an under-the-radar healing ministry to Muslims in the Middle East.
Are same-sex relationships allowed? Chalke vs Wilson Bible debate #4
After changing to a gay affirming stance, Steve Chalke’s Oasis Trust has been dismissed from the UK Evangelical Alliance.
Chalke vs Wilson Bible Debate #1 - Does Scripture contain errors?
UK church leader Steve Chalke’s Oasis Trust was recently dismissed from the Evangelical Alliance UK due to their stance affirming same-sex relationships
Did they mishear God in the Old Testament? Chalke vs Wilson Bible Debate #2
The second of 4 podcast specials in which Oasis church leader Steve Chalke debates his view of Scripture with Andrew Wilson of New Frontiers.
Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus - Nabeel Qureshi & Nazam Gufoor
Nabeel Qureshi grew up in a Muslim family but converted to Christianity after investigating the historical case for Christ.
Greg Boyd & Andrew Whyte discuss doubt and faith
Greg Boyd is pastor of Woodland Hills Church, Minnesota. In his new book “The Benefit of the Doubt” he explains how he lost and regained his faith, and the difference between commitment and certainty.
The Turin Shroud - a relic of the resurrection? Unbelievable?
The Turin Shroud has been an enigma for hundreds of years. In a special Good Friday feature Justin Brierley spoke to those who claim the evidence shows the shroud is the burial cloth of Christ, and its image a result of the resurrection itself.
Noah and the Flood - 3 perspectives debate - Unbelievable?
With the release of the epic film ‘Noah’ starring Russell Crowe, Justin is joined by three different perspectives on the Biblical story of the flood.
Bart Ehrman & Simon Gathercole debate pt 2 - How God became Jesus - Unbelievable?
The second episode in which Bart Ehrman defends his latest book ‘How Jesus Became God’ against Simon Gathercole. Ehrman claims that the early church turned Christ into the son of God. In this episode they discuss the earliest Christian writings in Scripture, and whether St Paul viewed Christ as a highly exalted being or as God himself.
‘How Jesus became God’ debate Pt 1 - Bart Ehrman vs Simon Gathercole - Unbelievable?
New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman’s latest explosive book How Jesus Became God claims that the early Church turned Christ into the son of God, but Jesus himself never believed it and nor did his first followers.
William Lane Craig & Sean Carroll debate God & Cosmology - Unbelievable?
Leading Christian philosopher William Lane Craig and leading atheist scientist Sean Carroll recently participated in a debate on “The existence of God in the light of contemporary cosmology” at the Greer-Heard forum. In an extended podcast we hear the debate and audience Q&A.
Does the future have a church? Unbelievable?
A recent report on the Church of England showed overall decline, but growth among ‘Fresh Expressions’ and Cathedral congregations.
Do healing miracles happen? Robby Dawkins & David Beebee - Unbelievable?
Robby Dawkins (not to be confused with Richard) says he regularly sees healing miracles occur for the people he prays for. Cancer is gone, blind eyes see, pain disappears, even a lung was re-grown.
Young, restless… no longer reformed? Austin Fischer & James White - Unbelievable?
Austin Fischer embraced ‘New Calvinism’ as a teenager, after being influenced by its popular proponents. But he recently abandoned it when he found he was unable to worship God as truly just, good and loving.
Why I am not a Christian - Matt Dillahunty vs David Robertson - Unbelievable?
Its round 2 of atheist Matt Dillahunty & David Robertson. This time Dillahunty explains why following the person of Christ doesn’t make sense to him.
Why I am not an atheist - David Robertson vs Matt Dillahunty - Unbelievable?
The Apostle’s Creed begins “I believe in God”. David Robertson explains why he doesn’t believe atheism makes sense, as related in a chapter of Why I Am Not An Atheist.
Ryan Bell discusses his ‘year as an atheist’ with Matt Flannagan - Unbelievable?
Ryan J Bell is a former pastor who has decided to try being an atheist for a year. He explains why and interacts with New Zealand apologist Matt Flannagan.
Is Heaven for real? Randal Rauser vs Hemant Mehta - Unbelievable?
Randal Rauser says we are wrong to imagine heaven as clouds, harps or a never-ending church service. In his new book What on Earth do we know about Heaven? he unpacks the Biblical view of heaven as a ‘renewed earth’.
Gays, the Gospel and the Church - Justin Lee & Ed Shaw - Unbelievable?
Justin Lee is a gay Christian. In his book Unconditional he describes his struggle to reconcile his sexuality with his evangelical faith and how he believes the church should respond to LGBT people.
The Experience of God - David Bentley Hart & Richard Norman - Unbelievable?
David Bentley Hart is a renowned Eastern Orthodox scholar of religion who presents three approaches to the existence of God in his new book “The Experience of God”.
The Christian & Atheist ‘Faith Swap’ - Unbelievable?
Two friends, Bentley Browning (the Christian) and Simon Capes (the atheist) are both comics. They tell Justin about the religious role reversal they are undertaking and why they decided to do it. Bentley will be stopping prayer, Bible reading and going to church, while Simon will be taking them all up.
Calvinism vs Molinism - William Lane Craig & Paul Helm - Unbelievable?
If God ordains the future, can humans have free will? Are people predestined for salvation? And what does the Bible say on the matter?
Was Jesus just a… Prophet? James White vs Yusuf Ismail - Unbelievable?
Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet, but not the Son of God as Christians believe.
Was Jesus just a… Rabbi? David Lister & David Instone-Brewer - Unbelievable?
The second of three shows debating the identity of Jesus. Orthodox Rabbi David Lister talks to New Testament scholar David Instone-Brewer.
Was Jesus just a…zealot? Reza Aslan vs Anthony Le Donne - Unbelievable?
Reza Aslan is the author of the bestselling book Zealot which claims Jesus was a political revolutionary and not the peace loving Messiah of the Gospels. He debates with New Testament scholar Anthony Le Donne who has written a scathing review of Aslan’s book.
Unbelievable? Richard Dawkins debates Old Testament morality
Richard Dawkins has described the God of the Old Testament as (among other things) a “capriciously malevolent bully”. The world’s best known atheist joins Justin Brierley to discuss the morality of the Old Testament in light of the Bible TV series airing in the UK on Channel 5.
Darwin’s Doubt - Stephen C Meyer & Charles Marshall debate ID - Unbelievable?
Stephen C Meyer is the world’s leading Intelligent Design proponent. His new book Darwin’s Doubt claims that the Cambrian fossil record, which saw an “explosion” of new life forms in a short space of time, is evidence for ID.
Debating the charismatic church & MacArthur’s Strange Fire - Unbelievable?
US Bible teacher John MacArthur recently condemned charismatic Christians as unbiblical and unsaved at his Strange Fire conference.
Unbelievable? Is the Mormon Church having a crisis of faith?
Hanns Mattsson, a leader in the European wing of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints recently went public about his doubts in the New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/21/us/some-mormons-search-the-web-and-find-doubt.html?_r=0
Graphic abortion images - Anne Furedi vs Gregg Cunningham public debate - Unbelievable?
Ann Furedi of the British Preganancy Advisory Service (the UK’s largest abortion provider) debates Gregg Cunningham of the pro-life Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform.
Unbelievable? NT Wright on Paul, Hell, Satan, Creation, Adam, Eve & more
Renowned New Testament Scholar NT (Tom) Wright joins Justin to talk about his new book ‘Paul And The Faithfulness of God’. He also answers a number of listener questions that have come in on Facebook and Twitter
Should the Church keep out of education? David Robertson vs Terry Sanderson - Unbelievable?
The National Secular Society recently raised concerns that Christian groups were infiltrating RE lessons in order to evangelise at schools. Although their report was dismissed by the Department for Education, President Terry Sanderson explains why their concerns were raised after they received dozens of complaints from parents.
How does an atheist celebrate rites of passage? Unbelievable?
How does a non-religious person choose to mark significant milestones in life such as births, weddings and deaths? Some people are turning to the services of Humanist celebrants such as Hannah Hart, who talks to Justin about her line of work.
Catholic vs Protestant debate on Sola Scriptura - Peter D Williams vs James White - Unbelievable?
The Protestant Reformation brought forth the cry “Sola Scriptura” - that Christianity should be based on the words of scripture alone, not on Roman Catholic church tradition.
Evidence, atheism & the case for God - Rice Broocks, Brian Miller & David Beebee - Unbelievable?
Rice Broocks is a US church leader. His new book ‘God’s Not Dead’ gathers together various lines of evidence for the existence of God.
Keith Ward vs Michael Ruse on Mind, Consciousness & The God Question - Unbelievable?
Christian philosopher Prof Keith Ward and atheist philosopher of science Michael Ruse debate some of the issues raised by the new DVD documentary series The God Question. It explores whether advances in science are undermining or supporting belief in God.
Lawrence Krauss vs John Lennox - Science, the universe & The God Question - Unbelievable?
New DVD documentary series The God Question explores whether advances in science are undermining or supporting belief in God. Christian thinker Prof John Lennox and atheist physicist Lawrence Krauss debate some of the issues raised by the video series..
William Lane Craig & Lawrence Krauss review their Australia debates - Unbelievable?
Christian philosopher William Lane Craig and atheist physicist Lawrence Krauss recently met in Australia for 3 public dialogues on the existence of God.
How would finding alien life affect Christianity? David Wilkinson & Mark Kidger - Unbelievable?
The SETI programme has been listening to the universe for signs of intelligent life for over 50 years.
Imagination, suffering, abortion & atheism 2013 Conference videos - Unbelievable?
Justin launches the Video Website of Unbelievable? The Conference 2013 www.premier.org.uk/apologetics
The detective & the Gospels - J Warner Wallace answers sceptics’ objections - Unbelievable?
J Warner Wallace is a homicide detective specialising in cold case murder investigations.
Young Earth Creation debate 2: Adam, Eve Sin & Death - Unbelievable?
The second of two debates in which Young Earth Creationist Andy McIntosh debates paleontologist Robert Asher.
William Lane Craig’s Cambridge Union Debate - Unbelievable?
In this debate from the Reasonable Faith UK tour in 2011, William Lane Craig visited the Cambridge Union.
Does the rock and fossil record point to Noah’s flood or evolution? Unbelievable?
Does the rock and fossil record point to Noah’s flood or evolution? Unbelievable?
3 Same-Sex Attracted Church leaders speak out - Unbelievable?
A special radio feature titled “A Different Kind of Coming Out” sees Justin meet three evangelical church leaders who talk about their struggle with same-sex attraction and why they’ve decided to choose celibacy, or being ‘post-gay’.
Unbelievable? Peter Kreeft debates the argument from desire
Peter Kreeft is a philosophy professor and well know Christian thinker and writer. He defends the “argument from desire”. Does our experience of transcendent longing indicate that there is a God to satisfy it?
Literature, CS Lewis & Conversion - Holly Ordway & Laura Miller - Unbelievable?
Former atheist Holly Ordway came to Christian faith via poetry and literature. She tells her story and explains her passion for literary apologetics.
Presuppositional vs Natural Theology - K Scott Oliphint & Kurt Jaros - Unbelievable?
Two different approaches to apologetics are debated on the show. K Scott Oliphint is Professor of Apologetics & Systematic Theology at Westminater Theological Seminary, PA. Kurt Jaros is the founder of www.realclearapologetics.com
The Outsider Test of Faith & Miracles - Randal Rauser vs John Loftus - Unbelievable?
Randal Rauser is a Christian, John Loftus is a former-Christian-now-atheist. They have co-authored the book God Or Godless? debating 20 controversial questions.
Alister McGrath + Panel Q&A at Unbelievable? 2013 - Unbelievable?
Over 600 people attended the third Unbelievable? Conference in London in May 2013 - Jesus: Liar, lunatic, Legend or Lord. In this programme we hear some audio extracts from the conference which aimed to equip Christian with good reasons for the faith.
Can the Bible be retold as science? Unbelievable?
Russell Stannard is emeritus professor of Physics at The Open University. He is a Christian and presenter of the RE Today Services Science & Belief videos
The Pope’s astronomer interview - Unbelievable?
Brother Guy Consolmagno has an asteroid named after him. The planetary scientist for the Vatican talks to Justin Brierley about his journey of faith, his scientific research and answers questions from listeners on the interaction of science and Christianity.
Did Adam & Eve exist? Denis Alexander, Fuz Rana & Peter Enns - Unbelievable?
Do science and genetics support the existence of a ‘first’ human couple? How should we interpret the first chapters of Genesis? Do we need a historical Adam & Eve to make sense of sin and salvation?
Amy Orr-Ewing answers atheists’ questions - Unbelievable?
Amy Orr-Ewing is an evangelist and apologist with the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. She is a speaker at Unbelievable? The Conference 2013
Kermit Gosnell & the abortion debate - Unbelievable?
In the USA Kermit Gosnell is being tried on counts of murdering children born alive in illegal late-term abortions at his unsanitary practise in Philadelphia.
Alister McGrath on the life of CS Lewis - Unbelievable?
Alister McGrath chats to Justin Brierley about his major new biography ‘CS Lewis: A Life - Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet’.
Rob Bell debates God, Salvation & Homosexuality - Unbelievable?
Rob Bell debates God, Salvation & Homosexuality - Unbelievable?
Creating Life in the Lab - Adam Rutherford & Fuz Rana - Unbelievable?
In a podcast special, atheist scientist Adam Rutherford and Christian biochemist Fazale (Fuz) Rana of Reasons To Believe, discuss the latest advances in synthetic bio-engineering and whether they support or contradict the view that life is a product of design.
How did life begin? Adam Rutherford & Fuz Rana - Unbelievable?
Was the emergence of the first self-replicating organism a result of design or the blind forces of nature?
What happened on the cross? Penal Substitution debate - Unbelievable?
Christians believe that Jesus’ death on the cross provided the atonement for sins. But in what way?
AC Grayling vs Peter S Williams - The God Argument - Unbelievable?
AC Grayling is one of the UK’s most well known atheist thinkers. His new book The God Argument claims to refute the key arguments for God and show why humanism is the best way forward.
In Conversation with Rowan Williams
Rowan Williams led the Anglican Church for 10 years. He reflects on his journey of faith, and the trials and joys of his time in office in a wide ranging interview with Justin Brierley.
Why Suffering? Sharon Dirckx & Alom Shaha - Unbelievable?
“Why?” is the title of the new book by Sharon Dirckx looking at God, evil and suffering. She interacts with atheist Alom Shaha as we ask “how can a loving God allow suffering?”
Is the religious right wrong? Brian McLaren, Andy Walton, Bryan Fischer, Alan Craig - Unbelievable?
The religious right wing primarily campaigns on abortion and homosexuality - but is this the way Christians should be involved in politics?
New Testament Grill a Christian _ Derek Tidball answers atheists
Bible Scholar Derek Tidball takes on a range of objections to the New Testaments from three atheist callers.
Hellbound the movie - debating three views on hell - Unbelievable?
Hellbound is the new movie by Kevin Miller which questions the traditional “eternal, conscious torment” view of hell and asks whether Universalism is actually taught in scripture.
I just believe in one less god than you… Randal Rauser & Ralph Jones - Unbelievable?
Is the phrase “I just believe in one less god than you” a good argument for atheism against Christianity?
NT Wright & James White debate on St. Paul & Justification - Unbelievable?
NT Wright is a leading professor of New Testament at the forefront of the New Perspective on Paul. His reassesment of the words of Paul on “justification” have led to concern from reformed church leaders like John Piper.
The Christian & Atheist philosophers’ worldviews: Keith Ward & Arif Ahmed - Unbelievable?
The Veritas Forum in Cambridge invited Christian philosopher Keith Ward and atheist philosopher Arif Ahmed to present the reasons for their different worldviews.
The atheist church - Sanderson Jones & David Robertson - Unbelievable?
In Jan 2013 a new church began in London - with singing, a sermon and a great sense of community - but its for godless people. Atheist stand up comedian Sanderson Jones who co-founded “the Sunday Assembly” talks about its first meeting and why it exists.
Steve Chalke on his new gay affirming stance - Unbelievable?
Leading UK evangelical Steve Chalke has written an article for Christianity magazine on why he now affirms committed, faithful gay relationships.
Did God command ‘genocide’ in the Old Testament? John Allister vs Justin Schieber - Unbelievable?
1 Samuel Chapter 15 may be one of the hardest passages in the Bible to reconcile with a God of love. It describes God apparently commanding the slaughter of men, women and children in the Amalekite tribe.
Is atheism a “lack of belief”? Calum Miller, Paul Orton & Non Stamp Collector - Unbelievable?
In the first show of 2013, three ‘Unbelievable?’ listeners join Justin Brierley to discuss their views of atheism.
New Year’s Eve Special inc Robertson, Lennox, Driscoll & Craig - Unbelievable? 31 Dec 2011
A varied New Year’s Eve show with contributions from Revd David Robertson on his life-threatening illness. Reflections on the passing away of Christopher Hitchens from listeners and debate oppponent Prof John Lennox. Humorous “Praxman &…” sketches. An extract from a forthcoming interview with sometimes controversial US pastor Mark Driscoll. Audio from the Reasonable Faith Tour in Cambridge and more
William Lane Craig on reaching the UK with apologetics - Unbelievable?
As videos from 2011’s Bethinking Conference are made available on Youtube we hear the talk that leading Christian philosopher William Lane Craig gave to those gathered on the apologetic task of reaching the UK. Includes audience Q&A.
Did the Old Testament prophesy the birth of Christ? Unbelievable? 24 Dec 2011
A festive edition of the show in which we investigate some of the common Old Testament prophecies associated with Christmas. Isaiah 7:14 “The virgin will conceive” and Micah 5:2 “But you Bethlehem…” Do such prophecies supernaturally predict the coming of Christ? Dr Michael Brown is a Messianic Jew who believes there is overwhelming evidence for Jesus fulfiling the prophecies of the Old Testament.
Did Jesus Exist? Richard Carrier vs Mark Goodacre - Unbelievable?
Richard Carrier is the world’s foremost proponent of the “mythicist” view of Jesus - that he never actually existed as a historical person.
Does Christianity make emotional sense? Francis Spufford & Philip Pullman - Unbelievable?
Francis Spufford is a prize-winning author who returned to faith as an adult after years as an atheist. His latest book is “Unapologetic: Why despite everything Christianity can still make surprising emotional sense”.
Britain and secularism debate - Peter Hitchens vs Alex Gabriel - Unbelievable?
A podcast special airing the Student-Alumni debate that took place at Christ Church, Oxford University in November.
Good without God - Can atheism account for morality? Unbelievable?
Were the concentration camps of the Holocaust absolutely evil, or simply something that goes against people’s tastes today?
The Atheist Prayer Experiment Show 2 - Unbelievable?
70 atheists spent 40 days praying for God to reveal himself to them. In this second show reflecting on the Atheist Prayer Experiment, Oxford Philosopher Tim Mawson joins Justin Brierley as they hear from more of those who took part.
The Atheist Prayer Experiment Results Show - Unbelievable?
In the first of two shows Justin is joined by Tim Mawson, the Oxford philosopher whose paper “Praying to Stop Being an Atheist” inspired the Atheist Prayer Experiment. 71 atheists and agnostics signed up to the experiment, comitting to pray for God to reveal himself to them over 40 days. Did anyone end up believing in God? We reveal the results and hear from a variety of people who took part, including Andrew, Kendra, Laura, Cang & Freki as well as exploring questions that arose.
Is God Worth Believing In? Unbelievable?
Jeff Cook is a Christian philosopher who tells his story of losing and returning to faith in his book ‘Everything New’. Jeff has critiqued contemporary apologetics for sometimes failing to present a God that people would want to exist.
Comedy & Christianity - Marcus Brigstocke & David Robertson - Unbelievable?
Marcus Brigstocke is a well known comedian on UK radio and TV. An atheist, last year he wrote the book “God Collar” about his problems with religion, but also why he wants to believe in God.
UFOs, Aliens and God - Unbelievable?
Claims of UFO sightings and alien abductions have been widespread in the last few decades. Is there any substance to the sightings, do UFOs appear in scripture and would discovering alien life make a difference to the Christian faith? Is evidence for UFOs on a par with evidence for supernatural events like the resurrection of Christ as some atheists claim?
Is the Catholic church the one true church? - Unbelievable?
Some of the key differences between Catholic and Protestant doctrine are explored in a friendly dialogue. Roman Catholic Peter D Williams and Protestant pastor David Robertson debate The Pope, Sola Scriptura and justification by faith.
Atheism’s New Clothes - David Glass & James Croft - Unbelievable?
David Glass is a University lecturer in Northern Ireland. His book “Atheism’s New Clothes” critiques the arguments of Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens and Dennett. He says that, on the balance of probabilities, theism offers a better explanation of life and the Universe than atheism. James Croft works with the Harvard humanist community. He contests David’s use of probability theory. They discuss whether God is a good explanation for the fine tuning of the universe.
Egalitarian vs Complementarian views on men and women - Unbelievable?
A controversial blog post by Jared Wilson, quoting pastor Doug Wilson on the role of men and women in sex, recently reignited the debate between complementarians and egalitarians. Rachel Held Evans is a popular US author, blogger and speaker who believes the New Testament supports the equality of men and women in the church and in the home (Egalitarian). Owen Strachan is a theology professor at Boyce College, Kentucky and believes the Bible teaches that men and women have equal dignity but different roles in family and church (Complementarian).
The Anti-Islam film and protests - Unbelievable?
Muslim protests and riots have been taking place around the world over an online video called “Innocence of Muslims” which mocks the prophet Mohammad. James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries and Muhammad Al-Hussaini of Scriptural Reasoning discuss the video and the reaction to it.
Pornography show 2: Is it harmful to the women involved? Unbelievable?
For a second week running we address the question of whether pornography is harmful, this time from the perspective of those in the porn industry. Former porn actress Danielle Williams explains why she feels the industry is abusive and detrimental to the women involved. Current adult entertainer Sophie Hirschfeld speaks in support of pornography.
Is pornography harmful to those who view it? Unbelievable?
In the first of two episodes, we ask the question “is pornography harmful?” This week focusses on the effect upon users of pornography. Peter Watts is from Living Waters, a Christian ministry helping those affected by sexual issues. He argues that pornography is a form of false intimacy which negatively rewires the brain and damages relationships. Steve Miller is an atheist with a background in psychology. He says that pornography in the context of consenting adults is not harmful and the church is too hung up on issues of sexuality.
The Revelations, Alpha & evangelism - Alex Preston & Tom Price - Unbelievable?
Alex Preston is the author of “The Revelations”, a novel about faith, doubt, guilt, sex and secrets. The 4 main characters are leaders on “The Course” an evangelism programme similar to the Alpha Course. Alex, a former banker who sees himself as a “spiritual seeker”, describes his experience of attending the Alpha Course and the motivation for writing the book. Tom Price is a tutor at the Oxford Centre For Christian Apologetics.
The Young Atheists Handbook - Alom Shaha & Tom Price - Unbelievable?
Alom Shaha grew up in a Muslim background in London but became an atheist in his teens. Now a science teacher he has written about that journey in his book “The Young Atheist’s Handbook”. He chats with Tom Price of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics about Love, God, Narnia, Hope and much more…
Did Jesus Exist? Bart Ehrman Q&A - Unbelievable?
In this one-on-one edition of the show, Justin Brierley speaks to New Testament Historian Bart Ehrman about his recent book “Did Jesus Exist?” which argues for the historical fact of Jesus of Nazareth. Ehrman, whose books are more usually at odds with evangelicals, was this time attacked by atheist proponents of “mythicism” - the view that Jesus never existed.
Did Muhammad Exist? Robert Spencer vs Adnan Rashid - Unbelievable?
Robert Spencer runs Jihad Watch in the USA. His controversial new book “Did Muhammad Exist?” claims that the prophet of Islam owes more to fiction than fact, and has led to death threats against him. Adnan Rashid, a Muslim speaker from the Islamic Education and Research Academy, responds to Spencer’s claims in a heated exchange.
Mormon Dialogue pt 2 - LDS doctrine, God, Jesus & exaltation - Unbelievable?
In the second show examining the beliefs of Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) Bobby Gilpin and Charles Dayton return to talk about Mormon doctrines. Bobby runs UK Parternships for Christ, an outreach to Mormons and JWs. Charles is a lifelong Mormon and Western Artist in Wyoming. They discuss Mormon beliefs about whether God was “once a man”, whether we are potential gods ourselves, and what happens to Christians and Mormons when they die. Is Mormonism a religion of works or grace
Mormon Dialogue pt 1 - Joseph Smith & The book of Mormon - Unbelievable?
As Mitt Romney prepares to challenge Barack Obama for the American Presidency, we look at the Mormon religion (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) he is part of. Bobby Gilpin runs UK Parternerships for Christ - a Christian ministry to Mormons and JWs. Charles Dayton is a lifelong Mormon in Wyoming. They discuss the origins of Mormonism and whether its founder Joseph Smith really did receive “another testament” of Christ visiting the Americas.
Atheist convert to Catholicism Leah Libresco & Hemant Mehta - Unbelievable?
When Leah Libresco recently became a Catholic her story was featured on CNN. Why? Because up to that point she had been an atheist blogger. Her story was soon being shared on Christian and atheist blogs. She talks to atheist blogger Hemant Mehta (aka The Friendly Atheist) about why the moral argument helped her in the journey and he quizzes her over why she chose Catholicism.
Jehovah’s Witnesses dialogue Pt 2: the deity of Christ - Unbelievable?
In the second programme examining the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Robert King and Tony Brown discuss whether Christ claims to be God. Robert is a disfellowshiped JW but still holds to Watchtower doctrine. Tony is a former JW, now a Christian pastor. They talk about whether JWs rely upon a works-based salvation, return to the 144,000 and discuss whether Jesus is the Archangel Michael and not the son of God, as Robert claims
Jehovahs Witnesses dialogue Pt 1- Unbelievable?
In the first of two programmes Justin Brierley talks to Jehovah’s Witness Robert King (aka e-watchman) and former JW Tony Brown. Robert is disfellowshipped but still holds to Jehovah’s Witness doctrine. He does not speak in any offical capacity for the Watchtower Society. Tony Brown is now a Christian pastor with a ministry to Jehovah’s Witnesses, he describes how he joined and left the organisation.
Is there evidence for a cosmic creator? Hugh Ross vs Lewis Wolpert - Unbelievable?
Recorded at Imperial College London. Christian astrophysicist Hugh Ross of Reasons To Believe debates atheist biologist Lewis Wolpert. Ross brings evidence for God from Big Bang cosmology, explaining why scientific advance provides a testable model of Biblical Creation. Wolpert says that belief in God is a by-product of evolution and nothing more.
Do we live on an old or young earth? Unbelievable?
Young Earth Creationists (YEC) claim the earth and universe is only some 6000 years old according to the Bible and that science that goes against this is flawed. Old Earth Creationists (OEC) argue that the Bible does not commit us to a 24hr day view of creation days, but that the earth and universe is, as mainstream science predicts, billions of years old. This debate was recorded in front of a live audience at Gunnersbury Baptist Church.
Unbelievable? The Conference 2012: Michael Green & guests - Unbelievable?
John Lennox, Michael Green, Bonnie Yule-Kuehne, Ken Samples & Hugh Ross join Justin Brierley for a show of highlights from Unbelievable? The Conference 2012 - Giving A Sceptical World Reasons To Believe. Lifetime Evangelist Michael Green opens the Conference encouraging Christians to give everyone “an answer”.
Immortality - Stephen Cave & Roger Harper - Unbelievable?
Stephen Cave is the author of “Immortality: The quest to live forever and how it drives civilisation”. As an atheist he examines the ways in which people have sought eternal life down the ages and in different parts of the world. Roger Harper is an Anglican priest and author. He responds to Stephen’s book and they talk about the Christian view of resurrection, the soul and eternal life.
Does God Exist? Calum Miller vs Peter Atkins - Unbelievable?
A podcast only show featuring the full debate on “Does God Exist?” held at Christ Church College, Oxford between Christian undergraduate Calum Miller and Atheist academic Peter Atkins. Calum Miller presents philosophical evidence for the existence of God and Peter Atkins responds.
Was Jesus a Calvinist? James White & David Instone-Brewer - Unbelievable?
Last week to book for Unbelievable? The Conference! http://www.premier.org.uk/reasons David Instone-Brewer is a New Testament Scholar at Tyndale House, Cambridge. He returns to talk about his new book “The Jesus Scandals” and some of the reasons why he believes Jesus’ theology doesn’t conform to a Calvinist view of God’s sovereignty.
Podcast special - William Lane Craig vs Peter Atkins - Manchester debate - Unbelievable?
The full recording of the final debate of the UK Reasonable Faith Tour with William Lane Craig.
Podcast special - Gay Marriage Debate - David Robertson vs Adrian Trett - Unbelievable?
This podcast only recording is a debate held at Gunnersbury Baptist Church on the question “Should marriage be redefined to include same-sex unions?”.
Antagonistic atheism: David Robertson vs Mike Lee - Unbelievable?
Book now! Unbelievable? The Conference 2012, Sat 26 May http://www.premier.org.uk/reasons Mike Lee aka “The Religious Antagonist” is a US atheist who makes YouTube videos mocking Christianity. His videos are popular but his approach earns him both praise and criticism from fellow atheists. David Robertson is Pastor of St Peter’s Free Church, Dundee and director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity.
Why is the Universe the way it is? Hugh Ross & Paul Davies - Unbelievable?
Hugh Ross is an astronomer and founder of Reasons To Believe, an apologetics organisation aiming to show why modern science confirms and supports the Christian worldview. Paul Davies is a British astrophysicist and popular science author currently based at Arizona State University.
A Universe From Nothing? Lawrence Krauss & Rodney Holder - Unbelievable?
Lawrence Krauss is a Cosmologist at Arizona State University who describes himself as an “anti-theist”. His latest book “A Universe From Nothing” has received both acclaim and criticism for its attempt to answer the question “Why is there something rather than nothing?”
The Gay Marriage Debate - Tatchell vs Williams Unbelievable?
Peter Tatchell is a lifelong gay rights campaigner who has staged controversial protests campaigning for equal rights. He believes that the proposed legislation to introduce same-sex marriage in the UK is long overdue. Peter D Williams of Catholic Voices believes that putting gay marriage on an equal footing with heterosexual marriage is a dangerous and unnecessary step.
What’s wrong with the world? Unbelievable?
Book now for Unbelievable?: The Conference 2012 http://www.premier.org.uk/reasons On the show this week: Andrew Wilson is an apologist, author and elder at KingsChurch Eastbourne. His new book ‘If God, Then What?’ presents arguments for the existence of God and how the Christian Gospel addresses the issues of suffering and death in the world. Geoff Lillis, a humanist atheist from Ireland returns to chat with Andrew.
The Easter Scandal - David Instone-Brewer & Bob Price - Unbelievable?
The Jesus Scandals is the new book by New Testament Scholar David Instone-Brewer which claims that various aspects of Jesus life and ministry were a scandal to early Christians, and would have never been included in the Gospels if they hadn’t really happened. Today they give us evidence of its reliability.
Was Jesus Liar, Lunatic or Lord? CS Lewis’ apologetics - Unbelievable?
April is CS Lewis month on Premier Christian Radio. In this edition of the show we examine two of CS Lewis’ apologetic arguments for Christianity. The Trilemma - “Either Jesus is a lunatic, a liar or Lord. He cannot simply be a great moral teacher, he has not left that option open to us”. Does Lewis’ argument still stand 60 years on?
Miracles today: do they happen? Craig Keener & Geoff Lillis - Unbelievable?
Book for Unbelievable? The Conference 2012 http://www.premier.org.uk/reasons This week on the show: We continue to look at miracles with Dr Craig Keener of Asbury Theological Seminary, author of the book “Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts”
Miracles in the Gospels: Did they happen? Craig Keener & Geoff Lillis - Unbelievable?
The first of two programmes looking at miracles in the Bible and today. Craig S Keener is a New Testament Scholar at Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky. His new book “Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts” is a 2 volume work assessing the case for the miracles of Jesus and the many reported cases of miracles around the world.
Richard Dawkins & Rowan Williams dialogue
Sofia Europa sponsored a discussion between Richard Dawkins and Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury. The discussion is moderated by Prof Anthony Kenny.
Hell: Annihilation or Eternal Conscious Punishment? Unbelievable?
Chris Date is the host of the Theopologetics podcast. Until recently he believed in Hell as a place of never-ending punishment. But now he has become convinced that the Bible better supports an annihilationist view - that the damned will, in most respects, cease to exist.
The Common English Bible - Do We Need Another Translation? Unbelievable?
The Common English Bible is a recently released new translation of Scripture. An interdenominational team of Bible scholars worked on the project, with thousands of people involved in test readings. The aim was to produce an accurate, but jargon-free Bible, aimed at today’s English reader. Joel B Green, Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary headed the team of NT translators. He discusses some of the unusual choices of phraseology and interpretation with NIV Bible scholar David Instone-Brewer of Tyndale House, Cambridge.
Is apologetics a waste of time? Unbelievable?
Chris Sinkinson is a pastor and tutor at Moorlands Bible College. His new book ‘Confident Christianity’ aims to equip the believer with an overview of apologetics and how it can be used to make a rational defense of the Christian faith. James Croft is an atheist Brit studying at Harvard University and director of ‘Temple of the Future’.
Should atheists be more religious? Alain de Botton & James Orr - Unbelievable?
Atheism 2.0 is the logical next step for non-believers according to cultural philosopher Alain de Botton. He outlines why atheists should borrow from the art, architecture, community, and contemplative traditions of religion without the supernatural beliefs. The book “Religion for atheists” drew criticism from Richard Dawkins and others after De Botton apparently suggested that there should be “temples for atheism”.
Angels: Do they exist? Christian & atheist discuss - Unbelievable?
Angels have been reported for thousands of years across different cultures. What is the evidence of their existence? Three guests examine Biblical and contemporary accounts of angelic visitation. Peter S Williams is a Christian Philosopher and author of the book “The Case for Angels”. He say that there is philosophical, biblical and experiential evidence for the existence of angels. Lee Warren is a magician by trade.
Demons: Do they exist? Different Christian views - Unbelievable?
Three Christians of different theological persuasion discuss the existence of demons. John Tancock (JT) is involved in Charismatic Church leadership. He believes demons are real. As well as pursuing apologetics, he is involved in deliverance ministry and had regularly prayed for demons to be cast out of people. Will Van Der Hart is a vicar in the Church Of England and a founder of Mind and Soul - helping Churches to understand mental health issues.
Has Neuroscience killed God? Dr Alasdair Coles vs Martyn Frame - Unbelievable?
Continuing our Mind, Body and Soul month of programming on Premier, Justin is joined by a Christian and an atheist as they discuss whether people’s religious experiences can be explained by brain activity alone. Revd Dr Aladair Coles is an academice neurologist in Cambridge and part of the Faraday Institute’s Test of Faith initiative. He says that even though neuroscience has helped us understand the brain activity of religious people, atheist scientists such as Sam Harris have not thereby disproved God.
The Mark Driscoll interview - special podcast
Justin Brierley interviews Grace & Mark Driscoll on their book Real Marriage and on Mark’s ministry as pastor of Mars Hill Church Seattle.
Is Our Mind More Than Matter? Keith Ward vs David Papineau - Unbelievable?
Is our physical brain one and the same with the consciousness, thoughts and perceptions we experience? Is matter all there is ultimately? Keith Ward is a prominent Christian Philosopher & Theologian. The Former Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford University. He believes in an immaterial mind, as well as the phsical brain. David Papineau is Professor of Philosophy of Science at Kings College London. As an atheist & physicalist he believes that the mind is one and the same with the brain - there is nothing immaterial about it.
Is there scientific evidence for the star of Bethlehem? Unbelievable?
A show marking January’s Feast of the Epiphany which marks the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. Various astronomical theories have been put forward for what might have constituted the “Star of Bethlehem” that guided the Magi as recorded in Matthew 2. Christian Astrophysicists Hugh Ross and Jeff Zweerink of Reasons To Believe join Justin.
Unbelievable? Believing Bulls**t - Is Christianity an intellectual blackhole?
Stephen Law is an atheist and Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Heythrop College and director of the Centre for Inquiry UK. His latest book “Believing Bulls**t: how not to get sucked into an intellectual black hole” looks at the reasons people are persuaded into believing irrational things. Jame Orr is a Christian convert studying for a Doctorate in philosophy at Cambridge University. He engages Stephen on whether the criteria for recognising “intellectual black holes” applies to the claims of Christianity, including The Resurrection.
Unbelievable? Revisiting the evil God challenge - Law vs Peoples
Stephen Law is senior lecturer in philosophy at Heythrop College, London and director of the Centre For Inquiry UK. He joins Justin to reflect on his debate with William Lane Craig during the UK Reasonable Faith Tour where he defended atheism. Glenn Peoples is a Christian Philosopher from New Zealand.
Unbelievable? - Did man make God, or did God make man?
Edgar Andrews is Emeritus Professor of Materials at the University of London and the author of “Who Made God?” He returns to support the view that only God explains the ability of science to make sense of the world around us. Lewis Wolpert is Emeritus Professor of Biology at University College London, he is an atheist and Vice President of the British Humanist Association.
Unbelievable? - Signature in the cell - Stephen C Meyer vs Keith Fox
Stephen Meyer is a leading proponent of Intelligent Design who directs the Centre for Science and Culture at the Discovery Institute in Seattle. His most recent book “Signature in the Cell” claims to show that the DNA code is the product of intelligent mind, not naturalistic processes. Keith Fox is Professor of Biochemistry at Southampton University. He chairs the UK Christians in Science network but disagrees strongly with ID.
Unbelievable? - William Lane Craig apologetics Q&A
William Lane Craig is research professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, La Mirada, California.
Unbelievable? - Is God a Delusion? William Lane Craig in Oxford
On 25th October 2011 Professor William Lane Craig spoke to a capacity audience at Oxford’s Sheldonian theatre. He critiqued Richard Dawkins’ book The God Delusion and interacted with a panel of academics.
Unbelievable? - Gary Habermas & Geoff Campos - Belief in Miracles
Justin went backstage at the Bethinking Apologetics Conference last week to record a show with one of the speakers - Professor Gary Habermas and an atheist listener to Unbelievable? Geoff Campos.
Unbelievable? - William Lane Craig vs Peter Millican - Does God Exist?
The Reasonable Faith Tour has concluded!
Unbelievable? - William Lane Craig vs Stephen Law - Does God Exist?
Due to popular demand we are releasing an early Special Podcast Edition of the show featuring the full audio of the recent debate between William Lane Craig and Stephen Law on “Does God Exist”. The debate took place at Westminster Central Hall on Mon 17 October in front of an audience of over 1700 people.
Unbelievable? - “Is the Bible historically reliable?” debate
On today’s Show: New Testament Scholar David Instone-Brewer and Bible sceptic Ken Humphreys met in a debte at Gunnersbury Baptist Church, London recently.
Unbelievable? - Old Testament Grill-a-Christian with Peter J Williams
Peter J Williams is the Warden of Tyndale House, Cambridge and a first class scholar of both Old and New Testament. He takes non-Christian listener sceptical questions on the Old Testament.
Unbelievable? - Craig, Lennox, Habermas & PJ Williams - Apologetics conference preview
On this week’s show: We look ahead to the Bethinking National Apologetics Day Conference “Countering the New Atheism” on Sat 22 Oct in London. It will form part of the Reasonable Faith Tour. Speakers include William Lane Craig, John Lennox, Gary Habermas & Peter J Williams.
Unbelievable? - Understanding Jesus - listener Q&A
Peter S Williams is a Christian philosopher and apologist. His latest book Understanding Jesus brings together lines of evidence for a philosophical, historical and theological understanding of Jesus.
Unbelievable? - Can an atheist believe in meaning?
Geoff Crocker is a former Christian, now atheist. However, he says he still believes in Spirituality even as an atheist and that believing the universe is Godless does not mean there is no meaning to be grasped. His book “An Enlightened Philosophy” asks if atheism may be able to borrow from Religion “reintrepreted as myth”. Peter S Williams is a Christian Philosopher and apologist. He says that Atheism does not allow for objective meaning, value or purpose, only theism can provide those.
Unbelievable? - William Lane Craig Q&A & Tour preview
William Lane Craig is coming to the UK from October 17-26 2011 for a series of debates and lectures countering atheism and presenting strong rational grounds for belief in God.
Unbelievable? - Islam, conversion & apostasy
Today’s show: Patrick Sookhdeo converted from Islam to Christianity as a young man. He has since gone on to represent the rights of persecuted Christians all over the world via the Barnabas Fund.
Unbelievable? - Bart Ehrman on his loss of faith
Bart Ehrman is James A Gray Distingushed Prof of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He is well known as a Bible scholar who has thrown doubt upon the reliability of Scripture with bestselling books “Misquoting Jesus” & “Forged”.
Unbelievable? - Dialogue with an ex-Christian
Rebekah Bennetch lives in Saskatoon, Canada. She grew up in a Christian family. Her dad is a pastor, and other family members are involved in Christian ministries. She professed faith from a young age, went to Bible college, atteneded church and went on mission trips. But in 2007 she “came out” as an atheist and now describes herself as the “black sheep” of her family. Sheridan Voysey is a writer, speaker and broadcaster on contemporary spirituality.
Unbelievable? - Hitler & Stalin’s regimes
Critics of Christianity sometimes make the case that Hitler was a Christian and that it influenced the Nazi regime. Is that true? Critics of atheism sometimes make the case that Stalin’s atheism was a driving motivation for his murderous regime. Is that true? Peter Harris is a historian and Christian apologist. Ed Turner is a solicitor and atheist blogger. They discuss the historical evidence for and against both points of view.
Unbelievable? - Bart Ehrman & Darrell Bock on “Forged”
Sceptical Bible scholar Bart Ehrman’s latest book “Forged” claims that many of the writings of the New Testament are falsely attributed to apostles such as Peter and Paul. He claims that they were not written by them and that a deliberate deception was taking place.
Unbelievable? - Does Religion make people kill?
On Fri 22 July 2011 tragedy struck Norway as Anders Breivik detonated a bomb in Oslo and shot dozens of people on the island of Utoya.
Unbelievable? - Is there justification for abortion?
Recent statistics on abortion in the UK saw just under 190,000 abortions in 2010. Figures were also released for late abortions carried out because of physical and mental disability.
Unbelievable? - Debating Nazi Ideology
Richard Weikart is a Christian and professor of History at California State University. He has drawn controversial conclusions regarding the role of Darwinism in providing a rationale for Hitler’s Nazi ideology.
Unbelievable? Grill a Christian round 4
Scottish pastor and apologist David Robertson returns for a show interacting with three UK atheist listeners of the show.
Unbelievable? - William Lane Craig vs AC Grayling debate on God & Evil
William Lane Craig & AC Grayling debated at the Oxford Union in 2005. Does the existence of evil and suffering in the world preclude the existence of the Christian God?
Unbelievable? - Atheist delusions - David Bentley Hart vs Terry Sanderson
Many new atheist writers have claimed that a new age of enlightened secular rationalism has rescued Western civilisation from the stranglehold of backwards and archaic Christian influence.
Unbelievable? - Is a secular society a more tolerant one?
This week we air a debate that recently took place on whether Britain’s increasingly secular society is thereby a more tolerant one. Does secularisation bring a level playing field for everyone, or are Christians now being marginalised for their beliefs?
Unbelievable? - Unbelievable? the Conference
Justin introduces two elements of the conference. Professor John Lennox, Scientist and Christian apologist gave the opening address “What are we apologising for?”
Unbelievable? - Making the resurrection add up
“The Easter Challenge” is regularly issued by atheists and sceptics. Can Christians provide a coherent account the events of the resurrection of Jesus that harmonises the apparent differences between the four Gospel accounts?
Unbelievable? - Can Christian morality inform secular society?
Lord Richard Harries is a life peer in the British House of Lords and the former Bishop of Oxford. His book “The Re-enchantment of Morality” has been shortlisted for this year’s Michael Ramsey Prize for theological writing.
Unbelievable? - Is the Bible Unbelievable?
Former Methodist minister turned atheist Leslie Scrace stopped reading the Bible after he lost his faith. 20 years later he read it again and wrote a book-by-book account of how he views it as an atheist called “An Unbelievers Guide to the Bible”. Leslie criticises parts of the Old Testament that he sees as primitive and immoral while praising other parts of scripture that illustrate humanist values.
Unbelievable? - Should women be church leaders?
In 1995 the Church of England allowed the ordination of Women priests. But the question of whether the Bible forbids female authority in the church remains.
Unbelievable? - Was Osama Bin Laden the true face of Islam?
With the death of Osama Bin Laden we ask “Did Bin Laden represent the true face of Islam” Radical Islamist Anjem Choudary who has frequently praised Bin Laden and Al Queada for their acts of terror, joins the discussion. He says Osama was a true Muslim doing the work of Allah. Muhammad Al Hussaini is a Muslim scholar for the organisation Scriptural Reasoning. He deplores acts of terror and says Bin Laden transgressed multiple commands of Islam.
Unbelievable? - Rob Bell defends ‘Love Wins’
“Love Wins” by US megachurch pastor Rob Bell has ignited a theological debate about the nature of Hell, the nature of God and whether all people will ultimately be saved. Bell joins Justin Brierley to discuss the book and respond to some of the key criticisms that have been levelled at it. UK Church blogger Adrian Warnock disagrees with many of Bell’s conclusions and believes he is swimming outside the stream of evangelical orthodoxy.
Unbelievable? - Emerging Church Debate - Brian McLaren & James White
Brian McLaren is an author, theologian and church leader. He is at the forefront of the “emerging church” and his books such as “A new Kind of Christian” and “A Generous Orthodoxy” have been influential in the movement’s theology Some describe the emerging church as “post-evangelical” and “post-modern” as it seeks to re-read scripture without the cultural baggage that it believes Western Christendom has often imposed. James White of Alpha and Omega ministries in Arizona sees the theology of the “emerging church” as a departure from orthodoxy, and an attempt to reshape the Gospel and God to fit modern sensibilities.
Unbelievable? - Biblical evidence for the Resurrection - Bart Ehrman & Mike Licona
Bart Ehrman is well known as a US New Testament Scholar who lost his Christian faith and now questions many core precepts of Christianity, including the Resurrection of Jesus. When Mike Licona had doubts he devoted himself to investigating the evidence and became convinced that Jesus resurrection is the only rational explanation for the facts.
Unbelievable? Is God a Moral Monster? Paul Copan & Norman Bacrac
Richard Dawkins describes the Old Testament God as “a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser” (among other things). Paul Copan is a Christian apologist and has written a book aiming to show why God’s actions in the Old Testament are not immoral when taken in context. Norman Bacrac is an atheist humanist and part ot the South place Ethical Society.
Unbelievable? - Did Jesus die on the Cross? Islam debate
he Koran claims that Jesus did not die on the cross. Mohammed Bahmanpour of the Islamic College in London defends the Koranic view that although “it was made to appear to them” that he died, in fact he was substituted by another. Jay Smith is a Christian evangelist to Muslims in London and brings to bear Biblical and other historical witnesses to the crucifixion.
Unbelievable? - Presuppositional apologetics round 2
6 months ago Sye Ten Bruggencate and atheist Paul Baird met to discuss Sye’s presuppositional approach to proof of God. Sye claims that the fact Paul believes in laws of logic, maths, science and rationality prove that God exists. The show was a popular download with many subsequent online debates. They are back - Paul brings 6 months experience of debate on the subject online with him.
Unbelievable? Music & God
Music often evokes strong emotions in people. But is there more to the beauty and meaning we find in music than atheism allows? David Robertson contends that the joy and meaning we experience in music is a pointer beyond itself to an ultimate source of joy and meaning in God. Gordon Livesey is a musician and an atheist. He contends that while we all experience emotions and meaning in music, it ultimately can be explained in scientific terms alone.
Unbelievable? - Grill a Christian Round 3 & Unbelievable? Conference announcement
Today’s show begins with details of the forthcoming Unbelievable? apologetics conference in London where Justin will be joined by speakers including John Lennox, Jay Smith, David Instone-Brewer and David Robertson. David Robertson joins Justin for a third round of sceptical questions from Unbelievable? atheist listeners.
Unbelievable? - RE and indoctrination in education
The UK Government recently outlined a White Paper that threatens to demote Religious Education to a peripheral subject in the curriculum. More info on the campaign to have it reinstated here: http://www.reactcampaign.co.uk/
Unbelievable? - Are there many paths to God?
In an age of religious pluralism it can seem arrogant for Christians to claim they have “the truth” or the only means to salvation. So when Jesus said “no-one comes to the Father except through me” what did he mean? And what about those who have not heard the Gospel? John Hick is a noted philosopher and theologian who is a proponent of a pluralist view of religion - that there is one light (God) but many lampshades (religious expressions).
Unbelievable? - Is the King James Version the best?
400 years on from the publication of the King James Version of the Bible, there is now a proliferation of translations available. Some Christians maintain that the KJV has never been surpassed for its style, authority and reliability.
Unbelievable? - Alister McGrath & Stephen Law - Why Won’t God Go Away?
Alister McGrath’s new book “Why God won’t go away” is a critique of the New Atheist Movement spearheaded by Dawkins, Hitchens, Harris & Dennett.
Unbelievable? - Human Value & Subversive Stories
Off-duty police men in Bogota, Columbia shoot street children because they consider them to be “disposables”. Using stories such as this Mark Roques asks whether value in human life can be found anywhere other than our being made “In the image of God”.
Unbelievable? - Which Translation should we Trust?
To mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible Justin Brierley will be presenting a number of programmes looking at issues of Biblical reliability and interpretation in the coming year.
Unbelievable? - Os Guinness & Mary Warnock debate religious freedoms
Os Guinness is an author, cultural critic and Christian apologist. He co-founded the Trinity Forum which “seeks to transform society through the transformation of leaders”. Baroness Mary Warnock is a moral philosopher and atheist. She is a cross bench peer in the House of Lords and an influential voice arguing for liberalisation of euthanasia laws. Her book “Dishonest to God” argues that religious and theological issues should have no place in issues of public morality, covering euthanasia, assisted suicide, and abortion.
Unbelievable? - William Lane Craig reviews his debate with Dawkins
William Lane Craig is a philosopher, author and key defender of the Christian faith in debates around the world.
Unbelievable? 1 Jan 2011 - The all new Unbelievable? Website
www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable has undergone a major redevelopment and Justin Brierley uses this New Year Programme to take a tour around it.
Unbelievable? - The Unbelievable? “Christmas Cracker
A festive edition of the show. With studio guest Anthony McRoy and a host of phone guests from around the world Justin Brierley looks at various aspects of Christmas.
Unbelievable? - Islam & Dhimmitude
The Third Choice” by Australian church pastor Mark Durie claims that Islam has a long history of oppressing those of other faiths under its power. Durie claims that when Islam conquered a nation its inhabitants could either convert, die or become “Dhimmi” - forced to pay money for their life and live in subservience to Muslims. He says that the doctrine lives on today.
Unbelievable? - Islamic Blasphemy Law
Asia Bibi is the first Christian woman in Pakistan to be sentenced to death for allegedly blaspheming against Mohammed. In light of her case we discuss Pakistan’s use of Islamic blasphemy law with Adnan Rashid of the Hittin Institute and Stuart Windsor and John Joseph of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. Stuart Windsor is director of CSW who supports those suffering persecution. John Joseph is a Christian human rights activist who has defended a number of people in Pakistan accused of blasphemy.
Unbelievable? - David Robertson answers skeptics questions
David Robertson is a Scottish church pastor and author of “The Dawkins Letters”. He recently hosted the first Conference of the newly established Solas Centre for Public Christianity.
Unbelievable? - Mike Behe & Michael Reiss audience debate on ID
his last week saw US Intelligent Deisgn proponent Michael Behe on the “Darwin or Design?” speaking tour of the UK. As well as hosting an evening event, “Unbelievable?” invited him to discuss ID with theistic evolutionist Prof Michael Reiss in front of an invited audience.
Unbelievable? - Philip Yancey on “What Good is God?”
Best-selling US Christian Author Philip Yancey writes books that address some of the hardest questions that Christians ask of themselves and skeptics ask of Christians. His latest book “What Good is God?” looks at how Christian belief matters in the lives of those who suffer.
Unbelievable? Alvin Plantinga vs Stephen Law on the Evolutionary Argument Against Naturalism
Richard Dawkins has said that “the theory of evolution made it possible to be an intellecually fulfilled atheist”. But what if belief in evolution becomes irrational on atheist naturalism?
Unbelievable? - Ex-Gay and Gay-Affirming approaches to homosexuality
Both guests on today’s show are Christians, both are gay, and both run ministries supporting Christians of homosexual orientation.
Unbelievable? The Apologetics of CS Lewis
C.S. Lewis was one of the most influential Christian writers of the 20th Century and remains so today. Many are familiar with his Narnia stories, but he was also a populariser of Christian apologetics, and continues to be the first place that many encounter the key arguments for Christian faith.
Unbelievable? - Darwin’s Black Box - Michael Behe & Keith Fox debate Intelligent Design
Michael Behe is professor of biochemistry at Lehigh University, Pennsylvania and the founder of the modern Intelligent Design movement. His book “Darwin’s Black Box” ignited the controversy 14 years ago when it claimed that certain molecular machines and biological processes are “irreducibly complex” and cannot be explained by Darwinian evolution.
Unbelievable? - Philosophers Debate The Moral Argument for God
Torturing children for fun - is that absolutely wrong?
Unbelievable? - Hawking’s God - John Polkinghorne & Hugh Ross (Plus Mike Behe interview!)
We return to listener questions on whether Hawking was right or wrong to dismiss God as a cause of the universe in his new book “The Grand Design”.
Unbelievable? - The New Atheism - Alister McGrath & Caspar Melville
Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett & Sam Harris are all figures at the vanguard of the “New Atheism”. The books have sold well, but where does this form of confrontational and outspoken atheism have to go next?
Unbelievable? - Hawking, God & the Universe - Sir Roger Penrose and Alister McGrath
Stephen Hawking made headlines around the world when he announced that his M-Theory of cosmology has led him to conclude God did not create the universe and its “fine tuning” is the result of a multiverse.
Unbelievable? - Roman Catholicism - Is the Papacy Biblical?
As Pope Benedict XVI undertakes a four day tour of Britain we explore the theology of the Roman Catholic Church.
Unbelievable? - Is the Catholic church a force for good or evil?
With the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the UK, some are protesting that his visit should not be sponsored by the State. They say that the Catholic church is a force for bad in the light of its record on human rights, child abuse and past persecution.
Unbelievable? - Christian Physicalism: Do we have a soul?
Christians have traditionally held that humans comprise two things - a body and a soul. Christian Philosophers have written in defence of the soul against a reductive atheism that claims we are material beings alone.
Unbelievable? - The Fall & Original Sin
Peter Byrom says he is “very nearly” convinced of Christianity. Having dallied with an atheist perspective he now rejects many of those arguments. However one area of theology he doesn’t feel is clear is the question of Adam and Eve and the Fall.
Unbelievable? - Debating Apologetics Online
The place where many Christians engage with atheists about belief is online. But why do both sides turn up to engage in the conversation, and what is the fruit?
Should people suffering from terminal illness or in terrible pain be allowed to take their own life?
Unbelievable takes on the debate around assisted dying and euthanasia. Should people suffering from terminal illness or in terrible pain be allowed to take their own life? Should doctors help them?
Unbelievable? - An evangelical vs. liberal view of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Christ is fundamental to the Christian faith. However, not all Christians agree on how it should be interpreted.
Unbelievable? - Presuppositional apologetic proof of God
“Arguing against God’s existence is on a par with arguing against air, breathing it all the while”. So says the website of Sye TenBrugencatte who believes that Christians need to rediscover the power of ‘presuppositional apologetics’.
Unbelievable? - Psychology of religion
s belief in the supernatural inherent from birth? Is Christianity a psychological crutch or a path to emotional wholeness? Is God belief simply a result of evolution? Would it make belief untrue if it were?
Unbelievable? - Wired for God? The Biology of Spiritual Experience
From shamanism, hallucenogenic drugs, out-of-body experiences, to being “filled with the Spirit”. Christian author and barrister Charles Foster draws on these and many more to examine the biological evidence of what happens when people claim supernatural experiences.
Unbelievable? - Was Saint Paul mentally ill & the proponent of a hoax religion?
‘B Strong’ is a former Christian who lost his faith after examining the claims of the Bible. His booklet “Jesus is a hoax” claims, among many things, that the Apostle Paul was mentally ill due to his fanatical pre and post-conversion behaviour. It also claims Jesus is one of the greatest hoaxes of history. John Tancock (JT) is a Welsh church leader and apologist. He engages the sceptical arguments on Paul and Jesus. He believes Jesus is one of the best attested historical character of antiquity and that the Apostle Paul one of his most reliable (and perfectly sane) witnesses.
Unbelievable? - Is God a failed hypothesis? Pr 2 - Victor Stenger vs. David Bartholomew
Can we use science to ascertain whether prayer works? Data from a series of prayer experiments is part of the evidence that US atheist scientist Victor Stenger uses to build the case against God in his best-selling book “God: The failed hypothesis”.
Unbelievable? - Is God a Failed hypothesis? pr 1 - Victor Stenger vs. Steve Fuller
he first of two shows featuring atheist US physicist Victor Stenger, author of NY Times bestseller “God: The failed Hypothesis”.
Unbelievable? - Does the Bible condone slavery?
The Bible is often criticised for either supporting or not condemning the institution of slavery. So how should we treat portions of Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments that relate to slavery? Why does the Old Testament contain laws regarding the treatment of slaves? Does Paul condemn or affirm the institution?
Unbelievable? - The Jesus Discovery
Dr Adam Bradford believes he has discovered a significant new insight into Jesus Christ. In “The Jesus Discovery” he explains why he believes that Jesus was not an unschooled peasant preacher, as many depict him. Instead, he claims that Jesus came from a middle class family and would have been schooled in Jerusalem’s top school of Rabbis. This, he says, explains how the religious authorities treated him before and after his trial.
Unbelievable? - Homosexuality and the church
In response to listener requests Justin hosts two shows dealing with Homosexuality and Christian faith.
Unbelievable? - Homosexuality and the Bible
In response to listener requests Justin hosts two shows dealing with Homosexuality and Christian faith.
Unbelievable? - Sex outside Marriage debate
Evangelical Christians hold that sexual relations outside of marriage are against Biblical mandate and have negative moral and social consequences.
Unbelievable? Peter Hitchens “The Rage Against God”
Peter Hitchens is a writer and regular columnist for the Mail on Sunday. Unlike his atheist brother Christopher, Peter is a committed Christian having himself been an atheist in younger years.
Unbelievable? - Philip Pullman on the historical Jesus
“The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ” is the latest book from the pen of prominent atheist author Philip Pullman. It re-imagines the story of Jesus as the story of two twins - one called Jesus, the other Christ. It is the twin Christ who writes the history of Jesus, turning him into the God-man of the Gospels.
Unbelievable? - God & Science - Denis Alexander & Stephen Law
Test of Faith is an initiative aimed at showing that Christian faith and good science are perfectly compatible. As the Tour reaches london on 19th May we ask “Do we need God, now that we have science?”
Unbelievable? - Atheists Grill A Christian
We mix things up a bit this week with a different format. Four atheist listeners of the show get their chance to air their objections to Christian faith. Taking their questions and criticisms is Church pastor David Robertson, author of “The Dawkins Letters”.
Unbelievable? - Are we alone in the universe? Paul Davies & John Lennox
What does it take for life to get going in our universe? Is there intelligence in the stars or right under our nose? Renowned astrophysicist Paul Davies chats to Oxford Professor of Mathematics John Lennox.
Unbelievable? - Seventh Day Adventism
An Inter-Christian discussion on the beliefs and doctrines that are distinctive of Seventh Day Adventists. Why do they hold to Saturday as the “true” day for worship and rest? Are they too legalistic? What about the failed prophecy of Christ’s return that they grew out of? What should we make of founder Ellen White’s teaching on “Investigative Judgement”?
Unbelievable? - The Unification Church of Sun Myung Moon & Easter
The Unification church of Revd Sun Myung Moon (aka The Moonies) is often regarded as a cult. But what do they actually believe about Jesus and his death and resurrection?
Unbelievable? Religious experience - is it evidence for God?
Richard Morgan and Todd Pitner both experienced adult conversions from atheism to Christian Faith.
Unbelievable ? - “Expelled” live audience debate
Hear the debate that took place after the “Unbelievable?” screening of Intelligent Design Film “Expelled” at Imperial College London in Feb 2010.
Unbelievable ? - Can we trust the Trinity? James White vs Anthony Buzzard
Is the doctrine of the Trinity to be found in the Bible? Was Jesus really “of one substance” with God the Father?
Unbelievable ? - Which is more trustworthy - The Bible or Koran?
James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries is on the show this week and next defending the Christian faith. Today he argues the Bible is historically more reliable than the Koran.
Unbelievable ? - Faith in Britain - Andrew Copson of the BHA vs David Robertson
A year ago the British Humanist Association launched the “Atheist Bus Campaign” declaring “There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life”.
Unbelievable ? - “Is Christianity good for us?” Michael Shermer vs. David Robertson
Are societies better off with the influence of Christianity? Are Christians more caring than atheists? What role should faith play in society?
Unbelievable ? - Two views on Divorce and Remarriage - David Instone-Brewer & Andrew Corn
This week: As part of Premier Radio’s coverage of National Marriage Week we look at two different Christian views of Divorce and Remarriage.
Unbelievable ? - Do we need God to do Science? Steve Fuller & Thomas Dixon
As we look forward to the screening and debate around the film Expelled at Imperial College London on Sat 27th Feb (See www.premier.org.uk/expelled for info on extra screening & debate) two of the panellists join Justin to debate Intelligent Design.
Unbelievable ? - Where was God in Haiti?
Hundreds of thousands died in the Haiti earthquake of Jan 2010. Many more are still suffering. So where was God?
Unbelievable ? - Abortion - Pro-choice Evan Harris MP vs Pro-life Sarah Macken
A re-broadcast of a compelling debate with listener input on the issue of abortion.
Unbelievable ?- “Expelled” The Movie - Stephen C Meyer vs. Peter Atkins
The documentary film “Expelled” is presented by US Actor Ben Stein and makes the case that scientists who question Darwinian orthodoxy and support Intelligent Design are being “expelled” from academia.
Unbelievable ? - Bill Dembski & Norman Hansen on Natural Evil
William (Bill) Dembski is an American mathematician, theologian and professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, TX.
Unbelievable ? - Intelligent Design - William Dembski debates Lewis Wolpert
One of the world’s leading Intelligent Design proponents joins Justin to explain why he believes biological life exhibits “specified complexity” that runs against Darwinian evolution.
Unbelievable - Are the two Christmas accounts contradictory?
Matthew and Luke are the two Gospel writers that include narratives of the birth of Christ. The traditional Nativity Story is an amalgamation of the two accounts.
Unbelievable ?- What does science tell us about God?
Professor Lewis Wolpert is Emeritus Professor of Biology at University College London. Professor Russell Cowburn is Chair of Nanotechnology at Imperial College.
Unbelievable ? - Dawkins Debate on Atheist fundamentalism
theists Richard Dawkins, and AC Grayling recently squared up against Christians Richard Harries and Charles Moore for a debate on the motion “Atheism is the new fundamentalism”.
Unbelievable? Dan Barker on losing faith
Dan Barker was a Christian evangelist and musician for 19 years before he lost his faith. He tells the story in his book “Godless: How an evangelical preacher became one of America’s leading Atheists”. Dan is now President of the Freedom from Religion Foundation in the USA.
Unbelievable ? - Muslim, Christian, Hindu debate on evangelism
Nov 15-21 2009 was the UK’s first “Interfaith” week. To mark this, Justin Brierley hosts a discussion on how faiths should relate to each other when it comes evangelism and missionary activity. They discuss a document of Ten guidelines for witnessing to those of other faiths. But does the document stifle freedom of speech? Where should we draw the line between being honest and open and being offensive and demeaning in our interfaith encounters?
Unbelievable ? - Alister McGrath interview
Alister McGrath combines a background in science with a passion for theology and apologetics. “The Dawkins Delusion” - his critique of Richard Dawkins and the New Atheism has been a bestseller.
Unbelievable ? - John Shelby Spong vs. Terry Boyle
John Shelby Spong is one of the most influential liberal Christians in the world and advocates that Christianity needs to re-interpreted for the modern world leaving behind supernatural beliefs. In his latest book “Eternal Life: a new vision” he claims that we need to transcend belief in God, heaven and hell to undesrtand what “Life in all its fullness” means.
Unbelievable ? - Preterist, Dispensational and Liberal views of The return of Jesus.
Matthew Chapter 24’s “Olivet Discourse” records Jesus saying that his followers will see him “coming on the clouds of the sky with great glory” and that “this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened.”
Unbelievable ? - Christian conversion of Hindus
In light of Premier’s Faith Without Fear campaign, this discussion between Anil Bhanot and Sunil Raheja addresses the tensions that exist when Christians seek to evangelise Hindus in India.
Unbelievable ? - The “Evangelical Universalist” is revealed
“The Evangelical Universalist” was published several years ago. The author claimed to be an evangelical Christian who believes that everyone will ultimately be saved. He published under a pen name, but recently revealed his true identity as Robin Parry, editorial director of UK Christian publisher Paternoster.
Unbelievable? Jesus and the God of Israel
Many have suggested that Christian belief in the divinity and worship of Jesus as God was a late development, and that Jesus’ early followers did not regard him as being equal with God. So was Jesus merely regarded as an “elevated” being? Was high Christology at odds with the Jewish monotheism of the first century?
Unbelievable ? - What picture of God does the Bible paint?
Andrew Wilson is an author and church leader. His book “GodStories” describes the Bible as “the gospel of God”. He says the story is told in multiple ways of sins forgiven, shame removed, beauty restored, and meaning reinstated.
Unbelievable ? - “Creation” the movie review with interviews & debate
The film “Creation” is released in the UK Sep 2009. Telling the story of how Charles Darwin came to write “On the Origin of Species” 150 years ago, the film highlights the clash of evolutionary theory and Christian belief. The problem of suffering is also addressed in the death of Darwin’s daughter Annie.
Unbelievable ? - Would Europe be better off atheist or Christian?
Christian apologist David Robertson, atheist blogger Ed Turner and Christian convert Richard Morgan return to debate the rights and wrongs of Christian and atheist influence in society.
Unbelievable ? - Richard Morgan - from Atheism to Faith
Richard Morgan was a confirmed atheist for much of his life and a keen poster on the www.richarddawkins.net website. However, after becoming disillusioned with the mentality of some atheists on the website, he subsequently experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity in 2008.
Unbelievable ? - Bauckham on the Gospels - Pt 2
Continuing on from their discussion last week, believing and non-believing New Testament historians Richard Bauckham and James Crossley discuss whether the testimony of eyewitnesses in the Gospels is trustworthy.
Unbelievable ? - Richard Bauckham on the Gospels - pt 1
“Jesus and the Eyewitnesses” has been heralded as a paradigm shift in the way the authorship of the Gospels should be seen.
Unbelievable ? - Does religion make people unhappy?
Many “New Atheists” have written books claiming that Christianity is bad for people.
Unbelievable ? - Scriptural reasoning
Scriptural Reasoning is an organisation committed to honest interfaith dialogue that promotes “better quality disagreement”. Its founder Muhammad Al-Hussaini explains how they hope to bring greater understanding of the scriptures of the three Abrahamic religions.
Unbelievable ? - Hell - two different views debated
What do Christians believe about the immortality of the soul and the justification for punishment? Has hell been lost as a doctrine in the modern church?
Unbelievable ? - Calvinism & predestination
The first of two programmes focusing on inter-Christian debates over doctrine.
Unbelievable ? - Michael Shermer debates “Miracles”
You don’t have to look far for claims of the miraculous. But what constitutes a “miracle” and do Christian beliefs in this area make sense?
Unbelievable ?- Intelligent Design vs Evolution
A re-broadcast of a classic debate that won a New York Radio Festivals Gold medal.
Unbelievable ? - Islamic & Christian converts debate
Nabeel Qureshi converted to Christianity from Islam after being convinced that the weight of evidence was in favour of Christian faith. Yahya Seymour’s story is the opposite - he became a Muslim after having a Christian upbringing. They discuss the issues in advance of debates coming up in London.
Unbelievable ? - Peter Hitchens debates Islam
Peter Hitchens is a well known journalist and Anglican Christian. Unlike his atheist brother Christopher, he believes Christianity is an essential bedrock for society. He says Islam will fill the spiritual vaccuum of Britain if secularists have their way.
Unbelievable ? - PZ Myers & Denis Alexander on Faith & Science
Atheist Biologist PZ Myers is an outspoken critic of Christianity. He believes that faith in God and science are contradictory. He debates theistic evolutionist Denis Alexander, Director of the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion. Is science is at odds with Christianity as PZ claims?
Unbelievable ?Before Nicea - what is the truth about Early Christianity?
What did the first Christians believe about Jesus? Muslim Abdul Haq, the author of “Before Nicea” claims that key doctrines of Christianity were formulated through later councils of the church. He says that there is no good evidence that early Christians believed in Jesus’ divinity or even his crucifixion.
Unbelievable? The Moral Argument for God
Atheist Paul Orton contacted the show saying he was unconvinced by the claim of some Christians that morality must be based in God, to make sense. He claims that morality is a product of biological and social evolution and “the changing moral Zeitgeist” determines the morals we hold.
Unbelievable ? A Skeptic in Narnia
Laura Miller was captivated by Lewis’ Narnia stories as a child. As a teenager she learnt of the Christian parallels in the books and felt “cheated and betrayed”. Find out why in today’s programme and how she has come to terms with Narnia by writing “The Magician’s Book”.
Unbelievable ? Bible contradictions
What should Christians believe about the “infallibility” of the Bible? Are the apparent contradictions that exist a problem?
Unbelievable ? Angels & Demons movie
Angels & Demons is the sequel to the film “The Da Vinci Code” - both by Dan Brown. Is Angels & Demons as controversial as Da Vinci? Probably not, but some are worried at the way it represents the Catholic Church and the science/faith debate.
Ubelievable? Was Jesus the Jewish Messiah?
Jesus was a Jew. Christianity owes its birth to Judaism. But did Jesus represent the fulfilment of Jewish Messianic hopes and prophecy?
Unbelievable ? “Did Jesus exist?”
While non-Christians may doubt the miracles and resurrection of Jesus, few doubt his actual existence.
Unbelievable? Euthanasia
Former UK Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt recently tabled an amendment to the Coroners and Justice Bill seeking to allow people not to be prosecuted for aiding others to die at overseas euthanasia clinics.
Unbelievable? - Did Jesus Rise from the dead? An atheist perspective
Steven Carr has a prolific presence on the internet as an atheist blogger and debater. He contends that the early Christians did not believe in Jesus’ resurrection and that the Biblical views of resurrection are contradictory.
Unbelievable? Did Jesus rise from the dead? A Muslim perpective
Did Jesus rise from the dead? What if he never actually died on the cross?
Unbelievable? “Challenging Atheist Myths” Part 2
Are atheists guilty of misunderstanding morality and the Bible?
Unbelievable? “Challenging Atheist Myths” Part1
Church minister David Robertson authored a series of Open Letters to Richard Dawkins after the publication of “The God Delusion” that sought to expose the flaws in his argument and the “atheist myths” that he was guilty of. Those missives became a book called “The Dawkins Letters: Challenging atheist myths” and has propelled David into the spotlight as he addresses sceptical audiences on whether Christian belief makes sense.
Unbelievable? Fine Tuning of the Universe
The most recent scientific evidence shows that the universe had to be incredibly “fine tuned” in its fundamental constants to allow life. Is this the ultimate proof of a designer God?
Unbelievable? “The Reason for God” - Timothy Keller
Timothy Keller started Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York in 1989. It now attracts several thousand members to worship every week. His book “The Reason for God” answers the questions he is commonly asked by sceptical New Yorkers. He engages with Atheist Norman Bacrac editor of the “Ethical Record” - a Humanist publication. They debate whether Christianity’s exclusive claims are arrogant, and whether people alone can be the best judge of what is right and wrong.
Unbelievable? Mormon & Christian Dialogue
In 19th Century America Joseph Smith claimed to have been given a new revelation of God and Jesus Christ. Almost 200 years later, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints numbers more than 13 million members.
Unbelievable? DNA - the fingerprints of God?
Could the DNA that makes up the building blocks of life of every living thing on the earth be the clue to a cosmic designer?
Unbelievable? “Darwin and God” - Nick Spencer
As the world marks Darwin’s bicentenary, Nick Spencer of Christian thinktank Theos and author of the book “Darwin & God” explains where Darwin actually stood in relation to belief in God. Although Darwin lost his Christian faith he was never an atheist. Atheist biologist Robert Stovold argues that Darwin’s “Big Idea” paves the way to atheism. Denis Alexander of the Faraday Institute also contributes arguing that belief in God and Evolution are complementary.
Unbelievable? 7 Feb 2009 “The Atheist’s Bible”
“The Atheist’s Bible” (Duckworth & Co) has been a bestseller in the USA. It brings together a mass of quotes from atheists, agnostics and more. Its compiler Joan Konner speaks to Justin Brierley about why she put it together and her own thoughts on atheism. She interacts with Christian apologist Peter Williams whose own book “The Sceptic’s Guide to Atheism” (Paternoster) has just been published.
Unbelievable? Christadelphianism
On the surface Christadelphians look very similar to Christians - they read the same Bible, go to church, believe Jesus died for our sins and rose again. So what’s the difference between a Christian and a Christadelphian?
Unbelievable? “How did Christianity begin?” Part 2
Justin is joined for the seond time by New Testament scholars Michael F Bird And James G Crossley. Their book “How Did Christianity begin? A believer and non-believer examine the evidence” gives rival accounts of the cause of Christianity and its beliefs.
Unbelievable? “How did Christianity begin?” Part 1
On this week’s show (17 Jan 09) two New Testament scholars go head to head. Michael Bird is a believer, James Crossley is not. They have different conclusions about how the Christian faith began and have written a dialogue in their new book “How Did Christianity Begin - a believer and non-Believer examine the evidence”.
Unbelievable? The problem of suffering - Ehrman & Swinburne
Bart Ehrman lost his faith altogether when he confronted the problem of how a loving, powerful God can allow suffering. In his new book “God’s Problem” he states that the Bible contains different and unconvincing explanations to the issue.
Unbelievable? “Misquoting Jesus” Ehrman & Williams
Bart Ehrman is the US author of the bestselling book “Misquoting Jesus” (In the UK “Whose word is it?”). He calls into question the authority of the New Testament as scribal changes over time have changed the documents.
Unbelievable? End of Year apologetics interview special
A treat for the end of the year as Justin plays some exclusive content accumulated in the past year. NT Wright is among contributors to a feature answering common ojections to the resurrection of Jesus; New York Pastor Tim Keller on his book “The Reason for God”; and David Robertson author of “The Dawkins Letters”. Happy new year!
Unbelievable? The Virgin Birth - for & against
Canon Michael Sayward believes that the Virgin Conception is an attested historical fact, and an essential doctrine for Christian belief. Unitarian minister Sarah Tinker believes it to be a “beautiful myth” that should not be taken literally. They debate and we hear listener phone calls, response to the last few weeks of programming as well as tackling the “Jesus is a plagiarism of Pagan Gods” argument.
Unbelievable? Atheist Christmas Comedy - Robin Ince & James Cary
Stand up comedian Robin Ince is hosting “A rational celebration of Christmas”. Ricky Gervais and Richard Dawkins are among many other atheists on the bill. Comedy writer and Christian James Cary discusses with Robin whether Christianity and belief in God is irrational.. and there’s plenty of jokes along the way..
Unbelievable? Christian Zionism, Israel & the Church
Does God have a continuing special convenant relationship with Jewish people? Should Christians be especially concerned for Israel? Two Christians with very different views tackle this week’s subject. Revd Stephen Sizer has written extensively against “Christian Zionism”, whereas Geoffrey Smith believes God still has a special relationship with Israel.
Unbelievable? Creation or Evolution - do we have to choose?
Denis Alexander is the author of “Creation or Evolution - do we have to choose?” - his answer is “no”. Denis believes Darwin’s theory is perfectly compatible with belief in the creator God of the Bible. Stephen Lloyd of Biblical Creation Ministries disagrees - he says that the Gospel itself depends on the Adam and Eve story being literally true.
Unbelievable? Pagan and Christian dialogue
What do Pagans believe? We find out from Mike Stygal of the Pagan Federation in London. What approach should Christian take when it come to sharing faith and understanding the way pagans see the world? Nick Stead and Steve Hollinghurst regularly engage with Pagans at New Age Fairs.
Unbelievable? Islam and the Trinity
Christian apologist James White believes that the God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit is present in the pages of the Bible. Muslim Abdullah Al Andalusi believes that a Trinitarian God is a contradiction in terms. They debate whether it makes sense and whether the Bible supports it.
Unbelievable? Richard Dawkins & John Lennox debate
Atheist Professor Richard Dawkins and Christian Professor John Lennox recently met in Oxford to debate whether Science has buried God. The discussion was sponsored by The Fixed Point Foundation. Justin Brierley was there, taking interviews with them both and those who watched. He presents a review of the debate with the interviews.
Unbelievable? The Atheist Bus Campaign
Atheists are funding a campaign that will see London buses bearing the poster “There is probably no god. Now stop worrying and get on with your life”. Its the brainchild of Ariane Sherine and has been backed by Richard Dawkins. We discuss the campaign, whether there really is no God and what it means for morality if there isn’t.
Unbelievable? Is religion responsible for war?
theist Ed Turner, in common with the new atheists, believes that religion is bad for the world because of the conflict it causes across the world. Historian and Christian Meic Pearse who wrote the bestseller “Why the rest hates the West” says that a proper understanding of history shows the opposite - that secular regimes are bad for the world.
Unbelievable? Why should I believe in Jesus? Amy Orr Ewing
Norman Hansen lost his faith partly because of coming to doubt the historical reliability of the Bible and Jesus. Amy Orr-Ewing spends her time defending the Bible around the world -she says belief in Jesus is perfectly rational.
Unbelievable? An atheist & Christian debate The Alpha Course
The Alpha Course has become the most successful evangelistic course around the world. Atheist Michael Marsden went on the course at Holy Trinity Brompton - he didn’t become a Christian and explains why. Church pastor Nigel Desborough defends the course and its value.
Unbelievable? Does Islam oppress women?
Many Islamic women wear veils or even full coverings. What does the Koran teach about women? Are they oppressed in Islam? What about the Biblical treatment of women? Christian Evangelist Jay Smith and Mohamed Ali of the Islam channel debate.
Unbelievable? Zoroastrianism
Justin is joined by Zoroastrian priest Rostam Bhedwar, Almut Hintze who has studied the religion extensively and Omar Ralf, the Premier listener who sparked this discussion. Richard Sudworth of the Church Mission Society also joins in to explore the essential differences between Christianity and Zoroastrianism.
Unbelievable? Infidel Guy show link up
In what could be a radio first, “Unbelievable?” links up with “The Infidel Guy” show and talks to its atheist host Reginald Finley. They debate the question: “Which makes more sense: Atheism or Christianity?”
Unbelievable? Christianity on Trial - Part 2
Atheist lawyer Ed Turner and Theologian Andy Bannister return to debate whether Jesus and the Bible are a good guide for morality. Ed believes that certain episodes in the Gospels suggest Jesus is actually an evil person. Andy defends Jesus, the gospel and Christian ethics.
Unbelievable? Christianity on Trial - Part 1
Ed Turner is a lawyer from Liverpool who contacted the programme saying he wants to put Christianity and the Bible on Trial. In this programme he presents his case against trusting the scriptural accounts. Andy Bannister in defence believes that the Bible is a historically valid document. Continued next week…
Unbelievable? Darwin vs Design
Well known USA Intelligent Design advocate Tom Woodward takes on the National Secular Society’s science representative Pete Hearty. Does the new evidence in biological science point towards an ultimate creator? Other guests also join the fray…
Unbelievable? Why there IS a God with Keith Ward
Former Regius professor of Divinity at Oxford University Keith Ward has written a response book to The God Delusion on why Dawkins’ philosophical arguments against God are wrong. Atheist scientist Robert Stovold defends Dawkins “naturalism” view.
Unbelievable? Disappointment with Church
Jonathan Castro runs an anti-church website. He believes in Christianity but says he has never felt like he has connected with God, and certainly not in church. Find out if Pastor Nigel Desborough of Forest Hill Community Church has any words of help for him.
Unbelievable? Norman Geisler - American Masters of Apologetics
An in depth interview with veteran apologist Norman Geisler who co-founded the Southern Evangleical Seminary in North Carolina.
Unbelievable? Faith & School - do they mix?
Should the Government fund schools that promote Christianity? Church of England spokesperson on Education Jan Ainsworth says that a faith ethos is a good thing for a school. Andrew Copson of the British Humanist Association says that’s not true.
Unbelievable? Alvin Plantinga - American Masters of Apologetics
Justin is joined by seasoned Christian philosopher Alvin Plantinga as they explore the problem of Evil and why Dawkins should have stuck to biology.
Unbelievable? William Lane Craig - American Masters of Apologetics
ustin continues his chats across the pond during July as he interviews William Lane Craig, one of the wrold’s foremost Christian aoplogists and philosophers. His book “Reasonable Faith” now in its 3rd edition is a staple part of any Apologetics library.
Unbelievable? Gary Habermas - American Masters of Apologetics pt 1
In a break with the usual format of the show, Justin begins a series of in depth interviews with some of today’s leading State-side Christian thinkers and defenders of the Faith.
Unbelievable? Islam & Christianity - which is more relevant to Britain?
Muslim guests Adnan Rashid and Hamza Tzsortist join Justin Brierley as they defend Islam’s record and suitability for Britain against Christian evangelist and apologist Jay Smith and Beth Grove.
Unbelievable? Communism & Christianity
Justin is joined by atheist Jack Conrad of the Communist Party of Great Britain. He says belief in God is a relic of the past. Jonathan Bartley argues that Jesus Christ and the message He brought is the real answer to the Communist’s hopes and dreams.
Unbelievable? A Case for theistic evolution with Keith Ward
Keith Ward, former Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford University and priest in the Church of England explains why as a “theistic evolutionist” he believes Evolution and belief in God are compatible. Atheist Scientist Robert Stovold holds that there is no reason to believe in God alongside evolution.
Unbelievable? Defending Biblical innerancy
Justin is joined by Dr. Alex McFarland of the Southern Evangelical Seminary in North Carolina, USA. He defends the Bible as being error and contradiction free in its entirety. Non-believer Stephen Pilcher throws up some of the difficulties he has come across in the Bible, challenging Dr. McFarland to answer them.
Unbelievable? Angels
In her book “Angels in My Hair” Lorna Byrne claims to have been able to see and speak to angels since childhood. Is her gift for real? Is it Christian? She says yes. Faith Forster chats with her about her view of angels and whether it matches the Bible. Revd John Woolmer, an authority on angelic experiences also contributes.
Unbelievable? Sikhism
GB Singh explains his own brand of Sikh belief and why he doesn’t trust Christianity or the Bible. Rana Johal is a Christian convert from Sikhism. He believes that Sihkism’s ultimate spiritual quest is answered by Jesus.
Unbelievable? Jesus & Jewishness
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach has been dubbed “America’s most famous Rabbi”. Michael Brown is one of the foremost proponents of Messianic Christianity. Fresh from debates in London and Oxford they discuss whether Jesus is the only way to God, and the fulfilment of Messianic hopes.
Unbelievable? Todd Bentley and the Lakeland ‘revival’
Justin is joined again by Charismatic Christian Gerald Coates, “Cessationist” Christian Mark Johnston and agnostic skeptic Stephen Pilcher. They discuss the healing revival occuring in Lakeland Florida under the ministry of Todd Bentley and claims of the miraculous.
Unbelievable? The gift of tongues - faith or fake?
The first of two shows dealing with Charismatic gifts of the Spirit. Gerald Coates is church leader of the pioneer network of Charismatic chuches, speaking in tongues is a daily reality for him. Mark Johnston is “Cessationist” minister in London he says the Gift of tongues passed away with the close of scripture. Stephen Pilcher is an agnostic skeptic who says that its all in the mind… A fascinating discussion.
Unbelievable? Josh McDowell answers tough questions
Famed US apologist Josh McDowell engages with sceptic Ciaran O Pronntaigh over questions such as “how can we believe Jesus was the son of God?”. Also includes listener feedback on the last two weeks of programming.
Unbelievable? Proof for the resurrection
Canadian apologist Tony Costa says there are 5 key reasons that lock together to prove the resurrection of Jesus. He debates sceptic Ken Humphreys.
Unbelievable? Philosophical problems with God
Justin is joined by Atheist philosopher Peter Cave as they discuss chapters from his book “Can a Robot be Human?” that ask difficult questions of Christian belief. Christian Philosopher Peter S Williams defends faith in God.
Unbelievable? “Why I became an atheist” Part 2 - John Loftus & Peter May
Atheist John Loftus and Christian Peter May discuss whether people choose whatb they believe or whether religion is down to where you are born in the world.
Unbelievable? “Why I became an atheist” Part 1 - John Loftus & Peter May
Justin meets John W Loftus. Once a passionate Christian, he’s now a militant atheist. Find out why he lost his faith and his conversation with Christian apologist Peter May.
Unbelievable? Did Jesus prophecy the Bahai faith?
In his book “Letter to the Christians” Jeremy Fox, argues that Baha’u’llah the founder of the Baha’i faith is the second coming of Jesus Christ, as prophesied in the New Testament. Robin Thomson of South Asian Concern argues against this interpretation of scripture.
Unbelievable? Easter & the atonement
Atheist Marilyn Mason says that the idea of God punishing his son for the sins of others is unjust, bizarre and immoral. Roger Forster of the Ichthus Christian Fellowship explains what he believes happened on Good Friday. Muslim guest Nazam Guffoor also contributes.
Unbelievable? Christian Universalism - will all be saved?
Eric Stetson of the Christian Universalist Aosociation claims the Bible says everybody will ultimately be saved. Gregory Macdonald is a high profile evangelical going under a pen name who has written a book supporting Universalism. He joins us with a disguised voice. Dan Strange of Oakhill Theological college argues against them both saying their views are a dangerous distortion of scripture.
Unbelievable? Can we trust the Gospels?
Norman Hansen is an atheist. He says the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are mythology passed off as fact. But Christian scholar Andy Bannister says that we have all the evidence we need to trust them.
Unbelievable? Sharia Law in the UK
Catherine Heseltine is a convert to Islam and represents the Muslim Public Affairs Committee. Beth Grove is a Christian who has made a study of women’s issues in Islam. They discuss the pros and cons of Sharia in the UK. Abdulhaq of Brixton Mosque and evangelist Jay Smith join in the debate too.
Unbelievable? New Age Spirituality
Beverley Alfred, a reiki healer says her spiritual path has led her away from organised religion towards Alternative Spirituality. Sally Coleman runs a Christian stall at New Age fairs and engages with Beverley on New Age and Christian belief. We also hear some of the varied spiritual options on display London’s Mind, Body, Spirit fair last year.
Unbelievable? Noah and the Flood - did it happen?
Creationist David Rosevear says that recent science suggests a global flood did occur, and that Christians should read Genesis literally. Atheist Robert Stovold contends that creationists routinely warp the facts to suit their agenda. Geologist Gregg Marshall and Christian evolutionist Michael Roberts also contribute.
Unbelievable? Bahai Faith & Christianity
Barney Leith explains why he believes Bahoulloh the founder of Bahai faith was the ultimate manifestation of God in human form. Sunil Shivdasani argues that Jesus is the only true revelation of God in human flesh, and is joined by Eric Stetson who converted to Christian Universalism from Bahai faith.
Unbelievable? Positive atheism?
David Vernon explains why he thinks that being an atheist is a positive thing. Anna Robbins of the London School of Theology questions whether we can really find meaning without God.
Unbelievable? Morality - do we need God to be Good?
Marilyn Mason, a humanist and Gavin McGrath, a Christian, join Justin as they discuss where they get their sense of “right and wrong” from. Gavin says that without God we can’t make sense of morality - Marilyn disagrees.
Unbelievable? Abortion
With 600 abortions carried out every day Dan Boucher of CARE explains why he believes the law needs to change. Pro-choice advocate Dr. Wendy Savage argues that a woman’s right to choose should come first.
Unbelievable? Embryology and medicine
The HFE Bill going through Parliament will allow the creation of animal-human “hybrid” embryos. Lord David Alton says respect for human life is being trampled on. MP Ian Gibson says that it will allow medical progress. With contributions from Andrew Fergusson of the Christian Medical Fellowship.
Unbelievable? Freemasonry & Christianity - serving two masters?
Michael Donovan is a committed evangelical Christian. He is also a Freemason. Doug Harris of the Reachout Trust believes that being a Freemason and a Christian are incompatible. They join Justin as he asks whether Freemasonry is a religion, what it says about God, and whether Christians should be involved in secret societies.
Unbelievable? End of year highlights
Justin Brierley presents segments of some of the varied discussions and debates between Christians and non-Christians across the past year. Featuring Muslim, Hindu, Mormon, atheist and agnostic guests being pesented with the claims of Christianity.
Unbelievable? Did Christians steal Christmas?
Justin is joined by atheist Robert Stovold who claims that Christians stole Christmas! He says the Gospel stories are nothing more that a re-hashing of similar pagan legends. Doug Harris of the Reachout Trust says that’s ridiculous and will be going head to head with Robert to defend the Christmas story. Guests Ken Humphreys and Anthony McRoy also join the fray.
Unbelievable? Islamic Jihad & terrorism
Patrick Sookhdeo of the Barnabus Fund claims in his book “Global Jihad” that Islam needs to abandon scriptures advocating offensive Jihad. Hamza A Bajwa of The Muslim Weekly says Patrick does not fully understand Jihad or Islam.
Unbelievable? Response to “The Golden Compass” movie
Justin Brierley addresses the controversial children’s blockbuster “The Golden Compass” that was released at cinemas this week. Some groups claim that it is atheist propaganda aimed at misrepresenting Christianity to children. Justin is joined by Jason Gardner of the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity and Andrew Copson of the British Humanist Association.
Unbelievable? Jewish/Christian dialogue on Grace
Rabbi Reuben Livingstone and Alex Jacob of the Churches Ministry among Jewish People discuss Salvation. Reuben believes our righteous acts and knowledge of God bring salvation, Alex believes in Salvation by Grace through faith in Jesus. With contributions from Messianic Jew Richard Harvey and Pastor Ken Brownell of East London Tabernacle.
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