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?
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? Why is God hidden? Cosmic Skeptic & Lukas Ruegger at Oxford University with Max Baker-Hytch
Why doesn’t God seem to reveal himself to people who are open and seeking him?
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? 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 ...
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 ...
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? 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.
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’.
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? 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? 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? 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? 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?
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…
5 Scientists Converted by the Evidence for God
These former atheist scientists now believe in God because of the evidence
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? 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 ...
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? Andy Bannister vs Peter Singer – Do we need God to be good?
Justin 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.
Alex O'Connor vs Cameron Bertuzzi • Why is there something rather than nothing?
For more debates, updates and bonus content sign up at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievablenewsletter
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? 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?
For the full video, further episodes, updates & bonus content sign up http://www.thebigconversation.show
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
Be the first to watch, listen and download at http://www.thebigconversation.show
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 ...
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? 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? 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? 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? 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.