2024-03-08T16:46:00+00:00
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.
2024-03-01T11:13:00+00:00
As we approach Mother’s Day, Hannah Martin, who has made up some of the world’s most famous faces, shares her thoughts on how to support those who may be struggling
2024-02-13T18:00:00+00:00
Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday fall on the same day this year. Author Lauren Windle reflects on this unlikely compatibility and ponders what it means for us
2024-02-13T10:26:00+00:00
As we approach Lent, Rt Rev Prof NT Wright shares his thoughts on how Lent emerged, why it’s significant and what it means for us today
2024-02-13T09:48:00+00:00
Rev Dr Michael Lloyd, co-author of Image Bearers, explores how the image of God shapes our understanding of what it is to be human. Is secular psychology sufficient? Why is restoration necessary? How does community help? Why is diversity so important?
2024-02-06T10:00:00+00:00
In this final episode with evangelist Phil Knox, we explore friendship with God. Can God be our friend? How do we prioritise and pursue the presence of God? Must we ensure the Lord Almighty doesn’t become the Lord Almatey?
2024-01-30T13:37:00+00:00
Evangelist Phil Knox continues sharing his top tips for making and maintaining friends. Why is diversity so important in friendship? How do we get the balance of fun and vulnerability? What can we learn from Jesus’ friendships?
2024-01-16T08:38:00+00:00
The horrific terror attack of 9/11 cemented in Patrick Flynn’s mind that religion was not only untrue and irrelevant, but also troublesome. Jana Harmon explores how rigorous study and existential questions led Pat to change his mind
2024-01-15T12:41:00+00:00
Associate Professor Sarah Irving-Stonebraker shares how significant CS Lewis was in her journey from atheism to Christianity. As an academic historian, she explores how great books speak to ever-present questions and looks at why the past matters. Why is Lewis still relevant 60 years after his death?
2024-01-12T15:59:00+00:00
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.
2024-01-02T13:00:00+00:00
Rev Andrew Gosler, professor of Ethno-ornithology at Oxford University, shares how working in the same department as Richard Dawkins and reading his publications eventually led him to become a Christian. Plus, he shares a fascinating story about answered prayer.
2024-01-01T17:00:00+00:00
”Daddy, why are you crying? It’s only a lion!” Evangelist Phil Knox shares his experience of reading The Narnia Chronicles with his young son and the impact these books have had on his own life. Why is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe significant for so many people? And how does The Horse and his Boy depict the Christian story so profoundly?
2023-12-29T16:32:00+00:00
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.
2023-12-21T10:02:00+00:00
Jana Harmon shares the story of former sceptic Susan Leonard who saw no need for faith until a personal tragedy led to a profound encounter with God
2023-12-21T06:00:00+00:00
Author Ben Harris shares some thoughts on how to bring the Christmas story to life this Christmas
2023-12-19T13:37:00+00:00
Writer Steve Schramm explores whether the Nativity story can be trusted
2023-12-19T13:32:00+00:00
Author Drew Cordell ponders what it might mean for those who believe “Jesus is the reason for the season” to abandon 25th December all together
2023-12-19T11:25:00+00:00
In the final part of his discussion with Ruth Jackson, Bishop Arun Arora, author of Stick With Love, looks at some modern day saints including former Archbishop John Sentamu, Stormzy, Cardinal Van Thuân and Rev Dr Florence Li Tim-Oi. Why did Stormzy’s mum skip his Glastonbury performance to go to church? And how does the Christmas story speak hope to a dark world?
2023-12-15T15:56:00+00:00
Bridget Supple, an antenatal teacher and author of The Birthkeeper of Bethlehem, shares her perspective on the often-neglected account of the midwife in the Christmas birth narratives
2023-12-15T15:51:00+00:00
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?
2023-12-15T10:16:00+00:00
Professor Alister McGrath shares his thoughts about how Lewis perceived the festive season and what we can learn from him
2023-12-13T16:30:00+00:00
Creation. Fall. Redemption. New Creation. Our series on the theological foundations of Christian ethics and the grand narrative of the Bible has reached the third chapter – redemption.
2023-12-12T18:00:00+00:00
Who was the real Saint Nicholas? Why was he so passionate about Jesus’ divinity? And why does it matter who Jesus is? Bishop Arun Arora, author of Stick With Love shares his thoughts on a number of saints and looks at how to address the problem of unanswered prayer. How does the Christmas story speak to our suffering? Plus, we hear how God transformed George Floyd’s life while he was in prison and what what can we learn from his life and tragic death.
2023-12-11T16:16:00+00:00
David Bates from Pints With Jack shares some of CS Lewis’ thoughts about Christmas. What are some of his key works that elucidate this topic? Did the festive period lose its significance when Lewis became an atheist? Plus, we catch up on how the inaugural CS Lewis Reading Day went last month.
2023-12-04T17:00:00+00:00
In the final part of their discussion on whether CS Lewis is still relevant 60 years after his death, Professor Alister McGrath and Ruth Jackson ponder whether he also appeals to agnostics, atheists and those of other religions. Plus, is there a modern-day CS Lewis? Where should someone start if they are engaging with Lewis for the first time? And will Lewis ever cease to be relevant?
2023-12-01T15:27:00+00:00
Charity worker Simon Foulds shares why he thinks a new framework for mission is needed
2023-11-29T14:53:00+00:00
Spanish musician Pedro Garcia’s atheism was profoundly shaken when he began to engage with intelligent Christians. Jana Harmon shares his story
2023-11-28T11:12:00+00:00
Bishop Arun Arora, author of the Archbishop of York’s Advent book Stick With Love, shares how a young Brummie with a Sikh dad and Hindu mum became a Christian through Billy Graham. Having been in the Church for 30 years before he saw another Asian man in Church leadership, Arun shares why he and the Archbishop of York have such a strong commitment to racial justice.
2023-11-27T17:22:00+00:00
Professor Alister McGrath and Ruth Jackson continue their discussion about whether CS Lewis is still relevant. Was he something of a prophet? What can we learn about the way Lewis engaged with modern media? How did he make complicated theological concepts relatable? In what ways has Lewis influenced our culture and is he able to speak to contemporary topical issues, such as transgenderism?
2023-11-27T13:45:00+00:00
CS Lewis podcaster, David Bates, shares why he helped initiate a campaign to commemorate Lewis with an annual Reading Day on November 29th
2023-11-20T11:26:00+00:00
Preston Ulmer, author of Deconstruct Faith, Discover Jesus: How Questioning Your Religion Can Lead You to a Healthy and Holy God, shares his thoughts on how our stance on sex may have caused people to lose their faith
2023-11-17T14:49:00+00:00
Rico Villanueva, Langham Partnership’s regional commissioning editor for Asia, shares how studying the psalms of lament have helped him with his bouts of depression
2023-11-15T11:00:00+00:00
Apologist Joel Furches explores the central beliefs of Wicca and looks at its historical relationship with Christianity
2023-11-14T16:47:00+00:00
Dr Amy Orr-Ewing, author of Mary’s Voice, explores the context of Mary, mother of Jesus, and looks at why women play such a significant role in Christianity. Plus, what is the Magnificat, why is it so revolutionary? And how is it relevant today?
2023-11-10T10:32:00+00:00
As we approach Remembrance Day in the UK and Veterans Day in the US, Joel Furches explores whether we should be praying for our military
2023-11-09T15:50:00+00:00
From the archives: Tom answers listener questions around gender, women in leadership and the dynamics of family life.
2023-10-31T11:53:00+00:00By Matt Arnold
Matt Arnold, editor of The Christian Parapsychologist Journal, explores the origins of Halloween and suggests they are firmly rooted in the Church
2023-10-23T12:00:00+01:00
Author Mark Roques explores the life of Baptist preacher William Carey
2023-10-18T11:31:00+01:00
Sam Reimer, professor of sociology and author of Caught in the Current, explores the decline of Christianity in light of the three ways religious groups can grow
2023-10-17T08:33:00+01:00
Rev Dr Michael Lloyd, author of Cafe Theology, shares his story including why he got ordained, how he ended up in academia and why he changed his mind on the ordination of women. He also discusses how to assess the veracity of doctrines and why he believes everyone should study theology.
2023-10-16T13:26:00+01:00
Erik Strandness reviews Justin Brierley’s new book
2023-10-13T08:45:00+01:00By Joel Furches
Apologist Joel Furches interviewed astronomer Dr Hugh Ross about science and his belief in God
2023-10-11T11:46:00+01:00
Sam Reimer, professor of sociology and author of Caught in the Current, explores how authority, belief and behaviour have changed over the years and the impact this has had on faith
2023-10-10T10:10:00+01:00
In the final part of their discussion, Peter Byrom delves into Dawkins’ argument from complexity, suggesting it may be a circular assumption. They unpack Dawkins’ fascinating exchange with Francis Collins in 2022, where Dawkins admits he may have a presupposition towards materialism. Plus, what does the future hold?
2023-10-06T08:28:00+01:00By Jana Harmon
Apologist Jana Harmon shares the story of Neil Placer, who discovered the Christian faith via years of atheism
2023-10-02T13:15:00+01:00
Apologist Nathan Rittenhouse shares his thoughts on Psalm 8 and its ramifications
2023-10-02T12:29:00+01:00
We continue our conversation on Perelandra, with Alister McGrath reflecting on questions around pleasure, gender and sex. What is gender? Is pleasure always erotic? What did Lewis mean by “transsexual” in this novel?
2023-09-29T11:00:00+01:00
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?’.
2023-09-29T09:02:00+01:00
Journalist Heather Tomlinson continues her exploration on near-death experiences in light of a recent Big Conversation on this topic
2023-09-28T10:16:00+01:00
Jehu Limma, founder of HopeGiving Foundation, shares his remarkable journey from “untouchable” to helping children out of poverty
2023-09-26T12:13:00+01:00
Theology student David MacPherson reflects on a recent episode of The Diary of a CEO, where Nir Eyal discussed the benefits of church and a worshipping community
2023-09-26T10:00:00+01:00
In the first episode of this three-part series, Peter Byrom shares his fascinating story as told in the chapter he contributed to Coming to Faith Through Dawkins. He outlines how he encountered the apologist William Lane Craig via the New Atheists and discusses his growing disillusionment with Dawkins’ “devastating” argument from complexity.
2023-09-25T15:30:00+01:00
Professor Alister McGrath explores the second book of CS Lewis’ space trilogy, Perelandra, looking at some of its key themes, characters and questions. Could the Fall have been prevented? What if it hadn’t happened? How did Lewis perceive magic? Where do we find meaning? Is there a limit to science?
2023-09-22T16:00:00+01:00
The Big Conversation - Episode 6 | Season 5
2023-09-21T12:21:00+01:00
Erik Strandness reflects on deconstruction and reconstruction following an Unbelievable show on this topic
2023-09-19T09:00:00+01:00
Why do many people deem religion irrelevant? What are some of the biggest objections to belief in God? Why are droves of young people leaving the Church? Evangelist Phil Knox shares some of his thoughts about these big topics and gives some tips on how to share your faith effectively.
2023-09-15T15:00:00+01:00
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.
2023-09-14T10:30:00+01:00
Ken Miles, clinical academic and author of From Billiard Balls to Bishops: A Scientist’s Introduction to Christian Worship, explores whether we can feel the presence of God in an age of science
2023-09-12T11:21:00+01:00
Author Darren Richards reflects on artificial intelligence, looking at the value of human leaders
2023-09-12T11:17:00+01:00
Evangelist Phil Knox, author of Story Bearer and The Best of Friends, shares some of his story with Ruth Jackson, speaking about the impact of his dad’s death at a young age. Plus, they discuss why evangelism matters and how we can share our story and be a “good news person in a bad news world”.
2023-09-11T14:41:00+01:00
Alister McGrath continues to explore Out of the Silent Planet, looking at some of CS Lewis’ language around love and sex. He also looks at the different life forms on Malacandra and the distinction between rational and non-rational life forms.
2023-09-08T15:56:00+01:00
Retired bishop Richard Harries shares his thoughts about Queen Elizabeth II, who died a year ago on 8th September 2022
2023-09-08T09:00:00+01:00
The Big Conversation - Episode 5 | Season 5
2023-09-07T15:00:00+01:00
From the archives, from 2020: In a bonus podcast special we bring you ‘An Evening with NT Wright’, hosted by SPCK and recorded live at Westminster Chapel London with an audience Q&A.
2023-09-05T09:00:00+01:00
Dr Erik Strandness explores the relationship between the soul, mind, brain, body and spirit following a recent Big Conversation about near death experiences
2023-08-31T17:00:00+01:00
From March 2020: Tom answers listener’s pastoral questions including a man racked by guilt over whether his wife’s miscarriages were a judgment on his porn addiction, a family wrestling with the death of a family member, and someone on a journey back to faith but unsure where to begin.
2023-08-29T11:00:00+01:00
Monday 28th August marked 60 years since the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr delivered his iconic ‘I have a dream’ speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Adam Coleman’s grandfather was personally invited to attend the event by Dr King. Adam spoke about his grandfather’s experience and reflected on the last 60 years - how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go when it comes to racial justice.
2023-08-27T09:30:00+01:00
Apologist Adam Coleman shares his thoughts about Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy 60 years after his iconic ‘I have a dream’ speech
2023-08-25T13:22:00+01:00
60 years on from Martin Luther King Jr’s ‘I have a dream’ speech, apologist Adam Coleman reflects on his grandfather’s first-hand experience of the March on Washington
2023-08-24T17:00:00+01:00
From Feb 2020: Tom answers listener questions about marriage including: What will our married relationships look like in the new creation? What advice do you have for someone about to get married? What do you think about divorce? Can I get married to a non-Christian?
2023-08-22T08:36:00+01:00
Following a recent Big Conversation, journalist Heather Tomlinson explores near-death experiences
2023-08-17T15:25:00+01:00
Rev Sam Allberry, a close friend of Tim and Kathy Keller, delivered a moving tribute at Tim Keller’s memorial service on 15th August. Here’s what he said
2023-08-15T10:12:00+01:00
Entrepreneur Max Anderson shares his final reflections on the great Tim Keller who influenced his life in a deeply profound way
2023-08-15T09:45:00+01:00
Ana Ávila, author of Aprovecha Bien El Tiempo, shares her insights around how to identify and avoid burnout, how to rest well and how to master technology rather than letting it control us.
2023-08-14T17:00:00+01:00
Alister McGrath explores some of the theological themes within Lewis’ trilogy, such as incarnation, atonement and the problem of evil. How did Lewis view the relationship between science and religion? What did he think about evolution? How did he critique certain worldviews through his fiction?
2023-08-14T13:00:00+01:00
Entrepreneur Max Anderson reflects on his New York pastor and friend’s teaching on work
2023-08-12T09:00:00+01:00
Entrepreneur Max Anderson reflects on his New York pastor and friend’s teaching on marriage
2023-08-11T09:40:00+01:00
Entrepreneur Max Anderson reflects on his New York pastor and friend’s teaching on idolatry
2023-08-10T13:27:00+01:00
Entrepreneur Max Anderson reflects on his New York pastor and friend’s apologetic teaching
2023-08-08T17:00:00+01:00
Entrepreneur Max Anderson reflects on his New York pastor and friend’s teaching on the Prodigal Son
2023-08-08T15:00:00+01:00
Entrepreneur Max Anderson reflects on the many things he’s learnt from his New York pastor and friend
2023-08-08T09:00:00+01:00
Ruth Jackson continues her conversation with Mexican writer Ana Ávila who studied clinical biochemistry. Why is there a perceived conflict between science and religion? Does science contradict the Bible? Can you prove there is a God?
2023-08-07T17:00:00+01:00
We dive into some of the important issues explored in Lewis’ Space Trilogy. Why was he so vehemently opposed to animal experimentation? What would Lewis say to those experiencing mental health struggles today? Plus, Alister McGrath responds to the accusation that CS Lewis was sexist and racist.
2023-08-04T15:36:00+01:00
The CS Lewis podcast recently launched a new series focussing on one of Lewis’ lesser known works of fiction, his Space Trilogy. Here, Ruth Jackson shares why she and Professor Alister McGrath think the books are worth a read, despite their length and difficulty
2023-08-02T13:10:00+01:00
Charles Clough is a retired military meteorologist who became a Christian while at MIT. Apologist Joel Furches spoke to him about being a scientist and a theologian
2023-08-01T14:06:00+01:00
Mexican writer Ana Ávila, who lives in Guatemala, shares her insights into religion in Latin America. How do we probe our beliefs? What does evangelism look like in a nominally Christian culture? How is apologetics received in some of these countries and what are the big questions being asked?
2023-07-28T10:00:00+01:00
Linguist and author of Dalek Christianity Tom Schwarz explores what factors influence our perception of truth. He also looks at how we can celebrate different perspectives
2023-07-27T17:00:00+01:00
From Dec 2019: Listeners ask questions on which Bible translations are best and Tom’s own translation of scripture ‘The Bible For Everyone’. What makes a good translation, why doesn’t Tom capitalise ‘holy spirit’, and what does he make of Pope Francis ‘changing’ the Lords’ Prayer?
2023-07-26T09:00:00+01:00
Former non-theist Mary Jo Sharp found answers to many of her questions through Christian apologetics. She is now passionate about sharing this with others, despite the great personal cost at times. She shares some of her story with Joel Furches here
2023-07-25T15:40:00+01:00
Dr Jennifer Woodruff Tait, managing editor of Christian History magazine, discloses how looking at the past can help us with the future. She shares some of the interesting steps in her career, from preaching to her stuffed animals at the age of 4, to professor, music director, librarian and priest (and brown belt in Karate!). Plus, she offers her thoughts around the Asbury revival.
2023-07-24T13:00:00+01:00
Professor Alister McGrath looks at the intended audience of CS Lewis’ Space Trilogy and explores some of the influences behind the books, including JRR Tolkien and Charles Williams.
2023-07-21T12:00:00+01:00
Are science and religion in conflict? Is there more to life than mere matter? Where do we find meaning? Erik Strandness explores these big questions in light of a recent Big Conversation with atheist Philip Ball and Christian Nick Spencer
2023-07-20T17:00:00+01:00
From Sept 2019: Am I unequally yoked to my wife? What’s the biblical view of singleness? Was Jesus at my mother’s deathbed? What’s the point of it all? Tom answers the personal, pastoral and puzzled questions of listeners.
2023-07-19T16:30:00+01:00
Our second ‘lessons learned’ episode looking back at the covid pandemic tackles how our healthcare systems coped, or failed to cope, with the unprecedented crisis of coronavirus.
2023-07-19T12:24:00+01:00
Apologist Joel Furches explores the evolution of religion, focussing on the most ancient religion still practised today
2023-07-18T17:00:00+01:00
Philosopher Dr Vince Vitale presents some of his PhD research around evil, suffering and theodicy. He and Ruth Jackson share their own experiences of suffering miscarriages, demonstrating that this is not just a theoretical question of why there is pain, but a deeply practical one of how we are to deal with this agony.
2023-07-18T13:00:00+01:00
Nigerian pastor Hassan John reflects on the anti-Christian violence in his home country and considers the appropriate response
2023-07-17T17:00:00+01:00
Many people don’t even realise CS Lewis wrote science fiction, much less have perused these three colossal volumes. So, why read them? In the first episode of our brand new series on Lewis’ Space Trilogy, Professor Alister McGrath looks at when and why Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra and That Hideous Strength were created and how they can impact our lives today.
2023-07-14T14:04:00+01:00
Jim Thring was a Christian for 15 years before losing his faith and becoming a humanist atheist. He rediscovered his Christian faith years later through apologetics. Jana Harmon shares some of Jim’s story here
2023-07-12T16:30:00+01:00
This podcast happened to launch a week or two into the first lockdown in spring 2020, and so for the first year almost all we could talk about on the show was coronavirus. But since normality finally returned last year, it feels like nobody wants to talk about the pandemic again.
2023-07-11T13:20:00+01:00
As churches and denominations around the world become increasingly divided and fractured, Erik Strandness encourages Christians to unite for the sake of those outside the Church
2023-07-11T13:00:00+01:00
Ruth Jackson continues her conversation with Dr Vince Vitale, one of the new guest hosts of Premier Unbelievable?, who shares why he developed a passion for evangelism and apologetics. They discuss how he responded to questions and objections academically in the area of philosophy, but also on the sports field with his team mates at Princeton and Oxford.
2023-07-10T17:00:00+01:00
In the final part of this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-turned atheist Dan Barker. Here, they continue to discuss CS Lewis’ apologetics and hone in on what Lewis says about other religions.
2023-07-07T14:00:00+01:00
Author Mark Roques explores ideas about science, religion and the Enlightenment through this thought-provoking and entertaining interview with the Norse god
2023-07-05T11:56:00+01:00
Apologist Clinton Wilcox explores whether the Bible mandates pacifism or if acts of violence can ever be justified
2023-06-29T15:22:00+01:00
Erik Strandness takes a look at a number of biblical metaphors involving food and explores what they mean for our faith
2023-06-28T17:00:00+01:00
From July 2020. Tom answered listener questions on the life of the Apostle Paul, whether he wrote all the letters attributed to him, and whether contemporary Christians need to agree with all the views he gives.
2023-06-28T16:00:00+01:00
In this episode we discuss why surrogacy is gaining in popularity, the pros and cons of the proposed reforms, and whether Christians should endorse surrogacy as a good way to start families.
2023-06-26T17:00:00+01:00
In the second part of this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-turned atheist Dan Barker. Here, they continue to discuss CS Lewis’ apologetics, focussing particularly on his argument from reason in ‘Miracles’.
2023-06-26T12:14:00+01:00
Ben Clifton grew up in a non-Christian household and didn’t encounter church until his wife’s mental health struggles led her to attend. Here, Jana Harmon tells the remarkable story of Ben’s journey from sceptic to apologist
2023-06-21T16:00:00+01:00
Are people even asking questions? If so, are those questions dramatically different from what they used to be? How should we respond to our rapidly changing culture? Collin Hansen, executive director of the The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics, looks at some important questions around cultural apologetics and draws on the wisdom of Tim Keller (1950-2023).
2023-06-19T17:00:00+01:00
60 years after his death people continue to read, use and quote CS Lewis’ apologetics works. In this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-turned atheist Dan Barker. Here, they discuss Lewis’ arguments, focussing particularly on his Natural Law argument for God in ‘Mere Christianity’.
2023-06-17T06:00:00+01:00
Father’s Day can be a really difficult time for many people for a variety of different reasons. Here, Elliott Rae, who works to support and champion families, shares his experience of fatherhood, mental health challenges and helping men to be more vulnerable
2023-06-16T17:00:00+01:00
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.
2023-06-14T17:00:00+01:00
Perhaps the most contentious political, medical and social issue of the day is how to treat and care for young people who are questioning or experiencing distress around their sex and gender.
2023-06-12T17:00:00+01:00
Dr Jennifer Woodruff Tait, managing editor of Christian History magazine, shares some of her thoughts around why CS Lewis continues to be so popular. She tells Ruth Jackson why they devoted an entire issue of the magazine to Lewis’ family and friends, and reflects on why he has had such a profound impact on her own life as a woman, despite him sometimes being accused of sexism.
2023-06-07T16:00:00+01:00
In this episode we tackle two questions from listeners.
2023-06-05T16:00:00+01:00
In this special episode following the death of Tim Keller on Friday 19th May, Ruth Jackson speaks to Collin Hansen, author of ’Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation’. They talk about Keller’s love for CS Lewis and reveal some fascinating stories about Kathy Keller, Tim’s wife, who was one of the last people to correspond with Lewis before his death.
2023-06-03T11:00:00+01:00
Former atheist Stu Fuhlendorf felt no need for God, achieving high level of success and power in the business world. However, his achievements were tainted by emptiness and addiction, which helped him become open to his need for God. Jana Harmon shares his story
2023-05-31T17:00:00+01:00
We continue our conversation with Collin Hansen, author of ’Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation’, who highlights some of the key women in Keller’s life, particularly his wife Kathy. Hansen explains why Tim Keller was a complementarian and speaks about Keller’s brother, Billy, who died from AIDS in the 1990s.
2023-05-31T09:59:00+01:00
The persecuted church today lives as it always has under the threat of arrest, imprisonment, physical attack, verbal threats and harassment, and even death. But today these traditional methods are supplemented by the technological revolution.
2023-05-29T14:51:00+01:00
Dr Sharon Jones, who teaches at Stranmillis University College, explores floral particulars in Lewis’ works. This talk was originally given at a CS Lewis symposium called Now We Have Faces, which was hosted by The CS Lewis Group at Ulster University in coordination with English at Ulster. The title of Sharon’s presentation was ‘Much grass and many flowers: attending to floral particulars with CS Lewis’.
2023-05-29T12:00:00+01:00
Erik Strandness challenges us to rethink the way we share our faith for the sake of our young people
2023-05-25T17:00:00+01:00
From 2019. Listeners want to know about Tom - Who are his favourite authors? If he could have dinner with anyone from the 20th Century who would it be? Why is he an Anglican? Has he ever struggled with his own faith?
2023-05-24T17:00:00+01:00
Following the death of Tim Keller on Friday 19th May, Collin Hansen, author of ’Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation’ spoke to Ruth Jackson about Tim Keller’s early life and shared some of his favourite memories of the New York apologist.
2023-05-23T16:42:00+01:00
Today’s episode was recorded as part of the New Zealand Christian Medical Fellowship’s annual conference. Doctors there sent over two bioethical conundrums for us to chew over as part of a special episode of Matters of Life and Death.
2023-05-22T17:00:00+01:00
University of Iasi PhD candidate Teodora Driscu looks at longing and the image of heaven in Lewis’ works, focussing particularly on ‘Perelandra’. This talk was originally given at a CS Lewis symposium called Now We Have Faces, which was hosted by The CS Lewis Group at Ulster University in coordination with English at Ulster. The title of Teodora’s presentation was ‘The Embodiment of Heaven in Lewis’ Works’.
2023-05-18T17:00:00+01:00
First broadcast in 2017, NT Wright talks to Justin Brierley about his early life and how his faith developed over the years, before turning to the question of what the atonement means, as laid out in his book The Day The Revolution Began. This interview was first broadcast on The Profile podcast https://www.premierchristianradio.com/theprofile
2023-05-17T16:06:00+01:00
John Swinton, professor in practical theology and pastoral care at Aberdeen University and a former psychiatric nurse, challenges the way we approach disability, ensuring we create spaces where everyone belongs and has their spiritual needs met. We also discuss difficult questions around dementia, such as what it means to know God when you have limited conceptual intellectual capacity.
2023-05-17T15:00:00+01:00
New artificial intelligence software has swept through the internet over the last year. Many are thrilled by the potential and power of AI which can generate brand new text, images, sound and video. But others are sounding the alarm.
2023-05-17T09:12:00+01:00
Erik Strandness explores how we should respond to supernatural phenomena in response to an Unbelievable? show about paranormal activity, such as near-death experiences, angels and ghosts
2023-05-15T17:00:00+01:00
Drama and theatre studies lecturer Dr David Clare explores four plays about Lewis that downplay his Ulster background. This talk was originally given at a CS Lewis symposium called Now We Have Faces, which was hosted by The CS Lewis Group at Ulster University in coordination with English at Ulster. The title of David’s presentation was ‘“The man from God knows where”: Four plays about CS Lewis in which his Belfast background is ignored or downplayed’.
2023-05-15T12:00:00+01:00
From a young age, Mark Goodnight experienced great suffering, including sexual abuse, alcoholism and depression. These events caused him to doubt God. As his life spiralled out of control, Mark reached out to the God he didn’t believe in and began to experience healing and restoration
2023-05-12T16:00:00+01:00
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?’
2023-05-12T10:33:00+01:00
Jane Pantig, who works for Ratio Christi, loves her unique platform as a Filipino-American woman. Apologist Joel Furches shares some of her story here
2023-05-10T17:00:00+01:00
May marks Mental Health Awareness Week, so we spoke to John Swinton, professor in practical theology and pastoral care at Aberdeen University, who spent 16 years as a psychiatric nurse. He shares his thoughts about how to care for those experiencing mental health difficulties, particularly young people.
2023-05-10T14:00:00+01:00
More quickfire initial thoughts in response to questions from listeners. This week we discuss whether introverts are marginalised in the church, or actually disproportionately likely in the pulpit?
2023-05-03T17:00:00+01:00
In the final part of her discussion with Ruth Jackson, Dr Lydia McGrew, an analytic philosopher and author of Testimonies to the Truth: Why you can Trust the Gospels, unpacks some of the more disconcerting elements of Jesus’ character and looks at how this impacts the veracity of the Gospel accounts. She also addresses how the loneliness and suffering of Jesus can speak to a hurting world.
2023-05-03T16:00:00+01:00
The non-religious are an ever-increasing segment of the population, in the UK, the United States and across the Western world
2023-05-03T12:06:00+01:00
Erik Strandness reflects on an Unbelievable? discussion between punk singer-turned-pastor Josh Porter and former-Christian Jon Steingard, exploring why numerous young American evangelicals lose their faith and whether they’re ever able to get it back
2023-05-01T17:00:00+01:00
English lecturer Dr Sarah Waters shares her insights into one of CS Lewis’ science fiction books, particularly in regards to how we relate to one another post-Covid. This talk was originally given at a CS Lewis symposium called Now We Have Faces, which was hosted by The CS Lewis Group at Ulster University in coordination with English at Ulster. The title of Sarah’s presentation was ’Facial (mis)recognition: Out of the Silent Planet and the boundaries of face-to face’.
2023-05-01T12:00:00+01:00
As we approach the King’s coronation, journalist Heather Tomlinson explores the biblical idea of kingship and what that means for us
2023-04-26T17:00:00+01:00
Dr Lydia McGrew, an analytic philosopher and author of Testimonies to the Truth: Why you can Trust the Gospels, explores how reliability is assessed in regards to ancient documents. She tackles some of the alleged contradictions in the Gospels and looks at why certain elements, such as accurate geography, cultural knowledge and names are important.
2023-04-26T17:00:00+01:00
In this second part of our effective altruism conversation, we explore the Christian sub-community within EA and ask whether the movement’s fundamental ideas are compatible with Christian tradition on giving.
2023-04-24T17:00:00+01:00
In the final episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we look at why someone who expected to be forgotten within five years of his death has had such a lasting impact. Why is CS Lewis still so popular and how long will his appeal last? Plus, this is your last chance to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
2023-04-24T13:20:00+01:00
Author Mark Roques warns us to be on our guard when watching television and movies
2023-04-21T13:21:00+01:00
Author Judy Salisbury has a passion for equipping women to be confident and forthright about their Christian beliefs. Apologist Joel Furches shares some of her story here
2023-04-20T17:00:00+01:00
Justin Brierley is moving on from hosting the Ask NT Wright Anything show. Before the baton gets passed on to fresh hands, he sits down with Tom to ask him the questions he would like to hear answered.
2023-04-19T17:00:00+01:00
Dr Lydia McGrew, an analytic philosopher and author, became a Christian at the age of 4. She shares some of her story with Ruth Jackson, including her experience of being adopted, her prevailing wrestle with the problem of evil and why she’s passionate about an evidential approach to Christianity.
2023-04-19T16:25:00+01:00
Writer Steve Schramm explores Mormonism and questions how Christians should respond to it
2023-04-18T09:30:00+01:00
Neonatal physician Erik Strandness asks some challenging questions in light of many young people’s desperate struggles and explores what hope there is
2023-04-17T17:00:00+01:00
In the 14th episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we look at Lewis’ deep anguish following the death of his wife, Joy Davidman, and explore his approach to suffering in A Grief Observed.
2023-04-14T16:00:00+01:00
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.
2023-04-13T17:00:00+01:00
In a special pastoral Q&A edition Tom responds to various questions on difficult family situations, unforgiveness and a church pastor who doesn’t know if he believes any more. Plus a musical treat from Tom. An archive show first broadcast in 2019.
2023-04-12T17:00:00+01:00
Dr Jeremiah Johnston, president of the Christian Thinkers Society and father to five children (including triplets!), shares his journey into apologetics, looking at the importance of engaging both the head and heart. As well as speaking about how to live distinctively, ask good questions and allow room for doubt, Jeremiah unpacks some of the big issues impacting young people today.
2023-04-10T17:00:00+01:00
In this special episode, we take a break from our series on Professor Alister McGrath’s seminal biography, CS Lewis: A Life, to celebrate reaching our 100th episode. Alister shares some of his thoughts around what modern readers can learn from Lewis and how he can help with the renewal of the Church.
2023-04-06T10:42:00+01:00
Professor John Swinton, a former psychiatric nurse-turned practical theologian at Aberdeen University, reflects on the significance of Good Friday and Holy Saturday
2023-04-06T08:57:00+01:00
Dr Jeremiah Johnston, author of ’Body of Proof: The 7 Best Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus-and Why It Matters Today’ shares his thoughts on this painful topic
2023-04-05T17:00:00+01:00
Part one of John’s ‘How to live faithfully in a technologically confusing world’ webinar explores the staggering sophistication of the latest generation of AI chatbots and what ethical questions these might throw up for Christians.
2023-04-05T11:09:00+01:00
Apologists Nick Peters and Joel Furches explore the plausibility of Christianity’s central claim
2023-04-04T17:00:00+01:00
New Testament scholar Dr Jeremiah Johnston shares ground-breaking research from his new book ’Body of Proof: The 7 Best Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus-and Why It Matters Today’. He also explains how we can experience overwhelming hope in the midst of great suffering if Jesus really rose from the dead.
2023-04-04T11:04:00+01:00
Apologist Joel Furches looks at the soul, near death experiences and the resurrection of Jesus, examining their veracity and relevance
2023-04-01T11:00:00+01:00
Dr Andy Bannister, director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity, explores why he believes Jesus’ death on the cross was necessary
2023-03-31T17:00:00+01:00
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.
2023-03-31T11:49:00+01:00
Professor John Swinton, a former psychiatric nurse-turned practical theologian at Aberdeen University, unpacks some of its key moments and their relevance
2023-03-30T17:00:00+01:00
Do you have to go to church to be a Christian? What should our theology of worship be? How do we know we are in the ‘correct’ denomination? Tom Wright answers these and more questions from listeners about Christian unity. An archive show first broadcast in 2019.
2023-03-30T13:00:00+01:00
Professor John Swinton, a former psychiatric nurse-turned practical theologian at Aberdeen University, reflects on the events leading up to the death of Jesus and ponders their significance for our lives today
2023-03-29T18:00:00+01:00
In part two of his discussion with Ruth Jackson, Professor John Swinton shares what Holy Week means to him and explores what impact the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus has on a world in need of hope.
2023-03-29T18:00:00+01:00
In this episode we take a lightning-quick tour through the Bible to consider what we can learn about friendship there – with God, between God’s people, and fundamentally lived out in the life of Jesus.
2023-03-29T15:00:00+01:00
Apologist Joel Furches explores one of life’s biggest questions
2023-03-29T13:30:00+01:00
Writer Steve Schramm unpacks various atonement theories, looking at their historical and biblical origins
2023-03-27T15:00:00+01:00
Former atheist Jim Tickner shares his story of discovering God in the midst of an existential crisis
2023-03-24T13:00:00+00:00
Heather Tomlinson shares a short explainer about charismatic gifts of the Spirit and cessationism, following a recent Unbelievable? debate
2023-03-23T18:00:00+00:00
In this replay podcast from 2019 Tom answered listener questions on how to have better conversations on sexuality in the church, co-habitation, whether the New Testament understanding of homosexuality was different to today and his thoughts on Transgender following a letter he wrote to The Times newspaper. First broadcast in 2019.
2023-03-22T18:00:00+00:00
Somebody once said that in contemporary society we all want to ‘have sex with our friends, and be friends with our sexual partners’. There is a broad suspicion of intimate but non-sexual friendships, especially those which are intergenerational or cross the sexes.
2023-03-22T18:00:00+00:00
Ruth Jackson speaks to John Swinton, professor in practical theology and pastoral care at Aberdeen University. Having spent 16 years as a psychiatric nurse, John speaks about the importance of spiritual care in medicine. He also shares his thoughts on the problem of suffering.
2023-03-21T14:29:00+00:00
Gospel, Bible, reliability, manuscript, eye witness, testimony, coincidences, story, made up,Philosopher and author of Testimonies to the Truth: Why You Can Trust the Gospels, Lydia McGrew, looks at some key elements that point to the genuineness of eye witness testimony within the Gospel narratives
2023-03-20T18:00:00+00:00
In the eleventh episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we hear the inspiration behind the Narnia Chronicles and look at the important role imagination played in Lewis’ work. Plus, don’t forget to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
2023-03-20T16:24:00+00:00
Author Mark Roques challenges the assumption that some things are in the ‘secular box’, while others are in the ‘religious box’
2023-03-17T14:18:00+00:00
Tim James explores how the Covid-19 pandemic contributed to our understanding of the divine importance of physical place in our modern world
2023-03-16T18:00:00+00:00
Tom answers practical questions about the role of those unable to be physically active - does their prayer and meditation make a difference in the Kingdom? A computer programmer questions whether his work is a worthwhile activity in Kingdom terms? Are there any forms of art that go against our image-bearing creativity?
2023-03-15T18:00:00+00:00
In this final episode, Bruce Miller, author of The 7 Big Questions: Searching for God, Truth, and Purpose, explores objections towards the Bible, including whether it is sexist, racist and out of date. Bruce also asks whether we can know and experience God personally, looking at why he doesn’t make himself more obvious.
2023-03-15T18:00:00+00:00
To mark one year since Matters of Life and Death joined the Premier Unbelievable network, we have a special one-off episode answering some questions emailed in by listeners.
2023-03-15T10:56:00+00:00
Theologian Dr Andrew Ollerton explores what the gospel is and why he believes it needs to be shared
2023-03-14T11:44:00+00:00
Erik Strandness explores what a priesthood of all believers means and what that looks like in practice.
2023-03-13T18:00:00+00:00
In the tenth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we explore the professional setbacks and personal trials Lewis encountered post Second World War. We also look at his move away from apologetics and why he declined a CBE. Plus, don’t forget to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
2023-03-09T18:00:00+00:00
Why bother with earth and not just create heaven? Why try to make the world a better place if God is going to fix it? Is the world getting better or worse because of Christianity? Can Christians achieve perfection in this life, as Wesley claimed? Tom Wright answers listeners questions on the ‘now-and-not-yet’ of new creation.
2023-03-08T18:00:00+00:00
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.
2023-03-03T18:00:00+00:00
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.
2023-03-03T15:00:00+00:00By Erik Strandness
Erik Strandness explores how we can reconcile reason with joyfully dancing in our underwear
2023-03-02T17:00:00+00:00
Tom answers listener questions on prayer including: ‘Is prayer just telling God what to do?’ and ‘What difference does prayer make if God has already decided what to do?’. Kelly is nervous about praying out loud before a meal in public, and Jennifer is questioning the legitimacy of public displays of prayer in the USA. Tom responds to these questions and shares his own habits of prayer, including keeping a prayer diary.
2023-03-02T14:54:00+00:00
Evangelist Greg Downes shares his personal reflections on his friend, the scientist and apologist Professor Thomas Charles Buckland McLeish, who died on 27th February
2023-02-27T16:45:00+00:00
In the eighth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, Professor Alister McGrath shares some of Lewis’ thoughts on suffering. We also hear how and why Lewis was broadcast on BBC Radio during the Second World War and the impact this had. Plus, it’s not too late to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
2023-02-27T16:29:00+00:00By Timothy Tennett
The leader of Asbury Theological Seminary reflects on what is happening at their campus in Kentucky
2023-02-24T15:10:00+00:00By Mark Roque
Following the recent LGBT and the Church Unbelievable? show, author Mark Roques explores how Greek philosophy helps illuminate our understanding of sex
2023-02-23T18:00:00+00:00
Tom and Justin are back with a fresh batch of questions from listeners who are having trouble hearing from God. Nicole asks why ‘Ask and you shall receive’ doesn’t seem to work in practise? Shelagh says she doesn’t hear from God the way she used to - is it because of disobedience? Robert asks how you can tell if you have misheard from God? Tom also gives an update on his health and work and reflects on how he hears from God.
2023-02-23T17:08:00+00:00
Protestant Christian and apologist Nick Peters explores some key distinctions within different branches of Christianity
2023-02-22T18:00:00+00:00
In this episode we think through more of the implications of living in a non-private digital village in the 21st century, but is privacy even a Christian virtue in the first place?
2023-02-22T13:00:00+00:00
In the first of four episodes on how to approach some of life’s most difficult questions, Ruth Jackson speaks to Bruce Miller, author of The 7 Big Questions: Searching for God, Truth, and Purpose, about belief, doubt and purpose.
2023-02-21T14:00:00+00:00
In light of the tragic Kahramanmaras earthquake, apologist Dr Sharon Dirckx shares her thoughts on how we reconcile the idea of a good and powerful God with the presence of natural disasters
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