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Finding God through science – an atheist discovers chemical evolution can’t adequately explain the origin of life- Death has lost its sting – how becoming a Christian eradicated a humanist’s overwhelming fear of dying
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Jesus
Can the Gospels be trusted? The presence of casual coincidence
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
The CS Lewis Podcast #97 Alister McGrath: The creation of Narnia
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.
What does God have to do with teaching French?
Author Mark Roques challenges the assumption that some things are in the ‘secular box’, while others are in the ‘religious box’
Does place matter? Lessons from Covid-19
Tim James explores how the Covid-19 pandemic contributed to our understanding of the divine importance of physical place in our modern world
Finding God through science – an atheist discovers chemical evolution can’t adequately explain the origin of life
Jana Harmon shares the story of Dr Fazale Rana who discovered God through his pursuit of science. His paradigm shift began when he began to find scientific explanations for the origin of life inadequate and started to look elsewhere
Unapologetic #44 Bruce Miller: Is the Bible reliable?
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for God, Truth, and Purpose, explores objections towards the Bible, including whether it is sexist, racist and out of date.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.
Why I’m not shy about the gospel
Theologian Dr Andrew Ollerton explores what the gospel is and why he believes it needs to be shared
Are we all priests?
Erik Strandness explores what a priesthood of all believers means and what that looks like in practice.
Should we trust our brain or our emotions?
Erik Strandness explores how we can reconcile reason with joyfully dancing in our underwear
Ask NT Wright Anything #159 What difference does prayer make? Tom shares his prayer habits
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.
Remembering theoretical physicist Professor Thomas McLeish (1962-2023)
Evangelist Greg Downes shares his personal reflections on his friend, the scientist and apologist Professor Thomas Charles Buckland McLeish, who died on 27th February
PREVIEW: The Big Conversation Season 5!
Subscribe for early access to this episode at thebigconversation.show
The CS Lewis Podcast #94 Alister McGrath: The wartime apologist
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.
Is Asbury Theological Seminary really experiencing revival? President Timothy Tennent shares his thoughts
The leader of Asbury Theological Seminary reflects on what is happening at their campus in Kentucky
Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox: What’s the difference and does it matter?
Protestant Christian and apologist Nick Peters explores some key distinctions within different branches of Christianity
Unapologetic #41 Bruce Miller: Does life have a purpose?
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.
Why would God allow the Turkey-Syria earthquake?
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
The CS Lewis Podcast #93 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis’ literary scholarship
In the seventh episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we explore why Lewis never used a typewriter, who the Inklings were and how they impacted his work, and what role women, such as Dorothy L Sayers, played in Lewis’ life. Plus, don’t forget to register to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
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.
Can the Gospels be trusted? The texture of testimony
Philosopher and author of Testimonies to the Truth: Why You Can Trust the Gospels, Lydia McGrew, explores some of the characteristics of testimony within the Gospel narratives
Death has lost its sting – how becoming a Christian eradicated a humanist’s overwhelming fear of dying
As an ardent atheist, Kim Endraske disliked Christians, but wrestled daily with existential dread. Jana Harmon shares Kim’s story of discovering the God who dramatically changed her life
How do you mend a broken heart? The cure we all need this Valentine’s Day
As we head into a day devoted to celebrating relationships, Erik Strandness looks at how God restores the relationships damaged through our infidelity
Unapologetic #40 Tyler Scott: What Jesus means to a future NFL player
Following Sunday’s Super Bowl, Ruth Jackson spoke to former University of Cincinnati receiver, Tyler Scott, about faith, football and the power of prayer.
The CS Lewis Podcast #92 Alister McGrath: The making of a Mere Christian
In the sixth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we explore Lewis’ faith journey, looking at how and why he became a Christian. We also hear about the significant impact of JRR Tolkien. Plus, don’t forget to register to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
Racial justice: Why and how should we fight for it?
As we approach Racial Justice Sunday, apologist Adam Coleman of Tru-ID looks at why all humans have intrinsic worth. He shares examples of abolitionists who took matters of justice into their own hands as well as those who opted for non-violence, trusting God to act on their behalf
How an NFL footballer found faith through a naked teammate
As we approach this year’s Super Bowl, former NFL footballer-turned pastor, Derwin L Gray, shares his remarkable story of how he came to faith
Unapologetic #39 Lauren Windle: Being single and dating in a marriage obsessed Church
As we approach Valentine’s Day, Ruth Jackson carries on her conversation with author Lauren Windle, who shares her thoughts on singleness, dating and why the Church seems so obsessed with marriage.
Help! My teenager doesn’t believe in God
Pastor Marc Lambert looks at how parents can lovingly walk alongside their children as they doubt, question and rebel against Christianity
The CS Lewis Podcast #91 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis’ early years at Magdalen college
In the fifth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we look at some key moments in Lewis’ Oxford career, such as the death of his father. Plus, don’t forget to register to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
Working for peace in our politically divided world is essential. But the Church needs to get its own house in order, too
With discussions around sexuality looming large at the Church of England’s General Synod this week, journalist Heather Tomlinson takes a look at tribalism within the Church. For more on sexuality, gender and identity, register free for an Unbelievable? Live webinar on 7th February here
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.
How should Christians respond to transhumanism?
Apologists Clinton Wilcox and Joel Furches explore some of the core principles of transhumanism and their ramifications
Ask NT Wright Anything #155 Making sense of Old Testament violence
Tom responds to listener Qs on Andy Stanley ‘unhitching’ Christianity from the Old Testament, the historicity of the Exodus, and the way that Greg Boyd interprets violent portraits of God in ‘The Crucifixion Of The Warrior God’. First broadcast in 2019.
Do you want to be healed?
Following a recent episode of Unbelievable? on miracle healing, Erik Strandness explores what we can learn about healing from the biblical account of the pool at Bethesda
Unapologetic #38 Lauren Windle: Finding God in the midst of addiction
Journalist Lauren Windle tells her story of getting sober from alcohol and cocaine, and shares how she encountered the God who changed her life.
When the Church of England blesses gay marriage it signs its own death certificate
Social critic Bethel McGrew shares her thoughts on recent proposals by the House of Bishops to allow the blessing of same-sex marriages
Should Christians favour creation or evolution?: 4 different perspectives
Writer Steve Schramm explores Young Earth Creationism, Old Earth Creationism, Intelligent Design and Theistic Evolution
Fighting against God – a staunch atheist encounters God after a suicide attempt
Roger Sherrer vehemently believed religion was poison. Jana Harmon shares his story of transformation here
Ask NT Wright Anything #154 Tom answers Qs on universalism, hell and salvation
In an extended edition of the show originally broadcast on the Unbelievable? podcast, Justin asks a variety of listener questions on dispensationalism, John’s gospel, inerrancy, salvation, hell, universalism and Tom’s favourite books, music and much more… First broadcast in 2016.
Altar call
Erik Strandness reflects on the radical commitment of a god who shares in our suffering
Unapologetic #37 Alanzo Paul: a former opiate addict on how to reach young people
Originally from Canada, Alanzo Paul fell into a life of addiction after his parents’ divorce. Here, he shares some of his story with Ruth Jackson, including his reflections on working with Ravi Zacharias. He also looks at some of life’s big questions and suggests ways to reach the apathetic with the gospel.
Matters Of Life & Death: Medical Assistance in Dying 2: Suicidal ideation, no crystal balls, conscientious objection, and Hippocrates’ successful medical practice
In our second conversation on Canada’s euthanasia regime, we chat with a Canadian doctor about the troubling expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying to those only suffering from mental illness.
Backsliding atheists: 3 famous sceptics who doubted their atheism
Author Mark Roques takes a look at the lives of Jean-Paul Satre, Somerset Maugham and Alfred Ayer
Ask NT Wright Anything #153 Is the Bible inerrant? Is ‘Sola Scriptura’ correct? What about verses endorsing slavery?
How should we treat the Bible? Inerrant? Infallible? Does it contain errors? Tom answers questions on the nature of the Bible as well as related issues such as whether the Reformers were right to concentrate solely on scripture rather than church tradition, and whether there is a ‘trajectory hermeneutic’ when it comes to issues like slavery in the Bible.
Matters Of Life & Death: Medical Assistance in Dying 1: Judicial activism, a ‘reasonably foreseeable’ death, the unacceptability of suffering, and reasons to stay alive
This week we speak with a Christian psychiatrist from Canada who has been involved in both the campaigning against the spread of euthanasia, and also figuring out on the ground how to care well for patients in a system which offers them the chance to take their own lives instead of receiving treatment.
Unapologetic #36 Trevin Wax: How to tackle objections to Christianity
In the second part of their discussion, Ruth Jackson speaks to Trevin Wax, author of award-winning book ‘The Thrill of Orthodoxy’, about culture wars, evangelism and how to approach life’s big questions.
Running from God – a Jehovah’s Witness’ journey away from and back towards God
Claire Dooley grew up in a large religious family in Mississippi. Here, she shares some of her reasons for leaving the faith and why, after years of atheism and in her moment of deepest despair, she started exploring Christianity
What is Judaism and how does it differ from Christianity?
Writer Steve Schramm offers a helpful explanation on the relationship between these two key religions
The CS Lewis Podcast #88 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis’ unpleasant schooldays
In the second episode of a new series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we look at why Lewis found school so thoroughly unpleasant and how it helped to cement his growing atheism. Plus, we launch a competition to win a copy of McGrath’s book.
Unapologetic #35 Trevin Wax: Can Orthodoxy be thrilling?
Trevin Wax, author of award-winning book ‘The Thrill of Orthodoxy’, speaks to Ruth Jackson about what Orthodoxy is, how we articulate it in a modern context and why we should pass it on to the next generation.
Is it arrogant to disagree? Michael Gungor responds to his critics
Musician and exvangelical Michael Gungor responds to journalist Heather Tomlinson’s critique of his approach on a recent episode of Unbelievable?
The CS Lewis Podcast #87 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis’ Irish childhood
In this first episode of a new series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we look at Lewis’ early childhood in County Down, their family life and the death of his mother.
Do all religions lead to God?
Apologist Joel Furches explores one of life’s big questions
And it was very good: creation and humanity
Erik Strandness explores the place of humans on this planet
Is it arrogant for Jesus to claim to be the only way to get to heaven?
Writer Steve Schramm explains a potentially uncomfortable claim within Christianity
Unapologetic #34 Pedro Garcia: I became a Christian through Halloween
Apologist Pedro Garcia speaks to Ruth Jackson about how Halloween kickstarted his journey towards faith in Jesus.
Is the Western Church’s problem that it is too self-centred?
Digging deeper into Gungor’s rejection of Christian faith suggests so, says Heather Tomlinson
When atheism isn’t enough – an intellectual’s search for meaning
Jana Harmon tells the story of a man who discovered hope in the place he least thought he would find it
The CS Lewis Podcast #86 Alister McGrath: Why read CS Lewis?
As we begin a new year, we pause to remind ourselves of the thought, life and legacy of CS Lewis. Professor Alister McGrath shares why and how we can engage with Lewis and his writings as we introduce a new series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life.
Teach the world to sing in a minor key
Erik Standness looks at what unites people in a crisis and why
The Top 10 Unbelievable? shows of 2022
Justin Brierley rounds up the most popular shows of the year
Ask NT Wright Anything #150 NT Wright on the multi-ethnic mission of the church - Oxford Conference Session 2
In this second lecture from the Reimagining Global Mission conference in Oxford, Tom speaks on the multi-ethnic, multicultural, polychrome mission of the church.
The cross as the ultimate symbol of deconstruction
Timothy James reflects on the significance of the cross and its meaning for our lives
Unapologetic #33 Finding Jesus changed Christmas forever
As we approach a new year, we speak to three people from different backgrounds who found new life in Jesus. They share their stories and talk about how finding Jesus has changed the way they celebrate Christmas for ever.
How should we respond to racial injustice?
As we approach a new year, we must continue to talk about these important issues. Clare Williams, apologist and founder of Get Real shares her thoughts about how Christians should respond to racial injustice
Secret service
Erik Strandness reflects on how we get to heaven and what that means for us
The CS Lewis Podcast #85 A magical Narnia trail
There is something inherently Christmassy about The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and a church in the North East of England have used Lewis’ classic children’s tale to put on a special event, inviting local families to engage with the Christmas story in an imaginative way.
The faith of the shepherds: A Christmas reflection
Tim James looks at what we can learn from a bunch of seemingly unimportant individuals who were brave enough to accept an invitation to meet the Messiah
Ask NT Wright Anything #149 Can we trust the Christmas story? Responding to Bart Ehrman
Tom Wright talks to Justin about Christmas and the birth narratives, and answers listener questions on the reliability of the gospels, Bart Ehrman on textual transmission, the dating of the gospels, and whether The Ascension happened as described. Replay of a show first broadcast December 2018
Was Christmas originally a pagan festival?
Jonathan Clark investigates whether early Christians merely piggybacked off pre-existing pagan celebrations
Unapologetic #32 Charles Foster: The virgin birth, child massacre and Shamanic astrology
In the second half of our discussion about Christmas, Charles Foster, author of The Christmas Mystery, looks at some of the more sinister and less straightforward elements of the biblical Nativity narratives.
My Eucharistmas: A personal memoir on Holy Communion during the festive period
Oxford student Jonathan Garner shares his thoughts on Advent and the Eucharist
Church service cancelled on Christmas day? Mine will be our last…and I wouldn’t miss it for the world
As Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, Bethel McGrew explores what that might mean for many Americans
The CS Lewis Podcast #84 CS Lewis on Christmas
What did Christmas mean to CS Lewis? How did he celebrate it? Did he ever write about the festive season? Professor Alister McGrath shares his insights into CS Lewis’ depiction of the incarnation and Christmas.
Why the virgin birth?
Medical scientist Peter Elwood OBE examines the evidence for the miracle at the heart of the Christmas story
God in diapers
Erik Strandness reflects on the Christmas story
Ask NT Wright Anything #148 NT Wright on Reimagining Mission in the Global South - Oxford Conference Session 1
NT Wright was keynote speaker at an Oxford conference on Reimagining Mission in the Global South, hosted by Bishop Joseph D’Souza of the Good Shepherd Church network in India, in partnership with Premier.
Motorbikes and Jesus: How we can engage in cringe-free conversations this Christmas
As we enter the festive season, we may be faced with opportunities to talk about Jesus and the Christian story. Mark Roques looks at how we can approach these conversations
Unapologetic #31 Charles Foster: The truth behind the Christmas story
Why do only two of the four Gospels mention Jesus’ birth? What if the Christmas story isn’t true? Can we trust the biblical sources? Charles Foster, author of The Christmas Mystery, answers some of the tricky questions surrounding the Nativity narratives in the Bible.
Matters Of Life & Death: Social media and politics 1: The judgemental society, 3,000 offensive tweets a day, freedom from vs freedom to, and Elon Musk’s Twitter
This week we’re joined by the former leader of the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron to discuss social media and politics. Research suggests UK members of parliament like Tim get sent thousands of offensive tweets every single day.
Joy in the trials: Why something better than happiness is promised at Christmas
As we enter a festive season full of “comfort and joy”, Erik Strandness looks at what biblical joy looks like and how we are to practise it in the midst of the darkness
Five reasons we can trust the Nativity narratives
Cold-case detective J .Warner Wallace examines the evidence around the biblical accounts of the Christmas story
The CS Lewis Podcast #83 Teri-Anne Cavanagh: Finding faith through CS Lewis
Teri-Anne Cavanagh is training for ordained ministry in the Church of England, but she wasn’t always a Christian. CS Lewis played an instrumental role in initiating her journey back to the faith of her childhood.
Does God answer prayer in a miraculous way?
Christmas celebrates one of the greatest miracles of all time – God becoming man – but should we reliably believe in miracles and can they be the result of our prayers? Retired priest, John Clarke, investigates
Joy to the world?
Ruth Jackson recalls her experience of miscarriage at Christmas and reflects on experiencing pain, fear and doubt in a season of celebration and frivolity
Christ-free Christmas carols
As we approach the carolling season, Justin Brierley shares his thoughts on musician Tylean Polley’s atheist Christmas album
How do you solve a problem like Jesus?
As we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth, Erik Strandness explores who the founder of Christianity really is and what our response should be
Can we affirm the virgin birth?
As we approach Christmas, apologist Nick Peters explores the credibility of this outrageous biblical claim
Anything But God: Adrienne Johnson's unlikely conversion to Christianity
With tales of Santa, flying reindeer and magical elves, the Christmas period is often brimming with make believe - something Adrienne Johnson also equated with the Christian story. However, through a long period of discovery, she came to see there was truth behind these ancient beliefs
Why do Christians believe God is trinity?
Writer Steve Schramm explores one of the strangest Christian doctrines
Unapologetic #29 Jon Tyson: Digital evangelism and reaching a lost generation
Ruth Jackson speaks to New York-based pastor Jon Tyson about reaching young people, digital evangelism and parenting.
Cannibalism really works for us
Author Mark Roques explores the logical outworkings of pragmatism
Ask NT Wright Anything #145 Should I use the word ‘heaven’? Will we know everything in the new creation?
A listener wants to know if the suggestion of Old Testament prophets being raised from the dead presents a problem for the uniqueness of Jesus’ resurrection? Is ‘heaven’ the in-between-state before new creation? Will we know everything once we are raised? Tom answers listener questions along with guest scholar Justin Bass.
Do atheists believe in “One Less God” than Christians?
Apologist Joel Furches explores the rationality behind naturalism and Christianity
Unapologetic #28 Jon Tyson: Addressing objections, doubts and questions about the Christian faith
New York-based pastor Jon Tyson shares some of his thoughts about living as a Christian in a secular space.
Matters Of Life & Death: Dependence 2: The Panopticon at home, evangelising to retirees, existential angst in the House of Lords, and rejecting self-sufficiency
In the second part of our conversation on ageing and dependence, we think about how secular society has tried to ameliorate the crisis of isolated older people with technological solutions.
Five top tips to reach young black people
Clare Williams, apologist and founder of Get Real shares her thoughts about reaching young people in the black community
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?
Falling from Grace: Addressing power, leadership and abuse in the Church
Erik Strandness reflects on a recent webinar on sexual abuse and looks at the lessons we must learn
Ask NT Wright Anything #144 Why is John's Gospel so different? What did Paul know about Jesus?
Tom Wright and Justin Brierley are back with a fresh batch of listener questions on the gospels this week including: How do I reconcile John’s portrayal of Jesus with the other gospels? Are the timings of the crucifixion accounts in conflict? And what did Paul know about Jesus? New Testament scholar Justin Bass also joins the conversation.
Matters Of Life & Death: Dependence 1: Isolated elderly people, altruistic suicide, a second childhood, and a crucified hero
We’ve discussed in previous episodes the looming ‘demographic timebomb’ – a growing mass of elderly and increasingly chronically ill people in many developed nations, expected to place huge strain on public resources.
Does hell exist?
Apologist Joel Furches explores different opinions of hell and why its existence matters
‘I Don’t Need God’ – a sceptic’s U-turn
Ardent atheist Mark Meckler began to consider whether there might be something more after 51 years of scepticism
Is Christianity sexist?
Apologist Joel Furches explores women’s place in the Church, both historically and today
Ask NT Wright Anything #143 The bedrock facts of the resurrection - NT Wright & Justin Bass
Justin Brierley and Tom Wright are joined by New Testament scholar Justin Bass, author of ‘The Bedrock of Christianity: The unalterable facts of Jesus’ death and resurrection’. They discuss why the appearances of Jesus and the rise of Christianity count as historical evidence for the truth of the resurrection
We will remember
As we approach Remembrance Day and Veterans Day, Ruth Jackson reflects on the importance of remembering
Unapologetic #26 Clare Williams: Why young black people are leaving Christianity
Ruth Jackson speaks to apologist Clare Williams about black consciousness and why so many young black people are leaving the Church.
Is God hidden or have we lost our senses?
Erik Strandness explores the hiddenness of God
How should I read scripture?
Apologist Nick Peters takes us on a whistlestop tour of the Bible and shares his advice about how we approach it
The CS Lewis Podcast #78 Trevin Wax: How CS Lewis shaped my faith
Author and pastor Trevin Wax shares why he loves CS Lewis. They look at the relevance of Lewis’ writings as well as debating whether or not he was a heretic!
Blessed are the lonely in spirit
With discussion around amnesty in the US over previous COVID restrictions, Derek Caldwell shares his thoughts about forgiveness and loneliness
Ask NT Wright Anything #142 What did St Paul believe about justification, election and salvation?
Tom Wright talks to Justin about his book Paul: A Biography and takes listener questions on ‘justification’, election and salvation and what three things he would ask Paul if he were alive today. From a show first broadcast in 2019.
Unapologetic #25 Clare Williams: Why racial justice matters
Ruth Jackson speaks to apologist Clare Williams about racial justice, black pain and how the Church should respond.
The CS Lewis Podcast #77 Trevin Wax: CS Lewis on why truth matters
Ruth Jackson speaks to author and pastor Trevin Wax about CS Lewis. They discuss numerous topics including objective truth, Christian morality and evangelism.
I became a Christian through a pumpkin party
Halloween may be a controversial topic for some Christians, but it was the beginning of a journey to faith for apologist Pedro R Garcia
Ask NT Wright Anything #141 How do I talk to Muslims about Christ? Is Jesus the only way?
Tom answers questions on evangelism in a post-Christian world, returning to a message of repentance, whether we can know that Jesus is the only way to God, and how to talk about Jesus with a Muslim in a show first broadcast in 2019. And Tom gets his guitar out again…
Halloween: scary movies, religious belief and wish fulfilment
As we approach Halloween, researcher Derek Caldwell explores Freud’s wish fulfilment hypothesis in light of our inherent fears
Unapologetic #24 Clare Williams: Why Black History Matters
As we come to the end of Black History Month in the UK, Ruth Jackson speaks to apologist Clare Williams about how we can support young black people and reach them with the gospel message.
Who is the real Jesus?
Apologist Joel Furches unpacks one of the most Googled questions, looking at the nature of Jesus
The greatest story ever told
Erik Strandness reflects on how Christianity shaped the West
Ask NT Wright Anything #140 Q&A on racial reconciliation and female leadership with Pastor Miles McPherson Pt 2
Tom speaks on the role of the church in racial reconcliation in the USA and why he believes the Bible affirms the leadership roles of both men and women. This is the second part of Tom’s on-stage interview with Pastor Miles McPherson, recorded at Rock Church, San Diego in 2019.
Rachael Denhollander: I am a sexual abuse survivor. Here’s how we can help others
Abuse survivor, Rachael Denhollander, shares her story and some thoughts around how to support victims of abuse
Unapologetic #23 Tom Holland: How the Bible inspired the anti-slavery movement
Why were radical Christians at the forefront of the abolition movement? Historian Tom Holland, author of ‘Dominion’, shares why the story of Jesus dying the death of a criminal slave was the historical catalyst for the modern day anti-slavery movement. The second part of a conversation recorded live with Justin Brierley at the IllumiNations Europe conference in Scotland.
Can mystical experiences be trusted? New Testament scholar Dale Allison certainly thinks so
Erik Strandness explores the role of mystery in apologetics
Ask NT Wright Anything #139 Q&A on New Creation & Salvation with Pastor Miles McPherson Pt 1
NT Wright was interviewed by Pastor Miles McPherson at Rock Church San Diego. They talk about Tom’s work to redescribe the gospel in terms of new creation, and what that means for the concept of ‘getting saved’. Recorded in 2019.
Ask NT Wright Anything #137 Atheist asks: Was Jesus’ death just a ‘bad weekend at human camp’?
Tom Wright talks about his book The Day The Revolution Began and answers listener Qs on Penal Substitution, the Old Testament sacrificial system, Christ’s ‘descent to the dead’, and an atheist’s claim that Christ’s death was ‘just a bad weekend at human camp’. First broadcast in 2018.
Ask NT Wright Anything #129 Would God need to redeem aliens? Life beyond earth and the cosmos
If the Universe is so big why did God choose to come to a small hill called Mount Zion? If there is sentient life beyond earth would it need redeeming too? Are the Nephilim evidence of aliens and UFOs? Tom answers questions on aliens and the cosmos!
Atheists like Dennett are wrong about consciousness. Why I agree with Iain McGilchrist (even if we still disagree about God)
Christian neuroscientist and lecturer Sharon Dirckx outlines her areas of agreement and disagreement with renowned psychiatrist Dr Iain McGilchrist during their recent Big Conversation dialogue.
McGilchrist’s brain science points towards God. But it still leaves many questions unanswered
Cambridge neurologist Prof Alasdair Coles says psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist’s work provides an important perspective on brain science and God, but still leaves questions on consciousness, identity and the nature of truth unanswered.
Unbelievable? What would CS Lewis say about the conversion of Paul Kingsnorth?
Paul Vanderklay has been charting the influence of Jordan Peterson in bringing people to faith. But Paul Kingsnorth’s journey from paganism to Christianity shows the influence of CS Lewis, he says.
Unbelievable? Paul Kingsnorth’s story shows why the spiritual void hasn’t gone away
The unexpected conversion of the poet and author has lessons for the church on answering the spiritual longings of 21st Century people, says Erik Strandess.
Ask NT Wright Anything #119 Old Testament Q&A: Noah, Moses and where to start
Tom answers questions on the Old Testament - Where should a new Christian start? Did events like Noahs flood and Jonah and the whale really happen? Why did God attempt to kill Moses in Exodus 4?
Ask NT Wright Anything #118 Mental health: Am I failing God by taking medication?
Does taking anti-depressant medication mean I’m failing to trust God? I was told to read the Bible to cure my eating disorder - how do we educate the church? How do I reconcile the Biblical command ‘do not be anxious’ with chronic anxiety? Tom answers listener questions about mental health.
Ask NT Wright Anything #117 I can’t shake my sinful addiction
Tom answers pastoral question from listeners about how to develop spiritual disciplines, escaping the cycle of besetting sin, and how to respond to homeless people with substance addiction and mental health problems.
Ask NT Wright Anything #116 Questions about Surprised By Hope
Tom answers questions on his bestselling book ‘Surprised by Hope’.
When God “suits up”: morality, myth, and incarnation
Theology Postgraduate student and Star Wars fan Matthew Fell reviews the debate between Frank Turek and Paulogia, about whether or not our favourite movie heroes point to Christ.
Ask NT Wright Anything #115 Part 2: NT Wright, Esau McCaulley & Tim Mackie on race and the church
Hear the audience Q&A that followed NT Wright and Esau McCaulley’s conversation on race and the church, hosted by Tim Mackie of The Bible Project.
Ask NT Wright Anything #114 NT Wright, Esau McCaulley & Tim Mackie on Reading the Gospels While Black Pt 1
In this bonus episode, hear NT Wright’s conversation with Rev Esau McCaulley, author of ‘Reading While Black’, on race and the Bible and it’s impact on the Church.
Finding God in John Lennon and Bob Dylan’s Music
Erik Strandness reflects upon Unbelievable?’s recent discussion about John Lennon, Bob Dylan, and God, and shares why he thinks their work is neither “the devil’s music” nor something to be worshipped - instead, both musicians play an important role in pointing us to the divine.
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.
Ask NT Wright Anything #113 Was Judas predestined to betray? Did the disciples hallucinate?
NT Wright answers questions about the Easter story.
Ask NT Wright Anything #112 How do I pray for Ukraine?
Tom shares his thoughts on the Ukraine conflict and answers listener questions on how to pray for Ukraine and whether such events are evidence of the ‘end times’.
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.
Ask NT Wright Anything #111 Why can’t Christians agree on doctrine?
How important is it to get our doctrine right? Why read the Bible if theologians can’t agree on its interpretation? Whose books do you disagree with that you’d still recommend? NT Wright responds to questions about differences on doctrine and theology.
Ask NT Wright Anything #110 I feel guilty about evangelism
How far should Christians seek to impose their moral beliefs on a secular society?
Ask NT Wright Anything #109 Am I guilty of my friend’s suicide?
NT Wright responds to a variety of pastoral questions around ethical dilemmas and regrets: Should I boycott the Qatar world cup? What do about the fact my job involves working on the cell line of an aborted baby? Was I responsible for my friend’s suicide after I rejected his romantic advances?
Ask NT Wright Anything #108 What if I’m not really saved?
Can we lose our salvation? What if I don’t feel worthy to be a disciple of Jesus? Could I think that I’m saved, but not be?
Ask NT Wright Anything #107 Baptism: What happens? Should we baptise infants?
What happens at baptism? How does John’s baptism of repentance differ from Christian baptism? And what does Tom think of infant vs believer’s baptism?
Ask NT Wright Anything #106 Is cremation or burial best?
Tom continues to answer listener questions on the practical side of death - funerals, cremation vs burial and organ donation. Is there a biblical approach to these topics?
Ask NT Wright Anything #105 The theology of death
Tom and Justin engage listener’s theological questions about death
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’.
Ask NT Wright Anything #104 Are good works evidence of saving faith?
What are ‘good works’ and are they evidence of saving faith?
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?
Ask NT Wright Anything #103 Vaccines, mandates and civil disobedience
Should faith leaders speak out in favour of vaccines? Is it ok for Christians to disobey government mandates? What about pacifism? Tom answers these and more questions.
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.
Ask NT Wright Anything #102 Does God predetermine everything?
What does Tom think of the Calvinist view that God predetermines everything? What is his view on Open Theism? What about the idea that Christ only died for some people? These and more questions are explored in the latest show.
Ask NT Wright Anything #100 Jesus the revolutionary - NT Wright at London Bible Week
Tom Wright speaks on ‘Jesus the Revolutionary’ at London Bible Week in 2017.
Ask NT Wright Anything #92 Why are people evil? Could God be evil?
Why are some people so totally evil? Is it possible that God could be evil? Will Satan and Jesus become friends again? Tom answers these and more questions from listeners on the subject of evil.
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.
Ask NT Wright Anything #84 Why did Jesus have to die? What did it achieve?
Is saying Jesus ‘had to die’ putting a limit on God’s forgiveness? And if Jesus defeated sin why does the world still look so bad? Tom answers these and other listener questions.
Ask NT Wright Anything #79 How to retell the Jesus story to a world that’s forgotten it
NT Wright’s opening address at Unbeilevable? the Conference 2021
Ask NT Wright Anything #78 What did the apostles do after Acts? And Qs on the historicity of the New Testament.
Do the earliest Gospels lack a divine Jesus? Who authored 2 Peter? What do we know about what happened to the Apostles after the close of scripture? Tom answers questions on the historicity of the Gospels.
The CS Lewis Podcast #16 Mere Christianity on Christ
In the fifth episode of the second series of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about Lewis’ understanding of Jesus and how we can use Lewis’ arguments and principles to speak truth to a sceptical culture.
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?
Ask NT Wright Anything #75 Qs about Jesus
Would Jesus have used miracles to make life easier for himself? Are some of Jesus’ word too harsh? Could Jesus have sinned? Tom answers questions about Jesus by listeners.
Ask NT Wright Anything #74 Confused by parables
What’s with the persistent neighbour? What lesson should we take from the shrewd manager? Is the story of Lazarus and the rich man a lesson about hell? NT Wright answers these and other listener questions on the parables of Jesus
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.
Ask NT Wright Anything #61 Could Jesus have been female? What about polygamy?
Tom tackles questions on whether Jesus could have been incarnated as a woman instead of a man, how you explain polygamy in scripture, and the question of Biblical commands about men and women speaking in church.
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? 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?
Ask NT Wright Anything #35 Questions on Crucifixion and Atonement
Just in time for Easter we bring you a show (recorded before lockdown) in which Tom answers listener questions on the crucifixion, the nature of atonement and forgiveness.
Tom Holland is taking on the secular humanists. And he’s winning.
Are the intellectual stars of New Atheism out of arguments? Esther O’Reilly reviews historian Tom Holland’s clash with atheist philosopher AC Grayling on The Big Conversation
Ask NT Wright Anything #28 Satan and the powers of evil
Are we supposed to believe in a literal Satan? What do the New and Old Testament say about the devil? In what ways does Jesus counter the forces of evil in his ministry and at the cross?
Was Jesus’ claim to be God an invention? Examining Ehrman’s arguments
Peter S. Williams reviews The Big Conversation between New Testament scholars Bart Ehrman & Peter J. Williams
The Right Way to Debate Bart Ehrman
Lydia McGrew reviews a recent debate with Bart Ehrman, and argues that Bible scholar Peter J Williams offers a model for dispensing common sense
Fake News? Did the Gospel writers get the facts right but their stories wrong?
Catholic blogger K Albert Little examines the difference between the stories of Jesus and the stories of President Trump…
Ask NT Wright Anything #20 Israel, Christian Zionism and the return of Jesus
How should Christians think about the place of Israel today? Do the Jewish people still have a distinct role in God’s purposes? The Bible says Jesus will return ‘soon’, so why hasn’t he?
Despite banning, burning and belittling, the cross still stands
How did an instrument of torture and execution became one of the world’s most recognisable cultural symbols? Ahead of Unbelievable? The Conference 2019, Justin Brierley examines the power of the cross.
Jesus for skeptics. How to respond to those who say Jesus is a myth
How should we respond those who doubt the existence of Jesus? Ahead of Unbelievable? the Conference 2019, Justin Brierley offers three approaches.
Ask NT Wright Anything #16 Tom answers questions on prayer
What’s the point of prayer if God knows our needs? Can we claim ‘anything’ by faith in Jesus name? What do Tom’s prayer habits look like?
Is Jesus just a myth?
Glen Scrivener gives his 90 second answer…
Was Jesus a Muslim or a Christian?
Millions of people think Jesus was a Muslim and billions think he was a Christian. Chris Goswami explains why both are wrong
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.
Do you believe in penal substitution?
What does it mean to say that ‘Jesus died in our place’ on the cross? Tom Wright responds on how we should and shouldn’t view penal substitution.
Ask NT Wright Anything #3 Qs on Christmas, the historical Jesus, Bart Ehrman & The Ascension
Tom Wright talks to Justin about Christmas and the birth narratives, and answers listener questions on the reliability of the gospels, Bart Ehrman on textual transmission, the dating of the gospels, and whether The Ascension happened as described.
Ask NT Wright Anything #2 Qs on sacrifice, crucifixion and atonement
Tom Wright talks about his book The Day The Revolution Began and answers listener Qs on Penal Substitution, the Old Testament sacrificial system, Christ’s ‘descent to the dead’, and an atheist’s claim that Christ’s death was ‘just a bad weekend at human camp’.
10 questions to ask Christians who believe in evolution
The international director of Creation Research John Mackay, is convinced that the Genesis accounts of creation are literally true. He shares ten questions he’d like to ask Christians who accept evolution
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