In this episode we discuss what the bill proposes, the campaign that built up to the debate, how MPs discussed and voted on the bill, and what happens now.
Why after 40 years’ experience as a practising physician, NHS consultant Prof John Wyatt believes we would make a grave mistake if assisted dying became law
Evangelicals are often blamed for voting for a man who is not a model of virtue and holiness. So why do Christian voters make this choice?
As the UK prepares for a crucial parliamentary debate on the Assisted Dying Bill, the Unbelievable? podcast delves into this emotionally charged issue. Unlike in countries such as the USA, Canada, and the Netherlands, assisted dying remains illegal in the UK—but that could soon change.
As we approach the US election, physician Erik Strandness challenges us on what it meant to vote Christianly
Is it now possible to be prosecuted for silent prayer? There is confusion over to what extent people are allowed to be present outside abortion facilities following a new court ruling
Recently a number of public intellectuals have praised the faith for its positive effects on society – yet denied the truth of its teaching. Can this contradiction be reconciled?
Radical climate activists have been handed lengthy jail sentences over peaceful, but disruptive, protests against fossil fuels. As discussed in a recent episode of the Matters of Life and Death podcast, journalist Tim Wyatt asks whether Christians be joining the barricades and take part in civil disobedience, or is breaking the law – even for a good cause – a red line we must not cross?
The two founders of popular podcast ‘Truth over Tribe’ meet Premier Unbelievable to discuss how to find a Christian path through political strife
A UK inquiry revealed NHS’s use of contaminated blood, causing infections like HIV. Particularly tragic were non-consensual experiments at a haemophilia school, resulting in deaths. This discussion probes the ethics of medical trials, healthcare improvements, and the role of Christian humility in medicine.
This week’s focus is on two ethical issues: the rise of autonomous AI drones in Ukraine’s war, questioning the morality of machines in combat, and the ethical dilemma of surging frozen embryos from IVF in the UK, exploring solutions like embryo adoption. Both topics highlight the complex ethical implications of modern technology and medicine.
Journalist Heather Tomlinson explores a recent Unbelievable? conversation discussing climate change and summarises a number of other voices on the topic
As we draw closer to the US election, author Drew Cordell reflects on how Jesus treated women
Louisiana governor Jeff Landry recently ordered that every public school classroom must display a poster of the Ten Commandments – the first US state to do so. Author Drew Cordell shares why he believes this is unhelpful.
Does God suffer? How does a “crucified God” speak to our pain? Where can we find hope? How should we engage with politics?
Writer Steve Schramm explores the history of the Nation of Islam and their central beliefs. How are they distinct from Islam proper? And where do they differ from Christianity?
2024 signals significant elections for many countries around the world. Apologist Joel Furches explores the historical relationship between religion and government, looking at how to ensure truth prevails
In this episode we reflect on why Christians are so politically engaged in Britain, with research suggesting they are much more likely to vote, join a party, and campaign than the general public.
Can we rediscover the moral compass in politics? With crucial primaries taking place in the USA and an election in the UK on July 4 we are asking what should be the standard for behaviour of elected officials? And who decides? The discussion is hosted by BBC veteran broadcaster Roger Bolton.
A new law has been proposed in the Scottish Parliament which would allow terminally ill people to request doctors assist them in committing suicide. Is euthanasia the next great social leap forward in the inexorable onward march of progress?
Krishna Kandiah, director of Sanctuary Foundation, responds to comments by author Matthew Syed in The Times newspaper around “mindless compassion…leading us towards the end of our civilisation”
It’s no secret that modern American Christians are deeply divided over politics. This division raises important questions about the influence of Scripture on political beliefs. To make sense of this, we invited renowned scholar NT Tom Wright, theologian, professor and star of the “Ask NT Wright Anything Podcast” along with New York Times bestselling author Dr. Preston M. Sprinkle host of the Theology in the Raw podcast.
With crucial elections happening in the UK and USA this year Unbelievable is diving back the debate into politics and faith with some paradigm shifting thinkers and theologians. Strap in for this mini-series starting with Michael F. Bird (Deputy Principal & New Testament scholar at Ridley College, Australia) and Stephen Wolfe (author of ‘The Case for Christian Nationalism’).
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?
Discussions have recently taken place in the UK Parliament around various aspects of the Criminal Justice Bill, including the potential decriminalisation of abortion. Erik Strandness, who has over 20 years’ experience in neonatal medicine, reflects on the thorny issue of abortion
This week in the UK, discussions are taking place in Parliament around various aspects of the Criminal Justice Bill. One of the most contentious areas is around a couple of tabled amendments that would remove offences that make it illegal for a woman to perform a self-abortion at any point through to birth.
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.
As we embark on a new year, author Drew Cordell reflects on the relevance of God in Western society
A final classic episode to see us through the Christmas and New Year break. Today we’re returning to an interview with NHS geneticist Melody Redman.
Journalist and former White House staffer Peter Wehner reflects on truth, morality and politics
In this episode we consider the communication and changing narratives around climate change, why an unscientific hyper-fatalism has set in with many activists, and what impact this might be having on younger generations terrified humanity itself is going extinct.
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?
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.
Does it matter what Jesus looked like? Bishop Arun Arora, author of the Archbishop of York’s Advent book Stick With Love, shares his thoughts about a poll that voted Jesus the greatest black icon of all time. Plus, he suggests why asking someone where they’re really from demonstrates an otherness, which unhelpfully seeks to distinguish rather than unify.
Tom answers listener questions on the upcoming US election, religious freedom in the case of Christian cake makers, and the concept of ‘white privilege’ in current debates on racial justice. For Tom’s full talk on ‘Undermining Racism’ For Esau McCaulley’s book ‘Reading While Black’
From the archives: Tom tackles a variety of questions on ‘hot button’ political issues that have been sent in, including the place of faith in politics, abortion, racism and ‘critical theory’
From 2020: In the wake of the news that L’Arche founder Jean Vanier was responsible for sexual abuse of women during his ministry, Tom Wright responded to questions from listeners let down by leaders and the church. Be part of the Ask NT Wright Anything live show in London at Unbelievable?
When the pandemic first spread beyond China there was a straightforward message from scientific elites: the virus came from a wild animal accidentally spilling over into humans, and any suggestion it might have instead been manipulated in a lab and then escaped was a quasi-racist conspiracy theory.
Apologist Nathan Rittenhouse shares his thoughts on Psalm 8 and its ramifications
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?
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.
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.
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.
Entrepreneur Max Anderson reflects on the many things he’s learnt from his New York pastor and friend
Nigerian pastor Hassan John reflects on the anti-Christian violence in his home country and considers the appropriate response
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.
From May 2020. In another show recorded pre-lockdown, Tom answered questions from listeners on whether the world is getting better or worse, on poverty and economic justice, and what climate change activism means for the theology of new creation.
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.
In the third part of our discussion with Collin Hansen, author of ’Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation’, we focus on Keller’s ministry in New York and beyond. Hansen also shares what Keller would want to say to the global Church and speculates on his lasting legacy.
In this episode we tackle two questions from listeners.
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.
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’.
Erik Strandness challenges us to rethink the way we share our faith for the sake of our young people
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.
This week on Unbelievable’s Coronation special Roger Bolton asks how important is the established Church of England to the fabric of life in the United Kingdom and beyond?
The Big Conversation - Episode 2 | Season 5
Apologist Joel Furches corrects what he believes are a number of misconceptions about some of these historical events and explores what Christians should do about them
This week we play Justin Brierley’s personal favourite episode: the discussion he hosted live in California, between Christian apologist John Lennox and US talk show host Dave Rubin, from 2019.
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.
Secular scientist and academic John Hands has been described as a ‘polymath’. His 2016 book Cosmosapiens received wide praise for its analysis of human evolution since the beginning of the universe. His new book ‘The Future of Humankind’ looks ahead to what lies in store for homosapiens.
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
Join journalist Heather Tomlinson as she navigates the topic of tribalism within the Church, a topic brought into focus during past discussions on sexuality within the Church of England.
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.
Tim Keller is a renowned thinker, writer and speaker who has been dubbed New York’s ‘pastor to skeptics’. In a live online show hosted by Ruth Jackson and Justin Brierley he answers audience questions on his journey with pancreatic cancer, his transformed prayer life and his new book ‘Forgive’.
In the second half of our conversation with Tim Farron, we discuss his conviction that Christians should get stuck into politics despite its compromises and challenges.
A Public Order Bill in UK Parliament proposing ‘buffer zones’ could potentially criminalise pro-life activity or even silent prayer outside abortion clinics.
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.
‘Truth Over Tribe: Pledging allegiance to the lamb, not the donkey or the elephant’ is the name of the new book by Patrick Miller and Keith Simon. They are both church pastors in the USA who started the Truth Over Tribe podcast to combat polarisation in politics, culture and Christianity.
Tom is joined by Texan Bible scholar Justin Bass as they respond to questions from US listeners about right wing politics and faith. Where does patriotism fit with Christian worship? What do I say to family members who say I can’t be a Christian and vote for Joe Biden? How do I talk to post-Christian friends who have rejected US evangelicalism?
Following mid-term elections in the US, Erik Strandness explores what it would look like to operate from a perspective of God’s kingdom rather than man’s
Apologist and author Sean McDowell joined Justin along with hundreds of Unbelievable? listeners for a live show talking about Sean’s new book ‘A Rebel’s Manifesto’ and taking questions on LGBT, same-sex marriage, transgender, divorce, theology and more.
Apologist Joel Furches explores women’s place in the Church, both historically and today
Joseph D’Souza, bishop of the Good Shepherd Church network in South Asia and Andrew Scott of Operation Mobilisation join Justin to talk about a new paradigm for mission work in the Global South and how it impacts church and culture in the Global North.
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.
As the global pandemic subsides, the way the Covid lockdowns were implemented in churches still divides Christians. The Frankfurt Declaration has been signed by church leaders who are concerned that civil and religious liberties are being eroded by Government overreach.
Peter Harris argues that Putin’s warped religious beliefs are at odds with the Orthodox faith he claims to hold.
Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is more than just a geo-political conflict. The Russian leader believes in the spiritual destiny of a united ‘Holy Rus’ that goes back to the conversion of Vladimir the Great in 984.
Bishop Joseph D’Souza from the Good Shepherd Church in India and Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd, political theorist and human rights activist, discuss the current political and religious climate in India and the situation for Christians and the Dalit and Shudra castes.
The UK Government has published proposals to ban ‘gay conversion therapy’. Should such a law be welcomed by churches as a protection for LGBT+ people, or a cause for concern at the potential criminalisation of prayer? Peter Lynas of the UK Evangelical Alliance and Jayne Ozanne of the Ban Conversion Therapy coalition debate the proposed legislation.
With COP26 the United Nations climate change conference underway in Glasgow, Justin is joined by climate change campaigner Antonia Godber and scientist Hugh Ross of Reasons to Believe.
Is the church too woke or just broke?
Kristin Kobes Du Mez is the author of the bestselling book ‘Jesus and John Wayne: How white evangelicals corrupted a faith and fractured a nation’.
Julia Rynkiewicz was suspended from her midwifery course at Nottingham University because of her support for the pro-life organisation Students for Life.
Tom answers listener questions around if we should eat meat, whether we’ll all be vegan in the new creation and if violent protest is ever acceptable.
Tom answers listener questions on the prevalence of conspiracy theories, US church support for Trump and the failed prophecies of his returning to power.
Following the pro-Trump riots and storming of Congress at Capitol Hill, many fear white evangelicals in the USA are in the grip of political idolatry in their support of the outgoing president.
Christian commentator David French debates Christian radio host and author Eric Metaxas on whether Christians should vote for Donald Trump in the US Elections in November.
Tom answers listener questions on the upcoming US election, religious freedom in the case of Christian cake makers, and the concept of ‘white privilege’ in current debates on racial justice.
Six months on from Justin’s first lockdown show looking at Coronavirus he’s joined again by virologist AJ Roberts from California, Australian church and culture guru Mark Sayers, his wife Rev Lucy Brierley and new Unbelievable? team member Ruth Jackson.
Tom tackles a variety of questions on ‘hot button’ political issues that have been sent in, including the place of faith in politics, abortion, racism and ‘critical theory’.
Tim Farron is an MP and former leader of the Liberal Democrats. His Christian faith came under scrutiny during the 2017 UK General Election, leading to his resignation as party leader. His autobiography ‘A Better Ambition: Confessions of a faithful liberal’ (SPCK) tells his story.
Douglas Murray, author of ‘The Madness Of Crowds: Gender, race and identity’ joins Justin and Christian blogger Esther O’Reilly.
Social justice, woke politics, intersectionality, patriarchy, white privilege and diversity. Critical Theory and Identity Politics have created a lot of buzzwords and debate lately. Atheist James Lindsay believes it amounts to a religion in itself. He tells of the hoax ‘grievance studies’ project he helped to pull off and engages with Christian thinkers Esther O Reilly and Neil Shenvi on whether Identity Politics amounts to a form of religion.
Justin Welby the Archbishop of Canterbury speaks to Premier’s Justin Brierley about the evangelism and prayer initiative Thy Kingdom Come, praying in tongues, Brexit, politics, being the leader of the Anglican Church, and how he deals with controversy surrounding LGBT issues.
Justin chats to Kevin Palau of the Luis Palau Association, and Sam Adams, the first openly gay mayor of Portland. They talk about how they worked together, despite their differences, to make a difference in the city of Portland, and the lessons they have learned.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby gave a keynote speech at the UK Trade Union Congress in September 2018 calling for the government to change its tax and welfare policies in order to support the neediest in society.
Are ‘social justice warriors’ a danger to the Gospel? In August 2018 a group of conservative Christians in the USA, led by John MacArthur, released The Statement On Social Justice And The Gospel to take a stand against the church being influenced by “questionable sociological, psychological, and political theories presently permeating our culture”. Some of the affirmations and denials in the document caused controversy among both evangelicals and progressives for its statements on political activism and racism.
The phenomenally popular psychologist is on a mission to bring order to a chaotic world. And he’s using the Bible to do it
J.John explains why he believes Christianity has been a force for good in the world
In the age of Trump, the term ‘evangelical’ is increasingly associated with right-wing political views and fundamentalism. So is the evangelical label a lost cause? Randal Rauser argues we should hold on to the term while Frank Schaeffer, son of the late Francis Schaeffer, argues we should ditch the evangelical movement his famous father helped to create.
During his time as leader of the Liberal Democrat party, Tim Farron was repeatedly questioned about his views on homosexuality and gay sex. When he resigned he said “To be a political leader and to live as a committed Christian, has felt impossible for me”. On a recent Premier Christian Radio interview he reignited the controversy by stating that he regrets saying that gay sex was not a sin.
Hinge is a brand new documentary style podcast co-hosted by atheist Cory Markum and Christian pastor Drew Sokol. Justin plays out the first episode of Hinge and talks to Cory and Drew about their project to look into the evidence for the historical Jesus.
Andrew Copson of Humanists UK is the author of new book ‘Secularism: politics, religion and freedom’. He engages with Mail on Sunday journalist Peter Hitchens on whether secularism is the best future for the West, the ‘myth’ of neutrality, Islam and gay cakes. Juno the puppy also features.
White Christian evangelical voters played a significant part in electing Donald Trump to the White House and have traditionally been aligned with the US Republican Party. But UK evangelicals have very different political habits according to Prof Andrea Hatcher, author of “Political and Religious Identities of British Evangelicals”.
The systematic screening for people with Down’s Syndrome is unlawful and morally wrong, says Alexandra Tompson
As the most bitter and controversial US election in history approaches its conclusion, Justin is joined by Christians of varying political persuasions. Donald Trump’s nomination has split evangelicals, but Hillary Clinton is also disliked by many in both parties. Former chair of Women And The Church, Christina Rees debates with John Zmirak, senior editor at conservative blog Stream.org.
Following the news that Theresa May will be Britain’s next Prime Minister, Sam Hailes explains how her Christian faith may have impacted her political views
Hear the live debate in Woking with 4 speakers putting the Christian case for and against the UK leaving the European Union.