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
2023-09-21T12:21:00+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.
2023-09-19T09:00:00+01:00
Journalist Heather Tomlinson highlights a number of people whose lives were transformed following a near-death experience
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
2023-09-07T13:59:00+01:00
Apologist Joel Furches explores the central beliefs of this popular Eastern religion, and compares it to Hinduism and Christianity
2023-09-06T13:00:00+01:00
Britain has been gripped by horror by the recent conviction of a neonatal nurse called Lucy Letby, who murdered seven premature babies and attempted to kill six others at the hospital where she worked. In this episode we discuss this horrifying and tragic story and whether Letby could or should have been stopped earlier.
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
2023-09-01T11:30:00+01:00
Journalist Heather Tomlinson explores near death experiences and theology in light of a recent Big Conversation on this topic
2023-08-30T09:50:00+01:00
Former atheist, Dr Stefani Ruper, was intellectually convinced of secular atheism, but found that it lacked substantive answers for her life. More than 13 years of scholarly pursuit of truth led her to choose belief in God. Jana Harmon shares her story
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.
2023-08-28T17:00:00+01:00
As we delve into the first book of the trilogy, Out of the Silent Planet, Professor Alister McGrath looks at some of its key themes. He explores the characters of Weston and Devine, looking at whether they represent particular ideologies and how Lewis exposes issues with their worldviews. Plus, why was JRR Tolkien such a fan of the book?
2023-08-25T15:00:00+01:00
We revisit a riveting dialogue from Season 4 of The Big Conversation, from 2022.
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
2023-08-22T08:36:00+01:00
Following a recent Big Conversation, journalist Heather Tomlinson explores near-death experiences
2023-08-21T17:00:00+01:00
Alister McGrath concludes his introduction to Lewis’ Space Trilogy by exploring parallels with The Chronicles of Narnia. He offers tips for getting into these three books, speculates why they haven’t been turned into films and shares his favourite moment in the trilogy.
2023-08-18T15:46:00+01:00
Tim Keller was a renowned thinker, writer and speaker who was dubbed New York’s ‘pastor to skeptics’. This week his online memorial was watched by tens of thousands around the world. We return to one of his last live shows hosted by Ruth Jackson and Justin Brierley when Tim answered audience questions on his journey with pancreatic cancer, his transformed prayer life and his book ‘Forgive’.
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
2023-08-14T13:00:00+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
2023-08-07T17:00:00+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
2023-07-26T09:00:00+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
2023-07-21T12:00:00+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
2023-07-19T16:30:00+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.
2023-07-18T17:00:00+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
2023-07-14T17:00:00+01:00
This week, Unbelievable host Roger Bolton speaks to Archdeacon Hassan John, an Anglican minister from Jos in northern Nigeria who has lived through much of the violence. A former journalist, he is now a church leader and campaigner for religious liberty, who tries to bring reconciliation between Christians and Muslims in the region. Hassan recalls harrowing tales of near-miss encounters with Islamic extremists and on-going anti-Christian violence which continues to tear apart communities. He also discusses how he and other Christians attempt to work with Muslim in their communities to prevent the violence.
2023-07-13T17:00:00+01:00
From Sept 2019: An atheist listener asks a question about free will and the problem of evil. Will it be possible for there to be another ‘fall’ in the new creation? And the hosts of the Libertarian Christian Podcast have some questions for Tom about living as Christians in today’s world.
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.
2023-07-11T13:00:00+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.
2023-07-06T14:13:00+01:00
CS Lewis expert Professor Alister McGrath shares some of Lewis’ thoughts on sadomasochism, homosexuality and friendship
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
2023-06-28T16:00:00+01:00
Ruth Jackson speaks to Dr Vince Vitale, one of the new guest hosts of Premier Unbelievable?, about his journey from scepticism to Christianity while studying philosophy at Princeton University.
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.
2023-06-07T17:00:00+01:00
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.
2023-06-06T14:00:00+01:00
Erik Strandness, who has over 20 years’ experience in neonatal medicine, reflects on the thorny issue of abortion – a topic which was discussed on a recent episode of Unbelievable
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.
2023-05-29T12:00:00+01:00
Erik Strandness challenges us to rethink the way we share our faith for the sake of our young people
2023-05-24T17:00:00+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.
2023-05-17T16:06:00+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.
2023-05-15T12:00:00+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
2023-05-10T17:00:00+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.
2023-05-03T17:00:00+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.
2023-05-03T12:06:00+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
2023-04-28T14:00:00+01:00
The Big Conversation - Episode 2 | Season 5
2023-04-26T13:00:00+01:00
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
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.
2023-04-21T13:00:00+01:00
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.
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.
2023-04-18T09:30:00+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.
2023-04-06T11:21:00+01:00
Professor John Swinton, a former psychiatric nurse-turned practical theologian at Aberdeen University, reflects on the significance of the resurrection and its impact
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
2023-04-04T17:00:00+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
2023-04-03T13:11:00+01:00
Apologists Nick Spencer and Joel Furches examine the evidence for the event at the heart of Christianity
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.
2023-03-22T18:00:00+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.
2023-03-17T14:18:00+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?
2023-03-16T14:47:00+00:00
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
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.
2023-03-09T18:00:00+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.
2023-03-06T18:00:00+00:00
In the ninth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we look at some of Lewis’ popular literature and how his rising fame affected his reputation as an Oxford scholar. We discuss The Great Divorce, the Ransom Trilogy and some of the strengths and weakness of Mere Christianity. Plus, it’s not too late to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
2023-03-01T17:00:00+00:00
Ruth Jackson continues her conversation with Bruce Miller, author of The 7 Big Questions: Searching for God, Truth, and Purpose. He highlights some of the arguments for the existence of God and unpacks one of life’s hardest questions, looking at moral evil, natural suffering and the Christian response to pain.
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.
2023-02-23T18:00:00+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.
2023-02-22T13:00:00+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
2023-02-14T09:58:00+00:00
As we head into a day devoted to celebrating relationships, Erik Strandness looks at how God restores the relationships damaged through our infidelity
2023-02-13T18:00:00+00:00
Following Sunday’s Super Bowl, Ruth Jackson spoke to former University of Cincinnati receiver, Tyler Scott, about faith, football and the power of prayer.
2023-02-11T12:00:00+00:00
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
2023-02-08T15:58:00+00:00
Punk singer-turned-pastor Josh Porter charts his own journey of reconstructing his Christian faith in the book ‘Death to Deconstruction: Reclaiming faithfulness as an act of rebellion’. He discusses deconstruction, the Bible, the problem of evil and more with Jon Steingard, former lead singer of Hawk Nelson who underwent his own journey of deconstruction in 2020.
2023-02-03T16:23:00+00:00
Apologists Clinton Wilcox and Joel Furches explore some of the core principles of transhumanism and their ramifications
2023-02-02T18:00:00+00:00
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.
2023-02-02T15:01:00+00:00
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
2023-02-01T18:00:00+00:00
Journalist Lauren Windle tells her story of getting sober from alcohol and cocaine, and shares how she encountered the God who changed her life.
2023-01-27T15:00:00+00:00
Roger Sherrer vehemently believed religion was poison. Jana Harmon shares his story of transformation here
2023-01-26T14:42:00+00:00
Erik Strandness reflects on the radical commitment of a god who shares in our suffering
2023-01-26T09:04:00+00:00
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.
2023-01-25T18:00:00+00:00
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.
2023-01-23T18:00:00+00:00
In the third episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we explore Lewis’ experience of the First World War and the significant relationships he formed during this time, such as with the Moore family. We also delve into Lewis’ interest in sadomasochism! Plus, a quick reminder of our competition to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
2023-01-19T15:30:00+00:00By Erik Strandness
Erik Strandness voices his concerns about young people in today’s society and shares his thought on the rising number of teen suicides
2023-01-18T18:00:00+00:00
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.
2023-01-18T18:00:00+00:00
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.
2023-01-18T15:00:00+00:00
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
2023-01-16T18:00:00+00:00
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.
2023-01-11T18:00:00+00:00
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.
2023-01-11T15:30:00+00:00By Erik Strandness
As the new year unfolds in the shadow of rising living costs, raging war and a pervasive mental health crisis, Erik Strandness looks at what those in the midst of despair actually need
2023-01-09T18:00:00+00:00
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.
2023-01-06T18:00:00+00:00
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’.
2023-01-03T15:30:00+00:00
Jana Harmon tells the story of a man who discovered hope in the place he least thought he would find it
2022-12-30T15:30:00+00:00
Justin Brierley rounds up the most popular shows of the year
2022-12-28T18:00:00+00:00
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.
2022-12-28T15:30:00+00:00
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
2022-12-14T15:30:00+00:00By Erik Strandness
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
2022-12-09T15:11:00+00:00
Ruth Jackson recalls her experience of miscarriage at Christmas and reflects on experiencing pain, fear and doubt in a season of celebration and frivolity
2022-11-28T17:00:00+00:00
Author Mark Roques explores the logical outworkings of pragmatism
2022-11-23T18:00:00+00:00
New York-based pastor Jon Tyson shares some of his thoughts about living as a Christian in a secular space.
2022-11-21T16:27:00+00:00
Clare Williams, apologist and founder of Get Real shares her thoughts about reaching young people in the black community
2022-11-18T16:00:00+00:00By Erik Strandness
Erik Strandness reflects on a recent webinar on sexual abuse and looks at the lessons we must learn
2022-11-16T16:00:00+00:00
Apologist Joel Furches explores different opinions of hell and why its existence matters
2022-11-10T16:30:00+00:00
As we approach Remembrance Day and Veterans Day, Ruth Jackson reflects on the importance of remembering
2022-11-09T18:00:00+00:00
Ruth Jackson speaks to apologist Clare Williams about black consciousness and why so many young black people are leaving the Church.
2022-11-02T17:00:00+00:00
Ruth Jackson speaks to apologist Clare Williams about racial justice, black pain and how the Church should respond.
2022-10-31T17:30:00+00:00By Erik Strandness
Erik Strandness explores the significance of the afterlife, discerning whether there is any meaning to be found
2022-10-27T15:30:00+01:00
As we approach Halloween, researcher Derek Caldwell explores Freud’s wish fulfilment hypothesis in light of our inherent fears
2022-10-25T17:00:00+01:00
Mark Shrime tells Justin Brierley about his journey of faith and career as a surgeon, which now sees him deliver life-saving treatment around the world with Mercy Ships. Mark is the author of ‘Solving For Why: A surgeon’s journey to discover the transformative power of purpose’.
2022-10-20T16:30:00+01:00
Abuse survivor, Rachael Denhollander, shares her story and some thoughts around how to support victims of abuse
2022-10-18T15:30:00+01:00By Erik Strandness
Erik Strandness explores the role of mystery in apologetics
2022-10-14T17:00:00+01:00
The Queen’s state funeral was watched by billions of people and marked by deep Christian symbolism. However, during the ceremony, atheist journalist Ian Dunt tweeted that he found it “empty and platitudinous, a cardboard shield against existential despair”.
2022-09-22T11:25:00+01:00By Erik Strandness
Erik Strandness looks at how we can turn the tide on God’s voice being drowned out in our culture.
2022-09-09T17:00:00+01:00
As the world marks the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Justin Brierley presents a special edition of Unbelievable? speaking to New Testament scholar NT Wright about his memories of the queen when he preached for her as Bishop of Durham. Former chaplain to the queen Gavin Ashenden asks whether the end of her reign marks the end of Christendom in the UK, and Ruth Jackson reflects on the hope that comes with grief.
2022-08-31T17:00:00+01:00
Apologist Mary Jo Sharp talks to Justin Brierley about the problem of suffering and evil and what answers Christianity offers, based on her new video series ‘Darkroom Faith’.
2022-08-24T17:00:00+01:00
Twelve-year-old Archie Battersbee died on 7 August, after months of legal wrangling between doctors who believed he was brain dead and wished to end life support, and his family who resisted this.
2022-08-18T17:00:00+01:00
Tom offers advice to two people struggling with their faith. One is having doubts during a period of deconstruction, the other can’t get past the problem of suffering.
2022-08-16T14:25:00+01:00By Erik Strandness
Erik Strandness explores the apologetic lessons from Mikhaila Petereson’s Big Conversation
2022-08-03T17:00:00+01:00
Resuming our conversation about suffering, we think through some faithful Christian responses to evil and loss.
2022-07-28T17:00:00+01:00
Were Adam and Eve’s pre-fall bodies like the resurrected Jesus? Was marriage a post-fall accomodation? Why does Genesis say God made childbirth more difficult after the fall? NT Wright answers more questions on the Garden of Eden and the Creation story.
2022-07-27T18:00:00+01:00
The problem of suffering has been one of the most intractable and painful theological debates for centuries.
2022-05-20T18:00:00+01:00
The Big Conversation - Episode 1 | Season 4
2022-03-04T19:51:00+00:00
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.
2022-02-05T20:20:00+00:00
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?
2022-01-08T00:00:00+00:00
Could the story of Christianity really be true? How do we make sense of suffering if so?
2022-01-01T00:00:00+00:00
Historian Tom Holland tells how his experiences among persecuted Christians and Yazidis in Iraq impacted his own intellectual and personal journey with Christianity.
2021-12-11T00:00:00+00:00
Why are we increasingly anxious, stressed and obsessed with identity? What can Christianity offer to re-humanise us?
2021-09-25T00:00:00+01:00
A new bill to allow assisted dying is being debated in the UK parliament. Should people of faith support those with terminal illness being able to end their own life?
2021-07-29T16:44:00+01:00
What does Jesus mean by ‘many rooms in my father’s house’? Will my daughter see the child she lost in pregnancy? What about marriage in the resurrection? Tom answers questions on heaven and loved ones.
2021-07-26T16:44:00+01:00
In the fourth episode of the second series of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about how Lewis viewed sin and the role Christians have in fixing the brokenness of today’s world.
2021-05-25T16:44:00+01:00
In the eighth episode of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about Lewis’ thoughts on suffering and pain.
2021-04-29T16:44:00+01:00
Tom answers more questions on atonement, other religions and caring for those who have lost loved ones, sent in by members of the NT Wright discussion group.
2021-04-03T00:00:00+01:00
Bishop Robert Barron of Word on Fire and Alex O’Connor of the Cosmic Skeptic channel discuss the evidence for God, the nature of faith and the problem of suffering in the first episode of The Big Conversation season 3.
2021-02-04T16:44:00+00:00
Tom shares his thoughts on heart-breaking pastoral questions from listeners around how to respond to grief and mental health. You can listen to part one of the podcast here.
2021-01-21T16:44:00+00:00
Tom shares his thoughts on the difficult questions listeners have around issues such as dementia, death, the global pandemic and whether God himself suffers.
2020-10-03T00:00:00+01:00
2020-06-17T00:00:00+01:00
Justin and Lucy Brierley ask Tom questions on racism, other religions, the problem of suffering, heaven and the Gospels, all submitted during the show via Facebook live.
2020-06-11T16:44:00+01:00
Tom Wright talks about his new book ‘God and the Pandemic’ and takes a variety of live listener questions in this livestream edition of the show. Justin and Lucy Brierley ask Tom questions on racism, other religions, the problem of suffering, heaven and the Gospels, all submitted during the show via Facebook live.
2020-05-30T00:00:00+01:00
2020-04-30T00:00:00+01:00
In a bonus mid-week episode Justin shares his own thoughts on why God doesn’t step in to stop ‘natural evils’ like coronavirus, plague and natural disasters.
2020-04-08T00:00:00+01:00
2020-04-06T00:00:00+01:00
As health systems come under pressure our culture‘s value of human life is being tested, says Esther O’Reilly
2020-03-31T00:00:00+01:00
In a podcast special recorded from his home in Oxford where he is self-isolating with his wife Maggie, Tom talks to Justin about the Coronavirus pandemic.
2020-03-24T00:00:00+00:00
It’s the most natural question in the world: If God is good and all powerful, then why doesn’t he just stop bad things happening? It’s something that individuals often ask at times of personal tragedy. As the Coronavirus sweeps across the world Justin Brierley offers an answer to the questions being asked by people all over the globe.
2020-03-21T00:00:00+00:00
In a special edition of the show, recorded from home, Justin looks at the present Coronavirus crisis, how the pandemic will change global society and how the church can respond.
2020-03-14T00:00:00+00:00
2020-02-25T00:00:00+00:00
Erik Strandness’ work at an addiction treatment center showed him the difference between the path of Buddhism and Christianity.
2019-06-29T00:00:00+01:00
2019-04-24T17:00:00+01:00
Tom Wright joins Justin to answer listener questions on how to interpret the early chapters of Genesis, what he believes about the nature of Adam and Eve, whether suffering and death existed before the fall and much more… He also pulls out the guitar once more for a Genesis-themed song.
2019-02-16T00:00:00+00:00
2019-01-29T00:00:00+00:00
Atheist moral philosopher Peter Singer and Christian thinker Andy Bannister on 'Evolution, morality and being human: Do we need God to be good?'. They debate human rights, dignity, disability, the moral argument for God, suffering and much more.
2018-11-03T00:00:00+00:00
Justin is joined for the 6th episode of The Big Conversation by moral philosopher and atheist Peter Singer, professor of bioethics at Princeton University, and Christian theologian Andy Bannister of Solas Centre for Public Christianity.
2018-09-03T00:00:00+01:00
Jon Tilson was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in January 2017. He died 13 months later. Yet in many ways the illness changed his life for the better, as his daughter Sarah explains
2018-06-30T00:00:00+01:00
2018-06-19T00:00:00+01:00
Charles Strohmer reviews Walking through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness – A Philosopher’s Lament (IVP)
2018-06-13T00:00:00+01:00
Drew Wilmot analyses the double standards atheists – and Christians – can display in approaching questions about God
2018-04-28T00:00:00+01:00
2018-04-14T00:00:00+01:00
2018-01-27T00:00:00+00:00
2017-07-08T00:00:00+01:00
2017-05-27T00:00:00+01:00
2016-12-31T00:00:00+00:00
2016-06-17T00:00:00+01:00
Why would a loving God allow suffering? With the release, of his new book Unbelievable? Why, after ten years of talking with atheists, I’m still a Christian Justin Brierley presents three ways to respond to the hardest question of them all
2016-03-05T00:00:00+00:00
2016-01-27T00:00:00+00:00
Atheist philosopher, Julian Baggini and Christian apologist, Vince Vitale sat down with Justin Brierley to share their perspectives on the purpose of suffering.
2016-01-23T00:00:00+00:00
2015-10-31T00:00:00+00:00
2015-02-07T00:00:00+00:00
2015-02-06T00:00:00+00:00
The full version of the debate on suffering. Justin is joined by Julian Baggini and Vince Vitale, as they go head to head on this most important question. Why Suffering?
2014-10-18T00:00:00+01:00
2014-10-11T00:00:00+01:00
2014-09-20T00:00:00+01:00
2014-06-21T00:00:00+01:00
2014-04-11T00:00:00+01:00
Ranked as one of America’s most influential Christians and with a ministry reaching sceptics from Manhattan to Mumbai, Tim Keller talks to Justin Brierley about inspiring a new generation of intellectually engaged evangelicals
2013-08-31T00:00:00+01:00
Justin launches the Video Website of Unbelievable? The Conference 2013 www.premier.org.uk/apologetics
2013-05-24T00:00:00+01:00
It was in 1996 that Will Pearson-Gee’s world fell apart. One day while he was at work his wife his wife took their young son and daughter for a day at the beach. But driving home her car hit a lorry coming in the other direction.
2013-03-16T00:00:00+00:00
“Why?” is the title of the new book by Sharon Dirckx looking at God, evil and suffering. She interacts with atheist Alom Shaha as we ask “how can a loving God allow suffering?”
Site powered by Webvision Cloud