2024-02-26T14:19:00+00:00
In this final episode on The Space Trilogy, Alister McGrath finishes his discussion on That Hideous Strength, looking particularly at how evil emerges and how we stop technology, such as AI and nuclear weapons, getting out of control.
2024-02-05T15:58:00+00:00
Alister McGrath explores how CS Lewis addresses the perceived conflict between God and science. What insights can Lewis give about pertinent issues such as the atomic age, eugenics and Artificial Intelligence? When does technology becomes technocracy and why was Tolkien so anti tech? What are some of the ways religion is being challenged and how does Lewis expose these critiques?
2024-01-29T12:07:00+00:00
Is modern technology to blame for our current mental health crisis? Should we just ditch our phones? Or can they be a force for good? Author Drew Cordell shares his thoughts
2024-01-23T12:04:00+00:00
Evangelist Phil Knox, author of Story Bearer and The Best of Friends, shares why personal tragedy and the COVID pandemic led him to write a book about friendship. Why does friendship matter? How do we protect our friendships from modern pressures? And how do we help young people to engage healthily with technology and social media?
2023-11-29T17:00:00+00:00
New official data in England reveals an alarming and much under-reported phenomenon – significant increases in mortality among children from the most deprived communities over the last two years.
2023-10-23T15:00:00+01:00
Looking at Perelendra, Alister McGrath explores key questions raised by CS Lewis: What is good? Should we be frightened of God? What is significant about Ransom’s name?
2023-10-13T08:45:00+01:00By Joel Furches
Apologist Joel Furches interviewed astronomer Dr Hugh Ross about science and his belief in God
2023-10-10T10:10:00+01:00
In the final part of their discussion, Peter Byrom delves into Dawkins’ argument from complexity, suggesting it may be a circular assumption. They unpack Dawkins’ fascinating exchange with Francis Collins in 2022, where Dawkins admits he may have a presupposition towards materialism. Plus, what does the future hold?
2023-10-09T09:00:00+01:00
Dr Eve Poole considers whether we have to learn to be responsible for the souls we are creating now we are creating artificial intelligence and robots in our own image
2023-10-06T12:20:00+01:00
Should we be fearful or make friends with our robot helpers? And how can humans flourish in this brave new world? One of our guests today on Unbelievable believes the hidden power of humans is that we are imperfect yet essential?
2023-10-04T08:10:00+01:00By Erik Strandness
Nasa’s Osiris-Rex returned from a seven-year mission with asteroid Bennu’s dust, aiming to shed light on the Universe’s formation. Erik Strandness examines the project’s theological and philosophical impacts.
2023-09-26T12:13:00+01:00
Theology student David MacPherson reflects on a recent episode of The Diary of a CEO, where Nir Eyal discussed the benefits of church and a worshipping community
2023-09-15T15:00:00+01:00
In the second part of their discussion based on the book Coming to Faith Through Dawkins, theologian Alister McGrath and YouTuber Alex O’Connor discuss where we may be heading in regards to religion and atheism.
2023-09-14T10:30:00+01:00
Ken Miles, clinical academic and author of From Billiard Balls to Bishops: A Scientist’s Introduction to Christian Worship, explores whether we can feel the presence of God in an age of science
2023-09-12T11:21:00+01:00
Author Darren Richards reflects on artificial intelligence, looking at the value of human leaders
2023-09-08T09:00:00+01:00
The Big Conversation - Episode 5 | Season 5
2023-09-04T16:35:00+01:00
Looking at Out of the Silent Planet, Professor Alister McGrath discusses whether nakedness within the book is significant. Plus, they look at whether CS Lewis is drawing on genuine science and the significance of Ransom’s name.
2023-08-30T17:00:00+01:00
Delve into another episode of listener questions! We’re addressing feedback on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and exploring the enigma of ‘psychosomatic’ illnesses. Plus, we’re discussing the impact of AI like ChatGPT on academic assessments.
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?
2023-08-22T08:36:00+01:00
Following a recent Big Conversation, journalist Heather Tomlinson explores near-death experiences
2023-08-14T17:00:00+01:00
Alister McGrath explores some of the theological themes within Lewis’ trilogy, such as incarnation, atonement and the problem of evil. How did Lewis view the relationship between science and religion? What did he think about evolution? How did he critique certain worldviews through his fiction?
2023-08-08T09:00:00+01:00
Ruth Jackson continues her conversation with Mexican writer Ana Ávila who studied clinical biochemistry. Why is there a perceived conflict between science and religion? Does science contradict the Bible? Can you prove there is a God?
2023-08-07T17:00:00+01:00
We dive into some of the important issues explored in Lewis’ Space Trilogy. Why was he so vehemently opposed to animal experimentation? What would Lewis say to those experiencing mental health struggles today? Plus, Alister McGrath responds to the accusation that CS Lewis was sexist and racist.
2023-08-07T14:39:00+01:00
Following a recent Big Conversation, Dr Erik Strandness explores the relationship between the brain and mind, near death experiences, the existence of the soul and the perceived conflict between religion and science
2023-08-02T13:10:00+01:00
Charles Clough is a retired military meteorologist who became a Christian while at MIT. Apologist Joel Furches spoke to him about being a scientist and a theologian
2023-07-31T15:00:00+01:00
Alister McGrath continues to explore questions raised by Lewis’ Space Trilogy - were any characters inspired by his “strange” Oxford colleagues? Do we need to understand medieval renaissance literature in order to read these books? Who is the narrator? What does Lewis think about extra-terrestrial life?
2023-07-28T11:00:00+01:00
The Big Conversation - Episode 4 | Season 5
2023-07-24T13:00:00+01:00
Professor Alister McGrath looks at the intended audience of CS Lewis’ Space Trilogy and explores some of the influences behind the books, including JRR Tolkien and Charles Williams.
2023-07-21T12:00:00+01:00
Are science and religion in conflict? Is there more to life than mere matter? Where do we find meaning? Erik Strandness explores these big questions in light of a recent Big Conversation with atheist Philip Ball and Christian Nick Spencer
2023-06-21T17:00:00+01:00
We are both on holiday this week so we’re bringing you an episode we first recorded in 2021 during the covid pandemic. It explores one of the most significant and potentially long-lasting ways the covid pandemic has affected church life – the shift to digital.
2023-06-08T14:00:00+01:00
Dr David Snoke is a leading scientist in his field. Apologist Joel Furches spoke to him about why he believes science and God go hand-in-glove
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.
2023-05-17T15:00:00+01:00
New artificial intelligence software has swept through the internet over the last year. Many are thrilled by the potential and power of AI which can generate brand new text, images, sound and video. But others are sounding the alarm.
2023-05-10T10:00:00+01:00
Apologist Joel Furches explores various definitions of “atheism” and the consequent impact of these
2023-04-19T17:00:00+01:00
Explore effective altruism, a data-driven utilitarian approach to philanthropy. Discover its rapid growth, potential deviations from original intentions, and the challenges of turning ethics into an algorithm.
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.
2023-04-12T17:00:00+01:00
In the second part of John’s webinar with Premier Unbelievable, he takes questions from listeners on everything from whether AI tech is inching us towards the end times to how families can stave off the destructive influence of smartphone addiction.
2023-04-05T17:00:00+01:00
Part one of John’s ‘How to live faithfully in a technologically confusing world’ webinar explores the staggering sophistication of the latest generation of AI chatbots and what ethical questions these might throw up for Christians.
2023-03-17T18:00:00+00:00
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.
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
2023-03-03T15:00:00+00:00By Erik Strandness
Erik Strandness explores how we can reconcile reason with joyfully dancing in our underwear
2023-02-22T18:00:00+00:00
In this episode we think through more of the implications of living in a non-private digital village in the 21st century, but is privacy even a Christian virtue in the first place?
2023-02-15T18:00:00+00:00
Every tap, swipe and click we make on our phones, tablets and laptops is being recorded by big tech firms. This is often called surveillance capitalism – a network of products and services we use every day which sucks up large quantities of data about us and then sells it on to advertisers at huge profits.
2023-02-08T18:00:00+00:00
In the second part of our discussion with Chris Goswami, we dive into some of the ethical arguments for and against cryptocurrencies.
2023-02-03T16:23:00+00:00
Apologists Clinton Wilcox and Joel Furches explore some of the core principles of transhumanism and their ramifications
2023-02-01T18:00:00+00:00
Recent news headlines have been full of discussion of the current ‘crypto winter’, a season where the value of cryptocurrencies has plummeted causing financial devastation and destroying what looked like thriving crypto institutions.
2023-01-20T17:30:00+00:00
Justin and Ruth were joined by research scientist Dr John Wyatt on a live show to talk about AI, robotics and technology. Listeners asked questions about machine consciousness, the potential dangers of AI and how to raise children in a tech world.
2023-01-11T18:00:00+00:00
In the third and final installment of John’s discussion with Lord Martin Rees, the Astronomer Royal, they discuss Martin’s views on the future of space travel and astronauts, and whether some robotic future progeny of humankind will eventually replace us in exploring the universe.
2023-01-03T15:54:00+00:00By Sarah Johnson
As artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to advance rapidly, Sarah Johnson explores the potential ethical and societal impacts of AI and the potential benefits of the technology.
2022-12-28T18:00:00+00:00
Today’s episode is a little different from normal as we’re going to begin a short series sharing a recent conversation John had with Lord Martin Rees, the astronomer royal.
2022-12-21T18:00:00+00:00
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.
2022-12-14T18:00:00+00:00
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.
2022-12-09T18:00:00+00:00
‘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.
2022-11-28T18:00:00+00:00
Ruth Jackson continues her conversation with author Joshua Karras who has penned a modern appropriation of The Screwtape Letters. 80 years after the publication of CS Lewis’ classic epistolary novel, Karras shares why he has included some of the contemporary temptations in his literary adaptation.
2022-11-25T18:00:00+00:00
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.
2022-11-15T16:00:00+00:00
Writer Steve Schramm explores the pros and cons of technology and how Christians should engage with it
2022-10-26T17:00:00+01:00
Building on last week’s discussion of AI chatbots, we consider the theology and sociology of why interacting with other human beings is so central to our personhood.
2022-10-13T17:00:00+01:00
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.
2022-10-05T17:00:00+01:00
Building on last week’s whistlestop tour through the latest ground-breaking embryo research, in this episode we consider what we should do as Christians about all this.
2022-09-23T17:00:00+01:00
Justin Brierley was joined by four guests and hundreds of attendees for a live webinar event Falling From Grace: Addressing power, leadership and abuse in the church.
2022-08-17T16:55:00+01:00
In this episode we pick up our conversation with clinical geneticist Melody Redman to talk about a new NHS programme in England which is piloting whole genome sequencing of newborn babies.
2022-08-16T08:30:00+01:00By Erik Strandness
Erik Strandness on the promise and perils of AI following The Big Conversation between Lord Martin Rees and Dr John Wyatt
2022-08-10T16:55:00+01:00
Each of us carries around in our cells about 20,000 different genes – a unique set of biological code which shapes how our bodies develop.
2022-08-03T11:27:00+01:00
Deep-fakes, Turing Tests and chatbots - AI systems are becoming ever more human-like. Robotics expert Prof Nigel Crook says we need to make sure they are moral too.
2022-07-29T10:55:00+01:00By Peter S Williams
Peter S Williams draws on philosophical arguments and a Big Conversation on AI and Robotics to show why recent claims of a ‘sentient’ AI are still in the realm of science fiction.
2022-04-22T18:21:00+01:00
Justin interviews some of the contributors to Unbelievable? 2022 including theologian Alister McGrath, African-American apologist Lisa Fields, US pastor Jeff Vines and neuroscientist Sharon Dirckx. Lee Strobel also chats to Justin about his new documentary film The Case for Heaven
2022-03-11T20:01:00+00:00
This episode was recorded shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine. Prior to the outbreak of war, Ukraine’s lax surrogacy laws have made it a major destination for so-called ‘reproductive tourism’ for infertile and same-sex couples who wish to have a baby.
2021-04-24T00:00:00+01:00
Episode 2 | Season 3 of The Big Conversation. Prof Nick Bostrom, director of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University and Prof Rosalind Picard, director of the Affective Computing Research Group at MIT debate the philosophical and spiritual questions raised by AI. Could AI become conscious? Are we living in a simulation universe? Could technology be the key to immortality?
2017-12-13T00:00:00+00:00
Rev Jim Keat believes that the internet is changing the way that we do Church – and that’s a good thing
2015-11-04T00:00:00+00:00
Everyday Church, a London based UK church has launched an experimental ‘online congregation’. Could this be the future? Sam Hailes logged on to see what church in the digital age might look like
2013-05-24T00:00:00+01:00
I love Facebook, Twitter and social media – it’s a great way to connect with people online. But there’s also a danger. Sometimes the anonymity of the computer or smart phone screen means we can end up saying things to people we wouldn’t necessarily say to their face.
2013-05-20T00:00:00+01:00
I saw a sign on a church notice board recently; it said: There are some questions in life that can’t be answered by Google.
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