Unbelievable?
1,045 episodes - English - Latest episode: 27 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1.9K ratingsUnbelievable? offers a weekly podcast, blog, and video series hosted by Ruth Jackson and a team of thinkers and Christian apologists.
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Episodes
If God exists why does he allow suffering? The most googled questions with Bruce Miller, Ruth Jackson & Billy Hallowell
March 01, 2024 18:00 - 44 minutes - 60.7 MBIn the second of two shows on the most googled questions about God, Ruth Jackson continues her conversation with Bruce Miller, author of The 7 Big Questions: Searching for God, Truth, and Purpose. Bruce 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. • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: htt...
Can Christians watch occult and horror content? Exploring Faith and Entertainment Jenn Nizza vs Peter Laws, hosted by Billy Hallowell
February 23, 2024 18:00 - 1 hour - 99.8 MBOccult-inspired imagery and storylines pervade much of popular culture. Horror has become mainstream. The debate is on entertainment choices for Christians. Should Christians watch whatever they want? Ex-psychic Jen Nizza warns against the dangers of the occult and shares her journey from divination to Christianity. Peter Laws, a pro-horror church minister, author and film critic argues that Christians should be discerning in their entertainment choices but says people have always had a fasci...
Classic Replay: Let's talk about Yoga! with Mike Shreve and Chris James
February 20, 2024 17:00 - 1 hour - 99.9 MBShould Christians practice the ever popular meditation turned fitness practice, Yoga? Are there questions we should be asking before we embrace the ancient practice? Two former high-level Yoga practitioners, Mike Shreve and Chris James, tell their stories of converting to Christianity and engage the question of whether Christians should practise Yoga. For Mike Shreve: http://www.thetruelight.net For Chris James on X @cjmindbody • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod...
The most googled questions with Bruce Miller Does life have a purpose? Is Christianity true?
February 16, 2024 18:00 - 46 minutes - 63.7 MBBruce 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. Do you ever wonder, "why is life hard?" why is there suffering?" or "what is my purpose in life?" You are not alone. No matter your faith background, we all have questions about God, our purpose, and why bad things happen. Trying to find reliable answers can be overwhelm...
Classic Replay: The Debate of the "Emerging Church"
February 13, 2024 17:00 - 55 minutes - 75.8 MBBrian McLaren, a prominent author, theologian, and church leader, has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the "emerging church" movement. Renowned for his influential books incl. "A New Kind of Christian" and "A Generous Orthodoxy," McLaren stood at the forefront of a theological paradigm shift within Christianity. The emerging church movement, of which McLaren is a key figure, is often characterized as "post-evangelical" and "post-modern." The movement which rose to popularity...
Is Jesus God? with Abdulla Galadari and Joshua Sijuwade
February 09, 2024 18:00 - 1 hour - 96.1 MBThis week on Premier Unbelievable, the question of whether Jesus is God is explored, a topic that often divides Muslims and Christians. The show revisits a conversation featuring Dr. Abdulla Galadari, author of 'Quranic Hermeneutics,' and Dr. Joshua Sijuwade, a Visiting Lecturer at the London School of Theology. In a riveting exploration, the podcast delves into Galadari's compelling contention that the Qur'an artfully weaves its own interpretation of the Gospels' portrayal of Jesus, rather t...
Classic Replay: Toxic Masculinity, Egalitarianism and the Church with Martin Saunders and Kyle Robinson
February 05, 2024 17:00 - 1 hour - 89.4 MBFrom the Archives: Following on from a discussion on a previous Unbelievable? Podcast Episode with Kristin Kobes du Mez, this episode digs into the question of whether Toxic Masculinity is an issue facing the church today? Kyle Thompson of men’s ministry Undaunted Life says we need to champion biblical masculinity in a church that has become too feminised. Martin Saunders, author of ‘The Man You Were Made To Be’ says we need to leave behind gender stereotypes and help young Christian men make...
What is truth? Mack Stiles and Dan Barker with host Andy Kind
February 02, 2024 18:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBWelcome to another thought-provoking episode of Premier Unbelievable! This week, brace yourselves for a captivating dialogue between two individuals with starkly divergent perspectives on Christianity, the existence of God, and the very essence of truth. On one side we have Mack Stiles — director of Messenger Ministries Inc, Podcaster and seasoned pastor and author of the intriguing new book, "The Truth About Lies: Why Jesus is More Relevant Than You Think." Sharing the virtual stage and ...
Classic Replay: Women, Ordination and passages in 1 Timothy: what does the Bible really say about women leading in the Church? with Christina Rees and John Richardson
January 30, 2024 18:00 - 59 minutes - 82.1 MBFrom the Archives: First Aired in 2011, today's Classic Replay takes an in-depth look at some of the most contentious passages in the Bible when it comes to women's roles and leadership in the Church. In 1995 the Church of England allowed the ordination of Women priests, but the question of whether the Bible forbids female authority in the church remains today. Christina Rees is a writer and broadcaster and served on the Archbishop’s Council and the General Synod for 25 years. For many ye...
Should abortion be decriminalised? Lois McLatchie vs Ellie Lee hosted by Andy Kind
January 26, 2024 18:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBThis 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. There's lots to unpack about the potential decriminalisation of abortion, the ethical questions around a fetus's right to life and a woman's choice. Even if we can agree on when life begi...
Classic Replay: Humanity, Ai and the Metaverse - being human in an unhuman world with Alan Noble and Kelly Kapic
January 23, 2024 18:00 - 1 hour - 93.1 MBFirst aired in 2021, today's replay looks at what it truly means to be human and how young people today are building identity amidst the powers of ai and the metaverse. Why are we increasingly anxious, stressed and obsessed with identity? What can Christianity offer to re-humanise us? These and more questions get addressed in conversation between Alan Noble, author of ‘You Are Not Your Own’ and Kelly Kapic, author of ‘You’re Only Human’. Books mentioned in today's show: You are not y...
Does secular humanism or Christianity offer a brighter future? Sara Stevenson vs Neil McKain
January 19, 2024 18:00 - 48 minutes - 67 MBAndy Kind hosts today's Unbelievable where the debate topic is Does Secular Humanism or Christianity offer a brighter future for the UK? We have teamed up with our friends at Aylesbury Vale Youth For Christ a pioneering youth ministry that holds debates in UK schools in the style of Unbelievable to engage the students in the big questions of life, faith and differing worldviews. A key component is that the students get to put their questions directly to the debaters. So grab your schoolbag as...
Classic Replay: Is the Bible primitive and immoral, or can we trust what it says? with Leslie Scrace and Chris Sinkinson
January 16, 2024 17:00 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBFrom the Archives: Leslie Scrace, a former Methodist minister who transitioned to atheism, turned away from the Bible when he lost his faith. Two decades later, he penned a comprehensive account of his atheist perspective in a book titled "An Unbelievers Guide to the Bible" in which Scrace critically examines sections of the Old Testament, deeming some as primitive and immoral, while applauding others that align with humanist values. In response, Chris Sinkinson, a church pastor and an ins...
Why do women often feel unequal to men in the church? with Liz Cooledge Jenkins and Andy Kind
January 12, 2024 18:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBToday 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. Women in the Bible frequently emerge as devoted followers of Jesus, prominently present at significant events such as the tomb and the Cross. They function a...
Classic Replay: Is God Dead? Audience Q&A with John Lennox and Dave Rubin on The Big Conversation - Part 2
January 09, 2024 17:00 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MBFrom the Archives: This week we play the second part (the Q&A) of our all time favourite episodes: a discussion hosted live in California, between Christian apologist John Lennox and US talk show host Dave Rubin, from 2019. In Part 2 of this Big Conversation, Professor Lennox and Rubin dive into the Live Q&A at this open forum event. Tune into Part 1 of this incredible debate here: [link here to Part 1 podcast] Discover more from The Big Conversation and sign up to our newsletter fo...
Does free will exist? Alex Malpass vs Tim Stratton hosted by Andy Kind
January 05, 2024 18:00 - 1 hour - 67.5 MBThis week on Unbelievable we return to the topic of free will. Following the debate between Ben Shapiro and Alex O'Connor, Christian apologist Tim Stratton got in touch to say he took issue with some of Alex's arguments against free will. Indeed Tim noted that Alex agreed with Ben Shapiro that if there is no God, then there is no free will. Tim Stratton develops the argument in a spirited debate with atheist philosopher Alex Malpass, hosted by Andy Kind. Alex Malpass has a PhD in philosoph...
Unb Classic Replay -- Is God Dead? - John Lennox and Dave Rubin Debate on The Big Conversation - Part 1
January 02, 2024 17:00 - 1 hour - 60 MBFrom the Archives: This week we play one of our all time favourite episodes: a discussion hosted live in California, between Christian apologist John Lennox and US talk show host Dave Rubin, from 2019. In Part 1 of this Big Conversation, Professor Lennox and Rubin discuss the question of where the next generation is turning to in the search for meaning and identity. Is God finally dead, as Nietzsche once declared? Or is there space for a renaissance of religious belief in the modern world...
Can Christians do comedy? with Milton Jones, Allan Finnegan and Andy Kind
December 29, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 68.2 MBIn this episode, top British comedian and writer Milton Jones and Baptist minister, comedian and semi-finalist of Britain's Got Talent, Allan Finnegan, offer a captivating behind-the-scenes glimpse into their world. From tackling ego and humility to navigating the rollercoaster of highs and lows, the discussion hosted by comedian and Unbelievable host Andy Kind delves into the intricate dance between comedy, faith and meaning. The paradox of not caring too much about opinions while needin...
Is there an expiry date on CS Lewis 60 years after his death? With Rev. Prof. Alister McGrath and Ruth Jackson, host of Unbelievable
December 22, 2023 17:00 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBRuth Jackson hosts this special edition of Premier Unbelievable? with Oxford scholar and C. S Lewis expert Dr. Alister McGrath. Lewis - Jack to his friends - was a 20th Century British writer and lay theologian who is arguably one of the most influential voices in modern Christianity. On November 22nd 1963, Clive Staples Lewis died in Oxford, England. Ten years ago, McGrath’s definitive biography C.S.Lewis A Life - Eccentric Genius Reluctant Prophet was published giving readers a glimpse ...
Should faith and politics mix? | Peter Wehner, Jonathan Rauch with Vince Vitale
December 15, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 68 MBVince 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? How can we take the fear out of politics and make it transcendent rather than transactional? Atheist Jonathan Rauch is an expert in governance studies and the author of eight books and many articles on public policy, culture, and government. He is ...
Classic Replay: Grill James White + Larry Taunton on bible study with Christopher Hitchens
December 12, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 71 MBFrom 2016: Reformed apologist James White joins Justin again, this time to take calls from listeners on whether the apostles preached Jesus’ divinity, whether God is the author of evil, and whether Calvin wasn’t reformed enough. In the final part of the show Justin is joined by Larry Taunton to talk about his unlikely friendship with one of the world’s best known atheists, as detailed in his new book ‘The Faith of Christopher Hitchens’. For James White http://www.aomin.org/ o read the ...
What is the purpose of the universe? with Richard Swinburne, Philip Goff & Vince Vitale
December 08, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 68.7 MBRichard Swinburne and Philip Goff debate why are we here? Is it time we moved on from both God and Atheism, as Goff suggests in his new book Why? The Purpose of the Universe? Unbelievable Host Vince Vitale guides us through as Goff argues that the traditional God is a bad explanation of cosmic purpose. Instead, he explores a range of alternative possibilities for accounting for cosmic purpose, from the speculation that we live in a computer simulation to the hypothesis that the universe itsel...
Classic Replay: Unbelievable? Is Open Theism a heresy? James White vs John Sanders
December 05, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 72.1 MBFrom 2016: John E Sanders is one among a number of evangelical theologians such as Greg Boyd who have embraced Open Theism – the view that God does not necessarily have foreknowledge of all future events and that the future is open. Many evangelicals believe Open Theism is a heresy – denying the omniscience of God and going against Biblical teaching. James White of Alpha and Omega ministries believes Open Theism is a serious heresy and defends a Calvinist view of God’s sovereignty – that God ...
Is religion good or bad for society? Ben Shapiro v Alex O'Connor The Big Conversation – Episode 7 | Season 5
December 01, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 72.1 MBThe Big Conversation is a unique video series from Unbelievable? the flagship apologetics and theology discussion show from Premierunbelievable.com In this bonus episode of The Big Conversation' formidable Daily Wire host and renowned political thinker Ben Shapiro goes head-to-head with Oxford graduate of philosophy and theology, now international public speaker and debater, Alex O’Connor. Hosted by Andy Kind, Shapiro and O'Connor debate Is religion good or bad for society? What is the conce...
Classic Replay: Is human life intrinsically valuable? Peter Singer, Richard Weikart & Susan Blackmore
November 28, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 62.8 MBFrom 2016: Richard Weikart, professor of history at California State University, joins Premier Unbelievable? to talk about his new book 'The Death of Humanity'. He says the loss of belief in the value of human life is leading to disastrous consequences for society. Peter Singer is an Australian ethicist who believes we should dispense with the concept of the sanctity of human life in favour of a view of 'personhood'. Humans who are less capable of having preferences, such as babies, have less...
60 years after his death, are CS Lewis and his God still relevant?
November 24, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 71.7 MBRuth Jackson hosts a discussion about a 20th Century British writer and lay theologian who is arguably one of the most influential voices in modern Christianity. On November 22nd 1963, Clive Staples Lewis – Jack to his friends – died in Oxford, England. However, 60 years after his death, is CS Lewis still relevant? We hear from former pastor-turned atheist, Dan Barker, who suggests that many of Lewis’ arguments are fundamentally flawed. Literature professor, Dr Carolyn Weber, highlights w...
Classic Replay: Have atheists got the wrong God? Rupert Shortt vs Jeremy Rodell
November 21, 2023 17:00 - 55 minutes - 51 MBFrom 2016: In his new book ‘Go Is No Thing’ Rupert Shortt argues that many ‘new atheists’ have a faulty view of God that doesn’t take seriously the philosophical arguments that thinkers like Thomas Aquinas gave many centuries ago for the existence of God. Rupert discusses the issues with atheist Jeremy Rodell, dialogue officer for the British Humanist Association. We also hear some feedback to the most recent Bauckham vs Ehrman shows. For God Is No Thing: http://www.hurstpublishers.com/bo...
Classic Replay: Bart Ehrman vs Richard Bauckham : Can we trust eyewitness testimony in the biblical accounts?
November 17, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 73.1 MBUnbelievable shows often benefit from a second listen and some even become classics. Today we are dipping into the concluding part of a conversation between noted Bible scholar Bart Ehrman and Richard Bauckham who debate each other with Justin Brierley in the hosting seat. This show was recorded following the publication of Ehrman's 2016 book "Jesus Before the Gospels". Bart Erhman recently debated Justin Bass on The Big Conversation which you can watch here. But in this show Bart Erhman ...
Classic Replay: Are the Gospels based on eyewitness testimony? Bart Ehrman vs Richard Bauckham
November 14, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 71 MBFrom 2016: Bart Ehrman's new book "Jesus Before the Gospels" makes the case that the stories about Jesus would have changed and evolved before they were written down as the Gospels. Richard Bauckham, author of "Jesus and the Eyewitnesses", defends the view that the Gospels were written by those with access to eyewitness testimony of Jesus' first followers. They debate who wrote Mark, whether the the Gospels came from anonymous traditions and how they received their titles For Bart Ehrman: ...
Gay Christians, God and the church | David Bennett, Taylor Telford & Billy Hallowell
November 10, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 71.1 MBEmbark on a journey with host Billy Hallowell exploring a deep friendship between two academics with wildly opposing views but who both attest to the boundless love of God on this week’s podcast. This week’s Unbelievable features an insightful discussion featuring two individuals with contrasting LGBTQI+ faith journeys as they delve into the intersection of faith, sexuality, and the Bible. The debate is between two gay Christians who have arrived at distinctly different interpretations of the...
Classic Replay: Did Jesus' followers believe he was God? Yusuf Ismail vs Jonathan McLatchie
November 07, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 73 MBFrom 2016: In Islam, Jesus is regarded as a prophet. Muslims commonly claim that the Christian belief in Christ as co-equal with God is a corruption of Jesus' message and that his first followers did not regard him as the Son of God. Christian apologist Jonathan McLatchie returns for a second week to debate Islamic evangelist Yusuf Ismail on whether early church Christology evolved over time or whether Christ's deity was believed by his first followers. For Michael J Alter: https://m.faceb...
How much has Christianity contributed to antisemitism?
November 03, 2023 15:10 - 1 hour - 72.3 MBWelcome to the latest episode of Unbelievable? where we confront the challenging relationship between Christianity and anti-Semitism, shedding light on Christianity's role in the troubling history of prejudice. The show embarks on a profound journey through the intricate history of Biblical Israel and its contemporary implications in the strife-ridden Middle East. In a region marked by breathtaking violence and conflicting narratives, we strive to make sense of both current and historical bl...
Classic Replay: A Jewish sceptic investigates the resurrection: Michael Alter vs Jonathan McLatchie
October 31, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MBFrom 2016: Michael Alter is a Jew who spent a decade researching the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus after being challenged to investigate it. The result is his book ‘The Resurrection: A critical enquiry’. He was not eventually persuaded by the evidence he found. Part of his research responds to the so-called ‘minimal facts’ surrounding the story often cited by apologists. Apologist Jonathan McLatchie responds to Alter’s objections to the resurrection making that case that the reported...
Is Halloween harmless fun?
October 27, 2023 10:49 - 1 hour - 58.6 MBGet ready for a spine-tingling edition of Unbelievable. Hosted by Billy Hallowell, we're diving headfirst into Halloween hysteria. Is it all innocent fun or something more sinister? Join the conversation with ex-healer Angela Ucci, pastor Ray Comfort who after being petrified of Halloween decided to use it to tell people about Jesus. Rounding up the discussion Unbelievable welcomes Matt Arnold, editor of The Christian Parapsychologist Journal. We'll uncover the mysteries, explore the spiritua...
Classic Replay: Is the fine-tuning of the Universe evidence for God? Robin Collins vs Peter Millican
October 24, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 71.7 MBFrom 2016: Science has revealed that the fundamental constants and forces of the cosmos appear to be exquisitely fine-tuned to allow a universe in which life can develop. Is God the best explanation of the incredibly improbable odds of the universe we live in being a life-permitting one? Robin Collins is a Christian philosopher and a leading advocate of the argument for God from cosmic design. Peter Millican is an atheist philosopher at Oxford University. They debate the issues. For Robin ...
Why I believe in God: John Lennox interviewed by Amy Orr-Ewing
October 20, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 78.9 MBIn a Premier Unbelievable special, celebrating his 80th birthday, the indomitable Christian apologist, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics, and renowned ethicist, Dr. John Lennox, engages in a candid and unreserved interview with fellow apologist and Oxford-educated theologian, Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing. A long-standing friend of Unbelievable, John delves into his life journey, from a childhood in Ireland, to studying Mathematics at University of Cambridge, speaking and defending his Christian faith fr...
Classic Replay: Should Christians save sex for marriage? Dianna E Anderson & Sarah Long
October 17, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 72.4 MBFrom 2016: Most evangelical churches teach young people that sex should be saved for marriage. But Dianna E Anderson's book 'Damaged Goods' claims that the purity culture of the American church she grew up in can be damaging for young people and that sexual relationships before marriage are permissible for Christians. Sarah Long is a youth advisor for the Church Of England and has been involved with the Romance Academy, an organisation promoting a healthy view of sex to youth culture. She bel...
Is there a conflict between religion and science?
October 13, 2023 15:41 - 1 hour - 71.2 MBCan you be a serious scientist and believe in God, and even believe in miracles? Tom Rudelius never thought much about God until his brother, a new convert to Christianity, challenged him to explore faith. Tom, now a rising young theoretical physicist based at Durham University in the UK made a journey to unexpected faith, through subsequent doubt and anxiety, and ultimately to a firmer, life-transforming allegiance to Jesus. Phil and Tom wrestle with creation and cosmic origins, the pr...
Classic Replay: Does the problem of evil presuppose God? Josh Parikh vs Cory Markum
October 10, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 73.1 MBFrom 2016: The problem of evil and suffering is a key objection to the existence of a loving God. But what if the very existence of moral ‘evil’ requires a God? Oxford undergraduate Josh Parikh is a young Christian apologist who won Tyndale Fellowship’s 2015 IVP ‘Young Philosopher of Religion’ Prize for his essay on the problem of evil. He interacts with atheist Cory Markum as they debate the problem. Can real evil exist in a godless universe and could God have sufficient reasons to allow app...
Should our AIs and robots have souls?
October 06, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 76.6 MBShould 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? Roger Bolton hosts this edition of Unbelievable with writer and theologian Dr. Eve Poole and Prof. Beth Singler, a digital ethnographer. Our seemingly irrational qualities, like emotions and intuition, are what Unbelievable guest Dr. Eve Poole calls the "j...
Classic Replay: Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God? Joseph Cumming & Nabeel Qureshi
October 03, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 72.8 MBFrom 2016: A Wheaton college professor was recently threatened with dismissal after claiming that Muslims and Christians worship the same God. Justin is joined by two Christian guests to debate the question, Joseph Cumming a scholar of Islamic and Christian thought at Yale and former Muslim Nabeel Qureshi. For Joseph Cumming: http://www.josephcumming.com/ For Nabeel Qureshi: http://www.nabeelqureshi.com/ • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More sh...
Do animals have souls?
September 29, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 77.9 MBDo we need to reconsider the moral status of animals? What does the Christian worldview tell us about animals? Do we change our attitudes towards animals if we believe they have capacity for pain and pleasure, challenging anthropocentric views, advocating for animal rights, promoting vegetarianism and critiquing speciesism? Or closer to home people often ask 'will I see my doggie if I get to heaven?'. Host Roger Bolton is joined by Joyce D'Silva and Nathan Rittenhouse to debate this thorn...
Classic Replay: Was Christopher Hitchens right about religion? Peter Hitchens, Ed Turner & Peter Harris
September 26, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 71.9 MBFrom 2016: Until his death from cancer over four years ago, Christopher Hitchens was one of the preeminent figures of new atheism: a prolific writer who was eloquent, witty and in great demand for his speaking and debating. Justin is joined by Christopher's brother Peter Hitchens who is a columnist for the Mail On Sunday, atheist blogger Ed Turner, and Peter Harris, a Christian apologist writing a PhD on Hitchens. In this show we assess some of his arguments against religion, including the cl...
The Robot Race - Part 2: How should humanity flourish in an AI world? - Nigel Crook & Anil Seth
September 22, 2023 14:00 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MBThe Big Conversation - Episode 6 | Season 5 In this special two-parter, we explore "The Robot Race". Are developments in Artificial Intelligence spiralling out of control, and what can we learn about ourselves - the human race - in light of AI's rapidly expanding capabilities? Here, in part two, we debate the nature of human consciousness and free will - comparing it to AI and robotics - and ask how humanity should best flourish now that the AI genie is out of the bottle. Speaking into ...
Classic Replay: From Christian to Jewish to atheist – Luke Griffiss-Williams & Richard Harvey
September 19, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 73 MBFrom 2016: Luke Griffiss-Williams has an interesting faith journey. Having been an evangelical Christian, doubts about the deity of Jesus led him to convert to Judaism. But further doubts about the historicity of the Old Testament led him to become an atheist. Richard Harvey, senior researcher with Jews for Jesus responds to Luke’s story as well as telling his own of how, as a Jew, he came to believe in Jesus as Messiah. For Luke Griffiss-Williams: https://myspace.com/hatterarts For Ric...
Coming to faith through Dawkins - Part 2: Is there a new New Atheism? Alister McGrath & Alex O'Connor
September 15, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 79 MBIn 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. Faith or Atheism: what's next? Recorded on 9/11, 22 years after the tragic events at New York's World Trade Centre, which in many ways provided a catalyst for the New Atheist movement, they discuss why New Atheism has lost its appeal, what some of the new concerns and questions are a...
Classic Replay: Are Christians happier than atheists? Ann Morisy & Craig James
September 12, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 72.2 MBFrom 2016: The latest survey from the UK Office of National Statistics shows that religious people are happier than atheists. Hindus came first in terms of reported happiness and Christians second. Christian researcher and author Ann Morisy discusses with atheist blogger and author Craig James why people of faith consistently report higher levels of wellbeing in surveys than atheists. What other factors may account for the results and does it have any bearing on the truth of religious claims?...
The Robot Race - Part 1: Could AI ever replace humanity? - Nigel Crook & Anil Seth
September 08, 2023 08:00 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBThe Big Conversation - Episode 5 | Season 5 In this special two-parter, we explore "The Robot Race". Are developments in Artificial Intelligence spiralling out of control? Can we slow the development of large scale AI even if we wanted to? And what can we learn about ourselves - the human race - in light of AI's rapidly expanding capabilities? Here, in part one, we confront the ominous existential question: could AI ever replace humanity? The implications for the future of humankind po...
Classic Replay: Is belief in Divine punishment good or bad for us? Dominic Johnson and Peter S Williams
September 05, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 73.5 MBFrom 2016: Dominic Johnson’s book ‘God is Watching You: How the fear of God makes us human’ makes the claim that belief in divine punishment has arisen because of the evolutionary advantage it brings in creating cooperative, moral societies. Christian philosopher Peter S Williams interacts with Dominic on questions over whether his research explains away religious belief, and whether Christianity is a religion of punishment and rewards. For ‘God is Watching You’: https://global.oup.com/aca...
Coming to faith through Dawkins - Part 1: has New Atheism failed? - Alister McGrath & Alex O'Connor
September 01, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 79.4 MBUnbelievable? delves back into history and asks Did new atheism fail? with one the world’s best-known theologians Alister McGrath debating Oxford-educated philosopher and wildly successful YouTuber Alex O’Connor. Prompted by a new book Coming to Faith Through Dawkins which published on 29th August 2023, the book edited by Denis Alexander and Alister McGrath gathered other intelligent minds from around the world Australia, S. Africa, Egypt, USA, and the UK to share their startling commonality:...