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Unbelievable?

1,045 episodes - English - Latest episode: 28 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1.9K ratings

Unbelievable? 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

Classic Replay: Presuppositional vs natural theology

February 28, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 31.1 MB

Two different approaches to apologetics were debated in this classic show from the archives. K Scott Oliphint is Professor of Apologetics & Systematic Theology at Westminater Theological Seminary, PA. Kurt Jaros is the founder of www.realclearapologetics.com   Scott believes that the best apologetic method is to assume that Christianity is true and show why a non-Christian is suppressing that truth. Atheists presuppose the existence of God even to argue against Him. This approach is calle...

The Asbury Revival: A new move of God? Timothy Tennent, Alisa Childers & Gavin Ortlund

February 24, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 39.4 MB

Thousands have been flocking to Asbury University in Kentucky after a chapel service turned into a 24/7 revival outpouring. Justin is joined by guests as he asks: What are the true marks of revival? What are the blessings and concerns that accompany this student-led awakening?   Timothy Tennent, president of Asbury Theological Seminary shares what has been happening on campus. Author and podcaster Alisa Childers voices her thoughts and concerns about the revival, and pastor and author Gav...

Classic Replay: A convert and skeptic in Narnia - Holly Ordway & Laura Miller

February 21, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 28.1 MB

Classic replay from the archives. Former atheist Holly Ordway came to Christian faith via poetry and literature. She tells her story and explains her passion for literary apologetics.   Laura Miller is an online literary critic and an agnostic. She loved the Narnia stories as a child but felt betrayed by CS Lewis after discovering their Christian symbolism as an adult.   Holly and Laura discuss the rights and wrongs of using literature for a Christian message. Do great art, poetry and l...

Sexuality, Gender & Identity: 2 views on LGBT and the church - Andrew Bunt & Charlie Bell

February 17, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MB

Andrew Bunt, Emerging Generations director at Living Out and author of 'Finding Your Best Identity', is a same-sex attracted Christian who has chosen celibacy and believes marriage is male-female. Charlie Bell, a gay Anglican vicar who also works as a psychiatrist, is the author of 'Queer Holiness' and wants to see gay marriage accepted in the church.   In a live show with audience Q&A they discuss sexuality, gender and identity, recent controversy in the CofE over gay blessings, and what...

Classic Replay: The Pope’s astronomer - Fr Guy Consolmagno

February 14, 2023 18:00 - 54 minutes - 25.1 MB

From May 2013: Brother Guy Consolmagno has an asteroid named after him! The planetary scientist for the Vatican talked to Justin about his journey of faith, his scientific research and answered questions from listeners on the interaction of science and Christianity. Including: Did the church persecute Galileo? Could there be extra-terrestrial life? And Is the Pope pro-science?   • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: ht...

Death to Deconstruction: Josh Porter & Jon Steingard on whether exvangelicals can reconstruct their faith

February 10, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 48.1 MB

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.   For 'Death To Deconstruction': https://www.joshuasporter.com/ For Jon Steingard: http://www.steingardcreative.com/   • Sub...

Classic Replay: The outsider test of faith - John Loftus & Randal Rauser

February 07, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 27.6 MB

Another classic show from the archives. Randal Rauser is a Christian, John Loftus is a former-Christian-now-atheist. They co-authored the book “God Or Godless? debating 20 controversial questions.” They joined me for two discussions. In his “Outsider Test for Faith” Loftus claimed that Christians would abandon their faith if they critiqued it in the way they do other religions. But Rauser argued that Loftus needed to put his own atheistic worldview through the test. They also debated whet...

Uninvented: Are the stories of Jesus too unusual to have been made up? Mike D’Virgilio vs Matthew Taylor

February 03, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 45.2 MB

'You just can't make this stuff up!' That, in a nutshell is the contention of Mike D'Virgilio's book 'Uninvented: Why the Bible could not be made up and the evidence that proves it'. He says that the life of Jesus doesn't read like made up stories, myths and legends.   He engages with ex-Christian Matthew Taylor, host of the 'Still Unbelievable' podcast, who believes that many stories and details in the Gospels are the result of pious fiction on the part of later authors.   For 'Uninven...

Classic Replay: Did Adam & Eve exist? Peter Enns, Fuz Rana & Denis Alexander

January 31, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 31.3 MB

From the archives: Do science and genetics support the existence of a 'first' human couple? How should we interpret the first chapters of Genesis? Do we need a historical Adam & Eve to make sense of sin and salvation? Three Christians discussed the issues from different perspectives. Dr Denis Alexander is the emeritus director of the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge. Fuz Rana is a biochemist with Reasons To Believe. Peter Enns is a theologian and author of 'The Evolu...

Miracle healing - does it happen today? Craig Keener, Peter May & Joshua Brown (Plus Alanzo Paul on Reboot)

January 27, 2023 18:00 - 2 hours - 57.6 MB

Can a skeptical doctor be persuaded that there is medical evidence for modern day healing? Craig Keener, author of 'Miracles Today', returns to the show to debate one of his fiercest critics Peter May, a retired medical doctor who says he has never encountered a compelling case of miracle healing after decades of investigation. Craig is joined by Joshua Brown of the Global Medical Research Institute who defends two cases of healing - of a digestive tract and restored vision - which he says...

Classic Replay: Kermit Gosnell and the abortion debate

January 24, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 30.4 MB

In 2013, in the USA Kermit Gosnell, was being tried on counts of murdering children born alive in illegal late-term abortions at his unsanitary practise in Philadelphia. Dr Trevor Stammers is a Christian former GP who refused to personally refer women for abortion. Dr Evan Harris is a former Liberal Democrat MP and atheist who believes that women should have the choice to terminate their pregnancy. They discussed the Gosnell case with Telegraph journalist Timothy Stanley, one of the first...

ChatGPT, AI and the future - John Wyatt Q&A on living faithfully in a technologically confusing world

January 20, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 36.9 MB

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.   Justin also reveals that a recent article on AI featured on the Premier Unbelievable website was in fact generated by ChatGPT - the new AI platform that is sweeping the world. Ruth, John and Justin talk through the implications of this fast-e...

Classic Replay: Rob Bell & Andrew Wilson on God, homosexuality and salvation

January 17, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 31 MB

In this week’s classic replay we go back to when Rob Bell returned to Unbelievable? 2 years after his debate on the controversial best-seller 'Love Wins'. He talked about life after Mars Hill Bible Church and his then-latest book 'What we talk about when we talk about God'. Andrew Wilson, author and theologian with the New Frontiers church network, quizzed Rob about his view of God, salvation and his recently stated support for gay marriage. First broadcast 2014.   • Subscribe to the Un...

Paranormal hauntings and exorcism - a Christian and skeptic in discussion.

January 13, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 39.6 MB

Matt Arnold, editor of the Christian Parapsychologist Journal and Dr Cal Cooper, a psychologist and paranormal researcher, speak to Justin about how they interpret account of ghosts, exorcism and apparitions as a Christian and skeptic.   For Matt Arnold: https://ghostsghoulsandgod.co.uk/ For Cal Cooper: https://www.callumecooper.com/   • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live...

Classic Replay: Creating life in the lab: Adam Rutherford & Fuz Rana

January 10, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 28.9 MB

In this classic show from the archives, atheist scientist Adam Rutherford and Christian biochemist Fazale (Fuz) Rana of Reasons To Believe, discuss the scientific advances in attempting to create simple synthetic life in the laboratory and how this research may be of benefit.   Fuz contends that the amount of ingenuity and intelligence required to produce life in the lab lends strong support to the view that life on earth is a product of an intelligent mind. Adam Rutherford, author of the...

Tim Keller Q&A on cancer, prayer and forgiveness

January 06, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 38.3 MB

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'.   • For Tim's book 'Forgive': http://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/timothy-keller/forgive/9781473643130/ • Support the show and receive your e-book 'In Conversation with Tim Keller': premierunbelievab...

Classic Replay: How did life begin? Fuz Rana vs Adam Rutherford

January 03, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 28.9 MB

Was the emergence of the first self-replicating organism a result of design or the blind forces of nature? In today's show from the archvies, Adam Rutherford is an atheist scientist whose book "Creation: The Origin of Life" claimed to show a naturalistic explanation for how life arose. Fazale (Fuz) Rana is a biochemist with Reasons To Believe. He values scientific research into origins but believes that Rutherford's explanation was a dead-end, and that design was still the best explanation....

James KA Smith speaks on how to inhabit time & Trevin Wax shows Justin around CS Lewis’ house The Kilns

December 30, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 39 MB

Justin presents an end of year show featuring a conversation with theologian and philosopher James KA Smith on his new book 'How To Inhabit Time' recorded at the Everything Conference. Justin also caught up with Trevin Wax in Oxford who gave him a tour of CS Lewis' home The Kilns.   Support our End Of Year Appeal: https://gtly.to/aAxRk0kQs   • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Fo...

Classic Replay: Debating Penal Substitution - Steve Jeffrey, Greg Boyd, Alan Molineaux & David Bish

December 27, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 28.1 MB

Christians believe that Jesus' death on the cross provided the atonement for sins. But in what way? Advocates of the penal substitution view hold that God punished the Son, instead of us. Others argue this is an unjust way of viewing the crucifixion and prefer the 'Christus Victor' view, that Jesus defeats the powers of evil on the cross.   In this classic replay, Steve Jeffery defended Penal Substitution, while Alan Molineaux questioned it. We also had contributions from American theolog...

Intellectual and supernatural conversions - Christmas special with Nico Tarquinio & Martin Shaw

December 23, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 125 MB

Justin interviews two guests with remarkable stories of adult conversion to Christianity.   Lawyer Nico Tarquinio went from atheist skeptic to Catholic convert via the Unbelievable? show. Storyteller and mythologist Martin Shaw explains how a revelation during a forest vigil led to his recent conversion to Eastern Orthodox Christianity. They also tell Justin what Christmas means to them now. Justin also speaks to Dan LaRock about his new book 'Grandpa's Gift'.   Support our End Of Yea...

Classic Replay: AC Grayling vs Peter S Williams debating God

December 20, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 31.9 MB

In this episode from the archives we’re revisiting a debate between two Christian philosophers on the arguments for God.   AC Grayling is one of the UK's most well known atheist thinkers. His book The God Argument claims to refute the key arguments for God and show why humanism is the best way forward. Christian Philosopher Peter S Williams interacted with Grayling who he believes badly misunderstood the arguments for God in his book.   In a busy show they debated The Argument from Fi...

Should praying outside abortion clinics be banned? Ann Furedi & Lois McLatchie

December 14, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 36.3 MB

A Public Order Bill in UK Parliament proposing 'buffer zones' could potentially criminalise pro-life activity or even silent prayer outside abortion clinics.  Lois McLatchie of ADF UK says the bill threatens civil and religious liberty and is not 'pro-choice' for women. Ann Furedi, former head of BPAS the UK's leading abortion provider, says the legislation is necessary to prevent distress to women who access abortion providers. Support our End Of Year Appeal: https://gtly.to/aAxRk0kQs For...

Classic Replay: In conversation with Rowan Williams

December 13, 2022 18:00 - 56 minutes - 26 MB

Rowan Williams led the Anglican Church for 10 years. He reflects on his journey of faith, and the trials and joys of his time in office in a wide ranging interview with Justin Brierley. First broadcast in 2013.   • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the ...

How to overcome tribalism in politics and the church - Patrick Miller & Keith Simon PLUS Tim Farron MP

December 09, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 39.2 MB

'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. They talk to Justin about Trump, abortion, LGBT, Christian nationalism, progressives and conservatives, and how the church can be part of the solution rather than the problem of tribalism in politics and c...

Classic Replay: Why Suffering? Sharon Dirckx & Alom Shaha

December 06, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 30.7 MB

"Why?" was the title of a book that had just been published by Sharon Dirckx looking at God, evil and suffering. She interacted with atheist Alom Shaha as we asked "how can a loving God allow suffering?"   We also heard stories from people who had been through suffering but kept their faith such as Will, who became a Christian after losing his wife and a child in a tragic road accident, and Rachel who suffered from MS for a number of years. First broadcast in 2013   • Subscribe to the U...

John Lennox on science, faith and the evidence for God

December 02, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 39.6 MB

Get our launch discount for 'Science, Faith and the Evidence for God with John Lennox' https://www.premierunbelievable.com/lennox   Justin is joined by Prof John Lennox to talk about his debates with well-known atheists and to introduce a new online apologetics course: 'Science, Faith and the Evidence for God with John Lennox'.   • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events...

Classic Replay: Three views on hell

November 29, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 29.4 MB

The film “Hellbound” by Kevin Miller questioned the traditional "eternal, conscious torment" view of hell and asked whether Universalism is actually taught in scripture. Justin was joined by Kevin Miller, along with Glenn Peoples who holds an "annihilationist" position, and Peter Sanlon who defended the traditional view. They discussed whether questioning hell goes against evangelicalism, whether evangelism is at stake and what most Christians really believe about hell. First broadcast in 2...

Sean McDowell live Q&A on sexuality, transgender and culture war questions

November 25, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 37.7 MB

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.   Support Unbelievable? for Giving Tuesday: https://gtly.to/t4eSg7RRc   For Sean's book 'A Rebel's Manifesto': https://seanmcdowell.org/item/a-rebels-manifesto For our next live show with Tim Keller: https://www.unbelievable.live/   ...

Classic Replay: NT Wright & James White debate Paul & Justification

November 22, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 31.7 MB

From the archives: NT Wright is a leading professor of New Testament at the forefront of what has been called the New Perspective on Paul. His reassessment of the words of Paul on "justification" led to concern from some reformed church leaders. Does this new perspective undermine important doctrine, or did the reformers read their Bible wrong? James White, reformed Bible scholar of Alpha and Omega ministries, discussed with NT Wright as they sought to find out what Paul really said about j...

Were colonial-era missionaries good or bad for Africa? Victor Simz & Jonathan Wilson

November 18, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 41.1 MB

Were Victorian missionaries a tool of oppression, exploitation and empire as some critics claim? Or did they leave a legacy of education, healthcare and eradicating inhumane practises?   Victor Simz, known online as the Z Historian, is a Zambian historian who has charted the impact of missionaries in East Africa. He discusses the issues with Jonathan Wilson who comes from a missionary family and believes the story of the positive global impact of missions work is often under-appreciated. ...

Classic Replay: Atheist vs Christian philosopher - Arif Ahmed vs Keith Ward

November 15, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 47.8 MB

From the archives: the Veritas Forum in Cambridge invited Christian philosopher Keith Ward and atheist philosopher Arif Ahmed to present the reasons for their different worldviews. Justin hosted this discussion with these two thinkers in front of an audience of Cambridge students who asked their own questions too.   • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unb...

Can Christianity or Humanism save the planet from climate change? Rachel Mander & Lori Marriott

November 11, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 38.8 MB

As COP 27 gets underway Justin is joined by Christian climate campaigner Rachel Mander and Humanist activist Lori Marriott. They agree on the science and what needs to be done but have different views about which worldview provides the better moral foundation for the work of climate change action.   For Rachel Mander: https://arocha.org/en/about/people/rachel-mander/ For Lori Marriott: https://humanists.uk/humanist-climate-action/   • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod...

Classic Replay: London’s atheist church - Sanderson Jones & David Robertson

November 08, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 29 MB

In Jan 2013 a new church began in London - with singing, a sermon and a great sense of community - but for godless people. Atheist stand up comedian Sanderson Jones who co-founded "the Sunday Assembly" talked about its first meeting and why he set it up. David Robertson, at the time a church minister, asked questions about whether an "atheist church" makes sense and what Christians could learn from it. Justin was also joined by two of those who attended the first service, Rory Fenton and Si...

A Christian and Atheist walk into a bar... Andy Kind & Andy White on comedy, faith and searching for God

November 04, 2022 18:00 - 1 hour - 42.1 MB

Stand up comedians Andy Kind (the Christian) and Andy White (the Atheist) join Justin to talk about comedy and faith and discuss Andy Kind's new book 'Hidden In Plain Sight: Clues you may have missed in the search for meaning'.   For Hidden In Plain Sight: https://standrewsbookshop.co.uk/product/hidden-in-plain-sight-2/ For Andy Kind: https://www.andykind.co.uk/ For Andy White: https://twitter.com/AndyJWhite   • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • Mor...

Classic Replay: Debating Steve Chalke’s new gay-affirming stance

November 01, 2022 18:00 - 57 minutes - 26.3 MB

In this episode from the archives, we go back to the time when then-leading UK evangelical Steve Chalke wrote an article for Christianity magazine on why he switched to affirming committed, faithful gay relationships. Justin talked to Steve about why he changed his mind, while theologian Greg Downes offered a defense of the traditional evangelical understanding of sexuality. We also heard the responses and reflections of church leaders including Steve Clifford of the Evangelical Alliance, ...

Michael Gungor & Evan Wickham: Millennials, music and mystical deconstruction

October 28, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 40.1 MB

Michael Gungor and his wife Lisa were pioneers in the Christian music scene, building a loyal fan base through Gungor's music and podcasts such as The Liturgists. However, Michael's recent turn towards an increasingly progressive, msytical and deconstructed interpretation of faith has left many Christians confused.   Evan Wickham is a pastor in San Diego and a friend and former musical collaborator with Gungor. They engage in a discussion on Michael's spiritual journey and why Evan has st...

Unbelievable? How a top surgeon found his life purpose on a hospital ship - Mark Shrime

October 25, 2022 17:00 - 26 minutes - 12.3 MB

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’.   To support Mercy Ships https://www.mercyships.org.uk/premier/ • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For l...

Rethinking Kingdom work in the Global South & North - Joseph D’Souza & Andrew Scott

October 21, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 40.5 MB

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.   For Joseph D'Souza: https://josephdsouza.dfnusa.org/ For Andrew Scott: https://scatterthebook.com/   • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievab...

Classic Replay: Did Jesus exist? Richard Carrier vs Mark Goodacre

October 18, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 29.9 MB

From Dec 2012. Richard Carrier is the world's foremost proponent of the "mythicist" view of Jesus - that he never actually existed as a historical person. He explained his theory that St. Paul only ever spoke of Jesus in the spiritual realm and that the Gospels are "extended parables". Mark Goodacre is NT professor at Duke University. He contended that Carrier's mythicist view is extrememly far fetched and the evidence for the historical Jesus is beyond reasonable doubt.   • Subscribe t...

Are religious funerals ’empty and platitudinous’? Ian Dunt & Andy Bannister

October 14, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 39 MB

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".   Ian engages with Christian thinker Andy Bannister who wrote a response article to Ian's tweet. They discuss the royal funeral, meaning, purpose and what death means to an atheist and a Christian.   For Ian Dunt: https://twitter.co...

Classic Replay: Good without God: can atheism account for morality?

October 11, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 29.8 MB

From Nov 2012. Were the concentration camps of the Holocaust absolutely evil, or simply something that goes against people's tastes today?  Canon Angus Ritchie is the author of "From Morality to Metaphysics" in which he argues that God is the best explanation of moral realism (that there are objective moral facts). Kile Jones is an atheist who was studying for a PhD.  He argued that God is an unecessary entity when it comes to explaining why there may be a realm of objective morality.   ...

Can the Canaanite conquest be reconciled with a God of love? Paul Copan vs Randal Rauser

October 07, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 41.8 MB

How should we understand Old Testament accounts of warfare and violence where God seems to command the slaughter of men, women and children?   Paul Copan, author of 'Is God A Vindictive Bully?' aims to show why the Old Testament accounts, severe as they may seem, are not incompatible with Jesus in the New Testament. Randal Rauser, author of 'Jesus Loves Canaanites', says that too many 'apologists for genocide' are defending the indefensible and argues for an alternative reading of scriptu...

Classic Replay: The atheist prayer experiment results show - part 2

October 04, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 31.2 MB

From Nov 2012, the second of two shows where Justin was joined by Tim Mawson, the Oxford philosopher whose paper "Praying to Stop Being an Atheist" inspired the Atheist Prayer Experiment. 71 atheists and agnostics signed up for the experiment, committing to pray for God to reveal himself to them over 40 days. Did anyone end up believing in God?   • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com •...

Covid, Churches and the Frankfurt Declaration: Jamie Franklin & John Stevens debate Christian liberty and government overreach

September 30, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 40.2 MB

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.   One of the signatories is Anglican priest Jamie Franklin, a co-host of the Irreverend podcast. He has been critical of the church's handling of Covid saying it fell into line with restrictions too readily. He discusses t...

Classic Replay: The atheist prayer experiment results show - part 1

September 29, 2022 13:05 - 1 hour - 31.6 MB

From Nov 2012. The first of two shows where Justin was joined by Tim Mawson, the Oxford philosopher whose paper "Praying to Stop Being an Atheist" inspired the Atheist Prayer Experiment. 71 atheists and agnostics signed up to the experiment, comitting to pray for God to reveal himself to them over 40 days. Did anyone end up believing in God? We revealed the results and heard from a variety of people who took part, including Andrew, Kendra, Laura, Cang & Freki as well as exploring question...

Church abuse, leadership scandals & RZIM: Rachael Denhollander, Amy Orr-Ewing, Mike Cosper & Diane Langberg

September 23, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 133 MB

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'.   Panellists: Abuse survivor and advocate Rachael Denhollander; author, theologian and former RZIM vice-president Amy Orr-Ewing; Rise And Fall Of Mars Hill Podcast presenter Mike Cosper; and trauma and abuse specialist Diane Langberg. Justin Humphreys of the leading independent Christian safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eig...

Classic Replay: Comedy & Christianity: Marcus Brigstocke vs David Robertson

September 20, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 33.4 MB

Marcus Brigstocke is a well-known comedian on UK radio and TV. An atheist, he wrote the book "God Collar" about his problems with religion, but also why he wants to believe in God. He chatted with David Robertson, who at the time led Solas, the Centre for Public Christianity.  They talked about UK comedy's atheist leanings, Marcus' criticisms of both religion and new atheism, the problem of evil, the Old Testament and more besides.   • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod....

Angels, visions and near death encounters - Dale C Allison on whether skeptics can take religious experiences seriously

September 16, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MB

From rapturous joy to inexplicable terror, angelic encounters to near death experiences, New Testament scholar Dale Allison has researched a wide range of phenomena in his new book 'Encountering Mystery: Religious Experience in a Secular Age'. He tells of his own experiences and explains why they are more common than many people realise, and why skeptics shouldn't dismiss them out of hand. Justin also brings listener questions from atheists and believers.   For Dale's book 'Encountering M...

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II - NT Wright, Gavin Ashenden & Ruth Jackson

September 09, 2022 17:01 - 1 hour - 38.3 MB

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.   For Ruth Jackson's article: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/articles/we-m...

Classic Replay: Is the Catholic Church the one true church?

September 06, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 27.8 MB

Some of the key differences between Catholic and Protestant doctrine were explored in a friendly dialogue in this show from the archives. Roman Catholic Peter D Williams and Protestant pastor David Robertson debated The Pope, Sola Scriptura and justification by faith.   • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://...

Guests

Justin Brierley
5 Episodes
Michael Shermer
4 Episodes
Perry Marshall
4 Episodes
Susan Blackmore
4 Episodes
Hemant Mehta
3 Episodes
Richard Dawkins
3 Episodes
Rob Bell
3 Episodes
Steve Chalke
3 Episodes
Jordan Peterson
2 Episodes
Julian Baggini
2 Episodes
Lee Cronin
2 Episodes
Paul Davies
2 Episodes
Peter Singer
2 Episodes
Philip Pullman
2 Episodes
Richard Bauckham
2 Episodes
Roger Penrose
2 Episodes
Sean Carroll
2 Episodes
Alain de Botton
1 Episode
Andy Hill
1 Episode
Anthony Kenny
1 Episode
Bret Weinstein
1 Episode
Dave Rubin
1 Episode
David Suchet
1 Episode
David Wood
1 Episode
Ian Dunt
1 Episode
James Lindsay
1 Episode
Jim Al-Khalili
1 Episode
John Cottingham
1 Episode
Jonathan Haidt
1 Episode
Josh McDowell
1 Episode
Martin Rees
1 Episode
Mary Warnock
1 Episode
Michael Green
1 Episode
Nick Heath
1 Episode
Peter Boghossian
1 Episode
Peter Kreeft
1 Episode
Preston Sprinkle
1 Episode
Rebecca Goldstein
1 Episode
Reza Aslan
1 Episode
Robin Ince
1 Episode
Shane Claiborne
1 Episode
Stephen Cave
1 Episode
Steven Pinker
1 Episode

Books

Angels & Demons
1 Episode
The New Testament
1 Episode

Twitter Mentions

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