Unbelievable?
1,056 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 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
Does the story of evolution match the story of Genesis? Niamh Middleton and Andrew Parker
October 18, 2019 14:03 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBThe first two chapters of Genesis are among the most contested in the Bible when it comes to evolution and faith. Justin is joined by a Christian and agnostic who both claim to show a significant overlap between the Genesis account and evolutionary history, Theologian Niamh Middleton, author of ‘Homo Lapsus: Sin, evolution and the God who is love’, says that Biblical account of human creation and fall maps onto what we know of the evolutionary record. Agnostic scientist Andrew Parker, auth...
Has the church misunderstood St Paul? Steve Chalke vs Phil Moore
October 11, 2019 16:04 - 1 hour - 50.1 MBChurch leader Steve Chalke isn’t afraid of causing controversy in the evangelical circles he once moved in. His new book ‘The Lost Message of Paul’ claims that the church has misunderstood the theology of St Paul when it comes to faith, hell and Christian universalism. In a feisty exchange, pastor Phil Moore says that it’s Steve who has misinterpreted Paul’s thinking as they debate which books the apostle wrote, the nature of salvation and whether Steve accurately represents the views of sc...
Sir Roger Penrose and William Lane Craig – Debating God and the Universe
October 04, 2019 14:12 - 1 hour - 47.1 MBThe Universe: How did it get here and why are we part of it? Celebrated cosmologist Sir Roger Penrose talks to renowned Christian philosopher William Lane Craig about God and the Universe in the 2nd episode of the 2019 season of The Big Conversation. They discuss Penrose's '3 realms' view of reality and his Conformal Cyclical Cosmology. Could the fundamental nature of reality, the Big Bang and the fine-tuning of the Universe point towards a creator God? For William Lane Craig https://www....
Why be a Christian? Cosmic Skeptic debates Justin on faith, morality and determinism
September 27, 2019 13:53 - 1 hour - 52.3 MBIn this podcast special Justin sits down with atheist Alex O’Connor who runs the popular YouTube channel Cosmic Skeptic. They debate the nature of faith, the moral argument for God and whether Alex’s belief in determinism undercuts his reasons for being an atheist. For the original Cosmic Skeptic video podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIFBFMU32JE For Unbelievable? Live in LA on 11 & 12 Oct: www.unbelievable.live For The Big Conversation Season 2: www.thebigconversation.show Ge...
Do we live on a young or an old earth? Ken Ham vs Jeff Zweerink
September 20, 2019 14:47 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBKen Ham is the founder of Answers In Genesis. They promote a Young Earth Creation view of science and scripture, believing the earth is only 6000 years old. They also run the Ark Encounter attraction in Kentucky - a life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark. Jeff Zweerink, a research scholar for Reasons To Believe, defends an Old Earth Creation viewpoint, arguing that the scientific evidence supports a universe that is millions of years old, but that it does not contradict Genesis chapter 1. For T...
Alister McGrath and Bret Weinstein – Religion: Useful fiction or ultimate truth?
September 13, 2019 13:31 - 2 hours - 57.5 MBIs religion an evolutionary adaptation that has helped the human species to thrive? Or is there a basis to belief in God that goes beyond biological explanations? Filmed in front of a live audience in London, Bret Weinstein and Alister McGrath address the relationship between religion, evolution, morality and culture. Includes the main conversation and subsequent audience Q&A. For Alister McGrath http://alistermcgrath.weebly.com/ For Bret Weinstein https://www.patreon.com/bretweinstein ...
Deconstruction, doubt and finding faith again - Lisa Gungor and Alisa Childers
September 06, 2019 15:34 - 1 hour - 41.9 MB‘Deconstruction’ has become a buzz word for many people questioning Christian faith. But what happens when we try to reconstruct? Lisa Gungor and Alisa Childers have both had successful careers in the Christian music industry but both went through profound seasons of doubt and deconstruction. The process of ‘reconstruction’ took them to very different conclusions. They discuss their journeys with Justin and each other. For Lisa Gungor and her book ‘The Most Beautiful Thing I’ve Ever Seen’ ...
Joshua Harris, purity culture and the church: Jessica van der Wyngaard and Sean McDowell
August 30, 2019 10:12 - 1 hour - 39.1 MB20 years ago Joshua Harris was the poster boy of the evangelical ‘purity movement’ having authored the bestselling book ‘I Kissed Dating Goodbye’. Today, Harris regrets writing the book, and has also recently changed his mind about Christianity. Justin is joined by Jessica van der Wyngaard, director of the documentary film ‘I Survived I Kissed Dating Goodbye’, and Christian apologist Sean McDowell, to discuss purity culture, singleness and the Joshua Harris story. For the documentary www....
2019 Conference highlights - Krish Kandiah, Kristi Mair, Paul Spears, Sarah Lumgair and more
August 23, 2019 15:36 - 1 hour - 39.6 MBJustin presents a selection of highlights from this year’s Unbelievable? The Conference 2019 in London, including Krish Kandiah on Creating Better Conversations, Kristi Mair on reaching millennials, Sarah Lumgair on Islam and much more. To order the Conference on DVD/MP3CD or Digital Download for over 13 hours of seminars, panels and talks click here For Unbelievable? Live in LA on 11 & 12 Oct: www.unbelievable.live Get signed copies of Unbelievable? the book and audiobook: https://www.p...
Is God the cause of the Universe? Andrew T Loke vs Alex Malpass
August 16, 2019 10:11 - 1 hour - 39.5 MBAndrew Loke is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Hong Kong Baptist University and the author of ‘God and Ultimate Origins: A Novel Cosmological Argument’ in which he makes a number of philosophical arguments for God as the cause of the Universe. Atheist philosopher Alex Malpass engages with Andrew’s take on the cosmological argument for God. Watch the full video debate on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6y2V8e0uiQ For Unbelievable? Live in LA on 11 & 12 Oct: www...
CS Lewis, Tolkien and Barfield: How the Inklings made sense of faith - Mark Vernon and Malcolm Guite (+ Michael Ward and Daniel Ray)
August 09, 2019 12:06 - 1 hour - 42.7 MBThe Inklings were a group of academics, authors and poets who met regularly in Oxford to discuss each other’s work and included Christian intellectuals such as CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and Owen Barfield. Mark Vernon's new book ‘A Secret History of Christianity: Jesus, the last Inkling and the evolution of consciousness’ explores his own search for Christian faith in light of the theology of members of The Inklings, especially Owen Barfield. Poet-theologian Malcolm Guite engages with Mark on h...
Bruxy Cavey and Paul Carter: An Anabaptist and Reformed pastor discuss their differences
August 02, 2019 13:42 - 1 hour - 47.7 MBIs Bruxy a heretic? Bruxy Cavey is teaching pastor at The Meeting House in Ontario, one of the largest churches in Canada. As the church has grown, some of Bruxy’s doctrinal positions have been strongly criticised by certain Reformed voices. The word ‘heretic’ has even been used. Seeking to bring clarity to the discussion, Reformed pastor Paul Carter interviewed Bruxy for The Gospel Coalition Canada and published it on their website. In this discussion they revisit some of the key areas of ...
Is faith about belief or trust? And why does it matter? Travis Dickinson vs Brian Blais (+ Ben Jacobs of Genexis)
July 26, 2019 12:38 - 1 hour - 40.8 MBMark Twain wrote ‘Faith is believing what you know ain’t so’. Travis Dickinson, co-author of ‘Stand Firm: Apologetics and the Brilliance of the Gospel’, says that both Christians and atheists often adopt a faulty definition of faith. It is less about beliefs, and more about ventured trust on the basis of evidence. He engages with Brian Blais, an atheist physicist, who recently published a paper on faith, probability and evidence, arguing that faith is a bad epistemology (way of knowing thin...
Should Christians embrace Transhumanism? Micah Redding vs Nigel Cameron
July 19, 2019 16:25 - 1 hour - 38.8 MBTranshumanism is ‘the theory that the human race can evolve beyond its current physical and mental limitations, especially by means of science and technology’. So, will robotics and AI technology eliminate the need for a human body? And is that something Christians should embrace or resist? Micah Redding, founder of the Christian Transhumanist Association believes Christian shouldn’t fear Transhumanism and should be ready to shape the future of technology through a Christian worldview. Nige...
God Is Stranger: a Christian and agnostic on the search for faith – Krish Kandiah and Tom Newman
July 12, 2019 14:00 - 1 hour - 39.2 MBKrish Kandiah is a theologian, activist and author of books including ‘God is Stranger: What happens when God turns up?’ which has been nominated for this year’s Michael Ramsey Prize. Tom Newman is an agnostic who ’tries on’ Christianity in a new podcast Hiding In Plain Sight. He talks to Krish about his search for faith, what he makes of the Bible, and what it would take for him to become a Christian. Meet Krish at Unbelievable? The Conference 2019: http://www.premierchristianradio.com/un...
Youth special: Kids ask questions about God – David Robertson and Hannah Timson respond
July 05, 2019 14:49 - 1 hour - 41.7 MBKids ask great questions. Ahead of the youth stream at Unbelievable? The Conference 2019, Justin interviews some young people about their questions for God. Rev David Robertson and humanist Hannah Timson give their responses. Plus, Ruth Jackson of Premier Youth and Children’s Work magazine tells Justin what to expect from the Reaching Young People seminar stream at Unbelievable? 2019. For Unbelievable? The Conference 2019: http://www.premierchristianradio.com/unbelievableconference For...
Should Christians rethink disability and healing? Damon Rose, Zoe Heming and Ian Paul
June 28, 2019 14:04 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBDamon Rose produced a BBC radio documentary and article about his experience of being a blind non-believer who is sometimes approached by Christians to pray for his healing. The article ‘Stop Trying To Heal Me’ has produced a lively conversation about disability theology. He joins Justin along with Rev Zoe Heming who is an occasional wheel chair user and Rev Dr Ian Paul who wrote a critical response to the article. Watch the video https://youtu.be/pDAvUfe6Tjk For Unbelievable? The Confere...
The sacking of Israel Folau - guilty of a foul or victim of religious censorship? Laurence Wilkinson and Nick Heath
June 21, 2019 14:11 - 1 hour - 39.5 MBInternational sporting star Israel Folau was sacked by Rugby Australia after sharing an image on his Instagram and Twitter that read: ‘Warning - Drunks, Homosexuals, Adulterers, Liars, Fornicators, Thieves, Atheists, Idolators. Hell Awaits You. Repent! Only Jesus Saves’. Folau is now pursuing legal action. Laurence Wilkinson of ADF International and Nick Heath of Sports Media LGBT debate whether Folau deserved to be sacked or has been unfairly punished for expressing his Christian beliefs. ...
Is abortion a human right? Ryan Christopher vs Barbara Ntumy
June 14, 2019 14:20 - 1 hour - 37.5 MBRecent pro-life legislation in certain US states has reignited the debate about access to abortion. In the UK activists are lobbying for abortion to be decriminalised in Northern Ireland. So, is abortion a healthcare right? Or should the rights of the unborn child also count? Pro-life Christian Ryan Christopher of ADF International debates the issues with pro-choice Christian Barbara Ntumy of Abortion Rights UK. Ryan will be speaking on the issue at Unbelievable? The Conference 2019 on 20 J...
The limits of the universe and science – Marcelo Gleiser and Stacy Trasancos
June 07, 2019 15:32 - 1 hour - 40.8 MBAstrophysicist Marcelo Gleiser was recently awarded the Templeton Prize for his work in physics and cosmology, and the meaning and mystery in science and faith. As an agnostic, he made headlines by saying that ‘atheism is inconsistent with the scientific method’. He engages with Catholic scientist Stacy Trasancos, author of ‘Particles of Faith’, on the limits of what science can tell us and whether the Universe points beyond itself to a creator. For an exclusive 10% discount on Unbelievab...
Should we unhitch Christianity from the Old Testament? Andy Stanley vs Jeff Durbin
May 31, 2019 13:00 - 1 hour - 46.1 MBAndy Stanley is lead pastor of North Point Ministries, one of the largest churches in the USA. His preaching and new book ‘Irresistible: Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World’ has caused controversy by stating that the Bible should not be the foundation of Christian faith. To make faith irresistible once more to sceptics in a post-Christian world, believers are not required to defend the Old Testament, but point to the events documented by the New Testament about Jesus - his...
When Faith Fails - Dominic Done and Andrew Whyte on dealing with doubt
May 24, 2019 15:38 - 1 hour - 45.5 MBIs doubt the enemy of faith? Dominic Done’s new book ‘When Faith Fails: Finding God in the shadow of doubt’ tells of his own journey of faith and doubt. He engages with ex-believer Andrew Whyte, whose doubts led him to abandon Christianity. For an exclusive 10% discount on Unbelievable? the Conference 2019 tickets use promo code SPEAKINGTRUTH at checkout: http://www.premierchristianradio.com/unbelievableconference For Dominic Done: https://www.dominicdone.com/ For Andrew Whyte’s ‘Doub...
Calvinism pt 2 - Does Romans 9 support predestination? James White vs John Cranman
May 17, 2019 16:01 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBRomans 9 is one of the key texts used by Calvinists to support the doctrine of individual election - that God predestines people for salvation or damnation. However, John Cranman believes Calvinists are misreading Paul’s words and meaning. He engages with Calvinist thinker James White as they debate whether Romans 9 refers to individual salvation or God’s prerogative to choose categories of people to be his own. For Unbelievable? the Conference 2019: http://www.premierchristianradio.com/un...
A Christian and Muslim response to Secularism – James White and Abdullah Al-Andalusi
May 10, 2019 16:15 - 1 hour - 40.9 MBMuslim parents in Birmingham recently made headlines for protesting the teaching of LGBT issues in lessons at their primary school. So should Muslims and Christians who share common values join forces to respond to an increasingly secular world? James White and Abdullah Al-Andalusi explore the similarities and difference in the ways they engage with secularism in the West. For Unbelievable? the Conference 2019: http://www.premierchristianradio.com/unbelievableconference For James White: ...
Religious Fictionalism: Can you be a believer who doesn’t believe? Kristi Mair and Philip Goff
May 03, 2019 16:28 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBPhilip Goff attends church even though he doesn’t believe in the doctrines of Christianity. He calls himself a ‘religious fictionalist’, believing that the practise of faith is more important than believing in supernatural claims. Kristi Mair, author of the new book ‘More Truth: Searching for Certainty in an Uncertain World’ (IVP) and a speaker at this year’s Unbelievable? conference, engages with Philip’s approach to faith and whether you can really be a believer who doesn’t believe. For ...
An agnostic tries church + Pedro Garcia’s conversion to Christianity
April 26, 2019 15:43 - 1 hour - 35.6 MBIn a podcast special Justin introduces the projects of two listeners inspired by the Unbelievable? show. Firstly, the new podcast ‘Hiding in Plain Sight’ about agnostic Tom’s search for meaning by immersing himself in Christianity. Then Pedro Garcia tells Justin about his journey out of atheism and how Unbelievable? has inspired him to develop ‘Ask And Wonder’ a dialogue initiative in Nashville, USA For Unbelievable? the Conference 2019: http://www.premierchristianradio.com/unbelievablecon...
Are the miracles of Jesus unbelievable? Michael Shermer vs Luuk Vandeweghe
April 18, 2019 12:55 - 2 hours - 56.3 MBAtheist sceptic Michael Shermer debates Chrisitan apologist Luuk Vandeweghe on whether the miracles of Jesus recorded in the gospels can be treated as historically reliable. The debate was moderated by Justin Brierley of the Unbelievable? show and recorded live at the North West Miracles Conference in Sequim, WA. For Unbelievable? the Conference 2019: http://www.premierchristianradio.com/unbelievableconference For Bret Weinstein and Alister McGrath live in London: https://shop.premier.or...
Did God raise Dr Sean George from the dead? Sean George, Hans Vodder and Bradley Bowen
April 12, 2019 14:16 - 1 hour - 50.5 MBRecorded live at the North West Miracles Conference, medical doctor Sean George tells his story, along with medical evidence, of how his heart stopped for an hour and 25 minutes, before his wife’s prayer brought him back to life again. Justin interviews Sean about his experience before he is cross-examined by Bradley Bowen and Hans Vodder, an atheist and Christian philosopher, in whether a miracle really occurred. For Unbelievable? the Conference 2019: http://www.premierchristianradio.com/...
Does God predetermine everything? Chris Date and Leighton Flowers debate scripture
April 05, 2019 13:54 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBChris Date is a Calvinist who believes in the ‘meticulous divine providence’ of a God who predetermines every aspect of the Universe. Leighton Flowers used to be a Calvinist but now believes that God achieves his purposes while allowing genuine human freedom. Leighton and Chris each bring 3 Bible passages to the debate, which they believe support their point of view, and debate them with each other. For Unbelievable? the Conference 2019: http://www.premierchristianradio.com/unbelievablecon...
Why William Tyndale’s Bible changed the world: Melvyn Bragg and Ben Virgo
March 29, 2019 15:08 - 1 hour - 40.3 MBRenowned British broadcaster Melvyn Bragg joins Justin to talk about why, as a non-believer, he holds the Bible in such high regard. His recent book 'William Tyndale: A Very Brief History’ traces the life and legacy of the reformer William Tyndale whose English translation of the Bible laid the foundation for the King James Version. Ben Virgo of Christian Heritage London joins the conversation to explore the ways in which Tyndale’s work changed the English language, challenged the church ...
Is Identity Politics the new religion? James Lindsay, Esther O Reilly and Neil Shenvi
March 22, 2019 15:48 - 1 hour - 47.9 MBSocial justice, woke politics, intersectionality, patriarchy, white privilege and diversity. Critical Theory and Identity Politics have created a lot of buzzwords and debate lately. Atheist James Lindsay believes it amounts to a religion in itself. He tells of the hoax ‘grievance studies’ project he helped to pull off and engages with Christian thinkers Esther O Reilly and Neil Shenvi on whether Identity Politics amounts to a form of religion. Later in the show Esther O Reilly returns for s...
How should the Church respond to Transgender? Peter Lynas and Jenny-Anne Bishop
March 15, 2019 15:45 - 1 hour - 44.5 MBJustin is joined by transgender Christian Jenny-Anne Bishop and Peter Lynas of the Evangelical Alliance. Recently some feminists and sports personalities have raised concerns about transgender. There has been a huge surge in young people being referred for transition. Churches are also navigating how they respond. Peter Lynas is the author of the Evangelical Alliance resource ‘Transformed’ aimed at helping churches respond pastorally and theologically. Peter and Jenny-Anne debate the theolo...
Don’t be meme! Randal Rauser and David Smalley debate 5 Christian and atheist memes
March 08, 2019 15:59 - 1 hour - 46.9 MBWe debate the good, the bad and the ugly of Christian and atheist memes - images shared on social media with funny/snarky objections to the other side. Christian theologian Randal Rauser and atheist podcaster David Smalley debate 5 zingers, including one by atheist comedian Ricky Gervais. Later in the show Justin is joined by Dr Sean George to talk about his back-from-the-dead miracle claim ahead of his appearance at the North West Miracles Conference in Sequim, WA on 30 March. For Unbeli...
Are tongues, prophecy and charismatic gifts for today? Andrew Wilson & Simon Arscott
March 01, 2019 15:36 - 1 hour - 43 MBJustin hosts a debate between a Charismatic and Cessationist Christian. Church leader and theologian Andrew Wilson, author of the new book ‘Spirit and Sacrament: An invitation to Eucharismatic worship’, says that the gifts of tongues, healing and prophecy are still active in the church. Simon Arscott is minister of All Nations Presbyterian church in Ilford. As a cessationist he believes that the charismatic gifts ceased to operate after the closure of the New Testament canon and the life of...
Is scientism the new religion? JP Moreland vs Stephen Law (+ 2019 conference opens)
February 22, 2019 14:09 - 1 hour - 40.2 MBTo mark the opening of ticketing for Unbelievable? The Conference 2019 (Sat 20 July), Justin hosts a dialogue between Christian philosopher JP Moreland Stephen and atheist philosopher Stephen Law. They debate JP Moreland’s new book ‘Scientism and Secularism: Learning to respond to a dangerous ideology’. For Unbelievable? The Conference 2019 http://www.premierchristianradio.com/unbelievableconference For JP Moreland: https://www.amazon.com/Scientism-Secularism-Learning-Dangerous-Ideology...
Debating abortion clinics - Sue Thayer (ex-Planned Parenthood) vs Ann Furedi (BPAS)
February 15, 2019 11:08 - 1 hour - 65.9 MBThis programme covers sensitive issues and includes descriptions of abortion procedures. Listener discretion advised. 1 in 3 women will have an abortion. Former Planned Parenthood employee Sue Thayer explains why she quit the US abortion provider and now campaigns for pro-life group 40 Day For Life. Ann Furedi, head of BPAS, the UK's leading abortion provider, debates Sue on whether women are being given all the facts about abortion, and the ethics of abortion law. At the end of the show ...
Comedy, Christianity and being offensive - James Cary and Katy Brand
February 08, 2019 14:28 - 1 hour - 37.8 MBIs it ok to make jokes about religion? Where is the line between poking fun and being offensive? Justin is joined by Christian guest James Cary, BBC comedy writer and author of 'The Sacred Art of Joking’, alongside comedian Katy Brand who recently told her story of being a former believer in her stand-up show ‘I was a teenage Christian’. For ’The Sacred Art of Joking’ and James Cary’s books and podcasts: http://www.jamescary.co.uk For Katy Brand’s latest projects: https://www.katybrandoff...
John Lennox vs Peter Atkins - Can Science Explain Everything? Live Debate
February 02, 2019 12:26 - 1 hour - 51.7 MBJustin hosts a lively debate between John Lennox and Peter Atkins in front of a student audience at the University of Southampton. They debate whether science can answer all the questions we need to answer or whether some questions such as miracles, purpose and human morality require a supernatural explanation. Christian guest John Lennox is emeritus Professor of Mathematics and Philosophy of Science at Oxford University. Atheist guest Peter Atkins is emeritus Professor of Chemistry at Oxfo...
Logos, mind and making sense of the world - Raymond Tallis & David Bentley Hart
January 25, 2019 15:43 - 1 hour - 37 MBEinstein said: “The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is comprehensible”. In his new book ‘Logos: The mystery of how we make sense of the world’ atheist philosopher Raymond Tallis explores various explanations of why we have minds capable of understanding the universe. US theologian/philosopher David Bentley Hart author of ‘The Experience of God: Being, Consciousness, Bliss’ joins the conversation to debate whether God is the ground of consciousness and our sense-makin...
400 years of cosmology & faith - Dr Allan Chapman & Lord Martin Rees (+ Frank Viola)
January 18, 2019 10:10 - 1 hour - 38.7 MBDr Allan Chapman is an Oxford historian, fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a Christian believer. His new book ‘Comets, Cosmology and the Big Bang: From Halley to Hubble’ traces 400 colourful years of astronomical advance and the faith of those involved. Friend and colleague Lord Martin Rees, the Astronomer Royal, joins the conversation to talk about his recent book ‘On The Future’ and why as an agnostic he doesn’t see God as the explanation for the mystery of the Universe, even t...
Are we raising a ‘snowflake’ generation? Jonathan Haidt & Andrew Wilson
January 11, 2019 17:28 - 1 hour - 38.1 MBAlthough he writes from a secular perspective, Jonathan Haidt’s books on moral psychology such as ‘The Righteous Mind’ have been praised by many evangelical Christians. His latest title is ‘The Coddling Of The American mind: How good intentions and bad ideas are setting up a generation for failure.’ Church leader and theologian Andrew Wilson is a fan of Haidt’s work. They discuss safe spaces, micro-aggressions, free speech, the Bible and the intersection of evolutionary psychology and faith...
#MeToo and the Church: Egalitarian vs Complementarian • Natalie Collins & Phil Moore
January 04, 2019 14:31 - 1 hour - 39.7 MBDoes the church need a #MeToo moment? Does egalitarian and complementarian theology help or harm men and women in the church? Natalie Collins, a gender justice specialist and author of ‘Out Of Control: Couples, conflict and the capacity for change’, supports an egalitarian approach to male and female roles. Phil Moore, leader of Everyday Church in London and author of ‘Straight to the Heart’ argues that a good complementarian view of scripture enables flourishing of both men and women. ...
Unlikely: How a Christian evangelist & secular, gay mayor became friends. Kevin Palau & Sam Adams (+ John Dickson)
December 29, 2018 00:00 - 1 hour - 37.4 MBJustin chats to Kevin Palau of the Luis Palau Association, and Sam Adams, the first openly gay mayor of Portland. They talk about how they worked together, despite their differences, to make a difference in the city of Portland, and the lessons they have learned. Later in the show Justin is joined by John Dickson of the Centre for Public Christianity in Australia to talk about the new video documentary ‘For The Love Of God: How The Church Is Better And Worse Than You Imagined’. For ‘Unlik...
The science behind Christmas: Mark Kidger & Gillian Straine (+ NT Wright)
December 21, 2018 14:11 - 1 hour - 40.3 MBIn a Christmas special Justin is joined by priest and physicist Revd Gillian Straine and agnostic astronomer Mark Kidger of the European Space Agency. They discuss the scientific theories for the star of Bethlehem, who the Magi were and how scientists reconcile the miracles of Christmas with science. And… cute kids alert! We hear the Christmas story retold by 6 and 7yr olds. Towards the end of the show Justin also asks NT Wright whether we can trust the Christmas stories in Matthew and Luke...
Render unto Caesar - Should the church keep out of economic politics? Andy Walton vs James Price
December 14, 2018 15:26 - 1 hour - 37.6 MBThe Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby gave a keynote speech at the UK Trade Union Congress in September 2018 calling for the government to change its tax and welfare policies in order to support the neediest in society. James Price of the Taxpayers Alliance strongly criticised Welby’s intervention, quoting Jesus’ words ‘Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s’ and saying the Archbishop should ‘stick to his theological work’. Left-leaning Christian journalist Andy...
Debating the Statement on Social Justice – Jarrod McKenna & James White
December 07, 2018 15:50 - 1 hour - 42.4 MBAre ‘social justice warriors’ a danger to the Gospel? In August 2018 a group of conservative Christians in the USA, led by John MacArthur, released The Statement On Social Justice And The Gospel to take a stand against the church being influenced by “questionable sociological, psychological, and political theories presently permeating our culture”. Some of the affirmations and denials in the document caused controversy among both evangelicals and progressives for its statements on political ...
Bart Ehrman vs Peter J Williams – debating ‘Misquoting Jesus’
November 30, 2018 15:16 - 1 hour - 37.9 MBIn a ‘classic playback’ edition of the show, Justin re-airs the debate he hosted with agnostic Bible scholar Bart Ehrman opposite Christian Bible scholar Peter J Williams. They debate the reliability of the Gospels, textual criticism, and Bart’s claim that we can’t know what some of the original texts actually say. For Peter J Williams new book ‘Can We Trust the Gospels?’: https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/can-we-trust-the-gospels For Bart Ehrman: https://www.bartdehrman.com/ Buy the Unbe...
How should gay Christians express their sexuality? David Bennett & Justin Lee
November 23, 2018 15:33 - 1 hour - 39.4 MBIn his new book ‘A War Of Loves’, David Bennett tells his story of being an atheist gay activist who experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity. David still identifies as gay but lives a celibate lifestyle, holding to traditional Christian sexual ethics. He engages with Justin Lee, author of ‘Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gay vs Christian debate’, who affirms faithful same-sex relationships. To support Unbelievable? on #GivingTuesday: https://resources.premier.org.uk/supportunb...
The agnostic and the Bishop on searching for Christ in literature and life - Lord Richard Harries & Sir Anthony Kenny
November 16, 2018 16:22 - 1 hour - 41.5 MBLord Richard Harries, former Bishop of Oxford is the author of ‘Haunted by Christ: Modern writers and the struggle for faith’ (SPCK). Philosopher Sir Anthony Kenny, former master of Balliol college Oxford, is the author of ‘Brief Encounters: Notes from a philosopher’s diary’ (SPCK) which recounts anecdotes from a life meeting significant personalities. They discuss their friendship, stories of significant encounters, why Anthony lost his faith as a young Catholic priest and why Richard foun...
Is War justified by Christianity and Nature? Michael Ruse vs Nigel Biggar
November 09, 2018 14:48 - 1 hour - 38.8 MBAs Remembrance services take place to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1, Justin is joined by atheist guest Prof Michael Ruse and Christian guest Prof Nigel Biggar to discuss Darwinism, Christianity and just war theory. Michel Ruse is Professor of Philosophy of Science at Florida State University. Nigel Biggar is Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford. Ruse’s latest book ‘The Problem of War’ critiques Biggar’s work on just war theory ‘In Defenc...