Unbelievable?

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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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1,262 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes1262

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May 13, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Classic: Can Christianity be true if Christians can't agree on doctrine? Andrew Whyte vs Nabeel Qureshi
Less than a year after this classic episode aired, Nabeel Qureshi, author of Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, one of the most compelling accounts of a Muslim’s journey to Christianity, announced he had stage IV stomach cancer. He passed away in September 2017. In this unforgettable episode, Nabeel brings his characteristic warmth and clarity as he engages with Andrew Whyte, a former Christian who lost his faith after wrestling with the wide range of beliefs within the Church. Andrew has since created a series of YouTube videos highlighting theological disagreements among Christians. We hear clips from his videos, while Nabeel offers a passionate response, arguing that Christianity remains cohesive and coherent despite internal differences. Nabeel's book https://amzn.to/4df1bWH
May 9, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Does true freedom exist? Max Jeganathan vs Andrew Copson hosted by Andy Kind
Is our obsession with personal autonomy leading to fulfilment—or fracture? Max Jeganathan (author of The Freedom Trap) and Andrew Copson (CEO of Humanists UK) explore the purpose, power, and pitfalls of freedom. While Max argues that unexamined individualism breeds anxiety, disconnection, and moral confusion, Andrew defends freedom as a means to happiness, but warns against excessive egoism. The discussion spans everything from Nazi resistance and speeding laws to Taylor Swift and tech billionaires, with surprising agreements and sharp disagreements - particularly over the value of self-sacrifice and whether belief in God really matters. A nuanced, often humourous journey through politics, ethics and belief hosted by comedian and writer Andy Kind, this episode asks: is true freedom found in autonomy, or in responsibility, community and even love? SOCIAL LINKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable 👉 Get bonus content, updates, fascinating articles, and early access to new episodes—absolutely free! Join now at www.premierunbelievable.com 🎉📢 • 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/courses • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate
May 6, 2025 · 50 min
Classic: Why I changed my mind about Christian history - Tom Holland v Larry Hurtado
Back in October 2016, renowned historian Tom Holland penned an article for The New Statesman on why he changed his mind about Christianity. Holland is the author of popular books on ancient empires and says his research made him realise how unique Christianity was in its infancy. In this classic show Holland claims that, despite secular arguments that Christianity hinders moral progress, the West actually owes its values of equality and human dignity to the religion.
May 2, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Cancer, War and the God Question: why so much suffering? Prof Richard Norman vs Sara Stevenson hosted by Andy Kind
Why does a good God allow violence and suffering — even in the Bible? In this episode of Premier Unbelievable?, Andy Kind hosts a thought-provoking debate between humanist philosopher Richard Norman and Christian thinker Sara Stevenson. Together, they explore whether divine violence in the Old Testament undermines the credibility of Christianity, and whether humanists can offer a satisfying response to the reality of suffering. Is suffering ultimately arbitrary in a godless universe? Or does the biblical story offer a deeper hope in the face of pain and injustice? Join us for a challenging and honest conversation on faith, morality, meaning, and the problem of evil. Subscribe to Premier Unbelievable? for more debates and discussions at the intersection of faith and culture. SOCIAL LINKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable 👉 Get bonus content, updates, fascinating articles, and early access to new episodes—absolutely free! Join now at www.premierunbelievable.com 🎉📢 • 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 USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate
Apr 29, 2025 · 49 min
Classic: Memes, archetypes, and the meaning we live by: Jordan Peterson vs Susan Blackmore
In this classic edition of Unbelievable? - The Big Conversation we ask: do we need God to make sense of life? In a 2018 debate, Jordan Peterson and Susan Blackmore explore the psychology of belief through the lenses of memes and archetypes. Peterson argues that religious structures underpin even secular life, while Blackmore sees religion as a cultural virus—sometimes beneficial, often dangerous. Though deeply influenced by the Judeo-Christian tradition, Peterson refuses to be drawn on the divinity of Jesus, framing belief in terms of psychological necessity rather than doctrinal commitment. Blackmore, a committed atheist, champions naturalism and memes as the primary drivers of human culture. Together with host Justin Brierley, they wrestle with whether meaning, gratitude, and moral action require a divine foundation, or whether human constructs alone are sufficient. More from The Big Conversation.show Buy Jordan Peterson's new book We Who Wrestle With God and the best-selling 12 Rules for Life 🎙️ Subscribe & Share → Don’t miss more thought-provoking debates! 📌 Stay Connected & Join the Conversation 📍 Twitter (X):@UnbelievableFE 📍 Facebook:@PremierUnbelievable 📍 Instagram:@Premier.Unbelievable 📍 TikTok:@PremierUnbelievable
Apr 25, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
Is the Problem of Suffering the strongest argument against God? David Robertson vs Stephen Law hosted by Andy Kind
Can the reality of suffering disprove a good God? Oxford Philosopher Dr. Stephen Law and Christian minister Rev. David Robertson debate the problem of evil, the evil God hypothesis, and whether suffering is evidence for or against theism. Does Christianity provide a meaningful answer, or does the sheer amount of suffering make belief in God irrational? 📚 Stephen Law: The Philosophy Gym https://amzn.to/4lLnrex | stephenlaw.org | @stephenlaw60 📚 David Robertson: The Dawkins Letters https://amzn.to/3EIa1za | theweeflea.com | @theweeflea 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://pod.link/267142101 🎉 Bonus content & more: www.premierunbelievable.com
Apr 22, 2025 · 59 min
Classic: Debating the Scandals of Easter: Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection David Instone-Brewer v Bob Price
Listen to a compelling classic discussion between David Instone-Brewer, a New Testament scholar, and Bob Price, a professor of biblical criticism. This Unbelievable focuses on the scandals surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, as argued in David's book, 'The Jesus Scandals.' David posits these events based on their embarrassing nature for early Christians. In contrast, Price offers a skeptical perspective, suggesting alternative explanations involving mythic and cultural influences. The dialogue explores various pieces of evidence, including the Talmud and the Nazareth Inscription, and debates the plausibility and historical context of the resurrection accounts.
Apr 18, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
The Resurrection Debate: Did Jesus Die and Rise Again? David Instone-Brewer vs Ijaz Ahmed, hosted by Andy Kind
As Easter approaches, we explore the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection in Christianity and Islam. Bible scholar Rev Dr David Instone-Brewer joins Islamic apologist Ijaz Ahmed for a thought-provoking debate on the crucifixion, resurrection, and the divinity of Jesus. Is the resurrection a historical fact or a later theological idea? 📚 David's book: https://amzn.to/426FPXA 🌐 David: www.InstoneBrewer.com 🌐 Ijaz: callingchristians.com 🎉 Bonus content & more: www.premierunbelievable.com 🎧 Subscribe: https://pod.link/267142101 ⚡️ Support: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate
Apr 11, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
Why I Changed My Mind on Christian Sexual Ethics? Rev Dr Christopher Landau vs Rev Charlie Bell hosted by Andy Kind
This week on Premier Unbelievable?, Andy Kind hosts a bold and honest conversation about sex, sexuality, and discipleship in the Church. Joining him are Rev Dr Christopher Landau, author of Compassionate Orthodoxy and Sexuality, who defends the Church’s traditional teaching with pastoral conviction—and Rev Dr Charlie Bell, author of Queer Holiness, who calls for a theology that embraces LGBTQ+ inclusion as central to holiness. Can the Church hold grace and truth together without compromise? And is it possible to disagree without doing harm? SOCIAL LINKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable
Apr 8, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Classic: Intelligent Design on Trial – 15 Years After Kitzmiller-Dover - Mike Behe v Joshua Swamidass
As we prepare a fresh episode exploring the legacy of Intelligent Design, we’re diving back into the archives to revisit this compelling 2020 conversation between biochemist Michael Behe and biologist Joshua Swamidass. In 2005, the high-profile Kitzmiller v. Dover trial challenged the Dover School District’s attempt to introduce Intelligent Design (ID) as an alternative to evolution in the classroom. Behe, a leading advocate for ID and a key witness in the trial, reflects on the case and its impact on the movement 15 years later. Swamidass, a fellow Christian and critic of ID, engages Behe on the scientific and theological implications of the trial and offers a robust critique of Behe’s book Darwin Devolves. A fascinating and respectful face-off on science, faith, and the question of design in nature. 📌 Stay Connected & Join the Conversation 📍 Twitter (X):@UnbelievableFE 📍 Facebook:@PremierUnbelievable 📍 Instagram:@Premier.Unbelievable 📍 TikTok:@PremierUnbelievable For Michael Behe: https://michaelbehe.com/ For Joshua Swamidass: https://peacefulscience.org/
Apr 4, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Culture Wars: Have Christians Lost the Plot? with Ben Chang and Jonty Langley
Are we stuck in an endless culture war? Has politics overshadowed Jesus in the Church? In this episode of Unbelievable?, host Andy Kind talks with Ben Chang and Jonty Langley about cancel culture, identity politics, and the Church’s role in these debates. Is cancel culture accountability or censorship? How should Christians engage with social justice and critical theory while staying true to biblical truth? Join us as we explore theology, scripture, and the shifting dynamics of power, oppression, and justice in today’s world. Follow today's guests: 🎙 Ben Chang, author of Christ and the Culture Wars and blogger here: https://www.benchangblog.com/ and 🎙 Jonty Langley, editor of Shibboleth magazine & co-host of Beer Christianity you can follow here: https://x.com/jontylangley
Apr 1, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Classic: Faith & Doubt: A Former Atheist and Ex-Christian Face Off
Can belief and unbelief follow the same path? In this Unbelievable? episode, Justin Brierley hosts a fascinating conversation from 2014 between Guillaume Bignon, an atheist-turned-Christian theologian, and Wade Padgett, a former devout Christian who became an atheist. 🔍 What’s Inside? 🔥 Guillaume’s journey from atheism to Christianity—an unexpected turn shaped by intellectual inquiry and life-changing events 🔥 Wade’s shift from Christianity to atheism, driven by existential philosophy and critical reflection on faith 🔥 The power of personal experience—do conversions and deconversions rely on reason or emotion? 🔥 The role of evidence—what counts as "good reasons" for belief or unbelief? 🔥 Are conversion stories valid arguments for faith? 📖 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:14 Guillaume Bignon’s Journey from Atheism to Christianity 04:10 Encountering Christianity & The Turning Point 06:16 Intellectual & Emotional Struggles 10:13 Challenges of a Newfound Faith 16:20 Wade Padgett’s Religious Upbringing 21:16 From Faith to Doubt: Wade’s Journey to Atheism 25:47 Comparing Conversion & Deconversion Stories 31:15 Questioning Arguments for Christianity 32:41 The Role of Personal Experiences in Belief & Deconversion 36:47 Properly Basic Beliefs & Knowledge 46:29 Cognitive Science & Belief Formation 52:10 Do Conversion Stories Prove Faith? 1:03:02 Final Reflections 🎙️ Subscribe & Share → Don’t miss more thought-provoking debates! 📌 Stay Connected & Join the Conversation 📍 Twitter (X):@UnbelievableFE 📍 Facebook:@PremierUnbelievable 📍 Instagram:@Premier.Unbelievable 📍 TikTok:@PremierUnbelievable 🚀 Are conversions and deconversions truly rational, or are they shaped by deeper motivations? Let us know in the comments!
Mar 28, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
Should We Help People Live - Not Die? Assisted Dying and the Terminally Ill Adults Bill | Dr Susan Marriott & Prof Keith Brown
How close are we to legalising assisted suicide in the UK? Should dying be offered as a course of treatment by NHS doctors? The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is one of the most contentious pieces of legislation currently before Parliament. It seeks to amend the Suicide Act of 1961 so that 'encouraging or assisting suicide' would no longer be illegal if carried out in accordance with the new Bill. Joining Andy Kind on Unbelievable are Dr Susan Marriott, a trained medical doctor and Head of Public Policy at the Christian Medical Fellowship UK, and safeguarding expert Prof. Keith Brown who spoke on this topic when the bill first came to Parliament. Due to technical issues beyond our control, Prof Keith Brown was only able to join us for the start of the programme. We hope to welcome him back to Unbelievable before the Bill reaches its report stage on 25 April 2025.
Mar 25, 2025 · 1 hr
Classic: Is the Mormon Gospel Biblical? Ex-Mormon vs. Active Mormon Debate
🔥 Mormonism vs. Biblical Christianity - Where Do They Stand? 🔥 In this classic Unbelievable? episode from 2014, Justin Brierley moderates a thought-provoking debate between Lynn Wilder, a former temple-recommend-holding Mormon turned Christian, and Michael Flournoy, a lifelong active Mormon. Lynn shares her journey out of Mormonism, triggered by her son's conversion to Christianity, while Michael defends the Latter-day Saint (LDS) faith. Together, they tackle: ✅ The nature of Jesus in Mormonism vs. Christianity ✅ Grace vs. Works - How are we truly saved? ✅ The role of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon ✅ Allegations of racism in Mormon scriptures ✅ Doctrinal shifts, cultural influences, and theological misunderstandings 💡 At the heart of it all: Is the Mormon gospel truly biblical? 📖 Get Lynn Wilder’s book Unveiling Grace 👉 https://amzn.to/4ikyjh0 ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & Guest Overview 01:21 Lynn Wilder’s Journey Out of Mormonism 02:37 Temple Practices & Doctrinal Issues 03:39 Challenges & Turning Points 08:57 Michael Flournoy’s Faith Journey 15:08 Debating Doctrinal Differences 18:37 Scriptural Interpretations & Controversies 26:33 Grace, Works & Salvation 31:11 Mormon Scriptures & Racism 32:00 Personal Experiences with Racism in the Church 32:46 Debating Racist Teachings in Mormon Scriptures 36:38 Grace & Works in Mormonism vs. Christianity 40:02 Salvation & Exaltation in Mormon Theology 43:32 The Role of Joseph Smith in Salvation 49:18 Different Views on Jesus Christ 55:20 Final Reflections 🎙️ Subscribe & Share → Don’t miss more thought-provoking debates! 📌 Stay Connected & Join the Conversation 📍 Twitter (X):@UnbelievableFE 📍 Facebook:@PremierUnbelievable 📍 Instagram:@PremierUnbelievable 📍 TikTok:@PremierUnbelievable 🚀 What do you think—Is Mormonism compatible with biblical Christianity? Let us know in the comments! #UnbelievablePodcast #Mormonism #Christianity • 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 USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate
Mar 21, 2025 · 59 min
Is there good evidence to believe in God? Ed Atkinson vs Sara Stevenson hosted by Andy Kind
Premier Unbelievable? Podcast is back in Aylesbury, UK at Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School with host Andy Kind moderating a debate on the existence of God, featuring Sara Stevenson from OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and atheist Ed Atkinson, engineer and former Christian turned Agnostic, and host of the Doubts Aloud podcast. Today's discussion dives into questions of morality, human value, and scientific methods for belief, addressing whether there is good evidence to believe in God.
Mar 18, 2025 · 1 hr
Classic: Faith vs. doubt - a clash of worldviews Os Guinness and Ed Atkinson
Can faith withstand scrutiny? Can doubt lead to truth? In this classic Unbelievable? episode from 2014, Justin Brierley hosts a gripping dialogue between Os Guinness, renowned author and social critic, and Ed Atkinson, a former Christian turned atheist. And listen out as Ed joins the show again in a few weeks. 🔍 What’s Inside? 🔥 Os defends the rational and experiential case for faith 🔥 Ed shares his journey from belief to atheism 🔥 They challenge each other on meaning, morality, and worldview bias 🔥 They explore the role of science, religion, and love in shaping belief 🔥 Can faith be intellectually credible? Can atheism provide ultimate meaning? 🎧 Listen in as they debate, challenge, and wrestle with life’s biggest questions. 📖 Get Os Guinness's latest book: Our Civilisational Moment: The Waning of the West and the War of the Worlds 👉 https://amzn.to/4iwMDmN
Mar 14, 2025 · 52 min
Does science point toward or away from God? Phil Halper vs Professor Paul Ewart (Oxford Physics) hosted by Sam McKee
Today's episode will seek to answer the age-old question: Does science bring us closer to understanding a divine creator, or does it steer us away from such a belief? Sam McKee, researcher and associate tutor in history and philosophy of science at Manchester Metropolitan University guest hosts and he is joined by two distinguished guests. Paul Ewart, an Emeritus Fellow of Worcester College, Oxford. He has served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics. His research areas include fundamental atomic physics, quantum and nonlinear optics, and the design of novel lasers for spectroscopy. He has also focused on developing new techniques for optical diagnostics and gas-sensing for environmental monitoring. Debating with Paul is Phil Halper, a YouTuber who has interviewed many of the world's leading scientists, including Stephen Hawking, Roger Penrose, and Alan Guth. Phil is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and was appointed journalist in residence at the Penn State Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos. He has been the lead author on several peer-reviewed papers in fields ranging from cosmology to neuroscience and philosophy. Phil's first book, 'Battle of the Big Bang: The New Tales of our Cosmic Origins,' co-authored with award-winning cosmologist Niayesh Afshordi, will be published by the University of Chicago Press in the spring of 2025. So listen below as Paul Ewart and Phil Halper engage in a compelling debate exploring the profound question: Does science point toward or away from God? Guest hosted by Dr. Sam McKee.
Mar 11, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
Classic: Is there historical evidence for the bodily resurrection of Jesus? Justin Bass & Dale Allison
New Testament scholars Dale Allison and Justin Bass discuss their different approaches to the evidence for Jesus' resurrection in a show first aired in 2021. Bass, author of 'The Bedrock of Christianity: The unalterable facts of Jesus' death and resurrection' says the evidence from the core historical facts points to a resurrection. Allison, author of 'The Resurrection of Jesus: Apologetics, Criticism, History' is less certain that these facts lead us to a bodily resurrection. For more Justin Bass on Unbelievable https://youtu.be/LVUQAVQS1-U For more Dale Allison :https://youtu.be/FfUD1OkbSHw
Mar 7, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
Islamic blasphemy law in Britain? Andy Bannister and Tim Dieppe hosted by Andy Kind
As the UK government announced the launch of a new Islamophobia council to define ‘anti-Muslim hatred/ Islamophobia’ on February 28th, the start of Ramadan, one thing is clear: This is a hot-button issue that raises serious questions about free speech, blasphemy laws, and the balance between protecting religious sensibilities and upholding open dialogue in a liberal society. Joining us on the podcast today are Andy Bannister from Solas CPC and Tim Dieppe from Christian Concern to tackle this complex but important topic. Together, we ask the tough questions: What is the controversy surrounding the definition of Islamophobia in Britain today? What are the chilling effects of unofficial laws on people of all beliefs? How does Islam view blasphemy, and does that perspective clash with modern Western ideals? And what will ultimately be the impact on British society?
Feb 28, 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
Classic: Why I believe with Professor John C. Lennox
This week, we revisit a conversation with Dr. John Lennox, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics and renowned Christian apologist. Lennox shares his journey from growing up in Ireland to studying at Cambridge and defending his faith globally, from Russia to East Germany. He also reflects on his debates with leading atheists like Richard Dawkins, Peter Atkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Peter Singer. Don’t miss this insightful look into his life and work. Originally Aired: 20 Oct 2023