For too long, the ‘science and religion’ debate has fixated on creation, evolution, cosmology, miracles and quantum theory, and not enough on the essence of what it means to be human. But this is a mistake argues one of our guests today, Christian academic Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at Theos, in his new book ‘Playing God: science, religion and the future of humanity.’ Back on the show is Emily Qureshi-Hurst expert on the philosophy of time. Emily is a Lecturer in Philosophy at Oriel College,...

In a world riddled with conflict, where headlines scream of violence and unrest, the age-old question resurfaces: Is war ever justified, or should Christians wholeheartedly embrace pacifism? Join esteemed scholars Nigel Biggar and Stanley Hauerwas as they delve into the moral complexities of war and peace from a Christian perspective in this classic replay episode. Nigel Biggar, renowned theologian and ethicist, brings his nuanced understanding of just war theory, exploring the conditions...

It's no secret that modern American Christians are deeply divided over politics. This division raises important questions about the influence of Scripture on political beliefs. To make sense of this, we invited renowned scholar NT Tom Wright, theologian, professor and star of the "Ask NT Wright Anything Podcast" along with New York Times bestselling author Dr. Preston M. Sprinkle host of the Theology in the Raw podcast. Tom Wright stresses the need for Christians to prioritise the kingdom of...

Did Jesus really rise from the dead? Is there any good evidence to support the resurrection? Are alternative explanations more compelling? Can we trust the biblical narratives? Ruth Jackson hosted a live debate at a school with the help of Aylesbury Youth for Christ. She was joined by Rev Dr Joseph Boot, founder and president of the Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity, and Harry Amos, who moved from Christianity to "agnostic atheism" while studying philosophy, politics and economics...

Today we delve into the contentious debate surrounding the role of secularism in Western civilization and its relationship with Christianity. A growing chorus of new atheist writers heralds the advent of an enlightened era of secular rationalism, purporting to liberate society from what they perceive as the shackles of outdated Christian influence. However, according to David Bentley Hart, acclaimed author of "Atheist Delusions: The Christian Revolution and its Fashionable Enemies," such...

The question of the historicity of Jesus' resurrection has been repeatedly investigated, probed, and discussed. This week on Unbelievable we will add to the debate by asking ‘Did it really happen – the Resurrection of Jesus?’ dissecting the narratives of Jesus’ death and Resurrection. We’ve got two eminent scholars – who are good friends but with diametrically opposed beliefs on the authenticity of this pivotal event that forms the basis for the Christian worldview.    Dr. Mike Licona, a...

In this Classic Replay of Unbelievable? Podcast, we delve into the fascinating journey of Leah Libresco, once a prominent atheist blogger who made headlines by converting to Catholicism. Her story gained attention across both religious and secular spheres, including a feature on CNN. Leah sits down with Hemant Mehta, widely known as the Friendly Atheist, for a topical discussion about the moral arguments that played a pivotal role in her conversion journey. Hemant quizzes Leah on her...

With crucial elections happening in the UK and USA this year Unbelievable is diving back the debate into politics and faith with some paradigm shifting thinkers and theologians. Strap in for this mini-series starting with Michael F. Bird (Deputy Principal & New Testament scholar at Ridley College, Australia) and Stephen Wolfe (author of ‘The Case for Christian Nationalism’). These two come to vastly different conclusions about how faith and politics should mix. Stephen Wolfe makes a...

In this replay we bring together Christian Philosopher & Theologian Keith Ward and atheist Professor of Philosophy from King's College London, David Papinaeu to unpack the question "Is our mind more than matter"? Ward believes that the brain is accompanied by an immaterial mind, while Papinaeu believes the brain and the mind to be one in the same - with nothing immaterial about it. What do you think? This episode originally aired on: 14 Jan 2012 • Subscribe to the Unbelievable?...

Top apologist, Biola professor, and author Dr. Sean McDowell guest hosts Unbelievable on the topic, 'Does God truly love everyone?'. Most Christians would say yes. At the heart of Christianity is a declaration that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son to make salvation possible for every single person. But there are very strongly held views across the spectrum about what happens when we die? What about those who have never heard? Is there a chance to acknowledge and accept God...

Where is God to be found when you face a no-joke reality of a terminal diagnosis for cancer? Two comedians, who are both Christians, are facing just this challenge. This discussion between these two men will transform the way you think about terminal illness. This is an uplifting show with two people who feel even closer to God than before they received their devastating news.   Allan Finnegan competed in the 2020 series of the ITV variety competition Britain’s Got Talent and got to the...

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, mystical and deconstructed interpretation of faith has left many Christians confused. In this episode Michael is joined by Christian songwriter and teacher, Evan Wickham as they break down many of the questions millennials and Gen Z'ers are facing today and what...

In 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:...

Occult-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...

Should 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?...

Bruce 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...

Brian 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...

This 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...

From 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...

Welcome 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...

From 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 years...

This 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...

First 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 your own...

Andy 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...