Apologetics Beyond New Atheism

Premier Unbelievable host John Nelson gathers a lively roundtable to ask a timely question: what’s the current state of Christian apologetics—and where should it go next? Scientist and historian of science Sam McKee (University of Reading / Manchester Metropolitan) argues that apologetics often lags decades behind today’s life sciences, too easily dominated by creationist “marketing machines”, and too quick to platform non-experts as authorities. Joining him are Northern Irish apologist and civil servant Gareth Black, OCCA speaker and war studies postgraduate Sara Stevenson, and US-based YouTuber Mike Jones (Inspiring Philosophy). Together they wrestle with expertise, overreach, and epistemic humility—alongside the promise of friendship, local church discipleship, and better science communication. Is the “conflict” narrative between science and faith finally fading? And what might a more relational, Bible-shaped apologetics look like in 2026? 0:00 – Apologetics After New Atheism 0:46 – Meet the Panel (Science + Faith) 4:06 – Science Problem in Christian Apologetics 5:12 – Genetics & Biology Revolution (CRISPR, AlphaFold) 7:43 – Creationism vs Science: Why It Hurts Faith 8:33 – Why Students Leave Church (Science vs Faith) 9:44 – Faraday Institute: Elite Christian Scientists 11:10 – Stop Platforming Non-Experts 13:16 – Genesis 1: Literalism vs Context 15:47 – Science vs Religion “War” Myth 18:45 – Social Media Apologetics: Pros & Cons 21:18 – Flat Earth Theology & Conspiracy Drift 28:02 – C.S. Lewis: “Christianity Latent” 31:06 – Apologetics Echo Chamber (Same Arguments) 35:41 – Elite Apologists vs Everyday Christians 39:49 – Christianity Built Civilization (Sociology) 46:40 – Friendship Model Apologetics (Community) 52:54 – Debates, Revival & Future Strategy 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://www.premier.plus/unbelievable • 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: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate