Dan Barker, a former evangelical preacher turned prominent atheist and co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, delves into the intricate issues of church-state separation. He discusses the influence of Catholicism on Supreme Court rulings, legal challenges in public education, and the rise of Christian nationalism. Barker introduces his philosophical concept of 'Contraduction,' exploring how beliefs can reverse in meaning. The conversation also touches on morality, free will, and the complexities surrounding the existence of God.

Ruth Jackson hosts a discussion about a 20th Century British writer and lay theologian who is arguably one of the most influential voices in modern Christianity. On November 22nd 1963, Clive Staples Lewis – Jack to his friends – died in Oxford, England. However, 60 years after his death, is CS Lewis still relevant? We hear from former pastor-turned atheist, Dan Barker, who suggests that many of Lewis’ arguments are fundamentally flawed. Literature professor, Dr Carolyn Weber, highlights where she disagrees with Dan and shares some of her story about coming to faith at Oxford University, in part through CS Lewis. Looking at some of Lewis’ key works, Dan and Carolyn discuss whether faith and reason are antithetical, if Christianity is true and in what ways Lewis speaks to us today. Dan Barker spent many years as a Christian pastor before becoming an atheist. He is co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation and co-founder of The Clergy Project. Dan is an accomplished musician and author of many books, including God: The Most Unpleasant Character in all Fiction. Dr Carolyn Webber is an award-winning author, professor and international speaker. Carolyn’s first memoir, Surprised by Oxford, recently became a feature film. Both the book and film tell her story of coming to faith from scepticism – a journey that, in many ways, mirrors CS Lewis’ own.   For the CS Lewis podcast, including an episode with Dr Carolyn Weber sharing more of her story and numerous episodes with Dan Barker discussing Lewis’ apologetics alongside Michael Ward: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/shows/the-cs-lewis-podcast   For Dan Barker and Martin Kuhrt discussing whether the God of the Bible is a capriciously malevolent, misogynistic, sadomasochistic bully: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unbelievable/unbelievable-is-the-god-of-the-bible-a-capriciously-malevolent-misogynistic-sadomasochistic-bully-dan-barker-vs-martin-kuhrt/11653.article   For Dr Carolyn Weber: https://www.carolynweber.com/about/   For Dan Barker: https://ffrf.org/about/staff-board/item/38960-dan-barker • 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

Two individuals with contrasting views on Christianity, the existence of God, and truth engage in a captivating debate. Mack Stiles, pastor and author of 'The Truth About Lies: Why Jesus is More Relevant Than You Think,' and atheist Dan Barker share their perspectives on truth, science, morality, God's nature, and the human condition. They discuss topics such as the existence of Adam and Eve, personal journeys to belief, differing views on Christianity's connection to truth and ethics, the definition of truth, Jesus as the truth, and living in alignment with truth and right.

Dan Barker, a skeptic and author, joins potently critical voices like Matt Dillahunty, a renowned atheist activist, and Bart Ehrman, a biblical scholar, to dissect claims regarding the resurrection of Jesus. They challenge the evidential arguments, arguing that critiques often dismiss the miracle without providing credible alternatives. Sam Harris and Richard Carrier add their unique perspectives, further probing the historical context and scholarly interpretations surrounding the resurrection narrative. This conversation dives deep into the clash between faith and skepticism.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistDan Barker's new book (titled after the famous Richard Dawkins quote) doesn't exactly cast a flattering eye at the biblical god.  Truth be told, the Bible itself doesn't flatter God, either.  Not-so-hidden inside the pages of scripture is the profile of a deity so ugly, brutish, bloodthirsty and petty, he would be condemned by the faithful as a monster in another context.Join us, as we speak with Dan Barker about his own personal story, and we examine The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction.VIDEO VERSION:  https://youtu.be/comqy3lQNVMDan's book on Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/god-daniel-barker/1122409434On Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/God-Most-Unpleasant-Character-Fiction/dp/1454918322/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455027296&sr=8-1&keywords=the+most+unpleasant+character+in+all+fictionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.