Unbelievable?

N. T. Wright, a renowned theologian and former Bishop of Durham, dives into the world of Christmas carols. He passionately critiques 'Away in a Manger' for its misleading implications about Jesus, while praising 'O Come All Ye Faithful' for its rich theological roots. Wright advocates for hymns that evoke a biblical understanding of hope rather than sentimentality, challenging songwriters to create thoughtful, new compositions. This festive discussion promises to reshape your Christmas hymn experience!

Join agnostic astronomer Mark Kidger, known for his work with the European Space Agency, and Anglican priest Gillian Straine, who merges her physics background with faith. They dive into theories about the Star of Bethlehem, discussing everything from ancient astronomical events to the historical context of the Magi. Mark shares his favored explanation of a bright nova, while Gillian explores the symbolism of miracles and personal faith. Their engaging interplay of science and religion brings fresh insights into Christmas narratives.

Join John Richards, President of Atheism UK and public atheist speaker, as he debates with Caleb Woodbridge, a cultural apologist and freelance writer. They explore whether ultimate meaning requires God, with Caleb arguing for a transcendent source and John advocating human-assigned values. Their lively discussion tackles morality's evolution, the role of empathy, and the effects of Christian influence on moral progress. They challenge each other's views on whether religion offers comfort or merely an illusion, engaging with audience questions throughout.

Nigel Biggar, an esteemed moral theologian and Anglican priest, dives into provocative discussions on colonialism and free speech. He shares his experiences with cancel culture and defends his views on the complexities of empire. Biggar argues for the necessity of nuanced conversations around reparations and stresses the importance of free speech in academia. He also touches on Christian engagement in politics, patriotism versus nationalism, and the role of faith in navigating cultural crises. An engaging insight from one of Britain’s leading ethical voices!

In a thought-provoking discussion, Jonathan Rowlands, a biblical scholar from St Mellitus College, and Rabbi Marc Shapiro from the University of Scranton tackle the question of whether Jesus fulfilled scriptural prophecy. They delve into the complexities of typology versus prediction, examining diverse messianic hopes in Second Temple Judaism. Debates rage over Isaiah 7:14's implications, the significance of the empty tomb, and early resurrection beliefs. Their respectful dialogue reveals the nuanced interpretations of scripture, blending Jewish and Christian perspectives on messianic expectations.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Sabine Hossenfelder, a theoretical physicist known for her critiques of aesthetic-driven science, faces off against Luke Barnes, an astrophysicist who argues that the universe's fine-tuning supports theism. They delve into the meaning of fine-tuning, with Luke providing examples like the cosmological constant, while Sabine challenges its implications and the very definition of probability. The conversation navigates science versus metaphysics, exploring personal beliefs and the limits of fine-tuning in understanding the cosmos.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Joshua Sijuwade, a philosopher specializing in theism, engages with Julius Weinberg, a physician-educator and trustee of the National Secular Society. They explore whether belief in God is rational, tackling issues like suffering, the problem of evil, and the role of moral exemplars. Joshua defends exemplarist theodicy, arguing suffering fosters virtues, while Julius critiques this perspective, questioning if such beliefs are necessary to explain pain. This lively debate challenges listeners to ponder faith and reason.

In this engaging conversation, Beth Allison Barr, a medieval historian and author of bestselling works on women in the church, shares her transformative journey from a complementarian viewpoint to advocating for women's leadership in Christianity. She discusses historical evidence of women’s roles in early churches, particularly focusing on figures like Junia. Barr argues that the biblical interpretation of womanhood is often shaped by cultural patriarchy rather than scripture. She also addresses the personal toll of her advocacy and offers a hopeful vision for collaboration between men and women in faith.

Christian thinker Joe Boot and Muslim scholar Hafsa Satar engage in a thought-provoking debate about the identity of Jesus. Boot champions the Christian view, discussing Jesus' role as the Son of God and the Trinity. In contrast, Satar explains Jesus as a prophet and the significance of Tawhid in Islam. They explore key differences regarding the crucifixion and resurrection, with Boot advocating for Jesus' divine claims and Satar presenting the Islamic perspective. Their exchange reveals both shared beliefs and deep theological divides.

Douglas Murray, a keen cultural commentator and author, engages with N. T. Wright, a renowned theologian and former Bishop, in a thought-provoking dialogue. They explore whether Christianity still offers a relevant narrative in our post-Christian society. Murray questions the church's alignment with culture, while Wright defends the unique grounding of human dignity found in the Christian story. Together, they delve into themes of forgiveness, identity, and the impact of the pandemic on belief, prompting listeners to reconsider the stories that shape our lives.