

Unbelievable?
Premier Unbelievable?
Unbelievable? offers a weekly podcast, blog, and video series hosted by Ruth Jackson and a team of thinkers and Christian apologists.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 28, 2024 • 1h 3min
Why we left Mormonism. Lynn Wilder & Corey Miller talk to practicing Mormon James Holt (Classic Replay)
Lynn Wilder and Corey Miller are among 4 scholars who tell their story of leaving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the new book 'Leaving Mormonism'. They engage with Mormon believer James Holt as they discuss Jesus, Joseph Smith, polygamy, testimony, the Book of Mormon and more. For 'Leaving Mormonism: Why Four Scholars Changed Their Mind':
Originally Aired: 24 November 2017
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May 24, 2024 • 1h 16min
Is gentleness possible in politics? with Michael Wear and Roger Bolton
Trust in our elected officials seems at an all-time low. Moral failures, infighting, and scandals have become commonplace. Today, on Unbelievable? we ask, Can we rediscover the moral compass in politics? With crucial primaries taking place in the USA and an election in the UK on July 4 we are asking what should be the standard for behaviour of elected officials? And who decides? The discussion is hosted by BBC veteran broadcaster Roger Bolton.
Can politics uplift and inspire? Is our political identity intertwined with our personal one? How can Christians reshape politics for the greater good? Michael Wear, the founder of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, emphasizes the importance of gentleness in American political dialogue. As a key figure in President Obama's faith outreach and a prolific writer, Wear advocates for integrating Christian values into public life for the benefit of all. Watch out for another perspective on this topic from Shane Idleman, coming soon on Unbelievable?.
#politics #election #morality #moralpolitics #christiannationalism
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Other shows to check on for other perspectives on this topic:
📺 Is Christian Nationalism playing politics? | Michael Bird vs Stephen Wolfe hosted by Billy Hallowell https://youtu.be/zieWeTqe2qc
📺 Should faith and politics mix? | Peter Wehner, Jonathan Rauch with Vince Vitale https://youtu.be/WEGj9EeWzw4

May 17, 2024 • 1h 11min
Kathy Keller on anniversary of Tim Keller's death
As we approach the one-year anniversary of apologist Tim Keller's death on May 19th, we sit down with his wife Kathy Keller, author and speaker in her own right, to discuss a number of listener's questions 👀 🤔 on topics of skepticism and reasons for God, suffering, unanswered prayer and to discuss in more depth Kathy's own personal conversion to faith 🔥🔥 her early personal correspondence with CS Lewis ✍️🦁 and what Biblical conclusions she's come to, or even changed position on, later in life.
Can we trust the Bible? why do I believe in God? is the Bible sexist? is God anti-gay? and what was Kathy and Tim's favourite NYC restaurant? 🏙️ 😋 Join us for this personal, thorough and humorous dive into the life, faith and theology of special guest Kathy Keller.
#kathykeller #timkeller #apologetic #reasonsforGod #interview #isthebiblesexist
🔥🔥 Support the podcast and receive your FREE e-book 'In Conversation with Tim Keller': https://my.premier.org.uk/donate/unb-keller
👍 Subscribe to the Unbelievable? Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@PremierUnbelievable
SOCIAL LINKS:
Twitter: / https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe
Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable
Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable
Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable
For KATHY:
For Kathy's Book Jesus, Justice, and Gender Roles: https://shorturl.at/fOUX6
For Kathy and Tim's book The Meaning of Marriage: https://shorturl.at/ejqyO
For more books by Tim and Kathy: https://shorturl.at/mozN1
Related Content:
📺 Tim Keller: A pastor to skeptics https://youtu.be/ap9-b4SW1ZY?si=pmosDgt1McJF8Z31
📺 Cancer and Christianity: The final Tim Keller Q+A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBbfp3Vn6CA
BEN I NEED TO ADD THIS **NEXT WEEK not this week.
📺 For Kathy on Unapologetic: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/shows/unapologetic
📺 For Kathy on CS Lewis Podcast: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/shows/the-cs-lewis-podcast

May 14, 2024 • 1h 3min
Scientific Evidence vs Faith Jonathan McClatchie vs Elliot George (Classic Replay)
One of our favourite debates today from the Archives - Elliot George, a retired science teacher, argues that science is grounded in evidence, while religion is based on 'faith' and 'make-belief' and should thus be dismissed. Jonathan McLatchie, writer, speaker and scientist, joins the debate and critiques Elliot's theories as fundamentally flawed. He contends that Christian belief is supported by evidence, asserting that science itself bolsters the argument for God's existence.
Their debate explores the definition of belief, the validity of design as an explanation in biology, and the reasons Jonathan prefers Christianity over other worldviews.
Originally Aired 15 November 2014 | https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unbelievable/unbelievable-scientific-evidence-versus-religious-belief-jonathan-mclatchie-and-elliot-george-debate/12591.article
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May 10, 2024 • 1h 24min
Proof of the afterlife? John Burke and Dr Eben Alexander MD hosted by Billy Hallowell
Everyone from Madonna to top neuroscientists and millions of other people around the world report personal, unforgettable near-death experiences or NDEs. Do these NDE accounts prove the existence of a loving God? This week on Unbelievable? Pastor and author John Burke, who has studied and examined over 1,000 accounts of near-death experiences, explains these reports provide faith-building evidence of God and the Bible.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Eben Alexander joins the debate pushing back on Burke’s assertion theses NDEs corroborate the Bible. He always considered himself a man of science. His unwavering belief in evidence-based medicine fuelled a career in the top medical institutions of the world. But then a very vivid NDE that he writes about it in his riveting book "Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife" changed his life forever. His NDE followed being pronounced ‘clinically dead’ after falling into a coma with bacterial meningitis. He moved from being a strict physicalist to being some form of dualist and talks with experience of a life beyond death. But he still would not describe himself as a Christian.
SOCIAL LINKS:
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Social Media:
Facebook page: search @johnburkeofficial for correct John Burke page
Instagram: @johnburkeofficial
website: www.imagineheaven.net
• Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101
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May 3, 2024 • 1h 19min
How can an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God coexist with the presence of evil and suffering in the world? Sharon Dirckx vs Stephen Woodford hosted by Vince Vitale
This week's episode dives deep into one of the most challenging philosophical questions humanity has grappled with for centuries: the problem of natural evil. Hosted by Vince Vitale the show delves into the complexities of evil that seem inherent to the fabric of our world – earthquakes, famines, diseases – phenomena that sometimes shake our faith in a benevolent God.
We're joined by two brilliant minds with divergent perspectives. Sharon Dirckx, a renowned speaker, author, and Christian apologist, returns to Unbelievable? and brings her insights rooted in faith and intellect. With a background in brain imaging from the University of Cambridge, Sharon's latest book, "Broken Planet," offers a compelling exploration of the theological implications of natural disasters and diseases.
Also returning as a guest to Unbelievable is Stephen Woodford, the influential voice behind the Rationality Rules YouTube channel. With a focus on dismantling religious and supernatural beliefs, Stephen brings a rationalist perspective to the table.
#evil #naturalevil #pandemic #Satan #God #theodicy #disaster #tsunami
SOCIAL LINKS:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe
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• Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101
• More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com
• For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live
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Apr 30, 2024 • 1h 4min
Christianity on Trial - Trial Lawyer Mark Lanier vs Ex-Christian Paul Beaumont (Classic Replay)
In this riveting podcast episode, we bring together two intriguing voices from opposite ends of the spectrum: Mark Lanier, a distinguished trial lawyer and keen apologist-theologian, known for his compelling defense of Christianity in "Christianity on Trial," and Paul Beaumont, a former Christian turned skeptic after encountering the arguments of new atheists like Richard Dawkins.
Mark, drawing on his legal expertise, passionately defends the tenets of Christianity, while Paul, armed with his own journey and insights, acts as the prosecution, challenging notions of human value, the resurrection of Christ, and the reasons behind his own loss of faith.
Join us as these two formidable minds engage in a thought-provoking debate, exploring fundamental questions about belief, doubt, and the complexities of faith. It's a clash of perspectives you won't want to miss.
Originally Aired 22 Nov 2014
• Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101
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For Mark Lanier
Read Christianity on Trial Book: https://www.ivpress.com/christianity-on-trial
Law Firm: https://www.lanierlawfirm.com/
Lanier Theological Library: https://www.laniertheologicallibrary.org/
For Paul Beaumont:
Read A Brief Eternity Book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18772541-a-brief-eternity
New Humanist: https://newhumanist.org.uk/articles/4119/my-apostasy-story-paul-beaumont

Apr 26, 2024 • 1h 17min
Is there as much reason to believe in an evil God as a good God? Max Baker-Hytch vs Asha Lancaster-Thomas hosted by Vince Vitale
In the discussion on the plausibility of an all-evil God versus an all-good God, Dr. Max Baker-Hytch delivered a compelling argument that encapsulated the essence of the debate. He highlighted the inherent scepticism that arises when considering the 'evil God' hypothesis, pointing out that if such a malevolent deity were to exist, it would provide ample reason to doubt the reliability of our cognitive faculties. According to Dr. Baker-Hytch, the very nature of an evil God would entail a desire to deceive humanity, leading to pervasive doubts and uncertainties. In contrast, the 'good God hypothesis' stands in stark contrast, lacking the motive for such pervasive deception.
Dr. Asha Lancaster-Thomas, whose scholarly contributions have ignited significant discourse on this topic, brought her insights to bear on the discussion. Holding a PhD from the University of Birmingham and teaching philosophy at Atlanta Classical Academy, Dr. Thomas is no stranger to the complexities of metaphysics and epistemology. Her paper on the 'evil God challenge' has been a focal point for philosophical inquiry, prompting responses such as Dr. Baker-Hytch's co-authored rebuttal, "Meeting the Evil God Challenge."
Dr Max Baker-Hytch, lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Oxford received his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Oxford and subsequently held research positions at the University of Oxford and the University of Notre Dame. Max has published more than a dozen scholarly articles and book chapters on various topics within the fields of philosophy of religion and epistemology
This intellectual but friendly exchange between Dr. Baker-Hytch and Dr. Lancaster-Thomas, is hosted by fellow philosopher Vince Vitale.
#evilgodchallenge #philosophy #morality #philosophyofreligion #goodgod #evil
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Asha Lancaster Thomas
Read Asha's chapter in Jack Symes' Philosophers on God: Talking About Existence (https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/philosophers-on-god-9781350227286/)https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/phc3.12543https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/phc3.12502Twitter: @asha_lancaster
For Max Baker Hytch:
Twitter: @MaxBakerHytchMax Baker Hytch and Ben Page's paper https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/papq.12304
• Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101
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Apr 19, 2024 • 1h 17min
Why do humans play God? Nick Spencer vs Emily Qureshi Hurst presented by Andy Kind
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, University of Oxford and together Nick and Emily sort out the role of science and belief when it comes to questions of personhood and the future of humanity. Ably led by host Andy Kind, Unbelievable? digs back into that perennial question, ‘can science and religion come together - furiously or fruitfully - over the status and nature of what it means to be human’?
#ai #eugenics #whatisahuman #scienceandreligion
SOCIAL LINKS:
Twitter: / unbelievablefe
Facebook: / premierunbelievable
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Tik Tok: / premierunbelievable
• Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101
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FOR NICK:
Read Nick Spencer and Hannah Waite's book Playing God: Science, Religion and the Future of Humanity
Theos: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
⬇️ Follow Nick on Social Media
X: @theosnick
FOR EMIlY:
Read Emily Qureshi-Hurst's book God, Salvation and the Problem of Spacetime
Online: https://www.emilyqureshihurst.com/
At Oxford: https://www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk/people/emily-qureshi-hurst
⬇️ Follow Emily on Social Media
X: @equreshihurst
For more on on this and related topics check out:
🎧 Generative Ai: second contact, avoiding the fate of Nokia, hacking the human operating system, and the resiliency of Western democracy Matters of Life and Death Podcast
📺 Can Science tell us what it means to be human? Philip Ball and Nick Spencer on The Big Conversation
📺 Are we just our brains? Sharon Dirckx and Emily Qureshi-Hurst on Unbelievable? Podcast

Apr 16, 2024 • 1h 6min
Classic Replay: War and Peace: is war ever justified or should Christians embrace pacifism? Nigel Biggar and Stanley Hauerwas
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 under which Christians might find themselves compelled to engage in warfare.
Stanley Hauerwas, also a leading voice in Christian ethics, advocates for a radical alternative: pacifism. Hauerwas challenges listeners to reconsider conventional notions of power and violence, urging a transformative approach rooted in love and nonviolence.
This episode originally aired on: 8 November 2014
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