Unbelievable?

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 God and embody its values within the church. Preston talks about how Israel’s exile to Babylon, Jesus’ mission on earth, and the teachings of Paul all shaped the church’s relationship with politics and can inform our own relationship with politics today. Tom Wright's co-author Mike Bird came on Unbelievable (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zieWeTqe2qc). This is part of our continuing series on navigating politics. #politics #godandpolitics #ntwrightonline #debate SOCIAL LINKS: Twitter: / unbelievablefe Facebook:  / premierunbelievable Instagram:  / premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / premierunbelievable • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate FOR TOM: Read Tom Wright and Michael Bird's book Jesus and the Powers Ask NT Wright Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ask-nt-wright-anything/id1441656192 And more resources online: https://www.ntwrightonline.org/ ⬇️ Follow Tom on Social Media IG: @ntwrightonline FOR PRESTON: Read Preston Sprinkle's book Exiles: The Church in the Shadow of Empire ⬇️ Follow Preston on Social Media X: @PrestonSprinkle IG: preston.sprinkle For more on on this and related topics check out: 🎧 Toxic social media and how to navigate the mucky business of politics -- Matters of Life and Death Podcast 📺 Should Christians play politics? Mike Bird vs Stephen Wolfe 📺 Should faith and politics mix? with Peter Wehner and Jonathan Rausch

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 and blogs about his experience at The Book of Amos. For Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/ For Book of Amos: https://thebookofamos.wordpress.com/ For Easter videos on our NEW TikTok channel: https://www.tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable • 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

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 claims amount to nothing more than an "atheist delusion." His book, which garnered the prestigious Michael Ramsey Prize for theological writing in 2011, challenges the narrative of secular triumphalism by revisiting the historical contributions of Christianity. On the opposing side, Terry Sanderson former President of the UK's National Secular Society contends that contemporary society thrives under an increasingly secular framework, asserting that the freedoms and values we cherish are not contingent upon a Christian foundation. In this engaging dialogue, we see a clash of perspectives as David argues that secular perspectives are rooted in a misguided myth of secular "progress." By examining the intertwined histories of Christianity and secularism, David presents a compelling case that challenges prevailing notions of societal evolution. This episode originally aired on: 25 June 2011 Subscribe to Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 on your preferred platform to never miss an episode, and join the conversation as we explore the nuances of belief, skepticism, and the evolving landscape of modern thought. • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/coures • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

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 New Testament scholar, an expert on the intricate details of events surrounding the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ in first century Palestine, examines their historical reliability.  Dr. Larry Shapiro a sceptic on such matters, challenges these assertions and offers alternative explanations that he believes are more plausible.   The show also tackles reconciling discrepancies in the Resurrection accounts - does that strengthen or weaken the arguments that these events happened?    And even if the historical reliability of ancient texts is established, can we apply these texts to 21st century life from a philosophical perspective? Dr. Mike Licona presents the evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus. If the Resurrection happened, and Jesus conquered death for all who put their trust in Him it’s a question we cannot not ignore.   Prof. Larry Shapiro Lawrence Shapiro is the Berent Enç Professor of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin — Madison. Website: https://lshapiro911.wixsite.com/mysite PhilPeople Profile: https://philpeople.org/profiles/lawrence-shapiro https://philosophy.wisc.edu/staff/shapiro-lawrence/ Mike Licona: Mike Licona is Professor of New Testament Studies at Houston Christian University and President of Risen Jesus, Inc. X: @DrMikeLicona Facebook: @DrMikeLicona Youtube: @MikeLiconaOfficial Instagram: @drmikelicona Tik Tok: @mikelicona3 Books to Mention: The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach (IVP Academic) Jesus, Contradicted: Why the Gospels tell the same story differently (Zondervan Academic, coming out May 28) • 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

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 decision to embrace Catholicism, providing listeners with an insightful exchange that explores the intricacies of faith, reason, and personal conviction. Listeners also get the chance to participate as Leah and Hemant field questions, offering deeper insights into Leah's faith journey and the broader dynamics of faith and atheism. For Leah Libresco visit: leahlibresco.com For Hemant Mehta visit: friendlyatheist.com This episode originally aired on: 23 June 2014 • 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/coures • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

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 startling case for Christian nationalism. How can followers of Jesus be part of the solution bringing divided communities together asks Michael Bird, co-author with Tom “NT” Wright of ‘Jesus and the Powers?’  What are the boundaries of our personal beliefs?  How can we achieve the goods we wish to see in society?  In the coming weeks we will also hear from New Testament scholar Tom ‘NT’ Wright, Preston Sprinkle author of ‘Exiles: The church in the shadow of empire’ and ex-White House and presidential staffer Michael Wear Michael F. Bird Twitter: @mbird12 Blog: https://michaelfbird.substack.com Channel: Early Christian History link to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC21I7qYVHPsOzL9ujxiRWZA Books: Amazon link to https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Michael-F-Bird/s?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3AMichael+F.+Bird Stephen Wolfe @PerfInjust https://www.amazon.com/Case-Christian-Nationalism-Stephen-Wolfe/dp/1957905336/ref=sr_1_1?crid=388EY0PP8LI3E&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q0DTFRuTT7yLGpKD_qahRIM2K4gPy1eBZYUeKmL3I1uvZdOg8RN6LmgihVjxX6kzWASFAbo-519nQPCKERYm3QFzXDDb798NLEjphu4ee68.2OMMP0WgNhTuN7CWzsT4c9PPKJv-lKaouXcoFlYt_TQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+case+for+christian+nationalism+stephen+wolfe&qid=1711052839&sprefix=The+case+for+christian+nationl%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-1 • 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 courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/courses Your support matters to us: • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

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? 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/coures • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

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 postmortem and spend eternity with him? How do we affirm the idea of God’s love for all and the idea held dear by some that Christ died for the elect. Andrew Hronich endeavors to synthesize the many strands of orthodox doctrine into a single telos: ultimate reconciliation. He is a current master's student at Princeton Theological Seminary and an associate apologist, and the author of a new book "Once Loved Always Loved: The Logic of Apokatastasis". Opposite him and arguing for the logic of damnation is Prof. Jerry Walls, Professor of Philosophy and Scholar in Residence at Houston Christian University and author of some twenty books including “Hell: The Logic of Damnation”.   For Prof. Sean McDowell, Ph.D. TWITTER: @sean_mcdowell YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@SeanMcDowell www.seanmcdowell.org For Andrew Hronich https://www.instagram.com/amhronich/ https://www.amazon.com/Once-Loved-Always-Logic-Apokatastasis-ebook/dp/B0C5YSKWYW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=H3VLCEI3VZT3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.f2dn02jEU87zCpQGwS72c1YXMpfS6vgYovAcB6pumD45GxzWvHzLrdSVUu1-LyMo.tUu-v49VlDX1Kg0ZzP0D57mqiuOlUHI1rwUlDh8oQFo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Hronich&qid=1710504006&sprefix=hronich%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1 For Prof. Jerry Walls https://hc.edu/contact/jerry-walls/ For more discussion between Christians and non-Christians visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable • 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

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 semi-finals with his comedy act. After the show, Allan a Baptist minister continued working at his church in Bootle as normal but sought medical advice when he started to experience some issues with his vision in 2022. He has now been given one year to live after being diagnosed with a rare cancer and has been told by doctors they can do nothing more for him.   Steve Legg is also a funnyman of faith who was given 120 days to live. He’s already passed that and phenomenally successful  book The Last Laugh tells the gripping story of rather than get busy dying he got busy living. Like Allan, Steve’s story offers genuine hope in the face of death.   @stevelegguk on X and get his book here  Allan’s treatment is not available on the NHS but you help pay for his potentially life-saving treatment here  Check out previous shows on this topic • 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/courses • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

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 impact and interpretation, if any, this has on the church, modern theology and Christian music today. This episode originally aired on: Oct 28, 2022 • 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/courses • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate