Unbelievable?

As the UK government announced the launch of a new Islamophobia council to define ‘anti-Muslim hatred/ Islamophobia’ on February 28th, the start of Ramadan, one thing is clear: This is a hot-button issue that raises serious questions about free speech, blasphemy laws, and the balance between protecting religious sensibilities and upholding open dialogue in a liberal society. Joining us on the podcast today are Andy Bannister from Solas CPC and Tim Dieppe from Christian Concern to tackle this complex but important topic. Together, we ask the tough questions: What is the controversy surrounding the definition of Islamophobia in Britain today? What are the chilling effects of unofficial laws on people of all beliefs? How does Islam view blasphemy, and does that perspective clash with modern Western ideals? And what will ultimately be the impact on British society?

This week, we revisit a conversation with Dr. John Lennox, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics and renowned Christian apologist. Lennox shares his journey from growing up in Ireland to studying at Cambridge and defending his faith globally, from Russia to East Germany. He also reflects on his debates with leading atheists like Richard Dawkins, Peter Atkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Peter Singer. Don’t miss this insightful look into his life and work. Originally Aired: 20 Oct 2023

If God exists, why isn’t His existence obvious to everyone? In today’s Unbelievable? debate, public philosopher Julian Baggini and Oxford University’s Dr. Max Baker-Hytch go head-to-head on the problem of divine hiddenness. Is God’s absence a test of faith, or is it evidence that He doesn’t exist? Can history, reason, and personal experience point to the divine, or are religious beliefs simply shaped by culture and psychology? Join us for a deep dive into faith, skepticism, and the mystery of God’s silence, as we explore one of the biggest challenges in philosophy and theology. 🔔 Subscribe now for more debates on faith, reason, and belief! 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://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

In this gripping episode of Unbelievable? we're diving into one of the most controversial and thought-provoking debates of our time: the future of human evolution. 🧬 🚀 Will Genetic Engineering Reshape Humanity? Will AI Make Us Gods? 🌍 Can Faith Keep Up? 🤖 With the power of AI and genetic modification at our fingertips, are we playing God— or simply fulfilling our human potential? Joining the discussion are Sam McKee, Associate Tutor and PhD Candidate in the Philosophy of Science at Manchester Metropolitan University, and Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at Theos Think Tank and author of Playing God: Science, Religion, and the Future.

Can belief in a loving God withstand the reality of suffering? In this special live debate hosted in front of a live student audience in partnership with Youth For Christ in Aylesbury, Unbelievable? brings together two compelling voices to tackle one of the most profound questions in philosophy and theology: does suffering debunk the existence of a God? Can a good God allow such suffering? And does God send good people to hell? 🤔 Harry Amos – An agnostic atheist and blogger at The Book of Amos, who argues that the existence of suffering challenges belief in a benevolent God. 🙏 Simon Edwards – An adjunct speaker apologist from the OCCA, The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and author of The Sanity of Belief, defending the rationality of faith in the face of pain and hardship.  Together, they engage in a discussion on whether suffering makes God’s existence implausible—or if it actually points to something deeper. For More: Harry Amos: https://thebookofamos.wordpress.com/ X: @harryamos94 Simon Edwards: The sanity of belief: why faith makes sense https://amzn.to/3CNMgoo X: @simon_a_edwards

Is the universe fine-tuned for life? And does physics point to God?  Tune in to the Unbelievable? Podcast for our debate this week which was filmed in front of a live audience at the University of Durham, with Prof. Philip Goff moderating.  We have two excellent physicists in the hot seats. Dr Luke Barnes is a senior lecturer at Western Sydney University and has published extensively on the fine tuning of physics for life. On the other side we have Dr Martin Bauer an associate professor in physics from Durham University, UK. Martin's research focuses on dark matter, and Higgs physics to name just two. This debate at Durham University was funded by the panpsychism and panentheism three-year project that Philip Goff and Andre Buchareth run at Durham University, which is currently funded by the John Templeton Foundation.  MEET THE GUESTS For Philip Goff: https://philipgoffphilosophy.com/ Philip’s book: Why? The Purpose of the universe https://amzn.to/3X3zklx https://x.com/philip_goff https://bsky.app/profile/philipgoff.bsky.social For Luke Barnes: https://researchers.westernsydney.edu.au/en/persons/luke-barnes https://x.com/lukebarnesastro For Martin Bauer: https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/martin-m-bauer/ https://x.com/martinmbauer?lang=en #finetuning #reasonsforgod #sciencevsgod #physicists #astrophysics #debate #christianapologetics • 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

How do we know the age of the Universe, really? Today's guest suggests atheists should believe our world is actually 5 minutes old… no, seriously!!In this episode, Vince Vitale hosts a fascinating discussion with David Lu and Dan Linford to explore a groundbreaking theory and its philosophical and scientific implications on the Big Bang, the existence of a Creator, and the age of the universe. 🔍 David Lu presents a novel argument suggesting the universe might only be five minutes old, challenging traditional cosmological beliefs. This bold claim ignites a lively debate on causation, time, and the very nature of existence. 💡 Dan Linford counters with philosophical and scientific perspectives, leading to a deep exploration of topics such as: The nature of space-time and causationProbability distributions of cosmic events and the Boltzmann brain problemEmpirical evidence vs. theoretical claims about the universe's ageThe validity of cosmological dating methods Together, they unpack whether the universe’s beginning requires a cause and explore how the interplay of science and philosophy shapes our understanding of reality. Meet the Guests:1️⃣ David Lu David is an MD-PhD Candidate at Stanford University and holds an M.Sc. in Philosophy, Science, and Religion from the University of Edinburgh. With a background in Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry from Yale University, David has published in leading scientific and philosophical journals. 📚 Follow David Lu: 🌐 Linktree 2️⃣ Dan Linford Dan is an instructor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Old Dominion University. He is also a co-host of the Sci-Phi Podcast and co-author of Existential Inertia and Classical Theistic Proofs with Joseph Schmid. 🎙️ Follow the Sci-Phi Podcast for more deep dives into philosophy and science. 👉 Join the Conversation! What do you think? Could the universe truly be five minutes old, or is this just a fascinating thought experiment? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media! 🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform or watch the full discussion on YouTube for more philosophical insights. #BigBang #Cosmology #PhilosophyPodcast #PhilosophyOfScience #SpaceTime #BoltzmannBrain #CosmologicalArguments #UniverseAge #ScienceAndReligion #Causation #DeepThinking #PodcastDiscussion #ExistentialQuestions SOCIAL LINKS: 🌐 Subscribe to the podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 🎥 YouTube Channel: Premier Unbelievable 📸 Instagram: @premier.unbelievable 🐦 Twitter/X: @unbelievablefe 📘 Facebook: Premier Unbelievable 🎙️ For more podcasts, articles, and bonus content: www.premierunbelievable.com

In this thought-provoking episode of Premier Unbelievable, host Vince Vitale is joined by two brilliant minds to unpack the ontological argument for the existence of God: ✨ Dr. Gavin Ortlund – President of Truth Unites, theologian, author, and YouTuber and 🎓 Joe Schmid – Philosophy PhD student at Princeton, metaphysics expert, creator of Majesty of Reason and Alex O'Connor's favourite young agnostic. In this thought-provoking episode, we explore: 🔹 Anselm's famous ontological argument and its philosophical legacy 🔹 A priori reasoning and what it means for theology and metaphysics 🔹 Modal arguments and the concepts of necessary vs. contingent existence 🔹 Critiques, including Kant’s objections and parody arguments This dynamic conversation unpacks the complexities of God’s existence, philosophical rationality, and the nature of being itself. Whether you're a philosopher, theologian, or curious skeptic, this episode will challenge your perspective and expand your understanding. 🌌📚 Meet the Guests: 1️⃣ Joe Schmid Joe is a Philosophy PhD student at Princeton University, specializing in metaphysics and philosophy of religion. He has co-authored the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on ontological arguments and written two books: Existential Inertia and Classical Theistic Proofs and The Majesty of Reason. On his YouTube channel, Majesty of Reason, Joe creates lectures and hosts philosophical discussions. 📚 Follow Joe Schmid: 🌐 Website: josephschmid.com ▶️ YouTube: Majesty of Reason 🐦 Twitter/X: @majestyofreason 2️⃣ Dr. Gavin Ortlund Gavin is the President of Truth Unites, a theologian, and author of nine books, including Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn’t and What It Means to Be Protestant. He holds a PhD in historical theology from Fuller Seminary and is a fellow of several esteemed organizations, including the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. Gavin also shares content on theology, apologetics, and church history through his YouTube channel, Truth Unites. 📚 Follow Dr. Gavin Ortlund: 🌐 Website: truthunites.org ▶️ YouTube: Truth Unites 📸 Instagram: truth.unites 👍 Facebook: Truth Unites Page 🐦 Twitter/X: @gavinortlund 👉 What do you think? Can the ontological argument prove God’s existence, or is it just a fascinating mental exercise? Let us know in the comments below! 🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform or watch the full video for more deep philosophical insights! #Philosophy #Theology #ExistenceOfGod #OntologicalArgument #Anselm #Metaphysics #Kant #Agnosticism #FaithAndReason #PhilosophicalDebate #GodExists #LogicAndReason #PhilosophyPodcast 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://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

Towards the end of this discussion, Roger Bolton's guests acknowledge a profound hunger for Christianity. So, how did we get here? How can Christianity recover its confidence? Have Christian leaders, in their pursuit of relevance, lost sight of the true distinctiveness of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ? Host Roger Bolton dives deep into the evolving role of Christianity with distinguished guests Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at the Theos think tank, and Rupert Shortt, acclaimed author and journalist. Together, they tackle some of the most pressing questions about faith in the modern age: How has Christianity shaped Western values like morality, equality, and human rights?What is the faith's relationship with science and secularism?Can Christianity remain relevant in an increasingly multicultural and secular world?The discussion unpacks cultural amnesia, media misrepresentation, and the rising spiritual hunger among younger generations. Is Christianity truly in decline, or is there a path to renewal? For today's guests: 📖 Rupert Shortt Get your copy of: The Eclipse of Christianity https://amzn.to/3WhhI51 and Christianophobia: A Faith Under Attack https://amzn.to/3DZdzMIYou can read more of his work here: Rupert Shortt on TLS 📖 Nick Spencer Get your copy of: The Evolution of the West: How Christianity Shaped Our Values https://amzn.to/3OoJqbQ and Magisteria: The Entangled Histories of Science and Religion https://amzn.to/41FQLePReading Our Times podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/reading-our-times/id1530952185Follow him on Twitter: @theosnickDiscover more about Theos: @theosthinktank • 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

Andy Bannister and Abdullah Al Andalusi In a world filled with questions about faith, truth, and the future, can Islam and Christianity find common ground, or do their beliefs reveal irreconcilable differences? Dr. Andy Bannister, a Christian apologist and author, and Abdullah Al Andalusi, an Islamic thinker and activist, go head to head in this week's episode of the Unbelievable? Podcast - coming together for a powerful discussion on the big questions shaping our world today. Together, they explore: Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God?How do Islamic and Christian beliefs shape our understanding of life, purpose, and truth?What happens when faith influences technology and the future of AI?What unique visions of humanity's future do Islam and Christianity have to offer? Dr. Andy Bannister, a former atheist turned Christian, and Abdullah Al Andalusi, who embraced Islam after leaving Christianity, bring their personal journeys and intellectual insights to this thought-provoking debate. Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or curious seeker, this episode dives deep into the heart of faith, identity, and humanity’s future in a rapidly changing world. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to join the conversation and never miss an episode! #IslamVsChristianity #FaithDebate #PurposeAndTruth #FutureOfAI #UnbelievablePodcast #InterfaithDialogue #ReligionAndTechnology #MuslimsAndChristians SOCIAL LINKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable TikTok: / https://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