Unbelievable?

Dr. Zachary Ardern, an evolutionary biologist at Cambridge, argues for the rationality of Christian faith, suggesting it complements scientific understanding. In contrast, Dr. Alex Carter, a philosopher, challenges this viewpoint with a Wittgenstein-influenced perspective, debating the historical reliability of the Gospels and the role of faith in a rational world. They explore profound questions about morality, evidence for God, and the compatibility of scientific progress with belief, offering insights that spark critical reflection on faith and reason.

In a lively debate, award-winning historian Tom Holland argues that Christianity has profoundly shaped Western values, while philosopher A.C. Grayling counters that classical philosophy is the real bedrock. They delve into the radical transformation brought by the cross, the role of Paul in redefining dignity and equality, and how both Christianity and Enlightenment thinkers influenced modern ethics. Tensions rise as they discuss the preservation of classical texts and whether humanism springs from Christian roots or Greek ideas.

Niayesh Afshordi, a cosmologist at the University of Waterloo known for his work on early-universe models, debates Michel-Yves Bolloré, an engineer and author advocating that modern cosmology suggests a Creator. They discuss whether the universe's beginning points to a divine cause or can be explained by scientific principles. Topics include fine-tuning of constants, the multiverse theory, and whether God can be scientifically tested. Their spirited dialogue touches on the intersection of faith and science, exploring if they can coexist.

In this enlightening discussion, Sir Roger Penrose, a Nobel laureate known for his groundbreaking work in cosmology, encounters William Lane Craig, a prominent Christian philosopher and apologist. Together, they tackle big questions like the universe's origin and purpose. Penrose introduces his Conformal Cyclic Cosmology and delves into the mysteries of physics, mind, and mathematics. Craig argues for a divine mind behind the cosmos, linking fine-tuning and morality to theism. Their respectful debate navigates the intersections of science, philosophy, and faith, leaving listeners pondering the cosmos!

In a thought-provoking discussion, philosopher Shaun Stevenson debates with Oxford doctoral candidate Nathan Elvidge on the existence of God and morality. Stevenson shares his journey from faith to atheism, claiming that belief in God is a human invention. Elvidge counters with arguments for divine grounding of morality, asserting that moral absolutes need a lawgiver. The conversation dives into complex issues like the problem of evil, the nature of justice, and whether concepts like good and evil are subjective without God. A captivating clash of ideas!

Join Sean Carroll, a theoretical physicist and cosmologist at Caltech, and Luke Barnes, an astrophysicist from the Sydney Institute for Astronomy, as they delve into whether God or naturalism best explains the universe. They discuss the philosophical implications of Big Bang cosmology, the fine-tuning of constants, and the potential of a multiverse. Exploring concepts like poetic naturalism and necessary beings, they engage in a spirited debate about the meaning behind the vastness of the cosmos and the evidence that might suggest design versus brute facts.

Dan Paterson, an Australian apologist and founder of Questioning Christianity, and Jordan Wood, a Catholic theologian and assistant professor, delve into the complexities of hell's nature. They debate eternal torment, conditional immortality, and universal reconciliation, revealing their personal journeys and theological nuances. Dan challenges universalism with exegetical arguments, while Jordan advocates for restorative interpretations of scripture. The conversation highlights the implications of hell theology for faith and mission, making for an engaging exploration of differing views.

In this engaging discussion, Bret Weinstein, an evolutionary biologist, challenges the status of evolutionary science and explores whether religion has adaptive significance. Meanwhile, Alister McGrath, a professor at Oxford, defends the relevance of scripture in modern ethics. They dive into topics like the implications of free will, the moral authority of God, and how early Christianity addressed suffering. The conversation balances critical inquiry with respect, questioning whether religion functions more as a cultural hack or as an avenue to truth.

In this classic episode of Unbelievable? The Big Conversation, recorded before a live London audience in partnership with the Templeton Religion Trust, Christian theologian Prof. Alister McGrath (University of Oxford) and evolutionary biologist Brett Weinstein explore the provocative question: Is religion a useful fiction or ultimate truth? Weinstein, well known for his work on evolutionary theory and public debates on culture, argues that religion may be literally false but metaphorically true—an adaptive survival mechanism. McGrath, drawing on his journey from atheism to Christian faith, contends that Christianity is not only beneficial but also true. This is Part One of the discussion. Join us next time for Part Two, featuring audience Q&A with the speakers. 👉 Support thought-provoking conversations and help keep the show going at www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate💡 🎧 Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast a  www.premier.plus/unbelievable 🎙️ 🔗 Get bonus content, updates, fascinating articles, and early access to new episodes - absolutely free! Join now at www.premierunbelievable.com 📢   Social Links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable

In this discussion, guest Os Guinness, an esteemed author and social critic, and Krish Kandiah, a theologian and social entrepreneur, delve into the legacy of Charlie Kirk. They explore the vital role of free speech in a polarized society and the necessity of embracing civil discourse. The guests highlight the challenges of echo chambers and media biases, advocating for the preservation of public debate. With practical advice on how to engage in disagreement amicably, they underscore the importance of love, truth, and building bridges in today's divisive climate.