Brian McLaren, a prominent author, theologian, and church leader, has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the "emerging church" movement. Renowned for his influential books incl. "A New Kind of Christian" and "A Generous Orthodoxy," McLaren stood at the forefront of a theological paradigm shift within Christianity. The emerging church movement, of which McLaren is a key figure, is often characterized as "post-evangelical" and "post-modern." The movement which rose to popularity about 10 years ago, sought to re-examine scripture without the cultural baggage that it believes Western Christendom has historically imposed. The theology of the emerging church has faced much criticism from figures like James White of Alpha and Omega ministries in Arizona. White perceives this movement as a departure from orthodoxy, viewing it as an attempt to reshape the Gospel and the concept of God to align with modern sensibilities. They discuss post-modernity, Rob Bell’s theology, interacting with other faiths, the atonement, sin and the cross. (This show originally aired in April 2011) Find out more: • 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

This week on Premier Unbelievable, the question of whether Jesus is God is explored, a topic that often divides Muslims and Christians. The show revisits a conversation featuring Dr. Abdulla Galadari, author of 'Quranic Hermeneutics,' and Dr. Joshua Sijuwade, a Visiting Lecturer at the London School of Theology. In a riveting exploration, the podcast delves into Galadari's compelling contention that the Qur'an artfully weaves its own interpretation of the Gospels' portrayal of Jesus, rather than outrightly discarding them. The conversation between Dr. Galadari and Dr. Sijuwade revolves around the similarities between the Qur'an and the Bible, as well as the divinity of the historical Jesus. Presented by Andy Kind. For Abdulla Galadari: https://www.ku.ac.ae/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/department/department-of-humanities-and-social-sciences/people/dr-abdulla-galadari  For Joshua Sijuwade: https://philpeople.org/profiles/joshua-r-sijuwade  • 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

From the Archives: Following on from a discussion on a previous Unbelievable? Podcast Episode with Kristin Kobes du Mez, this episode digs into the question of whether Toxic Masculinity is an issue facing the church today? Kyle Thompson of men’s ministry Undaunted Life says we need to champion biblical masculinity in a church that has become too feminised. Martin Saunders, author of ‘The Man You Were Made To Be’ says we need to leave behind gender stereotypes and help young Christian men make sense of masculinity in today’s world. Tell us what you think and get in touch with us on X @PremierUnbelievable_FE or write to us via our website: premierunbelievable.com Find out more: For Martin Saunders: https://www.youthscape.co.uk/store/product/the-man-youre-made-to-be For Kyle Thompson: https://www.undaunted.life • 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

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Premier Unbelievable! This week, brace yourselves for a captivating dialogue between two individuals with starkly divergent perspectives on Christianity, the existence of God, and the very essence of truth.  On one side we have Mack Stiles — director of Messenger Ministries Inc, Podcaster and seasoned pastor and author of the intriguing new book, "The Truth About Lies: Why Jesus is More Relevant Than You Think." Sharing the virtual stage and returning to Unbelievable is the outspoken atheist, Dan Barker, who was a Christian pastor for many years before making headlines by announcing on Oprah Winfrey's show that he had "kicked the religion habit". Dan later co-founded the Freedom from Religion Foundation.  Join our host, Andy Kind, as he navigates this riveting debate, delving into the profound questions surrounding truth, science, morality, the nature of God, and the complexities of the human condition. For Mack Stiles: follow Mack on X @MackStiles Mission Talks Podcas: https://www.9marks.org/tag/missions-talk/ Messenger Ministries: https://www.messengerministries.com/about For Dan Barker: follow Dan on X @danbarker Freedom from Religion: https://ffrf.org/about/staff-board/item/38960-dan-barker Related shows For Dan Barker and Martin Kuhrt discussing whether the God of the Bible is a capriciously malevolent, misogynistic, sadomasochistic bully: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unbelievable/unbelievable-is-the-god-of-the-bible-a-capriciously-malevolent-misogynistic-sadomasochistic-bully-dan-barker-vs-martin-kuhrt/11653.article Find out more • 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

From the Archives: First Aired in 2011, today's Classic Replay takes an in-depth look at some of the most contentious passages in the Bible when it comes to women's roles and leadership in the Church. In 1995 the Church of England allowed the ordination of Women priests, but the question of whether the Bible forbids female authority in the church remains today. Christina Rees is a writer and broadcaster and served on the Archbishop’s Council and the General Synod for 25 years. For many years Christina was Chair of WATCH (Women and the Church), the group that led the campaign for women bishops and that works for women’s equality in the Church. Our other guest is the Rev John Richardson, who disagrees with female ordination. John was a speaker, lecturer and a member of the former conservative Evangelical grouping Reform within the CofE. John passed away a few years after this episode in 2014. Today's guests debate passages in the New Testament that appear to forbid women speaking in Church, the role of husbands and wives and the practical realities of men and women being church leaders. Find out more: For WATCH Women and the Church http://womenandthechurch.org/ For Christina Rees’ book “Apostolic Women, Apostolic Authority” http://www.amazon.co.uk/Apostolic-women-apostolic-authority-transfiguring/dp/1848250401 For John Richardson's blog http://www.ugleyvicar.blogspot.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 our apologetics courses: 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

This week in the UK, discussions are taking place in Parliament around various aspects of the Criminal Justice Bill. One of the most contentious areas is around a couple of tabled amendments* that would remove offences that make it illegal for a woman to perform a self-abortion at any point through to birth. There's lots to unpack about the potential decriminalisation of abortion, the ethical questions around a fetus's right to life and a woman's choice. Even if we can agree on when life begins how do we navigate the rights of the mother and the unborn child. Andy Kind is joined by Lois McLatchie, Senior Legal Communications Officer at ADF, and Ellie Lee, Professor of Family and Parenting Research, SSPSSR, the Director for Centre for Parenting Culture Studies and the co-author of Parenting Culture Studies. *Since this show was recorded the proposed amendments discussed in this show have been withdrawn. The matter has been postponed to the Report stage of the Criminal Justice Bill. However, it is anticipated that similar amendments will be reintroduced during the floor debate in the House of Commons, where all Members of Parliament are expected to vote on the matter. For Lois McLatchie: follow @LoisMcLatch on X formerly known as twitter For Ellie Lee: follow @CPCS_UniKent and @SSPSSR on X formerly known as Twitter For more on on this and related topics check out: Life, Equality and Choice: the abortion debate with Ann Furedi and Dr Calum Miller https://youtu.be/W6b-wKQO9gs?si=VTBN6YlSrIikZTAM Should praying outside aborting clinics be banned? with Ann Furedi and Lois McLatchie https://youtu.be/aK5anLOfRWI?si=P5G-_kK7WnK3pMkL Christianity, the sexual revolution and the future of the West with Louise Perry and Rod Dreher: https://youtu.be/MYf7aHe_GT0?si=UlTRY7GAq1HQ36Dl • 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

First aired in 2021, today's replay looks at what it truly means to be human and how young people today are building identity amidst the powers of ai and the metaverse. Why are we increasingly anxious, stressed and obsessed with identity? What can Christianity offer to re-humanise us?  These and more questions get addressed in conversation between Alan Noble, author of ‘You Are Not Your Own’ and Kelly Kapic, author of ‘You’re Only Human’. Books mentioned in today's show: You are not your own Alan Noble Shop Amazon UK https://shorturl.at/sHMS7S Shop Amazon US https://shorturl.at/cdisz You're only human by Kelly Kapic Shop Amazon UK https://shorturl.at/hoLUY Shop Amazon US https://shorturl.at/rK047 Find out more • 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

Andy Kind hosts today's Unbelievable where the debate topic is Does Secular Humanism or Christianity offer a brighter future for the UK? We have teamed up with our friends at Aylesbury Vale Youth For Christ a pioneering youth ministry that holds debates in UK schools in the style of Unbelievable to engage the students in the big questions of life, faith and differing worldviews. A key component is that the students get to put their questions directly to the debaters. So grab your schoolbag as we join a fascinating debate held at the end of 2023 between secular humanist Neil McKain and Christian apologist Sara Stevenson. Neil McKain is also the vice-chairman of Humanists UK, and a religious studies teacher. Sara Stevenson who is a writer, speaker and theologian from the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. This was a debate held at St Michaels School in Aylesbury, UK. The debate was moderated by head of Religious Studies, Mark Smallwood.  https://www.theocca.org/ https://aylesburyvale.yfc.co.uk/ https://standrewsbookshop.co.uk/product/hidden-in-plain-sight-2-2/ • 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

From the Archives: Leslie Scrace, a former Methodist minister who transitioned to atheism, turned away from the Bible when he lost his faith. Two decades later, he penned a comprehensive account of his atheist perspective in a book titled "An Unbelievers Guide to the Bible" in which Scrace critically examines sections of the Old Testament, deeming some as primitive and immoral, while applauding others that align with humanist values. In response, Chris Sinkinson, a church pastor and an instructor in Old Testament and Apologetics at Moorlands Bible College, challenges Scrace's approach, asserting that the Bible should not be dissected in this way and argues that removing God from the moral framework of the Bible diminishes its inherent meaning. Their dialogue delves into specific books like Job, Joshua, Song of Solomon, and the Gospels. Additionally, Chris questions Leslie on the objective foundation of his humanist morality, sparking a thoughtful exchange between the two perspectives. We hope you enjoy this fascinating dive into one of the greatest objection to Christianity, can we truly trust the Bible? First aired: May 2011 • 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 on Unbelievable? Andy Kind hosts the first part of an occasional series on the topic of women in the church, how women are portrayed in the Bible, and questions around women in ministry. Why do women often feel unequal to men in Church? There are plenty of differing views and we will cover a number of them in the coming months. Women in the Bible frequently emerge as devoted followers of Jesus, prominently present at significant events such as the tomb and the Cross. They function as followers and disciples of Jesus, with the Apostle Paul acknowledging and respecting female coworkers. However, our understanding often falls short in fully recognising the humanity of these female characters, as attention tends to be directed solely toward Jesus' interactions with them. This series aims to delve deeper into the lives of these women, offering a more comprehensive exploration that may reshape our perspectives today. First up we have Liz Cooledge Jenkins, a writer, preacher, and former college campus minister, and the author of Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women’s Humanity from Evangelicalism. Follow Liz Cooledge Jenkins on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizcoolj Find out more and shop Liz's book 'Nice Churchy Patriarchy': https://lizcooledgejenkins.com/nice-churchy-patriarchy/ • 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