Unbelievable?

Welcome to today's Unbelievable Debate, recorded live at St Michael’s Aylesbury, where two distinguished scholars, Robert Scott and Muhammad Yasir Al-Hanafi, engage in a thought-provoking debate on the historical verifiability, truth, and societal contributions of their respective faiths: Christianity and Islam. Join us as we delve into these complex topics with respect and curiosity and discuss the different truth claims of each religion ask whether we can collaboratively embrace our differences toward the common social and human good? Scott and Yasir explore deep and challenging questions, such as: Are the core beliefs of Christianity and Islam historically verifiable? What contributions do these religions make to society? Is belief in God necessary for the world to function? Today's debate also features a lively Q&A session, where students and attendees pose difficult and often misunderstood questions including: "Someone told me that in Islam, if you kill an unbeliever (an ‘infidel’), then 72 virgins are waiting for you in heaven. Is that true?" "How does the chain of transmission work in Islam?" "If everything in the world has a cause and God is the cause of everything, who caused God?" Join us as we delve into these complex topics with respect and curiosity. ***We have another Christian vs Islam dialogue coming up soon so, if you still have questions -- we want to hear from you -- please do drop us your in the comments or email us at unbelievable@premier.org.uk • 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

‘Truth Over Tribe: Pledging allegiance to the lamb, not the donkey or the elephant’ is the name of the poignant book by Patrick Miller and Keith Simon. They are both church pastors in the USA who started the Truth Over Tribe podcast to combat polarisation in politics, culture and Christianity. They talk to Justin about Trump, abortion, LGBT, Christian nationalism, progressives and conservatives, and how the church can be part of the solution rather than the problem of tribalism in politics and culture. Justin is also joined by Tim Farron MP to talk about his book ‘A Mucky Business: Why Christians should get involved in politics’. Originally Aired: 9 December 2022 Truth Over Tribe shop here: https://amzn.to/3LUJdMf A Mucky Business shop here: https://amzn.to/4c9d3qY • 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

Although the number of nones in the USA has flatlined in recent years, deconstruction is still on the mind of many young people. This week a Christian apologist - raised without any religion, and a Christian who moved to agnostic atheism debate how we can reengage young people. Joining the Unbelievable debate is former atheist Mary Jo Sharp from the Pacific Northwest, A former atheist who came to faith,has experienced two worlds of American culture: growing up in the postmodern Pacific Northwest and then adulthood in the evangelical culture of the Southern Bible Belt. She first encountered apologetics in her own spiritual search while seeking answers, eventually becoming a professor of apologetics. Mary Jo is now the founder and director of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry. She has been featured in Christianity Today’s cover story “The Unexpected Defenders” and is an international author and speaker. Mary Jo's most recent written work is, Why I Still Believe: A former atheist's reckoning with the bad reputation Christians give a good God. Harry Amos is a graduate in Philosophy, Politics & Economics from the University of Warwick. During his studies, his passion for investigating Biblical texts, particularly the historicity of key events like the Exodus, Conquest and Easter narratives, led him to reconsider his Christian faith. Having personally found reconciliation between history, science and evangelical Christianity impossible, he now blogs on such topics at The Book of Amos (thebookofamos.wordpress.com). For more of Mary Jo:   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/confidentchristianity Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maryjosharp/ For more of Harry: thebookofamos.wordpress.comhttps://www.facebook.com/BookOfAmos SOCIAL LINKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / 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/courses • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Recorded at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University, atheist Alex O’Connor (aka Cosmic Skeptic) and Christian apologist Lukas Ruegger join Justin discuss the hiddeness of God. OCCA tutor Max Baker-Hytch also joins the discussion for a post-script commentary. Episode originally aired Jan 2020 • 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

This week’s Unbelievable Podcast is a special #NoQuestionOffLimits episode that you won't want to miss. We’re revisiting one of our live Q&A events, hosted in collaboration with Spring Harvest. Joining us on the panel is the renowned public theologian and author of several books including Why Trust The Bible? Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing, Dr. Ben Thomas, an international speaker and consultant anaesthetist from OCCA the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, and Dr. Ben Chang, an A&E doctor and author of Christ and Culture Wars. Our distinguished guests tackle a range of challenging questions submitted anonymously by a youth audience. Topics include AI, moral dilemmas, is the Bible sexist? What’s the evidence for the Resurrection, and does the Bible condone slavery? Engage with Us If you want to join one of our #noquestionofflimits Q&A events, sign up on our website at premierunbelievable.com and you will also get free resources, updates, and information on upcoming events where you can interact with us and ask your questions! • 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: How should Christians understand the Adam & Eve story in Genesis? Is it scientifically plausible that humanity can be traced back to a first human couple? What does it mean for the concept of ‘Original Sin’? These and more questions are discussed by Christian philosopher William Lane Craig, author of the new book ‘In Quest of the Historical Adam’, and computational biologist Joshua Swamidass, author of ‘The Genealogical Adam & Eve’. At the end of the show Ruth Jackson talks to Tim Moyler about the evangelistic resource ‘Living & Telling’. First Aired: 13 August 2021 • 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

Ever find yourself asking tough questions of God? Struggling to see His goodness and wondering, "Are you really there, God?" 🤔🙏 Our 'No Question Off Limits' panels are here to tackle these tough questions head-on. We've teamed up with Spring Harvest and invited questions, especially from young people. In the hot seat were author and public theologian Amy Orr-Ewing, along with two Christian emergency room doctors, Ben Thomas and Ben Chang. We had an amazing time, and there are even more questions to come! 🚀💬 And check out our earlier two shows https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unbelievable/unbelievable-sexuality-miracles-and-evolution-tackling-tough-questions-no-question-off-limits/17791.article https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unbelievable/unbelievable-no-question-off-limits-live-qanda-with-amy-orr-ewing-jesse-fellingham-ben-thomas-and-ruth-jackson/17728.article • 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

Explore the intricate and enlightening conversation between scholars Beryl Dov Lerner and Phil Sumpter as they delve into Jewish and Christian interpretations of scripture, covenants, and theological modesty. This engaging debate asks ‘Can we know God?’ and sheds light on the nature of God, the divine-human relationship, and the crucial role covenants play in both traditions. How do Jewish and Christian perspectives on ethical behaviour and the interpretation of biblical texts converge and diverge? What are the theological implications of the creation story, and how does the nature of God influence human behaviour? Join us to uncover the complexities of understanding God, the significance of the incarnation, and the profound relationship between theology and practice. How do these different perspectives shape our knowledge of God and our approach to ethical living? Philosopher Berel Dov Lerner got his PhD at Tel Aviv University and now teaches at Western Galilee College. Phil Sumpter got his PhD from the University of Gloucestershire and teaches in the Biblical Theological Academy of Wiedenest, Germany, and Cornerstone Bible College in the Netherlands. Your support makes a difference! • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate SOCIAL LINKS: Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / 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

This recording of a live debate between Andrew Bunt and Charlie Bell speaks to sexuality, gender, and identity within the church. Andrew Bunt, Emerging Generations Director at Living Out and author of "Finding Your Best Identity," is a same-sex attracted Christian who has chosen celibacy and believes in traditional male-female marriage. Charlie Bell, a gay Anglican vicar and psychiatrist, is the author of "Queer Holiness" and advocates for the acceptance of gay marriage in the church. In this episode of the Unbelievable? Podcast we're looking at Sexuality and gender identity in Christianity, the recent controversy in the Church of England over gay blessingsl, Biblical perspectives on marriage and LGBTQI+ issues and include an audience Q&A session to get you answers on this topic. Originally Aired: 17 Feb 2023 • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • 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/donateThis recording of a live debate between Andrew Bunt and Charlie Bell speaks to sexuality, gender, and identity within the church. Andrew Bunt, Emerging Generations Director at Living Out and author of "Finding Your Best Identity," is a same-sex attracted Christian who has chosen celibacy and believes in traditional male-female marriage. Charlie Bell, a gay Anglican vicar and psychiatrist, is the author of "Queer Holiness" and advocates for the acceptance of gay marriage in the church. In this episode of the Unbelievable? Podcast we're looking at Sexuality and gender identity in Christianity, the recent controversy in the Church of England over gay blessingsl, Biblical perspectives on marriage and LGBTQI+ issues and include an audience Q&A session to get you answers on this topic. Originally Aired: 17 Feb 2023 • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • 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 live well with nations, ecosystems, economies, religions, and other institutions in disarray? Data reveals widespread anxiety among young people globally regarding the impact of climate change on their future. Unbelievable host Andy Kind seized the chance to talk with writer and activist Brian McLaren. Once banned reading for a young Andy Kind when he first embraced his faith, McLaren now joins him for a face-to-face conversation. Have we crossed tipping points towards an inexorable tide of doom? This deep anxiety creates an inner divide: a tension between a hopeful commitment to action for the common good and the fear that no actions can prevent an undesirable or dystopian future. McLaren's 'Life After Doom' offers a sober analysis of climate breakdown, societal collapse, wars, pandemics, and challenges readers to seek wisdom and courage in a world on the brink. Brian McLaren, author of 'Faith After Doubt' and 'Do I Stay Christian?', is a leading voice at the intersection of faith and contemporary culture. Join us for this compelling discussion on navigating a world in crisis. Your support makes a difference! • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate SOCIAL LINKS: Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable website: www.brianmclaren.net  Twitter: https://twitter.com/brianmclaren  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian_mclaren/  • 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

Billy Hallowell sits down with Joshua Broome to explore his extraordinary life transformation. Joshua, once a top adult film star, shares his story of fame, wealth, and the emptiness that led him to seek a deeper purpose. In this gripping episode, Joshua discusses: His rise to fame in the adult film industry, the profound emptiness despite his success, how he found redemption in Jesus and his journey to becoming a pastor. This interview offers hope and insight for those struggling with porn addiction, those involved in its creation, and anyone concerned about its growing influence in society. Tune in for an inspiring narrative of transformation and redemption. Joshua's powerful testimony reminds us how we can confront past actions, embrace God's forgiveness, and find true fulfilment in the Christian faith. Originally Aired 23 May 2023 • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • 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

Did you hear the one about the three philosophers? Yes, on Unbelievable? 👀 🧠 🎙️In this episode, Oxford philosopher Stephen Law, the main proponent of the Evil God Challenge, argues that the evidential problem of evil challenges the belief in a good God. ⚡️ Jack Symes contends that there are asymmetries between the arguments for believing in a good God and an evil God. The debate examines the distribution of good and evil in the world as evidence and explores how theists defend belief in a good God through theodicies, revelation, and religious experience. Jack Symes is a public philosopher and researcher in philosophy at Durham University, whose academic research lies at the intersection of philosophy of mind and religion. Jack is best known as the producer of The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast, one of the UK’s most popular higher education podcasts. His books include Philosophers on God: Talking about Existence (2024) and Defeating the Evil-God Challenge: In Defence of God’s Goodness (2024). He was recently named one of BBC’s New Generation Thinkers for 2024. Stephen Law is a philosopher and author, currently Director of Philosophy and Cert HE at Oxford University Department of Continuing Education. Stephen has published many popular books, including The Philosophy Gym, The Complete Philosophy Files, and Believing Bullshit. #debate #evilgodchallenge #philosophy #philosophyofreligion #theism #atheism #evil #goodgod • Subscribe to Premier Unbelievable YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0p2OAXVoo9M1Z126B3fe3w Your support makes a difference! • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate 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 STEPHEN ⬇️ Visit: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/profiles/stephen-law For school talks/media: stephenlaw4schools.blogspot.co.uk X / https://x.com/stephenlaw60 IG: / https://instagram.com/stephenwlaw 📚Books Mentioned: The Philosophy Gym: https://shorturl.at/qWTcX (UK) https://shorturl.at/HmBKk (USA) The Complete Philosophy Files: https://shorturl.at/KcQxE (UK) https://shorturl.at/v9OEL (USA) FOR JACK ⬇️ Visit: https://www.jacksymes.co.uk/ Paspsychist Philosophy Podcast: https://thepanpsycast.com/panpsycast2 X: / https://x.com/_jacksymes 📚Books Mentioned: Philosophers on God: Talking about Existence https://shorturl.at/SfRpt (UK) https://encr.pw/G5RRS (USA) Defeating the Evil-God Challenge: In Defence of God’s Goodness https://encr.pw/b4bkM (UK) https://l1nk.dev/pBUfD (USA) ------- For school talks/media: stephenlaw4schools.blogspot.co.uk Link to Jack's book @_JackSymes Link to Stephen's blog The Complete Philosophy Files, Orion 2011 The Philosophy Gym: 25 Short Adventures in Thinking, Headline 2004 The Great Philosophers: The Lives and Ideas of History’s Greatest Thinkers, Greenfinch 2013 • 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

This episode dives into the debate between the annihilationist view (also known as 'conditional immortality') and the traditional 'eternal conscious torment' perspective on hell that has been highlighted among scholars for years. Dr. Al Mohler, Former President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, strongly opposes the annihilationist view, a stance he elaborated on in his daily podcast, The Briefing. On the other side we have Chris Date, a co-founder of Rethinking Hell, who argues in favour of the annihilationist perspective, a belief he adopted after extensive biblical study. The debate delves into scriptural interpretations and examines whether academic scholarship is actually shifting away from the traditional view of eternal torment in favour of an end of all ends. Originally Aired 3 Jan 2015 • 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

Why do we tend to go for an experience that feels good and when something feels bad, we tend to avoid it? Why are conscious experiences and behaviour paired together in the most rational way? The Unbelievable podcast unpacks the mystery of psycho-physical harmony with Philip Goff, Professor Philosophy at Durham University (an atheist) as he debates Dustin Crummett, a Christian philosopher. Goff believes this topic in philosophy will revolutionize how we perceive the relationship between mind and body and how we make choices based on pain-pleasure. On the podcast this week, we welcome Christian philosopher Dustin Crummett and panpsychist professor Philip Goff from Durham University. Dustin Crummett presents a compelling argument for God as the key to unraveling today's show's enigma. On the other hand, Philip Goff, in his groundbreaking 'Why?' book, proposes an intriguing solution through radical panpsychism, introducing the concept of 'pan-agentialism'—a form of free will attributed to particles, i.e., everything is the agent of its own behavior, whether it is animate or inanimate. Whether you're a seasoned philosopher or a curious mind, this episode will challenge and inspire your views on the harmony between the mind and the physical world. #philosophy #debate #atheism #psychophysicalharmony #christianphylosophy #consciousness SOCIAL LINKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / 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/courses • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Ever struggled to share your faith with your friends, family or colleagues? You're not alone! Today we're joined by Rt Revd John Pritchard, Former Bishop of Oxford and Acclaimed Author of 'How to Explain Your Faith' to talk about effective ways (as well as not so effective ones!) to talk about your beliefs and Christian faith with atheists, or unbelieving friends. Also joining us this episode is church-going atheist Andrew Nightingale and Christian philosopher and storyteller Mark Roques. Together, they explore what draws Andrew to the church he attends and delve into the reasons he struggles with the beliefs of Christianity. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation on faith, belief, and the modern church. Originally aired 12 December 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/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate