Episodes

  • How can an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God coexist with the presence of evil and suffering in the world? Sharon Dirckx vs Stephen Woodford hosted by Vince Vitale
    May 3 2024
    This week's episode dives deep into one of the most challenging philosophical questions humanity has grappled with for centuries: the problem of natural evil. Hosted by Vince Vitale the show delves into the complexities of evil that seem inherent to the fabric of our world – earthquakes, famines, diseases – phenomena that sometimes shake our faith in a benevolent God. We're joined by two brilliant minds with divergent perspectives. Sharon Dirckx, a renowned speaker, author, and Christian apologist, returns to Unbelievable? and brings her insights rooted in faith and intellect. With a background in brain imaging from the University of Cambridge, Sharon's latest book, "Broken Planet," offers a compelling exploration of the theological implications of natural disasters and diseases. Also returning as a guest to Unbelievable is Stephen Woodford, the influential voice behind the Rationality Rules YouTube channel. With a focus on dismantling religious and supernatural beliefs, Stephen brings a rationalist perspective to the table. #evil #naturalevil #pandemic #Satan #God #theodicy #disaster #tsunami 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
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Christianity on Trial - Trial Lawyer Mark Lanier vs Ex-Christian Paul Beaumont (Classic Replay)
    Apr 30 2024
    In this riveting podcast episode, we bring together two intriguing voices from opposite ends of the spectrum: Mark Lanier, a distinguished trial lawyer and keen apologist-theologian, known for his compelling defense of Christianity in "Christianity on Trial," and Paul Beaumont, a former Christian turned skeptic after encountering the arguments of new atheists like Richard Dawkins. Mark, drawing on his legal expertise, passionately defends the tenets of Christianity, while Paul, armed with his own journey and insights, acts as the prosecution, challenging notions of human value, the resurrection of Christ, and the reasons behind his own loss of faith. Join us as these two formidable minds engage in a thought-provoking debate, exploring fundamental questions about belief, doubt, and the complexities of faith. It's a clash of perspectives you won't want to miss. Originally Aired 22 Nov 2014 • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate For Mark Lanier Read Christianity on Trial Book: https://www.ivpress.com/christianity-on-trial Law Firm: https://www.lanierlawfirm.com/ Lanier Theological Library: https://www.laniertheologicallibrary.org/ For Paul Beaumont: Read A Brief Eternity Book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18772541-a-brief-eternity New Humanist: https://newhumanist.org.uk/articles/4119/my-apostasy-story-paul-beaumont
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Is there as much reason to believe in an evil God as a good God? Max Baker-Hytch vs Asha Lancaster-Thomas hosted by Vince Vitale
    Apr 26 2024
    In the discussion on the plausibility of an all-evil God versus an all-good God, Dr. Max Baker-Hytch delivered a compelling argument that encapsulated the essence of the debate. He highlighted the inherent scepticism that arises when considering the 'evil God' hypothesis, pointing out that if such a malevolent deity were to exist, it would provide ample reason to doubt the reliability of our cognitive faculties. According to Dr. Baker-Hytch, the very nature of an evil God would entail a desire to deceive humanity, leading to pervasive doubts and uncertainties. In contrast, the 'good God hypothesis' stands in stark contrast, lacking the motive for such pervasive deception. Dr. Asha Lancaster-Thomas, whose scholarly contributions have ignited significant discourse on this topic, brought her insights to bear on the discussion. Holding a PhD from the University of Birmingham and teaching philosophy at Atlanta Classical Academy, Dr. Thomas is no stranger to the complexities of metaphysics and epistemology. Her paper on the 'evil God challenge' has been a focal point for philosophical inquiry, prompting responses such as Dr. Baker-Hytch's co-authored rebuttal, "Meeting the Evil God Challenge." Dr Max Baker-Hytch, lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Oxford received his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Oxford and subsequently held research positions at the University of Oxford and the University of Notre Dame. Max has published more than a dozen scholarly articles and book chapters on various topics within the fields of philosophy of religion and epistemology This intellectual but friendly exchange between Dr. Baker-Hytch and Dr. Lancaster-Thomas, is hosted by fellow philosopher Vince Vitale. #evilgodchallenge #philosophy #morality #philosophyofreligion #goodgod #evil SOCIAL LINKS: Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable Asha Lancaster Thomas Read Asha's chapter in Jack Symes' Philosophers on God: Talking About Existence (https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/philosophers-on-god-9781350227286/)https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/phc3.12543https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/phc3.12502Twitter: @asha_lancaster For Max Baker Hytch: Twitter: @MaxBakerHytchMax Baker Hytch and Ben Page's paper https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/papq.12304 • 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
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Why do humans play God? Nick Spencer vs Emily Qureshi Hurst presented by Andy Kind
    Apr 19 2024
    For too long, the ‘science and religion’ debate has fixated on creation, evolution, cosmology, miracles and quantum theory, and not enough on the essence of what it means to be human. But this is a mistake argues one of our guests today, Christian academic Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at Theos, in his new book ‘Playing God: science, religion and the future of humanity.’ Back on the show is Emily Qureshi-Hurst expert on the philosophy of time. Emily is a Lecturer in Philosophy at Oriel College, University of Oxford and together Nick and Emily sort out the role of science and belief when it comes to questions of personhood and the future of humanity. Ably led by host Andy Kind, Unbelievable? digs back into that perennial question, ‘can science and religion come together - furiously or fruitfully - over the status and nature of what it means to be human’? #ai #eugenics #whatisahuman #scienceandreligion 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 NICK: Read Nick Spencer and Hannah Waite's book Playing God: Science, Religion and the Future of Humanity Theos: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ⬇️ Follow Nick on Social Media X: @theosnick FOR EMIlY: Read Emily Qureshi-Hurst's book God, Salvation and the Problem of Spacetime Online: https://www.emilyqureshihurst.com/ At Oxford: https://www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk/people/emily-qureshi-hurst ⬇️ Follow Emily on Social Media X: @equreshihurst For more on on this and related topics check out: 🎧 Generative Ai: second contact, avoiding the fate of Nokia, hacking the human operating system, and the resiliency of Western democracy Matters of Life and Death Podcast 📺 Can Science tell us what it means to be human? Philip Ball and Nick Spencer on The Big Conversation 📺 Are we just our brains? Sharon Dirckx and Emily Qureshi-Hurst on Unbelievable? Podcast
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Classic Replay: War and Peace: is war ever justified or should Christians embrace pacifism? Nigel Biggar and Stanley Hauerwas
    Apr 16 2024
    In a world riddled with conflict, where headlines scream of violence and unrest, the age-old question resurfaces: Is war ever justified, or should Christians wholeheartedly embrace pacifism? Join esteemed scholars Nigel Biggar and Stanley Hauerwas as they delve into the moral complexities of war and peace from a Christian perspective in this classic replay episode. Nigel Biggar, renowned theologian and ethicist, brings his nuanced understanding of just war theory, exploring the conditions under which Christians might find themselves compelled to engage in warfare. Stanley Hauerwas, also a leading voice in Christian ethics, advocates for a radical alternative: pacifism. Hauerwas challenges listeners to reconsider conventional notions of power and violence, urging a transformative approach rooted in love and nonviolence. This episode originally aired on: 8 November 2014 • 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. • Rate and review this podcast in your podcast provider to help others discover the podcast • Get in touch with us to share your questions for upcoming shows! • Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Jesus and Modern Politics with Tom 'NT' Wright, Preston Sprinkle and Billy Hallowell
    Apr 12 2024
    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
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • The resurrection: Fact or fiction? Harry Amos vs Joe Boot hosted by Ruth Jackson
    Apr 5 2024
    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
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Debunking the Myth of Secular Enlightenment: A Clash of Perspectives David Bentley Hart vs Terry Sanderson (Replay)
    Apr 2 2024
    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
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    59 mins