Unbelievable?

Unbelievable? 28 Aug 2010 - The Fall & Original Sin - 28 August 2010

28 Aug 2010, 14:30

Peter Byrom says he is "very nearly" convinced of Christianity. Having dallied with an atheist perspective he now rejects many of those arguments. However one area of theology he doesn't feel is clear is the question of Adam and Eve and the Fall.

Who were Adam and Eve - a historical couple or a metaphor for the human condition? Why did their rebellion impact the whole of humanity? How can we reconcile original sin with human free will?

Peter Sanlon is a lecturer in theology at Oakhill College. He responds to the theology. Prof Norman Nevin is Emeritus professor of Medical Genetics at Queens University Belfast. He responds to scientific aspects of the discussion.

For Peter Sanlon see http://grace-city.blogspot.com/ or http://www.oakhill.ac.uk/

Norman Nevin is the Editor of "Should Christians Embrace Evolution?" http://www.ivpbooks.com/9781844744060

To see Peter Byrom quiz Dawkins on why he won't debate William Lane Craig http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFamS4RGE_A

Peter Byrom is a member of the Premier Community - you can interact with the show there too http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

For more Christian/non Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast at http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 1 Aug 2009 - Debating doctrine - James White and Roger & Faith Forster debate predestination

Unbelievable? 29 Nov 2008 Creation or Evolution - do we have to choose? Denis Alexander & Stephen Lloyd debate

Unbelievable? 21 Aug 2010 - Debating Apologetics Online - 21 August 2010

21 Aug 2010, 14:30

The place where many Christians engage with atheists about belief is online. But why do both sides turn up to engage in the conversation, and what is the fruit?

Todd Pitner and Richard Morgan are adult converts to Christianity who often engage in apologetics debate online. They meet face to face with Paul Baird - one of the many atheists they debate online.

All three are members of the Premier Community where apologetics debate is common at the "Unbelievable?" group http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

They discuss the different style, tactics and motives of those who participate and whether atheists or Christians are prepared to change their mind.

For Todd's apologetics website see http://www.iloveatheists.com/

For Richard's musical talents see http://www.myspace.com/morgansoriginals

For Paul Baird's new blog http://patientandpersistant.blogspot.com/

For more Christian/non Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast at http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 27 Mar 2010 - Former atheists conversion experiences - Is it evidence for God? Richard Morgan & Todd Pitner with atheist Gordon Livesey

Unbelievable? 12 Sep 2009 - From Atheism to Christian faith via richarddawkins.net - Christians Richard Morgan, David Robertson and Atheist Ed Turner

Unbelievable? 14 Aug 2010 - Assisted dying & euthanasia debate - 14 August 2010

14 Aug 2010, 14:30

Should people suffering from terminal illness or in terrible pain be allowed to take their own life? Should doctors help them?

British law currently forbids it but there are voices asking for a change. At the forefront is "Dignity in Dying" whose Chief-Executive Sarah Wootton argues that allowing people to choose when and how they die is an extension of personal liberty.

Revd George Pitcher is an Anglican priest. He argues in his new book "A Time To Live - the argument against euthanasia and assisted dying", that human dignity requires us to respect human life.

Both the legal and Christian ramifications are discussed as they are joined by Revd Paul Badham, also an ordained Anglican who believes that assisted-dying is a moral option.

For George Pitcher's book "A Time to Live" see http://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Live-Against-Euthanasia-Assisted/dp/1854249878/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281622100&sr=1-1

For Paul Badham's book "Is there a Christian case for Assisted dying?" see http://www.amazon.co.uk/There-Christian-Case-Assisted-Dying/dp/0281059195

For Dignity in Dying see http://www.dignityindying.org.uk/

For an anti-euthanasia viewpoint see http://www.carenotkilling.org.uk/

For more Christian/non Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast at http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 25 Apr 2009 Euthanasia - Should it be legalised? Lord Dick Taverne & Dan Boucher

Unbelievable? 12 Jan 2008 Human Fertilisation & Embryology - are we playing God?

Join the discussion at the Unbelievable? group of the Premier Community online http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 7 Aug 2010 - An evangelical vs. liberal view of the Resurrection - 07 August 2010

07 Aug 2010, 14:30

The resurrection of Christ is fundamental to the Christian faith. However, not all Christians agree on how it should be interpreted.

Adrian Warnock is a church leader, blogger and author. His book "Raised with Christ" aims to put the resurrection of Jesus back at the centre of all Christian theology. He says that acceptance of the doctrine of the physical resurrection of Jesus is fundamental to being a Christian.

Jonathan Clatworthy of "Modern Church" represents a liberal view. He says that the Bible supports a merely "spiritual" resurrection and that a thoughtful theology requires such a view.

They debate the implications of the Biblical interpretation, resurrection of the dead, and knowing the 'power' of the resurrection from their different perspectives.

For Adrian's popular blog and the book see http://adrianwarnock.com/

For Jonathan Clatworthy and "Modern Church" see http://www.modchurchunion.org/

For more Christian/non Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast at http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 12 Jul 2008 - American Masters of Apologetics Pt 1: Gary Habermas.

Unbelievable? 11 Apr 2009 - Atheist Steven Carr & Canon Michael Cole - Did Jesus Rise from the dead? An atheist perspective.

Join the debate at the Unbelievable? group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 31 Jul 2010 - Presuppositional apologetic proof of God - 31 July 2010

31 Jul 2010, 14:30

"Arguing against God's existence is on a par with arguing against air, breathing it all the while". So says the website of Sye TenBrugencatte who believes that Christians need to rediscover the power of 'presuppositional apologetics'.

Our use of the laws of logic, mathematics, science and morality cannot be accounted for unless we believe in a God who guarantees our perceptions and reasoning is trustworthy in the first place.

Paul Baird describes himself as a "freethinker". He debates whether he is obliged to believe in God when faced by Sye who argues that atheists are effectively "suppressing" the truth of God that is self evident - as described in Romans Ch 1.

Sye's website is http://www.proofthatgodexists.org/

Paul Baird and Sye TenBruggencate are both online members of the "Unbelievable?" Group of the Premier Community and will be continuing to discuss there. Check it out at http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

For more Christian/non Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast at http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 13 Jun 2009 The Moral Argument For God - Atheist Paul Orton & Christian David Robertson

Unbelievable? 1 Nov 2008 - Atheist Bus Campaign: Its creator Ariane Sherine, Humanist Hanne Stinson and Christian Paul Woolley debate

Unbelievable? 24 Jul 2010 - Psychology of religion - 23 July 2010

23 Jul 2010, 08:00

Is belief in the supernatural inherent from birth? Is Christianity a psychological crutch or a path to emotional wholeness? Is God belief simply a result of evolution? Would it make belief untrue if it were?

These and other questions are discussed by atheist psychological therapist Martyn Frame and Christian tutor of psychology of religion Revd Dr Joanna Collicut McGrath.

Martyn believes that religious belief can be given a psychological evolutionary explanation that precludes need for belief in God. Joanna argues that such theories are sketchy at best and that humanity's religious longings can't be rationalised so easily.

For Joanna Collicut McGrath see http://www.heythrop.ac.uk/about-us/college-staff/academic-staff/dr-joanna-collicutt.html

"The Dawkins Delusion" co-authored with her husband Alister Mcgrath can be found on Amazon here

Martyn Frame's profile page at the Premier Community http://premiercommunity.ning.com/profile/MartynFrame?xg_source=activity

For more Christian/non Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast at http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 24 Apr 2010 - "Grill a Christian" show - four atheists challenge David Robertson with their objections to faith

Unbelievable? 19 Dec 2009 - What does Science Tell us about God?" - Atheist scientist Lewis Wolpert debates believing scientist Russell Cowburn

Join the discussion at the Unbelievable? group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 17 Jul 2010 - Wired for God? The Biology of Spiritual Experience - 17 July 2010

17 Jul 2010, 14:30

From shamanism, hallucenogenic drugs, out-of-body experiences, to being "filled with the Spirit". Christian author and barrister Charles Foster draws on these and many more to examine the biological evidence of what happens when people claim supernatural experiences.

Is there room left for God? Yes, says Foster, whose own experience of the Holy Spirit led him to research why our brains seem to be wired for God to communicate with us.

Susan Blackmore is an atheist and Professor of Psychology. She reveals how her own 'Out of Body Experience' as a student led to research that ultimately convinced her that no "supernatural" activity is needed to account for these type of phenomena.

They debate the issues, including whether Consciousness itself can be given a naturalistic explanation.

For Charles Foster see http://www.charlesfoster.co.uk/

To buy "Wired for God?" visit http://www.amazon.co.uk or click here

For Sue Blackmore see http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk/

To buy "Consciousness: An introduction" visit http://www.amazon.co.uk or click here

For more Christian/non Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast at http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 27 Mar 2010 - Former atheists conversion experiences - Is it evidence for God? Richard Morgan & Todd Pitner with atheist Gordon Livesey

Unbelievable? 23 Aug 2008 - Why there almost certainly IS a God: Keith Ward and Robert Stovold

Join the discussion at the "Unbelievable?" group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 10 Jul 2010 - Was Saint Paul mentally ill & the proponent of a hoax religion? - 10 July 2010

10 Jul 2010, 14:30

'B Strong' is a former Christian who lost his faith after examining the claims of the Bible. His booklet "Jesus is a hoax" claims, among many things, that the Apostle Paul was mentally ill due to his fanatical pre and post-conversion behaviour. It also claims Jesus is one of the greatest hoaxes of history.

John Tancock (JT) is a Welsh church leader and apologist. He engages the sceptical arguments on Paul and Jesus. He believes Jesus is one of the best attested historical character of antiquity and that the Apostle Paul one of his most reliable (and perfectly sane) witnesses.

They will continue the debate at the "Unbelievable?" Group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

For JT's Youtube apologetics videos see http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=john+tancock&suggested_categories=22&page=1

To get in touch with JT directly email john.tancock@ntlworld.com

For B Strong's booklets and blog see http://s2.webstarts.com/wowbooks/

For more Christian/non Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this discussion then you will probably enjoy:

Unbelievable? 3 Jan 2009 Bart Ehrman & Peter Williams - "Misquoting Jesus: Do we have the original writings of the New Testament?"

Unbelievable? 26 Apr 2008 Proof for the Resurrection - Evangelist Tony Costa & Atheist Ken Humphreys debate.

Unbelievable? 3 Jul 2010 - Is God a failed hypothesis? Pr 2 - Victor Stenger vs. David Bartholomew - 03 July 2010

03 Jul 2010, 14:30

Can we use science to ascertain whether prayer works? Data from a series of prayer experiments is part of the evidence that US atheist scientist Victor Stenger uses to build the case against God in his best-selling book "God: The failed hypothesis".

David Bartholomew is a Christian and Emeritus Professor of Statistics at the London School of Economics. He has written a paper contesting Stenger's use of data to disprove God as invalid.

They debate the issues on whether we can detect or disprove God using scientific methods.

For Victor Stenger see http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/VWeb/Media.html

For David Bartholomew see http://www.djbartholomew.com/

For the Science and Christian Belief Journal his paper will be published in http://www.scienceandchristianbelief.org

For more Christian/non Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 26 Jun 2010 - "Is God a Failed hypothesis - philosophically?" Atheist US physicist Victor Stenger vs. Prof of Sociology Steve Fuller

Unbelievable? 14 Mar 2009 - Fine Tuning of the Universe - is it evidence of God? Nicholas Beale vs Julian Baggini

To join the discussion visit the "Unbelievable?" Group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 26 Jun 2010 - Is God a Failed hypothesis? pr 1 - Victor Stenger vs. Steve Fuller - 26 June 2010

26 Jun 2010, 14:30

The first of two shows featuring atheist US physicist Victor Stenger, author of NY Times bestseller "God: The failed Hypothesis".

Stenger claims that Christian belief has been a block to science historically and that science has shown the Universe to look "Exactly as it would if there were no God".

Steve Fuller is Professor of Sociology at Warwick University. He takes issue with the current wave of scientific atheism and in his new book "Science" (The Art of Living Series, Acumen) says that science can't be done without the concept of God at its heart.

For Victor Stenger see http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/VWeb/Home.html

To buy the book "God: the failed hypothesis" http://www.amazon.co.uk/God-Failed-Hypothesis-Science-Shows/dp/1591024811

For Steve Fuller see http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/sociology/staff/academicstaff/sfuller/fullers_index

For "Science (Art of Living)" http://www.amazon.co.uk/Science-Art-Living-Steve-Fuller/dp/1844652041

For more Christian/non-Christian discussion shows visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievableor get the MP3 podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

Unbelievable? 6 Feb 2010 - Do we need God to Do Science? Steve Fuller and Thomas Dixon debate Intelligent Design and the Dover Trial

Unbelievable? 8 Nov 2008 - Richard Dawkins & John Lennox's Oxford debate - a review with interviews and comment

Join in the discussion at the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 19 Jun 2010 - Does the Bible condone slavery? - 19 June 2010

19 Jun 2010, 14:30

The Bible is often criticised for either supporting or not condemning the institution of slavery. So how should we treat portions of Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments that relate to slavery? Why does the Old Testament contain laws regarding the treatment of slaves? Does Paul condemn or affirm the institution?

Bob Price is a former US church minister whose doubts about the Bible led him to ultimately reject evangelical Christian faith. He says that the Bible is a book that reflects the time it was written in. Slavery was acceptable and the early Christians regrettably followed suit, and did not challenge the prevailing status quo.

David Instone-Brewer is a New Testament Scholar at Tyndale House, Cambridge. He says that, in its cultural context, the Bible goes as far as it can towards an anti-slavery message and that Christians have been at the forefront of anti-slavery movements.

For Bob Price see http://www.robertmprice.mindvendor.com/

For David Instone-Brewer see http://www.tyndale.cam.ac.uk/index.php?page=david-instone-brewer

For his Visual Sermons see http://www.visualsermons.co.uk/

For more Christian/non-Christian debates visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the MP3 podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 20 Feb 2010 - "Is Christianity Good for us?" US atheist Michael Shermer debates Scottish apologist David Robertson

Unbelievable? 2 May 2009 -"Did Jesus Exist?" - Apologist JP Holding & Atheist Ken Humphreys debate.

Join the discussion at the Unbelievable? group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 12 Jun 2010 - The Jesus Discovery - 12 June 2010

12 Jun 2010, 14:30

Dr Adam Bradford believes he has discovered a significant new insight into Jesus Christ. In "The Jesus Discovery" he explains why he believes that Jesus was not an unschooled peasant preacher, as many depict him. Instead, he claims that Jesus came from a middle class family and would have been schooled in Jerusalem's top school of Rabbis. This, he says, explains how the religious authorities treated him before and after his trial.

Is there evidence for this view, and what difference would it make if it were true?

New Testament Scholar David Instone-Brewer debates the evidence with Adam.

For "The Jesus Discovery" website http://www.thejesusdiscovery.com/

To order the book http://www.templehouse-publishing.com/books.htm

For David Instone-Brewer see http://www.tyndale.cam.ac.uk/index.php?page=david-instone-brewer

For his work on divorce & remarriage see http://www.instonebrewer.com/divorceremarriage/

For more Christian theological debates visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the MP3 podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 13 Feb 2010 - "What did Jesus really say about Divorce and remarriage?" - David Instone-Brewer debates Andrew Cornes

Unbelievable? 18 Oct 2008 - Why Should I believe in Jesus? Ex-Christian Norman Hansen vs. Amy Orr-Ewing of the Zacharias Trust

Join the discussion at the Unbelievable? group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 5 Jun 2010 - Homosexuality and the church - 05 June 2010

05 Jun 2010, 14:30

In response to listener requests Justin hosts two shows dealing with Homosexuality and Christian faith.

This second show addresses whether the church is homophobic in its attitude towards gay people. Would a gay person feel welcome at an evangelical church? Should practising gays be allowed to become church members or receive communion? Has the church focussed on the gay issue to the exclusion of all other sins?

Mike Dark of the organisation "Accepting Evangelicals" is a gay Christian in a same sex relationship. He says he experienced rejection and homophobia in his church when he "came out" as gay, but has since found a church where same sex relationships are welcomed.

John Richardson (who blogs as the Ugley Vicar) is part of the conservative-evangelical Anglican group Reform. He believes there is a line to be drawn when it comes to the church condoning same sex activity among its members.

Martin Hallett is the former director of The True Freedom Trust. As a Christian of homosexual orientation he chooses to remain celibate, believing the Bible does not condone same sex activity. But he says the church is often guilty of homophobia too.

For Mike Dark see http://www.acceptingevangelicals.org/

For John Richardson see http://ugleyvicar.blogspot.com/ or http://www.reform.org.uk/

For Martin Hallett see http://www.truefreedomtrust.co.uk/

For more Christian theological debates visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the MP3 podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 22 Aug 2009 - "Does religion make people unhappy?" - Christian Apologist Tom Price & Atheist Barry Duke

Unbelievable? 18 Apr 2009 - Peter Kerridge, Terry Sanderson and Andrea Williams - "I am A Christian" - are Christians being marginalised in society?

Join the debate at the Unbelievable? group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 29 May 2010 - Homosexuality and the Bible - 29 May 2010

29 May 2010, 14:30

In response to listener requests Justin hosts two shows dealing with Homosexuality and Christian faith.

This first show addresses the main scriptural passages that relate to homosexuality. Are the prohibitions against same sex acts in the Old Testament relevant to today? What is the correct interpretation of the apostle Paul's writing on "homosexual offenders" in Romans, Corinthians and elsewhere? Were Jonathan and King David gay lovers?

Mike Dark of the organisation "Accepting Evangelicals" is a gay Christian in a same sex relationship. He believes that Old and New Testament prohibitions on homosexuality need to be understood in light of their cultural context and that they do not preclude faithful, loving same sex relationships today.

John Richardson (who blogs as the Ugley Vicar) is part of the conservative-evangelical Anglican group Reform. He believes the remit of scripture clearly stands against all forms of homosexual behaviour.

Jeremy Marks of the gay affirming Christian support organisation "Courage UK" explains why they had a radical change of mind on same sex relationships in 2000.

For Mike Dark see http://www.acceptingevangelicals.org/

For John Richardson see http://ugleyvicar.blogspot.com/ or http://www.reform.org.uk/

For Jeremy Marks see http://www.courage.org.uk/

For more Christian theological debates visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the MP3 podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or via Itunes

If you enjoyed today's programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 24 Apr 2010 - "Grill a Christian" show - four atheists challenge David Robertson with their objections to faith

Unbelievable? 13 Feb 2010 - "What did Jesus really say about Divorce and remarriage?" - David Instone-Brewer debates Andrew Cornes

Join the discussion at the Unbelievable? group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 22 May 2010 - Sex outside Marriage debate - 22 May 2010

22 May 2010, 14:30

Evangelical Christians hold that sexual relations outside of marriage are against Biblical mandate and have negative moral and social consequences.

In modern society, as marriage becomes less common and most people are sexually active from their teens, is this belief outmoded and irrelevant?

Sue Meyer describes herself as an "Atheist freethinking feminist". She claims that Christian marriage has historically been used as a way of subjugating women. She says that the modern climate where people are at liberty to have sex with who they want, when they want is a welcome change.

Faith Forster is one of the founders of the Ichthus Christian Fellowship network of churches in the UK. She says that the Biblical principle of keeping sex within the marriage bond is given for the good of both individuals and society.

For Faith Forster visit http://www.ichthus.org.uk/

You can hear more Christian/non-Christian debate at http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or via itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 19 Jan 2008 Abortion - pro-life vs. pro-choice.

Unbelievable? 30 Jun 2007 - Are evangelical Christians too exclusive?

Join the discussion at the Unbelievable? group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 15 May 2010 - Peter Hitchens "The Rage Against God" - 15 May 2010

15 May 2010, 14:30

Peter Hitchens is a writer and regular columnist for the Mail on Sunday. Unlike his atheist brother Christopher, Peter is a committed Christian having himself been an atheist in younger years.

His new book "The Rage Against God" challenges the anti-theism of his brother and the 'new atheism', taking as its starting point a debate they both took part in two years ago.

He debates with atheist Adam Rutherford, a scientific broadcaster and writer, on whether society can function without a God-given moral compass at its centre. They cover issues such as faith, secularism, the church, atheist states and abortion in this wide ranging discussion.

You can buy "The Rage against God" at http://premier.org.uk/shop

For Peter Hitchens' Blog see http://hitchensblog.mailonsunday.co.uk/

For Adam Rutherford see http://adamrutherford.com/

For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or Get the MP3 podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 4 Jul 2009 - Peter Hitchens & Ibrahim Mogra debate "Is Islam or Christianity the best future for Britain?"

Unbelievable? 19 Sep 2009 - "Would Europe be better off as an atheistic or Christian society?" David Robertson, Ed Turner & Richard Morgan

Join the discussion at the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 8 May 2010 - Philip Pullman on the historical Jesus - 08 May 2010

08 May 2010, 14:30

"The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ" is the latest book from the pen of prominent atheist author Philip Pullman. It re-imagines the story of Jesus as the story of two twins - one called Jesus, the other Christ. It is the twin Christ who writes the history of Jesus, turning him into the God-man of the Gospels.

Philip Pullman joins Justin Brierley to discuss whether we should believe the Biblical stories of Jesus as historical fact or whether myth and invention are inevitable in the 2000 year old Gospel accounts.

Christian journalist Martin Saunders engages Pullman on his view of the Church and his scepticism of the miraculous while Bible Scholar Anthony McRoy challenges Pullman's view that the Gospels are the product of the mythologising and interpretation of its historical core. He particularly takes issue with Pullman's recasting of the resurrection as a fabricated trick to create the foundation of the future church.

For "The book of Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ" see http://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Jesus-Scoundrel-Christ-Myths/dp/1847678254

For a further debate between Philip Pullman and Rt Revd Lord Richard Harries courtesy of English Pen go to http://www.premierradio.org.uk/shows/saturday/unbelievable/features.aspx

For Philip Pullman see http://www.philip-pullman.com/

Martin Saunders is a contributor to Christianity Magazine and reviews the book in their June edition http://www.christianitymagazine.co.uk/

For Anthony McRoy on the historical Jesus see http://www.bethinking.org/bible-jesus/introductory/debunking-channel-4s-conspiracy-theory.htm

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 3 Jan 2009 Bart Ehrman & Peter Williams - "Misquoting Jesus: Do we have the original writings of the New Testament?"

Unbelievable? 29 Aug 2009 - and the Eyewitnesses part 1 : Richard Bauckham and James Crossley

Unbelievable? 6 Sep 2008 Christianity on trial pt 1: Can I trust the Bible? Atheist lawyer Ed Turner vs Theologian Andy Bannister

Jon the discussion at the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 1 May 2010 - God & Science - Denis Alexander & Stephen Law - 01 May 2010

01 May 2010, 14:30

Test of Faith is an initiative aimed at showing that Christian faith and good science are perfectly compatible. As the Tour reaches london on 19th May we ask "Do we need God, now that we have science?"

Denis Alexander is a biologist from the Faraday Insititute in Cambridge. As a Christian he believes that his science coheres with and supports his faith. Stephen Law of the Royal Institute of Philosophy believes that science together with philosophy can be used to refute the existence of God.

They discuss Evolution, the problem of evil, the God of the Gaps, the cosmological and fine tuning arguments for the existence of God and more besides.

For Test of Faith and the London Tour (Wed 19th May, 7.30pm at The London Institute of Contemporary Christianity) visit http://www.testoffaith.com

For Stephen Law visit http://stephenlaw.blogspot.com/

For Denis Alexander visit http://graphite.st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk/faraday/

For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the MP3 podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme then you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 27 Jun 2009 - "Is Christian faith at odds with science?" Atheist biologist PZ Myers & Christian biologist Denis Alexander

Unbelievable? 10 Jan 2009 Ehrman & Richard Swinburne - "God's Problem: does the Bible fail to answer the problem of suffering?"

Unbelievable? 29 Nov 2008 - Creation or Evolution - do we have to choose? Denis Alexander & Stephen Lloyd debate

Join the discussion at the "Unbelievable?" group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 24 Apr 2010 - Atheists Grill A Christian - 24 April 2010

24 Apr 2010, 14:30

We mix things up a bit this week with a different format. Four atheist listeners of the show get their chance to air their objections to Christian faith. Taking their questions and criticisms is Church pastor David Robertson, author of "The Dawkins Letters".

Martyn Frame asks "Would the Universe look different without God?". Trevor asks "What about Old Testament Laws that we find offensive?". Alex Bryce probes David on the Moral argument for God. David Moser questions whether the problem of suffering has been properly thought through by Christians.

The debate will continue online at the 'Unbelievable?' group of the Premier Community as each atheist posts up their questions and David responds. Join in at http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

For David Robertson see http://www.stpeters-dundee.org.uk

For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the MP3 podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme then you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 20 Feb 2010 - "Is Christianity Good for us?" US atheist Michael Shermer debates Scottish apologist David Robertson

Unbelievable? 13 Jun 2009 - The Moral Argument For God - Atheist Paul Orton & Christian David Robertson

Unbelievable? 17 Apr 2010 - Are we alone in the universe? Paul Davies & John Lennox - 17 April 2010

17 Apr 2010, 14:30

What does it take for life to get going in our universe? Is there intelligence in the stars or right under our nose? Renowned astrophysicist Paul Davies chats to Oxford Professor of Mathematics John Lennox.

A popular science author, Davies is also the Chair of the SETI post detection task force. His latest book "The Eerie Silence" which marks SETI's 50th anniversary examines the likelihood of the universe producing life elsewhere.

John Lennox is a Christian Mathematician and philosopher. He is the author of "God's Undertaker: has science buried God?" and has debated Richard Dawkins on several occasions.

Davies' work on the fine tuning of the universe for life has been sympathetic to theism. In this programme Lennox challenges Davies to look to design not just in cosmology but in the cell. They also chat about what the discovery of ET would mean for Christian theology.

For Paul Davies see http://cosmos.asu.edu/

For his book "The Eerie Silence" click here

For John Lennox see http://johnlennox.org/

For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or via iTunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 8 Nov 2008 Dawkins & John Lennox's Oxford debate - a review with interviews and comment.

Unbelievable? 14 Mar 2009 Tuning of the Universe - is it evidence of God? Nicholas Beale vs Julian Baggini

Join the discussion at the "Unbelievable?" group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 10 Apr 2010 - Seventh Day Adventism - 10 April 2010

10 Apr 2010, 14:30

An Inter-Christian discussion on the beliefs and doctrines that are distinctive of Seventh Day Adventists. Why do they hold to Saturday as the "true" day for worship and rest? Are they too legalistic? What about the failed prophecy of Christ's return that they grew out of? What should we make of founder Ellen White's teaching on "Investigative Judgement"?

David Burnett and Victor Hulbert of the SDA church in the UK respond to these questions raised by Doug Harris of the Reachout Trust in a friendly encounter seeking to understand more about the denomination.

For the Seventh Day Adventist Church see http://www.adventist.org.uk or http://tottenham.adventistchurch.org.uk

Watch Doug Harris, Victor Hulbert and Gerard Chrispin's TV debate http://www.adventistinfo.org.uk/about/world-in-focus.php

For Doug Harris see http://www.reachouttrust.org/

Hear more theological debate at http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or subscribe to the podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or via itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 8 Sep 2007 - Mormonism and Christianity

Unbelievable? 9 Feb 2008 - Bahai faith and Christianity

Join the discussion at the "Unbelievable?" group on the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 3 Apr 2010 - The Unification Church of Sun Myung Moon & Easter - 03 April 2010

03 Apr 2010, 14:30

The Unification church of Revd Sun Myung Moon (aka The Moonies) is often regarded as a cult. But what do they actually believe about Jesus and his death and resurrection?

Christian Nseka is a member of the religion and believes we need to see Jesus' death and resurrection in a new way. He believes that Christ did not fulfil his mission and that Revd Moon is the new Messiah.

Doug Harris runs the Reachout Trust, a Christian organisation seeking to engage with Cults and the New Age. He believes that Nseka's understanding of the Bible is skewed and he has missed the point of Jesus death and resurrection at Easter.

For Doug Harris visit http://www.reachouttrust.org/ or his TV show on Revelation TV http://www.revelationtv.com/progblog.php?progid=795

For Christian Nseka visit http://www.messiah101.com/

For more Christian/non Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 5 Jan 2008 Christianity and Freemasonry - serving two masters? Doug Harris & Michael Donovan

Unbelievable? 26 Apr 2008 Proof for the Resurrection - Evangelist Tony Costa & Atheist Ken Humphreys debate.

Join the discussion at the 'Unbelievable?' Group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 27 Mar 2010 - Religious experience - is it evidence for God? - 27 March 2010

27 Mar 2010, 14:30

Richard Morgan and Todd Pitner both experienced adult conversions from atheism to Christian Faith.

Morgan, whose conversion story two years ago has been told before on "Unbelievable?" questions whether atheists who rule out personal experience as evidence for God are acting consistently.

Todd Pitner who was converted two and a half years ago presents his own story and what he believes was a miraculous event. He now runs a website http://www.iloveatheists.com that seeks to answer the main challenges to Christian belief.

Atheist Gordon Livesey interacts with both stories as we ask questions such as - "Is a Christian's testimony their best evangelistic tool?" and "Is there more to evidence than a purely scientific approach?"

Want more? Todd, Richard and Gordon are discussing this show at the Unbelievable? group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

For Richard Morgan see http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/profile/RichardMorgan

and read his story here (p8): http://www.freechurch.org/pdf/monthlyrecord/sept08.pdf

For Todd Pitner's website see http://www.iloveatheists.com/

For his story see: http://www.iloveatheists.com/about_us/dear-friends

For more Christian/non-Christian debate audio visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the mp3 podcast at http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 12 Sep 2009 From Atheism to Christian faith via richarddawkins.net - Christians Richard Morgan, David Robertson and Atheist Ed Turner

Unbelievable? 30 May 2009 Reconciling Bible Contradictions: Christian Derek Tidball vs. Atheist Gordon Livesey

Unbelievable? 20 Mar 2010 - "Expelled" live audience debate - 20 March 2010

20 Mar 2010, 14:30

Hear the debate that took place after the "Unbelievable?" screening of Intelligent Design Film "Expelled" at Imperial College London in Feb 2010.

Against the film: Atheist Prof Susan Blackmore (Psychology, Plymouth) & Theistic evolutionist Prof Keith Fox (Biology, Southampton)

For the film: Prof Steve Fuller (Sociology, Warwick) & Dr. Alastair Noble (Former Inspector of Schools)

Panellists on both sides of the ID debate give their reactions to the film's claims that scientists are not free to question Darwinian evolution and the link the film makes between Nazi Eugenics and evolutionary theory. Followed by Q&A from the audience.

You can hear the second debate that took place in the evening at the "Features" page:

http://www.premierradio.org.uk/shows/saturday/unbelievable/features.aspx

For more Christian/non-Christian discussion shows visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievableor get the MP3 podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 16 Jan 2010 "Expelled" the Movie - Intelligent Design theorist Stephen Meyer vs. Atheist scientist Peter Atkins debate Intelligent Design

Unbelievable? 6 Feb 2010 - Do we need God to Do Science? Steve Fuller and Thomas Dixon debate Intelligent Design and the Dover Trial

Join the discussion at the 'Unbelievable?' Group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 13 Mar 2010 - Can we trust the Trinity? James White vs Anthony Buzzard - 13 March 2010

13 Mar 2010, 14:30

Is the doctrine of the Trinity to be found in the Bible? Was Jesus really "of one substance" with God the Father?

US Christian apologist James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries returns to defend the doctrine of the Trinity as he discusses key Old and New Testament texts with Sir Anthony Buzzard of the Restoration Fellowship.

James believes the doctrine of the Trinity is implicit and explicit at various points throughout scripture. Anthony disagrees and claims the Doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most costly mistakes the Christian church ever made.

For James White see http://www.aomin.org/

For Anthony Buzzard see http://www.restorationfellowship.org

For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the MP3 podcast at http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=267142101

If you enjoyed this programme then you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 10 Oct 2009 - "Jesus and the God of Israel" Is the divinity of Jesus at odds with Jewish Monotheism? Richard Bauckham & James Crossley

Unbelievable? 31 Jan 2009 - Christadelphianism - what it is and how it differs from mainstream Christian faith.

To hear Justin's "Tale of Two Megachurches" documentary mentioned at the end of today's show visit http://www.premierradio.org.uk/shows/saturday/unbelievable/features.aspx

Join the debate at the "Unbelievable?" Group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 6 Mar 2010 - Which is more trustworthy - The Bible or Koran? - 06 March 2010

06 Mar 2010, 14:30

James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries is on the show this week and next defending the Christian faith. Today he argues the Bible is historically more reliable than the Koran.

Adnan Rashid of the Hittin Institute argues for the Koran and criticises the transmission of Biblical writings.

How were both scriptures written and passed on? Among other things the Koran and Bible disagree on an important event - Jesus' crucifixion. So which should we trust?

For James White visit http://www.aomin.org/

For Adnan Rashid visit http://www.hittininstitute.com/

For more Christian and non-Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable get the MP3 podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=267142101

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 15 Nov 2008 Does the Trinity lead to polytheism? James White of Alpha & Omega ministries debates Abdullah Al Andalusi

Unbelievable? 5 Jul 2008 Which is more relevant to 21st Century Britain: Islam or Christianity?

Join the discussion at the "Unbelievable?" Group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 27 Feb 2010 - Faith in Britain - Andrew Copson of the BHA vs David Robertson - 27 February 2010

27 Feb 2010, 14:30

A year ago the British Humanist Association launched the "Atheist Bus Campaign" declaring "There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life".

Would we enjoy life and be less worried without belief in God in modern Britain? Where do humanist values come from? What about the role of faith in school and society? Their latest poster campaign urges that children should not be "labelled" with a faith position.

Andrew Copson Chief Executive of the British Humanist Association discusses the issues with Scottish minister and apologist David Robertson.

For the BHA see http://www.humanism.org.uk

For David Robertson see http://www.stpeters-dundee.org.uk/davidblog

For more Christian/Non-Christian debate visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable of get the podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 19 Sep 2009 - "Would Europe be better off as an atheistic or Christian society?" David Robertson, Ed Turner & Richard Morgan

Unbelievable? 2 Aug 2008 - Faith & School - do they mix? Jan Ainsworth & Andrew Copson debate.

Check out the "Unbelievable?" TV debate on "Christian Origins" that won Gold at the 2010 Christian Broadcasting Council Awards here. http://player.premier.tv//Premiertv.aspx?AssetId=23b04461-0eec-4668-bc56-b93d6df14693

Join the discussions at the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 20 Feb 2010 - "Is Christianity good for us?" Michael Shermer vs. David Robertson - 20 February 2010

20 Feb 2010, 14:30

Are societies better off with the influence of Christianity? Are Christians more caring than atheists? What role should faith play in society?

Just some of the questions explored by atheist Michael Shermer and Christian David Robertson.

Michael Shermer is president of the US Skeptics Society and Editor of its magazine "Skeptic". He claims that there are various ways in which Christianity has had a negative influence on society and that a Christian worldview is unnecessary for living a good life.

David Robertson is pastor of St Peter's Free Church in Dundee, Scotland and author of "The Dawkins Letters". He says that true Christianity has been a force for good and continues to empower people to live better lives.

For Michael Shermer visit http://www.michaelshermer.com

For David Robertson visit http://www.stpeters-dundee.org.uk/

You can hear more Christian/non-Christian discussions at http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 25 Jul 2009 - Do miracles happen today? Atheist Michael Shermer vs Christian Adrian Holloway

Unbelievable? 12 Sep 2009 - From Atheism to Christian faith via richarddawkins.net - Christians Richard Morgan, David Robertson and Atheist Ed Turner

Join in the discussions at the "Unbelievable?" group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 13 Feb 2010 - Two views on Divorce and Remarriage - David Instone-Brewer & Andrew Corn - 13 February 2010

13 Feb 2010, 14:30

This week: As part of Premier Radio's coverage of National Marriage Week we look at two different Christian views of Divorce and Remarriage.

Andrew Cornes is Vicar of All Saints Crowborough. He holds to the traditional understanding that Jesus taught divorce is only permissible for adultery, and that the Bible forbids remarriage.

David Instone-Brewer is a New Testament scholar from Tyndale House Cambridge. He believes the church has misunderstood Jesus teaching on divorce. He claims that Jesus was responding to "any cause" divorce - a Rabbinical view of divorce popular at the time.

They debate the Biblical and pastoral issues involved.

For David Instone-Brewer visit http://www.divorceremarriage.com

For his book "Divorce and Remarriage in the Church" (Paternoster) Click here

For Andrew Cornes visit http://www.allsaintscrowborough.org

For his book "Divorce and Remarriage: Biblical Principle and Pastoral Practise" (Christian Focus) Click here

For Christian/non Christian debate and theology visit http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via itunes

If you enjoyed this show you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 8 Aug 2009 Debating doctrine: Hell - Conditional immortality vs. Eternal conscious torment - James White debates Roger and Faith Forster

Unbelievable? 3 Jan 2009 Bart Ehrman & Peter Williams - "Misquoting Jesus: Do we have the original writings of the New Testament?"

Join the discussion at the ""Unbelievable?" Group of the Premier Community. http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 6 Feb 2010 - Do we need God to do Science? Steve Fuller & Thomas Dixon - 05 February 2010

05 Feb 2010, 17:00

As we look forward to the screening and debate around the film Expelled at Imperial College London on Sat 27th Feb (See www.premier.org.uk/expelled for info on extra screening & debate) two of the panellists join Justin to debate Intelligent Design.

Steve Fuller is Professor of Sociology at Warwick University. He features as a pro ID advocate in the film "Expelled" and was an expert witness in the USA "Dover Trial" of 2005 when ID was judged non-scientific.

Thomas Dixon is Senior Lecturer in History at Queen Mary University of London. He is critical of the film and the ID movement.

For Steve Fuller see http://www.warwick.ac.uk/~sysdt/Index.html

For his book "Dissent over Descent" click here

For his forthcoming book "Science: the art of living" Click here

For Thomas Dixon see http://www.history.qmul.ac.uk/staff/dixont.html

For his book "Science and Religion: a very short introduction" Click Here

Hear more faith debate at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this show you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 16 Jan 2010 - "Expelled" the Movie - Intelligent Design theorist Stephen Meyer vs. Atheist scientist Peter Atkins debate Intelligent Design

Unbelievable? 27 Jun 2009 - "Is Christian faith at odds with science?" Atheist biologist PZ Myers & Christian biologist Denis Alexander

For tickets to the newly added screening and debate on Sat 27th Feb at 6.30pm visit www.premier.org.uk/expelled

Unbelievable? 30 Jan 2010 - Where was God in Haiti? - 30 January 2010

30 Jan 2010, 14:30

Hundreds of thousands died in the Haiti earthquake of Jan 2010. Many more are still suffering. So where was God?

Can we believe in an all loving, all powerful God in the face of such suffering and destruction?

Roger Forster of The Ichthus Christian Fellowship argues that God suffers with those affected. Atheist Gordon Livesey believes that if God existed he would act to intervene. Nick Peters, who himself suffers from disability, argues that the existence of evil does not preclude a loving, almighty God.

For Roger Forster's book "Suffering and the Love of God" visit http://www.ichthus.org.uk/Shop/

To support the DEC appeal for Haiti visit www.dec.org.uk

You can hear more Christian/non-Christian discussion at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via Itunes.

If you want to hear similar programmes:

Unbelievable? 10 Jan 2009 Bart Ehrman & Richard Swinburne - "God's Problem: does the Bible fail to answer the problem of suffering?"

Unbelievable? 19 Apr 2008 problems with God - an Atheist and Christian philosopher debate

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 23 Jan 2010 - Abortion - Pro-choice Evan Harris MP vs Pro-life Sarah Macken - 23 January 2010

23 Jan 2010, 14:30

A re-broadcast of a compelling debate with listener input on the issue of abortion.

When does human life begin? Whose rights come first - the mother or foetus? Is disability grounds for abortion? Should the time limit for abortion in the UK be lowered?

This debate between Liberal Democrat Shadow Science minister Evan Harris MP and Pro-life advocate Sarah Macken is joined by listeners and emails as the questions get discussed from both perspectives.

For more Christian/non-Christian discussion visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may want to listen to:

Unbelievable? 19 Jan 2008 Abortion - pro-life vs. pro-choice.

Unbelievable? 12 Jan 2008 Human Fertilisation & Embryology - are we playing God?

You can join the debate at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 16 Jan 2010 - "Expelled" The Movie - Stephen C Meyer vs. Peter Atkins - 16 January 2010

16 Jan 2010, 14:30

The documentary film "Expelled" is presented by US Actor Ben Stein and makes the case that scientists who question Darwinian orthodoxy and support Intelligent Design are being "expelled" from academia.

As the UK edition of the DVD is released we ask "Is freedom of thought at stake or is Intelligent Design out of bounds when it comes to biological science?"

Stephen C Meyer is co founder of the Discovery Institute in the USA and a major proponent of Intelligent Design. Peter Atkins is Professor of Chemistry at Oxford University and an outspoken atheist.

They both feature in "Expelled" and join Justin to debate the pros and cons of Intelligent Design theory.

Mark Haville who is bringing the film to the UK also joins the discussion.

You can order Expelled the DVD (UK edition) at Amazon Play.com and HMV (click for direct links) or via http://www.christianvideos.co.uk/

For details & booking for the Unbelievable? Screening of "Expelled" and debate at Imperial College London in February visit www.premier.org.uk/expelled

For Stephen C Meyer's book visit http://www.signatureinthecell.com/

For info on Peter Atkins visit http://www.secularism.org.uk/prof.peteratkins.html

For more Christian/non Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast at http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 2 Jan 2010 - Is there design in biology? Intelligent Design proponent William Dembski vs. Biology Professor Lewis Wolpert

Unbelievable? 21 Feb 2009 - DNA & the origin of life - the cosmic fingerprints of God? Perry Marshall and Peter Hearty debate.

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 9 Jan 2010 - Bill Dembski & Norman Hansen on Natural Evil - 09 January 2010

09 Jan 2010, 14:30

William (Bill) Dembski is an American mathematician, theologian and professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, TX.

Bill returns to defend his latest Book "The End of Christianity" -an argument defending the Christian God against the argument of Evil.

How can natural evil and death that have existed for millions of years on an Old Earth view be reconciled to the view that the Fall brought these things into God's good world? Why does God answer some prayers and not others? Does free will exist?

Just some of the questions tackled by Bill as he engages with Former Christian Norman Hansen.

For Dembski's blog see http://www.uncommondescent.com/

For his book " The End of Christianity" Click here

For Norman Hansen see http://www.nrhansen.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/

For more Christian/non Christian debates visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 10 Jan 2009 Bart Ehrman & Richard Swinburne - "God's Problem: does the Bible fail to answer the problem of suffering?"

Unbelievable? 19 Apr 2008 Philosophical problems with God - an Atheist and Christian philosopher debate

Join the discussion at the Unbelievable? Group at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 2 Jan 2010 - Intelligent Design - William Dembski debates Lewis Wolpert - 02 January 2010

02 Jan 2010, 14:30

One of the world's leading Intelligent Design proponents joins Justin to explain why he believes biological life exhibits "specified complexity" that runs against Darwinian evolution.

William (Bill) Dembski is an American mathematician, theologian and professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, TX. He debates the issue of ID with atheist Lewis Wolpert, Emeritus Professor of Biology at University College London.

For Bill Dembski see http://www.designinference.com/ or his blog http://www.uncommondescent.com/

For Lewis Wolpert's Wikipedia profile see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Wolpert

For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or Get the podcast or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this porgramme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 18 Jul 2009 - Intelligent Design vs Evolution - Peter S Williams and Peter Hearty debate

Unbelievable? 30 Aug 2008 - Darwin vs Design - Dr. Tom Woodward & Peter Hearty

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 26 Dec 2009 - Are the two Christmas accounts contradictory? - 26 December 2009

26 Dec 2009, 14:30

Matthew and Luke are the two Gospel writers that include narratives of the birth of Christ. The traditional Nativity Story is an amalgamation of the two accounts.

Critics claim the two stories do not match up. Barrister Charles Foster wrote "The Christmas Mystery" to show that Matthew and Luke are different, but reliable accounts of Jesus' birth. Atheist Robert Stovold believes that the stories are a blend of Pagan myth and later invention.

Evangelical scholar Anthony McRoy also joins in the conversation.

They debate issues such as Matthew's use of Old Testament prophecy, the Virgin birth, Bethlehem as the birth place and whether Luke dates the Census correctly.

For Charles Foster see www.charlesfoster.co.uk

To buy "The Christmas Mystery" click here

For Robert Stovold and his booklet "Did Christians Steal Christmas?" click here

Hear more Christian/non Christian discussion at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 22 Dec 2007 - Did Christians steal Christmas?

Unbelievable? 20 Dec 2008 Virgin Birth: Fact or Fiction? Revd Michael Sayward debates Unitarian Sarah Tinker

Join in the discussion at the "Unbelievable" group on The Premier Community

Unbelievable? 19 Dec 2009 - What does science tell us about God? - 19 December 2009

19 Dec 2009, 14:30

Professor Lewis Wolpert is Emeritus Professor of Biology at University College London. Professor Russell Cowburn is Chair of Nanotechnology at Imperial College.

Wolpert is an atheist, Cowburn a Christian.

Following on from a debate at Gunnersbury Baptist Church, the two scientists tackle the question "does science tell us anything about God?" Wolpert believes it does - that belief in God is a product of evolution. Cowburn believes that both science and scripture witness to a God who reveals himself to us.

Their conversation ranges over evolution, the new atheism and whether God should reveal himself through the miraculous.

To hear their original debate from November 2009 visit http://www.gunnersburybaptistchurch.org/events/opentoquestion/

For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this discussion you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 21 Jun 2008 - Keith Ward on "The Big Questions in Science and Religion": Why Christians CAN believe in evolution

Unbelievable? 21 Feb 2009 - DNA & the origin of life - the cosmic fingerprints of God? Perry Marshall and Peter Hearty debate.

Join in the discussion at the "Unbelievable?" group of the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 12 Dec 2009 - Dawkins Debate on Atheist fundemantalism - 12 December 2009

12 Dec 2009, 14:30

Atheists Richard Dawkins, and AC Grayling recently squared up against Christians Richard Harries and Charles Moore for a debate on the motion "Atheism is the new fundamentalism".

Justin Brierley reviews the debate with audio clips from the speakers and Q&A session, as well as interviews with those who attended, including AC Grayling and the Chair of the debate Anthony Seldon.

For the full debate visit http://www.intelligencesquared.com/

For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 8 Nov 2008 Dawkins & John Lennox's Oxford debate - a review with interviews and comment.

Unbelievable? 19 Jul 2008 Masters of Apologetics Pt 2: William Lane Craig

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 5 Dec 2009 - Dan Barker on losing faith - 05 December 2009

05 Dec 2009, 14:30

Dan Barker was a Christian evangelist and musician for 19 years before he lost his faith. He tells the story in his book "Godless: How an evangelical preacher became one of America's leading Atheists". Dan is now President of the Freedom from Religion Foundation in the USA.

Charles Foster is a writer, barrister and traveller. A committed Christian he has written books defending the Christian faith including "The Jesus Inquest: the case for and against the resurrection". He says that, unlike Dan, when doubt came knocking he found the Bible to be trustworthy and the Christian story to be fulfilling.

They discuss Dan's deconversion, the case for the resurrection, and whether we are better off free from religion.

For Dan Barker see http://ffrf.org/about/bio_dan.php

For his Book "Godless" click here

For Charles Foster see http://www.charlesfoster.co.uk/

For his book "The Jesus Inquest" click here

For more Christian/non-Christian discussion visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 8 Mar 2008 Can we trust the Gospels?

Unbelievable? 26 Apr 2008 Proof for the Resurrection - Evangelist Tony Costa & Atheist Ken Humphreys debate

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 21 Nov 2009 - Muslim, Christian, Hindu debate on evangelism - 21 November 2009

21 Nov 2009, 14:30

Nov 15-21 2009 was the UK's first "Interfaith" week. To mark this, Justin Brierley hosts a discussion on how faiths should relate to each other when it comes evangelism and missionary activity. They discuss a document of Ten guidelines for witnessing to those of other faiths. But does the document stifle freedom of speech? Where should we draw the line between being honest and open and being offensive and demeaning in our interfaith encounters?

Andrew Smith of Scripture Union is the director of "Youth Encounter" helping Christian young people live out their faith amongst Muslims. He was involved in drafting 10 Ethical Guidelines for Christian and Muslim Witness in Britain.

Jay Smith is a Christian evangelist to Muslims with a "no-holds-barred" approach. He disagrees with aspects of the document and explains why.

Dr Muhammad Al-Hussaini is fellow in Islamic studies and Jewish Muslim relations at Leo Baeck Rabbinical College. He explains why he finds Jay Smith's style of evangelism harmful.

Jay Lakhani is Director of the Hindu Academy and represents a Hindu perspective on the issue of evangelism and conversion.

For the 10 Guidelines on Ethical witness click here

For Andrew Smith see http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/YouthEncounter

For Jay Smith's Youtube videos http://www.youtube.com/user/PfanderFilms for his view on Muhammad and Aisha Click Here

For Justin's documentary on Jay's evangelism at Speakers Corner "Up the Laddder in Hyde Park" Click here

For Dr. Muhammad Al-Hussaini visit http://www.scripturalreasoning.org.uk/index1.html

For Jay Lakhani visit www.hinduacademy.org

For more Christian/Non Christian discussion visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 15 Aug 2009 - Scriptural reasoning - Imam Muhammad Al-Hussaini, Rabbi Mark Solomon and Christian Dr David Jackson discuss holy scriptures

Unbelievable? 5 Jul 2008 Which is more relevant to 21st Century Britain: Islam or Christianity?

Join the discussion at The Premier Community

Unbelievable? 14 Nov 2009 - Alister McGrath interview - 14 November 2009

14 Nov 2009, 14:30

Alister McGrath combines a background in science with a passion for theology and apologetics. "The Dawkins Delusion" - his critique of Richard Dawkins and the New Atheism has been a bestseller.

In this wide-ranging interview McGrath shares his own journey of faith and why Christianity makes best sense of the world as he sees it. He addresses the way atheism is currently making its case, as well as fine tuning of the universe, the resurrection, heresy and much more besides!

You can read the Christianity Magazine profile of Alister McGrath here

For Alister McGrath's website visit http://users.ox.ac.uk/~mcgrath/

For more Christian debate and dialogue visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or Get the podcast or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy the following:

Unbelievable? 12 Jul 2008 Gary Habermas - American Masters of Apologetics pt 1 American Masters of Apologetics Pt 1: Gary Habermas

Unbelievable? 19 Jul 2008 William Lane Craig - American Masters of Apologetics pt 2 American Masters of Apologetics Pt 2: William Lane Craig

To join in the debate visit the Unbelievable group of the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 7 Nov 2009 - John Shelby Spong vs. Terry Boyle - 07 November 2009

07 Nov 2009, 14:30

John Shelby Spong is one of the most influential liberal Christians in the world and advocates that Christianity needs to re-interpreted for the modern world leaving behind supernatural beliefs. In his latest book "Eternal Life: a new vision" he claims that we need to transcend belief in God, heaven and hell to undesrtand what "Life in all its fullness" means.

Terry Boyle, Uk Pastor of Insight for Living, defends an evangelical view of Scripture and doctrine and asks "what is left if we gut Christianity of its core beliefs?"

For the Book "Eternal Life: a New Vision" click here

For John Shelby Spong visit http://www.johnshelbyspong.com/

For Terry Boyle visit http://www.insightforliving.org.uk/

For more Christian debate and dialogue visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or Get the podcast or via Itunes

If you want to explore some of the issues raised by Spong in this programme then visit:

Unbelievable? 29 Aug 2009 - Jesus and the Eyewitnesses part 1 : Richard Bauckham and James Crossley

Unbelievable? 20 Dec 2008 - The Virgin Birth: Fact or Fiction? Revd Michael Sayward debates Unitarian Sarah Tinker

Unbelievable? 15 Nov 2008 - Does the Trinity lead to polytheism? James White of Alpha & Omega ministries debates Abdullah Al Andalusi

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Email the show unbelievable@premier.org.uk

Unbelievable? 31 Oct 2009 - Preterist, Dispensational and Liberal views of The return of Jesus. - 31 October 2009

31 Oct 2009, 14:30

Matthew Chapter 24's "Olivet Discourse" records Jesus saying that his followers will see him "coming on the clouds of the sky with great glory" and that "this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened."

Two thousand years later Christians are still waiting for his return. We explore different Christian responses to the apparent expectation of the imminent return of Jesus in the New Testament. What do they make of other end time events such as The Tribulation and The Rapture?

Terry Boyle Pastor for Insight For Living in the UK describes his "Dispensationalist" understanding of this and other passages.

Dee Dee Warren describes her "Preterist" understanding of the passage and how she arrived at it.

Andrew Whyte describes his journey of coming to a liberal view that early Christian writers were mistaken in their expectations.

For more on Dee Dee Warren and Preterism see http://www.preteristsite.com/ or www.preteristblog.com where she will be posting extra responses to the programme.

For Terry Boyle and Insight for Living see http://www.insightforliving.org.uk/

For more Christian theology discussion visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 1 Aug 2009 - Debating doctrine - James White and Roger & Faith Forster debate predestination

Unbelievable? 30 May 2009 Reconciling Bible Contradictions: Christian Derek Tidball vs. Atheist Gordon Livesey

Unbelievable? 6 Dec 2008 Christian Zionism, Israel & the Church: Stephen Sizer debates Geoffrey Smith of Christian Friends of Israel

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 24 Oct 2009 - Christian conversion of Hindus - 24 October 2009

24 Oct 2009, 14:30

In light of Premier's Faith Without Fear campaign, this discussion between Anil Bhanot and Sunil Raheja addresses the tensions that exist when Christians seek to evangelise Hindus in India.

What is acceptable? Is the response of some Hindus justified? Is it wrong for Christians to state that Jesus is the "only" way to God?

To sign the petition for Justice for Christians in Orissa State, India go to www.faithwithoutfear.org

For Anil Bhanot see www.hinducounciluk.org

For Sunil Raheja see www.nlmg.org

For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also want to listen to:

Unbelievable? 14 Jul 2007 - Hindu & Christian concepts of God - Paul and Rohit

Unbelievable? 15 Sep 2007 Yoga and Christianity - is there a conflict?

Join the debate at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 17 Oct 2009 - The "Evangelical Universalist" is revealed - 17 October 2009

17 Oct 2009, 14:30

"The Evangelical Universalist" was published several years ago. The author claimed to be an evangelical Christian who believes that everyone will ultimately be saved. He published under a pen name, but recently revealed his true identity as Robin Parry, editorial director of UK Christian publisher Paternoster.

While Robin's views do not represent those of Paternoster, he tells why he has personally come to believe that the Bible teaches that everyone will ultimately be saved.

Laurence M Blanchard, a pastor and author in California responds to Robin's arguments and raises questions such as "what's the point of evangelism if everyone will be saved?"

Read Robin's blog here: http://theologicalscribbles.blogspot.com/

Read his blog as the Evangelical Universalist here: http://evangelicaluniversalist.blogspot.com/

Read about Laurence Blanchard here: http://http://www.charteroaklighthouse.org/about_us.htm

To order "The Evangelical Universalist" book:

Click here for the UK

Click here for the US

To hear more Christian and non-Christian debates visit the showpage at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy the original show when Parry's voice was disguised:

Unbelievable? 15 Mar 2008 Christian Universalism - Will everyone be saved?

For information on the Zacharias Trust apologetics training day mentioned at the end of the programme visit http://www.zactrust.org/

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 10 Oct 2009 - Jesus and the God of Israel - 10 October 2009

10 Oct 2009, 14:30

Many have suggested that Christian belief in the divinity and worship of Jesus as God was a late development, and that Jesus' early followers did not regard him as being equal with God. So was Jesus merely regarded as an "elevated" being? Was high Christology at odds with the Jewish monotheism of the first century?

New Testament scholar Richard Bauckham argues against these views. His book "Jesus and the God of Israel" claims that the worship of Jesus as God was both very Jewish and very early. Agnostic scholar James Crossley contests Richard's claims.

Click here for the book "Jesus and the God of Israel" (Paternoster)

For Richard Bauckham visit http://www.ridley.cam.ac.uk/people/rbauckham.html

For James Crossley see http://shef.ac.uk/bibs/staff/jgc.html

Listen to more Christian/non-Christian debates at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or via podcast or itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 29 Aug 2009 - Richard Bauckham on the Gospels - pt 1: Richard Bauckham and James Crossley

Unbelievable? 24 Jan 2009 - How did Christianity begin?" Pt 2 - James Crossley & Michael Bird

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 3 Oct 2009 - What picture of God does the Bible paint? - 03 October 2009

03 Oct 2009, 14:30

Andrew Wilson is an author and church leader. His book "GodStories" describes the Bible as "the gospel of God". He says the story is told in multiple ways of sins forgiven, shame removed, beauty restored, and meaning reinstated.

Atheist Norman Bacrac of the Ethical Society contends that the picture the Bible paints of God is not as beautiful as Andrew claims - for instance how can the story of The Flood tell of a loving God?

Find out about Andrew and GodStories at www.godstoriesbook.com

For Norman Bacrac and the Ethical Society visit www.ethicalsoc.org.uk

To hear more Christian/non-Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via itunes

If you enjoyed this show you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 25 Aug 2007 - Deluded by Dawkins? Andrew Wilson debates atheist Gordon Livesey

Unbelievable? 7 Mar 2009 - The Reason for God" - Pastor Timothy Keller & Atheist Norman Bacrac

Join the debate at the Premier Community's "Unbelievable?" group

Unbelievable? 26 Sep 2009 - "Creation" the movie review with interviews & debate - 26 September 2009

26 Sep 2009, 14:30

The film "Creation" is released in the UK Sep 2009. Telling the story of how Charles Darwin came to write "On the Origin of Species" 150 years ago, the film highlights the clash of evolutionary theory and Christian belief. The problem of suffering is also addressed in the death of Darwin's daughter Annie.

Justin Brierley interviews Randall Keynes, a great-great grandson of Darwin and the author of the book "Creation" that the film is based on. We also hear the discussion on evolution vs. creation that took place between invited guests (see below) at a church leaders screening of the film recently.

For the movie see http://www.creationthemovie.com/flash

For church resources see http://www.damaris.org/creationmovie

For Nicholas Beale see http://www.questionsoftruth.org/authors/

For Steve Lloyd see http://www.biblicalcreationministries.org.uk

For Charles Foster see http://www.amazon.co.uk/Selfless-Gene-Charles-Foster/dp/0340964367

Hear Christian/non-Christian discussion at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via itunes

If you enjoyed this show you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 14 Mar 2009 Fine Tuning of the Universe - is it evidence of God? Nicholas Beale vs Julian Baggini

Unbelievable? 29 Nov 2008 Creation or Evolution - do we have to choose? Denis Alexander & Stephen Lloyd debate

Join the debate at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 19 Sep 2009 - Would Europe be better off Atheist or Christian? - 19 September 2009

19 Sep 2009, 14:30

Christian Apologist David Robertson, Atheist blogger Ed Turner and Christian convert Richard Morgan return to debate the rights and wrongs of Christian and atheist influence in society.

For David Robertson's book "The Dawkins Letters" Click here

For David Robertson see http://www.stpeters-dundee.org.uk/

For Ed Turner see http://edthemanicstreetpreacher.wordpress.com

For Richard Morgan see http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/profile/RichardMorgan

For more Christian non-Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 13 Jun 2009 The Moral Argument For God - Atheist Paul Orton & Christian David Robertson

Unbelievable? 4 Jul 2009 Peter Hitchens & Ibrahim Mogra debate "Is Islam or Christianity the best future for Britain?"

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 12 Sep 2009 - Richard Morgan - from Atheism to Faith - 12 September 2009

12 Sep 2009, 14:30

Richard Morgan was a confirmed atheist for much of his life and a keen poster on the richarddawkins.net website. However, after becoming disillusioned with the mentality of some atheists on the website, he subsequently experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity in 2008.

He relates the story, along with Christian apologist David Robertson who had a hand in his conversion. Ed Turner a forthright atheist blogger (aka Manicstreetpreacher) joins the discussion as they look at the world of Christian and Atheist chat forums.

Chat to this week's guests at the "Unbelievable?" Group of the "Premier Community": www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

For Richard Morgan see: http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/profile/RichardMorgan

For David Robertson see: http://www.stpeters-dundee.org.uk/

For Ed Turner see: http://edthemanicstreetpreacher.wordpress.com

For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 21 Mar 2009 - "Challenging Atheist Myths" pt 1 Christian David Robertson & Atheist Adrian Hayter

Unbelievable? 6 Sep 2008 - Christianity on trial pt 1: Can I trust the Bible? Atheist lawyer Ed Turner vs Theologian Andy Bannister

Unbelievable? 5 Sep 2009 - Bauckham on the Gospels - Pt 2 - 05 September 2009

05 Sep 2009, 14:30

Continuing on from their discussion last week, believing and non-believing New Testament historians Richard Bauckham and James Crossley discuss whether the testimony of eyewitnesses in the Gospels is trustworthy.

Bauckham fills out his reasoning for the Gospels being credible eyewitness testimony of Jesus' life, while Crossley disputes whether testimony of the miraculous can be used as historical evidence.

For the book "Jesus and the Eyewitnesses" click here

For Richard Bauckham see http://www.ridley.cam.ac.uk/people/rbauckham.html

For James Crossley see http://shef.ac.uk/bibs/staff/jgc.html

For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 18 Oct 2008 Why Should I believe in Jesus? Ex-Christian Norman Hansen vs. Amy Orr-Ewing of the Zacharias Trust

Unbelievable? 12 Jul 2008 Masters of Apologetics Pt 1: Gary Habermas

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 29 Aug 2009 - Richard Bauckham on the Gospels - pt 1 - 29 August 2009

29 Aug 2009, 14:30

"Jesus and the Eyewitnesses" has been heralded as a paradigm shift in the way the authorship of the Gospels should be seen.

Richard Bauckham is the author of the book, which won the 2009 Michael Ramsey prize. He argues that the Gospels are based on eyewitness accounts and should be regarded as fundamentally trustworthy.

New Testament historian James Crossley discusses the implications of Bauckham's work and whether the Gospel of John was written by the disciple John himself, as Bauckham claims.

They continue the debate next week...

Click here For Jesus and the Eyewitnesses

For Richard Bauckham visit http://www.ridley.cam.ac.uk/people/rbauckham.html

For James Crossley see http://shef.ac.uk/bibs/staff/jgc.html

Listen to more Christian/non-Christian debates at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or via podcast or itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 3 Jan 2009 Bart Ehrman & Peter Williams - "Misquoting Jesus: Do we have the original writings of the New Testament?"

Unbelievable? 17 Jan 2009 A believing and a non-believing New Testament scholar debate "How did Christianity begin?" - Michael Bird & James Crossley - Pt 1

Join the debate at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 22 Aug 2009 - Does religion make people unhappy? - 22 August 2009

22 Aug 2009, 14:30

Many "New Atheists" have written books claiming that Christianity is bad for people.

Barry Duke is editor of "The Freethinker" - a longstanding humanist magazine and website that seeks to show why religion is bad for the world. Barry claims that most religious people are weighed down by guilt and that atheism sets people free.

Tom Price is an apologist with Damaris and the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. He says that his search for happiness was fulfilled when he found Christ as an adult.

For Tom Price see: The Damaris Trust www.damaris.org and the Oxford Centre for Christian apologetics http://www.theocca.org/

For Barry Duke see: http://freethinker.co.uk/

For more Christian/non-Christian debates visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 24 Nov 2007 "I Sold My Soul on eBay" - the friendly atheist at a church near you... Tom Price & Hemant Mehta

Unbelievable? 3 Nov 2007 - The "New Atheism" - Barry Duke and David Marshall Debate

You can also listen via podcast and Itunes

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 15 Aug 2009 - Scriptural reasoning - 15 August 2009

15 Aug 2009, 14:30

Scriptural Reasoning is an organisation committed to honest interfaith dialogue that promotes "better quality disagreement". Its founder Muhammad Al-Hussaini explains how they hope to bring greater understanding of the scriptures of the three Abrahamic religions.

He is joined by Liberal Judaism Rabbi Mark Solomon and Dr David Jackson, formerly of the London School of Theology. They discuss the purpose of interfaith dialogue and engage in some on-air scriptural reasoning on the theme of "servant leadership" reading from the Koran, the Torah and the Bible.

Find out more at www.scripturalreasoning.org.uk

You can hear more interfaith discussion at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 4 Aug 2007 - Judaism and Christianity

Unbelievable? 4 Oct 2008 - Does Islam or Christianity oppress women? Jay Smith and Mohamed Ali

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 8 Aug 2009 - Hell - two different views debated - 08 August 2009

08 Aug 2009, 14:30

What do Christians believe about the immortality of the soul and the justification for punishment? Has hell been lost as a doctrine in the modern church?

In their second inter-Christian encounter James White and Roger and Faith Forster explain their different view of hell. James White holds to an "eternal conscious torment" view - that those in hell are punished for all eternity. Roger and Faith Forster believe in "conditional immortality" - that only those in Christ are granted eternal life and those who go to hell cease to exist.

For James White see www.aomin.org

For Roger and Faith see www.ichthus.org.uk

For more faith debates visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or via podcast or via itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may wish to listen to

Unbelievable? 15 Mar 2008 Christian Universalism - Will everyone be saved?

Unbelievable? 1 Dec 2007 - Salvation: Grace or Works? A Jew & Christian compare approaches

Get involved at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 1 Aug 2009 - Calvinism & predestination - 01 August 2009

01 Aug 2009, 14:30

The first of two programmes focussing on inter-Christian debates over doctrine.

500 years ago the birth of John Calvin heralded the arrival of one who would have a momentous impact on the shape of world Christianity.

Calvinism is most often defined by its belief in predestination. Calvinist James White of Alpha and Omega ministries explains why he believes Calvin was right when he claimed that God's will alone controls the eternal destiny of humans. Roger and Faith Forster of the Ichthus Christian fellowship defend an Arminian view - that human freewill is part of God's grace when it comes to human salvation.

For James White see www.aomin.org

For Roger and Faith see www.ichthus.org.uk

For more Faith debates visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or via podcast or via itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may wish to listen to

Unbelievable? 15 Nov 2008 Does the Trinity lead to polytheism? James White of Alpha & Omega ministries debates Abdullah Al Andalusi

Unbelievable? 22 Mar 2008 Easter & the Atonement - does it make sense? Roger Forster debates humanist Marilyn Mason

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 25 Jul 2009 - Michael Shermer debates "Miracles" - 25 July 2009

25 Jul 2009, 14:30

You don't have to look far for claims of the miraculous. But what constitutes a "miracle" and do Christian beliefs in this area make sense?

Michael Shermer is a well-known atheist in the USA and Director of the Skeptics Society. He says miraculous claims always have a natural explanation. Adrian Holloway is a London Pastor and apologist. He claims to have witnessed the miraculous and says that Michael's skepticism is unjustified.

For Michael Shermer see www.michaelshermer.com

For Adrian Holloway see www.christchurchlondon.org/team.php

For more Christian/Non-Christian debate www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 17 Nov 2007 - Are miracles evidence for God? Miracles and healing - is it evidence for the truth of Christianity?

Unbelievable? 10 May 2008 The gift of tongues - faith or fake? The gift of tongues - Faith or fake? Gerald Coates, Mark Johnston & Stephen Pilcher discuss.

Join the discussion at the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 18 Jul 2009 - Intelligent Design vs Evolution - 18 July 2009

18 Jul 2009, 14:30

A re-broadcast of a classic debate that won a New York Radio Festivals Gold medal.

Peter Hearty is an atheist who says that Evolution alone explains the living world around us. Peter Williams, an Intelligent Design proponent claims that Evolution is a theory with serious problems that only an inference to design can explain. They debate, and we take calls from Christian and atheist listeners.

For Peter S Williams: http://www.arn.org/authors/williams.html

Peter Hearty recommends: http://www.talkorigins.org/

For more Christian/non-Christian discussion visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable

If you enjoyed this programme you may also like to listen to:

Unbelievable? 21 Feb 2009 DNA & the origin of life - the cosmic fingerprints of God? Perry Marshall and Peter Hearty debate.

Unbelievable? 30 Aug 2008 Darwin vs Design Darwin vs Design - Dr. Tom Woodward & Peter Hearty

Click here to get the podcast or via itunes

Join the debate at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 11 Jul 2009 - Islamic & Christian converts debate - 11 July 2009

11 Jul 2009, 14:30

Nabeel Qureshi converted to Christianity from Islam after being convinced that the weight of evidence was in favour of Christian faith. Yahya Seymour's story is the opposite - he became a Muslim after having a Christian upbringing. They discuss the issues in advance of debates coming up in London.

For more information on the debates from Sun 12 Jul 09 to Sat 18 Jul 09 see www.thedebateinitiative.com or www.answeringmuslims.com

If you enjoyed this show you may also want to listen to:

Unbelievable? 5 Jul 2008 Islam & Christianity -which is more relevant to Britain? Which is more relevant to 21st Century Britain: Islam or Christianity?

For more Christian/Non-Christian discussion visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable and get the podcast

Unbelievable? 4 Jul 2009 - Peter Hitchens debates Islam - 04 July 2009

04 Jul 2009, 14:30

Peter Hitchens is a well known journalist and Anglican Christian. Unlike his atheist brother Christopher, he believes Christianity is an essential bedrock for society. He says Islam will fill the spiritual vaccuum of Britain if secularists have their way.

Ibrahim Mogra represents the Muslim Council of Britain. He says that Muslims are only interested in living harmoniously within society.

They discuss Sharia Law, multiculturalism, religious freedom and more.

For Peter Hitchens visit http://hitchensblog.mailonsunday.co.uk/

For The Muslim Council of Britain visit www.mcb.org.uk

For more Christian/non-Christian discussions visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via Itunes.

If you enjoyed this show you may wish to listen to

Unbelievable? 1 Mar 2008 Sharia law in the UK - Muslims & Christian debate.

Unbelievable? 15 Dec 2007 Jihad & terrorism - Does Islam need to be reformed?

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 27 Jun 2009 - PZ Myers & Denis Alexander on Faith & Science - 27 June 2009

27 Jun 2009, 14:30

Atheist Biologist PZ Myers is an outspoken critic of Christianity. He believes that faith in God and science are contradictory. He debates theistic evolutionist Denis Alexander, Director of the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion. Is science is at odds with Christianity as PZ claims?

They touch on Fine Tuning, Rationality, and whether God is an inference to the best explanation.

For PZ Myers Blog: http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/

For The Faraday Institute: http://www.faraday-institute.org/

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 13 Oct 2007 Has science buried God? John Lennox & Robert Stovold

Unbelievable? 29 Nov 2008 Creation or Evolution - do we have to choose? Denis Alexander & Stephen Lloyd

Hear more Christian/non-Christian debate at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via itunes

Join the debate at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 20 Jun 2009 Before Nicea - what is the truth about Early Christianity? - 20 June 2009

20 Jun 2009, 14:30

What did the first Christians believe about Jesus? Muslim Abdul Haq, the author of "Before Nicea" claims that key doctrines of Christianity were formulated through later councils of the church. He says that there is no good evidence that early Christians believed in Jesus' divinity or even his crucifixion.

Evangelical Christian scholar Anthony McRoy counters Haq's claims, insisting that the key doctrines of Christianity were well established in the early church and are implicit in Scripture.

For Anthony McRoy www.west.org.uk

For "Before Nicea" by Abdul Haq click here

For more Christian/Non-Christian debates visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast

Join the debate at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 13 Jun 2009 The Moral Argument for God - 13 June 2009

13 Jun 2009, 14:30

Atheist Paul Orton contacted the show saying he was unconvinced by the claim of some Christians that morality must be based in God, to make sense. He claims that morality is a product of biological and social evolution and "the changing moral Zeitgeist" determines the morals we hold.

Christian apologist David Robertson claims that you can't make sense of "right" and "wrong" without reference to an ultimate standard - God. Anything else opens the door to moral nihilism.

Slavery in the Bible, racism and much more enter the discussion as they discuss the practical outworking of our moral foundations.

For David Robertson http://www.stpeters-dundee.org.uk

Click here for the apologetics course he is teaching in July 2009

For more Christian/Non-Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast

If you enjoyed this show you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 21 Mar 2009 "Challenging Atheist Myths" Part 1 Christian David Robertson & Atheist Adrian Hayter

Unbelievable? 26 Jan 2008 Morality - do we need God to be Good?

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 6 Jun 2009 A Skeptic in Narnia - 06 June 2009

06 Jun 2009, 14:30

Laura Miller was captivated by Lewis' Narnia stories as a child. As a teenager she learnt of the Christian parallels in the books and felt "cheated and betrayed". Find out why in today's programme and how she has come to terms with Narnia by writing "The Magician's Book".

Michael Ward is a leading expert on CS Lewis and author of "Planet Narnia". As a Christian the Narnia stories served to deepen his faith, and he has also recently uncovered a rich secret within the books that has gone unnoticed until now.

They discuss how the Christian Narnia affected Miller and some of the criticisms she levels at them in her book.

For Michael Ward see www.planetnarnia.com

For Laura Miller see www.lauramiller.org

If you enjoyed this discussion you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 8 Dec 2007 The Golden Compass - is it atheist propaganda?

For more Christian/non Christian discussions visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via itunes

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 30 May 2009 Bible contradictions - 30 May 2009

30 May 2009, 14:30

What should Christians believe about the "infallibility" of the Bible? Are the apparent contradictions that exist a problem?

Derek Tidball is the former Principal of the London School of Theology. He engages with atheist Gordon Livesey who has compiled a list of, as he believes, errors and contradictions in the Bible.

Find out more about Derek Tidball's books here

You can hear more Christian/Non-Christian debate at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 3 Jan 2009 Bart Ehrman & Peter Williams - "Misquoting Jesus: Do we have the original writings of the New Testament?"

Unbelievable? 14 Jun 2008 Biblical inerrancy - Can we trust the Bible through and through?

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 23 May 2009 Buddhism & Christianity in dialogue - 23 May 2009

23 May 2009, 14:30

Geshe Tashi Tsering has been a Buddhist monk since he was a teenager. He claims that fulfillment in life involves shedding negative mental states and embracing the enlightened understanding of Buddhism. We are the answer to our own salvation.

Sunil Shivdasani is a Christian from a Hindu background. He works with Christian Vision for Men. He explains why he believes Jesus is the true way to enlightenment, why he believes in a creator God and that we need help from God to be saved.

For Geshe Tashi Tsering see www.jamyang.co.uk

For Sunil Shivdasani www.cvmen.org.uk

For more Christian/non-Christian discussion visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 6 Oct 2007 Buddhism Burma and Christianity - the path of non-violence

Discuss this programme at the Premier Community

www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 16 May 2009 Angels & Demons movie - 16 May 2009

16 May 2009, 14:00

Angels & Demons is the sequel to the film "The Da Vinci Code" - both by Dan Brown. Is Angels & Demons as controversial as Da Vinci? Probably not, but some are worried at the way it represents the Catholic Church and the science/faith debate.

Justin is joined by Jesuit communications director Ged Clapson and Susan Fani of the Catholic League with their reaction to the film. Theologian & scientist David Wilkinson debates the science angle of the film with atheist Robert Stovold.

For the film see www.angelsanddemons.com

For Ged Clapson see www.jesuit.org.uk

For the Catholic League www.catholicleague.org

For David Wilkinson click here

For more Christian/non-Christian debates visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast or via itunes

Join the debate at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 9 May 2009 - Was Jesus the Jewish Messiah? - 09 May 2009

09 May 2009, 14:30

Jesus was a Jew. Christianity owes its birth to Judaism. But did Jesus represent the fulfilment of Jewish Messianic hopes and prophecy?

Jonathan Romain is Rabbi of a Reform Synagogue in Maidenhead and was recently named as one of the most influential Jews in the UK. He believes that whatever Jesus was, he was not the Messiah promised in the Old Testament.

Stephen Pacht is a Messianic Jew. He believes Jesus is the Messiah the Jews were promised, but has not been recognised yet by many fellow Jews.

For Rabbi Jonathan Romain www.maidenheadsynagogue.org.uk

For Stephen Pacht www.jewsforjesus.org.uk

For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy

Unbelievable? 24 May 2008 Jesus & Jewishness: are they compatible? Rabbi Shmuley Boteach & Michael Brown debate

Discuss this programme at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 2 May 2009 "Did Jesus exist?" - 02 May 2009

02 May 2009, 14:30

While non-Christians may doubt the miracles and resurrection of Jesus, few doubt his actual existence.

However, Ken Humphreys believes the evidence for Jesus' very existence is scant and that Christian belief in him is the result of "late and fake" accounts.

JP Holding is a vociferous defender of Christian history and doctrine and believes Ken's scepticism is unfounded and biased.

They examine the evidence both in and beyond the Gospels for Jesus' existence.

For JP Holding see www.tektonics.org

For Ken Humphreys see www.jesusneverexisted.com

Hear more Christian/non-Christian debates at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast.

If you enjoyed this programme you may also be interested in:

Unbelievable? 3 May 2008 - Josh McDowell answers tough questions on the Christian faith

Unbelievable? 18 Oct 2008 - Why Should I believe in Jesus? Ex-Christian Norman Hansen vs. Amy Orr-Ewing of the Zacharias Trust

Discuss this programme at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 25 Apr 2009 Euthanasia - 25 April 2009

25 Apr 2009, 14:00

Former UK Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt recently tabled an amendment to the Coroners and Justice Bill seeking to allow people not to be prosecuted for aiding others to die at overseas euthanasia clinics.

Those who oppose Euthanasia see this is as part of a strategy to change the UK law that currently prohibits assisted suicide.

In this edition of "Unbelievable?" Atheist Peer Lord Dick Taverne (Lib Dem) and Dan Boucher, Parliamentary Officer for Christian charity CARE debate the rights and wrongs of Euthanasia. Lord Taverne believes that the evidence shows Euthanasia is a caring way of dealing with those who are suffering, Dan Boucher believes it will herald a slippery slope to the devaluing of life.

Hanne Stinson of the British Humanist Association and Trevor Stammers of the Christian Medical Fellowship also contribute.

Should we accept the wishes of those with terminal illness that wish to die? Or are we creating a culture of death?

Hear more Christian/Non-Christian debate at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast

You may also be interested in listening to:

Unbelievable? 12 Jan 2008 - Human Fertilisation & Embryology - are we playing God?

Unbelievable? 19 Jan 2008 Abortion - pro-life vs. pro-choice.

For CARE see: http://www.care.org.uk/

For the BHA see: www.humanism.org.uk

For the Christian Medical Fellowship see: http://www.cmf.org.uk/

Join in the discussion at The Premier Community

Unbelievable? 18 Apr 2009 - "I am a Christian" - Are Christians being marginalised? - 16 April 2009

16 Apr 2009, 08:30

Premier is inviting Christians to sign the "I am a Christian" declaration at www.iamachristian.org.uk and stand up for their Christian faith. It's in response to the fact that over 100,000 have downloaded the National Secular Society's "Debaptism" certificate, renouncing childhood baptismal vows.

There have been a number of stories that suggest Christians are being restricted form being open about their Christian faith in the public arena, and now the National Secular Society is urging that hospital chaplains should not be funded by the NHS.

Premier's CEO Peter Kerridge explains why he believes the campaign will encourage Christian to be bold in their faith. Terry Sanderson of the National Secular Society explains why they want to take Christian influence out of the public sphere, while Andrea Williams of Christian Concern for Our Nation explains why she believes the rights of Christians are being challenged.

Sign the declaration at www.iamachristian.org.uk

For Terry Sanderson see www.secularism.org.uk

For Andrea Williams see www.ccfon.org

For more Christian/non-Christian debates visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast

If you enjoyed this programme you may want to listen to

Unbelievable? 2 Aug 2008 - Faith & School - do they mix? Jan Ainsworth & Andrew Copson debate.

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 11 Apr 2009 - Did Jesus Rise from the dead? An atheist perspective - 11 April 2009

11 Apr 2009

Steven Carr has a prolific presence on the internet as an atheist blogger and debater. He contends that the early Christians did not believe in Jesus' resurrection and that the Biblical views of resurrection are contradictory.

Canon Michael Cole is a veteran defender of Christian faith and responds to Steven's criticisms of the resurrection.

For Steven Carr see http://stevencarrwork.blogspot.com/

For Canon Michael Cole see http://www.nationwidechristiantrust.com

For more Christian/non-Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast

If you enjoyed this you may also wish to listen to

Unbelievable? 10 Jun 2007 Dead or Alive: the Truth of the Resurrection

Unbelievable? 8 Mar 2008 Can we trust the Gospels?

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 4 Apr 2009 Did Jesus rise from the dead? A Muslim perpective - 04 April 2009

04 Apr 2009, 14:30

Did Jesus rise from the dead? What if he never actually died on the cross?

As Easter approaches we hear from one of the best respected Muslim scholars in the world - Shabir Ally. He explains why he does not believe Jesus rose from the dead, namely because he never actually died upon the cross - he merely 'swooned'.

Christian Apologist Tony Costa presents his case for the resurrection of Christ and critiques Ally's belief that Jesus did not die.

For Shabir Ally visit www.islaminfo.com

For Tony Costa visit www.freewebs.com/tonycosta/

Click here for the "Unbelievable?" TV debate between Michael Bird and James Crossley on Christian Origins and the Resurrection.

To hear more Christian/non-Christian debates visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast

If you enjoyed this programme you may wish to hear:

Unbelievable? 26 Apr 2008 Proof for the Resurrection - Evangelist Tony Costa & Atheist Ken Humphreys debate.

Unbelievable? 15 Nov 2008 Does the Trinity lead to polytheism? James White of Alpha & Omega ministries debates Abdullah Al Andalusi

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 28 Mar 2009 "Challenging Atheist Myths" Part 2 - 28 March 2009

28 Mar 2009, 15:00

Are atheists guilty of misunderstanding morality and the Bible?

David Robertson is a Free Church Minister in Scotland and author of the best selling book "The Dawkins letters - Challenging atheist myths". He meets "atheist blogger" Adrian Hayter again to discuss the "myths" of Godless morality, the cruel Old Testament God and the Immoral Bible.

Read Richard Morgan's testimony here (mentioned during feedback at the start of the programme)

To buy "The Dawkins Letters" go to www.premier.org.uk/shopping

For David Robertson see: www.stpeters-dundee.org.uk

For Adrian Hayter see: http://atheistblogger.com/

For more Christian and non-Christian discussion visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable and get the podcast

You may also be interested in the following programmes:

Unbelievable? 6 Sep 2008 Christianity on trial pt 1: Can I trust the Bible? Atheist lawyer Ed Turner vs Theologian Andy Bannister

Unbelievable? 5 Apr 2008 Why I became an atheist - John W Loftus in discussion with Peter May

Unbelievable? 21 Mar 2009 "Challenging Atheist Myths" Part1 - 21 March 2009

21 Mar 2009, 15:00

Church minister David Robertson authored a series of Open Letters to Richard Dawkins after the publication of "The God Delusion" that sought to expose the flaws in his argument and the "atheist myths" that he was guilty of. Those missives became a book called "The Dawkins Letters: Challenging atheist myths" and has propelled David into the spotlight as he addresses sceptical audiences on whether Christian belief makes sense.

He debates with student Adrian Hayter also known as the "atheist blogger" online. Adrian disagrees with David's conclusions.

They debate "the myth of Atheist rationality and tolerance" & "the myth of the inherent evil of religion" Tune in next week for round 2...

To buy "The Dawkins Letters" go to www.premier.org.uk/shopping

For David Robertson see: www.stpeters-dundee.org.uk

For Adrian Hayter see: http://atheistblogger.com/

For more Christian and non-Christian discussion visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable and get the podcast

You may be interested to hear the Show of 27 Dec 08 - "Bits & Bobs end of year special" featuring David Robertson

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 14 Mar 2009 Fine Tuning of the Universe - 14 March 2009

14 Mar 2009, 15:00

The most recent scientific evidence shows that the universe had to be incredibly "fine tuned" in its fundamental constants to allow life. Is this the ultimate proof of a designer God?

Nicholas Beale believes so. He is the co-author of "Questions of truth" (WJK) with Christian physicist John Polkinghorne. Atheist Julian Baggini argues against Nicholas' conclusion.

To order "Questions of Truth" go to www.premier.org.uk/shopping

For Nicholas Beale see: www.questionsoftruth.org

For Julian Baggini see: http://julianbaggini.blogspot.com/

For more Christian/Non-Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable where you can also get the podcast

Join the discussion at the Premier Community

Unbelievable? 7 Mar 2009 "The Reason for God" - Timothy Keller - 07 March 2009

07 Mar 2009, 15:00

Timothy Keller started Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York in 1989. It now attracts several thousand members to worship every week. His book "The Reason for God" answers the questions he is commonly asked by sceptical New Yorkers. He engages with Atheist Norman Bacrac editor of the "Ethical Record" - a Humanist publication. They debate whether Christianity's exclusive claims are arrogant, and whether people alone can be the best judge of what is right and wrong.

For Tim Keller see www.redeemer.com and www.thereasonforgod.com

Order "The Reason for God" at www.premier.org.uk/shopping

You can hear more Christian/Non Christian debates at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable and subscribe to the podcast

If you enjoyed this progamme you may want to listen to

Unbelievable? 27 Dec 2008 - Bits & Bobs end of year special: featuring Bishop Tom Wright, Timothy Keller & David Robertson

Unbelievable? 26 Jan 2008 - Morality - do we need God to be Good? Gavin McGrath and Marilyn Mason

Discuss this debate at the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 28 Feb 2009 Mormon & Christian Dialogue - 28 February 2009

28 Feb 2009, 15:00

In 19th Century America Joseph Smith claimed to have been given a new revelation of God and Jesus Christ. Almost 200 years later, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints numbers more than 13 million members.

Justin explores the key differences in belief between Mormons and Christians as he meets two men breaking the mould of interfaith dialogue.

Robert Millet is a Mormon and professor at Brigham Young University in Salt Lake City, Utah. Greg Johnson is a Baptist pastor in the city who founded "Standing together" - an organisation aimed at building bridges of dialogue between Mormons and evangelical Christians.

Listen to more Christian/Non-Christian debates at www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or subscribe via the podcast

If you enjoyed this programme you may also want to listen to:

Unbelievable? 8 September 2007 - Mormonism & Christianity

You can visit Greg's ministry "Standing Together" at www.standingtogether.org

Join the discussion in the "Unbelievable?" Group at the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 21 Feb 2009 DNA - the fingerprints of God? - 21 February 2009

21 Feb 2009, 15:00

Could the DNA that makes up the building blocks of life of every living thing on the earth be the clue to a cosmic designer?

That's the view of Christian guest Perry Marshall. An electrical engineer by background, he is now a leading authority on information systems and the internet. He says that anybody who comes at the topic of how life originated from an engineering background will see that DNA is a code that needs a designer to create the information it transmits.

Peter Hearty is an atheist biologist. He says that science does not work when you dispense with the search for a naturalistic explanation for the origin of DNA.

Hear them both and let us have your views by email: unbelievable@premier.org.uk

For Perry Marshall's site: www.cosmicfingerprints.com

For Christians who disagree with intelligent design see: www.cis.org.uk

To hear more Christian/non-Christian debates see www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or pod cast

Join in the debate at the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

Unbelievable? 14 Feb 2009 "Darwin and God" - Nick Spencer - 14 February 2009

14 Feb 2009, 15:00

As the world marks Darwin's bicentenary, Nick Spencer of Christian thinktank Theos and author of the book "Darwin & God" explains where Darwin actually stood in relation to belief in God. Although Darwin lost his Christian faith he was never an atheist. Atheist biologist Robert Stovold argues that Darwin's "Big Idea" paves the way to atheism. Denis Alexander of the Faraday Institute also contributes arguing that belief in God and Evolution are complementary.

Order " Darwin and God" (SPCK) by Nick Spencer

For more christian/non-Christian debate visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast

If you enjoyed this programme you may also want to listen to:

29 Nov 2008 - Creation or Evolution - Do we have to choose?

21 Jun 2008 - Keith Ward on "The Big Questions in Science and Religion": Why Christians CAN believe in evolution.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 7 Feb 2009 "The Atheist's Bible" - 07 February 2009

07 Feb 2009, 15:00

"The Atheist's Bible" (Duckworth & Co) has been a bestseller in the USA. It brings together a mass of quotes from atheists, agnostics and more. Its compiler Joan Konner speaks to Justin Brierley about why she put it together and her own thoughts on atheism. She interacts with Christian apologist Peter Williams whose own book "The Sceptic's Guide to Atheism" (Paternoster) has just been published.

Joan and Peter debate whether atheism has some fundamental faith assumptions of its own, as Peter argues that atheistic naturalism is a self-defeating notion. Joan argues that Christianity is arrogant in its exclusive claims.

For Joan Konner see: http://joanwkonner.com/

For Peter Williams see: http://www.arn.org/authors/williams.html

Check out the "Unbelievable?" web page to listen to more programmes and get the podcast www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable

For more Christian/atheist interactions check out - 25 Aug 2007 "Deluded by Dawkins?"; 3 Nov 2007 "The New Atheism"; 26 Jan 2008 "Do we need God to be good?"

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 31 Jan 2009 Christadelphianism - 31 January 2009

31 Jan 2009, 15:00

On the surface Christadelphians look very similar to Christians - they read the same Bible, go to church, believe Jesus died for our sins and rose again. So what's the difference between a Christian and a Christadelphian?

Justin finds out from Christadelphian Andrew Bramhill and Baptist pastor Ken Brownell. Find out why Christadelphians don't believe in the Trinity or Jesus as the Son of God in the same way that Christians do, and why they believe that baptism is a necessary part of being saved.

Interested in discussion between Christians and those of other sects? Check out 8 Sep 2007 - Mormonism & Christianity; 9 Feb 2008 - Bahai faith & Christianity.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 24 Jan 2009 "How did Christianity begin?" Part 2 - 24 January 2009

24 Jan 2009, 15:00

Justin is joined for the seond time by New Testament scholars Michael F Bird And James G Crossley. Their book "How Did Christianity begin? A believer and non-believer examine the evidence" gives rival accounts of the cause of Christianity and its beliefs. This week they debate whether Paul believed Jesus was God and whether we can trust the Gospel portrayals of him.

Order the book at www.premier.org.uk/shopping

For Bird see http://euangelizomai.blogspot.com/

For Crossley see http://earliestchristianhistory.blogspot.com/

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 17 Jan 2009 "How did Christianity begin?" Part 1 - 17 January 2009

17 Jan 2009, 15:00

On this week's show (17 Jan 09) two New Testament scholars go head to head. Michael Bird is a believer, James Crossley is not. They have different conclusions about how the Christian faith began and have written a dialogue in their new book "How Did Christianity Begin - a believer and non-Believer examine the evidence".

In today's programme they debate whether Jesus himself beliived he was God, as revealed in the Gospels. They go onto discuss whether the bodily resurrection of Jesus is a plausible explanation for the birth of the early church.

"How did Christianity begin? A believer and non-believer examine the Evidence" is published by SPCK"

Order it online at www.premier.org.uk/shopping

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 10 Jan 2009 The problem of suffering - Ehrman & Swinburne - 10 January 2009

10 Jan 2009, 15:00

Bart Ehrman lost his faith altogether when he confronted the problem of how a loving, powerful God can allow suffering. In his new book "God's Problem" he states that the Bible contains different and unconvincing explanations to the issue.

Richard Swinburne is a reknowned Christian philosopher. He answers Bart's objections with arguments from his own book "Providence and the Problem of Evil".

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 3 Jan 2009 "Misquoting Jesus" Ehrman & Williams - 03 January 2009

03 Jan 2009, 15:00

Bart Ehrman is the US author of the bestselling book "Misquoting Jesus" (In the UK "Whose word is it?"). He calls into question the authority of the New Testament as scribal changes over time have changed the documents.

So can we trust the scripture? Bible scholar Peter Williams believes in the reliability of the New Testament and that Bart's prognosis is far too pessimistic.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 27 Dec 2008 End of Year apologetics interview special - 27 December 2008

27 Dec 2008, 15:00

A treat for the end of the year as Justin plays some exclusive content accumulated in the past year. NT Wright is among contributors to a feature answering common ojections to the resurrection of Jesus; New York Pastor Tim Keller on his book "The Reason for God"; and David Robertson author of "The Dawkins Letters". Happy new year!

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 20 Dec 2008 The Virgin Birth - for & against - 20 December 2008

20 Dec 2008, 15:00

Canon Michael Sayward believes that the Virgin Conception is an attested historical fact, and an essential doctrine for Christian belief. Unitarian minister Sarah Tinker believes it to be a "beautiful myth" that should not be taken literally. They debate and we hear listener phone calls, response to the last few weeks of programming as well as tackling the "Jesus is a plagiarism of Pagan Gods" argument.

Get involved in the discussion at:

www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable/forum/topics/virgin-birth-fact-or-fiction

For more defense of the Christmas story see the show of 22 Dec 07

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 13 Dec 2008 Atheist Christmas Comedy - Robin Ince & James Cary - 13 December 2008

13 Dec 2008, 15:00

Stand up comedian Robin Ince is hosting "A rational celebration of Christmas". Ricky Gervais and Richard Dawkins are among many other atheists on the bill. Comedy writer and Christian James Cary discusses with Robin whether Christianity and belief in God is irrational.. and there's plenty of jokes along the way..

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 6 Dec 2008 Christian Zionism, Israel & the Church - 06 December 2008

06 Dec 2008, 15:00

Does God have a continuing special convenant relationship with Jewish people? Should Christians be especially concerned for Israel? Two Christians with very different views tackle this week's subject. Revd Stephen Sizer has written extensively against "Christian Zionism", whereas Geoffrey Smith believes God still has a special relationship with Israel.

What do you think? Have your say on this discussion on Premier Community

For Stephen Sizer see www.stephensizer.com or www.christianzionism.org
For Geoffrey Smith see www.cfi.org.uk

For Unbelievable discussions between Christians and Jews see 24 May 08 & 04 Aug 07

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 29 Nov 2008 Creation or Evolution - do we have to choose? - 29 November 2008

29 Nov 2008, 15:00

Denis Alexander is the author of "Creation or Evolution - do we have to choose?" - his answer is "no". Denis believes Darwin's theory is perfectly compatible with belief in the creator God of the Bible. Stephen Lloyd of Biblical Creation Ministries disagrees - he says that the Gospel itself depends on the Adam and Eve story being literally true.

Buy "Creation or Evolution- do we have to choose?" at www.premier.org.uk/shopping
For Theistic Evolution visit www.cis.org.uk
For Creationism visit www.biblicalcreationministries.org.uk

If you enjoyed this programme you can find similar topics in our archive - 30 Aug 08; 21 Jun 08; 16 Feb 08; 13 Oct 08

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 22 Nov 2008 Pagan and Christian dialogue - 22 November 2008

22 Nov 2008, 15:00

What do Pagans believe? We find out from Mike Stygal of the Pagan Federation in London. What approach should Christian take when it come to sharing faith and understanding the way pagans see the world? Nick Stead and Steve Hollinghusrst regularly engage with Pagans at New Age Fairs.

For Nick Stead and the London City Mission see www.lcm.org.uk

For the Pagan Federation London see www.pflondon.org

For the Church Army see www.churcharmy.org.uk

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 15 Nov 2008 Islam and the Trinity - 15 November 2008

15 Nov 2008, 15:00

Christian apologist James White believes that the God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit is present in the pages of the Bible. Muslim Abdullah Al Andalusi believes that a Trinitarian God is a contradiction in terms. They debate whether it makes sense and whether the Bible supports it.

For James White see www.aomin.org

For Abdullah see www.youtube.com/mujtahid2006

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 8 Nov 2008 Richard Dawkins & John Lennox debate - 08 November 2008

08 Nov 2008, 15:00

Atheist Professor Richard Dawkins and Christian Professor John Lennox recently met in Oxford to debate whether Science has buried God. The discussion was sponsored by The Fixed Point Foundation. Justin Brierley was there, taking interviews with them both and those who watched. He presents a review of the debate with the interviews.

To order the DVD visit www.fixed-point.org For John Lennox's book "God's Undertaker - has science buried God?" visit www.premier.org.uk/shop

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 1 Nov 2008 The Atheist Bus Campaign - 01 November 2008

01 Nov 2008, 15:00

Atheists are funding a campaign that will see London buses bearing the poster "There is probably no god. Now stop worrying and get on with your life". Its the brainchild of Ariane Sherine and has been backed by Richard Dawkins. We discuss the campaign, whether there really is no God and what it means for morality if there isn't.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 25 Oct 2008 Is religion responsible for war? - 25 October 2008

25 Oct 2008, 15:00

Atheist Ed Turner, in common with the new atheists, believes that religion is bad for the world because of the conflict it causes across the world. Historian and Christian Meic Pearse who wrote the bestseller "Why the rest hates the West" says that a proper understanding of history shows the opposite - that secular regimes are bad for the world.

Order Meic's new book "The Gods of War" at www.premier.org.uk/shop

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 18 Oct 2008 Why should I believe in Jesus? Amy Orr Ewing - 18 October 2008

18 Oct 2008, 15:00

Norman Hansen lost his faith partly because of coming to doubt the historical reliability of the Bible and Jesus. Amy Orr-Ewing spends her time defending the Bible around the world -she says belief in Jesus is perfectly rational.

For more info on Amy's ministry www.zactrust.org

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 11 Oct 2008 The Alpha Course - atheist/Christian dialogue - 11 October 2008

11 Oct 2008, 15:00

The Alpha Course has become the most successful evangelistic course around the world. Atheist Michael Marsden went on the course at Holy Trinity Brompton - he didn't become a Christian and explains why. Church pastor Nigel Desborough defends the course and its value.

Book mention - Timothy Keller - "The Reason For God". Pub. Hodder & Stoughton

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 4 Oct 2008 Does Islam oppress women? - 04 October 2008

04 Oct 2008, 15:00

Many Islamic women wear veils or even full coverings. What does the Koran teach about women? Are they oppressed in Islam? What about the Biblical treatment of women? Christian Evangelist Jay Smith and Mohamed Ali of the Islam channel debate.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 27 Sep 2008 Zoroastrianism - 27 September 2008

27 Sep 2008, 15:00

Justin is joined by Zoroastrian priest Rostam Bhedwar, Almut Hintze who has studied the religion extensively and Omar Ralf, the Premier listener who sparked this discussion. Richard Sudworth of the Church Mission Society also joins in to explore the essential differences between Christianity and Zoroastrianism.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 20 Sep 2008 Infidel Guy show link up - 20 September 2008

20 Sep 2008, 15:00

In what could be a radio first, "Unbelievable?" links up with "The Infidel Guy" show and talks to its atheist host Reginald Finley. They debate the question: "Which makes more sense: Atheism or Christianity?". See the Infidel Guy's website at www.infidelguy.com

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 13 Sep 2008 Christianity on Trial - Part 2 - 13 September 2008

13 Sep 2008, 15:00

Atheist lawyer Ed Turner and Theologian Andy Bannister return to debate whether Jesus and the Bible are a good guide for morality. Ed believes that certain episodes in the Gospels suggest Jesus is actually an evil person. Andy defends Jesus, the gospel and Christian ethics.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 6 Sep 2008 Christianity on Trial - Part 1 - 06 September 2008

06 Sep 2008, 15:00

Ed Turner is a lawyer from Liverpool who contacted the programme saying he wants to put Christianity and the Bible on Trial. In this programme he presents his case against trusting the scriptural accounts. Andy Bannister in defence believes that the Bible is a historically valid document. Continued next week...

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 30 Aug 2008 Darwin vs Design - 30 August 2008

30 Aug 2008, 15:00

Well known USA Intelligent Design advocate Tom Woodward takes on the National Secular Society's science representative Pete Hearty. Does the new evidence in biological science point towards an ultimate creator? Other guests also join the fray...

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 23 Aug 2008 Why there IS a God - Keith Ward - 23 August 2008

23 Aug 2008, 15:00

Former Regius professor of Divinity at Oxford University Keith Ward has written a response book to The God Delusion on why Dawkins' philosophical arguments against God are wrong. Atheist scientist Robert Stovold defends Dawkins "naturalism" view.

To buy Ward's book "Why there almost certainly is a God" go to http://shop.premier.org.uk/

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 16 Aug 2008 Disappointment with Church - 16 August 2008

16 Aug 2008, 15:00

Jonathan Castro runs an anti-church website. He believes in Christianity but says he has never felt like he has connected with God, and certainly not in church. Find out if Pastor Nigel Desborough of Forest Hill Community Church has any words of help for him.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 9 Aug 2008 Norman Geisler - American Masters of Apologetics pt 4 - 09 August 2008

09 Aug 2008, 15:00

An in depth interview with veteran apologist Norman Geisler who co-founded the Southern Evangleical Seminary in North Carolina.

Miracles, Jesus, the Bible, inerrancy and apparent contradictions all come under the spotlight. The last in the series interviewing ket Christian thinkers from the States.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 2 Aug 2008 Faith & School - do they mix? - 02 August 2008

02 Aug 2008, 15:00

Should the Government fund schools that promote Christianity? Church of England spokesperson on Education Jan Ainsworth says that a faith ethos is a good thing for a school. Andrew Copson of the British Humanist Association says that's not true.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 26 Jul 2008 Alvin Plantinga - American Masters of Apologetics pt 3 - 26 July 2008

26 Jul 2008, 15:00

Justin is joined by seasoned Christian philosopher Alvin Plantinga as they explore the problem of Evil and why Dawkins should have stuck to biology.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 19 Jul 2008 William Lane Craig - American Masters of Apologetics pt 2 - 19 July 2008

19 Jul 2008, 15:00

Justin continues his chats across the pond during July as he interviews William Lane Craig, one of the wrold's foremost Christian aoplogists and philosophers. His book "Reasonable Faith" now in its 3rd edition is a staple part of any Apologetics library. Order it at the Premier shop www.premier.org.uk/shop

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 12 Jul 2008 Gary Habermas - American Masters of Apologetics pt 1 - 12 July 2008

12 Jul 2008, 15:00

In a break with the usual format of the show, Justin begins a series of in depth interviews with some of today's leading State-side Christian thinkers and defenders of the Faith.

Gary Habermas is a world authority on the resurrection of Jesus. He presents his method for establishing the truth of the risen Christ.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 5 Jul 2008 Islam & Christianity -which is more relevant to Britain? - 05 July 2008

05 Jul 2008, 15:00

Muslim guests Adnan Rashid and Hamza Tzsortist join Justin Brierley as they defend Islam's record and suitability for Britain against Christian evangelist and apologist Jay Smith and Beth Grove.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 28 Jun 2008 Communism & Christianity - 28 June 2008

28 Jun 2008, 15:00

Justin is joined by atheist Jack Conrad of the Communist Party of Great Britain. He says belief in God is a relic of the past. Jonathan Bartley argues that Jesus Christ and the message He brought is the real answer to the Communist's hopes and dreams.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.

Unbelievable? 21 Jun 2008 A Case for theistic evolution - Keith Ward - 21 June 2008

21 Jun 2008, 15:00

Keith Ward, former Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford University and priest in the Church of England explains why as a "theistic evolutionist" he believes Evolution and belief in God are compatible. Atheist Scientist Robert Stovold holds that there is no reason to believe in God alongside evolution. You can find Keith's book "The Big Questions in Science and Religion" at http://shop.premier.org.uk/

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.
Join the discussion on the Premier Community www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable.