Best Andrew Copson Podcasts (2025)

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Classic: Can Humanism Exist Independently of Christian Influence? Theo Hobson & Andrew Copson 59:32

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4d ago59:32

59:32

Justin Brierley moderates a thought-provoking discussion between Theo Hobson, author of 'God Created Humanism,' and Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of the British Humanist Association. The conversation examines whether humanist values of equality and human dignity are rooted in Christianity's shaping of Western culture or can develop independently f…

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Is Empathy a Sin? Can caring too much ever become morally wrong? Dr. Joe Rigney and Dr. Alastair Roberts 1:13:28

16h ago1:13:28

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Joe Rigney calls empathy a sin. Alastair Roberts says not so fast. Who’s right?Today, we explore a question at the heart of pastoral care, public witness, and Christian leadership: Is empathy a virtue to be cultivated or a vice to be resisted? Professor Joe Rigney and Dr Alastair Roberts joined Andy Kind. Joe is the author of The Sin of Empathy, a …

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EP 65 – Anjali Goswami on humanity’s interconnectedness with the world, ‘selfish nihilism’, and a childhood encounter with a tiger 39:23

3d ago39:23

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Andrew Copson speaks to Professor of Palaeobiology and Humanists UK patron Anjali Goswami about how her study of the history of life on Earth profoundly shapes her humanist worldview and sense of interconnectedness. Anjali discusses how a childhood encounter with a tiger has led the course of her career as well as humanity's responsibility towards …

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Heaven: Dinosaurs, Angels, and Reincarnation? A Mind-Bending Look at the Afterlife 1:17:43

8d ago1:17:43

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This week on Unbelievable. Do animals go to heaven? Do humans become angels? Do we start families in the afterlife? And what about reincarnation? Is that really off the table for Christians?Andy Kind spoke with Princeton theologian Dr. Dale Allison Jr. and rising scholar Andrew Hronich for a mind-expanding conversation on heaven, what it is, who's …

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EP 64 – Lizzi Collinge MP on millennials modernising parliament, living the one life we have, and the joys of being an MP 34:52

10d ago34:52

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Andrew Copson speaks to Labour MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group, Lizzi Collinge, about the practical application of humanist principles within the often-turbulent world of politics. It's a glimpse into the unique challenges and 'profound' rewards of being a humanist voice in Westminster, and how…

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Classic: Is the Turin Shroud the burial cloth of Christ? Alan Whanger vs Hugh Farey 1:01:48

11d ago1:01:48

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More than a decade ago, Unbelievable? brought together two experts with very different conclusions about the Shroud of Turin—one of the most mysterious and debated Christian relics. Dr Alan Whanger, who devoted years to studying the Shroud, claimed to identify faint images and markings that point to its origins in 1st-century Israel. Meanwhile, Hug…

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The Mystery of Morality | Alex O'Connor, Richard Swinburne, Jessica Frazier and Peter Singer hosted by Jack Symes 1:41:35

15d ago1:41:35

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What grounds morality... and who counts? Is morality hardwired into us by evolution, shaped by culture, or guided by religion? In this live edition of the Unbelievable? Podcast recorded in London and hosted by public philosopher Jack Symes, four leading thinkers explore the origins and future of ethical thought.From the role of emotions in our mora…

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EP 63 – James Forder on old fashioned liberalism, the finiteness of our existence, and free enterprise as a moral force 49:05

17d ago49:05

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Andrew Copson speaks to economist James Forder about his view on individual freedom and limited government as a self described 'old-fashioned liberal'. He discusses his belief in free enterprise as not just an economic engine but a powerful moral good that fosters self-reliance and the pursuit of individual goals. He also delves into the profound p…

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Classic: Debating Intelligent Design – Jonathan McLatchie v Cory Markum 1:07:32

18d ago1:07:32

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In this 2015 episode of Unbelievable, host Justin Brierley moderates a discussion between Christian advocate for Intelligent Design Jonathan McLatchie and atheist blogger Corey Markum. The debate centres on whether God or another form of intelligence is the best explanation for the complexity and apparent design observed in nature. The conversation…

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Are we slaves to our genes? Denis Alexander vs Dr Simon Walker-Samuel hosted by Andy Kind 47:04

22d ago47:04

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Are we slaves to our genes, and is who we are already written in our DNA? In this live edition of Unbelievable?, recorded at Aylesbury High School, Andy Kind is joined by humanist physicist Dr. Simon Walker-Samuel and Christian biologist Dr. Denis Alexander for a lively and thought-provoking debate on genetics, free will, and what makes us… us. Fro…

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EP 62 – Kate Devlin on human adaptability in an AI world, AI's ethical challenges, and our obsession with sex robots 30:57

24d ago30:57

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Andrew Copson speaks to a leading voice in human-technology interaction, Dr Kate Devlin, about becoming the unexpected 'face of sex robots' and why our fascination with artificial companions reveals more about us than the machines. Kate discusses repeating patterns of human fear and adaptation in the face of new technology, the critical ethical cha…

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Classic: When faith fails how do you navigate doubt? Dominic Done and Andrew Whyte 1:13:20

25d ago1:13:20

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In this classic, Unbelievable? podcast episode hosted by Justin Brierley, the discussion centres around the nuanced relationships between faith and doubt from 2019. Senior Pastor Dominic Done talks about his book 'When Faith Fails,' sharing his journey through a significant period of questioning and how he rebuilt his faith. In contrast, Andrew Why…

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The universe’s greatest mystery: God or Science? with cosmologists Dr Niayesh Afshordi, Dr Hugh Ross and Atheist Phil Halper 1:16:05

29d ago1:16:05

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What really happened 14 billion years ago? Was there a Big Bang - or are we on the brink of a bold new origin story?This week on Unbelievable?, Andy Kind hosts a mind-expanding cosmic debate with two leading cosmologists, Dr Niayesh Afshordi and Dr Hugh Ross, joined by science communicator and Battle of the Big Bang co-author, Phil Halper.Are we s…

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EP 61 – Sarah Bakewell on the joy of biography and what it means to be human 38:26

1M ago38:26

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Andrew Copson speaks to bestselling author Sarah Bakewell who discusses her intellectual journey through the lives and ideas of history's great thinkers. From Montaigne's enduring wisdom to the existentialists' quest for meaning and the rich tapestry of humanism, Sarah discusses how she uncovers the 'inhabited philosophy' of fascinating individuals…

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Classic: Tom Wright meets Tom Holland on St Paul 1:00:29

1M ago1:00:29

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A must-hear clash of minds from 2018: when two Toms – world-renowned Bible scholar NT Wright and bestselling historian Tom Holland – met on Unbelievable? podcast to discuss Paul: A Biography (SPCK).Wright unpacks the life, character and world-changing mission of St Paul. Holland, though agnostic, shares why Paul’s message shocked the Roman world an…

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Can therapy alone heal the soul? Two Psychiatrists Treating BPD & NPD Explore the Search for Meaning 1:18:53

1M ago1:18:53

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Can Therapy Heal the Soul?Exploring BPD, NPD and Meaning in Christian and Secular PsychiatryToday we’re asking: Can therapy heal the soul? We’ll be exploring two complex and often misunderstood conditions - borderline personality disorder (BPD) and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) - through both Christian and secular perspectives. What happ…

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EP 60 – Ian Dunt on the uncomfortable truth of liberalism, populism on the rise, and freedom to Vs freedom from 31:52

1M ago31:52

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Andrew Copson speaks to journalist and political powerhouse Ian Dunt about the uncomfortable truths of liberalism, the rise of populism, and tensions between freedom to Vs freedom from. This episode was recorded in January 2024. What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the philosopher EM Forster in…

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Classic: Putin's War - The Spiritual and Ideological Battle Behind the Invasion of Ukraine 1:03:05

1M ago1:03:05

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Originally recorded in March 2022, this classic Unbelievable? takes us back to the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As the world grappled with the shock of war, this conversation sought to uncover a deeper layer of the conflict — its religious and ideological roots.Justin Brierley is joined by Father Cyril Hovorun, a Ukrainian Orthodox p…

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Adult Conversion vs Leaving the Faith: What’s More Meaningful? Matthew Su & Nathan Ormond | Schools Debate Special 57:03

1M ago57:03

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Is it more meaningful to convert to Christianity as an adult—or to leave it behind after growing up in the faith? In this special schools debate, host Sam McKee is joined by Matthew Su, a Christian convert and Cambridge PhD candidate, and Nathan Ormond, ex-Christian and YouTuber at Digital Gnosis. With big questions from teenage students, the episo…

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EP 59 – Jane Fallon on her journey to veganism, a lifelong love for animals, and 'Chick Noir' 31:09

2M ago31:09

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Andrew Copson speaks to acclaimed novelist and Humanists UK patron Jane Fallon about the beliefs that have shaped her journey from vegetarianism to veganism, her lifelong love for animals, and her transition from TV producer to the author of 14 bestselling books. What I Believe was the title of two separate essays by the philosopher Bertrand Russel…

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Classic: An ex-atheist faces off with an ex-Christian 59:43

2M ago59:43

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Holly Ordway is the Cardinal Francis George Professor of Faith and Culture at the Word on Fire Institute and a Visiting Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University. She holds a PhD in English and serves as a subject editor for the Journal of Inklings Studies. A regular guest on The CS Lewis Podcast, Holly has a deep passion for explori…

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Is the natural world evidence of design, or the result of random processes? Rachel G Jordan vs Michael Shermer hosted by Andy Kind 1:11:42

2M ago1:11:42

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In this episode of Premier Unbelievable? comedian and host Andy Kind welcomes marine biologist and Christian author Rachel G. Jordan, author of If the Ocean has a Soul, and sceptic science-historian Dr Michael Shermer, founder of Skeptic Magazine and author of The Moral Arc, for a dynamic conversation exploring whether nature reveals divine purpose…

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EP 58 – Alf Dubs on escaping the Nazis, memories of the NHS 'the day it all began', and xenophobia in 1940s UK 27:38

2M ago27:38

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Andrew Copson speaks to Labour peer, campaigner, humanist, and former child refugee Lord Alf Dubs who shares the beliefs that have shaped his lifelong quest for social justice, including a childhood encounter with discrimination in 1940s UK and finding himself unexpectedly part of history as a hospital patient on the day the NHS began. He also open…

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Classic: Is War ever justified? Just War, Darwinism and Christianity | Michael Ruse vs Nigel Biggar. 1:01:25

2M ago1:01:25

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In 2025, as the world is devastated by continuing wars, many are simultaneously commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Returning to this edition of Unbelievable, recorded as marks of Remembrance took place across the world to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1 in 2018, Justin Brierley discussed just war theory, Dar…

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Do humans have the right to engineer life? Prof. Keith Fox v Dr. Sam McKee 1:26:01

2M ago1:26:01

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Should we be tampering with the genetic code of life? What are the ethical and theological implications of engineering artificial organisms?This episode of Unbelievable? explores the cutting-edge world of synthetic biology - from designing artificial microbes to help us live on Mars, to the deeper philosophical and ethical questions about humanity …

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Classic: Can Christianity be true if Christians can't agree on doctrine? Andrew Whyte vs Nabeel Qureshi 1:01:52

2M ago1:01:52

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Less than a year after this classic episode aired, Nabeel Qureshi, author of Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, one of the most compelling accounts of a Muslim’s journey to Christianity, announced he had stage IV stomach cancer. He passed away in September 2017. In this unforgettable episode, Nabeel brings his characteristic warmth and clarity as he eng…

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Does true freedom exist? Max Jeganathan vs Andrew Copson hosted by Andy Kind 1:15:28

2M ago1:15:28

1:15:28

Is our obsession with personal autonomy leading to fulfilment—or fracture? Max Jeganathan (author of The Freedom Trap) and Andrew Copson (CEO of Humanists UK) explore the purpose, power, and pitfalls of freedom. While Max argues that unexamined individualism breeds anxiety, disconnection, and moral confusion, Andrew defends freedom as a means to ha…

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Classic: Why I changed my mind about Christian history - Tom Holland v Larry Hurtado 50:40

2M ago50:40

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Back in October 2016, renowned historian Tom Holland penned an article for The New Statesman on why he changed his mind about Christianity. Holland is the author of popular books on ancient empires and says his research made him realise how unique Christianity was in its infancy. In this classic show Holland claims that, despite secular arguments t…

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Cancer, War and the God Question: why so much suffering? Prof Richard Norman vs Sara Stevenson hosted by Andy Kind 1:15:15

2M ago1:15:15

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Why does a good God allow violence and suffering — even in the Bible?In this episode of Premier Unbelievable?, Andy Kind hosts a thought-provoking debate between humanist philosopher Richard Norman and Christian thinker Sara Stevenson. Together, they explore whether divine violence in the Old Testament undermines the credibility of Christianity, an…

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Classic: Memes, archetypes, and the meaning we live by: Jordan Peterson vs Susan Blackmore 49:29

2M ago49:29

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In this classic edition of Unbelievable? - The Big Conversation we ask: do we need God to make sense of life? In a 2018 debate, Jordan Peterson and Susan Blackmore explore the psychology of belief through the lenses of memes and archetypes. Peterson argues that religious structures underpin even secular life, while Blackmore sees religion as a cult…

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Is the Problem of Suffering the strongest argument against God? David Robertson vs Stephen Law hosted by Andy Kind 1:13:54

3M ago1:13:54

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Can the reality of suffering disprove a good God? Oxford Philosopher Dr. Stephen Law and Christian minister Rev. David Robertson debate the problem of evil, the evil God hypothesis, and whether suffering is evidence for or against theism. Does Christianity provide a meaningful answer, or does the sheer amount of suffering make belief in God irratio…

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Classic: Debating the Scandals of Easter: Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection David Instone-Brewer v Bob Price 59:53

3M ago59:53

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Listen to a compelling classic discussion between David Instone-Brewer, a New Testament scholar, and Bob Price, a professor of biblical criticism. This Unbelievable focuses on the scandals surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, as argued in David's book, 'The Jesus Scandals.' David posits these events based on their embarrassing nature fo…

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The Resurrection Debate: Did Jesus Die and Rise Again? David Instone-Brewer vs Ijaz Ahmed, hosted by Andy Kind 1:19:12

3M ago1:19:12

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As Easter approaches, we explore the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection in Christianity and Islam. Bible scholar Rev Dr David Instone-Brewer joins Islamic apologist Ijaz Ahmed for a thought-provoking debate on the crucifixion, resurrection, and the divinity of Jesus. Is the resurrection a historical fact or a later theological idea?📚 Dav…

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Why I Changed My Mind on Christian Sexual Ethics? Rev Dr Christopher Landau vs Rev Charlie Bell hosted by Andy Kind 1:16:34

3M ago1:16:34

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This week on Premier Unbelievable?, Andy Kind hosts a bold and honest conversation about sex, sexuality, and discipleship in the Church.Joining him are Rev Dr Christopher Landau, author of Compassionate Orthodoxy and Sexuality, who defends the Church’s traditional teaching with pastoral conviction—and Rev Dr Charlie Bell, author of Queer Holiness, …

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Classic: Intelligent Design on Trial – 15 Years After Kitzmiller-Dover - Mike Behe v Joshua Swamidass 1:05:57

3M ago1:05:57

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As we prepare a fresh episode exploring the legacy of Intelligent Design, we’re diving back into the archives to revisit this compelling 2020 conversation between biochemist Michael Behe and biologist Joshua Swamidass.In 2005, the high-profile Kitzmiller v. Dover trial challenged the Dover School District’s attempt to introduce Intelligent Design (…

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Culture Wars: Have Christians Lost the Plot? with Ben Chang and Jonty Langley 1:15:09

3M ago1:15:09

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Are we stuck in an endless culture war? Has politics overshadowed Jesus in the Church? In this episode of Unbelievable?, host Andy Kind talks with Ben Chang and Jonty Langley about cancel culture, identity politics, and the Church’s role in these debates. Is cancel culture accountability or censorship? How should Christians engage with social justi…

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Classic: Faith & Doubt: A Former Atheist and Ex-Christian Face Off 1:04:25

3M ago1:04:25

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Can belief and unbelief follow the same path? In this Unbelievable? episode, Justin Brierley hosts a fascinating conversation from 2014 between Guillaume Bignon, an atheist-turned-Christian theologian, and Wade Padgett, a former devout Christian who became an atheist.🔍 What’s Inside? 🔥 Guillaume’s journey from atheism to Christianity—an unexpected …

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Should We Help People Live - Not Die? Assisted Dying and the Terminally Ill Adults Bill | Dr Susan Marriott & Prof Keith Brown 1:06:36

4M ago1:06:36

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How close are we to legalising assisted suicide in the UK? Should dying be offered as a course of treatment by NHS doctors?The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is one of the most contentious pieces of legislation currently before Parliament. It seeks to amend the Suicide Act of 1961 so that 'encouraging or assisting suicide' would no longer…

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Classic: Is the Mormon Gospel Biblical? Ex-Mormon vs. Active Mormon Debate 1:00:08

4M ago1:00:08

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🔥 Mormonism vs. Biblical Christianity - Where Do They Stand? 🔥In this classic Unbelievable? episode from 2014, Justin Brierley moderates a thought-provoking debate between Lynn Wilder, a former temple-recommend-holding Mormon turned Christian, and Michael Flournoy, a lifelong active Mormon.Lynn shares her journey out of Mormonism, triggered by her …

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Is there good evidence to believe in God? Ed Atkinson vs Sara Stevenson hosted by Andy Kind 59:17

4M ago59:17

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Premier Unbelievable? Podcast is back in Aylesbury, UK at Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School with host Andy Kind moderating a debate on the existence of God, featuring Sara Stevenson from OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and atheist Ed Atkinson, engineer and former Christian turned Agnostic, and host of the Doubts Aloud podcast. Today's…

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Classic: Faith vs. doubt - a clash of worldviews Os Guinness and Ed Atkinson 1:00:26

4M ago1:00:26

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Can faith withstand scrutiny? Can doubt lead to truth? In this classic Unbelievable? episode from 2014, Justin Brierley hosts a gripping dialogue between Os Guinness, renowned author and social critic, and Ed Atkinson, a former Christian turned atheist. And listen out as Ed joins the show again in a few weeks. 🔍 What’s Inside? 🔥 Os defends the rati…

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Does science point toward or away from God? Phil Halper vs Professor Paul Ewart (Oxford Physics) hosted by Sam McKee 52:17

4M ago52:17

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Today's episode will seek to answer the age-old question: Does science bring us closer to understanding a divine creator, or does it steer us away from such a belief? Sam McKee, researcher and associate tutor in history and philosophy of science at Manchester Metropolitan University guest hosts and he is joined by two distinguished guests. Paul Ewa…

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Classic: Is there historical evidence for the bodily resurrection of Jesus? Justin Bass & Dale Allison 1:19:54

4M ago1:19:54

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New Testament scholars Dale Allison and Justin Bass discuss their different approaches to the evidence for Jesus' resurrection in a show first aired in 2021. Bass, author of 'The Bedrock of Christianity: The unalterable facts of Jesus' death and resurrection' says the evidence from the core historical facts points to a resurrection. Allison, author…

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Islamic blasphemy law in Britain? Andy Bannister and Tim Dieppe hosted by Andy Kind 1:12:08

4M ago1:12:08

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As the UK government announced the launch of a new Islamophobia council to define ‘anti-Muslim hatred/ Islamophobia’ on February 28th, the start of Ramadan, one thing is clear: This is a hot-button issue that raises serious questions about free speech, blasphemy laws, and the balance between protecting religious sensibilities and upholding open dia…

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Classic: Why I believe with Professor John C. Lennox 1:26:17

4M ago1:26:17

1:26:17

This week, we revisit a conversation with Dr. John Lennox, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics and renowned Christian apologist. Lennox shares his journey from growing up in Ireland to studying at Cambridge and defending his faith globally, from Russia to East Germany. He also reflects on his debates with leading atheists like Richard Dawkins, Peter …

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Is God’s hiddenness proof he isn’t there? Live Debate Theist Dr Max Baker-Hytch vs Atheist Dr Julian Baggini 1:00:29

5M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

If God exists, why isn’t His existence obvious to everyone? In today’s Unbelievable? debate, public philosopher Julian Baggini and Oxford University’s Dr. Max Baker-Hytch go head-to-head on the problem of divine hiddenness. Is God’s absence a test of faith, or is it evidence that He doesn’t exist? Can history, reason, and personal experience point …

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Faith vs. Science: does DNA editing challenge God’s plan/existence? Nick Spencer vs Sam McKee 1:09:25

5M ago1:09:25

1:09:25

In this gripping episode of Unbelievable? we're diving into one of the most controversial and thought-provoking debates of our time: the future of human evolution. 🧬 🚀 Will Genetic Engineering Reshape Humanity? Will AI Make Us Gods? 🌍 Can Faith Keep Up? 🤖With the power of AI and genetic modification at our fingertips, are we playing God— or simply …

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Does Suffering disprove God? Simon Edwards v Harry Amos 1:08:09

5M ago1:08:09

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Can belief in a loving God withstand the reality of suffering? In this special live debate hosted in front of a live student audience in partnership with Youth For Christ in Aylesbury, Unbelievable? brings together two compelling voices to tackle one of the most profound questions in philosophy and theology: does suffering debunk the existence of a…

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Is the universe fine-tuned for life? Luke Barnes vs Martin Bauer with Philip Goff [recorded on location at Durham Uni] 1:22:12

5M ago1:22:12

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Is the universe fine-tuned for life? And does physics point to God? Tune in to the Unbelievable? Podcast for our debate this week which was filmed in front of a live audience at the University of Durham, with Prof. Philip Goff moderating. We have two excellent physicists in the hot seats. Dr Luke Barnes is a senior lecturer at Western Sydney Univer…

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Is the Universe 5 minutes old? Did the universe begin with a cause? Dan Linford vs David Lu Debate the Kalām Cosmological Argument 1:20:53

6M ago1:20:53

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How do we know the age of the Universe, really? Today's guest suggests atheists should believe our world is actually 5 minutes old… no, seriously!!In this episode, Vince Vitale hosts a fascinating discussion with David Lu and Dan Linford to explore a groundbreaking theory and its philosophical and scientific implications on the Big Bang, the existe…