Unbelievable

AC Grayling is one of the Uk's most well known atheist thinkers. His new book The God Argument claims to refute the key arguments for God and show why humanism is the best way forward. Christian Philosopher Peter S Williams interacts with Grayling who he believes has badly misunderstood the arguments for God in his book. In a busy show they debate The Argument from Fine Tuning, The Cosmological Arguement and The Moral Argument. For Unbelievable? the Conference 2013 www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable2013 For more discussion between Christians and non-Christians visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable Join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter For AC Grayling's Book "The God Argument" http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-God-Argument-Religion-Humanism/dp/1620401908 For Peter Williams book "CS Lewis vs The New Atheists" http://www.amazon.co.uk/LEWIS-VS-THE-NEW-ATHEISTS/dp/1842277707 Get the MP3 podcast of Unbelievable? http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 26 Oct 2011 - William Lane Craig vs Peter Millican - Does God exist? Unbelievable? 5 July 2011 - William Lane Craig vs AC Grayling debate on God & Evil.

Christians believe that Jesus' death on the cross provided the atonement for sins. But in what way? Advocates of the penal substitution view hold that God punished the Son, instead of us. Others argue this is an unjust way of viewing the crucifixion and prefer the 'Christus Victor' view, that Jesus defeats the powers of evil on the cross. Steve Jeffery defends Penal Substitution, while Alan Molineaux questions it. Also contributions from American theologian & church leader Greg Boyd in defense of Christus Victor and UK leader Dave Bish in defense of PSA. For Unbelievable? the Conference 2013 www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable2013 For more discussion between Christians and non-Christians visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable Join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter For Steve Jeffery http://northlondonchurch.org/ministers-blog/ For his book "Pierced for our transfressions" http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pierced-our-transgressions-Rediscovering-Substitution/dp/1844741788 For Alan Molineaux http://alanmolineaux.blogspot.co.uk/ Get the MP3 podcast of Unbelievable? http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 26 Mar 2011 - Did Jesus die on the Cross? Islam debate Unbelievable? 22 Mar 2008 Easter & the atonement Easter & the Atonement - does it make sense?

"Why?" is the title of the new book by Sharon Dirckx looking at God, evil and suffering. She interacts with atheist Alom Shaha as we ask "how can a loving God allow suffering?" We also hear stories from people who have been through suffering but kept their faith. Will, who became a Christian after losing his wife and a child in a tragic road accident. Rachel who has suffered from MS for a number of years. For Unbelievable? the Conference 2013 www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable2013 For more discussion between Christians and non-Christians visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable Join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter Sharon Dirckx bio http://www.rzim.eu/biography-sharon-dirckx For her book "Why?" http://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Sharon-Dirckx/dp/1844746194 For Alom Shaha http://alomshaha.com/ Get the MP3 podcast of Unbelievable? http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 25th August 2012 - The Young Atheist's Handbook - Alom Shaha & Tom Price Unbelievable? 5 July 2011 - William Lane Craig vs AC debate on God & Evil.

Rowan Williams led the Anglican Church for 10 years. He reflects on his journey of faith, and the trials and joys of his time in office in a wide ranging interview with Justin Brierley. Find out why he briefly considered becoming a Catholic, what he makes of new atheists like Richard Dawkins, the debate on penal substitution and whether he has had doubts about God. Read this interview in Christianity Magazine www.christianitymagazine.co.uk For Justin Brierley's regular discussion show between Christians and non-Christians visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable For Unbelievable? the Conference 2013 www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable2013

Bible Scholar Derek Tidball takes on a range of objections to the New Testaments from three atheist callers. Andrew Nightingale asks why Christians can't agree on doctrines in scripture? Andrew Hindmarch asks why the genealogies of Jesus vary? Jack, a sceptical teenager in Australia, asks about apparent contradictions in the story of Judas' death. For Unbelievable? the Conference 2013 www.premier.org.uk/jesus For more discussion between Christians and non-Christians visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable Join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter For Derek Tidball's 'The Message of Women' www.ivpbooks.com/9781844745951 Get the MP3 podcast of Unbelievable? http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 30 May 2009 Bible contradictions Christian Derek Tidball vs. Atheist Gordon Livesey Unbelievable? 21 May 2011 - Is the Bible Unbelievable? Chris Sinkinson & Leslie Scrace

The religious right wing primarily campaigns on abortion and homosexuality - but is this the way Christians should be involved in politics? Andy Walton of the Contextual Theology Centre had published a report on whether the UK is seeing the rise of a religious right. Alan Craig is from the Christian People's Alliance, a small political party campaigning for Christian values in society. Joining by phone from the USA, Brian McLaren is a former pastor and author, and a critic of the religious right. Brian Fisher of the American Family Association is a vociferous critic of liberal America. For Unbelievable? the Conference 2013 www.premier.org.uk/jesus For more discussion between Christians and non-Christians visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable Join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter For Andy Walton's report http://goo.gl/JwTfW For The Christian People's Alliance http://www.cpaparty.org.uk/ For Brian McLaren and his books http://www.brianmclaren.net/ For Bryan Fischer http://www.afa.net/detail.aspx?id=2147486648 Get the MP3 podcast of Unbelievable? http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 30 June 2012 - The Global Charter of Conscience - Os Guinness & Terry Sanderson Unbelievable? 21 April 2012 - The Gay Marriage Debate - Peter Tatchell vs Peter D Williams.

Hellbound is the new movie by Kevin Miller which questions the traditional "eternal, conscious torment" view of hell and asks whether Universalism is actually taught in scripture. Justin is joined by Kevin, along with Glenn Peoples who holds an "annihilationist" position, and Peter Sanlon who defends the traditional view. They discuss whether questioning hell goes against evangelicalism, wheter evangelism is at stake and what most Christians really believe about hell. For Unbelievable? the Conference 2013 www.premier.org.uk/jesus For more discussion between Christians and non-Christians visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable Join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter For Hellbound www.hellboundthemovie.com For Rethinking Hell www.rethinkinghell.com For Oakhill College www.oakhill.ac.uk Get the MP3 podcast of Unbelievable? http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 23rd April 2011 - Rob Bell defends 'Love Wins' Rob Bell & Adrian Warnock debate Unbelievable? 3rd March 2012 - Is hell annihilation or eternal conscious punishment? Chris Date & Steve Jeffery Unbelievable? 17 Oct 2009 - The "Evangelical Universalist" is revealed - will everyone be saved? Robin Parry & Laurence M Blanchard

NT Wright is a leading professor of New Testament at the forefront of the New Perspective on Paul. His reassesment of the words of Paul on "justification" have led to concern from reformed church leaders like John Piper. Is Wright undermining important doctrine, or did the reformers read their Bible wrong? James White, reformed Bible scholar discusses with Wright as they seek to find out what Paul really said about justification. Plus news about the forthcoming Unbelievable? Conference 2013 "Jesus: liar, lunatic, legand...or Lord?" For Unbelievable? the Conference 2013 www.premier.org.uk/jesus For more discussion between Christians and non-Christians visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable Join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter For NT Wright http://ntwrightpage.com/ For James White www.aomin.org Get the MP3 podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 19 May 2012 - Was Jesus a Calvinist? James White & David Instone-Brewer Unbelievable? 6 August 2011 - Bart Ehrman & Darrell Bock on "Forged"

Is the phrase "I just believe in one less god than you" a good argument for atheism against Christianity? Ralph Jones is an atheist who recently featured in Christianity Magazine's "Why I'm not a Christian" column. He interacts with Christian apologist Randal Rauser, the author of "The Swedish atheist, the scuba diver and other apologetic rabbit trails". They talk about theism, deism and atheism. Randal ask how Ralph's atheism accounts for DNA and Morality, Ralph asks how Christianity can claim to be moral or justify hell. For Unbelievable? the Conference 2013 www.premier.org.uk/jesus For more discussion between Christians and non-Christians visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable Join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter For Randal Rauser www.randalrauser.com and for his book http://goo.gl/tbl4H For Ralph Jones www.mrralphjones.co.uk or www.theawkwardsilence.co.uk Ralph's Christianity column http://goo.gl/ZXTTI Get the MP3 podcast of Unbelievable? http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 25th August 2012 - The Young Atheists Handbook - Alom Shaha & Tom Price Unbelievable? 15 May 2010 - Peter Hitchens "The Rage Against God" debate with atheist Adam Rutherford

The Veritas Forum in Cambridge invited Christian philosopher Keith Ward and atheist philosopher Arif Ahmed to present the reasons for their different worldviews. Justin Brierley hosts a discussion with the two thinkers in front of an audience of Cambridge students who ask their own questions too. For more discussion between Christians and non-Christians visit www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable  Join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter For Veritas USA www.veritas.org For Veritas Europe www.veritasforum.eu For Keith Ward www.keithward.org.uk For Arif Ahmed http://goo.gl/02nu7 Watch the video promo for Unbelievable? the Conference 2012 DVD http://youtu.be/6g-5jTMeZew Order it at http://www.premier.org.uk/dvd Get the MP3 podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 14th January 2012 - Is our Mind more than Matter? Keith Ward vs David Papineau Unbelievable? 16 Oct 2010 - The Moral argument for God Philosophers Arif Ahmed and Glenn Peoples debate

Leading UK evangelical Steve Chalke has written an article for Christianity magazine on why he now affirms committed, faithful gay relationships. Justin Brierley talks to Steve about why he's changed his mind while theologian Greg Downes offers a defence of the traditional evangelical understanding of sexuality. We also hear the responses and reflections of church leaders including Steve Clifford of the Evangelical Alliance, Lord Richard Harries former Bishop of Oxford, Faith Forster of Ichthus Christian fellowship and more. For Christianity Magazine's coverage http://www.christianitymagazine.co.uk For Steve Chalke http://www.oasisuk.org/inclusionresources For Greg Downes http://www.cml.uk.net/staff/director Watch the video promo for Unbelievable? the Conference 2012 DVD http://youtu.be/6g-5jTMeZew Order it at http://www.premier.org.uk/dvd 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 You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 21 April 2012 - The Gay Marriage Debate - Peter Tatchell vs Peter D Williams Unbelievable? 6 Nov 2010 - Ex-Gay and Gay-Affirming approaches to homosexuality "Two different approaches to supporting gay Christians" Jonathan Berry & Jeremy Marks Join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter

In Jan 2013 a new church began in London - with singing, a sermon and a great sense of community - but its for godless people.  Atheist stand up comedian Sanderson Jones who co-founded "the Sunday Assembly" talks about its first meeting and why it exists. Scottish church minister David Robertson asks questions about whether an "atheist church" makes sense and what Christians could learn from it. Justin is also joined by two of those who attended the first service, Rory Fenton and Simon Jenkins. For more info on The Sunday Assembly www.sundayassembly.com For David Robertson http://solas-cpc.org For Rory Fenton http://roryfenton.com for Simon Jenkins http://simonjenkins.com Watch the video promo for Unbelievable? the Conference 2012 DVD http://youtu.be/6g-5jTMeZew Order it at http://www.premier.org.uk/dvd 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 You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 11 February 2012 - Should atheists be more religious? Alain de Botton & James Orr Unbelievable? 8th December 2012 - Does Christianity make emotional sense? Francis Spufford & Philip Pullman Join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter

In the first show of 2013, three 'Unbelievable?' listeners join Justin Brierley to discuss their views of atheism. Calum Miller is a Christian medical student at Oxford with an interest in philosophy.  He chats with atheist Paul Orton and agnostic Steve (aka Non Stamp Collector). They both define their atheism as a mere "lack of belief in God" rather than a positive belief that "there is no God".  Why the distinction? Find out as we ask questions about where the burden of proof lies, the difference between agnosticism and atheism, and the God of the Bible. For Calum Miller http://dovetheology.com http://www.twitter.com/dovetheology For Paul Orton http://www.missinggodgene.com http://www.skepticule.com For Non Stamp Collector http://www.nonstampcollector.com/ http://www.youtube.com/user/NonStampCollector Watch the video promo for Unbelievable? the Conference 2012 DVD http://youtu.be/6g-5jTMeZew Order it at http://www.premier.org.uk/dvd 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 You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 20 August 2011 – Dialogue with an ex-Christian Rebekah Bennetch & Sheridan Voysey Unbelievable? 11 February 2012 - Should atheists be more religious? Alain de Botton & James Orr Join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter and http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

1 Samuel Chapter 15 may be one of the hardest passages in the Bible to reconcile with a God of love.  It describes God apparently commanding  the slaughter of men, women and children in the Amalekite tribe.   How can Christians who take OT passages on warfare seriously reconcile it with the God of love shown in Jesus?  Is God Evil?   John Allister is the vicar of St. Jude's Church, Nottingham. He argues that the passage needs to be understood in its context.   Justin Schieber is co host of the atheist podcast Reasonable Doubt. He argues that the story cannot be reconciled with a good God.   For John Allister http://custardy.blogspot.co.uk/p/the-amalekites.html and his paper on the Amalekites http://www.churchsociety.org/churchman/documents/Cman_124_3_Allister.pdf   For Justin Schieber http://freethoughtblogs.com/reasonabledoubts/ Watch the video promo for Unbelievable? the Conference 2012 DVD http://youtu.be/6g-5jTMeZew Order it at http://www.premier.org.uk/dvd 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 You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 9 April 2011 - "Is God a Moral Monster?" Paul Copan & Norman Bacrac Unbelievable? 8 Oct 2011 - Old Testament Grill-a-Christian with Peter J Williams Join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter

Matthew and Luke both tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The stories share some details in common but also vary in others.  Where did they get their information from, and should we regard them as historical or merely "theological"? Stephen Thornton is a liberal Bible tutor who believes that none of the details of the Christmas story are historically true. Rather, stories of the virgin conception, the shepherds, the wise men etc contain "deeper meanings" that were written down as a "teaching aid" to the early church. Ben Witherington III is New Testament professor at Asbury Theological Seminary.  He says that the Christmas stories certainly contain deep meaning, but only because they have a basis in historical events, and that Stephen's approach is out of date. For Ben Witherington www.benwitherington.com You can email Stephen Thornton smthornton@ntlworld.com Watch the video promo for Unbelievable? the Conference 2012 DVD http://youtu.be/6g-5jTMeZew Order it at http://www.premier.org.uk/dvd 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 You may also enjoy: Unbelievable? 9th January 2012 - Is there scientific evidence for the star of Bethlehem? Hugh Ross, Jeff Zweerink, Mark Kidger and Norman Bacrac Unbelievable? 22 Dec 2007 - Did Christians steal Christmas? Did Christians steal Christmas? Join the conversation: http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable and via Facebook and Twitter