All Andy Bannister articles

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    Is Islam compatible with Western liberal democracy?

    2026-06-26T09:44:00Z

    Is Islam compatible with Western liberal democracy? Dr Andy Bannister unpacks the complexities, arguing that the fusion of religion and politics in traditional Islam creates deep tensions with Western values like free speech and pluralism. He calls for robust defence of liberal freedoms - while urging respect, dignity, and kindness toward Muslims as neighbours.

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    AI and the Future of Humanity | Nigel Crook vs Andy Bannister hosted by Sam McKee

    2026-04-23T17:00:00Z

    AI experts Nigel Crook and Andy Bannister join Sam McKee to debate whether artificial intelligence will lead to a brighter future or new dangers for humanity. They tackle the ethics of AI, its impact on work and relationships, and where faith and human uniqueness fit in an automated world.

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    Islamic blasphemy law in Britain? Andy Bannister and Tim Dieppe hosted by Andy Kind

    2025-03-07T16:24:00Z

    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 dialogue in a liberal society.

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    Unapologetic #68 Andy Bannister: Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God?

    2023-09-05T10:10:00Z

    A Christian street preacher who was arrested for alleged hate speech, which included criticising Muhammad, was found not guilty following a recent court hearing. Dr Andy Bannister, director of Solas and author of Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?, responds to some of the accusations made by the preacher (eg Muhammad married a 6-year-old and had sex with her when she was 9) and discusses how we can engage with some of these big questions.

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    Why did Jesus have to die for me?

    2023-04-01T11:00:00Z

    Dr Andy Bannister, director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity, explores why he believes Jesus’ death on the cross was necessary 

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    Unbelievable? Are religious funerals ‘empty and platitudinous’? Ian Dunt & Andy Bannister

    2022-10-14T17:00:00Z

    The Queen’s state funeral was watched by billions of people and marked by deep Christian symbolism. However, during the ceremony, atheist journalist Ian Dunt tweeted that he found it “empty and platitudinous, a cardboard shield against existential despair”.