What are the dangers of online and how do we navigate them? How can we respond to AI? What is TikTok spirituality and why should we engage with it? How has the digital world impacted our relationships? Is online church just watching TV or is a hybrid model the only way forward? Dr James Emery White, author of Hybrid Church, explores questions around digital outreach and Church.
Did Lewis want to rewrite some of his earlier work on suffering in light of his own experience of pain and loss? Did Lewis doubt the existence of God or question his character during these times? What words of encouragement would Lewis give to those in the throes of suffering? Dr Philip Tallon explores A Grief Observed and The Problem of Pain. He also shares how to help younger readers engage with Lewis.
Theologian and author Andy Crouch spoke about the dangers of technology on a recent episode of Matters of Life & Death. Journalist Tim Wyatt explores Crouch’s arguments
Tom answers children’s questions on today’s show and tackles some of the ways we talk to children about tricky things like suffering and hell (and mosquitos!) 🦟.
Professor Alister McGrath joined Ruth Jackson for a webinar answering live questions about CS Lewis, including how Lewis used modern media, whether there is a “modern day Lewis” and how we navigate some of the potentially racist terms within his work.
Where is God in my friend’s suicide? 😭 Is God anti-gay? 👀 Do Christians and Muslim’s worship the same God?… 🔥 ☪️ ✝️ In today’s episode we’re taking you to the recording of a live event we call NO QUESTION OFF LIMITS.
As we approach the one year anniversary of apologist Tim Keller’s death on May 19th, we caught up with his wife Kathy Keller who corresponded with CS Lewis as a child. Why did she write to Lewis? How did he respond? What are some of the stories he shared with her? What was it like meeting Warnie Lewis? Plus, we hear the impact of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien on Tim and Kathy and we hear whether they really did speak Elvish together at home.
In the final part of their conversation about the Talking Jesus research, Rachael Heffer, head of mission at the Evangelical Alliance, shares her thoughts around some important questions. Why are young people leaving the Church? How do we navigate tricky cultural conversations? What are her top tips for family discipleship?
Rachael Heffer, head of mission at the Evangelical Alliance, shares her thoughts around the Talking Jesus research. What do the UK public think about the Church, Christians and Jesus? Who are the “nones” and why has there been such a rise in this category of people? What questions are young people asking? Are people actually interested in God?
Associate Professor Sarah Irving-Stonebraker, author of Priests of History, explores the results of ahistoricism in the Church. Does disconnection from the past lead to individualism? How do we use ancient spiritual practices in a modern setting? Can history help us to use our time well?
Ahead of Tolkien Reading Day on 25th March, Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith, shares her thoughts about Tolkien’s Catholic faith. She explores the relevance of his work, looking at whether it will stand the test of time.
Jay Y Kim, a pastor in Silicon Valley and author of multiple books including Listen, Listen, Speak, shares his experience of losing and rediscovering his faith. What are some of the reasons people leave the Church or aren’t even remotely interested in the first place? What should we do with our doubts? How do we ensure everyone feels welcome?
The microphone is turned on Ruth Jackson as she is interviewed by David Bates from Pints With Jack. Originally broadcast in 2021 just after the launch of The CS Lewis Podcast, Ruth shares the vision behind why and how it started. Plus, shout about the show to win yourself a free copy of CS Lewis: A Life by Professor Alister McGrath.
Erik Strandness reflects on a show featuring musician Michael Gungor and pastor Evan Wickham on millennials, music and mystical deconstruction
Author Drew Cordell looks at why Christianity is worth investigating
Evangelist Phil Knox, author of Story Bearer and The Best of Friends, shares why personal tragedy and the COVID pandemic led him to write a book about friendship. Why does friendship matter? How do we protect our friendships from modern pressures? And how do we help young people to engage healthily with technology and social media?
Andy Kind hosts today’s Unbelievable where the debate topic is Does Secular Humanism or Christianity offer a brighter future for the UK?
Whose fault is it when people deconstruct? What can we do about it? How do we help them to move forward? Erik Strandness reflects on deconstruction and reconstruction following an Unbelievable show on this topic
Increasing numbers of women are choosing to freeze their eggs in the hope that years down the line they can use these younger, healthier eggs to have children once their relationship, personal, financial or work circumstances are right.
Associate Professor Sarah Irving-Stonebraker shares how significant CS Lewis was in her journey from atheism to Christianity. As an academic historian, she explores how great books speak to ever-present questions and looks at why the past matters. Why is Lewis still relevant 60 years after his death?
In the second part of his discussion about why The Narnia Chronicles make him cry, evangelist Phil Knox looks at why Prince Caspian contains one of the best definitions of evangelism.
”Daddy, why are you crying? It’s only a lion!” Evangelist Phil Knox shares his experience of reading The Narnia Chronicles with his young son and the impact these books have had on his own life. Why is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe significant for so many people? And how does The Horse and his Boy depict the Christian story so profoundly?
Professor Alister McGrath shares his thoughts about how Lewis perceived the festive season and what we can learn from him
David Bates from Pints With Jack shares some of CS Lewis’ thoughts about Christmas. What are some of his key works that elucidate this topic? Did the festive period lose its significance when Lewis became an atheist? Plus, we catch up on how the inaugural CS Lewis Reading Day went last month.
Charity worker Simon Foulds shares why he thinks a new framework for mission is needed
Professor Alister McGrath and Ruth Jackson continue their discussion about whether CS Lewis is still relevant. Was he something of a prophet? What can we learn about the way Lewis engaged with modern media? How did he make complicated theological concepts relatable? In what ways has Lewis influenced our culture and is he able to speak to contemporary topical issues, such as transgenderism?
CS Lewis podcaster, David Bates, shares why he helped initiate a campaign to commemorate Lewis with an annual Reading Day on November 29th
Ruth Jackson hosts a discussion about a 20th Century British writer and lay theologian who is arguably one of the most influential voices in modern Christianity. On November 22nd 1963, Clive Staples Lewis – Jack to his friends – died in Oxford, England. However, 60 years after his death, is CS Lewis still relevant?
On November 22nd 1963, Clive Staples Lewis – Jack to his friends – died in Oxford, England. 60 years after his death, we discuss whether he is still relevant today. Are any of the accusations levelled against Lewis legitimate? Why does he continue to speak to our rationality and imagination? Plus, Professor Alister McGrath shares the influence Lewis had on his own journey of faith.
David Bates and his team at Pints With Jack have helped establish a day to celebrate CS Lewis and his work. His fellow Inkling, JRR Tolkien, already has a special reading day, but “why should the Tolkien nerds have all the fun?”! Listen in to hear why David thinks Lewis is still relevant today and how you can get involved with the inaugural CS Lewis Reading Day on Lewis’ birthday - November 29th.
From 2020: Tom answers listener questions on how to talk to children about tricky things like suffering and hell. Plus, we talk about parenting and discipling children and young people
Matt Arnold, editor of The Christian Parapsychologist Journal, explores the origins of Halloween and suggests they are firmly rooted in the Church
Get ready for a spine-tingling edition of Unbelievable. Hosted by Billy Hallowell, we’re diving headfirst into Halloween hysteria. Is it all innocent fun or something more sinister? Join the conversation with ex-healer Angela Ucci, pastor Ray Comfort who after being petrified of Halloween decided to use it to tell people about Jesus. Rounding up the discussion Unbelievable welcomes Matt Arnold, editor of The Christian Parapsychologist Journal. We’ll uncover the mysteries, explore the spiritual realm, and ask the big question: should we celebrate?
We spoke last week about the hugely welcome shift in how society talks about miscarriage and cares for women (and men) who have experienced it. And yet at the same time in Britain, we desperately avoid using the same language and narrative established in baby loss services when we are in the abortion zone.
Athiest Warren Prehmus had no need for God. However, when personal tragedy struck, he began to question his presuppositions and explore Christianity. Researcher Jana Harmon shares his story
Jehu Limma, founder of HopeGiving Foundation, shares his remarkable journey from “untouchable” to helping children out of poverty
Erik Strandness reflects on deconstruction and reconstruction following an Unbelievable show on this topic
In the final episode on Out of the Silent Planet, Alister McGrath explores Lewis’ depiction of humanity, death, evolution and suffering. He also discusses the framework Lewis provides to help us reflect on these big questions.
Alister McGrath concludes his introduction to Lewis’ Space Trilogy by exploring parallels with The Chronicles of Narnia. He offers tips for getting into these three books, speculates why they haven’t been turned into films and shares his favourite moment in the trilogy.
We dive into some of the important issues explored in Lewis’ Space Trilogy. Why was he so vehemently opposed to animal experimentation? What would Lewis say to those experiencing mental health struggles today? Plus, Alister McGrath responds to the accusation that CS Lewis was sexist and racist.
Professor Alister McGrath looks at the intended audience of CS Lewis’ Space Trilogy and explores some of the influences behind the books, including JRR Tolkien and Charles Williams.
Philosopher Dr Vince Vitale presents some of his PhD research around evil, suffering and theodicy. He and Ruth Jackson share their own experiences of suffering miscarriages, demonstrating that this is not just a theoretical question of why there is pain, but a deeply practical one of how we are to deal with this agony.
Nigerian pastor Hassan John reflects on the anti-Christian violence in his home country and considers the appropriate response
In this episode we discuss why surrogacy is gaining in popularity, the pros and cons of the proposed reforms, and whether Christians should endorse surrogacy as a good way to start families.
Are people even asking questions? If so, are those questions dramatically different from what they used to be? How should we respond to our rapidly changing culture? Collin Hansen, executive director of the The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics, looks at some important questions around cultural apologetics and draws on the wisdom of Tim Keller (1950-2023).
60 years after his death people continue to read, use and quote CS Lewis’ apologetics works. In this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-turned atheist Dan Barker. Here, they discuss Lewis’ arguments, focussing particularly on his Natural Law argument for God in ‘Mere Christianity’.
Father’s Day can be a really difficult time for many people for a variety of different reasons. Here, Elliott Rae, who works to support and champion families, shares his experience of fatherhood, mental health challenges and helping men to be more vulnerable
Perhaps the most contentious political, medical and social issue of the day is how to treat and care for young people who are questioning or experiencing distress around their sex and gender.
We continue our conversation with Collin Hansen, author of ’Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation’, who highlights some of the key women in Keller’s life, particularly his wife Kathy. Hansen explains why Tim Keller was a complementarian and speaks about Keller’s brother, Billy, who died from AIDS in the 1990s.
Erik Strandness challenges us to rethink the way we share our faith for the sake of our young people
Journalist Heather Tomlinson shares her thoughts on the sexual revolution and sexual ethics following a recent episode of The Big Conversation
From a young age, Mark Goodnight experienced great suffering, including sexual abuse, alcoholism and depression. These events caused him to doubt God. As his life spiralled out of control, Mark reached out to the God he didn’t believe in and began to experience healing and restoration
Jane Pantig, who works for Ratio Christi, loves her unique platform as a Filipino-American woman. Apologist Joel Furches shares some of her story here
The non-religious are an ever-increasing segment of the population, in the UK, the United States and across the Western world
Erik Strandness reflects on an Unbelievable? discussion between punk singer-turned-pastor Josh Porter and former-Christian Jon Steingard, exploring why numerous young American evangelicals lose their faith and whether they’re ever able to get it back
In the final episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we look at why someone who expected to be forgotten within five years of his death has had such a lasting impact. Why is CS Lewis still so popular and how long will his appeal last? Plus, this is your last chance to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
Author Mark Roques warns us to be on our guard when watching television and movies
Neonatal physician Erik Strandness asks some challenging questions in light of many young people’s desperate struggles and explores what hope there is
The Unbelievable? show has been broadcasting for over 17 years. Justin Brierley and Ruth Jackson take a retrospective tour through highlights from the show from day one to some of the most significant debates that have been hosted, before being joined by Dr. Vince Vitale for a special announcement by Justin.
Dr Jeremiah Johnston, president of the Christian Thinkers Society and father to five children (including triplets!), shares his journey into apologetics, looking at the importance of engaging both the head and heart. As well as speaking about how to live distinctively, ask good questions and allow room for doubt, Jeremiah unpacks some of the big issues impacting young people today.
In this special episode, we take a break from our series on Professor Alister McGrath’s seminal biography, CS Lewis: A Life, to celebrate reaching our 100th episode. Alister shares some of his thoughts around what modern readers can learn from Lewis and how he can help with the renewal of the Church.
New Testament scholar Dr Jeremiah Johnston shares ground-breaking research from his new book ’Body of Proof: The 7 Best Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus-and Why It Matters Today’. He also explains how we can experience overwhelming hope in the midst of great suffering if Jesus really rose from the dead.
In the 13th episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we cover some of the more difficult elements of Lewis’ life, including Warnie’s alcoholism, Mrs Moore’s dementia and his struggles at Oxford. We also explore his complicated relationship with Joy Davidman and look at why he moved to Cambridge University. Plus, don’t forget to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
Renowned Christian thinker William Lane Craig answers listener questions on a live edition of the show. He responds to questions on philosophy, Adam & Eve, suffering, the worst argument for God and more. Plus we hear from Jeremiah J Johnston on the 7 best reasons to believe in the resurrection.
Former atheist Jim Tickner shares his story of discovering God in the midst of an existential crisis
Ruth Jackson speaks to John Swinton, professor in practical theology and pastoral care at Aberdeen University. Having spent 16 years as a psychiatric nurse, John speaks about the importance of spiritual care in medicine. He also shares his thoughts on the problem of suffering.
In the eleventh episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we hear the inspiration behind the Narnia Chronicles and look at the important role imagination played in Lewis’ work. Plus, don’t forget to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
Author Mark Roques challenges the assumption that some things are in the ‘secular box’, while others are in the ‘religious box’
In the tenth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we explore the professional setbacks and personal trials Lewis encountered post Second World War. We also look at his move away from apologetics and why he declined a CBE. Plus, don’t forget to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
In the ninth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we look at some of Lewis’ popular literature and how his rising fame affected his reputation as an Oxford scholar. We discuss The Great Divorce, the Ransom Trilogy and some of the strengths and weakness of Mere Christianity. Plus, it’s not too late to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
Erik Strandness explores how we can reconcile reason with joyfully dancing in our underwear
Evangelist Greg Downes shares his personal reflections on his friend, the scientist and apologist Professor Thomas Charles Buckland McLeish, who died on 27th February
The leader of Asbury Theological Seminary reflects on what is happening at their campus in Kentucky
In the first of four episodes on how to approach some of life’s most difficult questions, Ruth Jackson speaks to Bruce Miller, author of The 7 Big Questions: Searching for God, Truth, and Purpose, about belief, doubt and purpose.
As an ardent atheist, Kim Endraske disliked Christians, but wrestled daily with existential dread. Jana Harmon shares Kim’s story of discovering the God who dramatically changed her life
Following Sunday’s Super Bowl, Ruth Jackson spoke to former University of Cincinnati receiver, Tyler Scott, about faith, football and the power of prayer.
Pastor Marc Lambert looks at how parents can lovingly walk alongside their children as they doubt, question and rebel against Christianity
In the fifth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we look at some key moments in Lewis’ Oxford career, such as the death of his father. Plus, don’t forget to register to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
Journalist Lauren Windle tells her story of getting sober from alcohol and cocaine, and shares how she encountered the God who changed her life.
Originally from Canada, Alanzo Paul fell into a life of addiction after his parents’ divorce. Here, he shares some of his story with Ruth Jackson, including his reflections on working with Ravi Zacharias. He also looks at some of life’s big questions and suggests ways to reach the apathetic with the gospel.
Erik Strandness voices his concerns about young people in today’s society and shares his thought on the rising number of teen suicides
In the second part of their discussion, Ruth Jackson speaks to Trevin Wax, author of award-winning book ‘The Thrill of Orthodoxy’, about culture wars, evangelism and how to approach life’s big questions.
In the second episode of a new series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we look at why Lewis found school so thoroughly unpleasant and how it helped to cement his growing atheism. Plus, we launch a competition to win a copy of McGrath’s book.
Trevin Wax, author of award-winning book ‘The Thrill of Orthodoxy’, speaks to Ruth Jackson about what Orthodoxy is, how we articulate it in a modern context and why we should pass it on to the next generation.
In this first episode of a new series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we look at Lewis’ early childhood in County Down, their family life and the death of his mother.
Digging deeper into Gungor’s rejection of Christian faith suggests so, says Heather Tomlinson
As we begin a new year, we pause to remind ourselves of the thought, life and legacy of CS Lewis. Professor Alister McGrath shares why and how we can engage with Lewis and his writings as we introduce a new series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life.
Justin Brierley rounds up the most popular shows of the year
As we approach a new year, we must continue to talk about these important issues. Clare Williams, apologist and founder of Get Real shares her thoughts about how Christians should respond to racial injustice
There is something inherently Christmassy about The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and a church in the North East of England have used Lewis’ classic children’s tale to put on a special event, inviting local families to engage with the Christmas story in an imaginative way.
In the second half of our discussion about Christmas, Charles Foster, author of The Christmas Mystery, looks at some of the more sinister and less straightforward elements of the biblical Nativity narratives.
What did Christmas mean to CS Lewis? How did he celebrate it? Did he ever write about the festive season? Professor Alister McGrath shares his insights into CS Lewis’ depiction of the incarnation and Christmas.
Teri-Anne Cavanagh is training for ordained ministry in the Church of England, but she wasn’t always a Christian. CS Lewis played an instrumental role in initiating her journey back to the faith of her childhood.
Catholic listeners have sent in some questions for Tom, including: Will the elusive dream of Catholic and Anglican unity ever be possible? I’m reconsidering my conversion to Catholicism… should I take my 6 year old daughter out of the church? Justin Bass joins for a final time.
Northern Irish artist Ross Wilson BEM talks about his remarkable sculpture The Searcher, which is based on the character of Digory Kirke who, in ‘The Magician’s Nephew,’ creates a wardrobe made from a magical apple tree.
Ruth Jackson speaks to New York-based pastor Jon Tyson about reaching young people, digital evangelism and parenting.
Apologist and author Sean McDowell joined Justin along with hundreds of Unbelievable? listeners for a live show talking about Sean’s new book ‘A Rebel’s Manifesto’ and taking questions on LGBT, same-sex marriage, transgender, divorce, theology and more.
New York-based pastor Jon Tyson shares some of his thoughts about living as a Christian in a secular space.
80 years after the publication of The Screwtape Letters, young author Joshua Karras has written an appropriation of CS Lewis’ classic epistolary novel for a modern audience. Ruth Jackson discovers the inspiration behind this audacious project.
Clare Williams, apologist and founder of Get Real shares her thoughts about reaching young people in the black community
Erik Strandness reflects on a recent webinar on sexual abuse and looks at the lessons we must learn
Ruth Jackson speaks to apologist Clare Williams about how we can reach young black people with the gospel.
Ruth Jackson speaks to apologist Clare Williams about black consciousness and why so many young black people are leaving the Church.
Apologist Nick Peters takes us on a whistlestop tour of the Bible and shares his advice about how we approach it
Ruth Jackson speaks to apologist Clare Williams about racial justice, black pain and how the Church should respond.
As we come to the end of Black History Month in the UK, Ruth Jackson speaks to apologist Clare Williams about how we can support young black people and reach them with the gospel message.
Author Mark Roques explores the consequences of pushing individualism to its logical conclusion
In this second part of a live kids Q&A on Narnia, recorded at Oxford University, Dr Michael Ward continues to answer questions such as ‘Where did the wood between the worlds come from?’, ‘Can people from Narnia enter our world?’ and ‘Is Narnia something CS Lewis experienced as a child?’
Recorded live at Oxford University, Narnia expert Dr Michael Ward engages with a panel of young people with a variety of questions about Narnia and CS Lewis. How old is Narnia? How many ways are there into Narnia? Were the Pevensie children destined to go through the wardrobe?… and many more.
Tom Wright answers listener questions on how to teach children about new creation, where our loved ones go after they die, and responds to a critique from William Lane Craig in a replay of an early edition of the show from 2018.
After coming to faith as an adult Mary Jo Sharp had some negative experiences of church. She tells Justin Brierley about what happened. Why did she stay? And how can we help young people and new converts navigate the ups and downs of being part of the church?
On Thursday September 8th Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, died aged 96. In this special one-off episode about the Queen and CS Lewis, Ruth Jackson speaks to CS Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward. They discuss Lewis’ thoughts on monarchy, the Queen’s coronation and the kings and queens of Narnia. Watch out for a brutally honest potted history of some of the British monarchs!
Mary Jo Sharp frequently addresses the questions young people have about Christianity. That includes questions about sexuality, pornography and relationships. She talks to Justin Brierley about how to have tough conversations with teenagers, based on her new video series Dark Room Faith.
In the third part of their discussion David Marshall tells Justin Brierley about his own time as a missionary in China and East Asia and how he found CS Lewis’ writing helped his journey there. How does the subject of miracles - the death and resurrection of Alan for instance - get addressed in Narnia?
Apologist Mary Jo Sharp talks to Justin Brierley about the problem of suffering and evil and what answers Christianity offers, based on her new video series ‘Darkroom Faith’.
My sister Susan,” answered Peter shortly and gravely, “is no longer a friend of Narnia.”
A former atheist who came to faith, Mary Jo Sharp now runs the apologetics ministry Confident Christianity. She talks to Justin Brierley about her own conversion and how to deal with doubt based on her new video series ‘Darkroom Faith’.
‘The Case for Aslan: Evidence for Jesus in the land of Narnia’ examines how Lewis employed Christian apologetics throughout the fantasy writing of Narnia. Author David Marshall tells Justin Brierley how in The Silver Chair, Puddleglum proves himself to be a wise, if gloomy, thinker.
Katharine Birbalsingh has been described as ‘Britain’s strictest headteacher’. Twitter erupted when she tweeted that ‘original sin’ was responsible for the fact children need to be habituated into choosing good over evil.
What does Jesus mean by ‘many rooms in my father’s house’? Will my daughter see the child she lost in pregnancy? What about marriage in the resurrection? Tom answers questions on heaven and loved ones.
Will we keep our memories in heaven? How does the Isaiah 65 prophecy of a new world fit in with Tom’s eschatology? My girlfriend is a Christian but says she doesn’t want to get baptised – what should I do? Plus Tom gets interrupted by a young visitor!
Tom answers listener questions on how to talk to children about tricky things like suffering and hell. Plus, we talk about parenting and discipling children and young people
Richard Dawkins once said that bringing up children in a particular faith is tantamount to child abuse. We invited humanist Hannah Timson and Christian Tim Alford to discuss this issue.
Kids ask great questions. Ahead of the youth stream at Unbelievable? The Conference 2019, Justin interviews some young people about their questions for God. Rev David Robertson and humanist Hannah Timson give their responses.
In a special pastoral Q&A edition Tom responds to various questions on difficult family situations, unforgiveness and a church pastor who doesn’t know if he believes any more.
Justin is joined by transgender Christian Jenny-Anne Bishop and Peter Lynas of the Evangelical Alliance. Recently some feminists and sports personalities have raised concerns about transgender. There has been a huge surge in young people being referred for transition. Churches are also navigating how they respond.
In the first full episode of the show, Tom Wright answers listener questions on how to teach children about new creation, where our loved ones go after they die, and responds to a critique from William Lane Craig.
Christian philosopher Lydia McGrew has recently accused evangelical scholars such as Mike Licona and Craig Evans, of undermining the historical reliability of John’s gospel. She cites Evans’ interactions with Bart Ehrman in debate as giving away too much ground to a sceptical view.
J.John explains why he believes Christianity has been a force for good in the world
New research suggests the Church needs to develop a new kind of apologetics in order to reach 16-19 year olds
Our children need to have a living and active faith. Sunday school and Bible study isn’t enough, says Emma Fowle
In a New Year’s Eve special, Justin interviews two women involved in theology and apologetics in different ways.
Justin presents some highlights from this year’s Unbelievable Conference including the opening address by evangelist J.John, and snippets from the Reaching Young People, Rules of Engagement and What If They Ask Me? Seminar streams. The show concludes with highlights from the Panel Q&A at the end of the day.
Most evangelical churches teach young people that sex should be saved for marriage. But Dianna E Anderson’s book ‘Damaged Goods’ claims that the purity culture of the American church she grew up in can be damaging for young people and that sexual relationships before marriage are permissible for Christians.
Justin is joined by a glittering array of guests for a Boxing Day edition of the show. Colin Nicholl author of ‘The Great Christ Comet’ discusses why he believes the Bethlehem star was a comet. Phil Vischer (creator of VeggieTales) and Ruth Jackson of Premier Childrenswork magazine debate whether we should encourage children’s belief in Father Christmas.
Christians are often too afraid or embarrassed to talk about sex, let alone pornography. But as therapist Susie Flashman Jarvis explains, pornography is an issue the Church cannot afford to ignore, both for adults and young people.
Ben Watts lost his faith and left his church in his late teens. He explains why, and engages in a discussion with Drew Dyck, author of ‘Generation Ex-Christian: Why young adults are leaving the faith and how to bring them back’.
We hear highlights from this year’s Unbelievable? Conference, including the opening address by Os Guinness, Ruth Jackson on reaching young people, Craig Hazen on the resurrection, William Lane Craig & Jeff Zweerink on science and atheism, Jay Smith on Islam, Tim McGrew on the Gospels and part of the Panel Q&A.
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.