Religious Seasons
Divine Humility: The Astonishing Reality of God’s Arrival in a Manger
Erik Strandness delves into the profound humility of the Christmas story, exploring how the birth of Christ in a manger challenges our expectations of divinity and invites us to encounter God in an entirely new way
The Wonder of Christmas: Myth or History? NT Wright explores
Is the Christmas story a comforting myth or a historical reality? NT Wright explores the evidence behind the Gospel narratives, challenging modern scepticism and affirming the season’s wonder as the most pivotal moment in history.
Unbelievable? The resurrection: Fact or fiction? Harry Amos vs Joe Boot hosted by Ruth Jackson
Did Jesus really rise from the dead? Is there any good evidence to support the resurrection? Are alternative explanations more compelling? Can we trust the biblical narratives? Ruth Jackson hosted a live debate at a school with the help of Aylesbury Youth for Christ. She was joined by Rev Dr Joseph Boot, founder and president of the Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity, and Harry Amos, who moved from Christianity to “agnostic atheism” while studying philosophy, politics and economics and blogs about his experience at The Book of Amos.
Unbelievable? Did it really happen: the Resurrection? with Mike Licona vs Larry Shapiro hosted by Andy Kind
The question of the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection has been repeatedly investigated, probed, and discussed. This week on Unbelievable we will add to the debate by asking ‘Did it really happen – the Resurrection of Jesus?’ dissecting the narratives of Jesus’ death and Resurrection. We’ve got two eminent scholars – who are good friends but with diametrically opposed beliefs on the authenticity of this pivotal event that forms the basis for the Christian worldview.
Unapologetic #97 Jay Y Kim: Did Jesus really rise from the dead?
Pastor Jay Y Kim explores how Holy Week brings hope. Why are we all so afraid of death? What difference does Easter make? Did the resurrection actually happen and why does it matter?
The CS Lewis Podcast #150 Holly Ordway: Tolkien on Holy Week
We continue our conversation with Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith. How would Tolkien have celebrated Holy Week? How did he view death? What did Easter and the resurrection mean to him?
Are we all guilty of murder?
As we approach Easter, Marsh Moyle, author of Rumours of a Better Country, reflects on murder
From Roses to Ashes: The harmonious dance of Valentine’s Day and Lent
Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday fall on the same day this year. Author Lauren Windle reflects on this unlikely compatibility and ponders what it means for us
Why do we observe Lent? NT Wright on lament and celebration
As we approach Lent, Rt Rev Prof NT Wright shares his thoughts on how Lent emerged, why it’s significant and what it means for us today
Ask NT Wright Anything #199 Can we trust the Christmas Narratives? Responding to questions about Christmas and Bart Erhman on the historical Jesus (Classic)
Tom Wright responds to audiences questions about Christmas and the birth narratives, the reliability of the gospels, Bart Ehrman on textual transmission, the dating of the gospels, and whether the Ascension actually happened as described.
Is Christmas relevant for everyone?
Author Ben Harris shares some thoughts on how to bring the Christmas story to life this Christmas
The birth of Jesus: Historical fact or hidden agenda?
Writer Steve Schramm explores whether the Nativity story can be trusted
Is it time for Christians to ditch Christmas?
Author Drew Cordell ponders what it might mean for those who believe “Jesus is the reason for the season” to abandon 25th December all together
Unapologetic #83 Bishop Arun Arora: Stormzy, women ordination and the hope of Christmas
In the final part of his discussion with Ruth Jackson, Bishop Arun Arora, author of Stick With Love, looks at some modern day saints including former Archbishop John Sentamu, Stormzy, Cardinal Van Thuân and Rev Dr Florence Li Tim-Oi. Why did Stormzy’s mum skip his Glastonbury performance to go to church? And how does the Christmas story speak hope to a dark world?
The CS Lewis Podcast #136 David Bates: Was Lewis a bit of a grumpy old man when it came to Christmas?
What did CS Lewis say about Christmas? David Bates from Pints With Jack discusses some of Lewis’ poetry and prose on this topic. What did he mean by the “commercial racket” of Christmas? How does he depict the incarnation? And what is the significance of Father Christmas in the Narnia Chronicles?
What can we learn from Mary, her midwife and the untold Nativity story?
Bridget Supple, an antenatal teacher and author of The Birthkeeper of Bethlehem, shares her perspective on the often-neglected account of the midwife in the Christmas birth narratives
Did CS Lewis like Christmas?
Professor Alister McGrath shares his thoughts about how Lewis perceived the festive season and what we can learn from him
Unapologetic #82 Bishop Arun Arora: Saint Nicholas, George Floyd and unanswered prayer
Who was the real Saint Nicholas? Why was he so passionate about Jesus’ divinity? And why does it matter who Jesus is? Bishop Arun Arora, author of Stick With Love shares his thoughts on a number of saints and looks at how to address the problem of unanswered prayer. How does the Christmas story speak to our suffering? Plus, we hear how God transformed George Floyd’s life while he was in prison and what what can we learn from his life and tragic death.
Unapologetic #81 Bishop Arun Arora: Advent, the incarnation and racial justice
Does it matter what Jesus looked like? Bishop Arun Arora, author of the Archbishop of York’s Advent book Stick With Love, shares his thoughts about a poll that voted Jesus the greatest black icon of all time. Plus, he suggests why asking someone where they’re really from demonstrates an otherness, which unhelpfully seeks to distinguish rather than unify.
Doubting towards God: How a nominal Catholic-turned atheist became a Christian apologist
Spanish musician Pedro Garcia’s atheism was profoundly shaken when he began to engage with intelligent Christians. Jana Harmon shares his story
Unapologetic #80 Bishop Arun Arora: What is Advent and why is it significant?
Bishop Arun Arora, author of the Archbishop of York’s Advent book Stick With Love, shares how a young Brummie with a Sikh dad and Hindu mum became a Christian through Billy Graham. Having been in the Church for 30 years before he saw another Asian man in Church leadership, Arun shares why he and the Archbishop of York have such a strong commitment to racial justice.
Unapologetic #78 Amy Orr-Ewing: Why are women central to the Christian story?
Dr Amy Orr-Ewing, author of Mary’s Voice, explores the context of Mary, mother of Jesus, and looks at why women play such a significant role in Christianity. Plus, what is the Magnificat, why is it so revolutionary? And how is it relevant today?
Remembering Tim Keller: Death has lost its sting
Entrepreneur Max Anderson shares his final reflections on the great Tim Keller who influenced his life in a deeply profound way
Unbelievable? Celebrating 17 years - Justin Brierley, Ruth Jackson, and Vince Vitale
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.
Unapologetic #48 Jeremiah Johnston: Are there credible reasons to believe in God?
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.
Ask NT Wright Anything #164 Easter questions on the resurrection of Jesus
As Easter approaches Tom answers a variety of listener questions on the Biblical resurrection accounts, the nature of the resurrection body, why Jesus didn’t stay with us, and also shares his thoughts on popular psychology professor Jordan B Peterson. First broadcast in 2019.
If Jesus really rose from the dead, why does it matter today?
Professor John Swinton, a former psychiatric nurse-turned practical theologian at Aberdeen University, reflects on the significance of the resurrection and its impact
What’s so good about Good Friday? And why is Holy Saturday significant?
Professor John Swinton, a former psychiatric nurse-turned practical theologian at Aberdeen University, reflects on the significance of Good Friday and Holy Saturday
If Jesus really rose from the dead, how does the resurrection make sense of our suffering?
Dr Jeremiah Johnston, author of ’Body of Proof: The 7 Best Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus-and Why It Matters Today’ shares his thoughts on this painful topic
Did Jesus actually rise from the dead?
Apologists Nick Peters and Joel Furches explore the plausibility of Christianity’s central claim
Unapologetic #47 Jeremiah Johnston: The 7 best reasons to believe Jesus rose from the dead
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.
Is there evidence for an afterlife?
Apologist Joel Furches looks at the soul, near death experiences and the resurrection of Jesus, examining their veracity and relevance
Was Jesus really crucified?
Apologists Nick Spencer and Joel Furches examine the evidence for the event at the heart of Christianity
Why did Jesus have to die for me?
Dr Andy Bannister, director of the Solas Centre for Public Christianity, explores why he believes Jesus’ death on the cross was necessary
What are Palm Sunday, Holy Wednesday and Maundy Thursday and why are they important?
Professor John Swinton, a former psychiatric nurse-turned practical theologian at Aberdeen University, unpacks some of its key moments and their relevance
What is Holy Week and why does it matter?
Professor John Swinton, a former psychiatric nurse-turned practical theologian at Aberdeen University, reflects on the events leading up to the death of Jesus and ponders their significance for our lives today
Unapologetic #46 John Swinton: darkness, death and extreme suffering - how Holy Week brings hope
In part two of his discussion with Ruth Jackson, Professor John Swinton shares what Holy Week means to him and explores what impact the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus has on a world in need of hope.
The CS Lewis Podcast #92 Alister McGrath: The making of a Mere Christian
In the sixth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we explore Lewis’ faith journey, looking at how and why he became a Christian. We also hear about the significant impact of JRR Tolkien. Plus, don’t forget to register to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
Ask NT Wright Anything #154 Tom answers Qs on universalism, hell and salvation
In an extended edition of the show originally broadcast on the Unbelievable? podcast, Justin asks a variety of listener questions on dispensationalism, John’s gospel, inerrancy, salvation, hell, universalism and Tom’s favourite books, music and much more… First broadcast in 2016.
Unapologetic #34 Pedro Garcia: I became a Christian through Halloween
Apologist Pedro Garcia speaks to Ruth Jackson about how Halloween kickstarted his journey towards faith in Jesus.
Unapologetic #33 Finding Jesus changed Christmas forever
As we approach a new year, we speak to three people from different backgrounds who found new life in Jesus. They share their stories and talk about how finding Jesus has changed the way they celebrate Christmas for ever.
The CS Lewis Podcast #85 A magical Narnia trail
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.
Unbelievable? Intellectual and supernatural conversions - Christmas special with Nico Tarquinio & Martin Shaw
Justin interviews two guests with remarkable stories of adult conversion to Christianity.
The faith of the shepherds: A Christmas reflection
Tim James looks at what we can learn from a bunch of seemingly unimportant individuals who were brave enough to accept an invitation to meet the Messiah
Ask NT Wright Anything #149 Can we trust the Christmas story? Responding to Bart Ehrman
Tom Wright talks to Justin about Christmas and the birth narratives, and answers listener questions on the reliability of the gospels, Bart Ehrman on textual transmission, the dating of the gospels, and whether The Ascension happened as described. Replay of a show first broadcast December 2018
Was Christmas originally a pagan festival?
Jonathan Clark investigates whether early Christians merely piggybacked off pre-existing pagan celebrations
Unapologetic #32 Charles Foster: The virgin birth, child massacre and Shamanic astrology
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.
My Eucharistmas: A personal memoir on Holy Communion during the festive period
Oxford student Jonathan Garner shares his thoughts on Advent and the Eucharist
Church service cancelled on Christmas day? Mine will be our last…and I wouldn’t miss it for the world
As Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, Bethel McGrew explores what that might mean for many Americans
The CS Lewis Podcast #84 CS Lewis on Christmas
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.
Why the virgin birth?
Medical scientist Peter Elwood OBE examines the evidence for the miracle at the heart of the Christmas story
Unapologetic #31 Charles Foster: The truth behind the Christmas story
Why do only two of the four Gospels mention Jesus’ birth? What if the Christmas story isn’t true? Can we trust the biblical sources? Charles Foster, author of The Christmas Mystery, answers some of the tricky questions surrounding the Nativity narratives in the Bible.
Joy in the trials: Why something better than happiness is promised at Christmas
As we enter a festive season full of “comfort and joy”, Erik Strandness looks at what biblical joy looks like and how we are to practise it in the midst of the darkness
Five reasons we can trust the Nativity narratives
Cold-case detective J .Warner Wallace examines the evidence around the biblical accounts of the Christmas story
Does God answer prayer in a miraculous way?
Christmas celebrates one of the greatest miracles of all time – God becoming man – but should we reliably believe in miracles and can they be the result of our prayers? Retired priest, John Clarke, investigates
Hope amid heartache: Ruth Jackson’s journey from miscarriage to motherhood
Ruth Jackson recalls her experience of miscarriage at Christmas and reflects on experiencing pain, fear and doubt in a season of celebration and frivolity
Christ-free Christmas carols
As we approach the carolling season, Justin Brierley shares his thoughts on musician Tylean Polley’s atheist Christmas album
Can we affirm the virgin birth?
As we approach Christmas, apologist Nick Peters explores the credibility of this outrageous biblical claim
Ask NT Wright Anything #144 Why is John’s Gospel so different? What did Paul know about Jesus?
Tom Wright and Justin Brierley are back with a fresh batch of listener questions on the gospels this week including: How do I reconcile John’s portrayal of Jesus with the other gospels? Are the timings of the crucifixion accounts in conflict? And what did Paul know about Jesus? New Testament scholar Justin Bass also joins the conversation.
Unbelievable? Is there historical evidence for the bodily resurrection of Jesus? Justin Bass & Dale Allison
New Testament scholars Dale Allison and Justin Bass discuss their different approaches to the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection.
Unbelievable? Christmas for skeptics and an atheist finds God via Dawkins: Rebecca McLaughlin, Peter Byrom and Ruth Jackson
Justin hosts a ‘Christmas Cracker’, with Rebecca McLaughlin author of ‘Is Christmas Unbelievable?’, Peter Byrom tells his story of going from atheism to faith via Richard Dawkins, and a catch up with co-presenter Ruth Jackson and baby Eden-Grace!
Debating an Atheist who took Christ out of Christmas Carols
Christian evangelist Glen Scrivener says that atheist musician TyLean Polley’s Christ-less carols can’t offer true comfort and joy.
Are the Christmas stories in the bible fact or fiction?
NT Wright responds to a question on whether the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke are historically reliable or a ‘pious’ fiction.
Unbelievable? The science behind Christmas: Mark Kidger & Gillian Straine (+ NT Wright)
In a Christmas special Justin is joined by priest and physicist Revd Gillian Straine and agnostic astronomer Mark Kidger of the European Space Agency. They discuss the scientific theories for the star of Bethlehem, who the Magi were and how scientists reconcile the miracles of Christmas with science. And… cute kids alert! We hear the Christmas story retold by 6 and 7yr olds.
Unbelievable? Debating The Atheist Christmas Carol Album. TyLean Polley & Glen Scrivener
Is it ok to take the Christ out of Christmas carols? That’s what TyLean Polley has done with The Atheist Christmas Album. She explains why she’s produced an album of classic carols to secular lyrics.
Meet the atheist who wants to take Christ out of Christmas carols
Justin Brierley recently hosted an Unbelievable? debate on ‘The Atheist Christmas Album’, which takes all the Christian references out of classic Christmas carols. But does it makes sense?
The battle for Christmas: Is it Christian, Pagan or Secular?
Jonathan Clark wades into the debate
Unbelievable? The Star of Bethlehem - Fact or Fiction? Colin Nicholl, Aaron Adair & Mark Kidger
In a Christmas Eve edition of the show Justin is joined by Christian guest Colin Nicholl, atheist Aaron Adair and agnostic Mark Kidger, each of whom has written a book on the star of a Bethlehem from different perspectives.
3 theories on what caused the star the wise men followed
On Epiphany - the time when Christians traditionally remember the visit of the Magi to the Christ child - Jonathan McLatchie explains three theories as to what caused the star over Bethlehem
Unbelievable? Christmas special: Santa, the star & the atheist who loves Christmas. Colin Nicholl, Phil Vischer, Ruth Jackson, Nick Pandolfi & David Suchet
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.
Sorry Giles, the virgin birth is central to Christmas
After Giles Fraser questioned the virgin birth on his Guardian blog, Ian Paul responds on why we abandon this central Christian truth at our peril.
5 reasons why the story of Christmas is true
Having investigated the Christmas story, cold-case detective J. Warner Wallace says Christians should be confident in believing the Bible’s account
How does an atheist celebrate rites of passage? Unbelievable?
How does a non-religious person choose to mark significant milestones in life such as births, weddings and deaths? Some people are turning to the services of Humanist celebrants such as Hannah Hart, who talks to Justin about her line of work.
Unbelievable? - The Unbelievable? “Christmas Cracker
A festive edition of the show. With studio guest Anthony McRoy and a host of phone guests from around the world Justin Brierley looks at various aspects of Christmas.
Unbelievable - Are the two Christmas accounts contradictory?
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.
Unbelievable? Atheist Christmas Comedy - Robin Ince & James Cary
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..
Unbelievable? Easter & the atonement
Atheist Marilyn Mason says that the idea of God punishing his son for the sins of others is unjust, bizarre and immoral. Roger Forster of the Ichthus Christian Fellowship explains what he believes happened on Good Friday. Muslim guest Nazam Guffoor also contributes.
The Passion - Evidence for the resurrection - Part 1
Justin Brierley hears from New Testament Scholar Andy Bannister. He explains why we can trust the accounts of Easter written in the Gospels.
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