From the Archives: Leslie Scrace, a former Methodist minister who transitioned to atheism, turned away from the Bible when he lost his faith. Two decades later, he penned a comprehensive account of his atheist perspective in a book titled "An Unbelievers Guide to the Bible" in which Scrace critically examines sections of the Old Testament, deeming some as primitive and immoral, while applauding others that align with humanist values.

In response, Chris Sinkinson, a church pastor and an instructor in Old Testament and Apologetics at Moorlands Bible College, challenges Scrace's approach, asserting that the Bible should not be dissected in this way and argues that removing God from the moral framework of the Bible diminishes its inherent meaning. Their dialogue delves into specific books like Job, Joshua, Song of Solomon, and the Gospels. 

Additionally, Chris questions Leslie on the objective foundation of his humanist morality, sparking a thoughtful exchange between the two perspectives.

We hope you enjoy this fascinating dive into one of the greatest objection to Christianity, can we truly trust the Bible? 

First aired: May 2011

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Classic Replay: Is the Bible primitive and immoral, or can we trust what it says? with Leslie Scrace and Chris Sinkinson

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This week's episode dives deep into one of the most challenging philosophical questions humanity has grappled with for centuries: the problem of natural evil. Hosted by Vince Vitale the show delves into the complexities of evil that seem inherent to the fabric of our world – earthquakes, famines, diseases – phenomena that sometimes shake our faith in a benevolent God.

We're joined by two brilliant minds with divergent perspectives. Sharon Dirckx, a renowned speaker, author, and Christian apologist, returns to Unbelievable? and brings her insights rooted in faith and intellect. With a background in brain imaging from the University of Cambridge, Sharon's latest book, "Broken Planet," offers a compelling exploration of the theological implications of natural disasters and diseases.

Also returning as a guest to Unbelievable is Stephen Woodford, the influential voice behind the Rationality Rules YouTube channel. With a focus on dismantling religious and supernatural beliefs, Stephen brings a rationalist perspective to the table.
#evil #naturalevil #pandemic #Satan #God #theodicy #disaster #tsunami

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How can an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God coexist with the presence of evil and suffering in the world? Sharon Dirckx vs Stephen Woodford hosted by Vince Vitale

In this riveting podcast episode, we bring together two intriguing voices from opposite ends of the spectrum: Mark Lanier, a distinguished trial lawyer and keen apologist-theologian, known for his compelling defense of Christianity in "Christianity on Trial," and Paul Beaumont, a former Christian turned skeptic after encountering the arguments of new atheists like Richard Dawkins.
Mark, drawing on his legal expertise, passionately defends the tenets of Christianity, while Paul, armed with his own journey and insights, acts as the prosecution, challenging notions of human value, the resurrection of Christ, and the reasons behind his own loss of faith.
Join us as these two formidable minds engage in a thought-provoking debate, exploring fundamental questions about belief, doubt, and the complexities of faith. It's a clash of perspectives you won't want to miss.

Originally Aired 22 Nov 2014
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For Mark Lanier
Read Christianity on Trial Book: https://www.ivpress.com/christianity-on-trial
Law Firm: https://www.lanierlawfirm.com/
Lanier Theological Library: https://www.laniertheologicallibrary.org/

For Paul Beaumont: 
Read A Brief Eternity Book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18772541-a-brief-eternity
New Humanist: https://newhumanist.org.uk/articles/4119/my-apostasy-story-paul-beaumont

Christianity on Trial - Trial Lawyer Mark Lanier vs Ex-Christian Paul Beaumont (Classic Replay)

In the discussion on the plausibility of an all-evil God versus an all-good God, Dr. Max Baker-Hytch delivered a compelling argument that encapsulated the essence of the debate. He highlighted the inherent scepticism that arises when considering the 'evil God' hypothesis, pointing out that if such a malevolent deity were to exist, it would provide ample reason to doubt the reliability of our cognitive faculties. According to Dr. Baker-Hytch, the very nature of an evil God would entail a desire to deceive humanity, leading to pervasive doubts and uncertainties. In contrast, the 'good God hypothesis' stands in stark contrast, lacking the motive for such pervasive deception. 

Dr. Asha Lancaster-Thomas, whose scholarly contributions have ignited significant discourse on this topic, brought her insights to bear on the discussion. Holding a PhD from the University of Birmingham and teaching philosophy at Atlanta Classical Academy, Dr. Thomas is no stranger to the complexities of metaphysics and epistemology. Her paper on the 'evil God challenge' has been a focal point for philosophical inquiry, prompting responses such as Dr. Baker-Hytch's co-authored rebuttal, "Meeting the Evil God Challenge." 

Dr Max Baker-Hytch, lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Oxford received his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Oxford and subsequently held research positions at the University of Oxford and the University of Notre Dame. Max has published more than a dozen scholarly articles and book chapters on various topics within the fields of philosophy of religion and epistemology

This intellectual but friendly exchange between Dr. Baker-Hytch and Dr. Lancaster-Thomas, is hosted by fellow philosopher Vince Vitale.  

#evilgodchallenge #philosophy #morality #philosophyofreligion #goodgod #evil

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Asha Lancaster Thomas
Read Asha's chapter in Jack Symes' Philosophers on God: Talking About Existence (https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/philosophers-on-god-9781350227286/)https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/phc3.12543https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/phc3.12502Twitter: @asha_lancaster
For Max Baker Hytch:
Twitter: @MaxBakerHytchMax Baker Hytch and Ben Page's paper https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/papq.12304 
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Is there as much reason to believe in an evil God as a good God? Max Baker-Hytch vs Asha Lancaster-Thomas hosted by Vince Vitale

For too long, the ‘science and religion’ debate has fixated on creation, evolution, cosmology, miracles and quantum theory, and not enough on the essence of what it means to be human. But this is a mistake argues one of our guests today, Christian academic Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at Theos, in his new book ‘Playing God: science, religion and the future of humanity.’ Back on the show is Emily Qureshi-Hurst expert on the philosophy of time. Emily is a Lecturer in Philosophy at Oriel College, University of Oxford and together Nick and Emily sort out the role of science and belief when it comes to questions of personhood and the future of humanity. Ably led by host Andy Kind, Unbelievable? digs back into that perennial question, ‘can science and religion come together - furiously or fruitfully - over the status and nature of what it means to be human’?

#ai #eugenics #whatisahuman #scienceandreligion 

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FOR NICK:
Read Nick Spencer and Hannah Waite's book Playing God: Science, Religion and the Future of  Humanity
Theos: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
⬇️ Follow Nick on Social Media
X: @theosnick

FOR EMIlY: 
Read Emily Qureshi-Hurst's book God, Salvation and the Problem of Spacetime
Online: https://www.emilyqureshihurst.com/ 
At Oxford: https://www.philosophy.ox.ac.uk/people/emily-qureshi-hurst 
⬇️ Follow Emily on Social Media
X: @equreshihurst


For more on on this and related topics check out: 


Why do humans play God? Nick Spencer vs Emily Qureshi Hurst presented by Andy Kind

In a world riddled with conflict, where headlines scream of violence and unrest, the age-old question resurfaces: Is war ever justified, or should Christians wholeheartedly embrace pacifism? Join esteemed scholars Nigel Biggar and Stanley Hauerwas as they delve into the moral complexities of war and peace from a Christian perspective in this classic replay episode.

Nigel Biggar, renowned theologian and ethicist, brings his nuanced understanding of just war theory, exploring the conditions under which Christians might find themselves compelled to engage in warfare. 

Stanley Hauerwas, also a leading voice in Christian ethics, advocates for a radical alternative: pacifism. Hauerwas challenges listeners to reconsider conventional notions of power and violence, urging a transformative approach rooted in love and nonviolence.

This episode originally aired on: 8 November 2014

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Classic Replay: Is the Bible primitive and immoral, or can we trust what it says? with Leslie Scrace and Chris Sinkinson

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