In 2025, as the world is devastated by continuing wars, many are simultaneously commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Returning to this edition of Unbelievable, recorded as marks of Remembrance took place across the world to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1 in 2018, Justin Brierley discussed just war theory, Darwinism and Christianity with atheist guest Prof Michael Ruse and Christian Prof Nigel Biggar.

Michel Ruse is Professor of Philosophy of Science at Florida State University. Nigel Biggar is Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford. Ruse’s book ‘The Problem of War’ critiques Biggar’s work on just war theory, 'In Defence of War’.

Further reading

‘In Defence of War’ by Nigel Biggar: https://amzn.to/3SbPxCk

For ‘The Problem of War’ by Michael Ruse: https://amzn.to/4k0JegS

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Should we be tampering with the genetic code of life? What are the ethical and theological implications of engineering artificial organisms?

This episode of Unbelievable? explores the cutting-edge world of synthetic biology - from designing artificial microbes to help us live on Mars, to the deeper philosophical and ethical questions about humanity “playing God.”

Joining the conversation are Dr Sam McKee, a philosopher of science and cancer researcher, and Prof Keith Fox, Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Southampton. They draw their lines in the sand - but not in the same place.

Unpack the moral, spiritual, and existential dilemmas raised by synthetic life in this thought-provoking episode. Your mind will be stretched - Roger Bolton says his was, while hosting the show.

Does our ability to engineer life challenge traditional religious beliefs, or can it align with a theological vision of human creativity?

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Less than a year after this classic episode aired, Nabeel Qureshi, author of

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, one of the most compelling accounts of a Muslim’s journey to Christianity, announced he had stage IV stomach cancer. He passed away in September 2017. In this unforgettable episode, Nabeel brings his characteristic warmth and clarity as he engages with Andrew Whyte, a former Christian who lost his faith after wrestling with the wide range of beliefs within the Church. Andrew has since created a series of YouTube videos highlighting theological disagreements among Christians. We hear clips from his videos, while Nabeel offers a passionate response, arguing that Christianity remains cohesive and coherent despite internal differences.

Nabeel's book https://amzn.to/4df1bWH

Is our obsession with personal autonomy leading to fulfilment—or fracture? Max Jeganathan (author of The Freedom Trap) and Andrew Copson (CEO of Humanists UK) explore the purpose, power, and pitfalls of freedom. While Max argues that unexamined individualism breeds anxiety, disconnection, and moral confusion, Andrew defends freedom as a means to happiness, but warns against excessive egoism. The discussion spans everything from Nazi resistance and speeding laws to Taylor Swift and tech billionaires, with surprising agreements and sharp disagreements - particularly over the value of self-sacrifice and whether belief in God really matters. A nuanced, often humourous journey through politics, ethics and belief hosted by comedian and writer Andy Kind, this episode asks: is true freedom found in autonomy, or in responsibility, community and even love?

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Back in October 2016, renowned historian Tom Holland penned an article for The New Statesman on why he changed his mind about Christianity. Holland is the author of popular books on ancient empires and says his research made him realise how unique Christianity was in its infancy. In this classic show Holland claims that, despite secular arguments that Christianity hinders moral progress, the West actually owes its values of equality and human dignity to the religion.

Why does a good God allow violence and suffering — even in the Bible?

In this episode of Premier Unbelievable?, Andy Kind hosts a thought-provoking debate between humanist philosopher Richard Norman and Christian thinker Sara Stevenson. Together, they explore whether divine violence in the Old Testament undermines the credibility of Christianity, and whether humanists can offer a satisfying response to the reality of suffering.

Is suffering ultimately arbitrary in a godless universe? Or does the biblical story offer a deeper hope in the face of pain and injustice?

Join us for a challenging and honest conversation on faith, morality, meaning, and the problem of evil.

Subscribe to Premier Unbelievable? for more debates and discussions at the intersection of faith and culture.

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In this classic edition of Unbelievable? - The Big Conversation we ask: do we need God to make sense of life? In a 2018 debate, Jordan Peterson and Susan Blackmore explore the psychology of belief through the lenses of memes and archetypes. Peterson argues that religious structures underpin even secular life, while Blackmore sees religion as a cultural virus—sometimes beneficial, often dangerous. Though deeply influenced by the Judeo-Christian tradition, Peterson refuses to be drawn on the divinity of Jesus, framing belief in terms of psychological necessity rather than doctrinal commitment. Blackmore, a committed atheist, champions naturalism and memes as the primary drivers of human culture. Together with host Justin Brierley, they wrestle with whether meaning, gratitude, and moral action require a divine foundation, or whether human constructs alone are sufficient.

More from The Big Conversation.show

Buy Jordan Peterson's new book We Who Wrestle With God and the best-selling 12 Rules for Life

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Can the reality of suffering disprove a good God? Oxford Philosopher Dr. Stephen Law and Christian minister Rev. David Robertson debate the problem of evil, the evil God hypothesis, and whether suffering is evidence for or against theism.

Does Christianity provide a meaningful answer, or does the sheer amount of suffering make belief in God irrational?

📚 Stephen Law: The Philosophy Gym https://amzn.to/4lLnrex | stephenlaw.org | @stephenlaw60

📚 David Robertson: The Dawkins Letters https://amzn.to/3EIa1za | theweeflea.com | @theweeflea

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Listen to a compelling classic discussion between David Instone-Brewer, a New Testament scholar, and Bob Price, a professor of biblical criticism. This Unbelievable focuses on the scandals surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, as argued in David's book, 'The Jesus Scandals.' David posits these events based on their embarrassing nature for early Christians. In contrast, Price offers a skeptical perspective, suggesting alternative explanations involving mythic and cultural influences. The dialogue explores various pieces of evidence, including the Talmud and the Nazareth Inscription, and debates the plausibility and historical context of the resurrection accounts.

As Easter approaches, we explore the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection in Christianity and Islam. Bible scholar Rev Dr David Instone-Brewer joins Islamic apologist Ijaz Ahmed for a thought-provoking debate on the crucifixion, resurrection, and the divinity of Jesus. Is the resurrection a historical fact or a later theological idea?

📚 David's book: https://amzn.to/426FPXA

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🌐 Ijaz: callingchristians.com

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