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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This week on Premier Unbelievable?, Andy Kind hosts a bold and honest conversation about sex, sexuality, and discipleship in the Church.

Joining him are Rev Dr Christopher Landau, author of Compassionate Orthodoxy and Sexuality, who defends the Church’s traditional teaching with pastoral conviction—and Rev Dr Charlie Bell, author of Queer Holiness, who calls for a theology that embraces LGBTQ+ inclusion as central to holiness.

Can the Church hold grace and truth together without compromise? And is it possible to disagree without doing harm?

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As we prepare a fresh episode exploring the legacy of Intelligent Design, we’re diving back into the archives to revisit this compelling 2020 conversation between biochemist Michael Behe and biologist Joshua Swamidass.

In 2005, the high-profile Kitzmiller v. Dover trial challenged the Dover School District’s attempt to introduce Intelligent Design (ID) as an alternative to evolution in the classroom. Behe, a leading advocate for ID and a key witness in the trial, reflects on the case and its impact on the movement 15 years later.

Swamidass, a fellow Christian and critic of ID, engages Behe on the scientific and theological implications of the trial and offers a robust critique of Behe’s book Darwin Devolves.

A fascinating and respectful face-off on science, faith, and the question of design in nature.

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Are we stuck in an endless culture war? Has politics overshadowed Jesus in the Church? In this episode of Unbelievable?, host Andy Kind talks with Ben Chang and Jonty Langley about cancel culture, identity politics, and the Church’s role in these debates. Is cancel culture accountability or censorship? How should Christians engage with social justice and critical theory while staying true to biblical truth? Join us as we explore theology, scripture, and the shifting dynamics of power, oppression, and justice in today’s world.

Follow today's guests: 🎙 Ben Chang, author of Christ and the Culture Wars and blogger here: https://www.benchangblog.com/ and 🎙 Jonty Langley, editor of Shibboleth magazine & co-host of Beer Christianity you can follow here: https://x.com/jontylangley

Can belief and unbelief follow the same path? In this Unbelievable? episode, Justin Brierley hosts a fascinating conversation from 2014 between Guillaume Bignon, an atheist-turned-Christian theologian, and Wade Padgett, a former devout Christian who became an atheist.

🔍 What’s Inside?

🔥 Guillaume’s journey from atheism to Christianity—an unexpected turn shaped by intellectual inquiry and life-changing events

🔥 Wade’s shift from Christianity to atheism, driven by existential philosophy and critical reflection on faith

🔥 The power of personal experience—do conversions and deconversions rely on reason or emotion?

🔥 The role of evidence—what counts as "good reasons" for belief or unbelief?

🔥 Are conversion stories valid arguments for faith?

📖 Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:14 Guillaume Bignon’s Journey from Atheism to Christianity

04:10 Encountering Christianity & The Turning Point

06:16 Intellectual & Emotional Struggles

10:13 Challenges of a Newfound Faith

16:20 Wade Padgett’s Religious Upbringing

21:16 From Faith to Doubt: Wade’s Journey to Atheism

25:47 Comparing Conversion & Deconversion Stories

31:15 Questioning Arguments for Christianity

32:41 The Role of Personal Experiences in Belief & Deconversion

36:47 Properly Basic Beliefs & Knowledge

46:29 Cognitive Science & Belief Formation

52:10 Do Conversion Stories Prove Faith?

1:03:02 Final Reflections

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🚀 Are conversions and deconversions truly rational, or are they shaped by deeper motivations? Let us know in the comments!