Unbelievable?

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.

As peaceful demonstrations by thousands of Buddhist monks have been brutally quashed by the military dictatorship in Burma, Justin Brierley is joined by Buddhist Alison Murdoch as she explains the thought behind the pacifist approach.  Nick Spencer of Christian think-tank Theos also joins the discussion, along with Quaker Michael Bartlett.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.

Are societies better off with the influence of Christianity?  Are Christians more caring than atheists?  What role should faith play in society?

Just some of the questions explored by atheist Michael Shermer and Christian David Robertson.

Michael Shermer is president of the US Skeptics Society and Editor of its magazine "Skeptic".  He claims that there are various ways in which Christianity has had a negative influence on society and that a Christian worldview is unnecessary for living a good life.

David Robertson is pastor of St Peter's Free Church in Dundee, Scotland and author of "The Dawkins Letters".  He says that true Christianity has been a force for good and continues to empower people to live better lives.

For Michael Shermer visit http://www.michaelshermer.com

For David Robertson visit http://www.stpeters-dundee.org.uk/

You can hear more Christian/non-Christian discussions at http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable or get the podcast http://ondemand.premier.org.uk/unbelievable/AudioFeed.aspx or Via Itunes

If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:

Unbelievable? 25 Jul 2009 - Do miracles happen today? Atheist Michael Shermer vs Christian Adrian Holloway

Unbelievable? 12 Sep 2009 - From Atheism to Christian faith via richarddawkins.net - Christians Richard Morgan, David Robertson and Atheist Ed Turner

Join in the discussions at the "Unbelievable?" group of the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable

On this week's show (17 Jan 09) two New Testament scholars go head to head. Michael Bird is a believer, James Crossley is not. They have different conclusions about how the Christian faith began and have written a dialogue in their new book "How Did Christianity Begin - a believer and non-Believer examine the evidence".

In today's programme they debate whether Jesus himself beliived he was God, as revealed in the Gospels. They go onto discuss whether the bodily resurrection of Jesus is a plausible explanation for the birth of the early church.

"How did Christianity begin? A believer and non-believer examine the Evidence" is published by SPCK"

Order it online at www.premier.org.uk/shopping

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.

Justin Brierley is joined by Jonathan Hill, author of "The Big Questions". The book tackles some of the biggest philosophical questions to do with the existence of God, free-will and faith. What can we learn from the way Christians down the ages have attempted to answer these questions? With guests Tim Mawson of Oxford University and Jim Paul of the L'Abri fellowship in Hampshire.

To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable.