What grounds morality... and who counts? Is morality hardwired into us by evolution, shaped by culture, or guided by religion? In this live edition of the Unbelievable? Podcast recorded in London and hosted by public philosopher Jack Symes, four leading thinkers explore the origins and future of ethical thought.

From the role of emotions in our moral choices to the ethics of animal rights and cross-cultural disagreements, this conversation tackles one of humanity’s most enduring questions: what does it mean to be good?

Joining us are:

Peter Singer: World-renowned utilitarian philosopher and animal rights advocate (Professor of Bioethics, Princeton University)Jessica Frazier: Oxford scholar of comparative religion and Indian philosophy (Fellow, Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies)Richard Swinburne: Leading Christian philosopher and defender of theism (Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, University of Oxford)Alex O’Connor: Atheist thinker and host of Within Reason PodcastProduced by Theora Media x Unbelievable? x Within Reason,

00:00 Exploring the Roots of Morality

05:13 The Evolution of Moral Reasoning

11:00 The Role of Emotions in Ethics

17:33 Moral Disagreement and Its Implications

23:52 The Intersection of Ethics and Religion

30:04 Animal Rights and Moral Considerations

36:32 Cultural Perspectives on Morality

42:52 The Future of Moral Philosophy

Link to related content Alex O'Connor debates Ben Shapiro https://youtu.be/yspPYcJHI3k and Richard Swinburne debates Philip Goff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQmBJDc2FCY

For Today's Guests: Richard Swinburne: users.ox.ac.uk/~orie0087

Jessica Frazier: theology.ox.ac.uk/people/dr-jessica-frazier

Jack Symes: jacksymes.co.uk

Alex O’Connor: alexoconnor.com

Peter Singer: petersinger.info

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In this 2015 episode of Unbelievable, host Justin Brierley moderates a discussion between Christian advocate for Intelligent Design Jonathan McLatchie and atheist blogger Corey Markum. The debate centres on whether God or another form of intelligence is the best explanation for the complexity and apparent design observed in nature. The conversation addresses scientific arguments, the potential biases inherent in human perception of design, and theological implications, especially in regard to the problem of suffering and 'poor' design in biological systems.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:43 Corey Markham's Journey to Atheism

05:51 Jonathan McClatchy's Interest in Intelligent Design

09:44 Defining Intelligent Design

15:48 Corey Markham's Psychological Perspective on Design

20:47 Philosophical and Scientific Critiques of Intelligent Design

26:54 Debating the Validity of Intelligent Design

34:07 Questioning Biological Design

34:33 Possibility of Natural Explanations

35:55 Debating Intelligent Design

38:10 Common Ancestry vs. Intelligent Design

40:11 Scientific Hypotheses and Worldviews

44:14 The Role of Theism in Science

47:56 Evidence and Inference in Intelligent Design

54:55 Challenges to Intelligent Design

58:18 The Problem of Suffering and Design

01:03:14 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

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Are we slaves to our genes, and is who we are already written in our DNA?

In this live edition of Unbelievable?, recorded at Aylesbury High School, Andy Kind is joined by humanist physicist Dr. Simon Walker-Samuel and Christian biologist Dr. Denis Alexander for a lively and thought-provoking debate on genetics, free will, and what makes us… us.

From CRISPR and epigenetics to moral responsibility, determinism, and the question of "the soul", this conversation dives deep into whether our genes define our destiny, or if there's more to the human story. Are we morally responsible if we’re biologically programmed? Can science detect a “soul”? What do twin studies reveal about nature vs nurture? And do your genes influence your beliefs?

Are we just highly evolved biological machines? Or is there something that transcends our biology?

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In this classic, Unbelievable? podcast episode hosted by Justin Brierley, the discussion centres around the nuanced relationships between faith and doubt from 2019. Senior Pastor Dominic Done talks about his book 'When Faith Fails,' sharing his journey through a significant period of questioning and how he rebuilt his faith. In contrast, Andrew Whyte, co-host of the 'Doubts Allowed' podcast, shares how his journey of doubt led him from Christianity to agnosticism. They examine various aspects of doubt - its origins, its implications, and how it can be both corrosive and life-giving.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

02:00 Dominic's Faith Journey and Cultural Context

08:52 Andrew's Journey from Faith to Agnosticism

17:33 Dominic's Struggles with Doubt and Suffering

26:01 Exploring Doubt and Unbelief

38:28 Exploring the Depths of Belief and Doubt

38:47 The Challenge of Diverse Religious Beliefs

41:36 Deconstructing and Reconstructing Faith

42:59 The Role of Doubt in Strengthening Faith

46:38 The Importance of Foundational Beliefs

49:46 Personal Journeys Through Faith and Doubt

53:04 The Intersection of Faith, Morality, and Evidence

01:08:11 Final Thoughts on Faith and Doubt

​What really happened 14 billion years ago? Was there a Big Bang - or are we on the brink of a bold new origin story?

This week on Unbelievable?, Andy Kind hosts a mind-expanding cosmic debate with two leading cosmologists, Dr Niayesh Afshordi and Dr Hugh Ross, joined by science communicator and Battle of the Big Bang co-author, Phil Halper.

Are we still living in the shadow of the Big Bang, or is it time for a scientific rethink? Could black holes hold the key to understanding the true origins of the universe? And what about creation theories - do recent discoveries offer fresh evidence for the existence of God, or do they further challenge the idea of a divine beginning

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A must-hear clash of minds from 2018: when two Toms – world-renowned Bible scholar NT Wright and bestselling historian Tom Holland – met on Unbelievable? podcast to discuss Paul: A Biography (SPCK).

Wright unpacks the life, character and world-changing mission of St Paul. Holland, though agnostic, shares why Paul’s message shocked the Roman world and reshaped Western values for centuries.

📖 Rome. Revolution. Revelation. This is Paul as you’ve never heard him before.

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​Can Therapy Heal the Soul?

Exploring BPD, NPD and Meaning in Christian and Secular Psychiatry

Today we’re asking: Can therapy heal the soul? We’ll be exploring two complex and often misunderstood conditions - borderline personality disorder (BPD) and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) - through both Christian and secular perspectives. What happens when psychiatry meets philosophy? And how do meaning, identity, and belief shape the path to healing?

Joining Vince Vitale on Unbelievable? are two leading psychiatrists from the Gunderson Residence at McLean Hospital in Massachusetts - Dr Brandon Unruh and Dr Claire Brickell. As colleagues, friends, and thoughtful practitioners, they bring Christian and secular perspectives to the complex work of treating borderline personality disorder (BPD) and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) - exploring how therapy, identity, and belief intersect in the search for meaning.

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Originally recorded in March 2022, this classic Unbelievable? takes us back to the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As the world grappled with the shock of war, this conversation sought to uncover a deeper layer of the conflict — its religious and ideological roots.

Justin Brierley is joined by Father Cyril Hovorun, a Ukrainian Orthodox priest and theologian, and Clifford Longley, a Catholic journalist and Tablet contributor. Together, they explore the ancient Christian heritage shared by Russia and Ukraine, the mystical ideology of “Holy Rus,” and how Putin’s vision of spiritual destiny has shaped his aggression.

While some see this war as a purely political power play, this episode argues that religion, nationalism, and myth all play a critical role in Putin’s motivations.

🎧 Listen to this important archive conversation

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Fr Cyril Hovorun: https://www.sanktignatios.org/dr-cyril-hovorun   

Clifford Longley: https://www.thetablet.co.uk/editors-desk/2/21568/religious-roots-of-ukraine-crisis-   

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Is it more meaningful to convert to Christianity as an adult—or to leave it behind after growing up in the faith? In this special schools debate, host Sam McKee is joined by Matthew Su, a Christian convert and Cambridge PhD candidate, and Nathan Ormond, ex-Christian and YouTuber at Digital Gnosis. With big questions from teenage students, the episode dives into belief, deconstruction, and what it really means to be intellectually honest about faith.

A raw and thoughtful exchange for anyone navigating belief, doubt, or somewhere in between.

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Holly Ordway is the Cardinal Francis George Professor of Faith and Culture at the Word on Fire Institute and a Visiting Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University. She holds a PhD in English and serves as a subject editor for the Journal of Inklings Studies. A regular guest on The CS Lewis Podcast, Holly has a deep passion for exploring the intersection of faith and culture.

In 2016, she engaged in a fascinating conversation with Vanessa James, a musician who was once a committed Christian but later became an atheist. Their discussion explores the complexities of faith, the pros and cons of atheism and Christianity, and our shared search for meaning, beauty, and truth. This dialogue offers a compelling look into both women’s journeys and the challenges they faced in their quests for understanding.