Best Matthew Bannister Podcasts (2025)

1
Classic: Is there historical evidence for the bodily resurrection of Jesus? Justin Bass & Dale Allison 1:19:54

17h ago1:19:54

1:19:54

New Testament scholars Dale Allison and Justin Bass discuss their different approaches to the evidence for Jesus' resurrection in a show first aired in 2021. Bass, author of 'The Bedrock of Christianity: The unalterable facts of Jesus' death and resurrection' says the evidence from the core historical facts points to a resurrection. Allison, author…

1
Islamic blasphemy law in Britain? Andy Bannister and Tim Dieppe hosted by Andy Kind 1:12:08

5d ago1:12:08

1:12:08

As the UK government announced the launch of a new Islamophobia council to define ‘anti-Muslim hatred/ Islamophobia’ on February 28th, the start of Ramadan, one thing is clear: This is a hot-button issue that raises serious questions about free speech, blasphemy laws, and the balance between protecting religious sensibilities and upholding open dia…

1
Official Folk Albums Chart Show—4th March 2025 1:00:38

8d ago1:00:38

1:00:38

On this month’s show, Matthew is joined by Mary Chapin Carpenter, Julie Fowlis and Karine Polwart to talk about their beautiful new album “Looking for the Thread”. There’s also music from Richard Dawson, Seth Lakeman, Anna B Savage, Cole Stacey, Cynefin, Altan and Rhona Macfarlane. Lucy Shields has the album preview and gig news. --- We rely on sup…

1
Classic: Why I believe with Professor John C. Lennox 1:26:17

12d ago1:26:17

1:26:17

This week, we revisit a conversation with Dr. John Lennox, Emeritus Professor of Mathematics and renowned Christian apologist. Lennox shares his journey from growing up in Ireland to studying at Cambridge and defending his faith globally, from Russia to East Germany. He also reflects on his debates with leading atheists like Richard Dawkins, Peter …

1
Live Q&A from MIT: Transgender Inclusion, Denominations, Judaism, and More! | Ep 74 41:08

16d ago41:08

41:08

Students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) pepper Abdu with questions about transgenderism, denominations, selective acceptance of miracles, and if people are only Christian because they were born in Christian countries. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12 Twitter https://tw…

1
Folk on Foot Classic: The Unthanks on the Northumberland Coast 50:59

17d ago50:59

50:59

Every winter, Rachael and Becky Unthank and their extended families invite their fans to join them for singing weekends in their native Northumberland. Some fifty people stay together at a bunkhouse where pianist/producer Adrian McNally does the cooking, and Rachel and Becky lead singing workshops. The weekend includes a session in the atmospheric …

1
Is God’s hiddenness proof he isn’t there? Live Debate Theist Dr Max Baker-Hytch vs Atheist Dr Julian Baggini 1:00:29

19d ago1:00:29

1:00:29

If God exists, why isn’t His existence obvious to everyone? In today’s Unbelievable? debate, public philosopher Julian Baggini and Oxford University’s Dr. Max Baker-Hytch go head-to-head on the problem of divine hiddenness. Is God’s absence a test of faith, or is it evidence that He doesn’t exist? Can history, reason, and personal experience point …

1
Faith vs. Science: does DNA editing challenge God’s plan/existence? Nick Spencer vs Sam McKee 1:09:25

27d ago1:09:25

1:09:25

In this gripping episode of Unbelievable? we're diving into one of the most controversial and thought-provoking debates of our time: the future of human evolution. 🧬 🚀 Will Genetic Engineering Reshape Humanity? Will AI Make Us Gods? 🌍 Can Faith Keep Up? 🤖With the power of AI and genetic modification at our fingertips, are we playing God— or simply …

1
'Stolen from God' in Bristol with Reg Meuross, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne and Modou Ndiaye 1:01:55

27d ago1:01:55

1:01:55

The history of the transatlantic slave trade and its legacy in Bristol are at the heart of this episode. It features West Country singer Reg Meuross, concertina player Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne and kora player Modou Ndaiye performing music from Reg’s powerful “Stolen from God” song cycle as we follow the route taken by the statue of the slave trad…

1
Live at MIT: Is Christian Exclusivity a Loving Truth or Hateful Intolerance? | Ep 73 41:17

1M ago41:17

41:17

"All roads lead to God." "Live your truth." "Do what makes you happy." These truisms of the modern world lend themselves to the idea that the traditional Christian idea which states Jesus is "the only way" is intolerant and unloving. Abdu Murray discusses this major issue live at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Keep in touch with Abdu an…

1
Does Suffering disprove God? Simon Edwards v Harry Amos 1:08:09

1M ago1:08:09

1:08:09

Can belief in a loving God withstand the reality of suffering? In this special live debate hosted in front of a live student audience in partnership with Youth For Christ in Aylesbury, Unbelievable? brings together two compelling voices to tackle one of the most profound questions in philosophy and theology: does suffering debunk the existence of a…

1
Is the universe fine-tuned for life? Luke Barnes vs Martin Bauer with Philip Goff [recorded on location at Durham Uni] 1:22:12

1M ago1:22:12

1:22:12

Is the universe fine-tuned for life? And does physics point to God? Tune in to the Unbelievable? Podcast for our debate this week which was filmed in front of a live audience at the University of Durham, with Prof. Philip Goff moderating. We have two excellent physicists in the hot seats. Dr Luke Barnes is a senior lecturer at Western Sydney Univer…

1
Ex-Muslim Christian Answers Questions about Islam, Salvation, and the Quran vs the Bible | Ep 72 52:30

1M ago52:30

52:30

Former Muslim turned Christian Abdu Murray takes tough questions from young adults at Community Christian Church in Sterling Heights, MI. He touches on Islam, who salvation is for, the reliability of the Christian scriptures, Christians in politics, and more! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurra…

1
Is the Universe 5 minutes old? Did the universe begin with a cause? Dan Linford vs David Lu Debate the Kalām Cosmological Argument 1:20:53

2M ago1:20:53

1:20:53

How do we know the age of the Universe, really? Today's guest suggests atheists should believe our world is actually 5 minutes old… no, seriously!!In this episode, Vince Vitale hosts a fascinating discussion with David Lu and Dan Linford to explore a groundbreaking theory and its philosophical and scientific implications on the Big Bang, the existe…

1
Does God Exist? The Ontological Argument Debate 🤔✨ Dr Gavin Ortlund vs AOC favourite agnostic Joe Schmid 1:16:14

2M ago1:16:14

1:16:14

In this thought-provoking episode of Premier Unbelievable, host Vince Vitale is joined by two brilliant minds to unpack the ontological argument for the existence of God: ✨ Dr. Gavin Ortlund – President of Truth Unites, theologian, author, and YouTuber and 🎓 Joe Schmid – Philosophy PhD student at Princeton, metaphysics expert, creator of Majesty of…

1
Bird in the Belly at the Tremula Festival on the South Downs Way 46:17

2M ago46:17

46:17

The Brighton based band Bird in the Belly take us for a walk on the South Downs Way during the Tremula Festival of Outdoor Podcasting. For the very first time, we’re joined by an audience of Folk on Foot fans. The band (Laura Ward, Adam Ronchetti Tom Pryor and Jinwoo) share a song about a day out in Brighton in 1813, a love song to a Welsh Ploughbo…

1
Is There Any Hope for American Politics? With Michael Wear | Ep 71 46:56

2M ago46:56

46:56

Is there something inherently "sick" about our politics that has infected the Christian life and witness? If so, what is the problem and what can we do about it? In this pre-Inauguration Day episode, Michael Wear talks about where we go from here. Check out Michael Wear's The Center for Christianity and Public Life at https://www.ccpubliclife.org/.…

1
Does Christianity need to recover its confidence? with Rupert Shortt and Nick Spencer 1:07:46

2M ago1:07:46

1:07:46

Towards the end of this discussion, Roger Bolton's guests acknowledge a profound hunger for Christianity. So, how did we get here? How can Christianity recover its confidence? Have Christian leaders, in their pursuit of relevance, lost sight of the true distinctiveness of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ?Host Roger Bolton dives deep i…

1
Islam vs Christianity: Do We Worship the Same God? with Dr. Andy Bannister & Abdullah Al Andalusi 1:45:13

2M ago1:45:13

1:45:13

Andy Bannister and Abdullah Al AndalusiIn a world filled with questions about faith, truth, and the future, can Islam and Christianity find common ground, or do their beliefs reveal irreconcilable differences? Dr. Andy Bannister, a Christian apologist and author, and Abdullah Al Andalusi, an Islamic thinker and activist, go head to head in this wee…

1
Science vs Faith: Can We Find Truth and Trust in a Divided World? with Dr. Francis Collins & Phil Halper 1:14:21

2M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

In a world splintered by distrust across science, faith, and politics, is it possible to find common ground on the sources of true wisdom? Dr. Francis Collins, a world-renowned geneticist and Christian, believes we must, and his new book, The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust, aims to rekindle these values. Collins argues that a f…

1
PART 2 of What’s the Point of Existence? God, Atheism, and the Meaning of Life 🌍 43:02

3M ago43:02

43:02

Join an electrifying debate exploring life's ultimate questions: What’s the purpose of existence? How do God and atheism shape our understanding of the cosmos, consciousness, and meaning?Recorded at the prestigious Royal Institution in London, this thought-provoking discussion features:Alex O’Connor @Cosmic Skeptic – Atheist YouTuber, host of @with…

1
Unbelievable? Classic: Premillennial vs Amillennial debate on Christ's return - Daniel Goepfrich & Chris Date 1:09:24

3M ago1:09:24

1:09:24

Debate has raged over the timeline of Christ's return. Daniel Goepfrich holds to 'premillennialism' - that Christ will return before a 1000 year reign of peace, Chris Date holds to 'amillennialism' - that there will be no literal 1000 year reign.For Chris Date https://rethinkinghell.com/For Daniel Goepfrich https://www.theologyisforeveryone.com/Ori…

1
Questioning Christmas: Did Matthew Mangle the Virgin Birth? Responding to Bart Ehrman | Ep 70 1:08:33

3M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

Dr. Bart Ehrman claims that Matthew made a translation error and misunderstood the original context of Isaiah 7:14. If Matthew had known Hebrew and understood the context, he would have known that Isaiah was not prophesying a "virgin birth." If Dr. Ehrman is true, that means the Gospel story of Jesus is built on a lie. What is the truth? Find out i…

1
PART 1 of What’s the Point of Existence? God, Atheism, and the Meaning of Life 🌍 46:54

3M ago46:54

46:54

Join an electrifying debate exploring life's ultimate questions: What’s the purpose of existence? How do God and atheism shape our understanding of the cosmos, consciousness, and meaning?Recorded at the prestigious Royal Institution in London, this thought-provoking discussion features:Alex O’Connor @Cosmic Skeptic – Atheist YouTuber, host of @with…

1
A Shropshire Christmas with John Kirkpatrick 58:49

3M ago58:49

58:49

Ho Ho Ho! Enjoy traditional Christmas carols, midwinter Morris dancing, a peal of bells and a recipe for Christmas pudding set to music as we head for the Three Tuns pub in Bishop’s Castle with squeezebox maestro John Kirkpatrick MBE, the Castle Carollers and the Shropshire Bedlams. Along the way we’ll discover the story behind ancient winter custo…

1
Unbelievable? Classic: Debating the apologetics of CS Lewis 1:01:42

3M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

CS Lewis scholar Michael Ward and atheist activist Dan Barker debate whether Lewis' Christian apologetics were convincing or not. Michael Ward currently has a new book out on Lewis: After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis’s The Abolition of Man. Originally aired: 2010• Get our 'Confident Christianity' course: http://www.premier.org.uk/courseierchrist…

1
God vs Science Debate with Peter Atkins and Keith Fox 1:17:22

3M ago1:17:22

1:17:22

Ruth Jackson returned to school to host this lively debate between Peter Atkins, renowned atheist and scientist, and Keith Fox, Christian biologist and theologian. In front of a live young audience, they explore one of the most profound questions: Is religion, just wishful thinking? Atkins and Fox tackle the big questions at the intersection of sci…

1
Questioning Christmas: Where is the Prophecy About the "Nazarene"? Responding to Bart Ehrman | Ep 69 49:35

3M ago49:35

49:35

Dr. Bart Ehrman claims that Matthew got the "Nazarene" prophecy about Jesus incorrect because there is no such prophecy found in all of the Old Testament. Abdu's socials: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12 Twitter https://twitter.com/abdumurray TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abdumurray Keep…

1
Unbelievable? Classic: Kristin Kobes Du Mez on masculinity, Mark Driscoll and the future for US evangelicals 1:01:23

3M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Kristin Kobes Du Mez is the author of the bestselling book ‘Jesus and John Wayne: How white evangelicals corrupted a faith and fractured a nation’.She chats live with Justin about the recent ‘Rise and Fall of Mars Hill’ podcast, the support Donald Trump received among white evangelicals, the concept of masculinity and the future of Christianity in …

1
Catholic vs Protestant debate - “Should Christians pray to Mary?” Trent Horn v Leonardo De Chirico hosted by Andy Kind 1:09:35

3M ago1:09:35

1:09:35

What divides Catholics and Protestants theologically? How does the role of Mary and the authority of scripture shape the faith journeys of believers in these traditions?Premier Unbelievable?, host Andy Kind moderates a compelling dialogue between Dr. Leonardo De Chirico and Trent Horn, examining the key theological distinctions and shared values be…

1
Unbelievable? Classic: Are Star Wars and superhero movies a gateway to the Gospel? Frank Turek vs Paulogia 1:23:21

4M ago1:23:21

1:23:21

Frank Turek’s book ‘Hollywood Heroes’ argue that the fictional stories of Harry Potter, Star Wars and the Marvel movies all point to the the true story of Jesus, the ultimate hero. Paul Ens, a comic book and Star Wars fan who runs the counter-apologetics channel Paulogia, responds. For Frank Turek: https://hollywoodheroesbook.com/For Paulogia: http…

1
Should We Have the Right to Die? The Assisted Dying Debate in the UK Neil McKain vs Prof Keith Brown 1:16:52

4M ago1:16:52

1:16:52

As the UK prepares for a crucial parliamentary debate on the Assisted Dying Bill, the Unbelievable? podcast delves into this emotionally charged issue. Unlike in countries such as the USA, Canada, and the Netherlands, assisted dying remains illegal in the UK—but that could soon change. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's Private Member's Bill has reignited …

1
Is Hope Hardwired? And Other Things We Wonder About with Andy Bannister | Ep 68 48:58

4M ago48:58

48:58

Dr Andy Bannister joins us to discuss several of the questions that everyone wonders about but are often left unanswered. We talk about good vs evil, altruism vs selfishness, and the theory of evolution as a potential answer to these great wonders. Dr. Andy Bannister holds a PhD in Islamic Studies and he regularly speaks and teaches on Islam, philo…

1
Unbelievable? Classic: Richard Dawkins & Rowan Williams dialogue 1:28:29

4M ago1:28:29

1:28:29

In February 2012 Sofia Europa sponsored a discussion between Richard Dawkins and Rowan Williams, the then-Archbishop of Canterbury, on the question of Human Nature and Our Ultimate Origins. The discussion was chaired by agnostic Prof Sir Anthony Kenny. It is broadcast here in full.For the full discussion watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/wat…

1
The Divine Debate: Is Morality Rooted in God? Atheist Stephen Law vs Matthew Su hosted by Ruth Jackson 45:59

4M ago45:59

45:59

🌟 Is faith necessary for a moral life? 🌟Is belief in God essential for a meaningful moral framework? Or can secular philosophy give us all the answers? 🤔 This week on Unbelievable?, host Ruth Jackson 🎙️ welcomes two dynamic thinkers to explore one of the most profound debates: the role of God in shaping our moral universe. 🌌✨ Recorded live at Wadde…

1
Lunatraktors at the Bethlem Royal Hospital 1:12:37

4M ago1:12:37

1:12:37

Delve into the history of madness as we walk with the “broken folk” duo Lunatraktors in the 200 acre grounds of the Bethlem Royal Hospital in South London. Clair le Couteur and Carli Jefferson are fascinated by the story of the hospital which was founded in the 13th century by monks - and nicknamed “Bedlam”. They perform songs inspired by the place…

1
Unbelievable? Classic: Peter Kreeft's argument from desire 1:02:16

4M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

CS Lewis said "If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world."Peter Kreeft is a philosophy professor and well known Christian thinker and writer. He defends the "argument from desire". Does our experience of transcendent longing indicate that there is a God to …

1
Variations in Scripture: do they matter? 🧐 New Testament Scholars Mike Licona and Darrell L. Bock explain 1:21:05

4M ago1:21:05

1:21:05

New Testament scholars Mike Licona and Darrell L. Bock dive into the Bible’s rich complexities, covering divine inspiration, authorship, and textual variations 📖✨. They discuss how understanding the Bible as both divinely inspired and humanly transmitted influences its authority and interpretation. Topics include the formation of the Old and New Te…

1
Unbelievable? Classic: Optimism or extinction? What’s the future of humanity? John Hands & Perry Marshall 1:07:46

4M ago1:07:46

1:07:46

Secular scientist and academic John Hands has been described as a ‘polymath’. His 2016 book Cosmosapiens received wide praise for its analysis of human evolution since the beginning of the universe. His new book ‘The Future of Humankind’ looks ahead to what lies in store for homosapiens.He discusses the issues with Christian thinker Perry Marshall,…

1
How to Live the Narrow Way During a Chaotic Election (LIVE with Q&A) | Ep 67 51:54

4M ago51:54

51:54

Abdu Murray and Pastor Chris Rea of Community Christian Church in Sterling Heights, MI, discuss this chaotic election season in front of a live audience. Abdu's Washington Times piece referenced in this episode can be found at https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/jul/26/american-souls-are-sick-this-election-season/. Facebook https://www.facebo…

1
Should Christians vote for Trump? 45:28

4M ago45:28

45:28

In a nation divided and a pivotal election on the horizon, how should Christians engage with politics? 🤔 How much should our faith influence our public life? What’s truly at stake when we step into the political arena?As we approach the U.S. elections, the spotlight is on debates and appearances from figures like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Her…

1
Unbelievable? Classic: Louise Perry & Rod Dreher • Christianity, the Sexual Revolution and the future of the West (copy) 1:11:11

4M ago1:11:11

1:11:11

The Big Conversation - Episode 2 | Season 5Is post-Christendom a brave new world or a culture in collapse? Can ancient wisdom still offer answers to the modern problems of life?Rod Dreher is Senior Editor of The American Conservative and author of bestselling books including ‘The Benedict Option’ and ‘Live Not By Lies’. Louise Perry is a journalist…

1
The Great Morality Debate: Secularism vs. Christianity with Dr Michael Shermer and Rev. Glen Scrivener 1:22:40

5M ago1:22:40

1:22:40

In this episode of Premier Unbelievable?, host Vince Vitale moderates a riveting debate that tackles one of the most profound questions in philosophy, religion, and ethics: Can we be 'good' without God? 🤔✨ Dr. Michael Shermer, renowned skeptic and author of The Moral Arc, joins Glen Scrivener, Anglican minister, author of The Air We Breathe, speake…

1
Unbelievable? Classic: Sharon Dirckx vs Emily Qureshi-Hurst • Do consciousness and near-death experiences point to an afterlife? 1:08:39

5M ago1:08:39

1:08:39

The Big Conversation - Episode 4 | Season 5What should we make of accounts of “near death experiences”? Do they give credible support to the possibility that there is life after death, or can they be explained away as mere physical phenomena? Indeed, what is the connection between the brain, consciousness, and “the soul” (if it even exists)?Christi…

1
Can Tarot & Astrology Open you to EVIL Forces? 🔮👻 Ex-Psychic Jenn Nizza and Horror Filmmaker Toby Watts debate Halloween, demons and horror 1:11:47

5M ago1:11:47

1:11:47

In this Halloween special, we examine the intersection of the occult, Halloween, and Christian perspectives on spiritual matters. Is Halloween merely harmless fun, or does it carry deeper, more sinister implications? Can activities like tarot readings and astrology open the door to evil forces? What does Christianity teach about demons—and is it po…

1
Unbelievable Classic: Tom Holland: Christianity, persecution and the meaning of the cross 56:04

5M ago56:04

56:04

Historian Tom Holland tells how his experiences among persecuted Christians and Yazidis in Iraq impacted his own intellectual and personal journey with Christianity. Titled 'Invisible Fire: Christianity in a post-western world', this 'Perspectives' lecture was recorded in Nov 2021 at the British Library for Christian persecution charity Open Doors …

1
Buffer zones: protecting women or an overreach against free speech? Lois McLatchie Miller vs Jan MacVarish hosted by Andy Kind 1:11:38

5M ago1:11:38

1:11:38

Should silent prayer be banned? This week on Unbelievable we’re touching on a sensitive and deeply complex issue that affects both women and men— abortion. Specifically, we’ll be discussing buffer zones outside abortion clinics, which have sparked intense debate around the world, including in the UK, where new legislation comes into effect on Octob…

1
Dan Whitehouse in Stourbridge 54:56

5M ago54:56

54:56

For four hundred years, Stourbridge in the West Midlands was at the heart of Britain’s glass making industry. The local landscape was dotted with distinctive brick built cones, or chimneys, where the glass was made. The local singer and songwriter Dan Whitehouse made an album called “Voices From The Cones” based on recordings of the memories of gla…

1
J. Warner Wallace on True Crime and What It Reveals About the Meaning of Life | Ep 66 1:14:47

5M ago1:14:47

1:14:47

J Warner Wallace talks to us about the many lessons learned from his life as a homicide detective. J. Warner Wallace is a Dateline featured cold-case homicide detective and a best-selling author and national speaker in the field of apologetics. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and an adjunct professor a…

1
Christian Philosopher Vince Vitale Stunned by Free Will Showdown: Alex O'Connor vs. Alex Carter 34:53

5M ago34:53

34:53

Recently on Unbelievable you may have seen Ruth Jackson host an energised debate about free will between Alex O’Connor – host of the Within Reason podcast and the highly popular YouTube channel, Cosmic Skeptic – and Dr. Alex Carter – who is the Academic Director for Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Cambridge, Institute …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Matthew Bannister Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide

zproxy.org