Apologetics
Why your favourite stories are full of Christian meaning
From Harry Potter to The Lord of the Rings, our most loved stories concern the battle of good over evil. That’s because we’re wired that way, says Andy Bannister. It’s only in a universe where good wins out in the end that stories make sense
Can we trust the birth narratives of Jesus found in the Gospels?
Q: Many people assume that the birth narratives of Jesus found in the Gospels are fictional. Do you think they’re trustworthy?
Russell Watson: ‘My friend and I text Bible verses to each other every Sunday’
The world-renowned tenor explains how a near-death experience led him to faith, and why he’ll never tire of bringing joy to others through his music
From Islam to Atheism to Christianity - the unlikely conversion of Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Ayaan Hirsi Ali's astonishing announcement that she has become a Christian, is almost as surprising as if Richard Dawkins had entered the priesthood, says Andy Bannister
I saw Jordan Peterson at the O2 last night. He’s asking all the right questions
Thousands flocked to London’s O2 arena to hear leading intellectuals including Jordan Peterson and Douglas Murray talk about everything from marriage to the meaning of life. Can a ‘faith-based’ approach to the culture wars help solve society’s problems? Justin Brierley reports
Francis Spufford: ‘Christianity is for adults like me, who mess up and see no way out’
The critically acclaimed author talks about swearing, messing up his marriage and why Christian art is sometimes a little bit rubbish
Why apologetics needs to change
Sharing our faith requires us to answer the questions people are actually asking, not the questions we think they’re asking
New atheism has collapsed. The tide is turning on belief in God
Justin Brierley explores the surprising rebirth of belief in God
Strange new world - Carl R Trueman
The world’s values have changed rapidly in the past decade. Critics have attributed such changes to the decline in Christian belief, or an upsurge in Marxist thinking of oppressor vs oppressed. But Carl Trueman’s work shows that it’s a lot more complicated than that. He defines the root cause as ...
'I was a staunch atheist but reading medieval theology led me to Christ'
Charlotte Gauthier wanted to save people from believing in God. Encountering the beauty of an ancient church building unexpectedly stopped her in her tracks
Why it’s time for Christians to take UFOs seriously
As a high-ranking US government official claims there is hard evidence which proves we are not alone in the universe, Dr Matthew L Halsted asks, if alien life were discovered, should it undermine your Christian faith?
There's a God-shaped hole in the BBC's science documentaries
Two new films from the BBC and Humanists UK, featuring Chris Packham and Dr Alice Roberts, seek to explain the origin of our planet from a scientific, secular point of view. But in ignoring the divine, they raise more spiritual questions than they answer, says George Pitcher
How can you worship the God of the enslavers?
Q: When the rapper Jahaziel renounced his Christian faith, he listed a number of objections to belief, including “Christianity’s involvement in the slave trade”. He spoke about wanting to “return” to the religious traditions of his African ancestors. His story is representative of a large number of young Black people ...
Jesus rose from the dead. Here are 3 reasons why we can be confident
Two thousand years on, why are Jesus’ teachings still so influential in our world today? And why is he appearing in people’s dreams? The answer to that question lies in the evidence for his death and resurrection, says Justin Bass
Why the 25% of Christians who deny the resurrection aren't true believers
Andrew Hamilton-Thomas responds to a recent survey which revealed a quarter of professing Christians think the resurrection of Jesus is a myth
God exists. The resurrection of Jesus proves it
If Jesus miraculously came back to life, it is undisputable evidence for the existence of an all-powerful God, says Grant Bartley. Here’s why he thinks it really did happen
Professor Tom McLeish (1962-2023): A joyful scientist and evangelist for Jesus
Tom McLeish was one of the world’s leading scientists.
‘Have you been washed in the blood of the lamb, brother?’ 5 ways to avoid Christianese in your evangelism
Struggle to share your Christian faith without slipping into jargon? Felix Aremo shares his tops tips for choosing your words wisely
'Magisteria' expertly demolishes lazy myths about science and religion
Many, but perhaps not all of us, will be familiar with the 1957 big-screen portrayal of Reginald Rose’s legendary drama Twelve Angry Men.
Explained: What is the Shroud of Turin and is it evidence of Jesus’ resurrection?
Controversy has swirled around this claimed burial cloth of Christ ever since its discovery. If the Shroud is genuine, its arguably the most significant relic in existence
Why God’s preferred pronouns are he/him
The Church of England is considering alternatives to referring to God as “he” after priests asked to be allowed to use gender-neutral terms. Some have said a change in language would make the church more inclusive. But Lois Tverberg disagrees. She argues Christians should embrace the fact that God chose to reveal himself through male images in the Bible
I used to be Ravi Zacharias’ spokesperson. Here’s what I’ve learned about complicity and corruption
Ruth Malhotra was working as Ravi Zacharias’ spokesperson when abuse allegations were first made against the apologist. The revelations began a journey that would take her from spokesperson to whistleblower to advocate
A famous atheist endorsed my book about Jesus
Michael Coren has been trying to break down barriers between atheists and Christians. He explains how his approach is resulting in small victories
Editor’s picks: 15 best features from 2022
Premier Christianity has been at the forefront of unpacking all the big stories of 2022 from a distinctly Christian perspective. Here’s a round-up of our favourite long-reads the year
Did the virgin birth really happen?
The Bible scholar NT Wright gives his answer
Why doesn’t life make sense?
Looking for answers? Draw near to the one who gives life it’s meaning, suggests David Instone-Brewer, as he takes a closer look at the book of Ecclesiastes
How can the Church reach a spiritually curious generation? Two social media influencers explain
Many younger people are put off by organised religion. Justin Brierley speaks to two social media influencers, Mikhaila Peterson and Jon McCray, about their conversion stories and how Christians can better reach millennials and Gen Z
God and suffering: My quest for answers after the Boxing Day Tsunami
When almost a quarter of a million people died in the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, it set Dominican friar-turned journalist, Mark Dowd, on a journey to find out why God didn’t stop the suffering
10 questions to ask a Muslim
Most Muslims are very open to talking about faith. You don’t have to be an Islamic expert to start a conversation and share your own experiences, says Bethie Peltola.
Earthly ‘saviours’ will always disappoint us, so let’s trust in the One who won’t
Whether it’s politicians like Truss, or football managers like Gerrard, we are often let down by leaders in the public eye. Perhaps it’s because we’re all longing for a perfect person to lead us, says Graham Tomlin
Our new prime minister celebrates Diwali, but what does the Hindu festival stand for?
Rishi Sunak has become the UK’s first Hindu prime minister
Wholly Buyable: The clever podcast explaining the Bible to non-Christians
I’m reading the Qur’an at the moment, rather late in my life.
'The heavens declare the glory of God' Why these stunning images point to a creator
The James Webb telescope is sending back unprecedented images, including of a planet beyond our solar system. It's hoped the $10bn project will shed light on the origins of the universe, and perhaps even the search for alien life. Chris Goswami speaks to Christian astronomers to find out how they're interpreting the images, and why they see no contradiction between science and their faith
The senseless murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel shakes my faith. How can it not?
What does Christian hope look like in the aftermath of this unspeakable tragedy, wonders George Pitcher
The divine mind: Does this new theory of the brain point to a creator?
Books on neuroscience don’t usually become bestsellers, but Iain McGilchrist’s new theory of the brain is capturing the attention of both Christians and sceptics.
Christianity is the air we breathe. Even your objections to Christianity are Christian
Whether we believe in God or not, we all value freedom, kindness, progress and equality. But far from being natural or inevitable, these values are the direct result of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, says Glen Scrivener
Dawkins vs Collins: The world’s most famous atheist meets a leading Christian geneticist
Richard Dawkins and Francis Collins recently sat down with Justin Brierley for a Big Conversation on science and faith…and they got on surprisingly well
Peter Hitchens: 'When I was an atheist I was even more selfish than I am now'
The controversial commentator speaks to Tim Farron about his journey from atheism to Christianity, and why Christian politicians should expect to be reviled by their colleagues
The air we breathe - Glen Scrivener
“Why do the nations rage?” muses the writer of Psalm 2. The answer, he explains, is that they do so to free themselves from the restraints of God’s moral law. However, as the psalmist, and the rest of the Bible, points out, when you do to that, there is a ...
Why I walked away from Christianity – and why my dad stayed
A father and son share their respective reasons for staying and leaving the faith
Could Jesus have been married?
The Bible doesn’t answer the question. But it does give us some clues, says Lee Wilson
Why the 'science vs religion' debate is changing for good
Belief in old tropes about science and religion is changing for good, says this new research
Could Jesus have survived crucifixion?
Some people deny the resurrection of Jesus, instead claiming that he never died in the first place. Allan Chapman describes, in gory detail, the eight reasons why this is based on a misunderstanding of the crucifixion process
Why Jesus' resurrection really happened
Tom Wright explains why, as an ancient historian, he resurrection of Jesus from death makes historical sense.
How good do I need to be to get to heaven?
84 per cent of Britons say that you need to be a 'good person’ in order to reach heaven. But how good do we need to be? Kristi Mair shares her perspective
How did a gifted Christian minister become an atheist? I met him to find out
Seth Walker went from the heights of evangelical passion and unquestioning trust in God to total loss of faith and attempted suicide. Chris Goswami says there are lessons from Seth's life that the Church needs to learn
Is this biblical ‘curse tablet’ the most significant discovery in recent history?
A newly discovered Hebrew tablet containing an early use of the holy name of God, Yahweh, has prompted excitement around the world
Against The Tide: Watch John Lennox provide evidence for God in the age of science
This is a well-polished and engaging documentary that bucks the trend when it comes to Christian filmmaking, says Justin Brierley
Doubt is becoming trendy. Even among Christians
It is time to stand firm in the truth, says Chris Schorah, as he encourages Christians to eschew doubt and deconstruction
How to reach your agnostic friends
The angry atheism once popularised by Richard Dawkins is now widely considered to be just as dogmatic as fundamentalist religion. But with growing numbers of people preferring a gentler, more agnostic approach to faith, Andrew Sach and Jonathan Gemmell explore how we can best reach the fence sitters
Atheism is trying to undermine these 7 biblical concepts. But it will fail
In re-defining Christian concepts of morality, the soul, free will and more, atheism is leaving our society hollow and directionless. By contrast, it is belief in the God of scripture which upholds and strengthens our understanding of meaning, truth and freedom, argues Alistair McKitterick
This documentary contains evidence for healing miracles. So we asked an agnostic to watch it
Does God heal today? We asked a former Christian to watch a new film which examines the evidence. Here's what he made of it
The untold story of C.S Lewis’ conversion to Christianity is a must-watch
The new C.S. Lewis biopic is in selected cinemas now
Evangelistic courses have their place. But nothing beats relationship
During lockdown, with church programmes on pause and people confined to their homes, many Christians found new opportunities to build relationships with those around them. Maybe it’s the start of a new era of friendship evangelism, says Carl Knightly
Jordan Peterson’s daughter say she’s ‘found God’. Let’s keep praying for her
The 29 year old daughter of controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson is reading the Bible, praying and experiencing a peace she’s never felt before.
What will we look like in heaven?
Have you ever wondered, ‘What will I look like in heaven?’ The issue of the afterlife is a complicated one, but we can be sure of what the Bible tells us about certain aspects of heaven, says evangelist and author J.John
How do you explain polygamy in the Bible?
Tom Wright gives his answer
Is this the most persecuted 31 year-old in Britain?
Joshua Sutcliffe has lost his job twice, and been caught up in media storms over his Christian views on sexuality, gender and other religions
Leftward drift: Why Christians are abandoning the faith…and what we can do about it
What if “certainty” is dangerous?
Fearfully and wonderfully made: Why studying the embryo leads me to worship
Jeff Hardin explains how researching human development has caused him to wonder at the beauty of God’s creation
Wonders of the living world: Curiosity, awe and the meaning of life
Join Dr Ruth Bancewicz for a guided meditation, looking at the beauty of God’s creation
Why I’m finally a young earth creationist
Writing in response to Dr Luke Barnes' article on why he no longer believes in young earth creationism, physicist and engineer, Dr Jim Mason shares his own story, and explains why he believes a “plain reading” of Genesis leads to a young earth viewpoint
Why Christians should support Hatun Tash’s brave evangelism among radical Muslims
Hatun Tash has been a vocal and sometimes controversial critic of Islam since her conversion to Christianity. While debating with Muslims at Speakers’ Corner last week, she was stabbed on her face and hands. Mission leader and author Steve Bell believes Hatun’s confrontational style of evangelism is biblical, and says the 39 year-old apologist deserves our respect
Why I’m no longer a young earth creationist
Theoretical astrophysicist Luke Barnes explains how he changed his mind on the age of the universe
What’s the meaning of life? 4 reasons why belief in God makes sense
Simon Edwards presents four big questions that point towards the existence of God
From faith to unbelief…and back again
Jim Thring became a Christian as a young adult. He then lost his faith and spent nearly ten years as a committed atheist. He explains what brought him back
The Christian faith of CS Lewis
CS Lewis’ books communicate some of the most profound truths of the Christian faith in a way that all can understand, and remain classics to this day, says Alister McGrath
Douglas Murray: The anti-woke atheist with a soft spot for Christianity
The secular journalist known for critiquing left-wing ideas has attracted a huge following in recent years. He might identify as an atheist, but the former Christian remains fascinated by faith
Professor Rosalind Picard: ‘I used to think religious people had thrown their brains out the window’
A leading expert in Artificial Intelligence talks about her faith journey, life-saving technology and being a woman in science.
Does God suffer with us?
God’s ‘impassibility’ means that God doesn’t experience emotions the way humans do. It comes from the Latin ‘passio’, which is about suffering. Suffering can be seen either in terms of ‘this is very painful’, or in a more technical way – the idea that something is being done to me. ...
YouTube is the new front line for religious debates. St Paul would have loved it
The modern-day Areopagus is increasingly providing Christians with spiritual content and is an ideal platform for evangelism and debate, says Chris Goswami
Which God tells the truth?
When I was growing up, I remember being told: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Sound advice to give a child. But when I read through the Bible I discovered God operates a little differently.
John Polkinghorne (1930-2021): The pre-eminent voice on science and religion
Alister McGrath remembers the distinguished academic and Anglican priest who has died at the age of 90
Why it's utter baubles to claim 'Christmas is pagan'
Christmas is coming! And with it the usual stories telling us that the festival has pagan origins. But is it true? Nick Page investigates
Investigation: Where is the Ark of the Covenant?
Intrepid explorer Chris Sinkinson goes on a virtual world tour in search of the most valuable wooden box on earth
Who are the Hebrew Israelites and why do they believe that Jesus is black?
Megan Cornwell investigates the sect that believes African Americans are the true Hebrew Israelites
Heidi Crowter, Matt Dillahunty, Down syndrome... and the disturbing consequences of getting rid of God
Following his debate with a leading atheist, Glen Scrivener explains why rejecting Christianity can result in chilling moral consequences
What has Christianity ever done for us?
That was the challenge levelled at historian Tom Holland by AC Grayling, one of Britain’s leading atheist philosophers. The answer, it turns out is: quite a lot
When John Lennox met Dave Rubin
Justin Brierley has moderated hundreds of lively debates on Christianity and atheism, but when a renowned Christian apologist met a popular YouTube personality at a Californian megachurch, it turned out to be one of the most remarkable events the broadcaster has ever hosted
Confidence in Christmas: Why the Nativity story is true
Following his debate on The Big Conversation, Dr Peter J Williams explains why we can be confident in the story of Jesus’ birth
God’s not dead - 3 ways that the Cosmos points to a Creator
Following his Big Conversation with cosmologist Roger Penrose, renowned Christian philosopher William Lane Craig outlines three ways the science of the universe points to God
We’re in a crisis of meaning. Do the stars of the IDW have a solution?
Thousands of people are turning to the academics who make up the so-called Intellectual Dark Web with their questions about the meaning of life. As The Big Conversation from Unbelievable? relaunches, Esther O’Reilly asks whether they‘ll find the right answers.
Tom Holland: Why atheists are more ‘Christian’ than they realise
Best-selling historian and author Tom Holland responds to the latest British Social Attitudes survey which shows declining Christianity and rising atheism
The Tim Farron interview: Why I put Christ ahead of my career
The politician tells Sam Hailes how the “trials and tribulations” he experienced while leading the Liberal Democrats have enabled him to be more open about his faith. He also explains how reading books on prophecy and apologetics played a key part in his decision to become a Christian
The rise of secularism
The Church is being scrutinised by a growing number of people who do not share our faith. Should we be worried? Megan Cornwell investigates.
Is the resurrection beyond belief?
David Instone-Brewer examines the gospel accounts of Jesus rising from the dead, and responds to the claim that early Christians simply made the story up
Deconstructing faith: Meet the evangelicals who are questioning everything
A new generation is re-thinking what they've been told about Christianity, the Bible and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. They argue a 'new reformation' is taking place as they voice their doubts and embrace a process known as theological deconstruction. Those who have walked this road say it's a life-giving and ultimately faith-affirming process, but others are sceptical. Sam Hailes investigates
Was Jesus a Muslim or a Christian?
Millions of people think Jesus was a Muslim and billions think he was a Christian. Chris Goswami explains why both are wrong
Who created human rights? (and why it's a problem for atheists)
It is 70 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations. Following his Big Conversation debate with Peter Singer, Andy Bannister says the document still poses a significant problem for atheists
What’s stopping Jordan Peterson from rejecting Jesus’ resurrection?
The popular psychology professor claims that faith is about what you do rather than what you say. But when it comes to the central claim of Christian faith, he wavers
Why both atheists and Christians need to believe in free will
Free will vs determinism isn’t just a debate for Christians. Atheists face a similar conundrum, as Justin Brierley explains
Atheist Fairytales: Exposing secularism's major myths
Popular atheists including Steven Pinker say that science, human rights and reason are a result of the Enlightenment conquering religious superstition. That’s just another fairytale, argues Nick Spencer
10 questions to ask a Mormon
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was founded by Joseph Smith in 1830. While they claim to be the restoration of the original church, Christians consider them to be outside of the faith because they deny the divinity of Christ and the trinity. Here, Michael Thomas suggests how Christians can engage with the members of this church, who are commonly referred to as Mormons
10 questions to ask a Mormon
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was founded by Joseph Smith in 1830. While they claim to be the restoration of the original church, Christians consider them to be outside of the faith because they deny the divinity of Christ and the trinity. Here, Michael Thomas suggests how Christians can engage with the members of this church, who are commonly referred to as Mormons
When Derren met Richard: the atheist illusionist and the Christian priest
The UK’s most famous illusionist recently sat down with the country’s best known vicar to talk about faith and happiness. Justin Brierley introduces their conversation
Is Jordan B Peterson the saviour of Christianity?
The phenomenally popular psychologist is on a mission to bring order to a chaotic world. And he’s using the Bible to do it
How studying Hawking’s Big Bang led me to God
Ahead of his appearance at Unbelievable? The Conference 2018, astrophysicist Dr Hugh Ross shares his testimony
This is why Christians DON'T obey all of the Bible’s commands
Why do Christians follow the Bible's teaching on sexuality, but ignore the laws about not eating pork? Are they being selective and 'picking and choosing' which commandments they feel like following? James Mildred offers an explanation
Tom Wright: Revealing the real Saint Paul
Don’t call him a ‘religious thinker’ or ‘philosopher’. The apostle Paul doesn’t fit into our modern categories, says one of the world’s leading New Testament scholars, Tom Wright
Nabeel Qureshi: courage, commitment and compassionate witness
The prominent Christian apologist, who converted from Islam, passed away on Saturday 16th September aged 34
NT Wright attacks 'fashionable fantasy' of allowing children to choose their own gender
Tom Wright is best known for his academic and popular work in defense of Christianity and Christ's resurrection. But the professor has just waded into one of the most divisive social and cultural issues of our time. Sam Hailes reports
Unbelievable? How I got atheists listening to Christian radio
What makes an atheist want to listen to a Christian radio show? Drawing from his new book, Justin Brierley explains why believers need to learn the art of good conversations again
When sceptics convert: 3 former atheists walking the path of CS Lewis
Justin Brierley traces the stories of three women whose intellectual journey led to their conversion from atheism to Christianity
9 archaeology finds that confirm the New Testament
Hundreds of archaeological findings are confirming the biblical record. Peter S Williams looks at some of the most interesting discoveries
3 videos which explain Tom Wright's cross-centred Christianity
Ahead of London Bible Week, Tom Wright tells Justin Brierley how Christians should think about the atonement
Tom Wright's cross centred revolution
The former Bishop of Durham remains the most influential Bible scholar on the planet. He tells Justin Brierley why he’s returning to the cross of Christ
3 reasons why God allows suffering
Why would a loving God allow suffering? With the release, of his new book Unbelievable? Why, after ten years of talking with atheists, I'm still a Christian Justin Brierley presents three ways to respond to the hardest question of them all
How studying science led this atheist to God
Douglas Ell was shocked to discover overwhelming evidence for God in an unlikely place
My unlikely friendship with the world's most notorious atheist
Christian apologist Larry Taunton tells the story of his friendship with the well known atheist Christopher Hitchens (1949-2011)
4 facts that only fit the Resurrection
A new argument is changing the way Christians are seeking to persuade sceptics of the truth of the resurrection. Justin Brierley presents the ‘minimal facts’.
3 Reasons Why Belief In God Makes Sense
With the release of Unbelievable? Why, after ten years of talking with atheists, I'm still a Christian, Justin Brierley makes the case for a creator
10 reasons why Christians should thank Richard Dawkins
Christians are often upset by Richard Dawkins. But Heather Tomlinson believes we also have many reasons to thank the controversial atheist
Why I left the Mormon Church to follow Jesus
Lynn K Wilder served in the Mormon Temple and as an LDS professor in Utah. She explains what convinced her to leave.
Shroud of Turin: Genuine relic or medieval forgery?
Justin Brierley investigates why new evidence that the cloth is a genuine relic of the resurrection is capturing the interest of evangelicals and Catholics alike.
Amy Orr-Ewing: The Bible: Myth or Legend?
The Bible is often assumed, by many here in the UK, to be the stuff of legend, belonging with Aesop’s fables or Hans Christian Andersen, rather than history books. How do we respond to this challenge?
'I don't accept secularism as the answer to our problems'
Lord Paul Boateng talks faith, politics and community.
The making of The Bible
This December, Channel 5 will be screening 10 hours of biblical stories and expecting huge audiences. But will the series that drew millions of viewers in America have the same success here?
5 Tough Questions about the Bible
Our resident Bible scholar responds to some typical questions about the Old Testament that The Bible series is likely to raise for non-believers (and probably plenty of Christians too, if we’re honest).
Can faith survive Bible college?
Should going to theological college come with a warning sticker? Justin Brierley explores what happens when students put their faith under the academic microscope.
The Three Conversions of Fuzz Kitto
Three ‘conversion moments’ have given the remarkable Fuzz Kitto an unusual view of the global Church...
An atheist's atonement?
Mark Greene explores a bleak view of existence in the big screen adaptation of Ian McEwan’s finest novel.
Should we ignore the Mormons?
A new musical is heading for the London stage, and it’s got controversy written all over it. Martin Saunders asks if we should ignore, embrace or campaign against a play that has some shocking things to say about religion.
How Darwin's faith evolved
This year marks 200 years since the birth of Charles Darwin - but did he really just support an atheist worldview, or was there more to his faith journey than that?
The Gospel According to Pullman...
Martin Saunders responds to the atheist author’s take on the Jesus story...
Michael Green: 'I want a cool head and a burning heart'
Michael Green is an academic with a heart for evangelism and not afraid of a fight. Now in his 80th year, he shows no signs of slowing down...
Da Vinci and God in the media
Mark Greene looks at the film, The Da Vinci Code and the coverage of God in the media.
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