Unbelievable?

Justin Brierley presents segments of some of the varied discussions and debates between Christians and non-Christians across the past year. Featuring Muslim, Hindu, Mormon, atheist and agnostic guests being pesented with the claims of Christianity. <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>Justin Brierley adresses the controversial children's blockbuster "The Golden Compass" that was released at cinemas this week. Some groups claim that it is atheist propaganda aimed at misrepresenting Christianity to children. Justin is joined by Jason Gardner of the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity and Andrew Copson of the British Humanist Association.</p> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

Patrick Sookhdeo of the Barnabus Fund claims in his book "Global Jihad" that Islam needs to abandon scriptures advocating offensive Jihad. Hamza A Bajwa of The Muslim Weekly says Patrick does not fully understand Jihad or Islam. <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>Rabbi Reuben Livingstone and Alex Jacob of the Churches Ministry among Jewish People discuss Salvation. Reuben believes our righteous acts and knowledge of God bring salvation, Alex believes in Salvation by Grace through faith in Jesus. With contributions from Messianic Jew Richard Harvey and Pastor Ken Brownell of East London Tabernacle.</p> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

Atheist Hemant Mehta offered to go to church for the highest bidder on eBay. In the end he visited 15 churches, large and small, and wrote about his experiences for good and bad. Tom Price of the Damaris Trust chats with Hemant about his view of churches and faith. <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

Agnostic sceptic Stephen Pilcher believes that Christian claims to healing are tricks of the mind. Can John Ryeland of the Christian Healing Mission persuade him differently? Also features personal stories from people who claim to have been miraculously healed. <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>Christianity is under attack as never before by a wave of militant atheists, led by Richard Dawkins. Atheist Barry Duke is all in favour of it, while Christian David Marshall's book "The Truth behind the new Atheism" rejects it. They join Justin on the show as he asks whether Christianity is really as bad as the New Atheists are making out. Buy "The truth behind the New Atheism" at <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/shop'>www.premier.org.uk/shop</a></p> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>Justin finds out about the results of a belief survey that asked Christians for their top reasons for believing in God and Christianity. He's joined by Father John Twisleton and Lawyer James Dingemans who compiled the results of the survey, as well as some of the respondents. You can read the results and access the TV interview at www.premier.org.uk/belief</p> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>Jesus was a healer, but what do we believe about healing and how it operates? Spiritual healer David Cunnigham is not a Christian - he says that Divine energy is channelled when he heals people. John Ryeland runs the Christian Healing Mission and says that Jesus is responsible for the physical healing that takes place there. Guests contribute with stories of healing on both sides of the discussion.
 
 You can watch the TV interview </p>
 <a href='http://www.premier.tv/?void=86001'>here</a>.
 <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>.
 
 Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>Justin is joined by Peter Saunders from the National Association for People Abused in Childhood and Steve Goss of "Freedom in Christ" ministries as they discuss forgiveness and "moving on" from hurt, in particular childhood abuse. Do Christians always have to forgive? What's the point? For more info on NAPAC: </p> <a href='http://www.napac.org.uk/'>www.napac.org.uk</a> or phone 08000 853 330. For more info on "Freedom In Christ": <a href='http://www.ficm.org.uk/'>www.ficm.org.uk</a>. <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>Jesus was a Jew - but what about the movement he started? Orthodox Rabbi Reuben Livingstone and Alex Jacob from the Churches Ministry among Jewish people debate how Christianity relates to Judaism and whether it is a continuation of it or something new.</p> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>Paul Gutteridge pastors the Christian Growth Centre, and loves chatting with people of other faiths and points of view. He chats to Hindu Rohit Saxena about the similarities and differences in the way they see God.</p> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>Justin is joined by Ibrahim Mogra of the Muslim Council of Britain and Christan evangelist Jay Smith as they discuss what drives young muslim radicals to become terrorists. Jay says that the Koran needs to be re-interpreted to prevent these acts; Ibrahim argues that the Muslim commuity is already doing a great deal to stop the terrorism in its tracks.</p> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>Sean Brickell, a lapsed Catholic, has come into contact with evangelical Christians and disgrees with their attitude to being "born again" and sex before marriage. So, are evangelicals too straight-jacketed? Matt Frost leads a church of young, single evangelicals and chats with Sean about the different way they view things.</p> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>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.</p> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>Recent media reports claim that mosques are indoctrinating young men in militant Islam - but is that true? Justin is joined by Abduraheem Green of London Central Mosque and Alan Craig of the Christian People's Alliance, who differ over the dangers posed by mosques. Special guests also contribute.</p> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>Daniel Clark has authored a book that says Christians have good grounds for believing in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. We find out why, as well as hearing from Andy Bannister of the London School of Theology and Bishop John Austin Baker as they bring their wisdom to bear on the subject.</p> <p> </p> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>Duncan Rossiter runs an atheist website. He says that Christinaity enslaves people. Find out why he has a problem with the idea of God and whether Christian evangelist Paul Clarke can persuade him that faith in Christ sets people free.</p> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

Fresh from a US TV debate with Richard Dawkins, Oxford Professor Dr. John Lennox engages with atheist scientist Robert Stovold. Lennox, who is a Christian, asserts in his book "God's Undertaker - Has science buried God?" that science and philosophy show evidence of a divine designer. Robert Stovold says the methodology of science is incompatible with such belief. Buy Dr. Lennox's book at <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/shop'>www.premier.org.uk/shop</a> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

Two Christian ministers in Taunton made the news recently when they refused a Yoga instructor the use of their church halls. Some have labelled their actions narrow-minded and intolerant. We discuss whether it's ok for Christians to be involved with Yoga. <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

<p>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.</p> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

As a new "term" of Alpha begins, Justin is joined by Mark Elsdon-Dew, Communications Director for Alpha. They discuss the success of the course in introducing people to the Christian faith, and how churches can run it effectively. With contributions from Jamie Hinde and Jerry Field, who both converted through the Alpha Course, and Nigel Desborough, a church pastor who regularly runs the programme. <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, known commonly as the Mormon church claim thirteen million members worldwide. David Fewster who represents the Mormon church in the UK answers listener emails and phone messages as we look at what Mormons believe about God, Jesus, the book of mormon, their founder Joseph Smith and polygamy. Meanwhile Evangelical Christian theologian Anthony McRoy sets forth Christian doctrine. <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

Melanie Henry believes she has found her own spiritual path through life. Its a mixture of New Age and spiritual principles, some taken from the words of Jesus. Pastor Matt Frost asks Melanie whether there is more to Jesus - was he the Son of God, can he forgive sin and does it matter? With contributions from Pastor Kurt Erickson. <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

Many people are turning to the New Age movement in search of spiritual answers. Justin is joined by Reiki healer Beverly Alfred and Christian communicator Mike Simmonds of Viz a Viz ministries. Beverly believes there are many paths to God, Mike says that Jesus is the only way. <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

Jason Johns practises Wicca and Shamanism - he's also happy to call himself a Christian. But can Pagan beliefs be combined with Christianity? Matt Frost, pastor of City Gates Church Soho discusses God, Jesus and the New Age with Jason. Contributions also from evangelist Steve Hollinghurst and New Age practitioner Heather Prince. <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>

Andrew Wilson's new book claims to have debunked Richard Dawkins' arguments against God. He goes head to head with atheist Gordon Livesey as they discuss The God Delusion and whether people are really being deluded by Dawkins' arguments. You can purchase a copy of "Deluded by Dawkins?" at <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/shop'>www.premier.org.uk/shop</a> <p>To hear more discussions between Christians and non-Christians go to <a href='http://www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable'>www.premier.org.uk/unbelievable</a>. Join the discussion on the Premier Community <a href='http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable'>www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable</a>.</p>