Do humans have the right to engineer life? Prof. Keith Fox v Dr. Sam McKee
Should we be tampering with the genetic code of life? What are the ethical and theological implications of engineering artificial organisms?
This episode of Unbelievable? explores the cutting-edge world of synthetic biology - from designing artificial microbes to help us live on Mars, to the deeper philosophical and ethical questions about humanity “playing God.”
Joining the conversation are Dr Sam McKee, a philosopher of science and cancer researcher, and Prof Keith Fox, Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Southampton. They draw their lines in the sand - but not in the same place.
Unpack the moral, spiritual, and existential dilemmas raised by synthetic life in this thought-provoking episode. Your mind will be stretched - Roger Bolton says his was, while hosting the show.
Does our ability to engineer life challenge traditional religious beliefs, or can it align with a theological vision of human creativity?
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1:26:01
Classic: Can Christianity be true if Christians can't agree on doctrine? Andrew Whyte vs Nabeel Qureshi
Less than a year after this classic episode aired, Nabeel Qureshi, author of
Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, one of the most compelling accounts of a Muslim’s journey to Christianity, announced he had stage IV stomach cancer. He passed away in September 2017. In this unforgettable episode, Nabeel brings his characteristic warmth and clarity as he engages with Andrew Whyte, a former Christian who lost his faith after wrestling with the wide range of beliefs within the Church. Andrew has since created a series of YouTube videos highlighting theological disagreements among Christians. We hear clips from his videos, while Nabeel offers a passionate response, arguing that Christianity remains cohesive and coherent despite internal differences.
Nabeel's book https://amzn.to/4df1bWH
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1:01:52
Does true freedom exist? Max Jeganathan vs Andrew Copson hosted by Andy Kind
Is our obsession with personal autonomy leading to fulfilment—or fracture? Max Jeganathan (author of The Freedom Trap) and Andrew Copson (CEO of Humanists UK) explore the purpose, power, and pitfalls of freedom. While Max argues that unexamined individualism breeds anxiety, disconnection, and moral confusion, Andrew defends freedom as a means to happiness, but warns against excessive egoism. The discussion spans everything from Nazi resistance and speeding laws to Taylor Swift and tech billionaires, with surprising agreements and sharp disagreements - particularly over the value of self-sacrifice and whether belief in God really matters. A nuanced, often humourous journey through politics, ethics and belief hosted by comedian and writer Andy Kind, this episode asks: is true freedom found in autonomy, or in responsibility, community and even love?
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1:15:28
Classic: Why I changed my mind about Christian history - Tom Holland v Larry Hurtado
Back in October 2016, renowned historian Tom Holland penned an article for The New Statesman on why he changed his mind about Christianity. Holland is the author of popular books on ancient empires and says his research made him realise how unique Christianity was in its infancy. In this classic show Holland claims that, despite secular arguments that Christianity hinders moral progress, the West actually owes its values of equality and human dignity to the religion.
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50:40
Cancer, War and the God Question: why so much suffering? Prof Richard Norman vs Sara Stevenson hosted by Andy Kind
Why does a good God allow violence and suffering — even in the Bible?
In this episode of Premier Unbelievable?, Andy Kind hosts a thought-provoking debate between humanist philosopher Richard Norman and Christian thinker Sara Stevenson. Together, they explore whether divine violence in the Old Testament undermines the credibility of Christianity, and whether humanists can offer a satisfying response to the reality of suffering.
Is suffering ultimately arbitrary in a godless universe? Or does the biblical story offer a deeper hope in the face of pain and injustice?
Join us for a challenging and honest conversation on faith, morality, meaning, and the problem of evil.
Subscribe to Premier Unbelievable? for more debates and discussions at the intersection of faith and culture.
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