Justin Brierley hosts a Christian radio program called Unbelievable? where he opens discussions on questions on Christianity. What’s different in Brierley’s show is that he welcomes non-believers in his program.
“I’m confident that Christians have nothing to fear from hearing from skeptical people,” said Brierley.
Each week, Brierley tackles questions Christians may have been asking themselves, such as Why does a loving God allow suffering in the world? and Can we trust the Bible? He invites Christians and non-Christians to a friendly conversation so listeners can get a wider perspective on different issues.
In the past, the British program Unbelievable? has invited a pro-abortion doctor and a sexual freedom campaigner. Even the world’s most famous atheist, Richard Dawkins, has already talked on the show.
Christian thinkers like philosopher William Lane Craig, New Testament scholar NT Wright and Oxford mathematician John Lennox were also heard on the show, ABC News reports.
Unbelievable? gives equal time to all guests. Unbelievers on the program are allowed to deliberate on why they don’t believe in God without interruption.
The 11-year-old show was initially broadcast on Premier Christian radio station targeting British audience. It has now become a podcast reaching many listeners from all over the world.
“I’m confident that Christians have nothing to fear from hearing from skeptical people,” said Brierley.
He admitted that not everybody was on board with Unbelievable? when it was starting. Many listeners were upset at having atheists on a Christian program. He defended the show, saying that skepticism cannot be avoided, especially now in the digital age.
“We might as well have that kind of a conversation in an environment where we at least know we’ve got a reasonable Christian on the other side,” he said.
Brierley wants Unbelievable? to be a good resource for Christians. In an interview with CrossExamined.org, a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian ministry, he said it is important for Christians to learn the art of good conversation.
Christians should know how to get involved in a discussion by listening and speaking more. He believes that a gentle and friendly conversation is more effective in changing another person’s mind.
Sources:
ABC News
Cross Examined
