Show Notes
Justin Brierley is back in the moderator's chair hosting conversations between Christians, atheists, skeptics and seekers in this new podcast and video show.
'Uncommon Ground' features leading figures from the world of atheism, psychology, science, culture, literature and theology. Recorded in the beautiful setting of Yarnton Manor, Oxford, they’ll be debating purpose in the universe, meaning in life, faith, atheism and the deepest questions of existence.
But this isn't just another debate-fest. 'Uncommon Ground' asks each guest to spell out the other's position. Connecting before correcting. Disagreeing well by understanding each other better.
Season 1 will feature:- Richard, Dawkins & Rowan Williams - on God & science.- Alex O Connor & Glen Scrivener - on whether Christianity gave us our morality.- Anil Seth & Iain McGilchrist - on consciousness and the brain.- Jonathan Pageau & Joe Folley - on whether art and beauty points to God. - Paul Davies & Emily Qureshi-Hurst - on whether the universe has a purpose. - Elizabeth Oldfield & James Marriott - on whether there’s purpose in life.- Stephen Meyer & Phil Halper - big bang cosmology and the fine tuning of the universe. - Philip Pullman and Francis Spufford - on literature, meaning, imagination and religion. ...and more to be announced.
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Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3rZ-nZe04d8G6kwNOMpuI8vQ4Qx3rVEQ
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More from Uncommon Ground with Justin Brierley
Is Trump the president that Christians need? Justin Brierley is joined by radio host and author Eric Metaxas, and New York Times columnist and podcast host Ross Douthat. Both are Christians, both are friends, but they hold very different opinions about the Trump presidency. A special, extra episode of Uncommon Ground for season one, recorded at the ARC 2026 Conference in London!For Eric Metaxas: https://ericmetaxas.com/For Ross Douthat: https://www.nytimes.com/column/ross-douthatRecorded at ARC 2026: https://www.arc-conference.com/
Can Christians affirm gay relationships? Two same-sex attracted Christians join Justin Brierley to discuss why they disagree on sexuality, marriage, celibacy and scripture.
Justin is joined by Christian philosopher William Lane Craig and atheist theologian Emily Qureshi-Hurst to discuss the question: 'Is Christian theism compatible with our best understanding of the nature of time?'Craig defends the 'A-Theory' - that time flows from past, to present, to future. Qureshi-Hurst defends the 'B-Theory' - that all times exist at once. In a mind-expanding conversation, they discuss the implications of their different views for the nature of God and the doctrine of salvation in Christian faith, and how we should interpret the physics of spacetime!
Over 250,000 pregnancies are terminated in the UK every year. Is access to abortion a woman's right or the taking of an innocent life? Pro-life campaigner Lois McLatchie Miller engages Ann Furedi, the former head of BPAS - the UK’s leading abortion provider. They join Justin Brierley to discuss when life begins, bodily rights and baby rights, and why despite their deep disagreements, they have become friends.
Did the Universe have a 'beginning'? Is the Cosmos 'finely-tuned' for life? And do these phenomena point to God?Stephen C Meyer, author of 'Return of the God Hypothesis' debates Phil Halper, co-author of 'Battle of the Big Bang' in a lively 3 hour conversation hosted by Justin Brierley.