<p>From the mid-1990s to the 2010s, 'New Atheism' dominated the intellectual space. A virulent, attacking form of godless evangelism, it saw people like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens top best-seller lists, and draw huge crowds to their lectures. Justin Brierley was in the middle of it all as New Atheism rose - and then collapsed. In its wake, Justin says he is seeing a new openness to theism - but where that might lead is anyone's guess.</p>

<p>Theology: It's a dry term that conjures images of old academics writing dusty books that will never be read. </p><p>However, this couldn't be further from the truth. The study of theology is the study of who we are as humans, and how we can make sense of both God and the complexities of the world.</p><p>So, who are the theologians we should all know about?</p>

<p>Science is a relatively new term. Chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy - all have only existed as defined, singular fields for the last century and a half. Before that was the mysterious world of natural philosophy - an ancient tradition that saw the natural world as one, combined entity. Our guest, Professor Alister McGrath, argues that this old way is a path to a new kind of appreciation of the world and each other. </p>

<p>The Apostle Paul writes that Christians must battle against "powers and principalities". But what are they? What does the Bible say about political power?</p><p><em>Special thanks to our season sponsor Zondervan Academic. Get discounts on MasterLectures video courses and exclusive samples of their books at </em><a href="http://zondervanacademic.com/undeceptions"><em>zondervanacademic.com/undeceptions<br></em></a><br></p><p>Check out more of N.T. Wright's work - including his writing, and Bible studies - <a href="https://www.ntwrightonline.org/"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.<br></strong><br></p><p><em>A transcript of this episode is available</em><a href="https://undeceptions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Political-Jesus-Transcript-1.pdf"><strong><em> here</em></strong></a><em>. Please note, that due to software not all exchanges between guests will be completely accurate.<br></em><br></p><p>For the full episode shownotes, head to <a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/organizations/88b50b64-fb9f-11e7-bd58-1743cd86ef27/podcasts/08c13050-9fb9-11ec-9472-f7b592595c27/episodes/b3a80466-ef3b-11ee-b70b-3bf79c792d66/undeceptions.com"><strong>undeceptions.com<br></strong></a><br></p>

<p>There are sophisticated, academic arguments for the resurrection of Jesus. It’s not just a matter of accepting on the basis of faith. The modern industry of Christian apologetics doesn't get us much closer to the historical reality of Jesus' resurrection - but there are solid, investigative ways of examining this seemingly miraculous event.</p>

<p>The pursuit of celibacy is seen as strange, taboo, and repressive in modern society. But that's what David Bennett, a gay man, decided, after becoming a Christian during a night out in Sydney's gay quarter. </p><p>Since then, he's become a scholar of "holy virginity", and the queerness of his Lord, Jesus. This is his story.  </p>

<p>At the heart of cancel culture is a desire to combat injustice, and expose flaws within society. This is a good thing ... but as recent history has shown, there is a lack of forgiveness at the heart of the movement. This is where Christianity can help.</p>

<p>For the final episode of season X, we're taking a deep dive into the global centre of Atheism - France. How did this once-Christian nation become such a lightning rod for the belief that there is no God? And how are the "French" ways of thinking drawing some people back to belief in Christianity? </p>

<p>Aliens, more Old Testament violence, and ... The Devil. </p><p>Our tenth question-and-answer episode was one of the toughest yet for John. </p><p>Make sure you head to our website to ask a question yourself if you want to pick Johns brain on air!</p>

<p>The story of Christianity is full of wonderful highs and terrible lows. It's truly an epic - and it takes an epic round-the-world adventure to tell its story properly. Thankfully, we have a man who's done just that. This is the story of Christianity, from the crucifixion to the modern day, told through 12 key objects.</p>

<p><strong>Christianity wasn't always its own religion - the first Christians were, in fact, Jewish ...  because Jesus was Jewish! How do we then understand the Jewishness of Jesus? How was his movement different to other Jewish movements?</strong></p>

<p>Angels are everywhere in history. From winged guardians in Sumerian mythology to the messengers of the Gods in Ancient Greece, to new-age guardian angels, humanity has always been fascinated by these celestial beings. But what does the Bible say about them?</p><p>Our guest on this episode is Graham A. Cole. He was dean emeritus and professor of biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago, before his retirement. He formerly worked as the dean of Ridley College in Melbourne. His book <em>Against the Darkness: The Doctrine of Angels, Satan, and Demons</em> is out now.</p><p>For extended show notes and transcripts, head to our website.</p>