Unbelievable? Podcast

Solomon, the wisest man to ever walk the earth, wrote, “The one who states his case first seems right, until another comes and examines him” (Prov. 18:17).

Thanks to social media, it seems like everyone is always arguing for or against something. The more complex and involved our society gets, the more there is to argue about. Reasoned debate has fallen by the wayside as the tech algorithms sate our need for what we want to hear, which only serves to divide us even more (if that’s even possible). How often do we get to hear a good examination? 

Unbelievable? is a podcast that attempts to provide balance. 

Host Justin Brierley serves as moderator while believers and skeptics state their cases. In each weekly episode both sides are given time to explore big issues civilly, and listeners are left to draw their own conclusions. Even if we come to the show with set opinions, it’s healthy to expose ourselves to the other side. Where’s the harm in listening?

Right now there might be no more hotly contested issue than over the overturning of Roe vs Wade and how it affects women’s rights. Even though Unbelievable? is based in the United Kingdom, the aftershocks of the ruling have the whole world talking. The guests on the episode “Overturning Roe: A Victory for Life or a Step Back for Abortion Rights? Lois McLatchie vs KS” allows both sides to have their say.

McLatchie, who is the communications officer for the UK branch of Alliance Defending Freedom, a nonprofit legal organization, provides the pro-life voice. The pro-choice argument comes from KS of DefendingFeminism.com. Both ladies are respectful and articulate as they debate the legal, scientific, and ethical issues surrounding this explosive topic. 

Most of what is said will be familiar to anyone who has been invested in this issue for any amount of time. I imagine that holds true for any long-debated topic. There are no new ideas, few new arguments, just new information and events. However, for people still trying to figure out what to think, listening in on conversations like this is a great place to start. 

I doubt either woman came onto the program expecting to hear the other concede, no points were awarded, no winner declared. Both spoke passionately and each likely left just as firm in her convictions as she was before the recording. Neither did I change my mind. But I came away encouraged to emulate this sort of conversation in my life, because real change doesn’t happen in the courtroom.

Real change starts when we talk respectfully and honestly with our neighbors. (Premier)