Undeceptions with John Dickson
By Undeceptions Ltd
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Subscribers: 157
Reviews: 3
Ben
Dec 10, 2020
Wide ranging content relevant to Christians and those exploring religion
Lara
Oct 2, 2019
Easy to listen to and thought provoking.
Craig Owens
Sep 30, 2019
Well worth listening to.
James
Sep 17, 2019
I really enjoy this show. The flow was clear, the guests and host are insightful, and it's even a good length (especially if you want to share it).
Description
| Episode | Date |
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Byzantine Empire
4830
The Byzantine capital, Constantinople, was famously fortified with an impenetrable three-wall network, which preserved it from foreign conquest for centuries. But the Byzantine Empire doesn’t have to be impenetrable to us, today. This episode of Undeceptions is sponsored by Zondervan Academic's new book Five Views on Christ in the Old Testament, edited by Brian J. Tabb and Andrew M. King. Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Follow the show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Email the show with your comments / feedback: admin@undeceptions.com Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Theme music: JS Bach's Cello Suites, Prelude, performed by the Undeceptions Band. Hosted by John Dickson Produced by Kaley Payne Directed by Mark Hadley Audio Editing by Richard Hamwi Social Media by Sophie Hawkshaw Administration by Lyndie Leviston Online Librarian: Siobhan McGuiness Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Dec 04, 2022 |
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Time Matters
4557
This episode of Undeceptions is sponsored by Zondervan Academic's new book Bully Pulpit by Michael J. Kruger. How we think about time, the value we give to the three parts of time (past, present, and future) really matters. And our special guest reckons it’s part of what makes for the good life. Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Follow the show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Email the show with your comments / feedback: admin@undeceptions.com Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Theme music: JS Bach's Cello Suites, Prelude, performed by the Undeceptions Band. Hosted by John Dickson Produced by Kaley Payne Directed by Mark Hadley Audio Editing by Richard Hamwi Social Media by Sophie Hawkshaw Administration by Lyndie Leviston Writer and researcher: Alasdair Belling Online Librarian: Siobhan McGuiness Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Nov 27, 2022 |
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On Animals
4931
We’re talking all things animals in this episode, starting with why God would create a world that seems to embed animal suffering into the fabric of things. And we’ll get to some practical questions too: do animals go to heaven? Is it OK to keep pets? And, should we all, actually, be vegetarian? |
Nov 20, 2022 |
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Lewis' Oxford
4947
This episode of Undeceptions is sponsored by Zondervan Academic's Master Lecture series by Russ Ramsey, Rembrandt is in the Wind. Click here to get 50% off your first 3 months subscription with the code UNDECEPTIONS50.
And despite their dated references and sometimes controversial worldviews, they continue to sell over a million copies a year. They’ve also inspired theatre performances, radio plays, television series, and three major films that earned a healthy one and a half billion US dollars. So it’s understandable that many people know of C.S. Lewis only as a fantastically successful children’s author, unaware that he is also the author of a huge collection of books commending and defending the Christian faith, Mere Christianity, Miracles, The Screwtape Letters, and so on. Narnia is wonderful. But it’s a pity people don’t know more about the man, his career, and his famous town–all of which form the backdrop for the incredible fantasy world he created for millions of readers. Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Follow the show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Email the show with your comments / feedback: admin@undeceptions.com Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Theme music: JS Bach's Cello Suites, Prelude, performed by the Undeceptions Band. Hosted by John Dickson Produced by Kaley Payne Directed by Mark Hadley Audio Editing by Richard Hamwi Social Media by Sophie Hawkshaw Administration by Lyndie Leviston Online Librarian: Siobhan McGuiness Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Nov 13, 2022 |
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Really Old? Single
904
From John Dickson: While we’re working hard on our next Season of Undeceptions, I’ve asked the Rev Dr George Athas to have a chat to you about how we can be sure our old stuff - artefacts we’ve found from thousands of years ago - is actually old. George is Director of Research, Old Testament and Hebrew at Moore Theological College in Sydney. We spoke to him at length for our super popular episode called ‘Between Testaments’, so go check that out if you haven’t heard it already. It’s one of my favourites. George has done a huge amount of research on the Tel Dan Inscription, a fragmentary stele that dates to the 9th Century BC. It’s considered the most important - and controversial - inscription found in Israel in recent years. And George wrote the first book about it. So, over to him. |
Nov 06, 2022 |
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In Christ single
605
One of the surprises when we turn the pages of the New Testament is how little the word “Christian” actually comes up. Given this is the book for Christians you’d expect it to be littered with the words “Christian” and “Christianity.”
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Oct 30, 2022 |
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Critical Theory
4181
The basic aim of ‘critical theory’ is to make visible the hidden structures of a culture, so as to critique society and then, in the best forms of critical theory, bring about improvements. Our guest today reckons the Bible has its own way of exposing the flaws of our culture–and, of course, pointing to the Good. The Bible, in other words, has a critical theory of its own. This episode of Undeceptions is sponsored by Zondervan Academic's new book Five Views of Christ in the Old Testament, edited by Brian J. Tabb and Andrew M. King. Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Follow the show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Email the show with your comments / feedback: admin@undeceptions.com Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Theme music: JS Bach's Cello Suites, Prelude, performed by the Undeceptions Band. Hosted by John Dickson Produced by Kaley Payne Directed by Mark Hadley Audio Editing by Richard Hamwi Social Media by Sophie Hawkshaw Administration by Lyndie Leviston Online Librarian: Siobhan McGuiness Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Sep 04, 2022 |
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Question Answer VII
2948
It's our seasonal Q&A episode and there are actually quite a few curly questions about the future of the universe, heaven, as well as plenty of other questions about a bewildering range of topics, some of which push John to the edge of what he knows–perhaps beyond! Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Follow the show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Email the show with your comments / feedback: admin@undeceptions.com Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Theme music: JS Bach's Cello Suites, Prelude, performed by the Undeceptions Band. Hosted by John Dickson Produced by Kaley Payne Directed by Mark Hadley Audio Editing by Richard Hamwi Social Media by Sophie Hawkshaw Administration by Lyndie Leviston Librarian: Siobhan McGuiness Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Aug 28, 2022 |
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Scientific Imagination
4074
It may just be that science is an imaginative, creative, and emotive enterprise, just as it is obviously a rational, mathematical, evidence-based discipline. Which, to John Dickson's mind - and that of our expert guest - makes perfect sense. After all, the Creator is an artist and logician in one! This episode of Undeceptions is sponsored by Zondervan Academic's new book Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible's Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture by Christopher Watkin. Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Follow the show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Email the show with your comments / feedback: admin@undeceptions.com Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Theme music: JS Bach's Cello Suites, Prelude, performed by the Undeceptions Band. Hosted by John Dickson Produced by Kaley Payne Directed by Mark Hadley Audio Editing by Richard Hamwi Social Media by Sophie Hawkshaw Administration by Lyndie Leviston Librarian: Siobhan McGuiness Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Aug 21, 2022 |
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Bookish Religion?
4222
We take a closer look at 15 words that are often misunderstood, or sometimes forgotten. And my guest today reckons these words communicate the heart and soul of the New Testament, of the Christian faith, of God himself. This episode of Undeceptions is sponsored by Zondervan Academic’s new book Bright Hope for Tomorrow by Chris Davis. Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Follow the show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Email the show with your comments / feedback: admin@undeceptions.com Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Theme music: JS Bach's Cello Suites, Prelude, performed by the Undeceptions Band. Hosted by John Dickson Produced by Kaley Payne Directed by Mark Hadley Audio Editing by Richard Hamwi Social Media by Sophie Hawkshaw Administration by Lyndie Leviston Librarian: Siobhan McGuiness Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Aug 14, 2022 |
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Against Euthanasia
5346
This episode, we’re laying out the best arguments for and against legalising euthanasia and asking: What view of the human person should a good society embody in its laws? This episode of Undeceptions is sponsored by Zondervan Academic's new book Seasons of Sorrow by Tim Challies. Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Follow the show on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Email the show with your comments / feedback: admin@undeceptions.com Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Theme music: JS Bach's Cello Suites, Prelude, performed by the Undeceptions Band. Hosted by John Dickson Produced by Kaley Payne Directed by Mark Hadley Audio Editing by Richard Hamwi Social Media by Sophie Hawkshaw Administration by Lyndie Leviston Librarian: Siobhan McGuiness Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Aug 07, 2022 |
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Global Christianity
3954
The death of religion was the conventional wisdom in the social sciences during most of the twentieth century. Turns out, they were wrong. Religion is not dead. It’s still here. Actually, it’s growing.
Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Jul 31, 2022 |
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Medieval Science
4132
The period 500 to 1500 - the Middle Ages - was anything but dark. In fact, it was one of the most lively periods in world history.
Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Jul 24, 2022 |
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On Buddhism
4637
Buddhism probably takes the prize today for World’s Most Lovable Religion. But is this widespread appreciation of Buddhism matched by widespread understanding? This episode of Undeceptions is sponsored by Zondervan Academic's new book 15 New Testament Words of Life by Nijay Gupta. Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Jul 17, 2022 |
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The Flood
3738
This episode of Undeceptions is sponsored by Zondervan’s new book Global Christianity: A Guide to the World’s Largest Religion from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe by Gina Zurlo. Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Jul 10, 2022 |
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Emotional Intelligence
3851
This episode was sponsored by Zondervan Academic's book Bully Pulpit by Michael J. Kruger. Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Jul 03, 2022 |
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Ben's Song
1000
The song 'Christmas Time' was written by John's mate Ben Shaw, with some help from John himself. We recorded Ben’s beautiful guitar parts just 4 weeks before he died of cancer. Ben was on this podcast a couple of times in his last months, so we hope regular listeners think of him as their friend, too. He died a year ago today, June 17. And we’re releasing the song in his memory – it was one of his last big wishes that we take this song, which he and John had performed many times over the years but had never recorded, and rework it with a full band and release it. That’s what we’ve done. You’ll hear the entire song at the end. In the meantime, we sat down with our long-time music producer Colin Benvenuto (and his guitar) and Ben’s wife Karen, a backing vocalist in the song, and we chatted about … well, Ben … and how the song came together. If you want to see a little more, we’ve produced a video montage for the song over at undeceptions.com/christmastime. |
Jun 16, 2022 |
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The Artist
4263
This episode was sponsored by Zondervan’s new book The Beauty Chasers by Timothy Willard.
Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
May 22, 2022 |
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Trans Gender
5159
This episode was sponsored by Zondervan's new book Religious Freedom in a Secular Age by Michael F. Bird.
Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
May 15, 2022 |
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Question Answer VI
3661
This episode was sponsored by Zondervan's new book Typology-Understanding the Bible's Promise-Shaped Patterns: How Old Testament Expectations are Fulfilled in Christ by James M. Hamilton Jr.
Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
May 08, 2022 |
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On Suffering
4589
This episode is sponsored by Zondervan's new book Malestrom: How Jesus Dismantles Patriarchy and Redefines Manhood by Carolyn Custis James
Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
May 01, 2022 |
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The Vikings II
3776
This episode is sponsored by Zondervan's new book The Sexual Reformation by Aimee Byrd.
Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Apr 24, 2022 |
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The Vikings I
4865
We're launching our longboats on to the seas of myth and popular culture… and discovering over two in-depth episodes what we can actually say with some confidence about the Vikings - their origins, exploits, culture, religion and - perhaps the best-kept Viking secret - their eventual decision (and it was their decision!) to become Christians. This episode is sponsored by Zondervan's new book Four Views of Heaven edited by Michael Wittmer. Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Apr 17, 2022 |
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Kingdom Come
4074
What happens beyond death is one of those areas—like the idea of a Rapture prior to a Second Coming—where myths have crept into popular Christian thought which have little connection either with the Bible or with what the church has taught throughout the centuries. The modern myth is: When Christians die, their bodies decay once and for all, while their spirits (whatever they are) go eternally into God’s presence in heaven. The Bible’s claim is: When Christians die, they rest safe in God’s presence, until they are bodily raised to life to enjoy forever a new creation. This episode is sponsored by Zondervan's new book Recovering Our Sanity: How the Fear of God Conquers the Fears that Divide Us by Michael Horton. Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Apr 10, 2022 |
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Introducing: Small Wonders with Laurel Moffatt
964
The Joshua Tree National Park in California is a good starting place for Laurel Moffatt's reflection on our struggles to see the light. The park is full of interesting characters as well as a compelling number of stars - most of which are invisible to the outside world. Because of the amount of artificial light we use each night, more than a third of people can no longer see the Milky Way. But the brightness of the light in deep darkness can show us how faint, how small, how very weak and narrow our own attempts at lighting our own way are. LINKS
WHAT IS SMALL WONDERS? The clarity the desert brings. Hurricanes and hard relationships. Finding reason in the middle of a ruin. Small Wonders are quiet but profound observations about life from Dr Laurel Moffatt. In each fifteen-minute episode, Laurel uncovers lessons learned from broken and beautiful things that are polished to perfection and set in rich audio landscapes for your consideration. |
Apr 07, 2022 |
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With Keller
4095
Tim Keller is the founding pastor of New York’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church and the author of several New York times best-selling books. It's also fair probably fair to say that he is something of a Christian prophet for our secularizing 21st century. This is a chat with one of our world’s most trusted ‘undeceivers’. Whether you believe or doubt, we're sure what you’re about to hear will bring fresh clarity about the Christian faith in doubting times. This episode was sponsored by Zondervan’s new book Good News of Our Limits by Sean McGever.
Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Apr 03, 2022 |
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Become an Undeceiver
69
This season, we’re launching Undeceptions Plus which offers exclusive bonus content to members - who we’re calling our ‘Undeceivers’. For a small monthly fee - just AU$5 a month - you can unlock uncut interviews, extra question and answer sessions, and peeks behind our creative process as we put the shows together. Don’t worry – all our regular episodes will remain free and available for everyone. But in becoming an Undeceiver, you’re really helping us to keep the show sustainable and thriving. We’d love to have you with us. It’s really easy, so head to undeceptions.com/plus for more. |
Mar 31, 2022 |
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Science Wars
4322
This episode was sponsored by Zondervan’s new book Religious Freedom in a Secular Age by Michael F. Bird. Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2022 |
Mar 27, 2022 |
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Emperor Constantine
4824
This episode was sponsored by Zondervan's new book Rembrandt is in the Wind by Russ Ramsey. For the full show notes for this episode head to Undeceptions.com. |
Mar 20, 2022 |
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No Coward single
1586
Greg Sheridan is one of Australia's most influential foreign affairs analysts, as well as an acclaimed author. In short, he's not afraid of sharing an opinion. He and John Dickson take a stroll through his latest book, Christians: The urgent case for Jesus in our world, and take a close look at the key elements of the faith. Greg bravely shares how he thinks the Christian faith makes perfect sense to the rational mind. |
Mar 13, 2022 |
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Transforming Tales single
977
Undeceptions is proud to announce that the popular podcast, With All Due Respect, is joining the network as of today. To mark the occasion hosts Megan Powell du Toit and Michael Jensen have crafted a single about the power of storytelling to transform lives. You can find out more about their awesome show over at The WADR Project website. |
Feb 27, 2022 |
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Life's Variations single
706
It's our first season in the run down to Season 6 of Undeceptions, and John Dickson asks friend of the show Laurel Moffatt to share some uncommon wisdom earned from teaching her daughter music during the COVID lockdown. Laurell tells us how listening to Bach's Goldberg Variations - the way they chop and change but still stay the same - has given her a new way of viewing life during a pandemic. |
Feb 13, 2022 |
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The Log In Our Eye
816
John Dickson's Bullies and Saints is a super-podcast providing excerpts of the book by the same name - a no-holds-barred look at the best and worst of church history. In this final episode of the Bullies And Saints super-series, John Dickson reflects on Jesus' instruction to His disciples to look at the log in their own eyes before reflecting on others' shortcomings and asks whether this might equally apply to those outside the church Click here to buy a copy of Bullies and Saints, or here to own the entire audiobook. And for even more on the history of Christianity, and how well the church is mirroring the message that Jesus handed on, head over to the Undeceptions website. |
Feb 06, 2022 |
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The Not-So-Dark Ages
718
John Dickson's Bullies and Saints is a super-podcast providing excerpts of the book by the same name - a no-holds-barred look at the best and worst of church history. In this episode, John up-ends a four-hundred-year-old fallacy that has been promoted since the Enlightenment: the Christian faith is a brake on scientific and literary progress. The Dark Ages - were they really that dark? Click here to buy a copy of Bullies and Saints, or here to own the entire audiobook. And for even more on the history of Christianity, and how well the church is mirroring the message that Jesus handed on, head over to the Undeceptions website. |
Jan 30, 2022 |
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Knights of Christ
707
John Dickson's Bullies and Saints is a super-podcast providing excerpts of the book by the same name - a no-holds-barred look at the best and worst of church history. In this edition, John Dickson introduces us to two characters that display all that’s been good and bad about the followers of Jesus - Ebolus the crossbowman and Bernard of Clairvaux. Click here to buy a copy of Bullies and Saints, or here to own the entire audiobook. And for even more on the history of Christianity, and how well the church is mirroring the message that Jesus handed on, head over to the Undeceptions website. |
Jan 23, 2022 |
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Christian Jihad
872
John Dickson's Bullies and Saints is a super-podcast providing excerpts of the book by the same name - a no-holds-barred look at the best and worst of church history. In this edition, John investigates the accusation that Christianity is a faith that was propagated by the sword rather than peace. Are Christians guilty of their own jihad? Click here to buy a copy of Bullies and Saints, or here to own the entire audiobook. And for even more on the history of Christianity, and how well the church is mirroring the message that Jesus handed on, head over to the Undeceptions website. |
Jan 16, 2022 |
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The Birth of Charity
845
John Dickson's Bullies and Saints is a super-podcast providing excerpts of the book by the same name - a no-holds-barred look at the best and worst of church history. In this episode, John Dickson gives us an insight into the invention of charity, and just how revolutionary the Christian call to love one another proved for the ancient world. Click here to buy a copy of Bullies and Saints, or here to own the entire audiobook. And for even more on the history of Christianity, and how well the church is mirroring the message that Jesus handed on, head over to the Undeceptions website. |
Jan 09, 2022 |
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Good Losers
768
John Dickson's Bullies and Saints is a super-podcast providing excerpts of the book by the same name - a no-holds-barred look at the best and worst of church history. In this edition, John uncovers the character of the earliest Christians, how it contrasted with the world around them, and how ‘in tune’ it was with the beautiful melody that Jesus set them to sing. Click here to buy a copy of Bullies and Saints, or here to own the entire audiobook. And for even more on the history of Christianity, and how well the church is mirroring the message that Jesus handed on, head over to the Undeceptions website. |
Jan 02, 2022 |
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Peter The Hermit
836
John Dickson's Bullies and Saints is a super-podcast providing excerpts of the book by the same name - a no-holds-barred look at the best and worst of church history. In this episode, John Dickson takes us to the Crusades and introduces one of the most infamous crusaders of all: Peter the Hermit, a fire and brimstone Christian if ever there was one. Click here to buy a copy of Bullies and Saints, or here to own the entire audiobook. And for even more on the history of Christianity, and how well the church is mirroring the message that Jesus handed on, head over to the Undeceptions website. |
Dec 26, 2021 |
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Resting Well
3922
This episode was sponsored by Zondervan’s new book Ethics Beyond Rules, by Keith D Stanglin. Visit the undeceptions.com for more content, including the full show notes for this episode. Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2021 |
Dec 19, 2021 |
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The Refugee
4210
This episode was sponsored by Zondervan’s new book ‘Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth’ by Thaddeus J Williams.
Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2021 |
Dec 12, 2021 |
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Christmas Star single
1337
Dr. Chris Forbes brings his expertise in the Greco-Roman world to bear on why historians believe the story of the three magi and the star over a stable might actually be based in fact. Join John Dickson as these two historical boffins discuss astrological formations, ancient king-makers and a reasonable explanation for an interstellar night light in Bethlehem. |
Dec 08, 2021 |
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Question Answer V
4195
This episode was sponsored by Zondervan's new book Urban Apologetics by Eric Mason. Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com: Letting the truth out. Copyright Undeceptions Ltd 2021 |
Dec 05, 2021 |
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Jesus Philosopher
3854
The cliche is: ‘faith’ is the antithesis of knowledge … of wisdom. And therefore “Christian philosophy” is an oxymoron, right? Our guests today, though are professional philosophers and they reckon that, while Christians could do with a healthy dose of philosophy, so could sceptics. We all need to think deeply about what we believe, and why we believe it. And if you think – as atheists like Sam Harris and many others do – that scepticism or atheism doesn’t involve any mere ‘beliefs’, well, you probably especially need to think this stuff through.
For the full show notes, go to undeceptions.com. |
Nov 28, 2021 |
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Paulos Apostolos
3932
This episode was sponsored by Zondervan's new book Believing Philosophy by Dolores G. Morris. OUR GUESTS Douglas J. Moo is a New Testament scholar who, after teaching for more than twenty years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois, has served as Blanchard Professor of New Testament at the Wheaton College Graduate School since 2000. His latest book is A Theology of Paul and His Letters. For the full (and often rather extensive) show notes, head to Undeceptions.com. |
Nov 21, 2021 |
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Just War
3873
This episode is sponsored by Zondervan's new book Person of Interest: Why Jesus still matters in a world that rejects the Bible by J. Warner Wallace. Meet Our Guests
For our full show notes and links to everything we mention in this episode, go to undeceptions.com. |
Nov 14, 2021 |
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Between Testaments
4659
This episode is sponsored by Zondervan's new book Why is there suffering? by Bethany Sollereder. Download the transcript for this episode here. Meet our Guest George is Director of Research and Lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew at Moore Theological College in Sydney. Featured Music Yamma Ensemble is an Israeli world music group who have a beautiful love of the Hebrew language and ancient instruments. We played parts of their live recordings of Psalm 104 (see below) and also a track featuring the ancient Shofar, based on the Mi'mekomcha, a Jewish prayer. All music used with permission. For our full show notes and links to everything we mention in this episode, go to undeceptions.com. |
Nov 07, 2021 |
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Outer Space
3128
Some would say that an ancient faith like Christianity won’t survive outer space -- especially as we explore further than we ever have before.
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Oct 31, 2021 |
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On Friendship
3413
Download the transcript for this episode here. COMPETITION! To WIN, all you have to do is leave us a review on Apple Podcasts (what used to be called iTunes), take a pic of the review and send it to us. Producer Kaley will pick the best-written review on October 25 (and I mean ‘best-written’ not necessarily most glowing). So be quick, you’ve got two weeks! LINKS
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Oct 24, 2021 |
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Chinese Jesus
3833
Download the transcript for this episode here. COMPETITION! To WIN, all you have to do is leave us a review on Apple Podcasts (what used to be called iTunes), take a pic of the review and send it to us. Producer Kaley will pick the best-written review on October 25 (and I mean ‘best-written’ not necessarily most glowing). So be quick, you’ve got two weeks! LINKS
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Oct 17, 2021 |
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Good Life
3796
COMPETITION! We’re celebrating our 500,000th download this month - half a million! And so, with the help of our major sponsor, Zondervan, we are giving away a book pack of five of Zondervan’s newest titles. We’ll throw in a copy of my new book Bullies and Saints AND an Undeceptions T-Shirt. To WIN, all you have to do is leave us a review on Apple Podcasts (what used to be called iTunes), take a pic of the review and send it to Producer Kaley at kaley@undeceptions.com. We'll pick the best-written review on October 25 (and I mean ‘best-written’ not necessarily most glowing). So be quick, you’ve got two weeks! LINKS
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Oct 10, 2021 |
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Outback Christ
368
This Henry Lawson poem, though written in the Australian outback in the 19th Century, still captures what a lot of people see as wrong with Christianity and what they wish it was like.
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Oct 03, 2021 |
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Afghan Refugee
1246
Shabnam Safa was just 15 years old when she arrived in Australia as a refugee. As a young child, her family had fled war-torn Afghanistan to a refugee camp on the border of Pakistan where she grew up listening to stories of the terror of life under the Taliban. She spoke to John Dickson about her distress about the Taliban retaking control of Afghanistan and her fears for her home country.
As so many of us watch from our lounge rooms, is there anything we can actually do to help those fleeing danger?
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Sep 26, 2021 |
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Intersectional Jesus
606
Author and highly sought-after speaker Sam Allberry talks us through 'intersectionality' and ponders the wisdom and boundaries of this way of bestowing moral authority. "Just as those who stand at an intersection can see in more directions than those who don't, so too - according to this thinking - those at the intersection of multiple minority and victim groups have more insight to bring to society." |
Sep 19, 2021 |
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Nine Eleven Single
1514
Today is the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a series of coordinated terrorist strikes in the US that killed almost 3000 people and changed the world forever. Our guest for this single, Hans Kunnen, was one of several Australians in New York that day and has told his story many times over the last 20 years. But what struck us about his story was not how close he was to the action, or how he described the flames, the smoke, the hurtling bodies. It is how he talks about the kindness of a stranger - the hope amidst the chaos of what was the most traumatic day of his life. |
Sep 10, 2021 |
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The Terror Single
494
On the anniversary of the France's Reign of Terror, John asks where we got the idea that three centuries of the Spanish Inquisition represented the height of human cruelty. In any objective history of human violence it would hardly rate a mention, especially when it stands alongside the terrors of the French Revolution. |
Sep 06, 2021 |
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Pro Life
4566
** We’re talking about abortion in this episode, and occasionally we mention sexual abuse and violence. Nothing graphic, we promise. But some listeners may find what follows distressing. Be safe. ** We're weighing up the arguments of the Pro Choice and Pro Life movements. Perhaps we can convince you that the case against abortion - the pro-life case - isn’t as dumb and mean as it's often portrayed to be, and nor does it depend on religious dogma.
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Aug 15, 2021 |
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Ask Anything IV
3722
It's this season's Q&A episode, where listeners get a chance to ask John Dickson their burning questions.
QUESTIONS
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Aug 08, 2021 |
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Everyday Sacred
3556
Just when you imagine Christians are all so heavenly minded they’re of no earthly use … the Bible itself brings us back to the earth. That’s where the action is. In fact, the final great scene of the Bible doesn’t have us all floating up to heaven. It has heaven coming down to earth.
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Aug 01, 2021 |
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The Exodus
3852
The parting of the red sea is legendary today … and most people treat it as just that … legend. Like many things in the Bible, the exodus from Egypt (recorded in the book Old Testament book of Exodus) is looked on with great scepticism by secular scholars - and some Christian scholars even.
LISTEN |
Jul 25, 2021 |
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Christian Revolution
3300
We all know Christianity thrives on ignorance, sunk us all into the dark ages, and has resisted human rights and equality for most of its 1500 year reign.
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Jul 18, 2021 |
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The best of Remembering Women
3510
John Dickson is taking a bit of a break to grieve the passing of his friend, Ben Shaw. So, in the interim, Producer Kaley and Director Mark have decided to choose their favourite Undeceptions episodes to drop into your podcast feed for two weeks. Week number two is brought to you by Director Mark. He has chosen to re-share the Remembering Women episode. John visits Dr. Lynne Cohick to chat about how early Christians valued and celebrated women in the first centuries of the church. Director Mark recommends it because unveils a side of feminine history he'd missed, gets us outdoors again in the middle of an Australian lockdown, and includes a whole gamut of contributions, including Producer Kaley's favourite music. |
Jul 11, 2021 |
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The best of Old Papers
2506
John Dickson is taking a bit of a break to grieve the passing of his friend, Ben Shaw. So, in the interim, Producer Kaley and Director Mark have decided to choose their favourite Undeceptions episodes to drop into your podcast feed in the next two weeks. Producer Kaley's favourite is the very first episode of Undeceptions, called ‘Old Papers’. It harks back to a time when we were allowed to travel overseas, and John visited the University of Michigan’s Papyrology department to get his hands on some of the earliest manuscripts we have for the New Testament. Producer Kaley reckons it’s what Undeceptions does best: it’s historical, it’s hands-on and it laid the groundwork for what this podcast wants to sound like - friendly and factual, with a little nerdy excitement thrown in. |
Jul 04, 2021 |
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Facing Death Single
794
Ben Shaw and John Dickson were friends since childhood, became Christians together in their teens, formed a rock and roll band in their 20s, and went on to study theology and minister in the fields God opened up to them. The death of Ben Shaw has provided John with an opportunity to reflect on the sort of book his best friend felt was worth using his last months to write, and the spiritual lessons he has learned from decades of standing beside him. |
Jun 27, 2021 |
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Unhealthy Anger Single
690
John Dickson invites solicitor and social commentator Stephanie Kate Judd to offer an opinion on the sexism that simultaneously abuses and silences women. Outrage, she says, is an appropriate response to significant wrongdoing, but unchecked rage can corrode the very hearts that feel that injustice most keenly. Instead, Stephanie suggests a way in which we can confront a problem but still keep our anger healthy. |
Jun 20, 2021 |
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Teenage Jesus
2585
Jesus was once a teenage boy, right? Was he a rascal? Who did he hang out with? Was he considered the ancient equivalent of a jock, a cool kid, a nerd, or something else?
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Jun 13, 2021 |
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Big Porn
3564
For every voice decrying the evils of pornography, there’s another that says it’s healthy, part of our freedom of expression, “sex positive”! So, which is it? LINKS
I know some muddleheaded Christians have talked as if Christianity thought that sex, or the body, or pleasure, were bad in themselves. But they were wrong. Christianity is almost the only one of the great religions which thoroughly approves of the body—which believes that matter is good, that God himself once took on a human body, that some kind of body is going to be given to us even in heaven and is going to be an essential part of our happiness, our beauty and our energy. Christianity has glorified marriage more than any other religion: and nearly all the greatest love poetry in the world has been produced by Christians. If anyone says that sex, in itself, is bad, Christianity contradicts him at once … There is nothing to be ashamed of in enjoying your food: there would be everything to be ashamed of if half the world made food the main interest of their lives and spent their time looking at pictures of food and dribbling and smacking their lips. I do not say that you and I are individually responsible for the present situation. Our ancestors have handed over to us organisms which are warped in this respect: and we grow up surrounded by propaganda in favour of unchastity. There are people who want to keep our sex instinct inflamed in order to make money out of us. Because, of course, a man with an obsession is a man who has very little sales-resistance. God knows our situation; He will not judge us as if we had no difficulties to overcome. (C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity. HarperCollins, 1997, 81-82) |
Jun 06, 2021 |
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God's War II
2676
This is the second part of our two-part series on the Crusades. For Part One, click here. A brutal slaughter at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem marked the end of the first crusade. The Crusaders had recaptured Jerusalem and the Holy Lands. They had regained control and care of The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, probably medieval Christianity’s most sacred site, built over what was believed to be Jesus’ empty tomb. Their job was done and most of the crusaders packed up and went home, bolstered in their belief that God had been with them and seized their victory. Job done!
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May 30, 2021 |
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God's War I
2672
This is the first of a two part episode on The Crusades. Over nine hundred years after the launch of the first Crusade, world leaders are still invoking their memory to explain ongoing conflict. But how plausible is that?
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May 23, 2021 |
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Religious Freedom
3602
LINKS
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May 16, 2021 |
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Guilty Conscience
3546
Guilt is a big topic - there is so much to say. Like the feeling of guilt itself, it is layered.
"A culture of victimhood is one characterized by concern with status and sensitivity to slight combined with a heavy reliance on third parties. People are intolerant of insults, even if unintentional, and react by bringing them to the attention of authorities or to the public at large. People increasingly demand help from others, and advertise their oppression as evidence that they deserve respect and assistance. This only increases the incentive to publicize grievances, and it means aggrieved parties are especially likely to highlight their identity as victims, emphasizing their own suffering and innocence."
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May 09, 2021 |
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Mental Health
2751
Perhaps you’ve heard it before - religion is bad for your mental health. It triggers feelings of guilt, self-loathing and bigotry.
LINKS
Almighty God, |
May 02, 2021 |
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Unknown Soldier Single
629
It is the day after ANZAC Day, that occasion when Australians and New Zealanders commemorate those who died in the defence of our country. At a time like this, it is worth considering the inscription bourne by many military tombstones across the world - 'Unknown Soldier - Known Unto God'. This is not just a way of saying, "We don't know who he is; I guess God does." It has a profound meaning about the peculiar way in which God knows His creatures. |
Apr 25, 2021 |
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The Troubles Single
707
Critics of Christianity have often pointed to The Troubles in Northern Ireland as proof that, "Religion ruins everything." But how accurate is the statement? How accurate is it to even label The Troubles a religious conflict? John Dickson shares a chapter of his upcoming book, Bullies And Saints, on how the Troubles got started and how Christianity helped to bring them to an end. |
Apr 18, 2021 |
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Western Fundamentalism Single
871
Gordon Menzies advised the federal government on the deregulation of the Australian dollar, underlining his credentials when it came to liberalism. However, his new book titled 'Western Fundamentalism' suggests a more conservative way of seeing the world. He tells John Dickson, though, that a Christian is capable of rejecting definitions of both left and right to forge a distinctly different path. |
Apr 11, 2021 |
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American Soul Single
577
Dr. Laurel Moffatt rejoins the Undeceptions team to consider the state of the American soul. Researchers have revealed that this nation of the bold and the free is now united more by the things that its citizens hate than those they love. Is there any way out of this emotional and moral quagmire? Dr. Moffatt thinks so. |
Apr 04, 2021 |
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Still Cancer Single
1112
How do you face the rapidly approaching end of a battle with cancer? In Series 2, Episode 13 of Undeceptions, John Dickson met up with his friend Ben Shaw to discuss his recent diagnosis of that dreaded disease. The It's Cancer episode raised serious questions about what place pain has in a world created by a good God. Now, in the run-up to Easter, John returns to ask Ben if the call to face cancer has brought on new spiritual insights. |
Mar 28, 2021 |
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Racist Church
3760
Some would argue that Christianity itself is racist. Given the sweep of history, this is a charge that has to be confronted.
More on Australia’s Aboriginal history
Here's the alternate view on racism in America
Undeceptions T-Shirts are here! Click here to get yours now. |
Jan 10, 2021 |
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100 Pages
4077
Perhaps you’re sceptical, perhaps you’re just undecided - our challenge for you for 2021 is: read at least 100 pages of the Bible. This book has shaped much of our world. It would be great to think that you’ve got your head around at least 100 pages, as an adult, with all your grownup questions activated. Yes, the Bible is weird. It’s got wars, bizarre laws, talking snakes, perhaps even a unicorn or two, slavery, misogyny, and much more. But there is way to read this stuff, and there’s a way not to. And we reckon today’s guest can help us with both, and make 2021 TO ETOS TES BIBLOU, the year of the Bible.
"Among Australian creatives, too, literary lights such as Patrick White, Elizabeth Jolley, Tim Winton, Helen Garner and Christos Tsiolkas all make powerful use of biblical narratives and imagery. Songwriters from Nick Cave to the late Yolngu star Gurrumul have drawn on the scriptures in their lyrics.
Undeceptions Single series on slavery:
First Abolitionist: Gregory of Nyssa could have been the man who changed history, if history had listened to his theory on slavery. Freeing Slaves: The early church adopted many approaches to rescuing people from the scourge of slavery and, when legal means failed, its members were ready to risk themselves on slave raids. Medieval Manumission:What would you be prepared to give in order to set a slave free? How much would it be worth to you? One medieval man gave everything he had, right down to the shirt off his back. Indigenous slaves: Was Australia built on slavery, or wasn't it? It depends very much on who you ask.
Learn more about Greg Koukl’s Never Read a Bible Verse which he says is his attempt to His “rescue believers from a superstitious way of reading their Bibles that causes silliness, confusion, and sometimes even disaster.” Here’s an overview of the storyline of the Bible. The visual was created by a church here in Sydney, based on a book by friend of the podcast, Vaughan Roberts, titled God’s Big Picture. Undeceptions T-Shirts are coming really soon! |
Jan 03, 2021 |
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Ask Anything III
3771
You may not feel ready to experience heaven or hell quite yet but Undeceptions listeners certainly had a lot of questions about it! In this season’s Q&A episode, John Dickson attempts to answer at least some of the questions you’ve thrown at us this year.
QUESTIONS
Extra questions John answered this season
The highly regarded scholar David Bentley Hart’s somewhat recent translation of the New Testament translates the Greek work ‘aion’ [i-on] or ‘aionios’ [i-on-ios] to be the more temporal description of ‘of the Age’ rather than the traditional ‘eternal’. This seemingly impacts the well-established Christian doctrines of heaven and hell. Is the claim of life eternal through Jesus now seriously up for debate? Listen to John’s answer at undeceptions.com Follow up this question with some extra reading:
Steve asks, I just listened to the first podcast - Old Papers. I had always thought Paul wrote Hebrews, lately my various pastors have suggested that, no, Paul did not write Hebrews. Hearing that Hebrews was in these old papers of Paul’s writings made me think, I wonder what the answer is? Listen to John’s answer at undeceptions.com |
Dec 27, 2020 |
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World's End
4165
Christianity has plenty to say about the future and what the end of the world might look like -- though some think it says a lot more than others.
Movies and TV referenced in this episode
EXTRAS Here’s John Dickson and Professor Bauckham’s discussion on ‘the Millennium’ in the Book of Revelation. Listen here.
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Dec 20, 2020 |
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Danger: Proselytising
3733
Proselytise: to convert or attempt to convert (someone) from one religion, belief, or opinion to another.
Many people today would have you believe that there is no context in which proselytising could be considered a good thing.
Want to send John Dickson a question? He loves them. Just click here to provide a query for our next Q and A show!
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Dec 13, 2020 |
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Homo Deus
2816
Transhumanism is the transformation of the human condition through sophisticated technologies that modify our physiology and intellect.
Movie and Television referenced in this episode: Want to send John Dickson a question? He loves them. Just click here to provide a query for our next Q and A show! Undeceptions is part of the Eternity Podcast Network, an audio collection showcasing the seriously good news of faith today |
Dec 06, 2020 |
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Artificial Intelligence
2749
"I'm all for technology being used in a good sense. I often say to people, AI is like a knife, a very sharp knife. You can use it to operate with, or you can use it to kill people." -- Professor John Lennox Artificial Intelligence is the buzz phrase of the 21st century.
LINKS
All the movies referenced in this episode:
Want to send John Dickson a question? He loves them. Just click here to provide a query for our next Q and A show! Undeceptions is part of the Eternity Podcast Network, an audio collection showcasing the seriously good news of faith today. |
Nov 29, 2020 |
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Canon Fodder
3820
How did the New Testament actually come together? Some have argued that is a “chaotically cobbled-together anthology of disjointed documents” that has been revised and ‘improved’ over centuries. Others have argued it is a deeply political document, created to quell rebellions and placate a growing and agitated movement.
Want to send John Dickson a question? He loves them. Just click here to provide a query for our next Q and A show! Undeceptions is part of the Eternity Podcast Network, an audio collection showcasing the seriously good news of faith today. |
Nov 22, 2020 |
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Childish God
3767
For years, people have argued that our minds’ natural default position is non-belief. Left to ourselves, we would never grow up thinking about God. Religion is, therefore, an imposition on the susceptible minds of children. Some have suggested that teaching kids about God comes close to a form of brain washing.
“Storytelling, for Pullman, is a way into our world—not out of it. He loves folktales and fairy tales for their clarity and everydayness; he loves William Blake; he loves what we might call the Luciferian or deity-defying side of John Milton. He even, in a cranky and rather beautiful way, loves Jesus. But he hates the bloody Church. “You’ll pick this up quite quickly when you watch the first episode of HBO’s new dramatization of His Dark Materials. A body called the Magisterium holds a centuries-long dominion over the earthly realm. It spews doctrine; it crushes heresy; it circumscribes knowledge and inhibits discussion. Its priests are everywhere, like secret police. It’s also stealing children.”
"The church without a Savior is an empty shell, a vacuum that inevitably seeks power. And in His Dark Materials, the absence of Jesus is strikingly conspicuous even though he is never named. Pullman told Williams in 2004 that Jesus does not exist in the realm of his Magisterium, an acknowledgement that his church offers no redemption and is only an organization of human power. And in a world where the church controls the government, it is hardly a fantasy that the human authorities use religious manipulation to cement their control. "The New Testament has a fair amount to say about structuring the church so that it supports the goal of pointing its people to Christ and it describes a church body with dispersed power. Without Christ at the head, the church is a slave to sin instead of proclaiming its purpose: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Gal. 5:1)."
Want to send John Dickson a question? He loves them. Just click here to provide a query for our next Q and A show! Undeceptions is part of the Eternity Podcast Network, an audio collection showcasing the seriously good news of faith today. |
Nov 15, 2020 |
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Discordant Religion
3410
In Episode 28 (Creation's Music) we spoke with Jeremy Begbie and Kirsty Beilharz about how music can point us to God. But what if it's music we just don't like? What about music that's genuinely bad. Or dissonant. What is the purpose of that type of music? Can music that's really hard to listen to still point us to the divine? Special thanks to Zondervan Academic, our show sponsor, publishers of How to Talk about Jesus (without being that guy) by Sam Chan. LINKS:
Undeceptions is part of the Eternity Podcast Network, an audio collection showcasing the seriously good news of faith today. |
Nov 08, 2020 |
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Creation's Music
3189
What is music and what is it about music that stirs the human soul?
Want to send John Dickson a question? He loves them. Just click here to provide a query for our next Q and A show! Undeceptions is part of the Eternity Podcast Network, an audio collection showcasing the seriously good news of faith today. |
Nov 01, 2020 |
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Good Earth
3373
Whether you’re a believer or doubter in Christianity, this episode is really more about whether you’re a ‘believer’ or ‘doubter’ in climate change … and the things that often lie behind such beliefs (hint: faith is just one factor!)
Special thanks to Zondervan Academic, our show sponsor, publishers of How To Fight Racism by Jemar Tisby.
Want to send John Dickson a question? He loves them. Just click here to provide a query for our next Q and A show! Undeceptions is part of the Eternity Podcast Network, an audio collection showcasing the seriously good news of faith today. |
Oct 25, 2020 |
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Bible Mistakes
3270
In the first episode of our third season, we're taking a close look at the New Testament - the second part of the Bible. Many scholars have pointed out historical inaccuracies in the gospels, or inconsistencies between the gospels that would surely call into question their reliability as sources for the historical Jesus. Some have suggested that the gospels weren't actually written by who we think they were written by. Or claim that many of the letters written by Paul that appear in the Bible weren't penned by Paul at all. Professor Craig Blomberg has spent a lifetime digging around these 'Bible mistakes'. And he's not convinced that they are, in fact, mistakes. LINKS
Want to send John Dickson a question? He loves them. Just click here to provide a query for our next Q and A show!
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Oct 19, 2020 |
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Introducing Season 3 of Undeceptions
290
We're back with a new season of Undeceptions. Join us as we chase down facts and explore the best arguments, to explode some of the myths about history, science, psychology, and the good life … and how it all relates to the Christian faith.
This season, we're talking climate change, public health, why belief in God is natural, how music points to the divine, mistakes in the Bible, and … the end of the world.
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Oct 14, 2020 |
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Tax Free Single
735
John Dickson takes a deep dive into the murky world of church finances to discover the pagan ruler responsible for granting Christian congregations their special financial privileges. When the most powerful man in the world becomes a believer, things are definitely going to change. But what did this ruler actually have in mind when he gifted churches and clergy their tax free status? Press play to find out. |
Oct 04, 2020 |
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Confederate Statues Single
517
Dr. Laurel Moffatt makes a return to Undeceptions with a single aimed at making us consider the level of our indifference. The Black Lives Matter campaign has focussed America's attention on statues that commemorate the great military leaders and politicians of the slave-supporting Confederacy. Should these symbols be taken down and our values rebuilt? Or would that leave a greater human failure still standing? |
Sep 27, 2020 |
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Indigenous Slaves Single
593
Matt Andrews makes a guest appearance on Undeceptions, tackling the thorny topic of slavery in Australia. Have Aboriginals been enslaved at various times in Australia's history? Certainly. Was that the intention of its British leaders? Certainly not. There are two key things to undeceived of here, but you'l have to click play to find out what they are. |
Sep 20, 2020 |
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Medieval Manumission Single
520
Eligius of Noyon was a French jewellery smith of uncommon talent who counted royal families and the highest nobility amongst his clients. As a young man, his success allowed him to dress so exorbitantly, his sense of luxury made it into the history books. However when Eligius' attention turned from kingly clients to the Kingdom of God, an incredible transformation took place. He became so concerned for the slaves around him, that his finery became the means for setting them free. In this fourth single on the hidden Christian history of slavery, John Dickson shares how Eligius impoverished himself so that others might know the grace of God. |
Sep 13, 2020 |
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Freeing Slaves Single
482
St. Augustine was the Bishop of Hippo and the leader of the Christian church in a city that had become a hub in the ancient world's slave trade. He led his followers in an ambitious buy-back program for those captured by unscrupulous traders. But when church funds failed, these meek and mild believers didn't hold back from carrying out dangerous slave raids. Join John Dickson as he takes us through a first hand account of what early Christians risked to save less fortunate men and women. |
Sep 06, 2020 |
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First Abolitionist Single
370
The fourth century bishop, Gregory of Nyssa, led the charge on ending slavery centuries before modern champions like William Wilberforce and Frederick Douglass ever stepped on to the stage. His arguments regarding the value of human beings would fuel abolitionists and civil rights movements fifteen hundred years after he was dead. If only we'd listened sooner. |
Aug 30, 2020 |
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Swing Low Single
658
John Dickson delves into the history of the abolition of slavery in the 19th century and discovers its deep roots in Christian theology. His investigations reveal secular claims that Christianity was a leading cause of slavery are without foundation. In fact, the campaign for freedom arose from a distinctly Christian world view that had existed for well over a thousand years. Yet the church could clearly have done a lot more, a lot sooner. |
Aug 16, 2020 |
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Paddling Through Single
488
Dr. Laurel Moffatt is a writer and researcher based in Sydney, and a special guest for our Undeceptions 'Single' this week. On a recent kayaking trip, she discovered a connection between our desperate need for 'places of safety' during this pandemic, and international statistics that show a growing desire to communicate with the Almighty. Leveraging the wisdom of Augustine, she shares how prayer can become your safest place. |
Jul 26, 2020 |
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Eternal Adieu Single
480
A remarkable event occurred on this day at 11:30am, 25 June, 1788. The 21 year old convict, Samuel Peyton, entered into eternity courtesy of the hangman's noose. But unlike many of his convict comrades who suffered a similar fate, Peyton left behind a testament to his belief that, even in death, he was “firmly relying on the merits of a Blessed Redeemer.” Listen in for one of the most heartfelt stories of repentance Australia's colonial history has to offer, as well as a pointer to a Christian hope that still holds true today. |
Jun 25, 2020 |
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LGBTI Christian
3148
Rachel Gilson says she grew up knowing two things instinctively: she was romantically attracted to women and Christians were NOT ok with that. Smart, sophisticated, with a love for big ideas not small minds … Rachel Gilson sounds like she’s the poster girl for that common critique of Christianity - that it’s unhelpful and unhealthy for those with lesbian, gay, or bisexual orientations. But that is not her story. Rachel discovered that it was possible to walk a round that led between her same-sex attraction and a love of God. Her conclusions, including her life choices will surprise you. Yet Rachel’s quest to understand God and His opinion of her desires provide one of the most provocative, interesting and inspiring stories Undeceptions has had privilege to present.
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May 31, 2020 |
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Ask Anything II
3240
The end of the second season of Undeceptions is drawing night, so it's time to start unpacking all of the questions we've collected. This episode John Dickson tackles everything from is the Old Testament History to is the New Testament a re-write of Jesus' real perspective? If you enjoy listening to hosts squirm, you'll love season's two's Undeceptions Q and A. LINKS
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May 24, 2020 |
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Remembering Women
3468
This episode, we’ll be zooming in on the early Christian women, for whom we have good evidence, and who had a profound impact on the church and its teaching in their time. Our guide is Dr. Lynn Cohick, who's written books on the topic, including Christian Women in the Patristic World: Their Influence, Authority, and Legacy in the Second through the Fifth Centuries (co-authored with Amy Brown Hughes) and Women in the World of the Earliest Christians. She paints a vivid picture for us of what life in ancient Rome might have been like for the first women to hear the gospel. LINKS
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May 17, 2020 |
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Post Christian
3105
Greg Sheridan cut his teeth at the legendary news magazine, The Bulletin, before moving on to the national daily newspaper, The Australian, where he’s been the foreign editor since 1982. John catches up to talk to him about Christianity's struggles in Australia and why, of all times, he would choose to out himself as a believer. However, Greg is not so glum on the future and underlines that because the faith is beholden to no particular political party it has the ability to reinvent itself that is more inline with its roots. LINKS
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May 10, 2020 |
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Miraculous Physics
3117
Ian Hutchinson is Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Plasma Science and Fusion Center. Among many, many other things he wrote the standard monograph on measuring plasmas, Principles of Plasma Diagnostics. That's right, he literally wrote the book on plasmas. He’s also a fellow of the American Physical Society, a fellow of the Institute of Physics, and of the American Scientific Affiliation. And… he believes in miracles - healing, resurrection, all of it. Find out why. LINKS
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May 03, 2020 |
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Scientific Theology
2761
It’s a popular misconception. If science is your guiding light, you’re going to see the world a particular way. And if you hold to religion well, you’re going to imagine the world a particular way. At least that’s how it seems.
So what does Alister do with the all the objections scientists throw at him? Play them back with a perfectly straight British bat. Tune in and tally the score for yourself!
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Apr 26, 2020 |
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Confronting Christianity
3003
Dr. Rebecca McLaughlin is a learned, feisty academic who's not afraid to confront the challenge that this two thousand year old faith has run its course. Claims of institutionalised homophobia, that religion is bad for us, and scare tactics surrounding the teaching of Hell - they all surface in this episode. Faced with the most challenging questions of the day, Dr. McLaughlin offers a spirited defence of Christianity that John Dickson thinks amounts to the best answer to troubling questions since Tim Keller's Reasons For God. LINKS
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Apr 19, 2020 |
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Hindu Priest
3716
What do you do if you devote your entire life to one religion, then slowly realise you belong somewhere else? This episode isn’t an exploration of a forgotten piece of history, a tricky topic, or an ethical dilemma, but a story, plain and simple about a search for personal peace, which is just what our anxious world needs right now. Rahil Patel was one of the Hindu world's leading evangelists, who spent decades establishing temples all over Europe and Russia, until one day he woke up to discover that his heart belonged to someone else. LINKS
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Apr 12, 2020 |
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Easter Myths
2681
It’s Easter, and billions of people pause to contemplate the death and resurrection of Jesus. Alongside them are plenty of folks who look at Christ quite differently. Studies continue to show that most people have a fairly positive view of the founder of Christianity. But that’s a long way from accepting that there’s any history - let alone relevance - in the alleged events of Easter. We had a lot of fun looking at the Christmas Story through the lens of history. We thought it would be good to do the same for Easter. Bring on all of your questions about the historical authenticity of this central Christian celebration, and listen to what happens when they collide with the evidence of history. LINKS
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Apr 05, 2020 |
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Pandemic Exposure Single
473
In ancient Carthage, those who faced the Cyprian Plague discovered that there were two sets of symptoms to contend with: those that afflicted the outer body, and those that afflicted the inner person. COVID-19 is having a similar effect. It is turning out to be not just a physical trial but a moral test. The pandemic is revealing the best and the worst of our characters. The former we can celebrate together. Our faults, though, are also worth our contemplation. |
Apr 01, 2020 |
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She Persuades
2477
If you’re preparing yourself for an assault on conservative Christian doctrine regarding women in church leadership, or different approaches to women teaching … you’re going to be disappointed.
She is an academic, world-traveller, social media queen, and born persuader who is gaining significant influence in Britain and Europe as she advocates for the Gospel.
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Mar 29, 2020 |
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Pandemic Equality Single
463
Church leaders and impassioned Christians want to suggest that the Bible promises a special deliverance from COVID-19 for those who put their faith in the Son of God. However John Dickson resurrects the wisdom of an ancient bishop who also faced a massive plague to give us a different perspective. |
Mar 26, 2020 |
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Six Days
2989
Last season we brought you John Lennox, talking about the compatibility of faith and a scientific mind, and Ard Louis discussing the evidence for a rational universe … but we sidestepped one obvious debate. Creation versus evolution - 6 days versus 13.8 billion years - young earthers vs. ancient universe-ers. It’s a pretty hot argument in the minds of some believers and non-believers alike. Sometimes both sides think there’s only one way to take Genesis, and that’s at face value. This episode, though, we talk to Professor C. John Collins, Professor of Old Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary, who suggests there's another way that honours both the message and the intellect. LINKS
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Mar 22, 2020 |
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Pandemic Love Single
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Simply taking care of yourself and those closest to you might seem enough - even the most important thing - at this time of international concern. But John Dickson picks out the story of a wealthy, ancient woman to suggest another way. Rome's Fabiola powerfully demonstrated the level of sympathy that hearts changed by Christ can hope to rise to. |
Mar 18, 2020 |
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It's Cancer
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In this episode we’re delving into that frightening world. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death internationally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million fatalities in 2018 - that’s 1 in 6 deaths. Cancer is an undiscriminating disease. It can appear in almost any part of the body, and any age group. Each year, 300,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed in children alone. And the costs for those who can pay for treatments and preventative measures are staggering - cancer costs the world economy 1.16 trillion US dollars a year. But cancer isn’t just a medical battleground, it’s a spiritual one as well. Through the ages, myriad human voices have cried out, “My God, why!?" How do people who reckon there is some kind of good God in the world - which surveys say is most human beings - cope with cancer in the world? Meet Ben Shaw and his wife Karen who heard those two words in the title, and the epic faith journey they travelled together. LINKS
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Mar 15, 2020 |
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It's almost here!
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The return of Undeceptions for 2020, kicking off with God and cancer, a better way of reading Genesis, woman leading the charge in explaining Christianity, Easter myths exploded and proof the faith you grow up with isn't the final word on what you believe. Plus much, much more! Let the Undeceptions begin... Monday, March 16. |
Mar 10, 2020 |
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First Church Service Single
896
It's February 4, and the anniversary of Australia's first church service. But this wasn't a morality lesson from the chaplain to the prison colony. The Rev. Richard Johnson had something much more significant on his mind.
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Feb 02, 2020 |
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Australia Day Single
435
On the day we commemorate the history and character of our nation, it may be worth considering how we build healthy, respectful lamenting into our national celebrations.
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Jan 25, 2020 |
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Christmas Single
478
This Christmas, as you rightly enjoy the good things God's given you and share them with your nearest and dearest, spare a moment to consider how your generosity might spread further afield. Links that might prove helpful: |
Dec 23, 2019 |
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BONUS Undeceptions Theme
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Thanks for being great supporters of the first season of Undeceptions! We hope you enjoy this little gift from us, and have a happy Christmas with your loved ones and the God who made this all possible. Yours in all truth, John, Kaley, Bella and Mark |
Dec 03, 2019 |
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First Noel
2925
Jesus was born in a manger, right? But what does that mean exactly? And how about that inn? Or the star hovering over the stable? How does history address our most cherished images of the birth of the King of Kings? And what did The Life Of Brian get right? Join John as he undeceives us about everything that can and can't be said about the birth of Jesus. Thanks to our season sponsor – Selah – for all your travel needs, whether you’re a doubter or a believer. Find out more at myselah.com.au. Links related to this episode:
Send us a question Oh boy, does John love questions. So don’t be afraid to send them in. In season one, we’ll be dedicating an episode or two for John to answer all your burning questions about Christianity. Want to know something more about a previous episode? Or perhaps you’ve got a question about faith that you’ve been struggling to find an answer for? Let us know here, or leave your question as a voicemail at 02 9870 5678. |
Dec 02, 2019 |
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Ask Anything
3242
Each week of our first season of Undeceptions, we've asked you to tell us some of the things you'd like to be 'undeceived' about. This episode John Dickson tackles the top questions sent in, covering everything from questions raised by our various guests to crackers you've come up with on your own. Press play to hear more about whether Islam actually invented science, why historians still reject the idea of a resurrection, and what the difference is between New Testament and Old Testament Miracles. Plus West Wing references and Jesus own 'top questions' to ask! Thanks to our season sponsor - Selah - for all your travel needs, whether you're a doubter or a believer. Find out more at myselah.com.au. Links related to this episode:
And check out the beautiful new Undeceptions web site! Want to send John a question for our next Q and A? Here's the place to do it! Send us a question Oh boy, does John love questions. So don’t be afraid to send them in. In season one, we’ll be dedicating an episode or two for John to answer all your burning questions about Christianity. Want to know something more about a previous episode? Or perhaps you’ve got a question about faith that you’ve been struggling to find an answer for? Let us know here, or leave your question as a voicemail at 02 9870 5678. |
Nov 25, 2019 |
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Historical Jesus
2157
This episode, we've put John Dickson in the hot seat to talk about his new book: Is Jesus History. Anita Savage is our guest host, and she grills John on one of the greatest questions out there: did Jesus really exist? Thanks to our season sponsor - Selah - for all your travel needs, whether you're a doubter or a believer. Find out more at myselah.com.au. Links related to this episode:
Anita Savage is a TV and radio journalist who has worked for 2UE, Sky News, Channel 9, Bloomberg Television and ABC TV and radio. In 2019, Anita joined the Hope Media team to lead the new Hope Media News Service. She joins us for this episode of Undeceptions as guest host, interviewing John Dickson.
Oh boy, does John love questions. So don’t be afraid to send them in. In season one, we’ll be dedicating an episode or two for John to answer all your burning questions about Christianity. Want to know something more about a previous episode? Or perhaps you’ve got a question about faith that you’ve been struggling to find an answer for? Let us know here, or leave your question as a voicemail at 02 9870 5678.
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Nov 18, 2019 |
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Dominus illuminatio
2500
When Sarah first arrived at Cambridge on a scholarship, and then later took a job at Oxford, she thought Christians were anti-intellectual. And perhaps that’s what we’ve come to expect. Smart people have no time - no headspace - for God. They know too much. They think too deeply for the ‘shallows’ of theology. This episode, we’re talking with people who’ve witnessed the opposite. Universities like Oxford and Cambridge are melting pots, where people can find their beliefs - or unbelief - turned upside down, just like Sarah. Thanks to our season sponsor - Selah - for all your travel needs, whether you're a doubter or a believer. Find out more at myselah.com.au. Links related to this episode:
Get to know our guests Dr Sarah Irving-Stonebraker is senior lecturer in Modern European History at Western Sydney University. She was awarded a PhD in History from Cambridge University in 2007. Vaughan Roberts is Rector of St Ebbe's Church in Oxford. He studied law at Cambridge University and theology at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford before entering ministry. Roberts is also Director of the Proclamation Trust, an organisation that encourages and equips Bible teachers. He is a popular conference speaker and author of several books. Send us a question Oh boy, does John love questions. So don’t be afraid to send them in. In season one, we’ll be dedicating an episode or two for John to answer all your burning questions about Christianity. Want to know something more about a previous episode? Or perhaps you’ve got a question about faith that you’ve been struggling to find an answer for? Let us know here, or leave your question as a voicemail at 02 9870 5678. |
Nov 11, 2019 |
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The full Teresa Morgan interview
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In episode 4 of Season 1 of Undeceptions, John spoke with Professor Teresa Morgan about the ethic of love at the heart of the New Testament. It sounds like ‘common sense’ to many today – it’s what any rational person would think about the good life.
But it certainly wasn’t ‘rational’ in the Roman world, and it hasn’t been for most of world history. Listen to the full interview with Professor Morgan, a Fellow and tutor at Oriel College in Oxford University in this special bonus episode. You'll get more insight on how radically Christianity changed the moral values of the ancient world … and how we continue to see the results today.
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Nov 04, 2019 |
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The full John Lennox interview
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Head to undeceptions.com to listen to Episode 3, 'God Science' with John Lennox. |
Oct 28, 2019 |
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Cybersex trafficking
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CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains content that may be distressing for some listeners. The episode deals with the online sexual exploitation of children and is confronting and often disturbing. If you need to talk to someone, support is available: 1800RESPECT: In Australia, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 737 732. Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 anytime for confidential telephone crisis support. This episode of Undeceptions was a difficult one for us to make. But we believe it's an important one. It's a myth that there's no such thing as slavery in modern times. And just as Christians were at the forefront of anti-slavery work way back in the 5th century, and again in the 19th century, we’ll be speaking to today’s heroes, continuing that tradition, fighting for the absolute end of slavery in their lifetime. We've worked with International Justice Mission - the largest anti-slavery organisation in the world - to bring you the story of Cassie in the Philippines. Cassie was rescued from a neighbour who had lured her into a world of online sexual exploitation. We speak with some of those who worked to see her released from slavery, and who continue to work to rescue countless other victims both in the Philippines and other parts of south east Asia, the epicentre of this heinous crime. Thanks to our season sponsor - Selah - for all your travel needs, whether you're a doubter or a believer. Find out more at myselah.com.au.
Get to know our guests Caroly Houmes is Chief Executive of International Justice Mission (IJM) in Australia, and was previously executive director of IJM in the Netherlands. An experienced legal professional, Caroly as a Masters in International and European Human Rights Law. Jacob Sarkodee leads IJM's operations team and has over 10 years experience in the international aid and development sector in Australia. Glenn De Guzman is a pastor currently serving in the Philippines as IJM's Church Partnerships Manager and spends most of his time inviting church leaders and faith-based organisations to participate in the fight against online sexual exploitation of children. Glenn actively seeks ways for the Church to move the Philippine government to a more effective criminal justice system by creating public demand for accountability, mobilising prayer groups and raising volunteer support. Rev Stephen Gualberto (also known as Pastor Bong) is the senior pastor of GMA Church of the Nazarene in the Philippines. Pastor Bong led the Church of the Nazarene as they established the first IJM assessment centre for children rescued from online sexual exploitation. Shechem Children's Home opened its doors on September 8, 2018. Send us a question Oh boy, does John love questions. So don’t be afraid to send them in. In season one, we’ll be dedicating an episode or two for John to answer all your burning questions about Christianity. Want to know something more about a previous episode? Or perhaps you’ve got a question about faith that you’ve been struggling to find an answer for? Let us know here, or leave your question as a voicemail at 02 9870 5678.
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Oct 21, 2019 |
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Gospel truth
2636
In episode 7 we ask: can we really trust the Gospels in the Bible? And how do the gospels - considered our best evidence for the existence of Jesus - stack up against the evidence for other historical figures of the day? John Dickson chats with Dr Peter Williams, the author of Can We Trust the Gospels? about how solid our sources for Jesus really are. Many would say they're not as solid as, say, sources for the Emperor Tiberius, the second Roman emperor who reigned from 14 AD to 37 AD during the time it is said that Jesus lived. But Dr Williams may just change your mind... The necklace that John wears around his neck: a coin from the reign of Emperor Tiberius. Thanks to our season sponsor - Selah - for all your travel needs, whether you're a doubter or a believer. Find out more at myselah.com.au.
Dr Peter Williams Dr Peter Williams is principal of Tyndale House, a Cambridge-based research institute housing one of the worlds' most advanced libraries for biblical scholarship. He is also the chair of the International Greek New Testament Project which is currently producing the world’s most comprehensive information on the manuscripts of John’s Gospel. He is also a lecturer of Hebrew at the University of Cambridge. He has spoken in churches, universities, seminaries, high schools and at conferences and seminars/workshops across the US and the world on Biblical subjects including Bible translation, apologetics, and how to understand the Scriptures. Dr Williams is the author of several books, including his most recent published at the end of 2018: Can we trust the gospels? Send us a question Oh boy, does John love questions. So don’t be afraid to send them in. In season one, we’ll be dedicating an episode or two for John to answer all your burning questions about Christianity. Want to know something more about a previous episode? Or perhaps you’ve got a question about faith that you’ve been struggling to find an answer for? Let us know here, or leave your question as a voicemail at 02 9870 5678. |
Oct 14, 2019 |
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Rational universe
2590
Professor Ard Louis is one of the world's leading theoretical physicists. He sat down with John Dickson to talk about why he fervently believes that we don't need to prove God exists. Ard is serious in his quest to have a coherent system that makes some sense of the world. It’s what he gets out of bed to discover every day. And he's not afraid that the more he discovers, the less he'll need God. Quite the opposite: "Science is one of the parts of the world that actually increases the likelihood of God being there," he says. Thanks to our season sponsor - Selah - for all your travel needs, whether you're a doubter or a believer. Find out more at myselah.com.au. Links related to this episode:
Get to know our guests Ard Louis is Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Oxford where he leads an interdisciplinary research group studying problems on the border between chemistry, physics and biology. From 2002 to 2010 he was a Royal Society University Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. He is also an associate of the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion. He also has a keen interest in molecular gastronomy, applying science to the art of cooking. On a lighter note, Ard says in his bio, his Erdos-Bacon number is 6. "I have an Erdos number of 4 through Jonathan Doye and I have a Bacon number of 2 through Morgan Freeman."
Oh boy, does John love questions. So don’t be afraid to send them in. In season one, we’ll be dedicating an episode or two for John to answer all your burning questions about Christianity. Want to know something more about a previous episode? Or perhaps you’ve got a question about faith that you’ve been struggling to find an answer for? Let us know here, or leave your question as a voicemail at 02 9870 5678. |
Oct 07, 2019 |
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Social capital
2423
Andrew Leigh thinks Australia is disconnected, and he’s written a book about it. In Disconnected, Andrew spends a whole chapter outlining why the decline of religion is making social cohesion worse, and the benefits to society of having more religious believers. "I just had a cracking conversation with Australia’s ‘social capital’ expert Dr Andrew Leigh, the Member for Fenner and Shadow Assistant Minister for Charities. We explored the sad decline of community connectedness in Australia, the remarkable effect church attendance has on volunteering and philanthropy in this country (for secular as well as religious causes), the logic of seeing ‘advancing religion’ as a genuine charitable cause, and the importance of street parties for your neighbourhood!" -- John Dickson To be clear, Andrew says in his book that he’s an atheist. That made John Dickson want to speak to him more. While Andrew can’t sign on to the churches’ theological views, he can see the good that religion does in society. And he’s done a bucket load of research to prove it. Links related to this episode:
— Andrew Leigh (@ALeighMP) July 2, 2018
Andrew Leigh is the Shadow Assistant Treasurer and Federal Member for Fenner in the ACT. Prior to being elected in 2010, Andrew was a professor of economics at the Australian National University. He holds a PhD in Public Policy from Harvard and is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences. His books include Disconnected (2010), Battlers and Billionaires (2013), The Economics of Just About Everything (2014), The Luck of Politics (2015), Choosing Openness: Why Global Engagement is Best for Australia (2017) and Randomistas: How Radical Researchers Changed Our World (2018). Andrew is a keen marathon runner, and hosts a podcast titled "The Good Life: Andrew Leigh in Conversation", which is available on Apple Podcasts.
Oh boy, does John love questions. So don’t be afraid to send them in. In season one, we’ll be dedicating an episode or two for John to answer all your burning questions about Christianity. Want to know something more about a previous episode? Or perhaps you’ve got a question about faith that you’ve been struggling to find an answer for? Let us know here, or leave your question as a voicemail at 02 9870 5678. |
Sep 30, 2019 |
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Moral classics
2115
The ethic of love at the heart of the New Testament sounds like ‘common sense’ to many today - it’s what any rational person would think about the good life. But it certainly wasn’t ‘rational’ in the Roman world, and it hasn’t been for most of world history. In episode four of Undeceptions, John Dickson speaks with Teresa Morgan, a professor of Graeco-Roman History at Oriel College, Oxford University about what life was like for the average person living on the outskirts of Rome at the time of Jesus. What did they believe and what shaped their ideas of the 'good life'. And how did the arrival of Jesus change everything?
Professor Teresa Morgan has been a Fellow and Tutor at Oriel College in Oxford University since 2000, having studied classics at Cambridge, Theology at Oxford, and violin and viola at the Royal Academy of Music. She teaches and writes on Greek and Roman history from the eighth century BCE to the Byzantine era. She is currently working on the evolution of Christian faith between the second and fifth centuries and its impact on the later Roman empire.
Oh boy, does John love questions. So don’t be afraid to send them in. In season one, we’ll be dedicating an episode or two for John to answer all your burning questions about Christianity. Want to know something more about a previous episode? Or perhaps you’ve got a question about faith that you’ve been struggling to find an answer for? Let us know here, or leave your question as a voicemail at 02 9870 5678. |
Sep 23, 2019 |
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God science
2630
We're talking to John Dickson's "favourite Northern Irishman", and one of Christianity's greatest "undeceivers". That's right, it's John Lennox. John Dickson sits down for tea in the gardens of Green Templeton College with renowned 'undeceiver' John Lennox. In his new book, 'Can science explain everything', Lennox addresses one of the greatest deceptions of our age: Science explains everything, so there's no need for religion. We sit down in the gardens of Green Templeton College to quiz him about science, God and how in the world thinking Christians deal with those pesky things called miracles.
John Lennox is Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University (emeritus) and Emeritus Fellow in mathematics and the philosophy of science at Green Templeton College, a graduate community also at Oxford. He is also an adjunct professor at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Prof. Lennox studied at the Royal School Armagh, Northern Ireland, and went on to Cambridge University from which he took his MA, MMath, and PhD. He worked for many years in the Mathematics Institute at the University of Wales in Cardiff, which awarded him a DSc for his research. He also holds a DPhil from Oxford University (by incorporation) and an MA in bioethics from the University of Surrey. Lennox is the author of over 70 published mathematical papers and several books on the interface between science, philosophy and theology including God's Undertaker: Has Science Buried God?, Gunning for God, God and Stephen Hawking and Can Science Explain Everything. Send us a question Oh boy, does John love questions. So don’t be afraid to send them in. In season one, we’ll be dedicating an episode or two for John to answer all your burning questions about Christianity. Want to know something more about a previous episode? Or perhaps you’ve got a question about faith that you’ve been struggling to find an answer for? Let us know here, or leave your question as a voicemail at 02 9870 5678. |
Sep 16, 2019 |
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Old papers
2511
Thousands of scraps of paper that have been buried in the sands of Egypt for over two millennia are now stored in museums and universities all around the world. These little scraps - often no bigger than your mobile phone - provide a powerful window into ancient life - its troubles, its personalities and its ethics. One of the most important of these pieces of paper - or papyrus - is 86 pages of the letters of the Apostle Paul, the author of much of the New Testament of the Christian Bible. These 86 pages are known as P.46, and they are among the most precious artefacts of ancient history. In our first episode, we got to play with them. We speak with Dr Brendan Haug, from the University of Michigan's Papyrology department, and the home of some of the letters of Paul known as P46. One of the biggest myths about the Bible is that it's been changed throughout history, like a kind of Chinese whispers. What we see in our Bibles today is nothing like the original. Artefacts like P46 give great insight into how parts of the Bible were copied. With P46 being dated somewhere around the third century, we can also compare it to other later copies - and our Bibles today - to see what exactly is different. "Here's the cool thing about New Testament studies: we have so many copies! We've just been talking about P.46 in this episode, the earliest. But we have hundreds of manuscripts, fragments and huge portions from different periods of Roman history and different parts of the empire, and we can line them up all together and work out where the variations have taken place." -- John Dickson, episode 1
Get to know our guest Dr Brendan Haug is the archivist at the University of Michigan's Papyrology Collection and Assistant Professor in the Department of Classical Studies. He is particularly interested in papyrology and the history of Graeco-Roman Egypt, Egyptology and Egypt in the European colonial period.
The Papyrology Collection at UM houses an estimated 18,000 pieces of papyrus. Just this year, the collection was valued at approximately $100 million. It's the largest collection of papyri in North America and the 5th largest in the world. Send us a question Oh boy, does John love questions. So don’t be afraid to send them in. In season one, we’ll be dedicating an episode or two for John to answer all your burning questions about Christianity. Want to know something more about a previous episode? Or perhaps you’ve got a question about faith that you’ve been struggling to find an answer for? Visit undeceptions.com, or leave your question as a voicemail at 02 9870 5678. |
Sep 09, 2019 |
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Football free
2032
Us Aussies tend to mock players who thank the Almighty for their victories on the field. But when John Dickson was invited to speak to the Green Bay Packers - a professional American football team in the NFL - on humility, he was suddenly thrust into an alternate reality. Religion was everywhere in the NFL. Chapel services, team chaplains, prayers before the games, prayers after the games. What's that all about? Are we right to be cynical about the displays of faith we see in our sportspeople today? Are they deceiving us - and themselves - about whether God really cares for football ... or baseball ... or cricket? This week, John speaks with members of his favourite team - the Green Bay Packers - about how they navigate their faith in God with their love of the game. I like to say God really doesn’t care who wins or loses… God tends to care what you’re doing with the talents that you’ve been given -- Pepper Burruss
Get to know our guests Mason Crosby is entering his 13th year with the Green Bay Packers, after being picked in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He was a member of the Packers' Super Bowl XLV championship team when the won against the Pittsburgh Steelers. A kicker for the Packers, Crosby's field goal stat is 80.4%. Troy Murphy is the Green Bay Packers chaplain and a former US Marine. He has been a church planter, motivational speaker and entrepreneur. Pepper Burruss was the long-time Packers athletic trainer. He retired this year after 42 years in the NFL. He was with the Packers for 26 years after spending 16 years with the New York Jets. That's 883 NFL games, 567 of those with the Packers. He was named NFL Physicians Society’s Outstanding NFL Athletic Trainer in 2012.
Oh boy, does John love questions. So don’t be afraid to send them in. In season one, we’ll be dedicating an episode or two for John to answer all your burning questions about Christianity. Want to know something more about a previous episode? Or perhaps you’ve got a question about faith that you’ve been struggling to find an answer for? Let us know here, or leave your question as a voicemail at 02 9870 5678. |
Sep 09, 2019 |
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Introducing Undeceptions
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Coming soon, a new podcast series from author and historian John Dickson. Prepare to be undeceived.
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Aug 29, 2019 |