#116 Nicola Morrison: A trip to church saved my life

Is there a connection between climate crisis and viruses? Can science explain "miraculous healings"? Is God morally "good" and where do we get our reference point for "goodness"? How should we approach the "genocide" passages in the Bible? Do humans have souls? What about clones? Virologist and theologian Dr Mirjam Schilling answers questions asked by a live audience at Holy Trinity Church, Aylesbury. This show was recorded in partnership with Aylesbury Vale Youth For Christ. For Mirjam: https://twitter.com/mirjamschilling • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

🎙️ Today we venture into the intersection of science and faith with Dr. Mirjam Schilling, a postdoctoral virologist and DPhil student in Science and Religion at the University of Oxford. With her unique background in virology and theology, Dr. Schilling grapples with profound questions about the nature of suffering, the existence of God, and how scientific insights can reshape our understanding of good, evil, and the very fabric of life itself. 🌿🧬 As both a scientist and a believer💡Dr. Schilling brings a fresh, nuanced perspective on how viruses—often seen as agents of chaos—can spark meaningful conversations around theodicy, human identity, and the age-old dilemma of why suffering exists. Through the lens of her research, she reveals how these tiny organisms challenge our perceptions of order in creation, while also illuminating credible and scientific reasons to believe in the Christian God in the midst of uncertainty. 🔍 Join us for Part 1 of this captivating conversation, where Mirjam's journey—studying the immune system’s battle with viruses and their theological significance—invites us to rethink some of life's biggest questions. If you’ve ever pondered how science and faith coexist, or why we experience suffering, this episode is for you! For Mirjam Schilling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirjam-schilling-9bbb2b211/ https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5386-3609 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mirjam-Schilling https://twitter.com/mirjamschilling • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

What are the dangers of online and how do we navigate them? How can we respond to AI? What is TikTok spirituality and why should we engage with it? How has the digital world impacted our relationships? Is online church just watching TV or is a hybrid model the only way forward? Dr James Emery White, author of Hybrid Church, explores questions around digital outreach and Church. • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Who are Generation Z and Alpha and why do they matter? How have algorithms impacted the way our young people think? What is so significant about being raised in a TikTok world? How are young people approaching politics and which way should they vote? Can Christianity ever be attractive to young people? How do we protect our children in a pornified world? Dr James Emery White, author of Meet Generation Z, shares his thoughts. • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

What are the marks of a post-Christian culture and why is this significant? How do we engage in apologetics in this context? Are young people disinterested in religion or are we just attempting to answer questions they're not asking? Who are the "nones" and why are they on the rise? Dr James Emery White, founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church and author of numerous books including The Rise of the Nones, shares his thoughts. • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

How do we differentiate truth from disinformation? Is it possible to verify the truth of Christianity in a similar way? How can we cope with injustice, discrimination and racism? Are we able t reconcile the goodness of God with the horrendous suffering we experience? Where can we turn in the midst of mental health struggles? Nicola Morrison, author of Victory is My Name, shares her thoughts. Please contact Premier Lifeline if you are struggling and need help or support https://premierlifeline.org.uk/ For Nicola: https://www.eauk.org/author/nicola-morrison • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Nicola Morrison, an editor and former BBC reporter, has experienced many highs and lows in her personal and professional life. She shares her struggles with childhood trauma, mental health difficulties and career setbacks. Following a failed attempt to take her own life, Nicola visited a church, which changed the trajectory of her life forever. You can read more of her story in Victory is My Name. Please contact Premier Lifeline if you are struggling and need help or support https://premierlifeline.org.uk/ For Nicola: https://www.eauk.org/author/nicola-morrison • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Could a decline in creativity and beauty be why the Church has become increasingly irrelevant and unlikeable? What are culture wars and how should we respond? Is relativism flawed and what is the alternative? Does human creativity point to God? Rev Dr Michael Lloyd, principal of Wycliffe Hall, shares his thoughts about culture, creativity and The New Renaissance Project. For Michael Lloyd: https://www.wycliffe.ox.ac.uk/people/revd-dr-michael-lloyd-0 For The New Renaissance Project: https://www.wycliffe.ox.ac.uk/renaissance • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Is there any proof for the resurrection of Jesus? Are miracles a genuine possibility? How should we respond to global injustice and environmental breakdown? What practical ways can we use apologetics in everyday situations? We hear from Rev Dr Joe Boot, founder and president of the Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity. This interview was recorded in front of a live audience at Holy Trinity Church, Aylesbury in partnership with Aylesbury Vale Youth For Christ. For the Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/ • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Rev Dr Joe Boot, founder and president of the Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity, explores what shapes and drives culture. What are the cultural implications for certain world and life views? Is there a place for Jesus in politics? This interview was recorded in March with a live audience at Holy Trinity Church, Aylesbury in partnership with Aylesbury Vale Youth For Christ.  For the Ezra Institute: https://www.ezrainstitute.com/ • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate