Did Christianity Build the West? Glen Scrivener vs Atheism UK President John Richards

In this explosive end-of-term schools debate, Unbelievable? host Andy Kind moderates a gripping clash between Christian evangelist and CEO of Speak Life, Glen Scrivener and John Richards, President of Atheism UK. Recorded live at St Michael's School in Aylesbury (thanks to Aylesbury Youth For Christ), the debate asks: Does Christianity provide the moral foundation of the West? Glen argues that Western values—such as equality and compassion—are shaped by 2,000 years of Christian influence. John counters that morality evolved naturally and religion often fuels division. From ancient Rome to Richard Dawkins, from the Good Samaritan to scientific discovery, this is a passionate exchange that pulls no punches. 🔔 Subscribe and share to spark deeper conversations. Two key turning points in the debate: 07:47 – Glen argues Christianity expanded compassion beyond tribe/enemy 16:38 – John argues science & progress happened *despite* Christianity Let us know which argument do *you* think was stronger — and why? Chapters 00:00 Intro – End of term special in Aylesbury 00:21 Guests: John Richards (Atheism UK) & Glen Scrivener (Speak Life) 00:44 Topic: Does Christianity give the West its moral foundations? 01:04 Glen’s opening analogy: “The air we breathe” 02:39 Equality, compassion & the “moral atmosphere” 05:18 John’s opening reply: compassion is evolutionary, not Christian 07:47 “Help friends, harm enemies” – Glen’s Good Samaritan argument 10:56 John: Christianity is divided – which version are we talking about? 13:11 Glen: Christian unity via creeds; diversity ≠ contradiction 14:52 Putin, just war & Augustine 16:38 John: Christianity hindered science & progress 17:33 Glen: Science emerged in Christian civilisation 19:04 John: All ideas have a geographical origin 20:00 Resurrection, virgin birth & worldview assumptions 21:38 “Pick your miracle”: origin of the universe vs resurrection 23:20 Evidence, narrative & how science interprets data 25:45 Why do science at all? Glen’s meaning argument 29:04 John: We continue science because it saves lives (practical benefit) 30:02 Glen: Hospitals, charity & compassion *also* came via Christian worldview 31:10 Evolutionary empathy vs Christian love of the enemy 32:45 The Problem of Suffering – both worldviews respond 33:58 Is atheism really “just the absence of belief”? 35:44 Meaning: Can we “make our own” or is there a transcendent source? 37:03 Does removing God remove objective values? 38:18 John: Meaning is personal, not universal 39:47 Tom Holland clip – what Christianity uniquely introduced to the West 40:48 Q&A: When did John become an atheist? 42:12 Glen: Even atheism is shaped by Christian assumptions 43:00 Circumcision & belonging – sharp exchange 44:02 Q: Is Christianity just behaviour control? 44:53 Glen: Christianity is a *story*, morality is *fruit* of it 45:47 John: Popularity ≠ truth 47:36 Q: Science also tells a story — so what’s the difference? 48:55 Glen: Christianity helped *make* science possible 50:01 Islamic & Greek contributions to the West 51:19 Glen: Christians should celebrate truth wherever it appears 52:04 Closing remarks & thanks 👉 Support thought-provoking conversations and help keep the show going at www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate💡  🎧 Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast a  www.premier.plus/unbelievable 🎙️ 🔗 Get bonus content, updates, fascinating articles, and early access to new episodes - absolutely free! Join now at www.premierunbelievable.com 📢 Social Links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable