Classic: Christianity or Atheism: Which best explains who we are? Bishop Robert Barron vs Alex O’Connor

Unbelievable?

Premier Unbelievable?

Christianity, Religion & Spirituality

4.6 • 2.3K Ratings

🗓️ 28 October 2025

⏱️ 92 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Today we’re dipping back into a Classic Unbelievable? / The Big Conversation episode: Bishop Robert Barron vs Alex O’Connor on the question, “Christianity or atheism — which best explains who we are?” Recorded when Alex was still a student at Oxford, this lively, good-humoured exchange set the tone for countless thoughtful dialogues to come. Since then, Alex’s Cosmic Skeptic platform has grown massively and he’s even appeared on an extremely popular Unbelievable? show with Ben Shapiro, reflecting how these conversations continue to reach new audiences. Revisit Barron’s Thomistic vision of God, Alex’s pushback on contingency and faith, and their probing discussion of suffering, meaning, and human flourishing. Whether you’re new to the show or re-listening, we hope you enjoy the show. 👉 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

Transcript

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0:33.1	Well, hello and welcome to The Big Conversation from Unbelievable, brought you in partnership with the John Templeton Foundation.
0:39.9	The big conversation is all about exploring the biggest questions of science, faith and philosophy with leading thinkers across the religious and non-religious spectrum.
0:49.4	And today we're asking Christianity or atheism, which makes best sense of who we are.
0:55.6	And this season is being recorded remotely, of course, for obvious reasons.
0:58.9	But the silver lining is that it does allow us to bring some fascinating voices together from around the world.
1:04.5	And so my guest today are Bishop Robert Barron and Alex O'Connor.
1:08.7	Bishop Robert Barron is auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
1:12.6	and the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries. He reaches millions via YouTube and social media
1:18.6	and is seeking to proclaim Christ in the culture. Alex O'Connor is a student at Oxford University
1:24.6	and his YouTube channel Cosmic Skeptic has grown to be one of the most successful atheist channels in the world.
1:31.3	On it, Alex also explores a variety of philosophical and ethical issues, including his passion for veganism.
1:37.3	So, Bishop Robert Barron and Alex O'Connor, welcome along to the program.
1:40.3	Great to have you both with me today.
1:42.3	My pleasure. Thanks for having me. Thanks for having me. I've really been looking forward to the program. Great to have you both with me today. My pleasure. Thanks for having me.
1:45.0	I've really been looking forward to this engagement because in some ways I see both of you as
1:51.0	leaders in your field, especially in the online world, YouTube, social media and so on,
1:57.0	occupying of course a Christian and atheist niche, but there's so much overlap in a way in terms of the
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