Classic: Is War ever justified? Just War, Darwinism and Christianity | Michael Ruse vs Nigel Biggar.

Unbelievable?

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Christianity, Religion & Spirituality

4.6 • 2.3K Ratings

🗓️ 20 May 2025

⏱️ 64 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In 2025, as the world is devastated by continuing wars, many are simultaneously commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Returning to this edition of Unbelievable, recorded as marks of Remembrance took place across the world to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1 in 2018, Justin Brierley discussed just war theory, Darwinism and Christianity with atheist guest Prof Michael Ruse and Christian Prof Nigel Biggar. Michel Ruse is Professor of Philosophy of Science at Florida State University. Nigel Biggar is Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford. Ruse’s book ‘The Problem of War’ critiques Biggar’s work on just war theory, 'In Defence of War’. Further reading ‘In Defence of War’ by Nigel Biggar: https://amzn.to/3SbPxCk For ‘The Problem of War’ by Michael Ruse: https://amzn.to/4k0JegS 📲 Follow us on Social MediaTwitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable 👉 Get bonus content, updates, fascinating articles, and early access to new episodes—absolutely free! Join now at www.premierunbelievable.com 🎉📢 • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: 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

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Moreland's College.
0:02.7	Here at Morelands, we want to equip people passionate about Jesus to impact the church and world.
0:07.8	Through engaging practical programs, we want to give men and women the knowledge and skills in order to go out into Christian ministry.
0:15.3	Come and be equipped here at Morelands College.
0:18.3	Arrange a conversation, book onto an open day or apply at
0:22.3	moorlands.ac.ac.uk.
0:24.5	UK.
0:32.7	A very good afternoon and welcome along to the show that aims to get you thinking and brings
0:39.0	you conversations that matter. I'm Justin Briarley. World War I resulted in over 18 million deaths
0:44.2	and 23 million wounded. Two decades later, World War II would produce even more casualties.
0:50.0	Today, we're asking whether the cost of the lives given in the cause of such wars was justified.
0:55.7	I'm joined today by two eminent thinkers, Nigel Bigger and Michael Ruse.
0:59.9	As we discuss the question, is war justified by Christianity and nature?
1:04.8	Nigel and Michael, welcome along to the programme.
1:07.1	It's great to have you both with me.
1:08.3	We'll start with you, Nigel.
1:09.8	You are the Regis Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at Oxford University. What exactly does that mean?
1:15.6	It means mainly that I teach and I do research in Christian ethics. I teach and research quite broadly. I've done ethics of peace as well as the ethics of war. But I also have a role as a canon of Christchurch
1:28.1	because I am an ordained priest in the Church of England. You've defended just war theory
1:33.6	in your academic work, most especially with your book In Defence of War, which came out in 2013.
1:40.2	In a sense, making the case against what has been a growing movement, I think, of Christian pacifism to some extent.
1:47.2	So what's particularly led you down that particular route?
	...

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