Paul Davies vs Emily Qureshi-Hurst on God & Quantum Mechanics // Watch Elizabeth Oldfield vs James Marriott EARLY!

I’m back hosting conversations between some of the world’s most interesting thinkers, in my new show Uncommon Ground... Watch the next episode EARLY (right now) when you support!

Author

Justin Brierley
April 08, 2026

Paul Davies & Emily Qureshi-Hurst: Is there purpose in the Universe? Exploring the weirdness of the cosmic and quantum realm.

Is there a purpose to the largest thing of all - The Universe? And does the weird world of the smallest things - Quantum Physics - tell us anything about it?

Atheist theologian Emily Qureshi-Hurst believes the evidence points to a purely physical reality. However, astrophysicist Paul Davies says there's a deeper meaning to the 'directionality' of our cosmos. In this mind-expanding conversation, they join me to explain the science they agree on... and work out where they differ.

WATCH EARLY: Elizabeth Oldfield & James Marriott: Is there meaning to life?

Elizabeth Oldfield, host of the Sacred Podcast, and James Marriott, literary critic and Times columnist, join me on Uncommon Ground to discuss whether we can find meaning in life without God.

Elizabeth tells of her own search for meaning in Christian faith, while James explains why, as an atheist nihilist, he still loves art and literature. They discuss the search for purpose, and signs of a new interest in faith among young people.

This episode will release to the public on 20 April, but regular Silver and Gold level supporters can watch it RIGHT NOW!

“I have been listening to Justin for years. His podcasts feed my soul, and I enjoy the moderated and respectful dialogues that ensue in an age of polarization. Justin has a knack for fostering challenging, reasonable, informative material with an invitational kindness. The newly inaugurated "Uncommon Ground" is a delight, and I highly recommend it. Atheists, Agnostics, and Theists alike will have opportunity to hear alternative points of view expounded by experts in their respective fields.”

Park Smith

‘Quiet Revival’ report withdrawn… but it’s not the end of the rebirth!

Following the withdrawal of The Quiet Revival report by Bible Society, I reflect on lessons that need to be learned. But one flawed report does not mean the ‘rebirth' is a myth - there are many other data points showing a new attitude towards faith is on the rise.

I released my reflections as a video response (and put out the audio on The Surprising Rebirth podcast too) but you can also read my response in article format, complete with citations.

Iain McGilchrist on his Christian faith

Renowned philosopher and psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist opens up about his recent embrace of Christian faith, during his conversation with influential neuroscientist Anil Seth on minds, consciousness and God.

This is a clip from the full conversation, which you can watch on YouTube or listen to on your favourite podcast platform!

Why didn’t the first Christians abolish slavery?

Glen Scrivener (author of 'The Air We Breathe') argues that Christianity paved the way, uniquely, for the abolitionist movement, whereas Alex O'Connor (host of the Within Reason podcast) takes the view that the Bible actively endorses slavery, and that Christians contributed just as forcefully to anti-abolitionism. They clash in this fascinating exchange from the second episode of my new show, Uncommon Ground!

This is a clip from the full conversation, which you can watch on YouTube or listen to on your favourite podcast platform!

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