Playback speed
Can morality be objective without God? In this thought-provoking episode of Unbelievable, host John Nelson brings together Christian writer Caleb Woodbridge and Objectivist thinker Thomas Walker-Werth for a deep clash over reason, self-interest, human dignity and the basis of right and wrong. Is morality grounded in God’s nature, or can human reason alone discover universal moral truths? Drawing on Christian theology, Ayn Rand’s Objectivism, Aristotle, Pascal and questions of sacrifice, flourishing and human value, the conversation explores whether morality is something we receive, discover or construct. Along the way, they tackle original sin, rational self-interest, charity, suffering, obligation and the future vision each worldview offers for society. If you’ve ever wondered whether ethics needs God, or whether secular reason can carry the full weight of morality, this debate will give you plenty to chew on.
Thomas Walker-Werth is managing editor of The Objective Standard, a journal of culture and philosophy, and author of Reason for Living: A Rational Approach to Living Your Best Life. He also writes on science fiction as Thomas W. Anderson.
Caleb Woodbridge is a Christian writer, editor and cultural apologist. He writes at Bigger on the Inside and hosts the Imaginative Discipleship podcast.
Subscribe & Support
👉 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 📢
Follow usInstagram: https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable
Facebook: https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable
Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable
X: https://x.com/UnbelievableFE
Released on 26 Mar 2026
Physicists Paul Davies and Jeremy England tackle one of science’s hardest puzzles: how did lifeless matter spark into life? In this classic Big Conversation from Unbelievable podcast the question is whether we need a new theory for the origin of life...
In this conversation, we’re exploring one of the central claims of Christianity: the resurrection of Jesus. Joining us are two of the world’s leading New Testament scholars who approach the evidence from different angles. Dale Allison, former Richard...
Luke Martin is joined by neurosurgeon, war veteran and author Dr Lee Warren for a powerful and deeply personal conversation on trauma, grief, the brain, and whether we can truly change how we think and live. After performing over 200 brain surgeries...
... unapologetically Christian? It often feels like our voice isn’t allowed in this increasingly secular world — our Christian voice isn’t allowed.
You know, that feeling of wanting to speak up, but being held back by fear of the response?
But your voice is powerful. And Premier is here to empower you.