Does God Exist? A Conversation with Tom Holland, Stephen Meyer, and Douglas Murray

Recorded on October 17, 2022, in Fiesole, Italy.
Does God exist? Something-a being, a power-that’s supernatural? That is, an entity that we’re unable to perceive with our five senses but that’s still real? Ever since the Enlightenment, the knowing, urbane, sophisticated answer has been, “Of course not.” Now a historian, a scientist, and a journalist talk it over and reveal new threads in the debate around science and theism.
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[@ulftornert2855]

Four gentlemen with differing convictions having a civilised and highly enjoyable conversation. Love it! 👍

[@STTPMASFTNE]

I’ve listened to hundreds of hours of podcasts and interviews. This is honestly one of the best conversations I’ve ever heard. I could have listened to this for five hours straight.

[@benjamindennehy]

Proof smart people can debate subjects whilst disagreeing. Why do so many on both sides of the political spectrum lack this ability? This is how public policy should be developed.

[@williamlegge2167]

He’s not really given Stephen a whole lot of opportunity, but it gets better

[@YonasonGoldson]

Perhaps the greatest failure of religious scholars and leaders is allowing and often encouraging the misbelief that we have to choose between religion and science, between faith and reason. Faith can and should be essentially reconcilable with science, as religious scientists will attest. Ignorance and arrogance conspire to polarize human beings. Only intellectual integrity and humility will lead us back together.

[@davidb.8769]

I wish this had been longer! It could have been so much longer and still wonderful. I wish Mr. Meyer had gotten more time!

[@HolyTerminator]

Would love to hear Stephen’s thoughts the next time he’s on.

[@dherichsen]

What do you mean?

[@newmonikermusic]

I would love to hear what Stephen was going to say at 23:20.

[@forrestdill8509]

I love Stepen Meyer. His knowledge and logic is beautiful all the way through. This discussion with alternative thoughts is powerful. Thank you!!!

[@andreforthegreatergood]

It appeared that Stephen wasn’t given equal air time. He wasn’t asked a question but had to interject thoughts on what the others were asked.

[@gadamoff]

Extraordinary exchange between all four men. What an example to all of us in how to listen and thoughtfully reply.

[@rikkousa]

I am 20 minutes in. While I am not sure where the conversation will end up, I can’t stop but wondering are churches empty because they “left God” or have they realized that the leaders of the churches “religion” became confused and thought they were God at minimally , the flock put their faith in man instead of God. All of my friends that have stopped practicing , Jews and christian, Catholics etc were not pursuing their creator . When organized churches failed them (think priests, think the old covenant” imho those never understood that God was not in the church, or in the ark or in the clouds and they certainly did not need to go through an interpreter I am one of those that became disillusioned with organized religion and fortunately, I have found peace, understanding, and salvation, by pursuing a personal relationship with the son of God

[@JesusChristisKingandLord]

Watching from the Philippines. I love it! As for me, I was blind but now I see. Thank you Jesus.

[@eddwardherron3452]

I grew up at the tail-end of the William F. Buckley Jr. era of interviewing, and was saddened for many years that 'intelligent conversational interviewing' had passed away with him. In the past few years, though, I've seen and enjoyed his heir - and it is Peter Robinson! Thank you, Mr. Robinson!

[@FabledKnell]

Wonderful. An extended three hour version of this that lets the guests explore their tangents would be amazing.

[@AnastaAnam28]

Wow. Guys! Seriously! Wow! Thank you! This has given me much to mull over. What a perfect set of authors to have on together. Views that differed enough to give a wide angle view on the subjects but in a way that was complimentary to the others so that having 4 people talking didn't give one a headache or make it impossible to keep up. As much as I love spirited debate, this style of discussion leaves one with a sense of broadening knowledge and empathy that flows together and allows deeper thought without chaos. Which I'm sure we can all agree is a welcome change compared to the way it seems everything else has been lately. Bravo gentlemen! Thank you again!

[@Austria88586]

There is no better interviewer than Peter Robinson hands down

[@WhosMolly]

This conversation needs to continue.

[@RonCombo]

An absolute pleasure to listen to this discussion. Searing intellect but delivered with such a light touch. Thank you.

[@anthonyreed480]

Why so short! This could have been 3 hours, surely. Peter, we're in no rush!

[@popescott7156]

Brilliant, should be required viewing for every college freshman in this country so as to have a sense of “where” we are and how we arrived here!!

[@tbrown6559]

I read Meyer’s book Signature in the Cell. It is a bit of a slog to say the least, but my background is biology and medicine which made it a bit easier. It’s very much worth the effort. His arguments are scientifically sound and very well presented. When you start looking at the math surrounding the time frame and the probabilities of diversity of life on earth occurring by chance alone in geologic time scales, it’s hard to deny the evidence for a guiding hand in my opinion. But one needs to read the whole book and delve into the nitty gritty to see the ideas clearly.

[@thedynamicsolo4232]

Thank you for backing the position. When we have more people being intellectually honest, society benefits. Meyer's book "The return of the God Hypothesis" is one I am nearly finished with. It really does finally paint the materialists into a corner with only a small path to escape from. Surely more information is what we will find in the scientific world, but the question is "Will that information further prove an omnipotent creator or solidify naturalism?". I hedge confidently with the former.

[@heroicacts5218]

Why is this episode not at least 5 hours long?

[@elperinasoswa6772]

Is there anyone out there who love Stephen Meyer as much as I do?

[@notlimey]

One of the best if not the best of the Uncommon Knowledge conversations. I will need to watch again.

[@kieranflood9343]

Excellent conversation, I’m impressed by them all. This type of open discussion is much more interesting than a debate format, where we try to keep the score to see who wins. They all contributed deeply in this conversation, already I’m setting aside space at the weekend to watch it again. It’s a lot to take in…

[@Ajmes]

If I had money, I would donate to @Hoover Institution, you're a beacon of hope and light in this dark existence.

[@FelonyVideos]

It is so refreshing to hear intelligent minds discuss important matters. Not that it matters, but it doesnt matter if any minds have been changed, what matters is that civilized discussion is permitted legally and socially in the first place, which, sadly, has to even be applauded in this day and age of screaming "racism", "sexism", "bigotry", "bake my cake", "insurrection", and "reparations now". Thank you, gentlemen.

[@jamesjosephkerleykerley1986]

STEPHEN MEYERS IT HAS BEEN GOOD TO SEE AND HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN AS ALWAYS.

[@droe2570]

Hoover Institution has some of the best guests and interviews. It's such a treasure.

[@sapatomaluco]

This is such a high level talk! And so relevant nowadays, amidst the widespread shallowness and futility that swallow our souls. If the internet were to be narrowed and only one channel could be saved, I'd pick uncommon knowledge and it would still be worth it.

[@eservicesplus1]

What more to say than ‘Encore’ for these three gentlemen and the moderator. This deeply relevant discussion needs to continue and deserves a very wide audience. Well done and thank you.

[@daledalesson7061]

Great to hear this conversation! Would love to hear a conversation more on Meyers scientific arguments for theism specifically, with Holland and Murray.

[@garybusey7625]

Steven Meyer is the rockstar here. His book ‘The Return of the God Hypothesis’ is excellent, along with all his other bestsellers.

[@radish3663]

Fantastic conversation from enlightened and enlightening guests. The only pity is that it wasn't for longer. There was much said there that could be expanded on. Thank you all so very much.

[@nassiridaniel]

Wow wow wow! I honestly think this is the greatest talk I've ever heard! So insightful and intuitively logical, utterly fantastic!

[@a.x.marcus4627]

Thought provoking conversation. Thank you, Peter Robinson.

[@zgobermn6895]

Sharp minds sharpen each other. Excellent conversation. Thanks Peter and the HI.

[@inamortz2372]

Holland is a wonderful wildcard in this conversation!

[@suejohnson475]

Fabulous interview! Hope the three come back again for more discussion.

[@ClementPoh]

Great to see Tom Holland and Douglas Murray together.

[@jaimeapablaza8041]

I have not seen any evidence that could make me feel or see that there is a God. Everything I see is matter and/or energy, my feelings and emotions come from within me, my conscience is the product of all my experiences that I have had throughout my lfe. And love is my moral compass.

[@Emoji-ATTrailangel]

Outstanding discussion, replete with Christian apologetic evidences from start to finish❣️ And, above all, the deep respect and appreciation for each other’s lives, research, and conclusions between all persons in this discussion is soooo refreshing, applaudable❣️❤️ Truly worth my time❣️Thank you for bringing these gentlemen together for discussion on this deep and abiding topic, and it’s many variations in history and modernity❣️😃

[@wendyfowler1396]

How fortunate we are , to be able to listen to reasonable men from diverse professions having a good-humoured, respectful and engrossing discussion. "The moral waters in which we swim . . . " Of course! Of course!

[@mikehiggins946]

In pointing out that atheists and agnostics can and do believe in some wierd, mad things, Mr. Holland said, "Most people believe in human rights but human rights don't exist objectively, they're as fantastical as believing in Angels". Amazing thought! He then goes on to say, "if I can believe in human rights why can't I believe in Angels"?

[@spikey12341]

Fantastic as usual. Surely there is a place for this on mainstream tv or have we really fallen so far that very few would listen.

[@GodDutyHonorCountry]

Love Steven Meyer!

[@Patrick-sh9tt]

The best hour and 7 minutes I’ve had in a long time..wonderful!

[@franscenery9441]

That wasn’t long enough! It felt they barely had time to scratch the surface of that discussion.

[@nojuice457]

Meyer and Murray are both amazing thinkers.

[@saragrace0]

People always thinking they can do it better than people in the past done, without knowing what people in the past done to make it as good as they got it today.

[@mgrotheer]

This should be a 3 hour conversation

[@philipford6183]

Really, really good conversation from all involved - very much appreciated!

[@ellenl.5581]

I just found this type of discussion through Daily Dose of Discussion. I love that the host brought up Paul's gospel.

[@2Uahoj]

Tom Holland's major thesis - which he asserts in almost every talk he gives - is that Christianity has sown the seeds of its own destruction, leading to today's atheistic secularism. However, it is not Christianity as belief that has done that, as that would be absurd (believers do not choose to destroy their own belief). Rather it is Christian values - divorced from belief - that has led to this phenomenon. Thus, human rights - which spring from Christianity - without belief, can easily and perversely morph into the idea that a mother has the "human right" to kill her unborn child, or that same sex persons have the right to marry, or maybe - in the future - that adults have the right to engage in sexual activity with "consenting children." The sky is the limit. So, it's not Christianity per se that has sown the seeds of its own destruction - but Christian values divorced from Christian faith. This is what Europe and much of the Western world is reeling from now. Stephen Meyer articulated this the best here.

[@williama.hovestreydt6623]

A gentlemanly discussion...the way it should be....

[@Nocensorshipofanykind]

Great conversation! Your kindness toward each other is evident. Thank you.

[@zackgebhart927]

10/10 guests here

[@sbc1955]

Great conversation. Looking forward to part 2.

[@tubefreakmuva]

Im starting to like these guys more and more.

[@Giovazization]

Hello There! Congratulations from a Florentinian on the brilliant and high level content of your show. I read Stephen Meyer’s book on your suggestion. Absolutely worth reading and packed with an enormous amount of information and concepts. How come you are filming from Florence currently?

[@the300XM8]

This is instant timeless classic

[@magicpotion8]

Wow, absolutely fascinating and very insightful. Great conversation.

[@setaside77]

44:39 "You know what, all right, thank you." Best Peter Robinson quote of the conversation

[@GlassEyedDetectives]

i really enjoyed this, thank you. The fact that these gentlemen are having this conversation just highlights where we are as a culture....i wish Douglas Adams was there in spirit.

[@borneandayak6725]

Thanks for the video. God bless all of us, amen.

[@michaeladkins6]

Tom Holland, a historian. We wont be getting Spidermans opinion.

[@jimarger8533]

"Certainly worth considering," is good enough for me.. AND I have been considering for most of my 75 yrs. Now what exactly are the bounds of, "consideration?"

[@dantheman909]

Great conversation. Would have loved it to be longer (and to hear more from steve)

[@naufisi]

Loved every minute of it. Thank you Peter and the three amazing guests 👏

[@irisbristow2977]

Thank you for all these honest men. This was so good and thought provoking. Discussed in such a gentlemanly way. Perhaps Stephen did not get as much time as other too but still was excellent interview

[@juliaogara8794]

I've found this fascinating, but one point I struggle with hugely is faith that the rich will help the poor. No. Current times (UK and wider) show abundantly that the rich are looking after themselves, that they're not happy with their level of wealth, and they still want even more.

[@83licata]

Another theologian to have on these types of panels would be Craig Bartholomew, Gary Habermas, James Warner Wallace, or Lee Strobel (who wrote "The Case For Christ" and a former atheist), to name a few. Great conversation and interview Peter!

[@Haggis9]

Thank you gentlemen. Excellent conversation.

[@geridannels1701]

This was such a delight to watch. Thank you Peter!

[@curtisboggs6225]

I was out for a meal last week and learned that a waitress had fallen off of her bicycle on her way to work. So, I asked if I could pray for her, she said yes and I did. She was skeptical, but accepting. She said "it does feel a little better!" About 15 minutes later she was buzzing about the place at a good speed. Clearly, she was healed completely. All I did was ask the Holy Spirit to bless her with healing in Jesus name and he did. Remember, it is the Holy Spirit here and now who leads us in revealing the reality of God and his love to us all. Peace

[@simplehappymama5806]

For pity’s sake… is anyone going to let Stephen Meyer speak??

[@luker1671]

Came to this video after reading Dominion by Holland.

[@daneracamosa]

What a wonderful surprise ...

[@MrAndrew535]

Really? In what way? I am not seeing it!

[@Ayna123]

The biggest problem of the time is the lack of gratitude for blessings and the breaking of family ties. Family and kinship ties are important in every religion. Islam values ​​the family very much.

[@Ann-qf5vk]

Brilliant conversation. Thank you. 👋👋

[@Nicofloretti]

What a great panel! Love this channel.

[@praxitelispraxitelous7061]

Really good and honest discussion

[@meganturner1456]

My very gracious sister-in-law always says she takes her family to Mass with her in spirit. She ‘carries’ them. So Douglas is correct I think.

[@danielbouysou1075]

Also, half way through it is obvious there is a disconnect between religion and spirituality.

[@fioredeutchmark]

Douglas’s last comment is may be the most important part of this entire conversation.

[@liveltoob]

Most intelligent enlightened thing I have heard in years

[@catarinasm741]

Thank you to the Four!!! 🙏🏻❤️

[@tarek9513]

More please !

[@CMoore8539]

Thank you so much for sharing this video.

[@laogong52]

Fascinating, intellectual indulgence. Having wandered through the Forest of Confucius and stumbled across various temples in the middle of bamboo forests in the regions of China, I do however tend to put a respectful distance to my origins in the C of E in suburban England.

[@robertvandewater4643]

"Having a form of godliness but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:5) -- The power of godliness is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This seems to be the secular Christian people discussed by this panel.

[@brettschlee7090]

Yes, God exists... in fact, God has given you such abundant evidence of His existence, authority and judgment that there is no excuse for asking the question! People want to deny God, to suppress the reality of His existence because they hate Him: they hate the idea that there is a universal moral standard they are accountable to and they will be punished by the One whose authority they reject. (Romans 1:18-22).

[@peterockbx]

Great conversation

[@pmsheridan1492]

Great panel. This is a good start but there needs to be more of this.

[@maync1]

Great discussion; food for thought. Thank you.

[@humanbeing6719]

I'll make it easy for you, yes God exists.

[@ChairmanWang]

Brilliant conversation. Well done.

[@lindareboh-king1064]

Thank you for an incredible conversation

[@primus7776]

Pure Gold. Mesmerising debate. Thank You.