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UnHerd with Freddie Sayers
Elizabeth Oldfield & John Vervaeke: Can faith solve the meaning crisis?
Mar 14, 2025
Elizabeth Oldfield, host of The Sacred podcast, and John Vervaeke, a cognitive scientist at the University of Toronto, explore how faith might combat the West's growing 'meaning crisis.' They discuss the personal journeys of faith and the transformative power of community connections. The duo critiques cultural Christianity while advocating for a more relational understanding of belief, urging a deeper approach to meaning that transcends modern isolation. Their conversation weaves in themes of love, ethics, and the role of digital connections in contemporary spirituality.
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Quick takeaways
- The resurgence of Christianity, particularly among younger generations, raises questions about its capacity to address the contemporary meaning crisis.
- Elizabeth Oldfield emphasizes a relational approach to faith, distinguishing between trust and belief as central to Christian engagement.
Deep dives
The Resurgence of Faith in Modern Society
Recent studies indicate a resurgence in Christian identification in the U.S., with notable growth among younger generations, including adults born in the late 1980s and early 2000s. This trend raises questions about the relationship between faith and the contemporary challenges faced by individuals, especially regarding feelings of ennui and dissatisfaction. The discussion explores whether this revival can address the so-called 'meaning crisis,' where individuals struggle to find purpose and fulfillment in their lives. The complexity of faith and its practical implications in addressing existential concerns are at the forefront of this conversation.
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