Elizabeth Oldfield & John Vervaeke: Can faith solve the meaning crisis?
Mar 14, 2025
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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.
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.
The dialogue highlights the role of community in cultivating meaning, challenging individualism and addressing feelings of isolation in modern society.
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.
The Concept of Trust Over Belief
In the exploration of faith, Elizabeth Oldfield emphasizes the distinction between trust and belief, advocating for a relationship-focused understanding of faith. For her, being a Christian means engaging deeply with the figure of Jesus and embracing a relational approach that prioritizes connection over doctrinal belief. Conversely, John Vervaeke presents his view as a non-theist, suggesting that faith can exist without adherence to strict belief systems, emphasizing the importance of transformative relationships and personal growth. The dialogue between the two illustrates different pathways to understanding faith and how it impacts personal meaning.
Addressing the Meaning Crisis
Both guests articulate a need to confront a collective 'meaning crisis' seen in modern society, where individualism and disconnection lead to profound feelings of loneliness and existential questioning. Elizabeth posits that a flawed individualistic anthropology fragments human relationships, making individuals feel isolated and unfulfilled. John expands on this by asserting that meaning should not be understood as an internal subjective affair but rather as something that requires community and mutual correction to be truly meaningful. This perspective emphasizes the necessity of social context in cultivating a sense of purpose and belonging.
Navigating Cultural Christianity and Its Implications
The concept of cultural Christianity, wherein individuals identify with Christian values without fully engaging in religious practices, raises questions regarding its potential to provide meaning amidst societal fragmentation. Elizabeth acknowledges that while some aspects of cultural Christianity can offer a framework for appreciating shared values, it risks diluting the transformative power of genuine faith. John warns against the danger of instrumentalizing religion for individual gain, emphasizing the need for authenticity in religious practice. Their discussion ultimately points to the complexities of navigating faith within a diverse, multi-faith society.
The Role of Technology in Spiritual Formation
The conversation addresses the impact of modern technology, particularly smartphones and social media, on spiritual practices and human connection. John argues that the over-dependence on technology can lead to isolation and diminish genuine relationships. He suggests that while technology offers new avenues for communication, it also weakens intimacy and contributes to a disembodied experience of existence. Elizabeth supports this view, asserting that engaging with spiritual practices can provide a counterbalance to the distractions of modern technology, nurturing a deeper sense of identity and agency.
Could a revival in Christianity reverse the West’s loss of confidence? Cognitive scientist John Vervaeke, who coined the term ‘meaning crisis’, debates host of The Sacred podcast Elizabeth Oldfield, live at the UnHerd Club.
