22. Are We Seeing A Christian Revival? Live from the UnHerd Club - Justin Brierley, Alex O'Connor, Elizabeth Oldfield & Freddie Sayers
Jun 11, 2024
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Justin Brierley defends the revival of belief in God with atheist Alex O'Connor and Christian Elizabeth Oldfield at the UnHerd Club. Topics include societal attitudes towards faith, personal narratives over logic, secular morality, the resurrection, and different perspectives on God, Christianity, and agnosticism.
Christianity provides belonging and meaning through personal narratives.
Shift towards narrative exploration over rational dogmatism for existential crises.
Rituals and communal practices shape beliefs and foster growth.
Deep dives
Transformative Power of Testimony and Community in Christianity
Christianity offers a sense of belonging and meaning through testimonies of personal experiences and narratives. It provides a space for individuals to confront their deep longings and find unconditional love, intimacy, and purpose in a collective setting, aiding in personal growth and societal connection.
Shift Towards Narrative Approach in Understanding Meaning
There is a cultural shift towards narrative exploration over rational dogmatism to address existential crises. The emphasis is moving from purely logical arguments to incorporating storytelling, imagination, and experiential learning as valid pathways to understanding life and spirituality.
Challenges of Secularism and Civic Morality
The debate delves into the limitations of secularism in providing moral guidance and highlights the complexities of instilling civic values beyond religious frameworks. There is a discussion on the effectiveness of secular moral systems and the role of narratives in shaping ethical considerations in societal contexts.
Significance of Rituals and Community in Forming Beliefs
Rituals and communal practices serve as modes of attention shaping beliefs and perceptions. Through participation in structured, embodied experiences, individuals internalize values, deepen spiritual connections, and cultivate a sense of collective meaning, fostering personal and communal growth.
A Reevaluation of Jesus Christ's Resurrection
The concept of Jesus Christ's resurrection is examined, challenging the assumption that it is implausible. By removing ingrained materialist perspectives, the discussion highlights the plausibility of Jesus having lived, died, and returned to life, shedding light on the varied interpretations of the resurrection within early Christian history. The conversation delves into alternative perspectives on the resurrection, such as the Gnostic tradition, emphasizing the diversity of beliefs surrounding Jesus's life, death, and potential resurrection.
Christianity in Modern Society
The podcast delves into the evolving role of Christianity in contemporary society, addressing political and social challenges faced by the faith. The discussion explores Christianity's response to current issues like the 'woke' movement and immigration, raising questions about the alignment of Christian teachings with societal values. Emphasizing the importance of embodying Christian values such as welcoming strangers and loving others, the conversation underscores the need for a genuine application of Christian principles amidst political and social complexities.
Justin was recently invited to the UnHerd Club in London to defend the thesis of The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God. In this bonus episode he shares the conversation he had with atheist thinker Alex O’Connor and Christian thinker Elizabeth Oldfield as well as audience Q&A. The event was hosted by UnHerd presenter Freddie Sayers.
