Tom Holland and Douglas Murray join Justin Brierley in a conversation about the resurgence of interest in Christianity among secular thinkers. They discuss the shift from critiquing traditional religions to examining new quasi-religious beliefs, the danger of disconnecting Christian virtues from a Christian worldview, the emergence of new religious movements, and the influence and importance of religion in society. The speakers explore the evolutionary value of religion, the challenges of expressing appreciation for Christianity publicly, and the search for meaning in the age-old story of Christianity.
Secular thinkers are shifting their focus from critiquing traditional religion to examining the rise of new quasi-religious beliefs in academia and recognizing the utility and benefits of religious beliefs.
Feminist thinkers acknowledge the historical and cultural influences of Christianity on feminism, recognizing its promotion of gender equality and protection of vulnerable individuals, although some modern movements have gone too far and resemble religious orthodoxy.
Secular individuals seeking meaning and purpose are increasingly open to the value of faith, as highlighted by the journeys of thinkers like Douglas Murray and Ayaan Hirsi Ali who have found themselves drawn back to aspects of Christianity.
Deep dives
Academic Hoax Exposes Flaws in Peer-Reviewed Journals
Three professors conducted an audacious academic hoax by submitting bogus papers to peer-reviewed academic journals. The papers, including one on training men like dogs to combat rape culture, aimed to expose flaws in the peer-review process. Surprisingly, several papers were accepted, and one even received an award. This prank raised concerns about the rise of grievance studies and the influence of woke cancel culture on university campuses.
Secular Thinkers Reevaluate Religion's Value
Secular thinkers like Peter Boghossian and Sam Harris are shifting their focus from critiquing traditional religion to examining the rise of new quasi-religious beliefs in academia. Many atheists recognize that a meaningful story or belief system is essential for individuals and society. They are reconsidering the role of religion in providing a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Some secular thinkers, such as Bret Weinstein and Jonathan Haidt, acknowledge the utility and benefits of religious beliefs, even if they personally do not accept them as factual.
Religious Influences in Feminism and Social Justice Movements
Feminist thinkers like Mary Harrington and Chine McDonald acknowledge the historical and cultural influences of Christianity on feminism. They recognize the positive aspects of Christianity, such as the promotion of gender equality and protection of vulnerable individuals. The idea of social justice and critical race theory also bears similarities to religious belief, often driven by a sense of moral duty and the pursuit of societal change. However, critics argue that some modern movements have gone too far, resulting in a form of judgmentalism and intolerance reminiscent of religious orthodoxy.
The Power of History and the Supernatural
Tom Holland, a historical author, shares how his experience writing vampire novels set in specific periods of history allowed him to write history without vampires. He realized that ancient beliefs and the supernatural were integral to understanding ancient peoples and that adopting a purely materialist approach risked misinterpreting their actions. This led him to an interest in Christianity and ultimately shaped his influential book, 'Dominion,' which explores the ways in which the Christian revolution has shaped Western moral and cultural instincts.
Reconsidering Christianity and the Need for Meaning
Several secular thinkers, such as Douglas Murray and Ayaan Hirsi Ali, have wrestled with the implications of the Christian story and have found themselves drawn back to aspects of Christianity. Murray highlights the importance of religion in asking serious questions about oneself and the universe. Hirsi Ali, initially an outspoken critic of religion, found her atheism insufficient to address the meaning and purpose of life, leading her to explore Christianity. These journeys highlight a growing openness to the value of faith and suggest a potential rebirth of belief in God among secular individuals seeking meaning and purpose.
As New Atheists turned their attention to battling the quasi-religions of 'woke' ideology in academia and culture, so a new generation of secular thinkers have begun a new conversation on God.
Justin Brierley charts the changes wrought by the culture wars and introduces some key thinkers who are asking whether we can live without the Christian story. They include: Tom Holland, Douglas Murray, Louise Perry, Mary Harrington, Bret Weinstein, Jonathan Haidt and Ayaan Hirsi Ali.