The Documentary Podcast France’s new Christians
Why Are Thousands of Adults in France Choosing Baptism Now?
France's traditionally secular society is witnessing a remarkable rise in adult baptisms, with 10,000 adults baptized this Easter—an increase of 45% from the previous year. This shift reflects a move from a "Christianity of culture", where baptism is a norm from infancy, to a "Christianity of conviction," where adults actively choose faith based on personal experience.
Several motivating profiles emerge: people inspired by Muslim faith openness, those seeking to compensate for religiously distant parents, or those drawn by relationships with practicing Christians. The church is evolving to focus more on living communities and dialogues with modern society, rather than dominance.
Christelle and Lorraine, two new Christians, share their journeys that include personal hardships and spiritual awakenings, highlighting how faith now serves as a path toward community, empathy, and inner peace in a lost world. As one interviewee says, "People are more than ever lost... they need to come back to God."
Christelle Finds Faith through Culture
- Christelle Stevenson began exploring faith through her work at the Palace of Versailles.
- She sees returning to God as a way to find lost values and help society.
Lorraine's Near-Death Spiritual Awakening
- Lorraine Mercredi Binet's near-death surgery experience sparked her spiritual awakening and baptism journey.
- Her dreams of healing and divine light led her to embrace Christianity as an adult.