Within Reason #41 Justin Brierley - The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God
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Sep 24, 2023 Justin Brierley, Christian apologist and author, explores the surprising rebirth of belief in God and the impact of the new atheist movement. He discusses the decline of religious belief in the UK and shifting perspectives towards religion among prominent atheists. The chapter also delves into the rise of a social justice religion and shares a story about an atheist philosopher who participated in an audacious hoax.
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New Atheism Reignited The Conversation
- Justin Brierley argues “new atheism” signaled a perceived death of God but actually put God back on the public agenda.
- He sees recent cultural shifts as opening discussion rather than final defeat of religion.
New Atheism’s Rhetoric Over Nuance
- Brierley defines new atheism as an outspoken, dogmatic movement led by figures like Dawkins and Hitchens.
- He highlights its rhetorical style of ridicule and headline-grabbing rather than nuanced engagement.
Science Can Raise, Not End, The God Question
- Brierley argues science often opens the God question (fine-tuning, Big Bang) rather than decisively refuting it.
- He says the scientific revolution was led by Christians and good science doesn't inherently contradict God.