17. Live In London: Tom Holland & Justin Brierley in conversation
Apr 16, 2024
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Historian Tom Holland and Justin Brierley discuss the renewed interest in faith among secular intellectuals, Holland's intellectual and spiritual journey, and the potential turning of the tide of faith. They delve into the impact of Christianity on Western values, the evolving dynamics between atheists and Christians, and the role of figures like Jordan Peterson in male identity crises.
Embracing the weirdness of faith may rekindle interest in the transcendent and spiritual experiences.
Shifting from traditional apologetics to engaging with the supernatural aspects of Christianity can resonate more with those exploring spirituality.
Evolution of faith may navigate between conventional beliefs and evolving ideologies in a changing cultural landscape.
Resurgence in belief prompts reevaluation of faith's role in daily life, emphasizing imaginative and transcendent approaches.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Shifting the Conversation to the Supernatural
With Christianity's essential principles widely accepted, churches face a need to shift conversations to the supernatural to address what secular realms are not discussing. Embracing the weirdness of faith may rekindle interest and resonate with a changing cultural curiosity towards the transcendent and spiritual experiences.
The Resurgence of Interest in Christianity and Imaginative Faith
As belief in God resurges, Justin emphasizes the importance of embracing a more imaginative and enigmatic approach to faith. Shifting from traditional apologetics to engaging with the transcendent, weird, and supernatural aspects of Christianity may resonate more with individuals exploring spirituality and the Christian worldview.
Potential Future Trajectories for Faith in a Changing Landscape
In a changing cultural landscape, potential trajectories for faith include the dominance of progressivism evolving from liberalism, a revival of suppressed ideas once constrained by Christianity, and a renewed exploration of spiritual transcendence beyond rational explanations. As societal norms shift, the future of faith may navigate between conventional beliefs and evolving ideologies.
Implications of a Revived Belief in God for Everyday Life
A resurgence in belief in God necessitates a reevaluation of how faith shapes individuals' everyday lives. Embracing the weirdness of Christian doctrine and engaging with a more imaginative, imaginative and transcendent approach may offer opportunities for reenchantment in a culture transitioning away from traditional religious frameworks.
Rebirth of Belief in God Influences Christian Teachings
The discussion highlights the resurgence of belief in God by exploring how individuals may be drawn back to Christian teachings, not necessarily resulting in a return to Christian belief, but fostering a respect that could plant the seeds for its growth. The conversation delves into the idea that religious instincts remain transposed and mutated in different ideologies, some resembling religious fervor but lacking grace and forgiveness outside the Christian context.
Impact of Social Media on Rebirth of Faith
The episode also addresses the impact of social media and technology on contemporary discussions about faith, pointing out both positive and negative effects. It acknowledges how social media has allowed diverse voices to contribute to the conversation on belief, yet emphasizes the challenge of transcending tribalistic tendencies and echo chambers in engaging with faith on digital platforms.
Hope and Storytelling in Christianity
Hope emerges as a central theme in the Christian narrative, offering a profound reason to embrace Christianity amid contemporary challenges and crises. The importance of storytelling and imagination in presenting the Christian story as a fresh and compelling account of life is underscored, aiming to resonate across various demographics and societal spheres beyond the middle class, with an optimistic outlook that the Christian story still holds relevance and power to address prevailing cultural narratives.
Historian Tom Holland, author of 'Dominion', joins Justin Brierley for a public conversation on The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God. They discuss Holland's own intellectual and spiritual journey, including an answered prayer to a health crisis.
But is the renewed interest in the value of faith among secular intellectuals evidence of a turning of the tide of faith? Justin Brierley is optimistic, Holland takes a more sanguine view. The event was hosted by LICC's Paul Woolley and Grace Fielding at Westminster Chapel, London with Q&A from a 600-strong audience.
