CNLP 713 | The Decline of the New Atheism: Justin Brierley on The Openness of Thinkers Like Jordan Peterson and How to Have Conversations With Spiritually Open People
Mar 4, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Justin Brierley, a UK broadcaster and author known for his insightful faith conversations, explores the decline of New Atheism and the cultural shift toward spirituality. He highlights why figures like Jordan Peterson resonate with younger audiences, advocating for thoughtful dialogue about faith. Brierley emphasizes the need to address existential questions and engage in meaningful conversations to foster understanding in a complex world. He also shares resources to help navigate spiritual inquiries effectively.
The decline of New Atheism reflects a growing public desire for deeper meaning and an openness to spirituality.
Thinkers like Jordan Peterson illustrate a renewed curiosity about Christianity's moral and cultural significance in today's society.
Engaging in meaningful conversations about faith requires empathy and active listening to foster authentic connections with others.
Deep dives
The Decline of Christianity in the 19th Century
Christianity began to wane in Europe during the 19th century due to various social and cultural shifts. The Victorian era, paradoxically a peak time for church attendance, also marked the beginning of skepticism towards religion, as significant advancements in science and technology gained momentum. Writers like Matthew Arnold reflected a sentiment of faith's retreat, likening it to the 'melancholy, long-withdrawing roar of the sea.' The historical context suggests that as science increasingly became a focal point of society, religion lost its previously unquestioned authority and relevance.
The Effects of Enlightenment Thinking
The Enlightenment brought about rationalist thinking which reshaped relationships within the church and theology itself. It encouraged a critical examination of scripture as historical texts rather than sacred revelations, leading to liberal theological trends. As a result, many mainline Protestant denominations began to focus on social justice, inadvertently diluting core Christian beliefs over time. This shift in emphasis away from supernatural Christianity created a disconnect that contributed to declining church attendance and engagement.
The Emergence of New Atheism
New atheism, characterized by figures like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, emerged in the mid-2000s, promoting a zealous and combative form of non-belief. This movement argued not only against the existence of God but framed religion as detrimental to society, gaining considerable popularity. However, it has since experienced a decline due to internal conflicts and a growing fatigue among the public with its aggressive rhetoric. As people began to seek deeper meaning in life, many turned away from new atheism, leading to an exploration of faith and spirituality instead.
The Rise of Intellectual Curiosity towards Christianity
A notable shift is emerging as secular thinkers, such as Jordan Peterson and Tom Holland, express curiosity about Christianity, recognizing its significance in shaping moral and cultural frameworks. This indicates a broader openness to the Christian narrative among individuals previously aligned with atheism or secularism. These thinkers often explore the value of faith, suggesting a rekindled interest in Christianity that goes beyond mere intellectual debate. This resurgence highlights an opportunity for churches to engage authentically with those who are seeking deeper connections to meaning and purpose.
Building Meaningful Conversations in Faith
Effective dialogues about faith require active listening and empathy, which are crucial in addressing complex questions of existence and belief. Engaging with another's viewpoint—understanding their arguments and emotions—fosters an environment conducive to meaningful discussions. The Alpha course exemplifies how creating community and shared experiences leads to genuine exploration of faith among participants. By recognizing that people crave depth and connection, the church can offer life-affirming dialogues that resonate in a time of superficiality and information overload.
Surprise. The New Atheism of people like Dawkins, Hitchins, and Sam Harris has lost favor over the last few years.
Podcaster and author Justin Brierley discusses why New Atheism isn't resonating anymore, the openness of thinkers like Jordan Peterson, and how to have conversations with spiritually open people.
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