

Furnace of Faith: The Shift Pt.1 – Mark Sayers
Jul 6, 2025
Mark Sayers dives into Paul’s encounter in Athens to reflect on today's cultural shifts towards spirituality. As interest in faith surges among younger generations, he poses a compelling question: could secularism be faltering? Exploring stories from Europe, Sayers points to a revival of faith, urging listeners to perceive the openness around them. He also discusses how brands are tapping into spirituality and the allure of alternative practices like astrology. The conversation encourages a renewed mission for the Church to engage with this growing interest.
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Paul’s Changed Spiritual Context
- Paul’s spiritual context changed dramatically upon entering Athens, fueling his passionate response.
- Seeing the idolatry deeply disturbed him, yet he chose to engage thoughtfully with Athenian culture.
Surprising Youth Faith Growth
- Secular Europe is seeing a surprising surge in youth faith and church participation.
- This counters the narrative of inevitable secular decline and sparks reevaluation of faith trends.
Fringe Spirituality Goes Mainstream
- Mainstream culture now embraces formerly fringe spiritual practices like witchcraft and psychedelics.
- This shift reflects a deeper cultural turn toward spirituality amid modern crises.