

S1 E24. Alex O’Connor & Justin Brierley: Is The Rebirth Real? Edinburgh Debate
14 snips Jul 9, 2024
A live discussion in Edinburgh features atheist YouTuber Alex O'Connor and host Justin Brierley exploring the resurgence of belief in God. They debate the Bible's role in Western morality, Alex recites a CS Lewis poem, and they discuss the shift towards spirituality in younger generations. They explore the rise of right-wing politics intertwined with Christianity and the importance of storytelling in inspiring faith.
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Cultural Shift Toward Christianity
- Justin Brierley observes a cultural shift with increased interest in Christianity among former atheists and secular intellectuals.
- This signals a "turning of the tide" rather than a full revival, with more openness to faith in public discourse.
Skeptic’s View on Faith Resurgence
- Alex O'Connor suggests the recent shift is not a rebirth of belief but a return to secular atheism criticizing religion's utility.
- He warns Christianity's resurgence could be driven by political motives, risking a return to aggressive forms of faith.
Seek Challenging Conversations
- Engage deeply with those who truly disagree to understand different worldviews.
- Avoid echo chambers and algorithmic traps by seeking challenging conversations, not just agreeable debates.