Ep. 23 / The Unexpected Resurgence of Belief in God ► Justin Brierley

Apr 1, 2025

Justin Brierley, an award-winning broadcaster and author of "The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God," explores the surprising cultural shift toward faith in the West. He notes the decline of New Atheism and highlights how younger generations, especially Gen Z, are more open to exploring Christianity. This revival is fueled by a search for meaning amid rising anxiety and depression. Brierley discusses the church's potential to foster community and address existential crises through storytelling and engagement, redefining spirituality in a modern context.

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INSIGHT

Shifting Perspectives on Christianity

Justin Brierley observed a shift in conversations about atheism over 15 years.
New Atheism's popularity declined as secular thinkers reconsidered Christianity's value.

INSIGHT

Cultural Factors and the Meaning Crisis

Cultural factors like the meaning crisis and technology's downsides contribute to renewed religious interest.
New Atheism failed to address fundamental life questions, creating an opening for faith.

INSIGHT

Demographics of the Rebirth

Younger demographics, especially Millennial men and Gen Z, are showing increased interest in Christianity.
Gen Z, being largely unchurched, are open to exploring faith without preconceived notions.

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What if everything you thought you knew about religion's decline in the West was wrong? Justin Brierley, award-winning broadcaster and author of "The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God," reveals the remarkable cultural shift happening beneath our noses.

After fifteen years hosting conversations between atheists and Christians, Brierley noticed something unexpected. The New Atheism movement that dominated cultural discourse in the 2000s has rapidly faded, with many of its former champions now focusing on culture war issues rather than critiquing religion. Meanwhile, secular intellectuals like Jordan Peterson and historian Tom Holland have begun publicly appreciating Christianity's cultural contributions, even as they personally struggle with belief.

Most surprisingly, younger generations—particularly Gen Z—are showing unprecedented openness to faith. Recent UK surveys reveal Gen Z are half as likely to be atheist as their parents and grandparents. Unlike previous generations who rebelled against a Christian upbringing, today's young people have no religious background to reject. For them, exploring Christianity represents something novel, even countercultural.

This spiritual renaissance emerges against a backdrop of what psychologists call a "meaning crisis." Despite material prosperity and technological advancement, rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide continue to climb. Many who've tried individualistic "spiritual but not religious" approaches find themselves still searching for something more substantive.

What makes this movement distinctive is that many seekers aren't looking for watered-down spirituality. Instead, they're drawn to traditional expressions of faith that offer rigorous community, challenging moral frameworks, and transcendent mystery. As Brierley observes, "they want something weird" that stands apart from secular culture.

For churches navigating this cultural moment, the opportunity is substantial but requires discernment. The communities seeing growth aren't necessarily those chasing relevance, but those confidently offering Christianity's distinctive alternative to a fragmented, increasingly dehumanized world. Share your thoughts using #Evangelical360 and subscribe for more conversations with Christian changemakers worldwide.

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