

The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God
Justin Brierley
Why new atheism grew old and secular thinkers are considering Christianity again.Get early access to new episodes and bonus content when you become a supporter.
More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/
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Buy the book or get a signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/
This long-form documentary podcast presented by Justin Brierley, tells the story of why new atheism grew old and secular thinkers are considering Christianity again.Featuring interviews with secular and Christian thinkers such as Jordan Peterson, Richard Dawkins, Alex O Connor, Louise Perry, Tom Holland, Dave Rubin, NT Wright, Alister Mcgrath, Douglas Murray, Bethel Mcgrew, William Lane Craig, Jana Harmon, Bishop Robert Barron, Jonathan Pageau, Ayaan Hirsi-Ali, Stephen Woodford, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker, Adam Coleman, Lisa Fields, Jon Mccray, Paul Kingsnorth and Francis Spufford, this series accompanies the book 'The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God'.Could the tide of faith be ready to come in again in our generation?
More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/
Support via Patreon for early access to new episodes: https://www.patreon.com/justinbrierley/membership
Support via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/brierleyjustin
Support via Tax-deductible (USA): https://defendersmedia.com/portfolio/justin-brierley/
Buy the book or get a signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/
This long-form documentary podcast presented by Justin Brierley, tells the story of why new atheism grew old and secular thinkers are considering Christianity again.Featuring interviews with secular and Christian thinkers such as Jordan Peterson, Richard Dawkins, Alex O Connor, Louise Perry, Tom Holland, Dave Rubin, NT Wright, Alister Mcgrath, Douglas Murray, Bethel Mcgrew, William Lane Craig, Jana Harmon, Bishop Robert Barron, Jonathan Pageau, Ayaan Hirsi-Ali, Stephen Woodford, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker, Adam Coleman, Lisa Fields, Jon Mccray, Paul Kingsnorth and Francis Spufford, this series accompanies the book 'The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God'.Could the tide of faith be ready to come in again in our generation?
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 47min
S2 E23. Iran's Christian Revolution: David Yeghnazar & guests
David Yeghnazar, leader at ELAM, discusses the explosive growth of Christianity in Iran, where converts have surged from 500 to over a million since 1979. He highlights how disillusionment with the regime, personal testimonies, and acts of courageous faith are driving this revival. Guests Farshid and Magda share harrowing stories of imprisonment and persecution, yet convey unwavering hope. They delve into the strategies of house church planting and the key role of dreams and visions in conversions, painting a vibrant picture of faith amid adversity.

7 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 2h 3min
S2 E22. Engaging Islam: Controversy, Confrontation & Conversion
In this thought-provoking discussion, former Muslim turned Christian, Ridvan Aydemir, shares his compelling journey from atheism to faith. Bold evangelist Hatun Tash recounts her harrowing experiences with violence while challenging Islamic claims in public. Jay Smith delves into how scriptural conflicts challenge Western values, while Saqib Sheikh offers a more nuanced perspective on Muslims in the West. The conversation also tackles the appeal of Islam to young men and the complexities of religious texts, making for a captivating exploration of faith and confrontation.

Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 21min
S2 E21. The New Evangelists: Jon McCray, Ruslan KD & Street Hymns
Ruslan KD, a Christian influencer on YouTube, Jon McCray (aka 'WhaddoYouMeme'), a digital evangelist, and hip-hop artist Mitchell West (Street Hymns) engage in a vibrant discussion about Gen Z's growing openness to faith. They explore how contemporary culture, including social media and hip-hop, shapes beliefs. The trio shares insights on using relatable content and art to connect with young audiences, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in their faith journeys and the unique role of battle rap in evangelism.

14 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 2h 2min
S2 E20. Are Gen Z Women Ready to Believe? Freya India, Lamorna Ash & Anna Morgan
Freya India, an author focused on the challenges facing young women, shares her personal journey toward Christian faith. Lamorna Ash, an award-winning novelist, recounts her transition from atheism while exploring diverse Christian beliefs on a road trip. Together, they discuss the pressures on Gen Z women, the alienation many feel within the church, and the need for supportive voices in faith. They also delve into the complexities of modern dating, emphasizing faith's role in navigating turbulent relationships and the significance of community in fostering emotional well-being.

4 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 36min
S2 E19. The Rise Of The Lapsed Atheists
Joe Folley, an Atheist YouTuber with a philosophy degree from Cambridge, and Alex O'Connor, known as Cosmic Skeptic and host of Within Reason, delve into the intriguing phenomenon of 'lapsed atheists.' They discuss the growing trend of public figures exploring faith, sharing personal stories about what could lead them back to belief. The conversation touches on the complexities of identity, rational inquiry, and the emotional resonance of spirituality, emphasizing a shift from mere skepticism to a deeper understanding of faith and community.

26 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 27min
S2 E18. Bishop Barron & NT Wright In Conversation: The Bible, Ordo Amoris & sharing Communion
Join Robert Barron, the Catholic Bishop of Winona-Rochester, and N.T. Wright, the esteemed Anglican theologian, as they delve into the resurgence of faith and the Bible's relevance today. They discuss the complexities surrounding Catholic-Protestant communion, personal stories that transformed their biblical engagement, and the cultural significance of scripture amidst modern challenges. With a humorous twist at the end, they highlight practical ways to foster a deeper connection with the Bible in our busy lives.

25 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 16min
S2 E17. NT Wright: Acts, miracles and the rebirth of today’s church
NT Wright, a Senior Research Fellow at Oxford and former Bishop of Durham, shares insights from his recent book, 'The Challenge of Acts.' He discusses how the early church's miracles resonate with today's quest for meaning in a skeptical West. Their conversation dives into Paul's encounter in Athens, emphasizing the need for contemporary Christians to engage with modern cultural challenges. Wright also reflects on global manifestations of faith and the importance of acknowledging 'weirdness' in belief, inviting listeners to rethink spirituality in our post-Christian world.

Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 42min
S2 E16. The Rebirth In Music: Why God is back in the charts
Guest Steve Turner, a veteran music journalist, dives into the resurgence of faith in music, exploring how artists like U2 and Bob Dylan weave spirituality into their songs. Talia Dean, a former X-Factor contestant, shares her inspiring story of leaving the mainstream scene after discovering a deeper purpose. They discuss the evolving narratives of chart-topping hits that openly express belief in God, the balance between fame and spirituality, and the impact this revival has on both artists and audiences.

37 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 30min
S2 E15. Does the future have a church? Theos panel live in London
Nick Spencer, a Senior Fellow at Theos, leads an engaging panel featuring Mary Harrington, a writer known for her critique of modern feminism, Daisy Scalchi from BBC News, Bishop Mike Royal, and Madeleine Davies of the Church Times. They explore the 'Quiet Revival' of Christianity in the UK, discussing the rise of Orthodox and Pentecostal churches amidst societal changes. The conversation reveals insights into generational shifts in faith, the evolving role of women in the church, and the importance of community engagement as churches adapt to contemporary challenges.

34 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 16min
S2 E14. Rod Dreher: Miracles, angels and demons - why the supernatural is back
Rod Dreher, a cultural critic and bestselling author, delves into the rising interest in the supernatural amidst our secular culture. He shares transformative experiences from his own life, including a powerful encounter at Chartres Cathedral. The conversation explores the interplay between technology and belief, emphasizing the quest for deeper meaning amid modern distractions. Topics like faith, solitude, and even psychedelics as a path to spirituality highlight the importance of genuine connections with the divine in today’s world.