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
12 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 1h 48min
S2 E28. Keep Christianity Weird: Why the supernatural is back in church
Malcolm Duncan, the newly appointed lead pastor at Kensington Temple, shares insights into Pentecostal history and contemporary renewal. Anna Morgan discusses the surge in spiritual hunger among Gen Z, linking it to post-pandemic shifts. Andy Crook highlights the global impact of charismatic movements, while Nadim Ednan-Laperouse recounts his transformative journey following his daughter's tragic death, leading to faith and advocacy for safer food laws. Together, they explore how a cultural fascination with the supernatural is reshaping modern Christianity.
7 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 22min
S2 E27. John Lennox: Engaging atheism & following Christ
Join John Lennox, Emeritus Professor at Oxford and renowned Christian apologist, as he reflects on his journey from Northern Ireland's 'The Troubles' to engaging debates with figures like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens. Lennox shares the profound impact of faith during health challenges and discusses how his upbringing shaped his worldview. He contrasts institutional atheism with today's new atheism, emphasizes a relationship with God, and argues that true hope lies in Christ rather than transhumanist promises.
Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 38min
S2 E26. Grief, Hope... and Teddy Bears: Simon Thomas, Julie Tatchell & Amanda Middleditch. Big Church Festival Pt 2
Simon Thomas, a former Blue Peter and Sky Sports presenter, shares his journey through grief after losing his wife Gemma and the role faith played in his healing. He discusses his book, Love Interrupted, and the peace he found amidst turmoil. Joining him are Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch, the beloved 'Teddy Bear Ladies' from the Repair Shop, who reveal how restoring cherished toys connects to their Christian faith. They share emotional stories of repairs that sparked deep connections with families and their own faith journeys.
Oct 21, 2025 • 2h 24min
S2 E25. Live from Big Church Festival: Lauren Windle, Ben Sixsmith, Martin Shaw, Andy Wolfe & Andrew Ollerton.
Lauren Windle, a journalist and author, shares her powerful journey from drug addiction to faith through a supportive church community. Agnostic journalist Ben Sixsmith reflects on his evangelical upbringing and how cultural changes invite Gen Z to explore spirituality. Mythologist Martin Shaw recounts his unique conversion experience and thoughts on wild Christianity. Andrew Ollerton and Andy Wolfe discuss the rising interest in the Bible among young people, linking it to mental health and identity in schools.
32 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 34min
S2 E24. The Charlie Kirk Moment: Nijay Gupta & Bethel McGrew
Nijay Gupta, a New Testament theologian, and Bethel McGrew, a Christian writer, explore the cultural impact of Charlie Kirk's memorial service. They debate whether the event signifies a revival or a rise in Christian nationalism. Nijay critiques the potential hagiography surrounding Kirk, while Bethel contrasts this with Erica Kirk's powerful message of forgiveness. They discuss the implications of Kirk’s rhetoric on race and minority communities and the reactions to perceived political exploitation at the memorial, questioning how to navigate faith and politics in today’s landscape.
Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 47min
S2 E23. Iran's Christian Revival: 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.
