The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fr Andrew Stephen Damick, an Orthodox priest and author, discusses the unexpected rise of interest in the Orthodox Church, particularly among young men. John Mark Reynolds, a scholar and convert, shares insights on the unique allure of Orthodoxy's mystical rituals. Martin Shaw, a storyteller, recounts his transformative forest vigil leading him to faith, while Ridvan Aydemir, an ex-Muslim YouTuber, shares his journey to Eastern Orthodoxy. Together, they explore the church's growing appeal in a post-pandemic world, highlighting a quest for deeper spiritual connection.

Join Tony Wilson, a British writer and broadcaster now living in France, Bishop Robert Barron, a Catholic bishop known for his engaging online evangelism, and Mark Baldwin, a deep thinker who converted from atheism to Catholicism. They discuss the surprising revival of Catholicism in France, highlighted by an increase in baptisms among the youth. Topics include the appeal of traditional practices like the Latin Mass, the impact of Notre Dame's restoration as a symbol of hope, and the cultural tensions that have sparked renewed faith amidst modern challenges.

In this engaging discussion, bio-ethics expert John Wyatt, author of 'The Robot Will See You Now', navigates the complexities of AI's impact on humanity and faith. He raises thought-provoking questions about relationships with AI, including whether an AI girlfriend can be deemed a legitimate partner. Wyatt highlights both the benefits of AI in healthcare and the risks of dehumanization and job displacement. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications of AI in society and the evolving role of the church in fostering genuine human connection in an increasingly virtual world.

Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia and analytical philosopher, shares his fascinating journey from atheism to Christianity. He discusses the philosophical influences that shaped his beliefs and the challenges of finding faith in a skeptical world. Sanger reflects on the role of technology, particularly the internet, in shaping spirituality and the current resurgence of faith among intellectuals. His transformative experience of prayer highlights the intersection of doubt and belief, offering hope for a new understanding of Christianity.

Orthodox thinker and icon carver Jonathan Pageau joins the conversation to illuminate the recent surge in discussions about God. He delves into the complex relationship between atheism and theism, citing figures like Richard Dawkins and Jordan Peterson as pivotal in this debate. Pageau emphasizes the importance of symbolism in shaping our understanding of reality and the resurrection of Christ. He also explores the role of art in expressing spiritual truths and critiques modern individualism while advocating for deeper community connections.

From podcast giants like Joe Rogan to Gen-Z YouTubers like Ryan Trahan, many male influencers are talking about faith in public. Multiple polls are also showing a notable increase in churchgoing among young men in the UK, Europe and the USA. A surprising rebirth in the 'manosphere' seems to be underway.Justin speaks with Anthony Bradley, Glen Scrivener and Sarah Coppin on why young men are returning to faith, and hears from Bible Society researcher Rhiannon McAleer about the current 'Quiet Revival' in the UK, especially among young men. But how can the church ensure the new interest among men doesn't come at the expense of women? Theologian Lucy Peppiatt shares her experience of raising boys in the faith, and we hear from Jon Tyson on true masculinity. Former atheist Stu Fhulendorf also shares his surprising rebirth story from successful entrepreneur to recovering alcoholic who found Christ. More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/ Support via Patreon for early access to new episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/justinbrierley/membership Support via Tax-deductible (USA) and get the same perks: https://defendersmedia.com/portfolio/justin-brierley/ Give a one-off gift via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/brierleyjustin Buy the book or get a signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/ Got feedback? Share it with us by emailing: feedback@think.faith Ep 8 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-8-why-men-are-returning-to-church-the-surprising-rebirth-of-the-manosphere The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices