The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God

Prize-winning author and Hollywood screenwriter share their journeys back to faith, discussing their conversion stories and the emotional sense Christianity can make, exploring unexpected paths to belief in God.

The Christian Revolution: Why the cross changed the world explores the impact of early Christianity in reshaping human values, such as equality and compassion. It discusses how the crucifixion story of Jesus, despite being seen as foolishness, became a powerful symbol of self-giving love. The podcast also delves into the compassionate response of early Christians towards infant exposure, their establishment of public hospitals, and influence on the nursing profession. Additionally, it addresses the vision of a multicultural church, the failure of Western churches in embracing this idea, and the transformative power of belief in angels.

Historians and thinkers discuss the influence of Christianity on secular human rights. Louise Perry reconsiders Christian sexual ethics. The Me Too movement and the sexual revolution. The inclusive nature of Christian gatherings. The limitations of academic feminism. The consequences of the sexual revolution. The transitioning from a secular to a religious worldview.

Tom Holland, a popular historian, discusses why he changed his mind about Christianity. The podcast explores how the Christian story has shaped modern society and influenced moral values. It also delves into the hidden impact of Christianity on our lives, including society, sexuality, and gender. Holland's controversial views on the historicity of Muhammad's life and the origins of the Quran are also touched upon. The positive contribution of Christianity in initiating hospitals and championing equality is highlighted. The podcast concludes with discussions on the transition from atheism to Christianity and the vacuum of power.

Renowned poet and author Paul Kingsnorth and mythologist Martin Shaw discuss their unexpected conversions to Christianity. They explore their journey from mythology and storytelling to their newfound faith. The speakers also discuss their connection to nature, disillusionment with the mainstream environmental movement, and desire for a deeper connection with the natural world. Martin Shaw shares his love for storytelling and the power of words. They reflect on their childhood engagement with storytelling, the unique aspects of the Sermon on the Mount, and the influence of C.S. Lewis on their thinking. Finally, they delve into the significance of personal encounters with a higher power and the shift from individualistic Christianity to understanding oneself as part of a larger story.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali recently announced her conversion to Christianity. The Somali-born ex-Muslim was one of the key voices of New Atheism in the mid 2000s but created a big stir when she published an article titled 'Why I am a now a Christian'.In this bonus episode Justin speaks to Elizabeth Oldfield and Glen Scrivener about Hirsi Ali's story, hearing clips from her interviews and responses from critics who claim her embrace of Christianity is politically motivated rather than a spiritual conversion. 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/ Ep 8 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/episode-8-ayaan-hirsi-ali-a-new-atheist-embraces-christianity-the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god-podcast/ The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust & the Christian Evidence Society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tom Holland and Douglas Murray join Justin Brierley in a conversation about the resurgence of interest in Christianity among secular thinkers. They discuss the shift from critiquing traditional religions to examining new quasi-religious beliefs, the danger of disconnecting Christian virtues from a Christian worldview, the emergence of new religious movements, and the influence and importance of religion in society. The speakers explore the evolutionary value of religion, the challenges of expressing appreciation for Christianity publicly, and the search for meaning in the age-old story of Christianity.

A mental health crisis and identity crisis are discussed in this podcast, along with the decline of institutional religion. The surprising embrace of Christianity by a well-known ex-Muslim speaker and Richard Dawkins' softened critique of traditional religion are also explored. The podcast dives into the search for meaning in a materialistic worldview and the revival of the Christian narrative to address the current meaning crisis.

"5. The Jordan Peterson Phenomenon": Jordan Peterson, a secular psychologist, rose to fame in 2018, pointing his large audience back to the Bible. This podcast explores if he is a 'gateway drug' for Christianity and what he actually believes about God. It delves into his political and social values, his understanding of people's desire for stories, and the resurgence of faith attributed to his influence. The podcast also discusses the impact of Peterson on people's beliefs and the cultural shift brought about by his exploration of the value of religion.

Alex O'Connor, aka Cosmic Skeptic, discusses his changing relationship with new atheism and why he's reevaluating his early takes on Christianity. They explore the decline of the new atheism movement, the evolving perceptions of atheism and religion, and how personal experiences play a role in belief in God. The episode also includes a bonus interview with Alex discussing his YouTube channel and podcast.