The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God

Is the tide of faith coming back in on our post-Christian culture?

Justin Brierley speaks on why the search to make sense of human existence, human value and human purpose are pointing many people back towards God.

This talk recaps Justin's 'Surprising Rebirth' thesis. Recorded at First Baptist Church Garland, Dallas in 2024, along with Q&A from the audience.

The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. 

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Former 'new atheist' Ayaan Hirsi Ali shocked the world when she announced her conversion to Christianity in 2023.

Hirsi Ali recently spoke with Dr James Orr for a Trinity Forum Cambridge event about her new faith, her concerns about radicalisation at top Universities, and the need to educate young people about Christianity.

Hirsi Ali's story has become a significant milestone in the 'Surprising Rebirth' phenomenon. But does Ayaan see a similar rebirth among her peers? And how does she respond to criticism of her own conversion being 'political'?

Justin Brierley was present to ask such questions of Ayaan during the Q&A, and also spoke to some young converts among the audience about their reflections on the rebirth of interest in Christianity.

The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith.

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The ARC conference in London saw thousands of conservative influencers and politicians networking with like-minded Christians. Is it further evidence that the 'surprising rebirth' is right wing?

In part 2 of the show, Justin Brierley continues to explore the question of whether the new interest in Christianity is being co-opted for political purposes.

Journalist Heather Tomlinson, writer Paul Kingsnorth and podcast host Elizabeth Oldfield all offer their perspective on whether the rebirth is right wing. Justin also profiles left-wing influencers embracing Christianity and hears from Rasool Berry, Krish Kandiah, Chris Watkin and NT Wright on how Christians should engage politics.

Former far-right activist Theo Wilmot also shares his own story of 'Surprising Rebirth'.

The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith.

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A 'vibe shift' is underway. Trump's re-election and the gains of populist parties internationally have reinvigorated the right wing. So is the 'surprising rebirth' in religious circles just the manifestation of the new political vibe?

In the opening episode of Season 2, Justin Brierley responds to a key objection to his thesis (first posed by Alex O'Connor) as he examines the rise of popular right wing politics in secular and religious circles.

Journalist Heather Tomlinson explains her own spiritual and political conversion. Academic researcher Chris Watkin argues that the Bible transcends politics. And Carolyn Morris-Collier tells of a rebirth among Oxford students that may yet be co-opted by a political agenda.

Many more thinkers and influencers contribute in the first of a two part show on whether the rebirth is right wing.

The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith.

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If the 'Sea Of Faith' is coming in again, how can the church lean in to the 'Surprising Rebirth' phenomenon?

In this Season 1 finale, Justin presents three ways to welcome the tide, drawing on lessons from the Jesus Revolution and the imaginative work of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien.

Justin speaks to secular and Christian thinkers such as Tom Holland, Douglas Murray and Carol Tomlin about 'Keeping Christianity Weird'. Elizabeth Oldfield, Jo Frost and Glen Scrivener on a church community that counters cancel culture. And Nick Cave, Michael Ward and Holly Ordway explain why imagination, storytelling, mystery and music can help today's seekers find their way to Christ.

Hoping for a Season 2? Your support makes it possible! Give now at https://justinbrierley.com/support-me/

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.

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A series of high-profile scandals have rocked the evangelical church. Politicisation and Christian nationalism are on the rise. How can the the church recover from abuse and leadership failures in order to meet the rising tide of meaning seekers?

Justin relives an infamous interview with Mark Driscoll, and hears from Mike Cosper, Karen Swallow Prior, John Dickson, Phil Cooke, Rasool Berry, Esau McCaulley and other leaders seeking to move beyond celebrity, power and politics.

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.

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The next generation is remarkably open to spirituality according to recent data. Could the 'Asbury Awakening' be evidence of a renewal bubbling up among Gen Z?

Justin speaks to pastors, thinkers, statisticians and Gen Z leaders who have noticed a surprising surge of interest in faith, alongside stories of unusual growth in Catholic, Orthodox and evangelical churches. Rob Bethell also tells his story of surprising rebirth after walking into church for the first time.

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.

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After falling for a Christian woman while on vacation, atheist Guillaume Bignon set out to disprove her faith. However, his investigation turned up evidence that he could not easily dismiss. Then, when God 'reactivated' his conscience... everything changed.

In this bonus episode, Justin speaks to Guillaume Bignon author of 'Confessions of a French Atheist: How God Hijacked My Quest to Disprove the Christian Faith'. Glen Scrivener also tells Justin about the 321 Course.

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.

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Psychedelics are back in vogue as influencers promote hallucinogens as a gateway to spiritual enlightenment. The boom in mind-expanding drugs even seems to be opening up some people to the possibility of God. But what are the dangers of taking shortcuts to the transcendent?

Justin hears from those arguing for and against the psychedelic resurgence including Mikhaila Peterson, Alan Noble, Alex O'Connor, Shawn Ryan, Iain McGilchrist and Phil Cotnoir. Ashley Lande explains why her search for enlightenment through psilocybin, LSD and mushrooms led her to some dark places, and how she found her way back to Christ.

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.

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Why did atheist neuroscientist Christoph Koch recently lose a 25-year-old bet on consciousness? Why is 'panpsychism' in fashion? And could the latest research on the brain be pointing us back towards God?

Justin speaks to scientists and philosophers such as Sharon Dirckx and Philip Goff on the surprising turn away from atheist materialism. Ex-atheist Jennifer Fulwiler shares her story of realising love must be more than brain chemistry and influential thinker Iain McGilchrist reveals how a new understanding of the mind is pointing us back to God.

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.

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