S2 E01. Is the Rebirth Right Wing? - Part One

S2 E01. Is the Rebirth Right Wing? - Part One

Author: Justin Brierley March 11, 2025 Duration: 1:24:30
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. 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/ Ep 1 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-1-is-the-rebirth-right-wing-part-one Also, check out our show ‘Uncommon Ground’ for discussion and debates: ⁠https://justinbrierley.com/uncommon-ground-podcast/⁠ The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A cultural shift is quietly unfolding, one where the loudest voices of disbelief have lost their momentum and a genuine, often unexpected, reconsideration of faith is taking root. The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God, hosted by Justin Brierley, explores this fascinating terrain. This isn't about preaching, but about listening to the conversations happening at the edges of our secular age. Each episode delves into why prominent thinkers, artists, and scientists who once aligned with new atheism are now asking different questions and finding compelling, sometimes unsettling, answers within the Christian framework. You'll hear long-form interviews and discussions that go beyond soundbites, examining the intellectual and cultural currents making belief in God a live option again for many. The podcast provides a space where doubt is respected, arguments are examined fairly, and the historical and philosophical depth of Christianity gets a fresh hearing. It's for the curious, the skeptical, and those who sense that the story of faith and reason is far from over. Tune in for thoughtful dialogue that challenges assumptions on all sides.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God
Podcast Episodes
S2 E23. Iran's Christian Revival: David Yeghnazar & guests [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46:54
In 1979 there were around 500 Christian converts in Iran. Today they number over 1 million. Despite intense persecution, Iran has the fastest growing church in the world. So why is Iran experiencing such a rebirth?Justin…
S2 E22. Engaging Islam: Controversy, Confrontation & Conversion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:02:48
When Hatun Tash, a Christian evangelist to Muslims, was stabbed at Speakers Corner in London, it was a public reminder of the tensions that have arisen with the growth of Islam in the West. Justin Brierley examines the a…
S2 E21. The New Evangelists: Jon McCray, Ruslan KD & Street Hymns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:54
Gen Z are increasingly open to faith, and a new breed of evangelist is reaching them. Justin speaks to 3 content creators reaching young people through social media, YouTube and hip-hop music. Jon McCray (aka 'WhaddoYouM…
S2 E19. The Rise Of The Lapsed Atheists [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:36:24
When high-profile food critic and journalist Giles Coren revealed he had begun attending church as a 'lapsed atheist' he joined an increasing number of people now using that label to describe themselves. Justin Brierley…
S2 E17. NT Wright: Acts, miracles and the rebirth of today’s church [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:14
NT Wright is Senior Research fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University, the former Bishop of Durham and a prolific author. Justin talks to Tom about his most recent book 'The Challenge of Acts'. How does the rise of the…
S2 E16. The Rebirth In Music: Why God is back in the charts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:42:03
Chart-topping bands, musicians and rappers are increasingly singing about God. Why? In this documentary episode Justin Brierley revisits the religious awakening of music stars such as Bob Dylan, Alice Cooper, Cliff Richa…
S2 E15. Does the future have a church? Theos panel live in London [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:47
In a secular age, many have predicted the death of the church in the West. But with evidence of a 'Quiet Revival' in the UK, where are the new signs of life in the church? Justin Brierley recently joined a panel of journ…