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 E13. The Orthodox Boom: New converts to an ancient faith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:14
Eastern Orthodox parishes in the USA have been seeing a remarkable increase in numbers, especially among young men. Justin speaks to converts, priests and journalists about why this ancient church stream is encountering…
S2 E12. The Catholic Revival: A church reborn from the ashes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:34
The fire of Notre Dame in Paris seemed to embody the decline of Catholicism in France. However, just as the cathedral has risen from the ashes, so too has the Catholic church with record numbers of adults baptised in the…
S2 E11. The Future of AI: Live In London With John Wyatt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:39:21
Is Artificial Intelligence overtaking our culture? Is an AI girlfriend a legitimate relationship? How should Christians respond to the promise and perils of new technology? And what will the dehumanising of society mean…
S2 E10. Larry Sanger: The rebirth of Wikipedia's co-founder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:55
When the co-founder of Wikipedia announced his Christian conversion in an online essay, it lit up the internet. Larry Sanger tells Justin Brierley the surprising story of his journey from skeptical philosopher to Christi…
S2 E09. Surprising Conversations: Jonathan Pageau [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:24
Orthodox thinker and icon carver Jonathan Pageau joins Justin to talk about why the God conversation has been intensifying in recent years. Along with Belle Tindall, they also cover atheism, the resurrection, the Bible a…
S2 E04. Live in Dallas: Why Belief In God Is Back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:39
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…