S2 E03. Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Cambridge Q&A on conversion, Christianity and politics

S2 E03. Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Cambridge Q&A on conversion, Christianity and politics

Author: Justin Brierley March 25, 2025 Duration: 1:55:18
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. 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 3 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-3-ayaan-hirsi-ali-cambridge-qampa-on-conversion-christianity-and-politics 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: 63

The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God
Podcast Episodes
S2 E30. Is The Rebirth Real? Debating the Data, Probing the Politics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:21:16
In this Season 2 finale, Justin asks: 'What's next for the Surprising Rebirth?'When the podcast series launched in 2023, many were skeptical of a 'Surprising Rebirth'. However, two years later, some say statistical evide…
S2 E27. John Lennox: Engaging atheism & following Christ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:18
Prof John Lennox joins Justin to talk about his life and legacy - finding faith during 'The Troubles' in Northern Ireland, his academic life at Cambridge and Oxford University, speaking in the USSR and debating the 'new…
S2 E24. The Charlie Kirk Moment: Nijay Gupta & Bethel McGrew [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:57
Hundreds of thousands attended Charlie Kirk's memorial service. Are we seeing a Kirk-inspired Christian revival or a rallying cry for Christian nationalism? Theologian Nijay Gupta and Christian writer Bethel McGrew join…
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…