S2 E12. The Catholic Revival: A church reborn from the ashes

S2 E12. The Catholic Revival: A church reborn from the ashes

Author: Justin Brierley May 27, 2025 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 past 2 years. As Pope Leo XIV heralds a new era for Catholicism, Justin speaks to converts, evangelists and clergy about a surprising revival taking place among young people. Bishop Robert Barron, Tony Wilson, Rusty Reno, Frank Skinner, Rob Schneider, Paul Kingsnorth & Tom Holland contribute. Justin also hears the story of Mark Baldwin's journey from atheism to Catholicism. 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/ Got feedback? Share it with us by emailing: feedback@think.faith Ep 12 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-12-the-catholic-revival-a-church-reborn-from-the-ashes 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 in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. 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
S1 E18. The Alternative Story Of Science [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:37:22
The New Atheists used science as their trump card against religion. But what if we've been sold a false story about 'science vs faith'? Justin speaks to scientists, historians and thinkers about modern myths, the conflic…
S1 E17. Live In London: Tom Holland & Justin Brierley in conversation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:48:15
Historian Tom Holland, author of 'Dominion', joins Justin Brierley for a public conversation on The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God. They discuss Holland's own intellectual and spiritual journey, including an answere…
S1 E15. More Than Mythology: Why Molly Worthen changed her mind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:01
New Atheism popularised 'Jesus Mythicism' - an online movement denying the existence of Jesus. But in recent years the trend in academia has gone in the opposite direction as research sheds new light on the reliability o…
S1 E14. Why Does The Bible Refuse To Die? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:49:55
The death of the Bible has been predicted many times, yet today it remains the bestselling book in the world as a new generation of meaning seekers turn back towards its ancient wisdom. Justin examines how thinkers such…