S2 E15. Does the future have a church? Theos panel live in London

S2 E15. Does the future have a church? Theos panel live in London

Author: Justin Brierley July 1, 2025 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 journalists and church leaders to discuss the future of the church, with Nick Spencer of Theos chairing the conversation. Panellists: Daisy Scalchi, Head of Religion and Ethics, BBC Television   Madeleine Davies, senior writer for the Church Times  Mary Harrington, writer and author of Feminism Against Progress Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary of Churches Together in England  'Responding To The Rebirth' Conference: http://rebirthconference.net/ 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 'Responding To The Rebirth' Conference: http://rebirthconference.net/ Ep 15 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-15-does-the-future-have-a-church-theos-panel-live-in-london Also, check out our show ‘Uncommon Ground’ for discussion and debates: ⁠https://justinbrierley.com/uncommon-ground-podcast/⁠ The conversation and audience Q&A was recorded live in London for the Theos Annual Lecture. 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
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…