S2 E16. The Rebirth In Music: Why God is back in the charts

S2 E16. The Rebirth In Music: Why God is back in the charts

Author: Justin Brierley July 15, 2025 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 Richard and U2 as veteran music journalist Steve Turner explains how faith influenced their music. Justin also speaks to TGC editor Brett McCracken about the current religious revival in rock and rap from musicians such as Stormzy, Mumford & Sons, Nick Cave and Coldplay. But there are pitfalls to being a celebrity music convert. Jon McCray (Whaddo You Meme), KD Ruslan and Nick Brewer share thoughts on the case of Kanye and the conflicted world of rap stars singing about faith. X-Factor contestant Talia Dean also shares her story of recently leaving the secular music industry after discovering something much bigger... God. '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 Ep 16 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-16-music 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
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 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…
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…