S2 E28. Keep Christianity Weird: Why the supernatural is back in church

S2 E28. Keep Christianity Weird: Why the supernatural is back in church

Author: Justin Brierley December 2, 2025 Duration: 1:48:11
Online trends such as 'WitchTok', the psychedelic boom and interest in the occult, are evidence of our continuing fascination with the supernatural. However, encounters with these 'dark enchantments' are also turning many towards a Christian faith that is open to the 'weird'.In this documentary episode Justin Brierley speaks to Malcolm Duncan, Anna Morgan and Andy Crook about the growth of pentecostal and charismatic churches that practise prophecy, deliverance and healing. Tom Holland and James Drain also recount their unexpected miracle stories. But not all miracles look the same. Following the devastating loss of his daughter Natasha, Nadim Ednan-Laperouse tells the story of the supernatural encounters that led him to faith in Christ. 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 28 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-28-keep-christianity-weird 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 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…
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…