Why new atheism grew old and secular thinkers are considering Christianity again.
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3. Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Cambridge Q&A on conversion, Christianity and politics
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/
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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
The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith.
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2:00:18
2. Is the Rebirth Right Wing? - Part Two
The ARC conference in London saw thousands of conservative influencers and politicians networking with like-minded Christians. Is it further evidence that the 'surprising rebirth' is right wing?
In part 2 of the show, Justin Brierley continues to explore the question of whether the new interest in Christianity is being co-opted for political purposes.
Journalist Heather Tomlinson, writer Paul Kingsnorth and podcast host Elizabeth Oldfield all offer their perspective on whether the rebirth is right wing. Justin also profiles left-wing influencers embracing Christianity and hears from Rasool Berry, Krish Kandiah, Chris Watkin and NT Wright on how Christians should engage politics.
Former far-right activist Theo Wilmot also shares his own story of 'Surprising Rebirth'.
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 2 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-2-is-the-rebirth-right-wing-part-two
The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith.
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1:22:09
1. Is the Rebirth Right Wing? - Part One
A 'vibe shift' is underway. Trump's re-election and the gains of populist parties internationally have reinvigorated the right wing. So is the 'surprising rebirth' in religious circles just the manifestation of the new political vibe?
In the opening episode of Season 2, Justin Brierley responds to a key objection to his thesis (first posed by Alex O'Connor) as he examines the rise of popular right wing politics in secular and religious circles.
Journalist Heather Tomlinson explains her own spiritual and political conversion. Academic researcher Chris Watkin argues that the Bible transcends politics. And Carolyn Morris-Collier tells of a rebirth among Oxford students that may yet be co-opted by a political agenda.
Many more thinkers and influencers contribute in the first of a two part show on whether the rebirth is right wing.
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 1 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-1-is-the-rebirth-right-wing-part-one
The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith.
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1:29:30
30. Surprised by God: 3 ways to welcome the returning tide of faith
If the 'Sea Of Faith' is coming in again, how can the church lean in to the 'Surprising Rebirth' phenomenon?
In this Season 1 finale, Justin presents three ways to welcome the tide, drawing on lessons from the Jesus Revolution and the imaginative work of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien.
Justin speaks to secular and Christian thinkers such as Tom Holland, Douglas Murray and Carol Tomlin about 'Keeping Christianity Weird'. Elizabeth Oldfield, Jo Frost and Glen Scrivener on a church community that counters cancel culture. And Nick Cave, Michael Ward and Holly Ordway explain why imagination, storytelling, mystery and music can help today's seekers find their way to Christ.
Hoping for a Season 2? Your support makes it possible! Give now at https://justinbrierley.com/support-me/
More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/
Support via Patreon for early access to new episodes: https://www.patreon.com/justinbrierley/membership
Support via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/brierleyjustin
Support via Tax-deductible (USA): https://defendersmedia.com/portfolio/justin-brierley/
Buy the book or get a signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/
Ep 30 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/episode-30-surprised-by-god-3-ways-to-welcome-the-returning-tide-of-faith
The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust & the Christian Evidence Society.
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2:13:14
29. The Problem with Church: Recovering from power, politics, scandal and abuse
A series of high-profile scandals have rocked the evangelical church. Politicisation and Christian nationalism are on the rise. How can the the church recover from abuse and leadership failures in order to meet the rising tide of meaning seekers?
Justin relives an infamous interview with Mark Driscoll, and hears from Mike Cosper, Karen Swallow Prior, John Dickson, Phil Cooke, Rasool Berry, Esau McCaulley and other leaders seeking to move beyond celebrity, power and politics.
More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/
Support via Patreon for early access to new episodes: https://www.patreon.com/justinbrierley/membership
Support via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/brierleyjustin
Support via Tax-deductible (USA): https://defendersmedia.com/portfolio/justin-brierley/
Buy the book or get a signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/
Ep 29 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/episode-29-the-problem-with-church-recovering-from-power-politics-scandal-and-abuse
The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust & the Christian Evidence Society.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why new atheism grew old and secular thinkers are considering Christianity again.
Get early access to new episodes and bonus content when you become a supporter.
More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/
Support via Patreon for early access to new episodes: https://www.patreon.com/justinbrierley/membership
Support via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/brierleyjustin
Support via Tax-deductible (USA): https://defendersmedia.com/portfolio/justin-brierley/
Buy the book or get a signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/
This long-form documentary podcast presented by Justin Brierley, tells the story of why new atheism grew old and secular thinkers are considering Christianity again.
Featuring interviews with secular and Christian thinkers such as Jordan Peterson, Richard Dawkins, Alex O Connor, Louise Perry, Tom Holland, Dave Rubin, NT Wright, Alister Mcgrath, Douglas Murray, Bethel Mcgrew, William Lane Craig, Jana Harmon, Bishop Robert Barron, Jonathan Pageau, Ayaan Hirsi-Ali, Stephen Woodford, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker, Adam Coleman, Lisa Fields, Jon Mccray, Paul Kingsnorth and Francis Spufford, this series accompanies the book 'The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God'.
Could the tide of faith be ready to come in again in our generation?
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