The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God
Justin Brierley 63 episodes Nov 10, 2026
Justin Brierley hosts this long-form documentary podcast exploring why new atheism declined and why secular thinkers are reconsidering Christianity. He interviews a wide range of thinkers, including Jordan Peterson, Richard Dawkins, and others. The podcast covers the shift from atheism to belief, with both Christian and secular perspectives.
Episodes
S3 E05. The Rebirth in Football
Why are so many Premier League players wearing their faith on their sports sleeve? We chart the rise of the Christian footballers in this documentary episode. Speaking to John Bostock of Ballers In God, Justin investigates the new awakening among Arsenal's 'Bible Brothers' - including Saka, Eze & Timber, plus players across other top teams - Joel Ward, Gabriel Jesus, Ben Gannon-Doak, Maxence Lacro
S3 E04. Live in London: Joe Folley, Paul Vander Klay & Nathan Jacobs debate theology at the Breakwater Festival
Is theology the Queen Mother of the sciences?Justin Brierley hosts a panel discussion with audience Q&A on the opening night of the Breakwater Festival in London. Featuring: Unsolicited Advice host Joe Folley, film maker and philosopher Nathan Jacobs, and Estuary founder Paul Vander Klay.For the Breakwater Festival: https://www.thebreakwaternetwork.com/For Paul VanderKlay: https://www.youtube.com/
S3 E03. Wes Huff: Talking Jesus with Joe Rogan, Diary of a CEO… and responding to Tom Holland.
Why is the case for Christ being profiled on major secular podcasts? Bible scholar Wes Huff joins Justin Brierley to talk about sharing the evidence for Jesus on major platforms such as Joe Rogan, Flagrant and Diary of a CEO. Wes also responds to the public conversation between Tom Holland and Peter J Williams on the Gospel birth narratives and evidence for the resurrection. Wes Huff: https://www.
S3 E02. Tom Holland & Peter J Williams: The Jesus Debate
Historian Tom Holland and Cambridge Bible scholar Dr Peter J Williams join Justin Brierley for a live audience conversation on the historical and miraculous claims about Jesus Christ. Recorded for Pillar and Step at All Souls Church LondonFor Tom Holland: https://www.tom-holland.org/For Peter J Williams: https://tyndalehouse.com/faces/williams-peter-j/For Pillar and Step: https://pillarandste
S3 E01. Not Dead Yet: 10 reasons the rebirth is alive and well
Does the withdrawal of the Quiet Revival report mean the rebirth is dead?In this opening episode of Season 3 of The Surprising Rebirth of Belief In God, Justin Brierley outlines 10 signs - including church growth in Europe, Bible sales, and faith in football - that show the rebirth is alive and well.Australia Ninja Warrior champion Ben Polson also shares his story of finding faith.
More info,
Bonus Ep: The 'Quiet Revival' has been withdrawn... but the Rebirth isn't dead!
The UK Bible Society have withdrawn their widely-publicised 'Quiet Revival' report after it emerged that the survey, conducted by YouGov, was contaminated by bogus respondents.
In this bonus episode Justin responds to the news, asks what lessons can be learned, and looks at a variety of other data that still point to the fact a 'rebirth' is underway.
Look out for a deep dive on this story in Se
'Uncommon Ground' - Richard Dawkins, Rowan Williams, Alex O Connor & more. A sneak peek of our brand new show
While you're waiting for Season 3 of Surprising Rebirth to drop... how about listening to Justin's brand new show? He's back in the moderator's chair hosting conversations between Christians, atheists, skeptics and seekers in this new podcast and video show.'Uncommon Ground' features leading figures from the world of atheism, psychology, science, culture, literature and theology. Recorded in the b
S2 E30. Is The Rebirth Real? Debating the Data, Probing the Politics
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 evidence is pointing towards a 'Quiet Revival'. But there has been pushback too... Justin interrogates the data, hearing objections and responses from sociologist David Voas and Bible
S2 E29. Responding To The Rebirth: Highlights from the London Conference
'Responding To The Rebirth' - Justin Brierley and Glen Scrivener were joined by speakers Elizabeth Oldfield, Bishop Mike Royal, Prof John Lennox, Dai Woolridge, Rhiannon McAleer, Al Gordon, Rev Daniel French and Sarah Yardley.Justin present highlights from the London conference, including, talks, videos, panel conversations and audience Q&A. Access the conference videos in full: https://www.rebirt
S2 E28. Keep Christianity Weird: Why the supernatural is back in church
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 penteco
S2 E27. John Lennox: Engaging atheism & following Christ
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 atheists' such as Richard Dawkins & Christopher Hitchens. John also shares candidly about being sustained by his faith in the midst of health challenges for his wife Sally.
Mor
S2 E26. Grief, Hope... and Teddy Bears: Simon Thomas, Julie Tatchell & Amanda Middleditch. Big Church Festival Pt 2
TV sports presenter Simon Thomas joins Justin on The Big Church Festival podcast stage to share his love of football and faith. He also talks about the death of his wife Gemma and how faith in Christ helped him put the pieces of his life back together.
In part 2 Justin is joined by the 'Teddy Bear Ladies' - Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch - stars of the BBC 'Repair Shop' show. They share th
S2 E25. Live from Big Church Festival: Lauren Windle, Ben Sixsmith, Martin Shaw, Andy Wolfe & Andrew Ollerton.
The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God was part of this summer's Big Church Festival. In the first of two festival specials, Justin shares 3 live interviews from the 'Podcast Stage'.Author Lauren Windle and agnostic journalist Ben Sixsmith share their stories of addiction recovery and searching for God. Mythologist Martin Shaw tells his miraculous conversion story and continuing quest for 'Wild C
S2 E24. The Charlie Kirk Moment: Nijay Gupta & Bethel McGrew
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 Justin Brierley to debate their different perspectives on the Charlie Kirk moment and his controversial statements on race and minorities.For Nijay Gupta: https://nijaykgupta.subst
S2 E23. Iran's Christian Revival: David Yeghnazar & guests
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 speaks to David Yeghnazar of ELAM, a ministry that supports the church in Iran, about why so many Muslims are turning to Christ. Farshid and Magda also share their stories of impr
S2 E22. Engaging Islam: Controversy, Confrontation & Conversion
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 attraction of Islam to young converts and meets a new wave of Christian evangelists seeking to convert Muslims through confrontational tactics.Justin hears from evangelists such as
S2 E21. The New Evangelists: Jon McCray, Ruslan KD & Street Hymns
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 'WhaddoYouMeme') and Ruslan KD share why so many online influencers are talking about Christianity, while hip-hop artist Street Hymns shares how 'battle rapping' allows him to share the gospe
S2 E20. Are Gen Z Women Ready to Believe? Freya India, Lamorna Ash & Anna Morgan
Are young women being left behind in the 'Surprising Rebirth'? Justin speaks to two Gen Z women who are embracing Christian faith from different ends of the political spectrum. Freya India, author of the substack GIRLS talks about the pressures facing young women, and why she has been drawn to faith. Lamorna Ash, author of 'Don't Forget We're Here Forever', talks about her 2-year road trip explori
S2 E19. The Rise Of The Lapsed Atheists
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 investigates why other public figures like Konstantin Kisin, Louise Perry, Niall Ferguson, James Lindsay and Carl Benjamin are trying out church as 'lapsed atheists'.
He also h
S2 E18. Bishop Barron & NT Wright In Conversation: The Bible, Ordo Amoris & sharing Communion
Two of the most influential bishops from the Anglican and Catholic church - NT Wright and Robert Barron - met for the first time in a live conversation chaired by Justin Brierley.
Among many topics they discuss signs of a rebirth, re-engaging the Bible, JD Vance’s 'Ordo Amoris' controversy and whether Catholics and Protestants can share communion.
Recorded in front of a live audience at the Wor
S2 E17. NT Wright: Acts, miracles and the rebirth of today’s church
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 early church under the the Roman Empire - often through miracles, signs and wonders - speak to our post-Christian west and the modern search for meaning?
Their conversation in
S2 E16. The Rebirth In Music: Why God is back in the charts
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 reviva
S2 E15. Does the future have a church? Theos panel live in London
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,
S2 E14. Rod Dreher: Miracles, angels and demons - why the supernatural is back
Despite our secular age, interest in the supernatural is rising fast. Justin Brierley speaks to Rod Dreher about the re-enchanting of culture in his new book 'Living In Wonder' and his own journey of encountering miracles, mystery... and even the demonic.
More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/
Support via Patreon for early access to new episodes and bon
S2 E13. The Orthodox Boom: New converts to an ancient faith
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 a fresh wave of seekers.
Fr Andrew Stephen Damick, John Mark Reynolds, Jonathan Pageau and Rod Dreher explain the attraction of Orthodoxy's ritual and sense of the supernatural.
S2 E12. The Catholic Revival: A church reborn from the ashes
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. Bis
S2 E11. The Future of AI: Live In London With John Wyatt
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 for The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God?
In this London event Justin Brierley sat down with bio-ethics expert Prof John Wyatt, author of 'The Robot Will See You Now', to talk
S2 E10. Larry Sanger: The rebirth of Wikipedia's co-founder
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 Christian faith.
More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/
Support via Patreon for early access to new episodes and bonus content: https://www.
S2 E09. Surprising Conversations: Jonathan Pageau
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 and why symbolic patterns underlie our experience of the world.
Pageau also gives the backstory to his friendship with Jordan Peterson who has been increasingly challenged to cla
S2 E08. Why Men Are Returning To Church: The surprising rebirth of the manosphere
From podcast giants like Joe Rogan to Gen-Z YouTubers like Ryan Trahan, many male influencers are talking about faith in public. Multiple polls are also showing a notable increase in churchgoing among young men in the UK, Europe and the USA. A surprising rebirth in the 'manosphere' seems to be underway.
Justin speaks with Anthony Bradley, Glen Scrivener and Sarah Coppin on why young men are ret
S2 E07. The Male Identity Crisis: Why young men are searching for meaning again
In a world where masculinity is often branded 'toxic' and traditional gender roles are in flux, many young men are searching for identity. Some are looking to manosphere influencers like Andrew Tate. Others have been drawn to Jordan Peterson. But an increasing number are trying out church.
in the first of 2 documentary episodes, Justin Brierley traces the roots of the modern male identity crisi
S2 E06. All Aboard The ARC? Why conservatives want to save Christendom
Justin Brierley reports from the ARC conference in London where over 4,000 secular and religious attendees met to hear about the renewal of civilisation from speakers such as Jordan Peterson, Douglas Murray, Jonathan Pageau and Ayaan Hirsi Ali.
But in the era of Trump 2.0, is the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship co-opting Christianity for conservative political purposes?
Justin interview
S2 E05. William Lane Craig vs Philip Goff: A philosopher's 'slightly heretical' Christian conversion?
Agnostic philosopher Philip Goff has been on a 'surprising rebirth' journey recently. After announcing his embrace of a 'slightly heretical' form of Christianity, he says he has come to believe in a God of limited power.
Renowned Christian philosopher William Lane Craig engages Goff in a conversation on the universe, suffering and Christian faith, as they debate whether a 'limited' God makes sens
S2 E04. Live in Dallas: Why Belief In God Is Back
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 talk recaps Justin's 'Surprising Rebirth' thesis. Recorded at First Baptist Church Garland, Dallas in 2024, along with Q&A from the audience.
More info, book & newsletter:
S2 E03. 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 'Surprisin
S2 E02. 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
S2 E01. 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 righ
S1 E30. 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 'Keepi
S1 E29. 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 M
S1 E28. Is The Tide Turning? Gen Z and the Asbury Awakening
The next generation is remarkably open to spirituality according to recent data. Could the 'Asbury Awakening' be evidence of a renewal bubbling up among Gen Z?
Justin speaks to pastors, thinkers, statisticians and Gen Z leaders who have noticed a surprising surge of interest in faith, alongside stories of unusual growth in Catholic, Orthodox and evangelical churches. Rob Bethell also tells his st
S1 E27. Guillaume Bignon: A french atheist's surprising conversion
After falling for a Christian woman while on vacation, atheist Guillaume Bignon set out to disprove her faith. However, his investigation turned up evidence that he could not easily dismiss. Then, when God 'reactivated' his conscience... everything changed.
In this bonus episode, Justin speaks to Guillaume Bignon author of 'Confessions of a French Atheist: How God Hijacked My Quest to Disprove
S1 E26. Psychedelics and the Search for God: Ashley Lande’s surprising journey to faith
Psychedelics are back in vogue as influencers promote hallucinogens as a gateway to spiritual enlightenment. The boom in mind-expanding drugs even seems to be opening up some people to the possibility of God. But what are the dangers of taking shortcuts to the transcendent?
Justin hears from those arguing for and against the psychedelic resurgence including Mikhaila Peterson, Alan Noble, Alex
S1 E25. The Believing Brain: How Iain McGilchrist rediscovered the soul
Why did atheist neuroscientist Christoph Koch recently lose a 25-year-old bet on consciousness? Why is 'panpsychism' in fashion? And could the latest research on the brain be pointing us back towards God?
Justin speaks to scientists and philosophers such as Sharon Dirckx and Philip Goff on the surprising turn away from atheist materialism. Ex-atheist Jennifer Fulwiler shares her story of realisin
S1 E24. Alex O’Connor & Justin Brierley: Is The Rebirth Real? Edinburgh Debate
Justin engages with atheist youtuber Alex O'Connor in a live audience conversation in Edinburgh, hosted by Patrick Brown of Trinity Forum Europe.
They discuss Justin's 'Surprising Rebirth' thesis and whether the Bible is the foundation of Western morality. Alex also surprises the audience by reciting a CS Lewis poem from memory.
For Justin's speaking dates in the USA & UK: https://justinbrie
S1 E23. Emerging from the Meaning Crisis: The death of Daniel Dennett and rebirth of Jordan Hall
Do we have free will? Many leading atheist voices say 'no'. Determinism has become a popular philosophy, but has contributed to a meta-crisis and a mental health crisis.
Hearing from thinkers such as Alan Noble, Elizabeth Oldfield and Iain McGilchrist, Justin asks whether the passing of influential philosopher Daniel Dennett may herald a new openness to God, as seekers such as Ayaan Hirsi Ali
S1 E22. Are We Seeing A Christian Revival? Live from the UnHerd Club - Justin Brierley, Alex O'Connor, Elizabeth Oldfield & Freddie Sayers
Justin was recently invited to the UnHerd Club in London to defend the thesis of The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God. In this bonus episode he shares the conversation he had with atheist thinker Alex O’Connor and Christian thinker Elizabeth Oldfield as well as audience Q&A. The event was hosted by UnHerd presenter Freddie Sayers.
More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/s
S1 E21. Tammy Peterson: Miracles, conversion and being married to Jordan
The last few years have been a rollercoaster ride of fame, controversy, serious illness and surprising faith for Tammy and Jordan Peterson.
In this extended interview Tammy talks to Justin Brierley about her miraculous recovery from terminal cancer, her recent conversion to Catholicism and the growing interest in faith she is witnessing though the work of her well-known psychologist husband.
S1 E20. The Logos Behind Life: The dissident scientists discovering a mind beyond matter
Why did Antony Flew, one of the world's leading atheists, announce in 2004 that he believes in God? Why did atheist philosopher Thomas Nagel's 2012 book 'Mind And Cosmos' get him labelled as a heretic by his peers?
Justin Brierley explores why the discovery of the DNA code, the search for the origin of life, the complexity of the cell, and the mathematical order of the universe are leading many
S1 E19. A Goldilocks Universe - The surprising science pointing to God
New Atheism proclaimed that science had buried God. However, as new evidence about the surprising origins of the universe and its fine-tuning for life has emerged, perhaps God was waiting for us all along.
Justin speaks to scientists and thinkers including Jennifer Wiseman, John Lennox and Stephen Meyer. Peter Byrom also examines whether Richard Dawkins' best-known objection to a 'complex' God r
S1 E18. The Alternative Story Of Science
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 conflict thesis and the Christians who launched the scientific revolution.
Along the way we hear from Peter Atkins, David Hutchings, John Lennox, Tim O'Neill, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker an
S1 E17. Live In London: Tom Holland & Justin Brierley in conversation
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 answered prayer to a health crisis.
But is the renewed interest in the value of faith among secular intellectuals evidence of a turning of the tide of faith? Justin Brierley is optimist
S1 E16. Did The Resurrection Really Happen? A classicist discovers the living Christ
The Christian faith began with the strange claim of a crucified and resurrected Messiah. But can 21st Century people believe in such a miracle at 2,000 years distance? Justin speaks with scholars who are part of a surprising rebirth of the historical evidence for the resurrection.
Alongside thinkers such as Jonathan Pageau, Lydia and Tim McGrew, John Dickson, Lisa Fields, NT Wright and Je
S1 E15. More Than Mythology: Why Molly Worthen changed her mind
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 of the story of Jesus in the Gospels.
Justin speaks to thinkers such as John Dickson, NT Wright, Lydia Mcgrew and Peter J Williams about why we can trust the New Testament. He al
S1 E14. Why Does The Bible Refuse To Die?
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 as Jordan Peterson, Marilynne Robinson and Jonathan Haidt have been rehabilitating the Bible and hears from scholars such as Tim Mackie, NT Wright and Matthew Lynch on why the B
S1 E13. Francis Spufford & Andrew Klavan: A celebrated author and Hollywood screenwriter come to faith
Prize-winning author Francis Spufford was an atheist for over 20 years before finding his way back to faith. His book 'Unapologetic: Why, despite everything, Christianity can still make surprising emotional sense' was an unconventional response to New Atheism.
Hollywood screenwriter and bestselling novelist Andrew Klavan, also came to Christian faith as an adult from a secular Jewish backgroun
S1 E12. The Christian Revolution: Why the cross changed the world
The early Christian claim that the God-man Jesus had been crucified for the sake of the world was 'foolishness' to the Greco-Roman world. Yet this countercultural belief in a God of sacrificial love ended up reshaping our instincts about human value, equality and compassion.
Justin resumes his conversation with Tom Holland alongside other historians and thinkers on how early Christianity contribu
S1 E11. The Sexual Revolution: Why Louise Perry changed her mind
The 20th Century's sexual revolution led to free love and the modern hookup culture. But some secular intellectuals are now saying we need to return to the values of the 1st Century sexual revolution.
Justin hears from historians and thinkers who identify Christianity as the source of secular human rights, and why feminists such as Louise Perry are re-evaluating the Christian sexual ethics of ma
S1 E10. History Maker: Why Tom Holland changed his mind about Christ
Whether modern westerners realise it or not, their world has been shaped by the Jesus revolution of 2,000 years ago. Popular historian Tom Holland is a notable voice who has been reminding his secular peers of the Christian waters they swim in and why it matters.
In this 'third act' of the documentary series Justin charts how the Christian story shaped us. He hears from Tom Holland on why he cha
S1 E09. Paul Kingsnorth & Martin Shaw: A poet and mythologist convert
Why are poets and storytellers being drawn towards Christ? In this bonus episode Justin speaks to two adult converts to Christianity whose stories overlap in remarkable ways.
Celebrated poet and author Paul Kingsnorth, and mythologist and storyteller Martin Shaw, both had unexpected conversions that have led them into the Orthodox church.
More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.
S1 E08. Ayaan Hirsi Ali: A New Atheist embraces Christianity
Ayaan Hirsi Ali recently announced her conversion to Christianity. The Somali-born ex-Muslim was one of the key voices of New Atheism in the mid 2000s but created a big stir when she published an article titled 'Why I am a now a Christian'.
In this bonus episode Justin speaks to Elizabeth Oldfield and Glen Scrivener about Hirsi Ali's story, hearing clips from her interviews and responses from cri
S1 E07. The New Thinkers: A new conversation on God
As New Atheists turned their attention to battling the quasi-religions of 'woke' ideology in academia and culture, so a new generation of secular thinkers have begun a new conversation on God.
Justin Brierley charts the changes wrought by the culture wars and introduces some key thinkers who are asking whether we can live without the Christian story. They include: Tom Holland, Douglas Murray, Lou
S1 E06. The Meaning Crisis: Why we're all religious deep down
Why is a mental health crisis sweeping the West? In a world where we can choose to be whatever we want to be, is this also an identity crisis?
Justin hears from thinkers, psychologists and converts on The Meaning Crisis engulfing our culture and whether the Christian story could be poised to answer it.
More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/
Support vi
S1 E05. The Jordan Peterson Phenomenon
Jordan Peterson rose to fame in 2018 as a secular psychologist pointing his large audience back to the Bible. Is he a 'gateway drug' for Christianity? And what does he actually believe about God? Justin hears from thinkers, converts and the man himself about why so many have flocked to his message.
More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/
Support via Patr
S1 E04. Alex O'Connor: Losing faith in New Atheism
A bonus episode of full conversation with popular atheist YouTuber Alex O Connor (aka Cosmic Skeptic). He talks to Justin about his own changing relationship with new atheism, and why he is rethinking some of his early takes on Christianity. The documentary format resumes next week.
More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/
Support via Patreon for early ac
S1 E03. Thank God for Richard Dawkins
New Atheism sought to demolish belief in God. Ironically, it led to a revival in Christian apologetics and even the conversion of a number of atheists. Justin Brierley speaks to thinkers, skeptics and converts who have reconsidered their approach to faith and are grateful that Richard Dawkins opened up the God question for them.
More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisi
S1 E02. Elevatorgate: How the culture wars killed New Atheism
How did an incident in an elevator spark the downfall of New Atheism? Justin Brierley hears from those inside and outside the movement on the sexual scandals and controversies that led to feminists, LGBT and trans activists clashing with New Atheist leaders and advocating instead for 'Atheism +'.
More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/
Support via Patreo
S1 E01. The Rise and Fall of New Atheism
New Atheism was an aggressive and very popular form of atheism that emerged in the mid-2000s led by the '4 horsemen' - Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Daniel Dennett. Speaking to a range of experts and commentators Justin Brierley charts the rise of New Atheism and hears from those who began to question the direction of the movement.
More info, book & newsletter: https://
Introducing 'The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God' documentary series
In this introductory trailer, Justin Brierley introduces a new long-form documentary podcast 'The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God', telling 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, Douglas
