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The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God

The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God

Justin Brierley 63 Episodes Apr 2, 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

Bonus Ep: The 'Quiet Revival' has been withdrawn... but the Rebirth isn't dead!
Bonus Ep: The 'Quiet Revival' has been withdrawn... but the Rebirth isn't dead! Apr 2, 2026 723 The UK Bible Society have withdrawn their widely-publicised 'Quiet Revival' report after it emerged that the survey, conducted by YouGov, was contaminated by bogus respondents.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
'Uncommon Ground' - Richard Dawkins, Rowan Williams, Alex O Connor & more. A sneak peek of our brand new show Jan 27, 2026 350 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
S2 E30. Is The Rebirth Real? Debating the Data, Probing the Politics Dec 30, 2025 8476 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
S2 E29. Responding To The Rebirth: Highlights from the London Conference Dec 16, 2025 4764 '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
S2 E28. Keep Christianity Weird: Why the supernatural is back in church Dec 2, 2025 6491 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
S2 E27. John Lennox: Engaging atheism & following Christ Nov 18, 2025 4938 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
S2 E26. Grief, Hope... and Teddy Bears: Simon Thomas, Julie Tatchell & Amanda Middleditch. Big Church Festival Pt 2 Nov 4, 2025 5879 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.
S2 E25. Live from Big Church Festival: Lauren Windle, Ben Sixsmith, Martin Shaw, Andy Wolfe & Andrew Ollerton. Oct 21, 2025 8667 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
S2 E24. The Charlie Kirk Moment: Nijay Gupta & Bethel McGrew Oct 14, 2025 5637 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
S2 E23. Iran's Christian Revival: David Yeghnazar & guests Sep 30, 2025 6414 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
S2 E22. Engaging Islam: Controversy, Confrontation & Conversion Sep 23, 2025 7368 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
S2 E21. The New Evangelists: Jon McCray, Ruslan KD & Street Hymns Sep 16, 2025 4854 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

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