Episodes

  • '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
    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 beautiful setting of Yarnton Manor, Oxford, they’ll be debating purpose in the universe, meaning in life, faith, atheism and the deepest questions of existence. But this isn't just another debate-fest. 'Uncommon Ground' asks each guest to spell out the other's position. Connecting before correcting. Disagreeing well by understanding each other better. Season 1 will feature:Richard, Dawkins & Rowan Williams - on God & science.Alex O Connor & Glen Scrivener - on whether Christianity gave us our morality.Jonathan Pageau & Joe Folley - on whether art and beauty points to God. Anil Seth & Iain McGilchrist - on consciousness and the brain.Paul Davies & Emily Qureshi-Hurst - on whether the universe has a purpose. Elizabeth Oldfield & James Marriott - on whether there’s purpose in life.Stephen Meyer & Phil Halper - big bang cosmology and the fine tuning of the universe. Philip Pullman and Francis Spufford - on literature, meaning, imagination and religion. ...and more to be announced. Subscribe here: https://justinbrierley.com/uncommon-ground-podcast/ Get access to every episode TWO WEEKS early when you support: https://justinbrierley.com/support-me/ Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3rZ-nZe04d8G6kwNOMpuI8vQ4Qx3rVEQ Stay up to date - and get free chapters from both my books - by subscribing to my newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/get-justins-newsletter/ A production of Think Faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    6 mins
  • 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
    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 Society researcher Rhiannon McAleer.Peter Dray of IFES charts Gen Z spirituality, while podcaster Elizabeth Oldfield and journalist James Marriott discuss the rise of 'Full Fat Faith' converts. Australian church leader Mark Sayers and British MP Danny Kruger also tackle the vexed question of whether far right politics is co-opting Christianity as the search for a better story continues. 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 30 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-30-is-the-rebirth-real 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
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    2 hrs and 21 mins
  • 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
    '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.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 29 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-29-rebirth-conference 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
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • 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
    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 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
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    1 hr and 48 mins
  • S2 E27. John Lennox: Engaging atheism & following Christ

    S2 E27. John Lennox: Engaging atheism & following Christ
    Nov 18 2025
    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. 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 27 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-27-lennox 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
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • 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
    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 their love of crafting and how mending treasured toys reflects their own adult journeys to Christian faith. '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 26 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-26-big-church-2 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
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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • 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
    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 Christianity'. Andy Wolfe and Andrew Ollerton explore the rise in Bible interest among Gen Z. '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 25 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-25-big-church-1 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
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    2 hrs and 24 mins
  • S2 E24. The Charlie Kirk Moment: Nijay Gupta & Bethel McGrew

    S2 E24. The Charlie Kirk Moment: Nijay Gupta & Bethel McGrew
    Oct 14 2025
    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.substack.com/p/if-you-are-elevating-charlie-kirk For Bethel McGrew: https://www.furtherup.net/ '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 24 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-24-charlie-kirk 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
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    1 hr and 34 mins