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'? I speak to scientists, historians and thinkers about modern myths, the conflict thesis and the Christians who launched the scientific revolution, in the latest episode of The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God.

Along the way we hear from Peter Atkins, David Hutchings, John Lennox, Tim O'Neill, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker and Jennifer Wiseman. I also hear the surprising story of how tech pioneer Ros Picard came to faith.

A Goldilocks Universe - The surprising science pointing to God

The next episode delves even deeper into the question of science and faith. 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.

I spoke 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 really holds water.

This episode won’t be publicly released until May 14th, but you can listen now when you become a Silver or Gold Patreon supporter, or get early access via Tax-deductible giving (USA).

Dawkins’ Dilemma: the materialistic meltdown of The God Delusion

If early access to the next episode wasn’t enough, Silver and Gold Patreon supporters will also get exclusive access to an extended report - extracts from which are featured in the next episode - about the downfall of Richard Dawkins’ most prized and, allegedly, “devastating” argument against the existence of God from his bestseller The God Delusion. Even a significant number of atheist and agnostic thinkers have concluded that Dawkins over-reached!

Undeceptions: Christianity’s comeback

From the mid-1990s to the 2010s, New Atheism dominated the intellectual space. A virulent, attacking form of godless evangelism, it saw people like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens top best-seller lists, and draw huge crowds to their lectures.

Having been in the middle of it all as New Atheism rose – and then collapsed – I spoke to John Dickson on his podcast about what appears to be a new openness to theism, and where it might lead.

Jordan Peterson’s wife, Tammy, comes to faith!

Before her childhood sweetheart Jordan Peterson catapulted to fame, Tammy Peterson was living a relatively ordinary life. Almost overnight, their family of four became central figures in an ever-raging culture war. As if these new pressures weren't enough, Tammy was soon diagnosed with a rare cancer and given 10 months to live.

But as she shared with me, while I hosted an interview with her on the Maybe God podcast, the very thing that aimed to end her life birthed a surprising new faith in God and conversion to Catholicism. So what does Jordan think — and is he next?

Season 3 highlight from Re-Enchanting: Jonathan Pageau

Jonathan Pageau is a French Canadian icon carver, public speaker and YouTuber exploring the symbolic patterns that underlie our experience of the world. He's also the editor of the Orthodox Arts Journal and host of the Symbolic World blog and podcast.

Jonathan is also known for his friendship with Jordan Peterson, another thinker invested in symbolism, psychology and pointing people back to Christianity as the modern West navigates a ‘meaning crisis’.

Jonathan talked to me and Belle on Re-Enchanting about meaning, symbolism, atheism and the meaning crisis, as we asked whether we can re-enchant… just about everything!

Your support helps me to reach more people

I’ve received many encouraging messages about the Surprising Rebirth Podcast in the past month, including this one:

I can only create this podcast with the support of listeners, so if you feel able please do become a supporter!

Here are a few ways you can support:

1. Become a regular Patreon Supporter.

   Silver supporters get early access to new episodes and bonus content. Gold supporters also receive signed copies of my books and monthly catch ups with me.

2. Support via Paypal

   A great way to make a one-off gift - thank you!

3. Tax-deductible giving from the USA

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Best wishes from me and the Think Faith team!
Justin Brierley.