Why did atheist neuroscientist Philipp 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?

In this week’s episode I speak 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 realising love must be more than brain chemistry and influential thinker Iain McGilchrist reveals how a new understanding of the mind is pointing us back to God.

Stephen Meyer: Return of the God Hypothesis

In my latest YouTube release, I interview controversial philosopher of science Stephen Meyer, about his recent book "Return of the God Hypothesis". Stephen shares the latest advances in the field of "Intelligent Design", ranging from design inferences that can be drawn from the origin of the universe, the fine-tuning of the universe, the information content of the cell, and even from attempts of atheist materialists to try to avoid the God Hypothesis!

Psychedelics and the Search for God: Ashley Lande’s surprising journey to faith

The next Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God episode explores the world of Psychedelics, which 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?

I hear from those arguing for and against the psychedelic resurgence including Mikhaila Peterson, Alan Noble, Alex O'Connor, Shawn Ryan, Iain McGilchrist and Phil Cotnoir. Ashley Lande explains why her search for enlightenment through psilocybin, LSD and mushrooms led her to some dark places, and how she found her way back to Christ.

This episode won’t be released until 6 August, but you can listen now when you become a Silver or Gold Patreon supporter, or get early access via Tax-deductible giving (USA).

Watch my interview with Sy Garte

Raised in a Marxist, militant atheist family, Sy Garte fell in love with the factual world of science. He became a distinguished research biochemist with an anti-theistic worldview--and he had no intention of seeking a God he didn't believe in. That is, until the very science he loved led him to question the validity of an atheistic worldview. His journey to answer the questions that confronted him drew him into becoming a fully committed Christian, determined to show others the truth: modern science doesn't contradict God at all but instead supports Christianity. What scientific evidence convinced him to become a follower of Jesus? Find out in this interview I hosted with the Maybe God podcast.

I reviewed this book! So, will you want to read it?

My review of Jack Symes Philosophers on God has been published on the Acton Institute’s website. As a podcast and radio host who deals with the intersection of faith, culture, and philosophy, I’ve hosted hundreds of debates between Christians and atheists over the past two decades. This collection of different perspectives on God (who / what God is, is there one?) gave me much to get my teeth into, though I was left wondering what its impact would be! Why would I be dissatisfied with - as my review is titled - The God of the Philosophers?

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

   If you’d like to give in this way, we are partnering with Defenders Media to make this possible. Just follow the link.

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