Episode 7 - 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, I trace the roots of the modern male identity crisis and the voices competing for their attention online. New York pastor Jon Tyson, Dr Anthony Bradley and evangelist Glen Scrivener outline the opportunity for Christian mentors to model examples of true masculinity to young men.

I also hear the surprising rebirth story of Anglican ordinand Oliver Murray.

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Episode 8 - 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.

I speak with Anthony Bradley, Glen Scrivener and Sarah Coppin on why young men are returning to faith, and hear from Bible Society researcher Rhiannon McAleer about the current 'Quiet Revival' in the UK, especially among young men.

But how can the church ensure the new interest among men doesn't come at the expense of women? Theologian Lucy Peppiatt shares her experience of raising boys in the faith, and we hear from Jon Tyson on true masculinity. Former atheist Stu Fhulendorf also shares his surprising rebirth story from successful entrepreneur to recovering alcoholic who found Christ.

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LISTEN EARLY! Episode 9: Surprising Conversations: Jonathan Pageau

Orthodox thinker and icon carver Jonathan Pageau joins me to talk about why the God conversation has been intensifying in recent years. Along with Belle Tindall, we 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 clarify his views on God, Jesus and the resurrection in the past year by atheists such as Richard Dawkins and Alex O'Connor.

You can listen early right now by becoming a monthly silver or gold level supporter via Patreon or US Tax-Deductible Giving.

Listen to my panel discussion on BBC’s Beyond Belief

Giles Fraser meets columnist Giles Coren, who was raised in the Jewish tradition, became an atheist and who now feels at home in a Christian church, to explore what it means to be culturally religious.

Is cultural religiosity an oxymoron and totally untenable? Is it on the rise or has it always been there? Is it damaging to traditional religious practices? And, does it really matter?

I had the privilege to join this discussion panel with Giles, on BBC Radio 4. Listen here.

Listen to my Spectator Interview

Freddy Gray spoke with me about signs of a Christian revival in the UK, particularly among young men. We discussed cultural and social shifts contributing to renewed interest in Christianity, including influences like Jordan Peterson, the crisis of male identity, and dissatisfaction with secularism. The conversation touched on growing church attendance, especially in Catholic and Pentecostal settings, and considers whether this revival could help sustain church institutions. Watch on YouTube.

Watch my interview with Evangelical 360

What if everything you thought you knew about religion's decline in the West was wrong? I spoke on Evangelical 360 about the remarkable cultural shift happening beneath our noses. Watch on YouTube.

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