Is the Rebirth Real? // Support me in 2026! // Tom Holland & Peter J Williams

Listen to my latest episodes of The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God, and get access to the full recordings of the Responding to the Rebirth conference!

Author

Justin Brierley
December 30, 2025

Episode 30 - Is The Rebirth Real? Debating the Data, Probing the Politics

In this Season 2 finale, I ask: '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... I interrogate 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.

Year-End Appeal - Help us to reach more people in 2026!

As the end of the year approaches I’d be so grateful if you would consider supporting my work with a financial gift.

It's been an amazing past year - we’ve produced a second 30-episode season of The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God, 3 seasons of the Re-Enchanting podcast, as well as growing our video channel and engaging in numerous live events.

In the process I've reached hundreds of thousands of people through podcast, video and speaking engagements.

But as our work expands so does that cost of producing good quality resources that encourage both believers and skeptics to engage a thinking faith.

You can support my work by becoming monthly supporter via Patreon, or via Tax-deductible giving from the USA. Or you can give a one-off gift via PayPal.

Every gift will make a great difference to our work continuing strong in 2026… including an exciting new show launching in the new year - more details to follow!

For now if you can help please do head towards our giving page.

With many thanks

Justin

Get Access to the Full ‘Responding to the Rebirth’ Conference Videos!

You can now purchase all the recordings from November’s Responding to the Rebirth conference, at: rebirthconference.net

Hosting Tom Holland & Peter J Williams on 15 January 2026, London!

For over two thousand years, the story of Jesus has shaped cultures, inspired faith, and sparked debate. But how much of what we know is rooted in historical evidence, and how much is tradition or belief?

Award-winning historian and broadcaster Tom Holland is joined by Dr Peter J. Williams, Principal of Tyndale House - a world-renowned centre for biblical research, as they explore the history of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Listen as these two historians with differing perspectives, discuss their commonalities and differences in approach to the evidence… and I have the huge privilege of hosting this discussion!

His-Story: Fantasy, Facts or Faith? with Tom Holland and Dr Peter J. Williams, will take place on 15 January 2026, at All Souls Langham Place, London, in the UK.

AJ Sherrill: Re-Enchanting Christmas!

AJ Sherrill pastors St Peter's Church in Charleston, South Carolina. He is the author of ‘Rediscovering Christmas: Surprising insights into the story you thought you knew’. He joins me and Belle to re-enchant… Christmas!

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:

“Hello!

Just wanted to message and say I've very recently (at the age of 36) become a Christian. Your book 'why I'm still a Christian' and your podcast have been incredibly helpful in answering a lot of the questions I’ve held after my whole life being an atheist/agnostic… thank you.”

Sophie

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.