Following our UnHerd dialogue, Alex O’Connor and I continued our discussion Mano a Mano in Edinburgh, hosted by Trinity Forum Europe! Alex O’Connor is the founder of the popular YouTube channel Cosmic Skeptic and host of the Within Reason podcast. The evening explored themes from my latest book The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again.

Alex challenged me on a number of concerns, ranging from the validity of the data behind my thesis, the possibility of a politicised and violent rise of “belief in the utility of belief in God”, and he also surprised us with a spontaneous poem recital!

The evening concluded with answering questions submitted by the audience, followed by a drinks reception.

The event was videoed and will be released on my YouTube channel on 2 July, but you can watch it right now by becoming a Silver, Gold, or Platinum level supporter.

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Emerging from the Meaning Crisis: the death of Daniel Dennett and rebirth of Jordan Hall

This week’s episode tackles the question of mind and materialism: Do we have free will? Many leading atheist voices say 'no'. Determinism has become a popular philosophy, but has also contributed to a meta-crisis and a mental health crisis.

Hearing from thinkers such as Alan Noble, Elizabeth Oldfield and Iain McGilchrist, I ask whether the passing of influential philosopher Daniel Dennett may herald a new openness to God, as seekers such as Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Russell Brand emerge from the 'meaning crisis'.

Tech pioneer Jordan Hall also tells his story of finding an unexpected answer to his search for a solution to the meta-crisis.

The Believing Brain: How Iain McGilchrist rediscovered the soul

Next week’s episode takes a deep dive into consciouness: 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?

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.

This episode won’t be released until 9 July, but you can listen now when you become a Silver or Gold Patreon supporter, or get early access via Tax-deductible giving (USA).

The Decline of Atheism - Provoke & Inspire Podcast

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of speaking on the Provoke & Inspire Podcast hosted by Ben Pierce. We discussed whether the rise of New Atheism ended up doing more damage to it's own cause than good? Can we ever truly escape our need for religion, and is the West turning back to God?

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

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