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- NT Wright in conversation with Bishop Robert Barron // Rise of the "Lapsed Atheists"?
NT Wright in conversation with Bishop Robert Barron // Rise of the "Lapsed Atheists"?
Listen to my latest episodes of The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God, and get early access to upcoming episodes!
Justin Brierley
August 13, 2025
Episode 18 - Bishop Barron & NT Wright In Conversation: The Bible, Ordo Amoris & sharing Communion
Two of the most influential bishops from the Anglican and Catholic church - NT Wright and Robert Barron - met for the first time in a live conversation, chaired by myself!
Among many topics we discuss signs of a rebirth, re-engaging the Bible, JD Vance’s 'Ordo Amoris' controversy and whether Catholics and Protestants can share communion.
Recorded in front of a live audience at the Word On Fire Conference, London.
LISTEN EARLY! Episode 19 - The Rise Of The Lapsed Atheists
When high-profile food critic and journalist Giles Coren revealed he had begun attending church as a 'lapsed atheist' he joined an increasing number of people now using that label to describe themselves.
I investigate why other public figures like Konstantin Kisin, Louise Perry, Niall Ferguson, James Lindsay and Carl Benjamin are trying out church as 'lapsed atheists'. I also hear from a new breed of thinking atheists - Alex O Connor (aka Cosmic Skeptic) and Joe Folley (aka Unsolicited Advice) on what it would take for them to believe.
But what moves 'lapsed atheists' towards Christian faith? Ross Douthat, author of 'Believe: Why everyone should be religious' offers advice, and Luke Thornton a young convert from atheism to Christianity tells his story.
You can listen early right now by becoming a monthly silver or gold level supporter via Patreon or US Tax-Deductible Giving.
WATCH EARLY! Joe Folley: An atheist philosopher in search of God
Joe Folley's 'Unsolicited Advice' YouTube channel has been blowing up lately. I talked to the Cambridge philosophy graduate abut why he's an atheist and what could persuade him to become a Christian.
You can watch early by becoming a monthly silver or gold level supporter via Patreon or US Tax-Deductible Giving.
Re-Enchanting Live: Why the tide of faith is turning
Belle Tindall and myself are joined by Bishop Graham Tomlin in a live audience edition of the podcast - recorded at Wildfires festival. Together we explore why a ’surprising rebirth’ of belief in God seems to be underway in the West and how the church can engage those coming through its doors once again. Watch or listen on your favourite podcast platform!
THE BIG CHURCH FESTIVAL, Wiston Estate, Sussex UK - Fri 22, Sat 23 & Fri 24 Aug
Join me at the 'podcast stage' at Big Church Festival as I'm joined by special guests to talk about their 'surprising rebirth' stories.
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 absolutely love this podcast, as well as your re-enchanting one with Belle! Last year I unexpectedly got very ill and ended up in intensive care and hospital for a number of weeks. I wasn't well enough to read and out of it a lot of the time, but my husband got me headphones so I could listen (as well as block out the noises of intensive care) your podcast and my pastors sermons brought me great comfort at this time so thank you! I'm 30 and have been a Christian for about 5 years now. You've spoken about suffering a few times and I wanted to let you know a huge amount of good came from my suffering and feel so blessed to say after sepsis, multiple organ failure, and having to learn to walk again God has nearly completely healed me. The experience was unimaginable to me before it happened, but God gave me the strength and so much good has come from it such a blessing, which sounds so weird to say but it's so true. Thank you and I pray you keep going 🙏”
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:
Become a regular Patreon Supporter.
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Best wishes from me and the Think Faith team!
Justin Brierley.