Rise of the "Lapsed Atheists" // Are Gen Z Women Ready to Believe?

Listen to my latest episodes of The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God, and get early access to upcoming episodes!

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Justin Brierley
August 26, 2025

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.

LISTEN EARLY! Episode 20 - Are Gen Z Women Ready to Believe? Freya India, Lamorna Ash & Anna Morgan

Are young women being left behind in the 'Surprising Rebirth'? I speak to two Gen Z women who are embracing Christian faith from different ends of the political spectrum.

Freya India, author of the substack GIRLS talks about the pressures facing young women, and why she has been drawn to faith. Lamorna Ash, author of 'Don't Forget We're Here Forever', talks about her 2-year road trip exploring different forms of Christian belief.

US church leader Anna Morgan also joins the show to explain why, as young men return to faith, many young women feel alienated by church, and how to address the issue.

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

WATCH EARLY! Why Gen Z Girls need God - Freya India's journey to faith

You can also watch the full video interview of Freya India early by becoming a monthly silver or gold level supporter via Patreon or US Tax-Deductible Giving.

The SkyePod - Justin Brierley on Gen Z Revival

I believe there’s a surprising rebirth in the belief in God—I’ve hosted conversations between people of very different faiths for years, and I think something’s happening, but many critics and statisticians disagree. What’s my response to this skepticism? I discuss this, and more, with Sky Jethani of The Holy Post! Watch on YouTube or Listen on his podcast!

In Discussion with Martin Shaw (including live in the USA this November!)

I had the privilege of talking to Martin Shaw (featured in my Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God series, and on Re-Enchanting) on his own YouTube channel!

You can also join Martin and me live in Birmingham, Alabama, this November 2: Book here!

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 🙏”

Francesca LT, podcast listener

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