How would you sell Christianity today? with Rory Sutherland

How would you sell Christianity today? with Rory Sutherland

From Holy Smoke by The Spectator

April 5, 2026 · 28 min

About this episode

Rory Sutherland joins Damian Thompson to discuss how to sell Christianity in today's society.

Advertising guru – and the Spectator's Wiki Man – Rory Sutherland joins Damian Thompson to try and tackle the question 'how would you sell Christianity – today?' If religions have previously thrived by providing a form of social network and an 'elevated trust mechanism', perhaps there ways in which they can adapt for modern society – especially as many people appear to be turning away from conspicuous consumption and searching for meaning. In this Easter special they ponder: are religious people less likely to be alcoholics? Does driving make you a better person? And are Churches today akin to the carrier pigeon of yesteryear? Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts . Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Damian Thompson

Guest: Rory Sutherland

Topics covered

  • Christianity
  • advertising
  • social networks
  • modern society
  • meaning
  • Easter

Keywords

  • Christianity
  • advertising
  • social networks
  • Easter
  • meaning
  • alcoholism
  • trust mechanism

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Spectator, Acast

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