S2 E30. Is The Rebirth Real? Debating the Data, Probing the Politics

About this episode

In the Season 2 finale, Justin Brierley explores the evidence and implications of a potential revival of belief in God, featuring discussions with various experts and commentators.

In this Season 2 finale, Justin asks: '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... Justin interrogates 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. More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/ Support via Patreon for early access to new episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/justinbrierley/membership Support via Tax-deductible (USA) and get the same perks: https://defendersmedia.com/portfolio/justin-brierley/ Give a one-off gift via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/brierleyjustin Buy the book or get a…

People in this episode

Host: Justin Brierley

Guests: David Voas, Rhiannon McAleer, Peter Dray, Elizabeth Oldfield, James Marriott, Mark Sayers, Danny Kruger

Topics covered

• rebirth of belief
• sociology of religion
• Gen Z spirituality
• politics and faith
• Christianity
• revival

Keywords

• belief in God
• quiet revival
• sociologist
• Bible Society
• Gen Z
• Full Fat Faith
• far right politics
• Christianity

More episodes of The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God

• Bonus Ep: The 'Quiet Revival' has been withdrawn... but the Rebirth isn't dead! · April 2, 2026 · 12 min
• 'Uncommon Ground' - Richard Dawkins, Rowan Williams, Alex O Connor & more. A sneak peek of our brand new show · January 27, 2026 · 6 min
• S2 E29. Responding To The Rebirth: Highlights from the London Conference · December 16, 2025 · 1h 19m
• S2 E28. Keep Christianity Weird: Why the supernatural is back in church · December 2, 2025 · 1h 48m
• S2 E27. John Lennox: Engaging atheism & following Christ · November 18, 2025 · 1h 22m
• S2 E26. Grief, Hope... and Teddy Bears: Simon Thomas, Julie Tatchell & Amanda Middleditch. Big Church Festival Pt 2 · November 4, 2025 · 1h 38m