Premier Christian Radio presenter Justin Brierley is optimistic a couple of lasting resurgence of perception in God, whereas historian Tom Holland believes self-confident atheism, spearheaded by the likes of Richard Dawkins within the 2000s, has “disintegrated and collapsed”.
They have been joined in Westminster Chapel by Paul Woolley and Grace Fielding of the London Institute for Modern Christianity (LICC) for a dialog impressed by Brierley's e book, A shocking rebirth of religion in Godprinted final 12 months.
“The second I posted the e book cowl on social media, I used to be inundated with doubters asking 'what shocking rebirth?' as a result of all the info suggests in any other case,” Brierley mentioned.
“We’re all nicely acquainted with the statistics which inform us that the decline of the church within the West has elevated.”
He continued, “I didn't have knowledge that mentioned 'x' variety of secular intellectuals have been now speaking positively about Christianity, and I definitely didn't have any knowledge that mentioned there was an inflow into the pews. However I simply felt that it appeared , that the conversations that naturally opened up mirrored the distinction in ambiance.”
Brierley, who has hosted conversations between Christians and atheists on his radio present “Unbelievable” for greater than 15 years, says he has seen a shift within the mindset of atheists.
“Extra atheists approaching the present are saying 'I'm not an atheist Richard Dawkins' and distancing themselves from this new atheist motion,” he mentioned.
Holland echoed these sentiments, saying, “I completely agree with Justin that this sort of self-righteous evangelical atheism has crumbled and collapsed. I believe it has so many contradictions in it that it hasn't actually been capable of take agency root.”
He continued: “I believe that in Britain, and fewer so in america, we’ve got a state of affairs now the place most individuals simply don't know sufficient about Christianity or the Bible to be towards it.
“Justin's e book is a couple of rebirth of religion in God. I believe there's a reasonable quantity of optimism in the concept there's a revival, however I believe this concept of Christian civilization within the West stays as vital as ever.” carried out,” he mentioned.
Brierley instructed the viewers that his optimism stems from the truth that the “cultural reminiscence of Christianity” remains to be “robust sufficient”.
“We nonetheless see it coming again. When Queen Elizabeth died, for instance, there was a nationwide outpouring of mourning and non secular observance,” he mentioned.
In response to Brierley, points of religion have modified over time and it’s essential for Christians to acknowledge this. He acknowledged that within the mid-2000s a significant effort was made in response to the deep-seated “skepticism” of Dawkins and others.
“Christian apologetics has been all about making 5 arguments for the existence of God and 4 arguments for the resurrection. I simply marvel if it's time to alter route in that sense, as a result of I don't assume that's the place most individuals begin proper now,” he mentioned.
He continued: “If we strive too arduous to current Christianity as simply 'observe this formulation and signal on the dotted line under,' that may work for some, however for lots of people it’s a must to begin someplace else.
“For me, it's about connecting with individuals's sincere desires, wishes and feelings. You need to begin with the center and go from there.”
You’ll be able to hearken to the total interview on The Entire Life podcast later this month.
