In a world seemingly dominated by secularism, atheism, and the relentless march of scientific materialism, it may come as a surprise to some that belief in God is experiencing a revival of sorts. Justin Brierley, host of the thought-provoking podcast “The Way Back,” recently sat down with director and evangelist of Speak Life, Glen Scrivener, to discuss this intriguing phenomenon.
The Rise and Fall of New Atheism
Picture buses adorned with the bold proclamation, “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” Ironically, this atheist bus campaign in Britain aimed to promote atheism, but, as Brierley astutely points out, it had the counterintuitive effect of keeping the idea of God alive in the public consciousness.
It inadvertently sparked curiosity about the existence of God, turning this campaign into a fascinating own goal for the atheists. It becomes clear that belief in God, far from withering away, was resurgent even in the face of explicit atheistic advertising.
Brierley unpacks the rise of belief in God in the wake of historical events such as 9/11 and the surge of religious extremism. These tumultuous times triggered a wave of interest in matters of faith, as people sought to make sense of the chaos. The controversy surrounding intelligent design being taught in classrooms further fueled the flames, while the advent of social media and the internet played a pivotal role in bringing together atheists and nurturing the growth of a united front, the New Atheism movement.
However, as Brierley candidly reflects, this movement, though a catalyst for dialogue, tended to oversimplify and even ridicule religion. In doing so, it provided fertile ground for intellectual engagement for Christians but also presented challenges. Prominent atheists, such as Richard Dawkins, appeared reluctant to engage with robust counterarguments, leading to a growing disillusionment with the movement. But this engagement had unintended consequences, as it unveiled the intellectual bankruptcy of atheism and invited inquirers like Peter Byron to explore faith, eventually leading to conversion.
The Decline of New Atheism and Internal Conflicts
According to Brierley, the New Atheism movement lost momentum because it failed to address fundamental questions that went beyond science and reason.
Moreover, it began to exhibit quasi-religious characteristics, becoming dogmatic and exclusive, mirroring the very dogmas it sought to challenge.
The infighting and division within the movement, exemplified by the “elevator gate” incident, were symbolic of deeper ideological schisms. Within the movement, some advocated for expanding atheism beyond a mere rejection of God, urging it to embrace commitments to equality, feminism, and social justice. Others, however, believed that atheism should remain focused solely on science and reason. This division created a significant rift within the movement, with leaders unable to share the same stage due to their animosity.
Brierley points out, this fragmentation revealed that humans yearn for something more than just reason and evidence; they crave a “plus” in their lives, even if they don’t necessarily agree on what that “plus” should entail.
Signs of a rebirth
While polls may indicate a decline in religious affiliation, especially among younger generations, the intellectual landscape tells a different story. Secular intellectuals like Jordan Peterson, Tom Holland, and Douglas Murray are increasingly reaching Christian-friendly conclusions in their discussions. Peterson’s popularity and live debates on God and meaning serve as compelling evidence of a potential resurgence of belief in God. Notes Brierley
There is a palpable shift in the conversations surrounding belief in God. People are moving away from the simplistic notion that religion is inherently negative, seeking more nuanced discussions about faith.
Brierley eloquently highlights the stories of intellectuals and converts who, after exploring alternative narratives, found that the Christian story resonated most deeply with their experiences and aspirations. It’s as if the materialist atheist narrative, once dominant, has run its course, leaving room for a reconsideration of spirituality.
Preparing for Revival
Brierley reflects on the concept of revivalism and its potential implications. Throughout history, Christianity has experienced cycles of revivals followed by periods of decline and nominalism. While Brierley doesn’t predict the exact nature of the next revival, he emphasises the importance of the church being prepared for it.
Revivals often arise from desperate circumstances or external factors such as economic crashes or global wars.
The church must be in the right state to handle and guide such movements, lest they become chaotic or unsustainable.This reflection also prompts a reckoning within the evangelical church. It’s a call to question existing models of evangelism and address issues like hubris and celebrity culture that can hinder the authenticity of faith. The hope is that any potential revival is accompanied by a church that is ready and capable of sustaining it, rather than one ill-prepared for the demands of spiritual renewal.
Re-Enchanting the World
Brierley discusses the role of cultural influencers like Jordan Peterson and Paul Kingsnorth. These thinkers ask essential questions about life, faith, and the limitations of scientific materialism. While they may not have all the answers, they play a vital role in highlighting the shifting cultural landscape and the need for reexamination. Observes Brierely,
It’s now easier to engage in discussions about God, thanks to new thinkers reframing the conversation.
However, this reframing must extend beyond intellectual discourse. To make religion attractive, people must first want it to be true before which requires bringing a sense of wonder to those who may have become disenchanted with life and spirituality.
The key, Brierley suggests, lies in the realm of the arts and imagination. It involves finding creative and imaginative ways to demonstrate that the Christian story is not only true but also deeply meaningful and transformative. This is a call to capture the collective imagination of society and inspire people to believe that the stories of faith are not just ancient myths but living narratives that speak to the deepest longings of the human heart.
Watch Justin Brierley here.
