5. Why Secular Intellectuals Are Turning to the Bible with Justin Brierley

Love the Bible

Is skepticism losing its hold on modern thinkers, making room for a spiritual revival of faith?

In this episode, host Kristin Nave engages in a truly insightful conversation with Justin Brierley about the dynamics of faith, culture, and modern skepticism. Justin explains his thesis that the failure of New Atheism to give satisfactory answers to life’s biggest questions has given way to a surprising renewal of openness to faith and the Bible among some of the most secular thinkers and intellectuals. Justin shares compelling stories of individuals like Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Tom Holland, and Jordan Peterson whose journeys through history and science have led them down a surprising path to Jesus and Christianity. They discuss the historical influence of Christianity on Western values, and the ongoing search for meaning in a predominantly secular world. Kristin and Justin explore the importance of personal faith stories, respectful engagement with non-believers, and the hopeful resurgence of interest in spiritual existential questions.

Episode Highlights:

• [05:22] Justin Brierley discusses the importance of offering grace, love, and friendship as a counter to cancel culture.
• [12:47] The story of Ayaan Hirsi Ali's shift from New Atheism to embracing Christianity.
• [22:15] The influence of Jordan Peterson on drawing audiences to explore existential and spiritual questions.
• [34:10] Tips on engaging with atheist friends, neighbors, and coworkers using personal stories of faith.
• [48:03] Justin Brierley’s encouragement to not become disillusioned with the church and to be hopeful about the potential for spiritual rebirth.

Resources Mentioned:

• Justin Brierley's previous show: Unbelievable?
• Jordan Peterson Lectures in Genesis
• Tom Holland’s book: Dominion
• Ayaan Hirsi Ali's article: Why I Am Now a Christian

#LoveTheBible #JustinBrierley #AyaanHirsiAli #JordanPeterson #FaithJourney #CancelCulture #Christianity #SpiritualRebirth #UnbelievableShow #ExistentialQuestions

Show Credits:

• Executive Producer & Host: Kristin Nave
• Producer : Jay Lee - Provision Podcasts
• Media Designer: Bethany Young

Bio: Justin is a freelance writer, speaker and broadcaster who has become known for creating dialogues between Christians and non-Christians. Justin is passionate about creating conversations around faith, science, theology and culture. Through creative use of podcast, radio, print, video and social media, he aims to showcase an intellectually compelling case for Christianity, while taking seriously the questions and objections of sceptics.

• Justin has worked in radio, podcast and video for over two decades. Until April 2023 he was Theology & Apologetics Editor for Premier Christian Radio, and hosted the Unbelievable? radio show and podcast as well as the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast. Justin was also editor of Premier Christianity magazine from 2014-2018, for which he continues to