S2 E22. Engaging Islam: Controversy, Confrontation & Conversion

Hundreds of thousands attended Charlie Kirk's memorial service. Are we seeing a Kirk-inspired Christian revival or a rallying cry for Christian nationalism? Theologian Nijay Gupta and Christian writer Bethel McGrew join Justin Brierley to debate their different perspectives on the Charlie Kirk moment and his controversial statements on race and minorities.For Nijay Gupta: https://nijaykgupta.substack.com/p/if-you-are-elevating-charlie-kirk For Bethel McGrew: https://www.furtherup.net/  'Responding To The Rebirth' Conference: http://rebirthconference.net/ 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 signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/ Got feedback? Share it with us by emailing: [email protected] Ep 24 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-24-charlie-kirk The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1979 there were around 500 Christian converts in Iran. Today they number over 1 million. Despite intense persecution, Iran has the fastest growing church in the world. So why is Iran experiencing such a rebirth?Justin speaks to David Yeghnazar of ELAM, a ministry that supports the church in Iran, about why so many Muslims are turning to Christ. Farshid and Magda also share their stories of imprisonment and oppression, while holding on to an unshakeable hope. 'Responding To The Rebirth' Conference: http://rebirthconference.net/ 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 signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/ Got feedback? Share it with us by emailing: [email protected] Ep 23 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-23-iran The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Hatun Tash, a Christian evangelist to Muslims, was stabbed at Speakers Corner in London, it was a public reminder of the tensions that have arisen with the growth of Islam in the West. Justin Brierley examines the attraction of Islam to young converts and meets a new wave of Christian evangelists seeking to convert Muslims through confrontational tactics.Justin hears from evangelists such as Jay Smith and Vocab Malone, Muslim academic Saqib Sheikh, and converts including Hatun Tash and Ridvan Aydemir (aka Apostate Prophet). 'Responding To The Rebirth' Conference: http://rebirthconference.net/ 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 signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/ Got feedback? Share it with us by emailing: [email protected] Ep 22 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-22-engaging-islam-controversy-confrontation-conversion The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gen Z are increasingly open to faith, and a new breed of evangelist is reaching them. Justin speaks to 3 content creators reaching young people through social media, YouTube and hip-hop music. Jon McCray (aka 'WhaddoYouMeme') and Ruslan KD share why so many online influencers are talking about Christianity, while hip-hop artist Street Hymns shares how 'battle rapping' allows him to share the gospel in urban spaces. 'Responding To The Rebirth' Conference: http://rebirthconference.net/ 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 signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/ Got feedback? Share it with us by emailing: [email protected] Ep 21 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-21-the-new-evangelists-jon-mccray-ruslan-kd-amp-street-hymns The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are young women being left behind in the 'Surprising Rebirth'? Justin speaks to two Gen Z women who are embracing Christian faith from different ends of the political spectrum. Freya India, author of the substack GIRLS talks about the pressures facing young women, and why she has been drawn to faith. Lamorna Ash, author of 'Don't Forget We're Here Forever', talks about her 2-year road trip exploring different forms of Christian belief.US church leader Anna Morgan also joins the show to explain why, as young men return to faith, many young women feel alienated by church, and how to address the issue. 'Responding To The Rebirth' Conference: http://rebirthconference.net/ 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 signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/ Got feedback? Share it with us by emailing: [email protected] Ep 20 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-20-gen-z-girls The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When high-profile food critic and journalist Giles Coren revealed he had begun attending church as a 'lapsed atheist' he joined an increasing number of people now using that label to describe themselves. Justin Brierley investigates why other public figures like Konstantin Kisin, Louise Perry, Niall Ferguson, James Lindsay and Carl Benjamin are trying out church as 'lapsed atheists'. He also hears from a new breed of thinking atheists - Alex O Connor (aka Cosmic Skeptic) and Joe Folley (aka Unsolicited Advice) on what it would take for them to believe. But what moves 'lapsed atheists' towards Christian faith? Ross Douthat, author of 'Believe: Why everyone should be religious' offers advice, and Luke Thornton a young convert from atheism to Christianity tells his story. 'Responding To The Rebirth' Conference: http://rebirthconference.net/ 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 signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/ Got feedback? Share it with us by emailing: [email protected] Ep 19 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-19-lapsed-atheists The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two of the most influential bishops from the Anglican and Catholic church - NT Wright and Robert Barron - met for the first time in a live conversation chaired by Justin Brierley. Among many topics they discuss signs of a rebirth, re-engaging the Bible, JD Vance’s 'Ordo Amoris' controversy and whether Catholics and Protestants can share communion. Recorded in front of a live audience at the Word On Fire Conference, London. 'Responding To The Rebirth' Conference: http://rebirthconference.net/ 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 signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/ Got feedback? Share it with us by emailing: [email protected] Ep 18 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-18-ntw-barron The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NT Wright is Senior Research fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University, the former Bishop of Durham and a prolific author. Justin talks to Tom about his most recent book 'The Challenge of Acts'. How does the rise of the early church under the the Roman Empire - often through miracles, signs and wonders - speak to our post-Christian west and the modern search for meaning? Their conversation includes a deep dive into Paul’s famous stand off with the philosophers of Athens in Acts 17. What does the famous sermon on Mars Hill have to say to a church seeking to speak to a world that is often hostile to Christian faith? 'Responding To The Rebirth' Conference: http://rebirthconference.net/ NT Wright - The Challenge of Acts https://spckpublishing.co.uk/the-challenge-of-acts 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 signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/ Got feedback? Share it with us by emailing: [email protected] Ep 17 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-17-ntw-acts The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chart-topping bands, musicians and rappers are increasingly singing about God. Why? In this documentary episode Justin Brierley revisits the religious awakening of music stars such as Bob Dylan, Alice Cooper, Cliff Richard and U2 as veteran music journalist Steve Turner explains how faith influenced their music. Justin also speaks to TGC editor Brett McCracken about the current religious revival in rock and rap from musicians such as Stormzy, Mumford & Sons, Nick Cave and Coldplay. But there are pitfalls to being a celebrity music convert. Jon McCray (Whaddo You Meme), KD Ruslan and Nick Brewer share thoughts on the case of Kanye and the conflicted world of rap stars singing about faith. X-Factor contestant Talia Dean also shares her story of recently leaving the secular music industry after discovering something much bigger... God. 'Responding To The Rebirth' Conference: http://rebirthconference.net/ 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 signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/ Got feedback? Share it with us by emailing: [email protected] Ep 16 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-16-music The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a secular age, many have predicted the death of the church in the West. But with evidence of a 'Quiet Revival' in the UK, where are the new signs of life in the church? Justin Brierley recently joined a panel of journalists and church leaders to discuss the future of the church, with Nick Spencer of Theos chairing the conversation. Panellists: Daisy Scalchi, Head of Religion and Ethics, BBC Television   Madeleine Davies, senior writer for the Church Times  Mary Harrington, writer and author of Feminism Against Progress Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary of Churches Together in England  'Responding To The Rebirth' Conference: http://rebirthconference.net/ 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 signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/ Got feedback? Share it with us by emailing: [email protected] 'Responding To The Rebirth' Conference: http://rebirthconference.net/ Ep 15 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-15-does-the-future-have-a-church-theos-panel-live-in-london The conversation and audience Q&A was recorded live in London for the Theos Annual Lecture. The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices