“Christian Revival” Or Right-Wing Culture In Disguise? - Alex O’Connor

Chris and Alex O’Connor discuss the current rise of Christianity in the west. Why is Christianity growing according to Alex O’Connor? Why is the political right seeing an increase in Christianity according to Alex O’Connor?
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[@ChrisWillx]

Hello you savages. Watch the full episode with Alex O'Connor here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpK1m2R4ZZqdr8k!! Get $350 off the Pod 4 Ultra at eightsleep.com/modernwisdom (use code MODERNWISDOM)

[@CloudWithoutASky]

Christianity has existed for 2000 years and will continue to exist with or without Americans. There is no "revival" because Christ has already risen.

[@RevellAndRepend]

I think the modern societal landscape is such a chaotic dumpster fire that more and more people start seeking out some structure and clearity.

[@ChickFenwick]

Seek within yourself

[@RevellAndRepend]

@@ChickFenwick Agreed

[@CloudWithoutASky]

Within yourself is a map that doesn't tell what is north and what is south. Within yourself is a chaos that pretends there is none.

[@Madonnalitta1]

Happened at the end of the First Kingdom in ancient Egypt, and at the end of Roman Empire too.

[@ChickFenwick]

@@CloudWithoutASky North is center. The center of yourself

[@greenpoprocket7965]

I don't know if it's a "Christian Revival" so much as people looking for a wholesome community outside of the internet. There's a lot to get involved with at church, like charity events or just helping out in the community on a regular basis.

[@BenBoydMindset]

Yeah the community feeling in society has been empty for a while , especially in London with new areas built - so many people keep to themselves

[@ChickFenwick]

There are many other ways to make friends and get involved in things

[@crassuscorax7731]

Definitely this. Secular people still have that desire to fulfill religious strivings like meaning, a caring community, etc. It only makes sense that right, conservative people would look back at Christianity and the local church. When you try to find it through the internet, you end up becoming an extremist or a rabid K-pop stan (but I repeat myself)

[@DanielGarcia-rx3kt]

Religion isn't necessary for building a community. At all. There are gaming communities that aren't religious. Book clubs aren't religious. Etc. It's community and acceptance that we social creatures really want, not religion. Religion can easily be discriminatory depending on which denomination you're in.

[@beansdestroyer]

This guy has the most myopic Redditor takes but he gets play because he has a nice accent

[@RedDevil_Joe]

7:18 Americans really aren’t aware how non religious britain is in comparison 😂 the amount of people who just say they are Christian because it’s traditionally a Christian country but nothing about their life has ever been religious.

[@JsBuonadonna]

England - and the whole rest of Europe for that matter - has a much, *much* longer history of religious stife than the US has. It's not all that surprising that religion doesn't play as big of a role in politics over there as it does here.

[@RedDevil_Joe]

@@JsBuonadonna no that’s true there are legitimate reasons, but it does seem to shock some religions Americans though 😂

[@JsBuonadonna]

@@RedDevil_Joe Well if more of us learned even a bit of that history, we'd understand why the Founders were real keen on the whole separation of church and state thing. But alas, we're not real big on the whole learning thing.

[@RedDevil_Joe]

@@JsBuonadonna 😂 well we are all (countries) like that in our own ways

[@peterkropotkin1158]

That's how it is in America for the most part as well, the only time people claim to be Christians is when they want to use it to discriminate against other people's rights, most of them couldn't give a shit about it otherwise in they're everyday life

[@pelgrim8640]

Lots of people commenting without having listened, apparently.

[@JsBuonadonna]

I read an article once that claimed that the fastest growing sect of Christianity in the US today was universalist/non-denominational Christianity. They pointed to the increasing politicization of the faith (especially in the Evangelical church) and desire to embrace an interpretation that points to more "liberal" values of acceptance, inclusiveness, and genuine care for their fellow man and the environment as major reasons.

[@kevintyrrell9559]

To me "liberalism" has been dragged more and more into the paradigm of the intersectional identitarian left which seems to promote a society where values such as victimhood, queerness, being non-normal etc are to be celebrated and embraced and as such incentivise people to seek out and indeed create identities and force acknowledgement of them on others is becoming a sort of new social currency and indeed claiming to be a victim of patriarchal society if others do not accept fully this claim. These values breed contempt for everyone, mistrust of everyone and seed bad faith as the only form of communication. As such liberalism is not secular anymore. Its being inculcated with an identitarian world view and belief system. The anathema to this is obvious. Christianity has always had a strong stoic leaning, is not concerned with victimhood in this life, has forgiveness at its very core and you are told to value every other person as if they were your own self...and try to understand and help them. Would it not be entirely more plausible that people seek refuge in Christian values, even if they arent believers...because it at least provides a set of values that dont breed utter contempt for everyone not in your tribe.

[@CoffeeAndSteel]

That's actually encouraging, and I hope it is true. So much of Christian beliefs aren't bad, but many are pretty antiquated still. I grew up in the church, was half raised in a cult, and now personally have landed more in an agnostic/universalism camp after studying folks like Bart Ehrman.

[@victoriousjoy9338]

Name one problem in society that liberalism has solved. I'll wait............. ...............???

[@JsBuonadonna]

@@victoriousjoy9338 If I did, you'd never bother reading any of it. Suffice to say, that question can't be answered neatly in 144 characters or less like you're clearly expecting it to. Or if you did you'd scoff at it and come up with some sort of mental gymnastics about how all the positive changes in society over the past are actually from conservatism, because maintaining the status quo and never challenging it somehow leads to changing it. I dunno, I'm tired. I've already argued with one wacko here who thinks everything in the world is a religion.

[@jonahworledge111]

@@victoriousjoy9338 solved, maybe not; but liberalism does mitigate the dangers of diverse political views. Of course, that is unstable. While a tolerant position has the advantage, all is well; but it allows intolerant positions to gain power till they cumulatively have the majority, hence modern chaos.

[@GAPIntoTheGame]

I feel like half the comment section just looked at the title and Alex got pissed and started fighting ghosts.

[@jgnogueira]

KZbin comment sections be like.

[@Mebzy]

It's definitely both a revival of the right wing and Christianity. I know people that have converted to Christianity in the UK and America. Personally I have moved closer towards Christianity and would identify myself something akin to a 'classical' liberal politically because I still like actual liberal values but I can't stand wokeism so it's pushing me more culturally to the right. While being a non-believer I have also begun to at least appreciate better certain Christian things Cathedrals as I have gotten older and learnt more about the world.

[@ChickFenwick]

Why would you join a cult just because you don’t like the other cult?

[@namorxx9679]

Same for me. Im from germany. I was an atheist for 35 years, now im kind of interested in christianity, not sure what will come out of that. 🫣

[@Mebzy]

@@ChickFenwick Well I'm not a Christian so I'm unsure what you are actually asking.

[@ChickFenwick]

@@MebzyYou said you’re moving closer to it. Moving backwards isn’t the answer

[@1milliondogs]

​@@ChickFenwick In my experience, most atheist secular types exhibit as much cult like behaviour as the average Christian. That might be different in countries like the USA though. Much, like the writer of the OP, I believe there has recently been something of a move towards Christianity for many people, but the political aspect is more to do with push back against the radically confused ideas that are so front and centre in today's culture. I'm not religious, though I admit that I am very open to the idea of certin aspects of spirituality.

[@lokidarkbeard2647]

Where do you think right wing culture originated? It's literally the result of Christian values.

[@sciencefliestothemoon2305]

What now? I wouldn't call Hindu right wingers based in Christianity.

[@lucianocasanova7356]

There are secular right wing values that tie more to what I call radical primitivism and less to do the preservance of religion and tradition.

[@lokidarkbeard2647]

@lucianocasanova7356 Yes, but it originated with Christianity, and without Christianity, it will devolve back to leftism.

[@jonahworledge111]

Indeed many left wing values are Christian values, unmoderated by other Christian values.

[@anus_presley]

😂😂

[@cartermayfield]

I’m a Christian and I have always viewed the term “cultural Christian” as a put-down. At its roots, Christianity is counter-cultural. It is interesting that people are self-applying the term.

[@Shawn-nq7du]

So, Alex these right wingers explain the growth of men going to church in Finland, more than doubling in the past eight years. Or, all the record number of baptisms that took place in France this Easter 2024. Or, the explosive growth of Christianity in Africa and Asia. It is not just a few well known right wingers changing this dynamic.

[@parkerfliedner8671]

“it’s only due to islam and wokeism.” also let’s not do anything about islam and wokeism

[@CoffeeAndSteel]

Statistically speaking, church attendance is on the decline. It has been on a downward trend since 1990, hardly seems like a revival to me.

[@dahliaherrod4301]

Only in the West. It's on the rise in Latin America, Asia and Africa.

[@tomk5684]

They are probably referring to Luke warm Christianity

[@dahliaherrod4301]

@@CoffeeAndSteel only in western countries. It's growing and thriving in Latin America, Asia and Africa. Check the numbers. God is good!

[@aesop1451]

Christian revival=Little Dark Age edits

[@TrunksG-or4s]

Bro what? Everything is now political?

[@DanielGarcia-rx3kt]

Well, yes. Since when isn't it? Politics quite literally affect our daily lives based on legislation passed based on the politics of lawmakers. Doesn't mean you need to make it your personality though

[@TrunksG-or4s]

@@DanielGarcia-rx3kt you can believe that all you want man, not me. That kind of thinking pisses me off. When people do things that make them feel a sense of meaning or happiness it doesn't mean it's political. Back in highschool, the last year, people criticized me for being right wing because I liked and practiced what David Goggins preaches. Like wtf does the right wing have to do with discipline? Personally I don't vote, I don't care about politics at all, why am I being labeled right wing or left wing?

[@barrydaemi6287]

​@TrunksG-or4s As leftists won the culture wars back in 2014, everything has become political. From one's choice of restaurant, entertainment, lifestyle, et cetera; it is all a political choice right now. It is utterly stupid, but that is the problem is leftism. Leftism views everything through power dynamics, and how power is distributed. At the core leftists believe in absolute power; the following phrase illustrates that core belief of theirs. "Possess power, exercise it. Lack power, crave and pursue it. All that matters is power." Politics is a game for power, and such leftists only seek to play politics. How else can they attain powerful? Anyways, you are considered a right winger because you don't conform to this political game of theirs. To be honest take it as a badge that you are a good person, who see people foremost as people and not as means to power and not as obstacles to power.

[@Gammadelta300]

​@barrydaemi6287 What famous leftist or well known leftist book has said that quote about craving power? Im asking because it just sounds like what the sith would say in star wars. Hence the confusion.

[@ip-sum]

"When everything is political, nothing is political any more, the word itself is meaningless."

[@Madonnalitta1]

We are reaching an end of things. People feel it and they're looking for firm ground before the storm arrives.

[@AndreComtois]

They said that when Ronald Reagan was in power. Its always the same shit from the fear mongers.

[@scotland_from_up_high7440]

Well said. Very insightful

[@MustbeTheBassest]

Said every one, since forever. But no, you're special.

[@jgnogueira]

Americans every time the economy is collapsing: “ThIs NeVeR hApEnEd BeFoRe,iS ThE eNd Of ThE wOrLd.

[@Dovahkiin0117]

@@jgnogueirathat and all the Christian circles I ran in growing up have a weird obsession with the “ends times” It is when their savior is supposed to show up

[@eduardomartin8510]

I will begrudgingly concede this, and it's also similar to other "revivals" like "traditionalism." They are ideas and cultures people adopt to be able to compete and change the environment and behavior of others. It doesn't mean they are wrong, as it serves a purpose, but it's not overt, and perhaps it's not overt even to those espousing those views. You could make the same argument for a number of things. For example it has been shown that when you turn off the amygdala (fear center of the brain, among other things), religiosity reduces in some people. In other words that segment of people in the study perhaps were religious out of fear and not just belief. Traditionalists advocate monogamy etc but it's pretty clear that the subconscious reason is because monogamy would increase the chances of getting a partner to change current market conditions. Again, it's not "wrong" but often the real reason is subconscious while being expressed as a movement, religion, belief, etc. The people espousing traditionalism may very well believe they DEEPLY believe in it while being unaware of their underlying subconscious motivation. Other belief systems do not escape this, by the way. For example feminism is a way to attain power and wealth regardless of decaying or impaired beauty, amongst other things. Leftism, particularly far left ideologies, have an overrepresentation of people with disabilities, less physical dominance, and higher mental disorders amongst its members. That's why morality and ethics are so difficult, it's almost impossible to untangle them from the "real" underlying motives.

[@Rave.-]

Respect. This comment section is a sea of very begrudging non-concession, so this certainly stands out.

[@eduardomartin8510]

@@Rave.- Ty, I think you are being somewhat sarcastic and I appreciate it. 🤣

[@Rave.-]

@@eduardomartin8510 oh no, i can see why you'd think so, but sadly I was being truthful. This comment section is a stunning display of denial. The concession, even begrudgingly, is pretty stark compared to the rest. And very refreshing.

[@KinzeHansebyner]

I can’t imagine how heavy hearted one must be to view everything through a cynical and political lens.

[@_MXRC_]

Aren’t most things political at their root ?

[@Sushipapi.]

​@@_MXRC_yeah? Explain?

[@rhmotes]

@@_MXRC_ No. Only authoritarians believe that.

[@TrunksG-or4s]

@@_MXRC_ No!!! I hate that kind of thinking it pisses me off. When people do things that make them happy it doesn't mean it's political. I got criticized back in highschool for being right wing because I liked and practiced what David Goggins preaches. Like wtf does the right wing have to do do with discipline?

[@beansdestroyer]

Not to mention atheism is political too

[@getthecats]

"right wingers getting upset about wokeism and Islam". The threat and toxic aspects of Islam is not a left or right wing issue. Wokeism breaks down easily at the biological and psychological level. Alex is really acting a fool here here.

[@semperfi2974]

I went from Christian to atheist to someone who wishes I would have just shut up and enjoyed being in the Christian culture. Even if it gave us nothing more than a thin cultural thread that bound us together, despite our differences. That was something.. now all that’s left is the worship of money and stuff.

[@crassuscorax7731]

It makes you wonder if most Christians throughout history were even that strong believers. They believed, for sure, but maybe they also went to church because it was the best place in town, filled with their people. For many, that place is gone now and the alternatives offered up are vapid and cynical, lacking in fulfillment.

[@henrytep8884]

Nietzsche told us to do something about this since the 1800s. It’s not like we weren’t given the challenge to wise up.

[@HMuny55]

Thats an amazing perspective I think many share with you.

[@SawBlade11]

Why do you have to worship anything?

[@losttribe9107]

God didn't leave you, you left God. Invite him back.

[@greentheam629]

Listen to the question at 0:00 , they are specifically discussing the "political dimension " of this issue

[@Rave.-]

The vitriol in the comments shouldn't shock me given that Alex will make people have to think, and that's clearly an uncomfortable or untenable position for them. But hey, at the very least, it's entertaining.

[@raff723]

I think it's just the opposite. he offers nothing but his personal feelings about the subject. i doubt he has read much about it or even sought out these new "revivalists" to get their perspective. he comes off as a solipsistic arse.

[@Rave.-]

@@raff723 thank you for informing me that you haven't watched a single other thing from Alex beyond this clip. At least now I know who I'm talking to. I also have to (genuinely, this time) thank you for teaching me a new word today. Silver linings, I suppose.

[@dahliaherrod4301]

I'm a bit disappointed by Alex in this clip. I was ready for him to dig into this interesting phenomenon and discuss nuances. Instead I got dismissal from someone who clearly doesn't know just how many well known people in different fields have announced their submission to Christ. I wish he just said "I don't know what that's about Chris."

[@Rave.-]

@dahliaherrod4301 his recent discussions with Justin Brierley might shed some light in that regard. I think he's a bit dismissive here only in summary, as he's been talking about it a lot lately. Probably just kind of sick of it lol. I will agree in part though, not the usual tone from Alex.

[@jgnogueira]

@@raff723and did you read much about it? I am a Christian and I all i see from these new Christians are quotes from books they didn’t read.

[@pokawolf24]

If the concept Islamophobia is used in conversation. Isn't there Christianophobia being expressed in the other direction?

[@Nickers19]

How so many unobservant and thoughtless individuals(at least thats what they display here) wrote so many comments??😅

[@Jerzius]

Holy moly Alex O'connor truly is the gift that keeps on giving!

[@markmooroolbark252]

Why?

[@MichaelGMoney]

Chris wearing an old school fall out boy shirt? That's their best album!

[@ThatDonna]

When the world shut down, many people realized they actually never had a community, and communities are really important. Also, during Covid, my included, I finally understood what real misogynism and evil were. Once you see it, you can't unsee it.

[@joshuarramos]

As an Active Participating American Christian, this is exactly what I'm tracking when observing the religion. It seems that it's also a fad in the celebrity public arena.

[@PullsPressesCarries]

Everyone is a political philosophical genius these days huh

[@sciencefliestothemoon2305]

Don't worry, you won't qualify yet

[@pelgrim8640]

Alex O'Connor effectively studied philosophy and theology.

[@nateg3417]

I don’t think people in these comments actually understood what Alex was saying.

[@drockopotamus1]

He was bumbling quite a bit, tbh. His assessment also relies on culture war being any sort of important to the question, which it isn't. Most religious people aren't perpetually-online.

[@Nickers19]

​@@drockopotamus1culture war isnt strictly segregated to the internet

[@garbonomics]

I think I entirely did. To be frank he didn’t say much at all. He was all over the place and didn’t really take a coherent position on anything.

[@nateg3417]

@@garbonomics I think he said exactly what he meant to say, and he said it quite clearly. He didn't take a hardline stance on what's happening because it is complex and he recognizes that. This is what's good about Alex - he's not a grifter who spouts off controversial tribal-line positions for the sake of thumbnail headlines.

[@pperrinuk]

7:30 - The British have always been wary of zealots. We didn't care about peoples religion because we trusted them to put the stewardship off their office ahead of personal beliefs. But now we do have zealots in every area of public life -- if we are to have zealots rather than trusted stewards then it matters very much what their zealotry is.

[@polishpimp4233]

all religions or ideologies are susceptible to zealotry. Trust me this woke crap has plenty of zealots in it too.

[@soapghost007]

Honestly, I became a Christian recently because there's such an outpour of Evil happening, not just in America, but all around the World. The same thing happened during WW2. If you can see Evil with your eyes, you'll believe it. Which attracts the opposite response - Where can I believe in something Good? I was beginning to ask myself, almost daily. And more and more people, like myself, are finding their answer. ✝💜

[@sgt7]

I would say that the bible belt does have a counter part in the UK - viz,. parts of Northern Ireland. "Dr" Ian Paisley had strong links with leaders in the US bible belt.

[@Nahid.n.]

Where is the whole interview?

[@garbonomics]

His position on this seems incoherent. I consider myself a secular person, which, as far as I’m concerned, is interchangeable with being an atheist. However, I also acknowledge that a significant portion of Western culture has fundamental roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition. This tradition has imparted a moral and ethical framework that is worth preserving and underpins in many respects how the West operates. It is certainly preferable to the Islamic tradition, which in many ways is incompatible with the values that have developed over 2000 years of Christian influence.

[@SEKreiver]

I can attest that Christianity is growing in my community.

[@australiangirl850]

There are some great guidelines in Religion that can lead to a better wellbeing. I can't see anything wrong with the basic guidelines, the problem exists only with people misusing Religion. They often don't use Religion to better their lives, they use it to control & have power over others instead, which is why Religious Institutions fell out of favour to begin with. I have been considering some form of spiritual practice/ belief system myself recently. It can be a form of great connection & peace if used correctly imo.

[@kennamustang50]

The ideological movement of this new "Christianity", is essentially Jordan Peterson's idea/ approach in the 12 rules for life. It's a frame work of morality to live your life by. One may not know whether they beleive or not, but they understand that there are parables that aide in the difficultly of life. The general idea is if you don't believe in anything, you will fall for everything. It's the idea that the "old" way is there because it worked, but you still want to progress to improve the flourishing of life, and the progressive answer has to be better than what was there before. Just because it is a new answer, doesn't by default make it better. Sam Harris also touches on this. As I understand, Sam Harris wants progress, but not just any "Progressive" idea will work. The aim is for Progress that actually works better than the established way. I am explaining in generalities so as to cover the broader complexities in life. I do speculate, and concede, that there is a more militant style of Christianity that is there that wants revenge, and domination, because they beleive this "Progressive woke SJW" Culture has proven to be wrong. This, I beleive, is an authroitrium style Christianity that is rising, and choosing to neglect the USA constitution, and Bill of rights. You will see this when these "Christians" get insulted, and they themselves try to cancel others. All of a sudden 1st amendment Freedom of speech is not adhered to by the same people who professed it for over the past decade and a half. In short the established old way is there for a reason, and if there is a better way, for instance invention/being creative, then that may be the way to move forward in the future.

[@ifstatementifstatement2704]

No. Christianity and right wing culture share some values. More than with the left. That’s why it appears as if Christians are right wing. As a Christian I know there’s a lot of fundamental differences between Christianity and right wing culture. Starting with evolution lol.

[@SolarisBali]

Alex has a good look going

[@goldencrush]

Neptune 29° Pisces. Hanged Man + High Priestess Uranus in Taurus Hierophant + The Fool Pluto transit into Aquarius Judgement + The Star

[@goldencrush]

The combination of The High Priestess and The Hanged Man is a powerful one that speaks to the need for spiritual surrender and exploration. This combination can indicate a time of inner contemplation and introspection, where the focus is on listening to one's inner voice and trusting the journey. The High Priestess and The Hanged Man combination can suggest the need to surrender to the unknown and let go of control, in order to receive deeper insight into one's life path. Together, these two cards provide a reminder of the importance of spiritual development and the role that inner wisdom plays in life's journey.

[@goldencrush]

the Fool and the Hierophant embody the journey from innocence to enlightenment. The Fool represents the beginning of the journey, the leap of faith into the unknown. The Hierophant represents the wisdom and guidance that we seek as we travel along the path. This combination suggests that we are at the beginning of a new journey, one that requires us to step out of our comfort zone and embrace the unknown. We must be willing to take risks, to explore new ideas and experiences, and to trust ourselves and the universe. At the same time, we may be seeking guidance or wisdom from a teacher, mentor, or spiritual advisor. We need someone who can guide us through the challenges and pitfalls of this journey, who can help us make sense of the mysteries of life. The combination of the Fool and the Hierophant reminds us that the journey is both personal and universal, and that we are not alone on our quest for meaning and purpose. With courage, curiosity, and guidance, we can find our way along the path to enlightenment.

[@goldencrush]

When The Star and The Judgment cards appear together in a tarot reading, it suggests a time of significant personal transformation. The combination of these cards signifies a renewal of hope, a rebirth of the spirit, and a chance to start over. It is a reminder that we have the power to create our reality and the opportunity to change our lives for the better. The Star and The Judgment combination can also indicate a period of personal evaluation and an acknowledgment of past mistakes. It encourages the seeker to take responsibility for their actions and make amends, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. In conclusion, The Star and The Judgment tarot card combination holds a powerful message of hope and renewal. This combination inspires us to trust our intuition, have faith in our journey, and take responsibility for our actions. Together, these cards offer insights into our past, present, and future, providing us with the tools we need to create a fulfilling life.

[@jefframey9561]

I don’t know what other people’s opinions are? I just pontificate

[@comegetzome]

i definitely think it is. if its not, i almost think it would be worse. I'm not convinced that a christian revival is going to be a net-positive thing for the US, let alone the world

[@barnastil591]

Can I get some context on this? Anyone who this guy is and why we should care?

[@mathew9851]

This "Christian revival" is like call of duty making continuous remastered games because theyve run out of options.

[@sophie800]

I'm a Christian but Alex 😍

[@kabaduck]

Really nice to hear the misconceptions coming out of this guy, his mind and perception is so twisted it's pretty funny

[@Nickers19]

And what's wrong with what he is saying

[@youtubelisk]

Christianity is a centralized source of information. If you believe in the revival or not, have proof of it or not, can argue your points or not doesn't matter if you reap the benefits of prayer, community and belonging. Consult with your spiritual leader though cause it does have side effects, nothing is for free.

[@RobJaeger]

I highly recommend Sean McDowell to talk about any Christian topic.

[@minimatemasterworks]

Either way let's hope they both succeed.

[@Dram1984]

Very based.

[@MiyamotoMusashi9]

Lots of "isms" Only one "IST"

[@Jeddacoder]

AtheIST?

[@JsBuonadonna]

Fascist? Imperialist? Cultist? Lost of IST's out there...

[@DanielGarcia-rx3kt]

I think your attempt at something clever mIST.

[@MiyamotoMusashi9]

@@DanielGarcia-rx3kt keep guessing.

[@MiyamotoMusashi9]

@@DanielGarcia-rx3kt missed

[@parkers969]

I think it’s part of the political swing right. People like Mikhaila Peterson becoming more religious seems like a virtue signal. I’m semi conservative, but any time I see a large swath of one political party move towards a religion, my brows go up.

[@andrewharris3900]

It’s just not showing in Church attendance numbers which continues to decline. All there is, is a small group of vociferous people going about telling everyone who’ll hear it that they’re Christian now. A right wing version of virtue signalling.

[@MJeeEm-fg8md]

What Alex says about most of the people reacting against the vacuum and wokeness already being conservative is pure conjecture, what about people like me, who were once borderline 'woke' but now have an appreciation for Christianity and are fed up with meaningless and destructive far left radicalism that had a free pass for so long? He's not demonstrating nuance.

[@Bingcenzo]

9:32 The appropriate amount of product placement.

[@0rderNCha0s]

Speaking as a former materialistic atheist, spirituality is clearly making a return, and I believe this phenomenon is not influenced by the current political climate. Brian Muraseku's The Immortality Key draws many parallels to psychedelic consumption and suggests that these rites of passage formed the early church. It's interesting that the resurgence of 'Christianity' or 'Spirituality' at large coincides with this 'revival.' I recommend everyone check out Brian's work. Personally, it seems as though Christ's return was never meant to be a man coming down from the sky or being born as a human messiah. I think it is a spirit, an aspect of consciousness that will permeate through people. I believe this 'spirit,' once encapsulated by the institution of the church, has escaped the confines of the corrupt institutions that claim to represent it. In the Bible, Christ said, “When you enter the city, a man carrying a jug of water will meet you." The parallel to the Age of Aquarius, symbolized by the man with the water pitcher, is uncanny. Water being synonymous with Gnosis (knowledge) also makes it extra spooky. Thanks, Chris and Connor, for the great chats.

[@steppedonmyglasses]

Why all the negative comments? I think It's a nuanced view about a phenomenon we are currently experiencing. And Alex did say "this doesn't apply to those who really believe in Christianity"

[@markmooroolbark252]

But who is he to make the judgement on who the real believers are? If someone says they are an atheist I don't presume to lecture them on their true belief and subconscious motivations for making their claim. I just take them at their word. Why can't Alex and others afford those who claim to be Christian the same courtesy?

[@RosiG73]

Oh boy. Really, Chris, this guy? Why don’t you have him on with Douglas Murray?

[@Nickers19]

They gotta do it. Also Alex is superb

[@benvo9945]

This comment section could teach a thing or two to our guest here

[@jgnogueira]

you really think he never read these type of comments before? Lmao, they are not new they are everywhere on Christian KZbin( I am Christian btw, I just think your comment is stupid)

[@benvo9945]

@@jgnogueira you missed the point

[@rykertrombly]

I think the dude needs to look in a mirror and realize nobody with self-respect will take his advice. I’m not trying to turn into a mean looking 14 year old girl.

[@Nickers19]

And how do you know that? You exrapolate your opinion onto everybody else? What was he wrong about?

[@rykertrombly]

@@Nickers19 I’m talking shit because I don’t agree with him. Welcome to the internet. Come back when you turn 18.

[@Nickers19]

@rykertrombly So foolish and immature then. Instead you could say something constructive like explain why you disagree, but you instead choose to babble

[@rykertrombly]

I quit listening to the show because apparently Wisdom means just having as many opinions as you possibly can and hoarding those opinions as a safety blanket

[@15walkingaway]

I'm suspicious of Islam. And Christianity. And Judaism. Etc etc

[@kevintyrrell9559]

That's a very presumptuous statement to be making by Alex that the christian revival is political in nature and some right wing phenomenon. Is it maybe a desire to retreat from politics and seek refuge in some traditions and traditional values in a society that is being driven by the left to becoming ever more vacuous maybe? Why does it have to be about prayer or belief in so much as it is about preserving a tradition which is familiar and valuable to some. Its just as much a desire to have stability and a retreat from politics in a world driven demented by the politics of identity and grievance. Christianity has stoicism and values more in kind with charity and forgiveness and normal people want to preserve that too. Not endless back biting, victim status and complaining. If the whako left has its way forgiveness, charity, good faith and belief that identity doesn't determine anything of your worth as a person...will all disappear and we will be left as tribes who cant communicate, have nothing in common and no choice but to act in bad faith because nobody will be inherently be able to trust anyone or their motivations.

[@three_owl_night]

It wasn't presumptuous, it was quite a correct observation. Christianity, in its essense, is a belief that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. When people adopt some practises of the religion because they want to preserve tradition or get to a more peaceful life, they aren't being "Christians". That "revival" is not "Christian" because it is detached from Christ. That, obviously, doesn't mean that the desire is bad, it is quite the opposite. I just don't think marrying it to the concept Christianity is either correct or necessary.

[@B1ggz13]

Alex is fantastic

[@fallacypolice]

False dichotomy right off the bat (2 things can be true) so…. Good interview though Chris- stay open.

[@ip-sum]

Alex goes hard

[@losttribe9107]

I really like this podcast, but as a Christian, quite amazed at how clueless these two were concerning the faith. Amazing really.

[@matthewzang6688]

Could you give specifics? In what parts were they clueless, and how would you rectify their position?

[@jpcastanedav]

​@@matthewzang6688 it's not the place and I also I don't have all the philosophical background, I'm just a humble earth scientist and a practising Christian, but culturally, the west has Jewish and Christian values. New atheists like Dawkins are waking up to that reality, maybe pushed by fear of Islam's growth in the West, but Christianity is more than just a cultural setting. It's a faith which isn't western necessarily. The largest growing Christian churches today are not in the West, but in places diametrically opposed to it, like China and Iran (underground churches). Christian faith is more deep and nuanced than the particular type of American republican-voting Christian that they're describing here :)

[@henrytep8884]

@@jpcastanedavthe west has Christian, Jewish and Greek/Roman value. Why do people always forget the Greek/Roman value. Also Alex clueless about Christian belief and faith? Did you not see his Jordan b person interview? I’m sorry, Alex is more clued in on what Christianity means than 99.9% of people professing to be Christians.

[@losttribe9107]

@@matthewzang6688 I could go on quite a tome here, but I will attempt to be brief. It is a harsh statement - yes. But they really are. It is difficult to describe the spiritual nature of Christianity to someone who isn't a Christian. I realize that might sound very odd to you, but let me try to explain. Basically, Christianity is the belief in Jesus - his life, death and resurrection as an atonment for sin. Paramount in this is the issue of faith - "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" as quoted from Hebrews - "for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith" as quoted from Ephesians. Basically, trust and an unshakeable belief - an odd and tall order for someone unfamiliar with Christian teachings. Faith opens your heart to the Holy Spirit, and that is when the magic starts to happen. The Holy Spirit works within you and you change (reborn - as symbolized by baptism) and you literally see most all things in this world in a different light. There is a feeling of peace and contentment. A realization that you are not alone on your journey. God is in charge. And the reliance (faith) in him grows as you walk with him. Please don't be confused, this isn't a diet plan or a 10 point self help program...and it is quite different from other "religions", as it is God reaching down to man with Jesus as atonement for sin. It also involves the concept of free will. Either you accept Jesus, or you reject Jesus - very simple. That's the best short version I can give...I would recommend you take 2 hours out of your life and read through the gospel of John - how could it hurt? I wish you well.

[@raff723]

@@jpcastanedav modern western society is widely influenced by the catholic church, right up to the Enlightenment, at least.

[@seanmurphy7011]

An atheist decides that someone else doesn't believe their own beliefs. Nice.

[@aquili1]

What does that have to do with Atheism. Are you deciding atheists dont believe in their own belief? 🤔

[@DaddydorfThirstmire]

Said like there aren't millions of Christians doing the exact same thing in reverse.

[@matthewzang6688]

I like when Jordan Peterson said to Matt Dillahunty in their debate that atheists aren’t really atheists, they just think they are. Go watch it. Also, you can only quit smoking through a mystical experience on magic mushrooms. 😂

[@RedDevil_Joe]

Well as religious people should know…humans are very inclined to pretend

[@seanmurphy7011]

@@aquili1the atheist in this interview is deciding whether or not others believe what others believe

[@Imbecilogiapodcast]

When you have all traditional values being pushed down and labelled as something not desirable, archaic and even offensive to some people I feel it's simply natural that they will tend to go to the other side of the spectrum, in today's society it's normal to see material success being glamorized even by the people who say to be against the system (kinda ironic but this is another topic), fame, clout, etc, on the other side some men just want to live a simple life and not feel ashamed by doing so, I can see a small influence of politics on it but it isn't nowhere near as much as how Alex emphasized (as a reaction against wokeism and those kind of things), it's something that was bound to happen sooner or later.

[@Prymul]

Ahh yes, common sense is so crazy now that it has to be labelled right wing.

[@7QHook]

instead of saying 'right wing' you should say the 'k u f r'

[@alyzak.8997]

OH NO! Not right-wing culture! The horror xD

[@sharkattack99]

There is Christology and Ecclesiology and they overlap.. yet you guys know neither of them.

[@DanielGarcia-rx3kt]

Chances are you don't either. The fact these names aren't brought up means they're that unimportant and unknown. Oof.

[@sharkattack99]

@@DanielGarcia-rx3kt Yeah, sure.

[@dahliaherrod4301]

​​@@DanielGarcia-rx3kthold on. Let me make sure I'm clear here. You've never personally heard these terms so they aren't real or important?

[@Lakoda26]

Another atheist telling us what faith is. 🙄

[@DanielGarcia-rx3kt]

In case you didn't realize, religious people don't know what faith is either. None of you can agree on anything but you feel perfectly comfortable criticizing others instead of yourselves. Look at all the accountability none of you have for your people of authority.

[@beansdestroyer]

Not to mention most atheists who call themselves atheists as a label use it politically

[@JsBuonadonna]

@@beansdestroyer I've never heard an atheist use the term in a "political" manner.

[@beansdestroyer]

@@JsBuonadonna have you never heard of athiesm + ?

[@JsBuonadonna]

@@beansdestroyer Nope, can't say I have. Though I'd imagine I would have if any of the atheists I knew were as political about their beliefs (or rather lack thereof) as you seem to insist they are.

[@draugrdraugr]

Don't believe in God, never been religious. This man is insufferable and just hating, but he happily projects misinformed negativity on to something he doesn't seem to have even looked into. Why platform him?

[@CoffeeAndSteel]

He's popular, and in all his own content he comes off fairly pretentious, which is unfortunate because I think he has some good insight into things. It's just depressing to listen to lol.

[@raff723]

He's a right old git.

[@MiyamotoMusashi9]

Ask RenéGirard

[@blw1138]

Very disappointing and dismissive interview

[@RosiG73]

I feel so sorry for Alex O’Connor.

[@markmooroolbark252]

Sorry Alex- you are being very presumptuous. Perhaps you need to listen to Russell Brand and Douglas Murray rather than make long distance judgements about their beliefs.

[@dentman67]

He's so wrong on this. He's too blinded by politics on this. Less God, more chaos. Look around.

[@rossbreckenridge3322]

More God also means more chaos. Just look at the Middle East since 2001. From Al-Qaeda to Islamic State, God's been striking the Middle East with chaos for quite some time... And don't forget Isreal and Palastine.

[@AM2K2]

Very simplistic outlook you have there

[@winklenator]

When you look at the amount of war rooted in religion, you would say differently. I respectfully disagree.

[@davidpowell3469]

It is the woke identity politics, and millions of illegal immigrants (and the crazy religious zealots) that are the problem. Unfortunately the rules out both political parties in the US.

[@Roldycasual]

Christian A "are you a Christian?" Christian B "yes" Christian A "do you believe in God?" Christian B "Nah, just need something against Islam, the woke, and Russia" Christian A " The Lord works in mysterious ways"

[@billbadson7598]

In fairness, he's coming from a particular frame of reference (which is alien to me). There is a certain type of british nationalist atheist who sees the Church of England as a sort of cultural thing that they cling to, despite not actually believing the things professed by the faith. In particular I get this impression from Carl Benjamin/Sargon of Akkad. He's an atheist who supports the "idea" of Christianity, of Christian heritage, etc, but more as an ethnic decoration and tool of social cohesion than as an actual faith in and relationship with Christ.

[@Roldycasual]

​@@billbadson7598 I agree. For me however I think too much weight is given the Christianity for Western European values when those values are more cumulative than just Christianity. I am fine with folks referencing themselves as cultural Christians but am suspicious to those who blur the line when questioned.

[@billbadson7598]

@@Roldycasual I agree with you there. There are lots of blurred lines where someone may think they're being "culturally Christian," when in fact a particular belief or set of beliefs is not Christian at all.

[@mattanderson6672]

I was a militant atheist for 30 years. Yes, I've found God recently on a personal level, and I think we need God to guide our morals in society

[@ClaireGreen-wd2gm]

So what changed your mind

[@alyzak.8997]

good for you

[@scottwilliams1623]

I once had a comment given to me that if you aren't a leftie before you are 30, there is probably something wrong with you, but if you are still a leftie after you are 30, there is probably something wrong with you. On reflection, although I do not totally agree I do think that Alex O'Connor is just a kid who is not more mentally developed than I was as a uni student. I know next to nothing about him, but I presume that he hasn't been long away from university because he is still in the pondering the world phase that is what we should indulge in at university, and yet to have much of a real understanding of the world and life. I tend to think that while religion is very attractive idea for the majority of this planet as most of the world is hopelessly poor and faith provides the hope that allows them to avoid descending into depression. Maybe the return of many to Christianity is a desire to put on stake in the ground to where they see their values, as they are currently heavily challenged. I imagine in another 25 years, Alex O'Connor will hold very different views and might have digested some thought worth listening to, but he is a very long way from that stage right now.

[@OdditiesandRarities]

this guys just an extra woke extra left wing sam harris

[@monztermovies]

Everyone is looking for answers. The new found interest in Jesus by all these KZbinrs is odd.

[@davagevorriose8046]

This guest seems to be grasping at straws; I don't think he understands what he is trying to describe. I can't speak for others, but nothing he is saying rings true for me.

[@nateg3417]

He’s simply pointing out that a lot of the high profile people publically barking for Christianity, such as Jordan Petersen, aren’t actually professed Christians.

[@davagevorriose8046]

​@@nateg3417 That's a little disingenuous. He spoke to what he imagined were their mindsets and motivations and rationales. Again, I can't speak for other people, maybe he's right about some, but none of it rang true for me.

[@vasfar9]

Authoritarian-State. Authoritarian-Vatican. Authoritarian-Senates. Authoritarian-Usrael. Authoritarian-Money. Authoritarian-Davos. Authoritarian-Politician. Authoritarian-Church. Authoritarian-Parties. Authoritarian-Left/Rigth. Authoritarian-Allies.

[@kalplays9922]

Those two things are an overlapping Venn diagram that’s almost a complete circle

[@user-xc9le1pm5l]

As a Christian I definitely agree that they overlap to a significant extent but I do think there has been a sizeable and genuine rediscovery of the Good News in recent years here in the West!

[@thatomofolo452]

PQ

[@notbdour]

Always love seeing Alex on!

[@crassuscorax7731]

To me it's that they want to be an atheist in a Christian society over other kinds of societies. It's better and more familiar to Westerners than Islam, which often punishes atheism in its modern state. Meanwhile, secularism has uncovered a gaping pit inside people's hearts and minds that they try to fill by committing themselves to fandom or wacky political ideology. Secular nations also have a bad habit of reducing their people to data points on a spreadsheet because they have no other way to consider them. It's not stewardship but the administrative state, managing people and inviting more in as wholly transposable units of tax cattle. This is largely behind the criticisms of globalism and immigration, two huge issues for the internet-literate populist right. So they think, "back to a Christian society it is. But not ME though, I'm an atheist." It's more tasteful to them than office cubicle neo-feudalism. Like it or not, religion was the strongest community-enforcing mechanism we had and losing it has caused a lot of issues. Turns out the footie wasn't strong enough. The left copes with its new secular religion by remaking the pride flag every few years, while the right seethes at the fact they weren't born 100 years earlier.

[@jt-oz]

This guy is assuming other people's intent without every having spoken to them about it. Terrible bad faith and poor analysis of the situation. Zero attempt to understand other people's concerns or motivations. How arrogant.

[@chrisbeauchamp5563]

Non religious here, the older I get the more I understand maybe religion is something humans need. Christianity has made the west as strong as it’s been and knitted it all together. Go to the Duamo in Milan which took 500 years to build, could we do that today? Seriously think about it the people that placed the first stone never benefited. from the final building. Perhaps that’s something society needs people working toward a higher power rather than what will generate a capital return within the next 5 years.

[@ClaireGreen-wd2gm]

And yet most churches are about money. Especially Catholic church

[@chrisbeauchamp5563]

@@ClaireGreen-wd2gmagreed if it’s not money it’s power, but and here’s the but the net cost of that seems to be less than the benefit to society in uniting its members to a common cause/belief.

[@Nickers19]

So what you are saying is we need a common cause that we strive fo rand feel united while pursuing it?Thats great. Let's do it without religion. Also for the building of many Catholic chruches a lot of very needed at the time money for food was collected. They are pretty richly ornamentwd and that comes from somewhere...

[@chrisbeauchamp5563]

@@Nickers19 essentially yes but I’m not sure humans can do it without religion. One thing the religion does do well is keeps the highest people accountable because there is something even higher than them. Im not saying that it is perfect or subject to abuses but there is the mechanism. Don’t get me wrong I don’t believe for a second in god, but enough people do that god to all intents and purposes is real. As for the money you won’t get me sticking up for the Catholic Church but I will say is not black and white. A large project like a cathedral employed thousands of labourers.

[@Nickers19]

@chrisbeauchamp5563 Yeah, that's true about the workers, but the problem is am not sure how well they were paid. It's not all black for sure though. I am not convinced the belief in God impedes them from commiting bad or even heinous acts. You can just look at the current state of the church, especially the Catholic one and its history to know why

[@michaelsapienza8749]

😬😬😬

[@Arielelian]

Not a Christian revival. As a Christ follower, I can say with certainty that such a thing has not occured. Given the turbulence in the world, it's more likely an attempt to return to traditional culture and traditional spiritualism. The new age spiritualism and political ideologies have left people still feeling empty and disconnected, thus "Christianity" (on an organizational sense) seems like the logical return.

[@therock1232100]

How about Wokeness...Laughable video

[@Rabbitthateats]

this guy thinks he is smarter than he is. but is stuck in a directionlet mindset of left vs. right rah rah my team vs. their team bullshit

[@rano12321]

i still don't understand why anyone takes this guy seriously.

[@acetate909]

Don't worry, hardly anyone does

[@jt-oz]

This clip is so bad it earned an unsub.

[@brianz7861]

Those are some limp wrists sister!

[@johnmorrison2894]

Conservatism and religiosity are selected for and are genetic because of it. I think Alex really needs to look into the works of Ed Dutton at the jolly heretic well he can check his speculation with scientific proof since he loves that stuff

[@PuertoRicanBoi127]

as a Christ follower, and American, I’d love to know where he thinks the religious “right” is strong, and has numbers or influence. dude, where? Lol. I don’t think he understands what he thinks he understands. the constitution was outlined and formed under judeo-christian values. so that’s literally why America VS the UK looks different and has looked different.