A Shift in Intellectual Discourse: Belief in God Revisited
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The Changing Landscape of Belief
In a notable appearance on the Keep Hammering podcast with Cameron Hanes, Stanford neuroscientist Andrew Huberman openly stated his belief in God, sharing that he prays daily and has begun reading the Bible. This kind of admission would have been unthinkable for a respected public intellectual just a decade ago. At that time, science and atheism were often viewed as intertwined; the prevailing belief was that Darwinism and the Big Bang theory eliminated the need for more profound explanations about existence.
Yet, a subtle shift seems to be underway. Alongside Huberman, others are making similar declarations. Activist and former politician Ayaan Hirsi Ali recently revealed her identification as a Christian, citing the significance of Christianity to Western culture and her belief in a transcendent reality. She has even started attending church. Historian Tom Holland, in a 2016 article titled "Why I was wrong about Christianity," reflected on how his values fundamentally aligned with Christian principles, later describing the cross of Christ as a "true myth."
The Influence of Modern Thinkers
Another prominent figure, psychiatrist Dr. Iain McGilchrist, concluded his comprehensive work, The Matter With Things, with a detailed chapter on the sacred, wherein he expresses his belief in God—specifically, a form of panentheism. He also includes an extensive appendix that discusses the societal and individual benefits of religious belief.
Similar instances abound. From Huberman's personal faith to a renewed acknowledgment of Christianity's cultural or psychological significance, the narrative surrounding atheism appears to be evolving. Controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson has been posting Bible study discussions on his YouTube channel, featuring a group of academics examining the Old Testament. Regardless of one's views on his often heated engagement with cultural issues, these videos attract hundreds of thousands to millions of views. His lectures on the book of Genesis from 2017 have garnered over a million views each.
The Implications of This Shift
Determining the implications of these changes is complex. In an age dominated by the internet, declining legacy media, and waning trust in institutions, public intellectuals appear to be shifting away from traditional establishment narratives towards more accessible forms of engagement. Huberman's podcasts represent a personal viewpoint rather than an institutional one, allowing for greater openness about uncertainties and beliefs than in previous eras when rigid standards defined intellectualism.
However, the broader trend in the West does not necessarily indicate a growing Christian population; rather, it may reflect a continuation of a longstanding decline. Census data from the UK shows a marked decrease in individuals identifying as Christian. In the U.S., despite a rise in more fundamentalist, politically conservative Christianity, the overall decline in religious affiliation is accelerating.
A Temporary or Permanent Change?
What we are witnessing is not a sweeping transformation but rather a gradual shift. The individualism that characterizes contemporary society may render large-scale organized religion less likely for the foreseeable future. Yet, certain contexts reveal that public narratives about religion may be beginning to evolve.
This shift may stem from the dismantling of previously dominant narratives that supported atheism. One such narrative was the assumption that science possesses all the answers to human existence. Another was the belief that modern Western values are purely products of Enlightenment thinking, rather than being deeply rooted in religious traditions. As these assumptions have been challenged, more extensive discussions about faith have re-emerged in public discourse.
In addition, there may be growing discontent with the promises of secular, largely atheistic societies. Faith in perpetual progress, economic prosperity, and cultural pluralism has been undermined by global crises, including pandemics, climate change, and ongoing political strife. The concept of "progress," once a cornerstone of secular enlightenment values, has proven to be fraught with complications, prompting deeper inquiries into meaning, purpose, and the origins of our values.
Towards a Nuanced Dialogue
It is hoped that this newfound openness will foster healthier conversations around values and meaning, rather than a return to divisive debates pitting religion against atheism. The contributions of intellectuals like Holland and McGilchrist have enriched public discourse. However, the risk remains that in our polarized cultural landscape, nuanced discussions may be overshadowed by tribalism, where beliefs are appropriated for ideological battles. While serious intellectuals expressing their faith can be beneficial, the exploitation of such beliefs by figures like Candace Owens for culture war agendas is concerning. The hope is that the former will cultivate an environment conducive to open dialogue, counteracting the latter.