Why are some atheists becoming Christians?

On this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman welcomes theologian and scientist Dr. Alister McGrath for a thought-provoking conversation on the relationship between science, faith, and the rise of New Atheism. Together, they examine the influence of voices like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, and how their arguments have ironically led some to consider the Christian faith more seriously. 

Drawing from Dr. McGrath’s book Coming to Faith Through Dawkins, the discussion highlights powerful stories of former atheists who encountered Christ through intellectual inquiry and personal reflection. This episode encourages believers to approach cultural and scientific questions with both clarity and compassion, showing how reason and faith can work hand in hand in today’s world.

Summary

• (00:59): Introducing Dr. Alister McGrath
• (02:00): Dr. McGrath's journey from Atheism to faith
• (05:02): Current ministry and reflections on faith in the UK
• (07:58): The New Atheism movement
• (09:15): Personal stories of faith transformation
• (19:01): Critique of Richard Dawkins and New Atheism
• (24:42): Contributors and their unique journeys
• (29:10): The misuse of history by New Atheists
• (34:34): The myth of conflict between science and faith
• (38:51): Old Atheists vs. New Atheists
• (43:21): The role of faith in the scientific community
• (50:24): The impact of the pandemic on Scientism
• (56:16): The importance of personal faith stories

Resources

• Ask Us Anything: [e-mail]
• Alister E. McGrath
• Coming to Faith Through Dawkins: 12 Essays on the Pathway from New Atheism to Christianity
• The Dawkins Delusion?
• C. S. Lewis: A Life 
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Subscribe to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim Denison
• Stand. Engage. Transform. summer campaign.

About Dr. Alister McGrath

Dr. Alister E. McGrath is a former atheist who studied natural sciences at Oxford before switching to theology and becoming an Anglican priest. He served as the Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at the University of Oxford from 2014 to 2022. He holds three doctorates from Oxford in molecular biophysics, theology, and intellectual history. McGrath is also the author of the international bestseller The Dawkins Delusion?, as well as C. S. Lewis: A Life and his latest book, .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}