The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God S2 E13. The Orthodox Boom: New converts to an ancient faith
Jun 3, 2025
Fr Andrew Stephen Damick, an Orthodox priest and author, discusses the unexpected rise of interest in the Orthodox Church, particularly among young men. John Mark Reynolds, a scholar and convert, shares insights on the unique allure of Orthodoxy's mystical rituals. Martin Shaw, a storyteller, recounts his transformative forest vigil leading him to faith, while Ridvan Aydemir, an ex-Muslim YouTuber, shares his journey to Eastern Orthodoxy. Together, they explore the church's growing appeal in a post-pandemic world, highlighting a quest for deeper spiritual connection.
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Orthodoxy's Bodily Discipline Appeal
- Orthodoxy appeals by involving the body and demanding discipline, unlike therapeutic Western Christianity.
- Its unchanging ritual forms a sacred, embodied experience that resonates with young men craving challenge.
Single Men Drawn to Orthodoxy
- Single men convert to Orthodoxy at higher rates, often seeking solutions amid social and personal struggles.
- Orthodoxy offers a timeless, whole-person engagement with faith, filling a void left by societal failures.
Paul Kingsnorth's Path to Orthodoxy
- Paul Kingsnorth found true home in Orthodoxy after exploring multiple faiths and rejecting watered-down Christianity.
- He praises Orthodoxy's mystical depth and unyielding tradition, contrasting it with the weakened Western church.
