Is Christianity Believable in Oxford? with Stephen Foster

Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin

Stephen Foster is the leader of St Aldates Church in Oxford, a dynamic and expanding community with a diverse congregation of young adults, students, and families. Stephen holds a law degree from Oxford and a theology degree from Cambridge, reflecting both his academic prowess and spiritual dedication. Before entering full-time ministry, he worked as a barrister in the UK, gaining extensive experience in criminal defense.
Episode Summary:
Rebecca speaks with Stephen Foster, the leader of St Aldates Church in Oxford, to discuss the intriguing question: Is Jesus believable at Oxford? With Stephen's dynamic background in both law and theology, he offers unique insights on the compatibility of faith with rigorous academic pursuits.
Together they explore how the modern world, particularly in academic centers, is experiencing a resurgent curiosity in Christianity, despite running parallel to vastly secular ideologies. They reflect on the increasing spiritual quests among Gen Z, contrasting it with previous generations' post-Christian perspectives. This episode invites listeners to reconsider entrenched notions about faith in the face of evidence that suggests a vibrant interest in exploring Jesus and Christianity.
Key Takeaways:

• Christianity is experiencing a resurgence of interest among young adults, even within elite academic environments like Oxford.
• There is a noticeable shift from a post-Christian to a pre-Christian context, where people have little knowledge of the gospel yet show deep curiosity.
• The interaction between faith and academic disciplines, such as theoretical physics, is explored, revealing a surprising harmony and intellectual grounding.
• Modern societal crises have catalyzed a spiritual openness, with many seeking truth and meaning beyond secular constructs.
• Spiritual exploration is palpable among younger generations, who are increasingly predisposed to discovering faith in Jesus.

Notable Quotes:

• "In a post-Christian context, people are inoculated with enough of the message of the gospel to immunize them against its power." - Stephen Foster
• "The gospel is not a virus, but there's a natural virality to the gospel." - Stephen Foster
• "We desperately need to have truth, and if you don't, you have no defense against power grabs." - Stephen Foster

Resources:

• Follow Stephen on Instagram

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Purchase Rebecca's Books:

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

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Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠