Breakpoint Podcast: "Getting the 'Theism' Right in New Theism"
Host: John Stonestreet
Date: January 15, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, John Stonestreet examines the apparent cultural shift from "new atheism" to a so-called "new theism." Drawing on recent books, essays, and high-profile personal stories of faith, Stonestreet explores the substance of contemporary theistic interest and challenges listeners to consider the crucial distinctions of Christian theism. He asks: If society is growing more open to belief, what kind of God is being embraced, and how does this differ from biblical Christianity?
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Decline of New Atheism and Rise of "New Theism"
- Stonestreet observes that the "new atheism" movement, led by figures like Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali, has "largely run its course" (00:14).
- He cites Matthew Schmitz’s essay in the Claremont Review of Books, which argues for an emerging openness to religious faith among cultural elites.
- Recent influential books fueling this trend include:
- Ross Douthat's "Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious"—argues faith is plausible and necessary (00:44).
- Jonathan Rauch's "Cross Purposes"—explores Christianity's societal impact (00:54).
- Also mentioned: Charles Murray's "Taking Religion Seriously" and Rod Dreher's "Living in Wonder" as evidence of renewed religious interest.
2. Critical Question: Which God?
- The crucial issue is distinguishing vague theism from Christian theism.
- Stonestreet asserts:
- “Dabbling with theism is certainly not the same as encountering Yahweh, the God that actually exists.” (01:17).
- References C.S. Lewis’s shock at encountering a real, personal God rather than an abstract force, quoting Lewis's analogy:
- “There comes a moment when the children who have been playing at burglars hush suddenly. Was that a real footstep in the hall?...Supposing we really found him? We never meant it to come to that. We're still supposing he found us.” (01:29)
3. What Distinguishes Christian Theism?
Stonestreet identifies three foundational truths of Christian theism (02:02):
- God Exists:
- Sets theism apart from atheism, agnosticism, and materialism.
- Supported by Scripture “In the beginning, God…” and the classical theistic tradition (Aquinas, Turretin, Shedd).
- God is Eternal and Personal:
- Christianity differs from pantheism (“everything is God”) and polytheism (“many Gods”).
- “A God that is a force is to be used, not known. But if God is eternal and a person, then his will is ultimate.” (02:50)
- God Reveals Himself in Jesus Christ:
- The uniqueness of Christian revelation.
- Cites Jesus’s prayer in John 17: “This is eternal life that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (03:15)
- “True theism cannot be reduced to a God of our making or someone who relates to us on our terms.”
4. Nature of Revelation
- God is knowable only because He chooses to reveal Himself (03:49).
- Cites Deuteronomy 29: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us.”
- William Cowper reminder: "God is his own interpreter. He will make it plain." (04:07)
- Christian theology holds to:
- General Revelation: God is revealed in creation, as Paul writes (Romans 1).
- Special Revelation: God is fully revealed in Jesus Christ, requiring personal response for salvation (04:32).
5. Responsibility to God’s Revelation
- Suppressing knowledge of God (as warned in Romans 1) is a persistent human problem.
- Christians are “without excuse for ignoring his revelation.” (05:14)
6. Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Story: From Atheism to Christ
- Stonestreet highlights Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s dramatic journey:
- Islamic upbringing, then atheism, then a “powerful belief in Jesus Christ.”
- Quote: "By her own admission, she is truly free in Jesus Christ." (05:36)
- Her story is featured in the film Truth Rising.
7. Cultural Implications and Call to Action
- The emerging openness to religion is "an opportunity, a calling for those of us who do know God beyond just some vague spirituality or utilitarian appeal."
- Christians are called to “point others to Jesus Christ, the fullness of God in bodily form, the only one who will and can...make all things new.” (06:14)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On New Theism:
“Dabbling with theism is certainly not the same as encountering Yahweh, the God that actually exists.”
— John Stonestreet (01:17) - C.S. Lewis on encounter with God:
“There comes a moment when the children who have been playing at burglars hush suddenly. Was that a real footstep in the hall?...Supposing we really found him? We never meant it to come to that. We're still supposing he found us.”
— Quoted by John Stonestreet (01:29) - On the Personhood of God:
“A God that is a force is to be used, not known. But if God is eternal and a person, then his will is ultimate.”
— John Stonestreet (02:50) - On Special Revelation:
“True theism cannot be reduced to a God of our making or someone who relates to us on our terms. Rather, it begins with God as he is.”
— John Stonestreet (03:28) - Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Testimony:
“By her own admission, she is truly free in Jesus Christ.”
— John Stonestreet (05:36)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:01 – Introduction and context: decline of new atheism
- 00:44 – Key books and thinkers shaping new theism
- 01:17 – Questioning the true nature of theism
- 02:02 – Three foundational truths of Christian theism
- 03:15 – Uniqueness of Christian revelation in Christ
- 04:07 – General and special revelation
- 05:36 – Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s personal journey
- 06:14 – Closing call to embrace and share robust Christian theism
Final Thoughts
John Stonestreet powerfully frames the current cultural openness to "theism" as both encouraging and requiring thoughtful discernment. The episode challenges listeners to move beyond vague spirituality, emphasizing the profound claims and relational reality of Christian theism—a God fully revealed in Jesus Christ and still reaching into every life and culture.