Log In
Search
UnHerd writers Paul Kingsnorth and Esmé Partridge have long considered the decline in Western religion and what will come to replace zealous faith. Now, as ‘cultural Christianity’ gains ground and a trend for paganism finds footing with Gen Z, they ask: what will fill the post-Christian void? Join them for an evening of conversation and Q&A.
Watch the full interview above.
Join the discussion
Join like minded readers that support our journalism by becoming a paid subscriber
To join the discussion in the comments, become a paid subscriber.
Join like minded readers that support our journalism, read unlimited articles and enjoy other subscriber-only benefits.
SubscribeExcellent talk. Good to see two of my fave writers are so engaging as talkers!
I see CoE and exoteric Christianity in general got quite a hiding from Paul. I’d agree with Esmé that for many regular exoteric is all they need. It can provide a strong mystical experience of God, which I’ve felt twice at Holy Communion in a CoE church. There’s much variety in CoE churches, some still have inspired vicars and congregations, one can feel stuff going in their services. Though I admit even in the best CoE churches, I dont see many young people any more, excpet maybe at special events like a Christingle.
Sadly can’t disagree on the various challenges facing religion and threatening peoples spiritual life. Except probably one thing we don’t need to worry about is the tech bros unlocking the secret of living forever. Genesis 3:24
Regarding mysticism missing from contemporary Christianity: it seems to me an understanding of the mystical presence in the Eucharist is at the heart of the matter. We lose that, we lose mysticism altogether (besides the spiritual things we lose as well and the effects of such loss in the society).
I think Paul is right about the failure of ideology. I don’t know if people are through with it though.