French philosophy is second to none. Voltaire, Sartre, and Camus are just some of the intellectual giants to emerge from France over the centuries. They’re also upheld as some of the great atheist thinkers of the age. But how did France – once the centre of intellectual Christianity – become a hotbed for the faithless? This is the story of French atheism, as told by a former French atheist.
Meet our guests
Dr. Guillaume Bignon is a French philosopher and theologian currently residing in the US. His book Confessions of a French Atheist tracks his conversion from atheism to Christianity and the French influence that hung over it all.
Links
Special thanks to our season sponsor Zondervan Academic. Get discounts on MasterLectures video courses and exclusive samples of their books at zondervanacademic.com/undeceptions
Follow Guillaume on X here, or better yet, grab a copy of his book here.
A transcript of this episode is available here. Please note, that due to software not all exchanges between guests will be completely accurate.
Check out these photos of John’s dear friend Marie Rose – a former French Atheist who encountered God in the final years of her life
Marie Rose Graber: 20.5.1925 – 25.3.2012
John and Marie formed a close friendship in her final years, with many robust discussions about the Scriptures!
John still makes time to bring a Cappuccino to Marie’s grave every year (not the most French coffee order!)
Check out these helpful links below for more info on what was discussed in this episode.
To Read
- This lengthy article by The Atlantic explores the question: “Why is France so afraid of God”?
- France is one of the centres of atheism in the world – but loads of French people still feel “bound” to a faith. Statista has all the numbers
- Voltaire – one of the most famous French philosophers of all time – was no fan of the faith. Check out this scathing review of Christianity he gave to his friend, the King of Prussia!
- This article on the dechristianization of France during the French Revolution is a great companion piece with this episode – courtesy of the Insititute of World Politics
- This Christianity Today cover story covers the growing curiosity about religion that is reigniting in France
To Watch
- As both the Bible and the film Bruce Almighty can attest – it’s always worth asking God for a sign
- This great video shows how Paris grew from a small outpost to a global city with a thriving intellectual tradition
- This animation of the French Revolution by OverSimplified gives a quick, fun overview of the revolution and its impact on French society
- And here’s a short video on “The Terror” that followed
To Listen
- Here’s our chat with conservationist Andrew Gosler – a full-blown evolutionist who came to find faith in Christ
- While you’re at it, check out our episode Blind Faith, which explores the Christian roots of the first existentialist thinker
- If you want more French facts, check out the French History podcast!
- Our friends over at The Rest is History have also covered similar ground to this episode; check out their work on the history of Paris
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