The Intersection with Dr. J + Friends

In this episode of The Intersection, Dr. J welcomes back sociologist Dr. Brad Vermurlen for an insightful and discerning conversation at the crossroads of faith, culture, and secular life. Together, they trace the historical and philosophical currents that shaped secularism, unpack its defining features, and confront the forces (re)shaping belief today—from the rise of doubt and indifference to the pull of hyper-individualism. They explore why meaning feels elusive in a society that keeps transcendence at arm’s length, and what it takes to find a concrete anchor in a pluralistic, hypermodern world.

Drawing on Brad’s sociological research and insights from philosophy and history, the discussion moves from theory to lived experience, digging into the public–private divide, the crisis of meaning, and the enduring role of rituals and traditions. If you’ve ever wondered why belief feels harder now—and how to live honestly and with conviction—this episode offers clarity, challenge, and hope for navigating the secular age with integrity.