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The Sean McDowell Show
Religion Strikes Back: Why Everyone Should Believe in God (ft. Ross Douthat)
Feb 22, 2025
Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and author of "Believe," discusses the resurgence of religious belief in today's society. He highlights how the conversation around faith has changed dramatically since the early 2000s. Douthat argues it's harder to be an atheist than to believe in God, exploring the intersections of science and theology. He also tackles the complex issues of suffering, consciousness, and Jesus's radical teachings, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with the spiritual landscape.
01:00:09
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights a cultural resurgence of spirituality and the longing for meaning amidst the perceived failures of secularism.
- Ross Douthat argues that belief in God can coexist with rational thought, challenging misconceptions that faith requires rejecting reason or science.
Deep dives
The Resurgence of the Supernatural
The discussion centers around the notion that the supernatural is re-emerging in contemporary society, defying the belief that disenchantment followed the decline of religious faith. Despite the initial rise of atheism in the early 2000s, where prominent advocates like Richard Dawkins gained wide attention, there is a growing sentiment that the promises of secularism and materialism have fallen short. Many individuals now express a longing for meaning and spirituality, indicating a resurgence of interest in mystical experiences even within secular frameworks. This trend underscores a cultural shift towards embracing spirituality in various forms, such as astrology and psychedelics, as people seek to reconnect with the divine amidst feelings of isolation and disconnection.
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