David Brooks: I Found Faith in a Crowded Subway Car
Dec 24, 2024
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David Brooks, a New York Times columnist known for his insights on politics and culture, shares his unique journey through faith. He discusses his upbringing in both Judaism and Christianity, revealing his agnostic perspective. Brooks reflects on his quest for rational proof of God's existence and transformative experiences that reshaped his beliefs. He emphasizes how encounters with individuals embodying radical goodness have redefined faith as a longing for spiritual connection rather than a fixed belief, providing listeners with a thought-provoking exploration of spirituality.
David Brooks describes faith as a transformative journey shaped by moments of transcendence that challenge prior indifference to belief.
The redefinition of faith emphasizes a longing for spiritual connection, fostering appreciation for the beauty in human goodness and divine influence.
Deep dives
The Journey of Faith
The evolution of faith is portrayed as a gradual and transformative journey rather than a sudden revelation. The speaker reflects on his early experiences with religion, describing a blend of Jewish and Christian influences, which initially left him indifferent to belief in God. Over time, he experienced moments of transcendence that began to challenge his agnosticism, particularly a pivotal moment in a subway car where he recognized the spiritual essence within everyone. This gradual shift in perspective led him to explore various religious traditions, read extensively about faith, and ultimately embrace a new understanding of spirituality, requiring a re-imagination of how he viewed belief.
Faith as Longing
The concept of faith is redefined as a longing rather than merely possessing a belief system. The speaker emphasizes that faith feels more like an enduring desire for connection with a spiritual essence beyond comprehension, allowing him to appreciate the beauty in that yearning. Encounters with individuals radiating goodness, such as a Catholic man who helps paralyzed immigrants, challenged his previous perceptions of people’s self-interest and highlighted the idea of divine influence in the world. Ultimately, the speaker finds joy not in the fulfillment of his longing but in the pursuit of understanding and experiencing the generous and spiritual forces at play.
Over the past decade, the Times columnist David Brooks has gone from agnostic to deeply religious. In this episode he explores the evolving role of faith in his life, a force he describes as “a longing.” As he explains, “The joy is not in the satisfaction of the longing, but the joy is in the longing itself. It’s a good feeling to worship generosity itself.”
Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.
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