Ross Douthat: Why It’s Logical to Believe in God

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Apr 17, 2025

Ross Douthat, a best-selling author and New York Times columnist, argues for the rationality of belief in God. He discusses the current societal quest for meaning amidst challenges, exploring a potential religious revival. Douthat critiques secular liberal views and highlights the significance of community and tradition in spirituality. He delves into the changing dynamics of belief over the decades, the complexities of modern faith, and the existential stakes of losing belief in God. This conversation navigates both contemporary issues and the enduring relevance of religion.

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INSIGHT

Societal Loss from Religious Decline

Bari Weiss observes a societal shift away from traditional religion.
This shift, she argues, has led to a loss of profound meaning and a rise in societal problems.

INSIGHT

Rationality of Religious Belief

Ross Douthat argues for a return to religious belief, not just for societal benefit, but for its truth.
He claims belief in God is rational and offers the most accurate understanding of the world.

INSIGHT

Shifting Attitudes Towards Religion

The New York Times audience, Douthat notes, is largely secular and liberal, often hostile to religion.
However, a shift is occurring with more expressing "regretful unbelief" and curiosity about faith.

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You may have noticed on this show that Bari Weiss is always asking her guests, “Do you believe in God?,” “What is your favorite biblical character?,” or “Do we need a religious revival?”

And you might be wondering why she keeps knocking on this door?

It’s partly because we’re curious about people’s metaphysical beliefs. But it’s also because we think something profound has gotten lost in our society, as we’ve lost traditional religion.

You can argue that we are starting to see the beginnings of a religious revival, and even if you don’t believe in God, many think that the practice of religion—keeping Shabbat, going to church—has clear benefits like a community or a moral code. Religion, in other words, is a good program.

Our guest today, Ross Douthat, has a different perspective. Ross makes the case that we should be more religious—not in order to cure society’s many ills—but because it is the best way—the most accurate way—to understand the world around us. Belief in God, he says, is entirely rational.

Ross is a best-selling author, a columnist at The New York Times, and the host of a new podcast called Interesting Times. His newest book is Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious. The release is perfectly timed to our strange moment of “plagues, populism, psychedelic encounters, and AI voices in the air,” as Ross writes.

Ross says it’s not enough to argue that religion is simply good for society, or that we must be religious to sustain our civilization. Ross argues that it’s time for people to actually become religious. Bari presses him about this distinction.

And this week, as billions of Christians gather for Holy Week—the sacred days leading up to, and including, Easter—we are wondering if this return that Ross suggests is even possible. And if yes, will it fix our problems?

Today on Honestly, Bari sits down with Ross to understand why he thinks belief in God is the most logical way to understand our world, how he rationalizes and justifies faith, and how he thinks readers can move from doubt to belief.

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