Plain English with Derek Thompson Is There a Scientific Case for Believing in God?
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Feb 14, 2025 
Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and author of 'Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious', dives deep into the changing landscape of faith in America. He discusses his own religious journey and how societal attitudes toward belief have shifted. The conversation touches on the scientific case for God's existence and the emotional drawbacks of that logic. Douthat also argues for the benefits of faith in fostering community and exploring existential questions, while reinterpreting the relevance of Christianity in modern life.
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Derek Thompson's Childhood
- Derek Thompson grew up in a religiously diverse household, celebrating both Jewish and Christian holidays.
- This intermingling of traditions led to a diluted connection with Judaism in his later years.
Ross Douthat's Conversion
- Ross Douthat's family converted to Catholicism after his mother had a transformative experience at a charismatic healing service.
- While he didn't share the same mystical experiences, he embraced Catholicism's intellectual and ritualistic aspects.
Inherited Religiosity
- Religiosity often appears to be inherited through families, similar to political worldviews.
- This inheritance may be due to shared culture and temperament, but productive discussions about beliefs are still possible.
