"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg
E134: Atheism’s Decline, Consciousness, and The New Right w/ Ross Douthat
Apr 13, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and author of 'Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious,' tackles the decline of new atheism and the intellectual appeal of institutional religion. He challenges listeners to rethink the relationship between faith and reason, diving into the intersection of consciousness and materialism. The conversation also explores the role of AI in understanding consciousness and the moral dilemmas posed by transhumanism, making it a captivating exploration of modern spirituality.
58:48
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights a cultural shift in the U.S. towards religious belief, suggesting secularization has plateaued over two decades.
- Ross Douthat critiques new atheism as outdated, noting a rising curiosity about religion among those raised without traditional faith frameworks.
Deep dives
The Revival of Religious Interest
The ongoing cultural shift in the U.S. towards religious belief is highlighted, suggesting a significant plateau in secularization that began two decades ago. Data shows an increase in Americans identifying with no religion, which has stabilized, while some Western European countries are experiencing a modest resurgence in religious affiliation. This shift prompts a growing interest in traditional religious perspectives among those who have been raised outside religious frameworks but possess spiritual inclinations. The discussion centers on the inadequacy of materialism and atheism in providing a meaningful narrative for human experience in a changing world.
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