The Bulletin The Case for Belief with Ross Douthat
Jan 21, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Ross Douthat, a New York Times opinion columnist and author, dives into why belief remains vital in our modern, secular age. He reflects on his own journey of faith, touching on the complexities of marriage and gender discussions in today's society. Douthat also tackles the balance of rationality and faith, the challenges of cynicism, and the potential for renewed trust in religious institutions. Throughout, he encourages a thoughtful exploration of spirituality against the background of contemporary cultural narratives.
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Douthat's Religious Journey
- Ross Douthat's family's religious journey spanned from Episcopalianism to charismatic Christianity and finally to Catholicism.
- He experienced diverse religious practices, including speaking in tongues and Pentecostalist revivals, before finding a home in the Catholic Church.
Disillusionment with Secularism
- The new atheism's popularity has waned as society has grown disillusioned with the promised utopia of a world without God.
- Experiences with Trumpian populism and wokeness have revealed that removing religion doesn't eliminate political polarization or irrationality.
Christianity's Comeback on the Menu
- There's a renewed cultural curiosity about Christianity, even among figures like Richard Dawkins and Elon Musk.
- This interest is partly fueled by disillusionment with progressive ideology and a search for alternative worldviews.
