Is Religion Making a Comeback? A Conversation with Ross Douthat
In this thought-provoking episode of Crosswalk Talk, we welcome Ross Douthat — New York Times columnist and author of the new book Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious. Ross sits down to unpack why he believes our increasingly secular, spiritually curious culture is primed for a fresh conversation about faith, purpose, and the supernatural.
From the decline of New Atheism to the rise of mysticism and UFO fascination, Ross explains how modern science, cultural trends, and existential questions are driving people back toward religious belief — or at least a deep curiosity about it. He shares how his new book serves both the skeptic and the believer, offering intellectual, philosophical, and spiritual footing for anyone navigating doubt, deconstruction, or cultural confusion.
Key Takeaways:
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Why Ross believes we’ve passed the peak of New Atheism and are entering a new spiritual curiosity.
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How mysticism, New Age practices, and even UFO obsessions reflect a deeper human longing for the divine.
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Why Christianity should both acknowledge and wisely engage with supernatural phenomena outside the faith.
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How modern physics and consciousness studies have strengthened — not weakened — the intellectual case for belief in God.
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A candid conversation on deconstruction movements, particularly within evangelical and Catholic circles, and how believers can find a solid foundation through uncertainty.
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Ross’s forecast for the “weird” decades ahead and why grounding yourself in life’s ultimate questions matters now more than ever.
Notable Quote:
"There’s a God-shaped hole because there’s a God — and filling it with anything else, even other supernatural forces, might not have your good in mind." — Ross Douthat
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Michael enjoys popcorn, college football, history, hiking, growing tomatoes, and watching his children play sports. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, husband to his amazing wife, Julie, and the father of four super kids.
