Everything Happens with Kate Bowler The New Shape of American Religion with Ross Douthat and Molly Worthen
27 snips
Mar 3, 2026 
Molly Worthen, historian of American evangelicalism, and Ross Douthat, NYT columnist on religion and culture, join the conversation. They explore why the long narrative of religious decline may be shifting. They discuss rising spiritual curiosity among young people, the tension between online performative Christianity and parish-based renewal, and how Christian nationalism shows up as symbolism versus policy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Decline In American Religion Has Paused
- American religious decline has paused and stabilized in the mid-2020s after COVID accelerated a downward trend.
- Ross Douthat attributes a rebound and renewed openness to religious ideas among intellectuals and converts since the peak New Atheist moment.
Religious Interest Is Often Pre-Political
- Young people curious about meaning are turning toward Christianity for pre-political answers, not merely political reaction.
- Molly Worthen observes conversions and religious interest arise from existential questions rather than only a desire to reassert patriarchy.
Parish Community Drives Renewals Not Hierarchy
- Renewals are often bottom-up, driven by parish communities and local encounters rather than trust in national hierarchies.
- Ross notes Catholic parish life, especially near universities, can bring people into faith despite hierarchy scandals.
