Hub Podcasts Ross Douthat on why religion is making a comeback in the West
Nov 24, 2025
Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and author of 'Believe', dives into the resurgence of religious interest in the West. He explores how secularization has stalled, highlighting the cultural shift towards faith post-COVID. Douthat discusses the potential of AI and digital pressures to enhance the value of religious commitments. He connects this renewed curiosity to rising political polarization, suggesting that politics often fills spiritual voids, complicating the future of religious communities.
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Episode notes
Fogged Flight Before The Lecture
- Ross accepted Cardus' invitation partially because of prior collaboration and honor to visit Canada.
- Travel disruptions (plane turned back due to fog) made delivering the lecture more existentially important.
Religious Marketplace Is Diverse
- The religious marketplace now includes diverse spiritual yearnings beyond mainstream Christianity.
- Interest in the supernatural, small-g gods, and varied traditions competes with traditional religious revival.
Amish Communities Will Thrive, He Predicts
- Douthat predicts tight religious communities like the Amish and Mennonites will thrive in the 21st century.
- He questions whether mainstream religious people can resist obsolescence without going so far.
