Chapter 1: The Role of Religion in Modern Society

Is religion still a relevant lens through which we view the world?

Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash

The New York Times is often seen by some in Trumpland as the heart of left-leaning media bias. This perception holds water, but only if by "left-leaning" we mean "centered on factual journalism with a slight leftward tilt." A non-partisan organization has created a Media Bias Chart that illustrates this point. In contrast, Fox News occupies the “Hyper-Partisan Right” section of the chart, marked by selective reporting, which aligns more closely with outlets like InfoWars and The National Enquirer than with reputable sources like the BBC.

I choose to subscribe to the NYT because I have confidence that its articles undergo rigorous fact-checking. While it isn’t infallible, the paper is committed to substantiating claims and correcting mistakes. This process mirrors the scientific method, which thrives on peer review. While it’s true that any community can exhibit groupthink, I believe that individual ambition drives many to challenge established norms. In both journalism and science, new voices often help maintain integrity. Ultimately, this long-term process tends to reveal the truth.

This assessment primarily addresses news reporting. The NYT receives its “slightly left” designation largely because of the opinions expressed by many of its columnists. Interestingly, I often find myself resonating with their views. What is frequently overlooked is that the NYT features writers who defy stereotypes. Among the columnists I follow are David Brooks and Ross Douthat. They may not align with figures like Laura Ingraham or Tucker Carlson, but they offer thoughtful, conservative perspectives, and, notably, they are both committed to their faith.

Today's opinion section of the print edition (yes, I still enjoy the physical copy) showcases a full-page illustration accompanying Ross Douthat’s column titled “A Guide to Faith.” This piece, named “How to Think Your Way Into Religious Belief,” presents considerations that thoughtful believers often cite to support their faith. I prefer to label these as “considerations” rather than “arguments,” as this editorial does not aim to provide an exhaustive defense of Christianity or any other religion. Each consideration—ranging from consciousness to near-death experiences—has been the subject of extensive literature, featuring serious objections and counterarguments. It’s unlikely that a single article would sway someone from atheism to faith.

However, I believe that pieces like this begin to outline how one might interpret the world through a religious framework. Douthat's approach recognizes the contributions of science, from Copernicus to Einstein, without requiring religion to explain phenomena that science has already addressed. Instead, he posits that there are profound aspects of human experience that science cannot adequately explain. Perhaps it is atheistic materialists who are making faith-based assumptions to fill gaps in their understanding of reality.

In essence, I believe we all make leaps of faith. This should not be construed as “believing without justification.” A more nuanced definition of faith involves a commitment to a specific worldview that should remain open to critique and revision. No one should assume that their perspective is the sole means of interpreting the universe. The evidence surrounding many significant life questions is often ambiguous.

Naturally, there are individuals at both extremes who assert more than the evidence supports. Yet, within the broader spectrum, there is ample opportunity for intelligent discourse. I appreciate that Douthat and the NYT foster such discussions, and this is something we should all champion, regardless of our political or religious affiliations.

Section 1.1: A Deeper Look at Douthat’s Ideas

In this section, we will delve deeper into Ross Douthat's arguments regarding the intersection of faith and science.

This video titled "Does Christianity Have a Future in America?" features Ross Douthat, who explores the contemporary relevance of Christianity and its potential trajectory in the modern world.

Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding the Conversation